About Us
Experienced VA Certified Attorney -Karen Guthrie
Representing a veteran before the Veterans Administration is an honor. It's also hard work. My job is to understand the regulations impacting your benefits and to listen to what you have to say. The VA recognizes two types of service related disability claims: direct and by aggravation. A pre-existing medical condition (found and noted in your medical history) can be aggravated during your tour of service. There must always be a connection between your injury or disease and the disability; a "but for" connection.
If you do not agree with Regional Office determination of your case, then you have the RIGHT to an Administrative Appeal by filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD). You must file your appeal within 1 year of the Regional Office decision. Upon your request. the Regional Office's Decision Review Officer has the authority to reverse or modify your original decision or you may file a written appeal (Form 9) with the Regional Office. The Regional Office will send your case to the Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans' Appeals (the Board). A Veteran may request a hearing before the Board.
Your claim must meet statutory timelines for filing and appealing a decision. Together we are a team working to resolve an inadequate rating response from the VA or to secure your initial disability claim. I look forward to working with you.
Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together
You'll need to supply the information for the initial claim or the appeal. Before we talk (phone or zoom), you'll need to gather all correspondence you have received from the VA and the following information:
(1) Your medical records while in the service;
(2) Your medical records related to your injury or health condition after you were discharged;
(3) Commendations you received;
(5) Names of those who can attest to your experience of the service related
The Cost of Legal Representation
You don't have to worry about paying a legal retainer fee or ongoing legal bills. The cost of legal representation is paid by the VA. When you receive and increased benefit, the VA subtracts the attorney fee from your settlement. The attorney fee is controlled by statute.
However you are responsible for fees for mailing, overnight delivery service, photocopying, or other types of fees. You will be billed for these fees as they are incurred.
Necessary Travel costs- if there are travel costs, they will be billed as incurred and with your knowledge of the necessity. Airfare is coach (direct flight), hotels and food are per diem, and milage is the standard per mile cost set by the IRS for reimbursement.