Veterans' benefits issues can even arise in family law or estate-planning matters. If you are a veteran, family member of a veteran or survivor of a veteran be sure you speak with a veterans' benefit attorney for guidance in these matters.
Helping You Obtain the Veterans' Benefits You Deserve
Even though the VA has a legal duty to assist veterans, the VA is a huge government bureaucracy that can't always get out of its own way to do that.
At Bosley McKown & Bratch, we have made helping veterans to obtain disability and other benefits from the VA a priority for nearly 15 years. Today, the experience and knowledge we've gained, the resources we've developed and the attorneys and dedicated staff who work here are ready to start working for you. For a free consultation — call or contact us online.
The following articles are intended to provide general information and a broader overview on the topic of veterans benefits.
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From their offices in Marion, Indiana, attorneys at Bosley McKown & Bratch provide experienced legal help to veterans and dependents nationwide who are seeking benefits from the VA. For a free consultation, call 1-866-974-0705 or contact us online.
Filing a claim with the VA can be a frustrating, confusing and time-consuming ordeal. Let our lawyers help. Whether you have yet to file a claim or would like to appeal a VA decision that you've already received — call or contact Bosley McKown & Bratch.
The History of US Veterans' Benefits
The federal Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing benefits and services to our veterans, their families and survivors. According to its Web site, the mission of the VA is "to serve America's veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and to be their principal advocate in ensuring that they receive medical care, benefits, social support, and lasting memorials promoting the health, welfare, and dignity of all veterans in recognition of their service to this Nation."
Unfortunately, securing rightful VA benefits can be challenging and frustrating for veterans and their families. Many experience long delays and have difficulty proving their eligibility. The VA was understaffed and under-funded to adequately process the surge in claims from recent wars. As of 2008, more federal money will be spent to decrease this caseload.
Once benefits are secured, some veterans are experiencing low-quality or inadequate services. If you experience difficulty in obtaining quality veterans' benefits, a veterans' benefits lawyer such as one from Bosley McKown & Bratch in Marion, Indiana, may be able to assist you.
VA Origins
Medical and social challenges associated with veterans returning from wars are age-old and worldwide problems. Even before the establishment of this country, the early Colonies paid disability pensions to their soldiers injured in skirmishes with Native Americans. Later, the Continental Congress gave pensions and land grants to some Revolutionary War veterans. Various pension and benefit programs evolved until the Civil War, which produced an additional almost 2 million Union veterans. This surge in need produced enhanced pensions, disability compensation, medical care, housing services and the national cemetery program. Confederate veterans and their survivors were finally served by the federal government in 1958.
The Modern Agency
The motto of today's VA comes from Lincoln's 1864 second inaugural address in which he implored Congress "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan." Over the next 50 years several federal agencies were responsible for providing veterans' benefits and services. Finally in 1930 all veterans' issues were assigned to a single new agency: The Veterans' Administration (VA).
By signing the GI Bill in 1944, Roosevelt expanded veterans' benefits significantly for the millions of US veterans of World War II and their dependents. The GI Bill introduced programs for education assistance; home, business and farm loans; and unemployment compensation. The resulting economic stimulus to the economy contributed to the development of a strong American middle class and spacious new suburbs.
The Veterans' Administration became the Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) when the agency was elevated to presidential cabinet status in 1989. The modern VA still serves veterans of earlier eras and their survivors and dependents, as well as today's returning veterans and their families.
Conclusion
If you are struggling to obtain veterans' benefits from the VA or from your state veterans' agency, a veterans' benefit lawyer from Bosley McKown & Bratch in Marion, Indiana, can answer your questions.
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