
Fee Agreement - The VA Disability Advocate
At The VA Disability Advocate (VADA), we are committed to supporting veterans in securing the VA disability benefits they deserve without adding financial stress. Unlike many firms that require upfront payments, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully win your claim and recover retroactive benefits on your behalf. If we do not win your claim, you owe us nothing.
Why Choose VADA?
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No Upfront Costs: We charge no fees until your claim is won and benefits are awarded, easing the financial burden for veterans.
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High Success Rate: With a 96% success rate on accepted cases, our firm, led by VA Accredited Claims Agent Albert L. Thombs Jr., brings decades of expertise to navigate the complexities of VA law.
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Veteran-Centric Approach: Founded to serve veterans, we prioritize your needs, offering over 100 free articles and videos on VA disability benefits to empower you, even if we cannot take your case.
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Selective Case Acceptance: To ensure high-quality representation, we carefully select cases, focusing on those we can fully dedicate our resources to, as VA claims often require a nuanced and time-intensive approach.
Our Contingency Fee Structure
Our fees are based on a percentage of the past-due VA benefits awarded, with a clear collection process in place to ensure transparency and compliance with 38 CFR § 14.636. The VA withholds a portion of the fee directly from your award, and any additional amount, if applicable, is paid by you within 5 days. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your claim, such as the number of conditions, prior denials, or appeals to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) or Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Each new claim or appeal requires a separate contract, ensuring clarity and fairness.
Key Features of Our Fee Agreement
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No Fees Without Success: You only pay if we secure retroactive benefits for your claim.
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VA-Approved Process: The VA withholds a portion of the fee directly from your award, streamlining payment and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
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Transparent Contracts: Each claim or appeal is covered by a separate agreement that clearly outlines the scope of representation and fee obligations.
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Client Responsibilities: To maximize success, you must provide medical records, personal statements (e.g., VA Form 21-4138), and ongoing treatment evidence, while promptly communicating VA updates to us.
Why We Don’t Accept Every Case
With decades of experience, we understand the intricate and often lengthy nature of VA disability claims. To provide the highest level of representation, we focus on cases where we can offer our full attention and expertise. This selective approach enables us to effectively challenge VA errors, such as duty-to-assist violations or the misapplication of regulations, and build robust claims supported by medical evidence and legal precedents.
How Our Process Works
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Initial Consultation: We review your case to determine if we can provide effective representation, ensuring your claim has a current diagnosis and service connection, per 38 CFR § 3.326.
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Signed Agreement: A case is officially accepted only after you sign a contingency fee agreement that outlines the specific claims and conditions we will represent.
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Evidence Development: You provide medical records, personal statements, and other evidence to substantiate your claim, while we leverage our expertise to structure your case strategically.
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Representation: We represent you before the VA, filing claims or appeals, challenging inadequate exams, and pursuing escalations (e.g., BVA appeals or congressional complaints) when necessary.
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Fee Collection: Upon winning your claim, the VA withholds a portion of the fee from your past-due benefits, and any additional amount is paid directly by you within 5 days, per our agreement.
Commitment to Veterans
VA disability compensation exists to support veterans with service-connected conditions, ensuring financial stability despite illness or injury. However, the VA’s high volume of claims often leads to errors, such as denials of valid claims or underrated conditions. At VADA, we counter these adversarial processes with strategic advocacy, exploiting regulatory gaps and leveraging precedents to maximize your benefits. Our firm, accredited by the VA and rooted in a passion for veterans’ rights, has been assisting disabled veterans for over 30 years.
For more information or to discuss your case, contact us at www.vadisabilityadvocate.com. Let us help you secure the benefits you’ve earned.
Read Before Signing and Agreement
Before signing the Veterans Benefits Representation Contingency Fee Agreement with The VA Disability Advocate (VADA), we strongly advise you to carefully read and fully understand its terms, as it is a legally binding contract under 38 CFR § 14.636, NRS Chapters 7, 18, 598, 600A, and the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. This agreement outlines your responsibilities, our contingency fee structure, and the consequences of non-compliance, such as potential credit reporting or collection actions. Taking the time to review the contract ensures you are informed about your obligations and protections, safeguarding your interests throughout the claims process.