Veterans Disability Lawyer in Newport, RI
Do not let your VA benefits go by the wayside. Contact our office with any questions or concerns you have regarding your VA disability claim. Consultations are free and all information is kept confidential. Reach out today to get the justice you deserve.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Rob Levine
Last Updated:
January 24, 2025
A Newport Lawyer That Understands Veterans and Their Rights
Rob Levine participated in the Army National Guard, an experience that helped him gain an understanding of what veterans must sacrifice in order to fulfill their duty. Now, he returns the favor by protecting the rights of veterans that need assistance in obtaining VA benefits.
If you are a veteran and have been denied your VA benefits, call Rob Levine Law. A Newport veterans disability lawyer may also be able to assist you in seeking a higher rating.
Contact our Newport veterans’ disabilities lawyers.
An Explanation of VA Benefits
Men and women that were in the military, served on active duty, and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be referred to as veterans.
VA programs benefit veterans and their families by providing them with medical care, jobs, education, loans, and other resources.
There are three main subdivisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Depending on which VA benefits the veteran needs, they will most likely be directed to one of these administrations.
- VHA / Veterans Health Administration: They handle medical or health benefits.
- VBA / Veterans Benefits Administration: They determine the VA benefits that an individual may or may not receive.
- National Cemetery Administration: They handle the burials of veterans that have died, along with maintaining the cemeteries that are exclusively for deceased veterans.
FAQs About Your VA Disability Claim
Can I receive VA disability compensation and continue to work?
In the Social Security disability system, in order to receive benefits, the standard is, “you are not capable of any form of gainful employment.” Unlike Social Security Disability, you can work while receiving VA disability compensation. Your VA disability benefits is based on how your service-connected disabilities impact your ability to work.
Can I receive VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time?
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) does not have a barrier to net worth or income provisions. Regardless of the home, the vehicle you own, or investments you’ve made – or alimony or pension from previous employment, this would not prohibit you from receiving SSDI. Similarly, this would not prohibit you from qualifying and receiving VA disability benefits. Even if you were to qualify for a 100% TDIU rating, you would still qualify for SSDI benefits either under the SSDI guidelines or the VA Disability guidelines.
How long will the VA take to decide my disability case?
The average length of time to adjudicate any claim or appeal depends on many factors, including the type of appeal or claim, the Regional Office, the number of disabilities to decide, any necessary development, and the overall complexity of the case. Cases in the VA’s legacy appeal system can take years. In contrast, the VA has set the following timeliness goal for adjudicating AMA appeals:
- Supplemental Claims: within 125 days
- Higher Level Review: within 125 days
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals – Direct Review Docket: within 365 days
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals – Evidence and Hearing Docket: over 365 days
Do I have to hire a Veterans Disability lawyer?
No, the VA does not require you to hire a lawyer for your appeal. However, remember that the VA also unfairly denied your benefits. Statistics show that veterans with representation receive more benefits, faster. The Veterans Disability attorneys at Rob Levine Law know the law as well as the ins and outs of the VA system. When you combine an experienced, knowledgeable Veterans Disability attorney with a veteran who can assist by explaining the details of the facts of a case, there is no better team to help you get the disability benefits that you deserve.
Can You Receive VA Disability Benefits with a OTH Discharge?
Yes, if there are mitigating circumstances (like mental illness or TBI) that explain the conduct that resulted in the less-than-honorable discharge. These types of cases can often last years without an experienced representative who can overcome VA’s negative assessment of your military discharge. Learn more about the Character of Discharge Determination process here.
What does a Veterans Disability lawyer do?
An effective attorney can put you in a position to win your appeal the first time around, saving you years of disappointment and frustration. Veterans’ claims often get caught in a cycle of denial, appeal, remand, denial, appeal, remand, denial, appeal, remand, and so on. An experienced attorney can effectively present the law and the facts to the VA the first time around, which in many instances gets veterans their disability benefits faster. When you choose our dedicated team of experts at Rob Levine Law to represent you, we take an all-hands-on-deck approach to win your case. As part of our proven process, our team will:
- File your appeal with the VA;
- Construct a personalized evidence development plan tailored to each claim;
- Perform cutting-edge service record and medical research;
- Draft a comprehensive legal brief in support of your appeal; and
- Routinely follow up with you to provide an update on the status of your case.
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Notable Case Results
$250,000
Automobile struck minor client who was skateboarding on Americas Cup Avenue in Newport resulting in his head leaving a dent in the vehicle’s hood. Client suffered multiple abrasions and a concussion resulting in his admission to the hospital for observation. Client lost time from school due to his injuries, but was able to catch back up and graduate on time. The settlement is providing him with critical funds to invest in a new life ahead.
$100,000
Client was a passanger traveling on Coddington Highway in Newport. Car came to stop at intersection, other car did not see the car our client was in and hit them head on. The impact was so hard it caused our client to fracture their pelvis in two places which required surgery.
$500,000
A semi truck began backing on to Davisville Road in North Kingstown, it did not stop for traffic and backed into our clients vehicle. Our client was rushed to South County Hosptial with body pain and facial stitches.
$500,000
We represented two clients that were jetskiing in Newport. Another jetski hit them causing severe injuries, as they were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. Each had fractures to their extremities. We were able to settle for defendants policy limits.
$100,000
Client was at Gurney’s in Newport. The stairs that lead to the clients room were poorly lit, as many lights had not been replaced. The client fell, tearing the quad muscle and needing surgery.
$150,000
Client was visiting a nursing home in Middletown RI. While bringing flowers to her family member she slipped and fell in a puddle of water. Long term pain management and pain injections.
$24,716
Client was living in Jamestown RI suffering from Deep vein thrombosis, Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety leaving him unable to work.
$180,000
Veteran living in Portsmouth RI had suffered hearing loss, PTSD and HTN from his time in the Army we were able to get him nearly $200,000 in back benefits.
I highly recommend them and will continue to seek their services and advice.
Rob Levine Law have been very helpful in my request to receive Compensation Benefits for injuries I incurred while in service. I’ve suggested their services to a number of Veterans seeking legal services.
Sandyabdullah Muhammad
They have been very responsive to me even after my disability case was approved and settled.
I can still call them anytime with questions and always get a response. Daniela has been great. If you’re lucky enough to work with her you will enjoy her helpfulness as well as her ability to go above and beyond for her clients.
Carmen Talbot
I am beyond satisfied with how Atty Daniel Le Clair handled my case and the end result was beyond anything I could have expected.
He kept me updated throughout the process and was very fast in replying to any questions I had. Hopefully I won’t need his services again, but if I do, I won’t hesitate to reach out to him and his office again.
Christopher Holmes
I think every veteran should work with this firm.
After all these years and all this time, finally a person and a firm that will stand by me. Jairo Manchola was a complete professional and answered all my questions. I feel like I have a coach in my corner to take on the monster known as Veterans Affairs. I look forward to working with Rob Levine Law in the near future and help me get the compensation I deserve and fought for. Once again, thank you, Jairo, for making this very easy and non-drama.
Edward C.
Highly recommend!!!!
This firm made dealing with social security administration COMPLETELY non-stressful. The people (specifically Eduardo Rueda (Eddie) were polite, informative, and completely and thoroughly professional, helping me through all the stages of the process.
Thomas B.
Additional Resources
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