Veterans Disability Lawyer in Providence, RI
Our veterans have dedicated their precious lives to serving on our behalf, and should never have to feel like their time given was in vain. If you need assistance with getting a VA claim approved, contact a veterans’ disability lawyer from the Providence office of Rob Levine Law.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Rob Levine
Last Updated:
January 24, 2025
Veterans’ Disability Lawyer
A veteran who has served in the military and satisfies the nature of discharge requirements may be eligible to receive certain VA benefits.
After a veteran completes or retires from their services to the military, he or she is able to continue receiving certain benefits from the government they have served. This system of support is provided by The United States Department of Veterans Affairs and may benefit both the veteran and their immediate family.
The VA helps provide veterans with jobs, medical care, and other resources for a better life. As of late, one of the major goals of this department is to prevent any veteran from becoming homeless.
Rob Levine’s passion for assisting veterans has been fueled by his years spent in the Rhode Island Army National Guard.
The Inner Workings of VA
Depending on the veteran’s needs, he or she may be directed to one of the three main subdivisions of VA for assistance.
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) works somewhat like the Social Security department for veterans. They determine which benefits a certain veteran may be entitled to, such as disability, loans, further education, and more.
For benefits regarding health and medical needs, both physical and psychological, there is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
The National Cemetery Administration assists with the proper burial of a deceased veteran, in addition to handling maintenance of cemeteries that are dedicated to veterans.
The ABA Initiative For VA
The American Bar Association has partnered with the VA to help veterans obtain lawyers in order to assist in completing their benefit claims. This helps avoid any veteran being put on the back burner.
The Process of a VA Claim
Much like a disability claim, there are a number of steps a veteran must take to fight for the benefits he or she deserves. They are as follows:
- Submit the initial application to a regional office.
- If your benefits were denied or you are dissatisfied with the outcome, we turn to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
- If your benefits were still denied or you are dissatisfied with the outcome, we turn to the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
- If your benefits were still denied, we turn to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
- If your benefits were still denied, we might even turn to the Supreme Court (in extreme cases).
These steps can seem intimidating, and an applicant’s best option is to let a Providence veterans disability lawyer handle their claim. An attorney who is experienced in this area has a full understanding of the process and knows the best ways to get a VA claim approved. We can also assist veterans who have received a rating that is too low.
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
$125,000
Client was getting off of 95 near Roger Williams Zoo when the defendant tried switching lanes hitting the rear and side of our clients car. Client had several pre exisiting health issues and the insurance companied denied her injuries. Our attorney was able to relate the injuries were caused by the accident by getting older medical records.
$500,000
Client was crossing Pawtucket Avenue in East Providence when he was struck by a car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Our office represented the family, getting them the full policy limits.
$300,000
Client was driving on Douglas Avenue in North Providence. Defendant failed to stop and t bone our client. Our client was rushed to Fatima Hospital. Suffering from shoulder pain which needed surgery. The defendants insurance company tried to say the injuries were pre-existing but our firm was able to get medical opinions that proved the injury was from the accident. Allowing us to settle the file.
$250,000
Truck accident on Central Ave in Pawtucket Client was forced off the road when an 18-wheeler pulled onto a side street forcing the client to turn hard to avoid a forceful impact by the semi-tractor trailer and struck a telephone pole head-on. Client had significant and permanent injuries to his cervical spine including a surgery to repair the damage (C5-7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) in his neck. Prior to trial, the case settled for a significant sum and provided the client with life-changing settlement funds.
$75,000
Client was t-boned by a car in Hope Rhode Island on his motorcycle when the defendant took a left hand turn and drove right into our client. The client had severe injuries which required a leg amputation. The defendant only had 25,000 in coverage and our client had an additonal 50,000 in UM coverage. We settled his case for the maximum amount needed and were able to waive a veterans health insurance lien of 163,000.
$450,000
Client was t-boned in North Smithfield when the defendant ran a stop sign. Our office had an offer for 30,000 but decided that we needed to file suit, during the litigation process our attorney was able to increase the settlement offer to 450,000. Client suffered from neck, back and shoulder pain. Due to the injuries he lost a lucrative job.
$950,000
Client was riding his motorcycle on Londsale Avenue in Pawtucket. Defendant took a left out of a side street and slammed directly into our client on their motorcycle. Client was rushed to Rhode Island hospital, trauma 1 center where they attempted to perform surgery but the client passed away from his injuries. Rob Levine Law represented his 12 year old son who was left without a father. The settlement provided for an immediate lump-sum payment for his son and structured significant payments to him every month for 10 years once he becomes an adult.
$175,000
Client walked into Price Rite in Providence Gentleman slipped and fell on grapes that had been left on the floor in front of a produce display and not cleaned up by the supermarket. Video failed to capture the fall, but client’s family captured critical photos from the scene that showed the grapes streaked along his shoe’s soles and established why he fell. Client suffered knee injuries in the form of ligament tears that took him out of work for a period of time and left him with permanent limitations. The settlement funds have changed the client’s life.
$22,000
Client was with her uncle in Pawtucket RI, they were walking down the street to get some ice cream when a dog came out of a yard and bit her in the arm. Client’s uncle tried shielding her and pulling her away but the dog was latched on. Had stitches and weeks of antibiotics and a small scar.
$36,500
Client was at Stadium Pub in Cranston Rhode Island when she fell on poorly lit stairs, breaking her shoulder which required surgery. Liability was contested as the insurance company felt the stairs were fine. Our litigation team was able to get the client the compensation she wanted.
$82,051
Client living in Riverside RI was manic depresive struggling with tiredness and fatigue. Had suicidal tendencies, brain fog and couldn’t perform simple tasks.
$1,005,000
Veterans livining in Providence after years of serving in the US Air Force in the early 1980s she suffered from PTSD and was a sexual misconduct victim in the service. Our firm won over a million dollars in back benefits for the vet.
This guy is the real deal!
I had really given up on the whole VA system until I found this firm in Providence, RI and decided to take a long shot. My Veterans Claims Advocate is Christian Lavallee and what a professional. Although I had given up on him he had never given up on me. Today he informed me that the claims have been processed…..at least a few of them.
Wilfred Pow
From the moment I reached out, Rob Levine’s team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and empathy.
Andre A.
These people really care about you and your issues.
The team showed empathy, compassion, and professionalism throughout the process. While my case was successful, I believe that even had it not, my feelings would stay the same. Hire this team to represent you. That’s all there is to it.
Emmitt DeLong II
I highly recommend him for any of your personal injuries.
I want to thank Rob Levine and staff for going above and beyond on behalf of my family and me. They fought very hard so that I could receive the justice amount from the non-at-fault car accident I was involved in. Thank you. God Bless.
Boblin M.
Bravo to the team at Rob Levine Law!
My personal injury case was expertly handled from start to finish, and all of my questions throughout the process were answered. I am very pleased with my settlement amount, which was right within the range where the firm had my case valued, and I would highly recommend this firm to anyone.
D. B.
Rob Levine helped get to 90 and 100 percent unemployable.
They got me this in a short period of time. I called them and gave them all the info they wanted, and I waited. They were great.
Robert B.
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