Honoring Your Service.
Protecting Your Legacy.
You answered the call then. If the VA has denied your application for Pension or Survivors benefits, the Lockridge Law Firm is ready to review your case to ensure you receive what you earned.
VA Pension: A Safety Net for Wartime Veterans
Unlike Disability Compensation, VA Pension is a needs-based benefit designed for veterans facing financial challenges due to age or disability. It is designed to ensure that those who served our country do not live in poverty.
Initial Claims: Most veterans file their initial application for Pension or Aid & Attendance on their own or with the help of a free Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Federal regulations generally prohibit attorneys from charging fees for filing initial claims.
Appeals: The Lockridge Law Firm steps in when the VA says "No." If you have received a denial letter, or if the VA calculated your income incorrectly, that is when you need a VA Accredited Attorney.
- The Accredited Difference: Unlike unaccredited "claims consulting" companies, a VA Accredited Attorney is formally vetted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, subject to strict ethical standards, and legally authorized to represent you in your appeal.
Who it's for: Low-income veterans over age 65 (or totally disabled) who served at least one day during a wartime period.
Common Denial: The VA often miscalculates "countable income" or fails to deduct legitimate medical expenses, resulting in an unfair denial.
Who it's for: Veterans eligible for Pension who are substantially confined to their home due to a permanent disability.
Common Denial: The VA frequently argues the veteran is not "substantially confined" enough, requiring a legal argument to prove eligibility.
Who it's for: Veterans who require the aid of another person for daily living activities or reside in assisted living.
Common Denial: The VA often denies the medical necessity of the care or disqualifies facilities that should be covered.
Appealing Aid & Attendance Denials
The cost of Assisted Living or In-Home Care is overwhelming. If you applied for this benefit to offset those costs and were denied, we can review the decision.
- Net Worth Issues: Did the VA improperly count your assets?
- Medical Evidence: Did the VA ignore your doctor's note regarding your need for assistance?
- Surviving Spouses: Did the VA fail to recognize your marriage or the veteran's wartime service?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
The Promise Kept. DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors. However, proving that a death was "service-connected" years later can be difficult.
I handle DIC appeals where the VA has denied the link between the veteran's service and their cause of death. I have access to independent medical providers who provide evidence-based nexus opinions to support client appeals.
Accrued Benefits Appeals
If a veteran passes away while their claim is still pending, the surviving spouse may be entitled to the benefits that would have been paid. If the VA closed the file or denied the accrued benefit, we can appeal to ensure the family receives what was owed.
Was Your Claim Denied?
Don't let a bureaucratic error threaten your financial security. If you have a denial letter in hand, let's discuss your next steps.
Appeal Your Denial