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Frequently Asked Questions
Please see FAQs and if we haven’t addressed your question, give us a call.
Can I get this same service for free?
Yes. You may apply directly yourself through the VA, or you may work with a VSO to assist you with your claim at no cost.
Why choose VBG?
VBG has helped more than 35,000 Veterans file their VA disability claims since 2015. More than 70% of Veterans who work with VBG have either tried the free options or tried on their own. Despite those efforts, 9 out of 10 Veterans who use VBG’s services receive an increase in their rating. More than 100,000 Veterans receive the wrong disability rating from the VA, and VBG was created specifically to correct those errors. Let our independent provider network, case managers and claims team take the confusion out of the equation to make sure you file your claim correctly the first time.
Do attorneys from VBG assist Veterans with filing disability claims?
VBG is not a law firm, and our staff who help Veterans compile medical evidence and file their disability claims are not attorneys.
Can I walk in, or do I need an appointment?
In order to provide you with the highest level of customer service and ensure the availability of our trained staff, appointments are strongly recommended, but VBG does accommodate walk-ins. You can visit us at our locations in San Diego or Las Vegas.
Is there a fee?
VBG doesn’t charge any upfront fees. If you receive a favorable decision from the VA, there will be a one-time fee assessed as outlined in the terms of our client service agreement. Veterans are not charged if they don’t receive an increase in their VA disability compensation benefits.
When do I pay for your service?
The fee is due in full upon notification from the VA of a favorable decision, but VBG does offer flexible payment plans for those who request them.
How long is the process?
The average timeframe typically ranges between 7 to 10 months. Veterans should note that the VA's caseload fluctuates, which may lengthen the wait time. This, of course, is outside of VBG's control. Here's a link to the VA’s current turnaround time: https://www.va.gov/disability/after-you-file-claim/
What is an Intent to File (ITF), and why should I submit one?
Submitting an ITF form to the VA officially notifies the VA of your intent to file a disability claim. Once the VA receives your ITF, you have one year to submit a VA disability claim. If you receive a favorable decision, the VA may pay the Veteran from the date that the ITF was filed as opposed to the date the VA received the disability claim. A Veteran’s backpay or lack thereof has no effect on company fees or when it’s due.
My service-connected disabilities add up to XXX%, but the VA math doesn’t reflect that.
The VA uses a complex formula (Descending Efficiency Scale) to calculate a Veteran’s overall disability rating. This takes into account the severity of each service-connected disability, as well as how those disabilities interact with one another.
Does it matter what state I live in?
We offer VBG's services to all states with the exception of New Jersey
and New York.
Why do you need my active-duty medical records?
It's crucial to have our team review your active-duty medical records to determine which of the Veteran’s disabilities are underrated or should be service connected. A private practitioner’s comprehensive review will also satisfy the VA’s requirement that the Veteran file an accurate claim. The more comprehensive the evidence, the more likely the Veteran will receive an accurate and favorable decision from the VA.
How long will it take to obtain my active-duty medical records?
This can take up to 6 months, sometimes longer. You only need your active-duty medical records to establish service connection. Veterans do not need their medical records to obtain an increase for a disability that has already been deemed service connected.
Does VBG represent Veterans before the Board of Veterans' Appeals?
No. VBG only provides guidance on initial claims. If you need representation before the BVA, you can contact a VSO or attorney. A list of resources can be found here: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
Is VBG accredited?
VBG is not accredited, nor are our case managers accredited agents or attorneys. Nonetheless, VBG’s proprietary business model is effective, as evidenced by its 8 years of providing outstanding results to more than 35,000 Veterans.
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According to the VA, over 12 million eligible Veterans have never applied for their VA disability benefits. You may qualify to apply for these benefits or be eligible for more.