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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Cost & Process

How much does it cost to hire a VA disability lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing out of pocket. Our fee is a percentage of the back pay you receive if we win — never a percentage of your ongoing monthly benefits. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

It depends on the claim type. Initial claims typically take 3-6 months. Appeals vary — a Higher-Level Review may take 4-5 months, while a Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing can take a year or more. Overseas claims can sometimes take longer due to C&P exam scheduling. We give you realistic timelines based on your specific situation.
The VA reviews your evidence, requests additional records if needed, and schedules a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. After the exam, a VA rater evaluates everything and issues a rating decision. We track your claim status, respond to VA requests, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Yes. If your claim is approved, you may receive retroactive pay back to your effective date — often the date you originally filed. The longer you wait to file, the more potential back pay you lose. For appeals, back pay can go back to the original claim date if we win.

Questions About Appeals

A denial isn’t the end — it’s the start of the real fight. Most denials happen because of missing evidence, a weak nexus letter, or a bad C&P exam. Depending on your situation, we can file a Higher-Level Review, submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, or take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
A Higher-Level Review asks a senior VA rater to look at the same evidence again. You can’t submit new evidence, but you can point out errors the original rater made. A Supplemental Claim lets you submit new and relevant evidence — like a nexus letter, buddy statements, or updated medical records. We help you choose the right lane based on why your claim was denied.

Questions About Overseas Veterans

Yes. VA disability benefits are federal benefits available to eligible veterans worldwide. You can file a claim, attend C&P exams, and receive payments from anywhere — Japan, Korea, Guam, the Philippines, Germany, or anywhere else. We’re based in Okinawa and specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA process from the Pacific and beyond.
It depends on your location. Veterans in Japan or Korea may be scheduled at a military treatment facility like Naval Hospital Okinawa or Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital. Others may be sent to a contract clinic or scheduled for a telehealth exam. Overseas C&P exams can be inconsistent, which makes preparation critical. We help you understand what to expect, what questions you’ll be asked, and how to accurately describe your symptoms.

Questions About Evidence & Ratings

A nexus letter is a medical opinion from a qualified provider stating that your current condition is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military service. It’s often the single most important piece of evidence in a VA claim. Without a strong nexus, the VA frequently denies claims — even when the connection seems obvious. We help veterans obtain nexus letters that meet VA standards and directly address the rating criteria.
The VA assigns a percentage rating (0% to 100%) based on how severe your condition is. Multiple conditions are combined using “VA math,” which doesn’t simply add percentages together. For example, a 50% rating plus a 30% rating doesn’t equal 80% — it equals 65%. We help veterans understand their combined rating, identify conditions that may be underrated, and find opportunities for increases.
Not always. Simple, well-documented claims can sometimes be handled on your own or with a VSO. But if your case involves a denial, a low rating, complex medical evidence, or a C&P exam that went badly, having an experienced VA disability attorney dramatically improves your odds. We know how to build claims that win — and how to fix claims that failed.

Questions About About Pacific Valor Law

No. There is no deadline to file a VA disability claim. You can file 5, 10, or even 30 years after separation. However, back pay is typically calculated from your filing date — not your separation date. The sooner you file, the more retroactive pay you may receive if your claim is approved.
Yes. James Smith is accredited by the VA Office of General Counsel, which means he is legally authorized to represent veterans before the VA on disability claims and appeals. Not all attorneys or “VA consultants” have this accreditation — always verify before hiring anyone to help with your claim.

Questions About VA C&P Exam

Q.1 Can I have someone accompany me to the C&P exam?

Yes, you can typically have a family member, friend, or representative accompany you to observe the exam and provide support.

Bring a list of your current symptoms, medications, treating physicians, and any recent medical records not already in your VA file. Also bring a notebook to document the exam process.

Yes, veterans have the right to request and receive copies of their C&P exam reports through their VA records FOIA request. This often can takes six months. An accredited VA attorney or VSO can pull your exam within VMBS saving the veteran months of time.

The examiner’s opinion is just one piece of evidence. If you disagree, you can submit additional medical evidence, request a new exam, or work with a VSO or attorney to challenge the opinion during the appeals process.

Pacific Valor Law

Based in Okinawa, Japan — Serving U.S. veterans and military families worldwide

VA-accredited attorney | Licensed in New Jersey

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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