Derek T. Smith: Veterans Benefits Lawyer
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services

One, Straightforward Mission:

Helping veterans at all stages of the VA claims process obtain the benefits that they're entitled to under law.


Practice Areas


Agent Orange

U.S. forces sprayed roughly 20 million gallons of herbicides to clear jungles providing enemies with cover in South East Asia. Veterans who served there and developed certain VA specified medical conditions may be entitled to compensation. Learn more.


Military Sexual Trauma & Assault

Most in-service sexual and physical assaults go unreported. This causes corroboration issues that can make winning a claim difficult. The VA established regulations to address this, easing the standard of proof required. Learn More


Traumatic Brain Injury

Head injuries during military service often cause residual symptoms that disrupt future functional ability. Sometimes veterans experience a delayed onset of symptoms or the severity of a brain injury is not immediately apparent, thereby escaping diagnosis. Learn more


Clear and unmistakable error (CUE)

CUE claims can be filed after a prior decision becomes final. This powerful tool is used to reverse a final decision, often resulting in substantial retroactive pay for a service-connected disability because the effective date goes back to the date of the VA’s error. Learn More.

Gulf War Syndrome

Gulf War Syndrome refers to undiagnosed and poorly-understood illnesses common among veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations since 1990. Those meeting the VA's rating criteria may qualify for compensation.    Learn More


Physical disabilities

VA regulations provide expansive rating criteria for physical disabilities to all parts of the body. The rating percentage for physical disabilities varies based upon the body part injured, the severity of the injury, and the functional impact on the injured veteran. Learn More.  


SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES

Veterans with a current disability often face the difficult task of proving that it was caused or aggravated during military service. Often, this requires gathering and reviewing records dating back many years. Learn more


INDIVIDUAL Unemployability (IU)

Veterans unable maintain an income over the poverty line due to service-connected disabilities are entitled to compensation referred to as IU or Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Learn More


POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Combat veterans often develop PTSD, an anxiety disorder that compounds the already difficult return to civilian life. Many veterans struggle with managing PTSD symptoms while trying to convince the VA that their mental health issues were caused by military service.  Learn more.