How Rocket Benefits Helps Veterans Win Their VA Appeal
At Rocket Benefits, we believe that every veteran deserves the benefits they’ve earned through their service. Our mission is to help as many veterans as possible successfully appeal their VA disability ratings and win the compensation they are entitled to. With a dedicated team of experts—many of whom are veterans or family members of veterans—we are here to fight for you every step of the way.
Accreditation and Trust
Rocket Benefits is officially accredited by the VA to assist veterans with their disability appeals. To verify our accreditation, you can check our Claims Director’s credentials on the VA’s accreditation search tool. Simply select “attorney” and type in “Baughman” as the last name to find Jeff’s accreditation.
In today’s VA disability landscape, there are many predatory organizations that we refer to as “Shark Companies” that demand upfront fees or charge illegal amounts for their services. We strongly advise veterans to avoid these bad actors. At Rocket Benefits, our approach is ethical and transparent—we don’t charge anything upfront, and we only get paid if you win.
How We Get Paid
Our service is designed to be risk-free for veterans. The only way we make money is if we successfully win your appeal and you receive backpay. When you win your case, the VA withholds 20% of your backpay for Rocket Benefits. There are no other hidden fees or costs.
Sometimes, we may recommend private medical tests or a private Nexus Letter to strengthen your case. Rocket Benefits does not make any money from these recommendations—they are solely to support your appeal. Whenever possible, we encourage veterans to use free medical services before considering private options.
We have thoroughly vetted various providers and have found Xterra to be our preferred Nexus Letter partner. Xterra is run by veterans and family members of veterans, just like us, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service from people who truly understand their needs.
The Rocket Benefits Process: How We Help You Win
Step 1: Initial Consultation
When you reach out to Rocket Benefits, you’ll first speak with a member of our enrollment team—Joe, Devin, or Kim. They will take the time to understand your medical conditions, how they relate to your service, and your current VA disability rating.
Many veterans who call in end up forming a real connection with our enrollment team. We have a running joke at Rocket Benefits that our veterans would rather talk to Joe than the people actually working their case! Joe, along with the rest of our enrollment team, loves talking to our veterans and will make you feel comfortable and heard, often leading to conversations that go far beyond VA claims. Don’t be surprised if you end up making a new best friend during your initial call.
If we determine that you’re a good fit for our services, you’ll fill out a VA Form 21-22a and our Engagement Letter. If you need assistance, our team will help you complete these forms electronically.
Step 2: Case Preparation
Once you’re officially signed up, we will schedule a call with one of our Veteran Advocacy Specialists (VASs)—Alyssa, Abigail, or Becca. This call will take place about a month after you sign up with us to ensure we have access to your full VA file.
The VA takes an average time of about three weeks to let us into your file. Just like everything else, the VA is SLOW. We apologize but there is nothing we can do to speed this up, we’ve tried!
During this call, the VAS will gather detailed information about your conditions and work with you to develop a solid strategy to maximize your benefits. They will also go over past medical records, previous claims, and any prior denials to identify key areas to strengthen your appeal.
We also offer guidance on secondary conditions, which may be eligible for compensation. Many veterans are unaware that conditions such as sleep apnea, migraines, or depression can be linked to an already service-connected disability. We work to ensure that every possible avenue for benefits is pursued.
Step 3: Gathering Evidence
Following our guidance during this stage is crucial. If you take the steps we recommend—whether it’s securing a Nexus Letter, tracking symptoms, or collecting medical documentation—your chances of winning your appeal increase significantly. We’ve seen firsthand how well-prepared cases with strong supporting evidence succeed, and we will always provide you with the best strategies to strengthen your claim.
One of our Evidence Coordinators, such as Sherrie, may reach out to collect additional supporting documentation. This could include certain documents such as medical records, a headache log, blood pressure readings, or a Nexus Letter if needed.
Your cooperation during this stage is crucial—strong evidence significantly increases the likelihood of a successful appeal. We will also assist you in tracking down relevant service treatment records, buddy statements, and any other documentation that can prove a service connection.
Step 4: Submitting Your Claim
Once we have all the necessary evidence, our team will file the appropriate forms on your behalf:
- VA Form 21-526EZ – Application for benefits
- VA Form 20-0995 – Supplemental claim
- VA Form 20-0996 – Higher-level review
Our accredited attorney, Jeff, along with our claims processing team, will carefully review your case, write a compelling legal memorandum, and, if needed, directly argue your case with a Decision Review Officer (DRO) at the VA.
We take a thorough approach to preparing your claim. By ensuring that every piece of necessary evidence is included and that all legal arguments are well-documented, we put you in the strongest possible position to win.
What to Expect After Submission
Handling Denials
Unfortunately, denials are common—especially for first-time claims. However, a denial is simply the VA’s way of stating why they believe you don’t qualify for a benefit. We use that information to refine and strengthen your appeal, significantly increasing your chances of winning on subsequent attempts.
If one condition gets approved while another is denied, we continue fighting for you. Patience and persistence are key to ultimately receiving the benefits you deserve.
We will also explore every available legal pathway to challenge the denial, including filing for a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) hearing if necessary. However, we do try to avoid a path towards the BVA as the current wait is over three years. We hate seeing our veterans wait that long!
Our team has extensive experience navigating the complexities of the VA system, and we will stand by you every step of the way.
How Long Does It Take?
The VA process is notoriously slow, and while we do everything possible to expedite your case, we are ultimately at the mercy of the VA’s timeline. After we submit your appeal, it could take months before we hear back. Some cases move faster, while others take longer.
If you need immediate financial relief, this may not be the right solution for your situation. However, if you’re looking for a long-term, well-prepared appeal that maximizes your benefits, we are here to help.
We also encourage veterans to stay proactive in checking the status of their claims and reaching out if they need updates. Transparency and communication are key components of our process.
Beyond the Appeal: Ongoing Support
Rocket Benefits doesn’t just help you file appeals—we are committed to providing ongoing support for your VA claims. Whether it’s understanding new disability regulations, exploring additional benefits, or preparing for future claims, our team is always available to assist.
Additionally, we provide veterans with educational resources to navigate their benefits more effectively. Our goal is to empower veterans with knowledge, so they can make informed decisions about their claims and long-term healthcare.
Beyond VA benefits, we maintain a comprehensive list of resources outside of the VA, including nonprofit organizations that provide additional support to veterans. These organizations offer assistance with housing, employment, mental health, and other essential services. We believe in a holistic approach to helping veterans, ensuring they have access to every possible avenue of support available.
Navigating the VA disability system can be frustrating and confusing, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team at Rocket Benefits is passionate about advocating for veterans like you.
If you’re ready to take the first step in appealing your VA disability rating, contact us today by either calling us at (850) 306-6846 or filling out our contact form. As always, we’re here to help.