Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to your VA benefits questions
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Discover answers to frequently asked questions about VA benefits. Our FAQ section provides helpful information to guide you through common disability benefits-related issues.
Q# 1 : What is Carmel4Vets?
Founded by Carmel Gouveia, our dedicated team of veterans advocates and medical professionals are dedicated to helping veterans secure disability benefits. The providers in our network share the common goal of helping veterans of the armed services secure the service-connected disability benefits.
Q# 2 : Can you guarantee that I will get a service-related benefits increase?
Our licensed medical providers strive to assist veterans in their efforts to obtain an overall disability rating that accurately matches their service-connected disability. Providers within the group share a common goal, which is to help Veterans increase their service-connected disability benefits. The Veterans Affairs (VA) makes the ruling decision on all claims submitted. If your disabilities warrant an increase and your DBQ’s are completed correctly, you have a high probability of success. Carmel4Vets, LLC does not make any promises or guarantees.
Q# 3 : Does Carmel4Vets charge for services?
Carmel4Vets, LLC, offers access to a licensed medical group. We do charge a fee, similar to fees charged by private healthcare providers. We do, however, offer veterans a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Q# 4 : Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes. Part of our mission is to help as many veterans as possible increase their service-connected disability rating. Please contact us for details.
Q# 5 : Do you offer a refund if I am not awarded a benefits increase?
Some fees are non-refundable due to State Medical Board Guidelines. Please contact us for more details regarding our refund policy.
Q# 6 : Can I use a VSO, the DAV, or other organization to submit my claim?
Yes. Carmel4Vets, LLC can only assist with the completion of the Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) and medical evaluations. Veterans are required to submit their own claims. This can be done via an organization of your choice, mailing your claim to the VA, or filing electronically on the eBenefits or VA website.
Q# 7 : How does Carmel4Vets, LLC differ from a VA appointed doctor?
Carmel4Vets, LLC is not affiliated with the Veterans Administration. Carmel4Vets, LLC will provide you access to our experienced team of veterans advocates and medical professionals who can help you navigate the complex, and often stressful, disability claims process.
Since VA-appointed medical providers are contracted by the Veterans Administration, they are overloaded with patients and, in many cases, are simply not able to give each disability claim the attention and care required. A large majority of veterans who see VA appointed doctors when filing their claims are unsatisfied with the results. Thus, resulting in years of refiling and/or a lengthy appeal process.
Q# 8 : Can I use your services if I have an open appeal or claim?
Yes. Upon completion of the FREE no-obligation consultation we will determine if it is best to wait for the appeal or claim to be closed or not. Please contact us for more information.
Q# 9 : Can you help if I am working with an accredited agent, attorney, or lawyer?
Yes. We work with many accredited agents, attorneys, and lawyers. All Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs) must be completed and signed by a licensed medical provider. Accredited agents, attorneys, and lawyers cannot give medical advice or sign DBQs.
Q# 10 : How does Carmel4Vets, LLC differ from my primary care physician?
Our network of licensed medical professionals understand the VA disability claims process and understand how to complete Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) in the manner preferred by the VA. Most primary care physicians do not have the knowledge to complete a DBQ correctly.
Q# 11 : What if my Intent to File date is expiring soon or I have an upcoming deadline to submit documentation?
We offer an expedited process for those who have an impending deadline they need to meet; contact us ASAP to see if we can help. *Please note, it is not guaranteed that we will be able to meet your deadline, this will depend on certain factors of your claim.
Q# 12 :Do Nexus Letters work?
Nexus letters for VA claims are evidence-based documents prepared by qualified and credible medical experts. Their purpose is to show a connection between the veteran’s current disability or medical condition, and one or more events that occurred during their time in the Armed Forces.
Q# 13 : Can you win a VA claim without a Nexus Letter?
The questions of “Do I need a Nexus letter” and “How important is a Nexus letter to the VA” are common among veterans who are looking to appeal one or more denied disability claims. In general, presenting strong, expertly written documentation is essential for proceeding with submitting a claim or appeal successfully. While PBC cannot guarantee the VA will decide in your favor, an analysis conducted by a competent and impartial third-party doctor is held in much higher, therefore, increases the possibility of positive outcome.
Q# 13 : Can you win a VA claim without a Nexus Letter?
The questions of “Do I need a Nexus letter” and “How important is a Nexus letter to the VA” are common among veterans who are looking to appeal one or more denied disability claims. In general, presenting strong, expertly written documentation is essential for proceeding with submitting a claim or appeal successfully. While PBC cannot guarantee the VA will decide in your favor, an analysis conducted by a competent and impartial third-party doctor is held in much higher, therefore, increases the possibility of positive outcome.
Q# 14 : Can I write my own Nexus Letter?
No. There’s no such thing as a Nexus letter template that you can simply fill out with your information. To be credible and acceptable as a legitimate part of a claim or appeal proceedings, a Nexus letter for VA disability such as depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), sleep apnea, and other conditions, must be written by a certified medical provider.
Q# 15 : Do VA doctors write Nexus Letters?
Most VA doctors will refuse to write Nexus letters for veterans. This is because they’re already working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are, therefore, unable to supply a neutral medical opinion according to VA regulations. Veterans are advised to find a qualified medical provider who is not affiliated with VA in any way, such as the VA Nexus letter doctors who work with PBC or their private physician.
Q# 16 : How much does a Nexus letter cost?
The average Nexus letter cost varies from provider to provider. Some doctors and companies charge a flat fee, while others offer these services for free at first, but charge a certain price or percentage once the veteran receives their compensation. As a licensed medical group, PBC charges a fee for writing Nexus letters for VA disabilities that’s in line with the rates of private healthcare providers. Our consultations are completely free and come with no strings attached. Contact us today if you would like to ask further questions or schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Our other services include completing exhaustive and specialized disability benefit questionnaires and providing detailed documentation needed for seeking a disability rating increase, and more. We would be happy to provide you with proper documentation for your veteran disability compensation claim and ensure you receive the outstanding service you deserve.