Fighting for Veterans Across Southern California
San Diego is home to one of the largest veteran communities in the United States. With Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and multiple Coast Guard and reserve facilities, the region has long been a hub for military service. More than 200,000 veterans live in San Diego County, making it one of the most concentrated veteran populations in the country.
But even in a city that lives and breathes military life, veterans often face the same struggles when it comes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Claims are delayed, benefits are denied, and appeals can take years. Veterans in San Diego deserve better.
Our firm focuses exclusively on veterans disability law. Every day, we fight for San Diego veterans by filing claims, appealing denials, and working to secure the compensation they’ve earned.
Understanding VA Disability Benefits
VA disability benefits provide tax-free monthly compensation to veterans with service-connected injuries or illnesses. The system is meant to honor sacrifice — but in practice, it’s complicated and frustrating.
In San Diego, some of the most common claims include:
PTSD and mental health conditions related to combat, deployment stress, or Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from training, blasts, or accidents on ships and aircraft
Hearing loss and tinnitus — especially common for Navy sailors and Marines exposed to constant noise
Musculoskeletal injuries like chronic back, knee, and shoulder problems from years of service
Respiratory conditions and cancers linked to burn pits, asbestos, and toxic exposures
Agent Orange exposure (particularly for Vietnam veterans settled in San Diego)
Gulf War Illness, chronic fatigue, and memory issues affecting veterans of that era
Secondary conditions such as sleep apnea tied to PTSD or orthopedic injuries
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for veterans unable to maintain steady work
Even with strong evidence, the VA often denies or undervalues these claims.
The VA Disability Claim Process
The VA process can feel like a maze. In San Diego, veterans typically go through:
Initial Claim
File your application with service records and medical evidence.
Supplemental Claim
Submit new evidence after a denial.
Higher-Level Review
Ask a senior VA reviewer to take a second look.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
Present your case to a Veterans Law Judge.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
In rare cases, elevate to federal court.
Each step has deadlines. Missing one can set your case back months or even years. Having representation helps ensure your claim stays on track.
Common Challenges San Diego Veterans Face
Even with strong military and veteran infrastructure, local veterans run into serious problems:
Initial denials for lack of medical evidence
Low disability ratings that don’t reflect the severity of conditions
Lengthy appeals stretching over years
Backlogs at the VA San Diego Healthcare System due to high demand
Difficulty proving service connection for toxic exposures or mental health claims
Financial stress caused by delays in receiving compensation
The VA system is difficult to navigate alone. That’s why so many San Diego veterans seek experienced help.
Example: A San Diego Veteran’s Claim
Consider a Marine veteran stationed at Camp Pendleton who develops PTSD after combat deployment. He files a claim but the VA denies it, citing lack of verified stressor evidence.
On appeal, with legal support, he submits:
Mental health evaluations from the VA San Diego Medical Center
Service records showing combat deployment dates
Buddy statements from fellow Marines confirming the stressor
With this additional evidence, the VA grants service connection and assigns a fair rating.
This scenario shows how persistence and proper documentation can turn a denial into a successful claim.
How We Help San Diego Veterans
We focus exclusively on helping veterans get the benefits they’ve earned. For San Diego veterans, we provide:
Strong initial claims backed by medical and service evidence
Appeals of denied claims at every level, from supplemental claims to the BVA
Requests for higher ratings when conditions are undervalued
TDIU claims for veterans unable to work due to service-connected disabilities
Independent medical evidence when VA exams fall short
You don’t pay us anything unless we win.
Our Values: Why Veterans Choose Us
We don’t fill attorney bio pages with headshots. Instead, we highlight the values that drive our work:
Compassion
Respect for every veteran’s story and service
Dedication
Commitment to see cases through, even after denials
Experience
Focus solely on veterans disability law
Results
A clear mission: secure the benefits you deserve
What Makes San Diego Unique for Veterans
San Diego is often called a “military town” — and for good reason. Veterans here rely on:
VA San Diego Healthcare System, providing comprehensive care for local veterans
VA Regional Office in San Diego, handling disability claims and appeals
Naval Base San Diego, home port for much of the U.S. Pacific Fleet
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, one of the largest Marine bases in the world
MCAS Miramar, supporting Marine aviation units
A strong retiree community, with thousands of veterans living in San Diego County
While these resources are invaluable, they also create heavy demand, backlogs, and delays for veterans seeking benefits.
Special Focus: Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
MST survivors often face significant hurdles in the VA system. Claims are frequently denied due to lack of documentation, even when symptoms like PTSD or anxiety are well-documented. We help San Diego veterans pursue MST-related claims with medical opinions, lay statements, and persistence to ensure survivors receive recognition and benefits.
Special Focus: Gulf War Illness
San Diego is home to many Gulf War veterans who continue to face chronic fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive problems. While the VA presumes many of these are service-connected, denials are still common. We fight to connect these conditions to service and secure rightful compensation.
Common Scenarios for San Diego Veterans
Denied PTSD claim
A Marine is denied for lack of stressor evidence. On appeal, buddy statements and medical evaluations secure approval.
Low rating for hearing loss
A Navy veteran exposed to years of shipboard noise receives only 10%. With updated audiology exams, the rating is increased.
Toxic exposure denial
A veteran who served near burn pits is denied. After submitting specialist opinions, the VA grants service connection.
Unemployability claim
A veteran with multiple conditions cannot work. On appeal, the VA grants TDIU benefits.
These examples show that persistence and proper representation make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call Today for a Free Consultation
You served your country. You shouldn’t have to fight the VA alone. If you’re a veteran in San Diego struggling with a denied claim, low rating, or delayed appeal, we can help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
Call now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward justice.
