VA Benefits Attorneys – California VA Disability Lawyers Working for You
Veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and live in California may be eligible for benefits designated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and you may have questions. VABenefits Attorneys is here to help with a team of knowledgeable and experienced California VA disability attorneys. Contact VABenefits Attorneys for a FREE consultation!
Key Things to Know About California VA Disability Benefits
Are you a recently-separated veteran in California? Do you suffer from a service-related injury, illness or medical condition? Do you hope to use your veteran status to get an education? You may have questions about how to apply for and receive your VA benefits and compensation – and VABenefits Attorneys can help answer your questions and walk you through the process.
What VA Benefits Am I Eligible for in California?
Veteran benefits via the Department of Veterans Affairs can help veterans in many different ways. VA benefits include monetary compensation for disability, financial support for veterans, medical care at VA facilities, educational benefits, home loans, employment assistance and much more. When you need to apply for VA disability benefits, the team at VABenefits Attorneys can help with the application process.
Am I Eligible for VA Disability Benefits in California?
Do you have questions about your eligibility for VA disability benefits? To qualify for VA disability compensation, you MUST meet two standard criteria – you must have served on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty for training and you must have an illness, injury or medical condition that affects your body or mind.
In addition to those criteria, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You have an injury, illness or medical condition that was sustained when you served in the military OR
- You have an injury, illness or medical condition that was made worse when you served in the military OR
- You have an injury, illness or medical condition related to your service until after you leave active service.
What Injuries, Illnesses and Conditions Qualify You for VA Disability?
There is a wide range of service-related injuries, illnesses and medical conditions that can qualify you for VA disability benefits and compensation. Here is a closer look at potential medical conditions that may make veterans eligible for disability compensation.
- Chronic Back and Knee Pain
- Mental Health Disorders – Depression and Anxiety
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Respiratory Illnesses and Conditions
- Severe Hearing Loss
- Cancer Caused by Toxic Chemical Exposure
How Do I File for VA Disability in California?
The application process for VA benefits can be complicated – but you have options. You can file your disability claim online at www.va.gov/disability OR you can download and print the application, fill it out and turn it in at VA regional offices in Los Angeles, Oakland or San Diego. When you have questions about the application process, VABenefits Attorneys can help.
What Should I Do if My VA Disability Claim is Denied
Your VA disability claim may be denied. It could be because of something you missed on the application or an issue with your medical documentation. No matter what the reason – we can help you appeal your claim denial at VABenefits Attorneys and file a Notice of Disagreement appeal, request a Higher Level Review, present your case to a Veterans Law Judge or file a Supplemental Claim.
What Are California State Veterans Benefits?
Many veterans in the Golden State rely on federal VA benefits, but California provides its own support system and benefits for veterans through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). These state-level programs offer additional support even if you already receive federal benefits.
Key programs for California veterans include:
College Fee Waiver for Dependents
This program waives tuition and mandatory fees at any California Community College, CSU, or UC campus for the dependents of qualified veterans.
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Veterans with a 100% disability rating may be eligible for a reduction or total exemption of property taxes on their primary residence.
California State Veterans Homes
The state manages several long-term care facilities that provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for veterans and their spouses.
CalVet Home Loans
California provides veterans with specialized, low-interest home financing and home improvement loans for veterans in the state.
Vehicle Registration Waivers
Many disabled veterans may be eligible for a waiver of registration fees and free license plates for a single vehicle.
These state-run veterans programs have specific documentation and eligibility rules. Veterans can begin the application process by contacting CalVet or an accredited veteran advisor.
Where To Find a County Veterans Service Officer (VSO) in California
Not sure how to access your local or federal veterans benefits? California County Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are accredited experts trained to help you manage and navigate the VA system. With offices located in almost every county, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, these officers can help you secure military records and medical evidence for your disability claim.
The standard VSO services include:
Providing referrals for housing, crisis support, and medical transportation.
Provide support services for veterans, like transportation to appointments, crisis intervention, and housing referrals.
California VA Regional Offices and Medical Centers
Veterans who call California home have access to several premier VA medical centers and regional offices for healthcare and benefits assistance:
Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System – Los Angeles, CA
VA San Diego Healthcare System – San Diego, CA
VA Palo Alto Health Care System – Palo Alto, CA
VA Central California Health Care System – Fresno, CA
VA Northern California Health Care System – Mather/Sacramento, CA
With the ability to provide veterans with mental health support, medical care, rehabilitation, and more, these facilities are a true asset for disabled veterans. Veterans who use these facilities for medical care will receive the documentation needed to support any future disability claims.
Common Disability Claims Filed by California Veterans
Veterans in the military are exposed to a wide range of dangerous conditions that can lead to a wide variety of service-connected injuries, illnesses, and health conditions. Here are some of the most frequent claims:
PTSD and Mental Health Conditions: Many who served in recent conflicts struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss: Permanent damage from loud machinery, gunfire, or aircraft is a common disability.
Toxic Exposure: Under the PACT Act, veterans exposed to burn pits or other toxins can now claim disability benefits for respiratory illnesses and certain cancers.
Musculoskeletal Issues: Years of hard physical labor and exercise can lead to chronic problems in the back, knees, and hips for veterans.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Many veterans deal with the long-term effects of head injuries sustained during service.
Proving these claims are service connected requires detailed medical evidence and a clear service timeline — a process a VA disability lawyer can simplify.
What To Do if Your VA Claim is Denied in California
A VA disability claim can be denied for a variety of reasons — like lack of medical documentation — but if the VA denies your claim, do not give up. California veterans have several legal avenues to appeal a denied claim:
Higher-Level Review
A senior VA reviewer looks at your existing file to check for mistakes or errors.
Supplemental Claim
You can submit new, relevant evidence or medical opinions to support your disability claim.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
You can request a formal hearing with a Veterans Law Judge, that can be held via video conference.
Working with an experienced VA disability attorney will help you identify potential evidence gaps in your claim and build a stronger case for the benefits you deserve.
Financial and Tax Benefits for California Veterans
California has a significant veteran population with many military installations located in the state, and is recognized for its veteran-friendly financial policies that can include tax exemptions and low-interest loans:
Property Tax Savings
Veterans with a 100% disability rating may be exempt from paying property taxes on their primary home or residence.
Military Pay Tax Relief
Military retirement and disability pay are handled with specific tax benefits and exemptions at the state level.
CalVet Low-Interest Loans
The CalVet Program provides veteran home and land loans that often feature lower interest rates for disabled veterans.
License Fee Waivers
Veterans with a 60% or higher disability rating can often have their driver’s license or ID card fees waived in California.
These many financial and tax benefits for California veterans can help alleviate the impact of increased living costs in an effort to reward veterans for their years of service.
Educational and Career Support for Veterans in California
California veterans who hope to continue their education or find a new career after years of service will find that the state offers extensive resources for veterans looking to re-enter the workforce or pursue a degree:
Tuition Exemptions
California employs a fee waiver program that can provide tuition-free education at public universities for qualified veterans and dependents.
Employment Assistance
California state agencies help veterans translate military skills into civilian jobs and provide priority service at career centers.
Workforce Solutions
Local offices across the state offer resume help and career coaching tailored to veterans.
With access to these educational and vocational benefits, California veterans can pursue their life goals and make the transition from military to civilian simpler.
Long-Term Care and State Veterans Homes
California manages eight specialized veterans homes to provide high-quality medical care and assisted living that is a direct benefit to California veterans and their families:
These homes offer skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services for veterans and their spouses in addition to creating a community for veterans in need of long-term medical care and support.
California State Veterans Cemeteries and Burial Honors
The California Department of Veterans Affairs manages three state-level veterans cemeteries that work alongside the national cemeteries across the state, with locations found in Igo, Seaside, and Yountville.
Veterans are eligible for burial at these state facilities at no charge and no fees, which include the burial site, the opening and closing of the grave, a government-funded headstone, and ongoing maintenance of the cemetery. Family members, including spouses and dependent children, may be eligible for burial for a modest fee.
These California veteran cemeteries are committed to maintaining a final resting place that recognizes and honors each veteran’s military service with the highest level of appreciation and care.
Local Support Groups and Veteran Organizations in California
Beyond state agencies, California possesses a strong and comprehensive network of community support for veterans and their families. These programs and organizations can help veterans in a variety of ways, providing benefit claim assistance, counseling, employment assistance, and more:
Real-Life Success: Overturning a Denial in San Diego
Case Study: San Diego, CA
A Navy veteran in San Diego was initially denied disability compensation for a chronic back injury. By working with a legal team to obtain a “Nexus Letter” and filing for a Higher-Level Review, the veteran secured a 50% disability rating and significant back pay.
Veteran stories like this are not uncommon. No matter where you’re located — in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or Sacramento — legal help is always available to help ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned.
The case study above is a representative example based on typical VA claim outcomes and is provided for illustrative purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future results.
FAQs from California Veterans
Next Steps for California Veterans
If you are a veteran in California, do not try to handle the VA alone.
Start by:
Gather your DD-214 and medical records.
Contact your local VSO to check state eligibility.
Reach out to a VA-accredited lawyer for help with appeals.
Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for a free consultation!
