Marcari Russotto Spencer Balaban, Donald Marcari, MRSB Law Firm

We Represent Veterans Nationwide. Here Are Reviews From Just a Few Of Our Satisfied Clients:

Blessed King
Blessed King
April 19, 2024.
Where do I begin since I've been with Savannah and Dawson I have really realized that my VA case could be settled in my favor. They were patient with me when I would get a little frustrated and they were able to explain things in a way that I understood. I cannot say enough good things about them, they have really taken me from point A to point B and now my case has been solved and I'm so grateful. I would and will recommend them to anyone. I have to add more the hits just keep coming!! Savannah and Dawson have been heaven sent.💯💯❤️💗🙏🏿
Rod Watson
Rod Watson
April 10, 2024.
I could have pursued bodily injury damages alone from the motorcycle accident, but I'm so glad I didn't. Don Marcari was easy to work with, and both he and his team had my back through the entire process. Additionally, they communicated often with me to keep me posted on progress. Don knows BI law, and he put the other party's insurance company in check. Trust me, you will want Don in your corner if you or a loved ever find yourself in need of a bodily injury attorney. I am incredibly appreciative of Don Marcari and his entire team at MRSB!
Michael Hall
Michael Hall
March 27, 2024.
This has been an amazing experience. They were able to get me from 90% (where I was stagnated at for several years) to 100% P&T with the VA. I can not say enough about the whole MRSB team. Heather is amazing at her job and is great at communicating with her clients. Again awesome experience. Myself and my family can't thank you enough.
Lori Stewart
Lori Stewart
March 13, 2024.
Marcari, Tussotto, Spencer & Balaban really work hard at getting you the money you deserve! They are a dedicated staff & help you in anyway possible. I would definitely recommend this group!!
Carolyn Croxton
Carolyn Croxton
March 12, 2024.
In January 2022 my husband was in a head on collision in NC. We had no clue how to handle the legal end of this wreck when a good friend of ours suggested this law firm. I contacted them and they immediately sent a representative out to our home. David Spencer got the ball rolling kept us abreast of the procedures that was going on. His secretary Mrs. Cathy out of the Fayetteville office was always a phone call away. She answered any and all of my questions very professionally. Cathy was on top of my husbands case just as if it was her own. We are very pleased with this law firm and would not hesitate yo use them again. Mr Spencer and Mrs. Cathy {in the Fayetteville office} treated us as if we were their only clients! Thank you both for a job well done! Ed and Carolyn Croxton
Ernest Sloan
Ernest Sloan
March 12, 2024.
I was nearing the end of my rope of trying to get what I'm entitled to as a burn pit victim. However, literally, one really last minute simple engine search brought me to these fantastic veteran advocates! I was stuck at 90% disabled for close to 3 years but in 5 maybe 6 short months, I'm now at 100% with close to 20 months of back pay. Thank God for these truly honest people fighting for the little guy!!
Patrick Hazlett
Patrick Hazlett
February 15, 2024.
I was initially denied for my VA disability claim, but with the help of Savannah Gay and Dawson Rouse, they were able to get my claim approved with back pay going back several years. Savannah was very communicative throughout the process, updating me on my case and assisting when needed. I would recommend them for any VA disability claim issues, as they were accommodating in ensuring my case was addressed.
Trinity Burton
Trinity Burton
February 15, 2024.
I would like to personally shout out Cathy Baggett at the Fayetteville location! She was and have been very professional and fought to the very end for me. Cathy made everything a smooth and easy process by being so helpful, thank you for everything!
Brittany Moorman
Brittany Moorman
February 13, 2024.
If you're looking for some legal bulldogs look no further! They will have you informed every step of the way!! Thank you Miss.Brittany and Miss.Vicki!!✨️✨️

Depression Amongst Veterans

VA Disability Ratings for Veterans Who Suffer From Depression

Mental Health Conditions Often Plague Veterans, With Depression Being One of the Biggest Problems.​
Some studies suggest that the rate of major depressive disorder is 5x higher among Veterans than non-Veterans.

When military members leave the service and return to their civilian lives, they’re often met with the challenging task of feeling the way they did before enlisting. 

If depression interferes with your life after serving in the military, you are not alone, and help is available for you. At Veterans Benefits Law Firm, we strongly believe that no Veteran should be made to suffer because of wrongful denials or issues with paperwork. 

Our law firm proudly helps Veterans across the United States, and if you’re a Veteran who’s suffering from depression and needs help, call us now at (866) 866-VETS. 

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Claiming Depression as a VA Disability?

The Department of Veterans Affairs disability law works to provide disability payments to anyone who’ve developed a health condition due to their time spent in the military.  

Veterans may also qualify if their time spent serving also contributed to worsening a condition. 

As we know, not all Veterans are the same, which means that some will sadly get denied disability for depression, while other Veterans will receive a rating of 10%, 30%, 70% or even 100%. 

As you can see (below), it’s possible to receive $152.64 monthly for a 10% rating and over $3,000.0 a month for a 100% rating.

Unfortunately, depression is quite common among Veterans.

Recently, studies have indicated that not only is it common, but more so that the likelihood of depression was found to be five times more likely to occur in Veterans than non-Veterans.

Furthermore, conditions that are known to be common in Veterans like traumatic brain injuries and depression typically occur together, putting Veterans at risk of dealing with issues that will interfere with their ability to maintain a balanced quality of life.

Major Depressive Disorder and Secondary Service-Connected Impairments

Major depressive disorders will often occur in Veterans who’ve experienced long-term bouts of physical pain, which in turn, would make depression secondary to their physical impairment. 

For example, a Veteran that consistently suffers from chronic back pain as a result of their time spent serving in the military may develop severe depression when the pain begins to decrease their ability to maintain a fulfilling quality of life. 

Whether depression is listed as a primary or secondary, it’s incredibly important to include all your conditions on your claim when seeking disability for depression to increase your rating. 

If you have more than one mental health condition, the VA will more than likely award a single rating that compensates you for all mental health symptoms, rather than a separate evaluation for each diagnosed condition.

What's The Difference Between Total Disability Based Upon Individual Unemployability (TDIU) & An Extra-Schedular Disability Rating?

A Veteran must meet two requirements under a TDIU claim to be eligible for a 100 percent disability rating: They must have a service-connected disability with a 60% or more disability rating, or two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more AND/OR Medical evidence of unemployability. On the other hand, an extra-schedular rating applies to Veterans who are unemployable, due to their service-connected disability or disabilities, but whose disability does not meet the percentage requirements for any of the two aforementioned scenarios.

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Individual Unemployability and Depression

If you’re unable to work due to depression or any other mental health related issues or physical conditions, you may qualify for Individual Unemployability (IU or TDIU) benefits.

Veterans qualify for TDIU if they are found to be unable to maintain gainful employment due to a service-connected disability or a combination of service-connected disabilities.

If you have one disability that hinders you from being able to work, it must be rated at least 60% and if you have one service-connected condition, you must have a combined rating of 70% with at least one condition being rated at 40% or higher.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

If you, or someone you love, is having a tough time with the Department of Veterans Affairs and claiming the benefits needed to sustain a comfortable quality of life, do not wait another minute – contact us today! We are always available by phone at (866) 866-VETS.  

Our firm works on contingency, so there are no fees whatsoever unless we win your claim for benefits.  

We are accredited to stand for you anywhere within the United States, so even if you cannot make it to one of our many offices, we can still help you along the way. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Hire You?

It does not cost you anything to hire our Veterans Benefits Law Firm as your attorneys. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us anything unless we win you an award. Our firm charges 20%, which is deducted by the VA from your lump sum payment for retroactive benefits.

How Long Will It Take To Appeal My Benefits Denial?

While it can take six months or more for a Veteran to receive a decision on his or her initial benefits claim from the Department of Veterans Affairs, appeals could take 2 years of more. The Department of Veterans Affairs lacks the funding to properly staff and process benefits applications. The number of applications from recently returning Veterans must be dealt with while the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to actively work towards providing services to prior generations of Veterans.

How Do I Increase My Disability Rating?

Great question! If the condition that you are actively receiving disability benefits for has now ultimately worsened over time, you can file an increased rating claim. It’s fairly simple, and it involves filing out an online claim form or mailing a letter to your regional office documenting the change in your condition.

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All communication with the Department of Veterans Affairs can be conducted remotely; personal appearances are not required. 

Our law firm is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist Veterans anywhere across the United States. 

Furthermore, our clients do not need to go to a physical location or visit an office to receive our help. If there are any medical visits that are applicable to your claim, you can be seen at a facility that is close to your home. So, no matter where you are, if you need help, we’re here to fight for you the same way that you bravely fought to protect us. 

Call us now! (866) 866-VETS.