We Represent Veterans Nationwide. Here Are Reviews From Just a Few Of Our Satisfied Clients:
Blessed KingApril 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 WatsonApril 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 HallMarch 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 StewartMarch 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 CroxtonMarch 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 CroxtonErnest SloanMarch 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 HazlettFebruary 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 BurtonFebruary 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 MoormanFebruary 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!!✨️✨️
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Our Firm Provides Help to Veterans Who've Experienced Sexual Assault During Their Military Service!
Help is Available for Veterans Who Endured Sexual Assault During Military Service and Now Live with Mental and Emotional Health Issues as a Direct Result.
Sexual assault in the military occurs at the same rate as it does in the public.
The United States has made strides to crack down on sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military over time, but that doesn’t mean that it has stopped taking place altogether.
Over 6,000 people reported being sexually assaulted or abused during their military service in just 2020 alone, according to the United States Department of Defense.
These assaults happened to both men and women and were far more than what was reported in the previous calendar year, with the total number more than doubling in less than a decade.
In an odd move, the Department of Defense uses the phrase “sexual assault” as an umbrella to cover all types of nonconsensual touching, inclusive of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, aggravated or abusive sexual contact, and any attempts to commit those actions.
However, they do not recognize sexual harassment that doesn’t result in nonconsensual touch.
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What is Military Sexual Trauma?
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is the Department of Veterans Affairs term for sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service.
MST can be inclusive of the following:
• Being pressured into sexual activity through threats or promises of advancement and/or better treatment.
• Rape by force.
• Being ‘hazed’ in a sexual manner.
• Unwanted sexual advances.
• Threatening comments made in a sexual nature.
• Sexual touch and/or activities without the proper level of consent, including when asleep or intoxicated.
Sadly, about 1-in-3 women (33%) and 1-in-50 (2%) men have reported having experienced MST, according to data ascertained by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
MST can work to negatively affect the survivor’s mental health and physical health both during and after the assault or harassment takes place.
Survivors of MST commonly report experiencing mental health issues, including, but not limited to the following:
• Depression.
• Eating Disorder(s).
• Addiction/Substance Abuse.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Anxiety.
Mental health professionals work to treat the emotional fallout from MST to help the survivor(s) cope and work through what happened.
If left untreated, MST can cause a survivor’s symptoms to worsen, which can and most likely will lead to other mental health disorders arising.
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Service Connected Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides free treatment for physical and mental health conditions related to MST.
If you do not have a VA healthcare provider, you can contact your local VA’s MST coordinator to arrange treatment.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to document the MST experience to qualify for free care.
In 2013, a federal appeals court ruled that the VA is not allowed to deny your claim because you were “too afraid” to speak out and report it at the time it took place.
You can file a disability compensation claim for any health condition you have now due to MST.
For the VA to consider disability benefits for MST, you must file a claim based on the emotional and physical impact it generated.
The VA will most typically request a Compensation and Pension Exam.
From there, a medical professional will run the applicable tests based upon your concern(s), asking you about the MST and your time spent serving.
If the VA schedules an exam, you are required to complete it, otherwise you run the risk of receiving a denial of claim.
You are also able to use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire to complete your claim.
A DBQ allows you to address symptoms, severity, probable causes, and how the condition may be linked to other disabilities.
Once the VA processes your claim, you will receive a confirmation or denial. If the VA denies your benefits, it’d be in your best interest to file an appeal.
If your appeal is successful, you should receive monthly compensation on top of any back-dated benefits owed to you.
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.