Founded in 2015, Elder Law Guidance helps Richmond and Madison County veterans secure VA disability compensation, a monthly, tax-free benefit for those injured, made ill, or who developed conditions during military service.
These benefits are often misunderstood, and many veterans in our community do not realize they may qualify for higher ratings or additional payments. According to Census Reporter, over 5,000 veterans reside in Madison County, yet far fewer access the full benefits they have earned.
Our firm brings both legal accreditation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and lived experience. Our founder, Scott E. Collins, is a U.S. Army veteran who understands the challenges of military life.
If you are applying for the first time, seeking a higher disability rating, or appealing a denial, our team provides clear, step-by-step guidance to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve. As client Valerie Winn shared, “Highly recommend… Veterans benefits and estate planning… safeguard my parents and their assets.”
Understanding VA Disability in Richmond
VA disability compensation is a benefit paid to veterans who have a service-connected disability, an injury, illness, or exposure that happened during or was made worse by military service.
Common examples include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), back and joint injuries, hearing loss, or long-term health issues caused by Agent Orange or burn pit exposure.
These benefits matter because they provide a steady, tax-free monthly payment for life. The amount depends on the VA’s disability rating, which can range from 0% to 100%. The higher the rating, the higher the monthly compensation.
With nursing home costs in Kentucky averaging nearly $9,000 per month, financial strain can quickly become overwhelming, making access to these benefits especially vital.
Local veterans near EKU, the VA Health Care Clinic on Center Drive, and neighborhoods like Churchill Crossing rely on these benefits to protect their health and family security.
Community landmarks such as the Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Madison County Veterans Memorial Park relay Richmond’s deep military ties and the importance of securing full compensation for those who served.
What We Do Within VA Disability
Our VA disability services include:
- VA Disability Applications
- Claim Appeals
- Rating Increases
- TDIU (Unemployability)
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- Secondary Conditions
- VA Pension & Aid & Attendance
- Discharge Upgrades
- Evidence & Records Development
- BVA & CAVC Representation
Get Trusted Legal Support Today
For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Elder Law Guidance. Call (859) 544-6012 to schedule your consultation.
How Elder Law Guidance Helps Veterans in Richmond
At Elder Law Guidance, we focus on helping veterans secure the benefits they have earned, especially when the VA has denied a claim or assigned a lower rating than deserved. As a VA-accredited law firm, we are qualified to represent veterans.
Appeals and Higher Ratings
We step in when a VA claim has been denied or undervalued. Many veterans are unaware that appealing can lead to a higher disability rating, which means more monthly compensation and often back pay for the time benefits were delayed.
Focused Claims Experience
Our team handles intricate cases such as Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), Special Monthly Compensation, and coordination of VA Pension benefits for long-term care needs.
Education-First Guidance
Veterans value our ability to explain the process clearly and without pressure. We make sure you understand VA disability compensation, what evidence is required, and what options are available if the VA initially says no.
Veteran-Led Practice
Founded by U.S. Army veteran Scott E. Collins, our firm approaches every case with empathy, persistence, and respect. This lived experience shapes the way we serve Richmond’s veterans and their families.
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Benefits?
VA disability benefits are available to veterans who can show that a current medical condition is linked to their time in service. This link is called a service connection. It can be proven through medical records, service records, or a combination of both.
To qualify, a veteran must meet two basic requirements:
- A current diagnosis of a physical or mental health condition.
- Evidence that the condition began, was worsened, or was caused by military service.
VA disability compensation is generally for the veteran only. Surviving spouses or dependents may qualify for separate benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which is different from disability pay.
Veterans may also be eligible for additional programs such as education benefits and housing assistance, depending on their disability rating.
Another benefit many families overlook is the VA Pension, available to wartime veterans with limited income and assets. Fewer than 10% of eligible veterans apply for it, often because the rules around financial eligibility are misunderstood.
With proper planning, many veterans in Richmond neighborhoods such as Churchill Crossing, Arnett Acres, or along Lancaster Avenue near EKU may still qualify, even if the VA initially said they did not.
VA Disability Claims & Appeals Process in Madison County
When it comes to filing for VA disability benefits, some veterans begin by filing directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Others choose to work with an accredited attorney from the start. Wherever you begin, it’s important to know your options and the steps that follow.
Step 1: Decision Letter
After a claim is submitted, the VA issues a decision letter explaining your disability rating or denial. Many veterans find their rating too low or the decision incomplete.
Step 2: Appeal Options
If the outcome is unfair, you have the right to appeal. Options include filing a supplemental claim with new evidence, requesting a higher-level review, or appealing directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Step 3: Timeline
Depending on the chosen appeal path and the VA’s backlog, the process may take 6 to 12 months. While the wait can feel long, successful appeals often lead to increased monthly compensation and back pay.
Step 4: Why Legal Guidance Helps
An experienced VA-accredited attorney can step in at any stage of this process. From the start, they can identify missing evidence, coordinate medical records, and present your case clearly, helping you avoid repeated denials and move closer to the benefits you deserve.
Local VA Resources for Veterans in Richmond
Veterans in Richmond often rely on a combination of local and regional resources for medical care, benefits, and community support. Our team regularly coordinates with the following:
- VA Health Care Clinic – Richmond
1042 Center Drive, Richmond, KY 40475 - Lexington VA Medical Center
1101 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40502 – Full-service VA hospital, about 30 minutes from Richmond - Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) – Field Office
Assistance with claims, pensions, and state-level veteran programs - Madison County Veterans Memorial Park
A community landmark honoring local service members
By working with these trusted resources, we help veterans access both the medical and legal support needed to protect their health and benefits.
About Elder Law Guidance
Elder Law Guidance was founded in 2015 by Scott E. Collins, a U.S. Army veteran and former minister, with a mission to protect families and make sure veterans receive the benefits they have earned. Our roots in military service, ministry, and community work shape how we practice law, with empathy, persistence, and a focus on dignity.
As a VA-accredited law firm, we are qualified to represent veterans in claims and appeals before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We focus on helping veterans in Richmond secure VA disability compensation, VA pension, and related benefits, even when the VA initially says no.
Families often tell us they value our education-first approach. We take the time to explain the differences between VA disability benefits and VA pension, outline what evidence is needed, and make sure veterans understand their options without pressure.
At Elder Law Guidance, our goal is to stand beside veterans with clarity, compassion, and the determination to secure the benefits they deserve.
Schedule a VA Disability Consultation in Richmond, KY
Veterans in Richmond gain an advantage with experienced legal guidance at every stage of the VA disability process. The right support helps secure higher ratings, additional benefits, and back pay that truly reflects the compensation you’ve earned.
At Elder Law Guidance, we bring both legal accreditation and military experience to every case, making sure that your service is honored and your rights are protected.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward securing the VA disability compensation you deserve.
