Frequently Asked Questions
How much does your company charge
Our fees are directed by the VA. For new claims (issues that have never been presented to the VA before) there is no fee. Per VA regulations, it is illegal to charge for a new claim. For an Appeal (within one year of the last rating decision) and Reopen Claims (more than 1 year after the last decision) we are paid 20% of the one-time retroactive payment (Back Pay). Any fees that we are entitled to are paid directly to Bravo Claims Solutions by the VA. As an example: You are entitled to a retroactive pay of $1000. The VA will send you $800. They will send the other $200 to Bravo Claims.
How do you get paid (VA& Direct)
With the fee agreement in our onboarding packet, the VA will pay us directly. For any additional services such as Independent Medical Opinions, the client will pay us directly. We accept check or money orders. At this time, we do not accept digital payments.
How long does a claim take
The time frame for claims depends on what is filed.
Original Claim: VA Form 21-526ez: these normally take 9 to 12 months. It depends on how long the Department of Defense takes to send all of your service records to the VA.
New Issues before the VA: VA Form 21-526 These usually take about 6 to 9 months.
How long does an appeal take
Appeal: VA Form 20-0995 or 20-0996: These take on average 6-9 months.
Board of Veteran Appeals: VA Form 10182. These claims take an average of 3.5 or 4 years.
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: Average processing is 2 to three years.
Does your company do medical opinions?
Bravo Claims Solutions does not provide medical opinions. However, we do partner with VA Medical Opinions. https://www.vamedicalopinions.com/. They employ doctors experienced in the VA process and subject matter experts to write opinions that meet the VA requirements.
6. Do I need a medical opinion?
This is not a simple question. It depends on your VA File to include previous decisions, exams, and medical records. After your case review, we can identify the need for an opinion.
7. How do I get a medical opinion if I need one?
If you need a medical opinion, we will request a copy of your claims folder from the VA. With your permission, we will reach out to VA Medical Opinions https://www.vamedicalopinions.com/ with your information and the medical opinion that we are requesting. After that opinion is processed, we will get your appeal submitted to the VA.
What if I currently have an Agent. Attorney, or Veteran Service Officer?
If you are currently represented by someone, the process is just like our regular onboarding. Once you sign the new power of attorney, your current representation will be changed to our advocate. If you have fee agreement with that previous Agent or attorney, we will ask you to try and get a waiver of that fee agreement. If the other party refuses, just let us know and we will look for solutions
What does the claims process look like from start to finish?
The process with Bravo Claims begins with Intake where you will provide your information to complete the required paperwork for our Advocate to gain access to your VA File. Once you sign the VA paperwork, we will get it submitted to the VA. Once submitted, it takes between 60 to 90 days for the advocate to get access and review the claims folder.
After the complete review of your folder, the advocate will make a plan on how to move forward with your claim. As we know most veterans want 100%, that is our goal. From this point forward, there is no defined path. Each claim is different. Depending on Grants or denials, each issue is evaluated for appeal. This will continue until you are happy with your rating or we reach the 100% combined rating.
How can I obtain a copy of my VA file?
There are several ways to obtain your VA File:
- Submit a VA Form 3288. Once completed and signed, the average processing time is 12 to 18 months.
- For your DOD records, you can submit a request through Archives.gov. This process will take between 6 and 8 months.
How long does it take after onboarding with Bravo before a plan is developed on my case?
The average time from obtaining access and a complete file review is between 60 and 90 days.
How can you prove you are not a predatory company (Claim Shark)?
The advocates working your claim is independently accredited thro the VA. That gives them access to the VA System to see what is being done or has been done on your case. We also can submit your claims directly to the VA on your behalf. It is illegal for someone to file claims with the VA that are not accredited. Here are the links to Bryan Held and Matt Gump’s accreditation on the VA Office of General Counsel Website.
- Bryan Held:
Click on the link in the Bio - Matt Gump:
Click on the link in the Bio
- Bryan Held:
Do you take clients who have never filed a claim before?
Yes, we will take any veteran at any point of the claims process.
How will I know if you will take my case or not?
We do accept most cases that are presented to us. However there are a few exceptions: Dishonorable Discharge, Barred from VA Benefits. After a complete review, if the advocate identifies any issues that would jeopardize your claim or benefits, your case manager will speak with you and give you an update.
What steps can I take while waiting for the case review?
The biggest thing you can do is get medical treatment. When we are presenting an issue to the VA, we have to prove 3 things: An In-service incident or injury; Current diagnosis of a Chronic Disability; and the link between the two. While the link and in-service event can be found in your records, we will need that current diagnosis of the chronic disability.