OUR MISSION IS TO ENSURE EVERY VETERAN OBTAINS AND MAINTAINS THE VA BENEFITS THEY HAVE EARNED AND DESERVE.

WE STAND BESIDE VETERANS TO ENSURE EVERY CLAIM IS RATED FAIRLY

A veteran’s claim denied, delayed, or underrated is a mission left unfinished. Our Veterans Appeals Division seeks to examine the record, find where the deficiency in an initial claim exists, or perhaps was not reviewed with proper scrutiny, and drive the process until the result matches the truth of the evidence. Our team is grounded in the belief that every veteran has earned our highest and best effort, and we stay engaged until the record and the outcome finally speak the same truth.

YOU HAVE CARRIED THE WEIGHT LONG ENOUGH. LET OUR TEAM TAKE THE BURDEN AND ASSIST YOU IN OBTAINING THE BENEFITS YOU DESERVE

By the time a veteran reaches this stage, the process has already taken its toll – multiple forms, examinations, waiting, and ultimately decisions that seem to leave out the person behind the file. Many arrive here after a denial or a rating that simply does not reflect the reality of the circumstances. This is precisely when the real journey begins. Our team steps in to shoulder the load for the next phase. We seek to clarify what has been missed, to press for what is fair, and to move your matter forward with precision and respect. The review and appeals process can be long, this is why we guide each client through every step with discipline, efficiency, and compassion, always focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the service rendered.

Why Veterans Choose Us

At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, attorney VA accreditation coupled with military service in our background, ensures hyper focus in the handling of benefit appeals nationwide.

What we bring to every case

  • VA accredited attorneys who understand the federal veterans’ benefits system, the regulatory framework, and the evidence standards that drive successful outcomes.
  • A veteran-grounded approach of discipline and precision, focused on presenting the strongest possible record.
  • Nationwide representation for any veteran seeking to correct an underrating, denial, or improperly handled claim.
  • No upfront attorney fees – any fees we earn are only paid if we are successful in securing past-due benefits.
  • A transparent, veteran first process informed not only by years of litigation experience, but also by the perspective earned through prior military service.

What We Handle

  • Pursuing rating increases, including secondary conditions and aggravation.
  • Handling denied claims through Higher-Level Reviews and/or Supplemental Claims.
  • Full representation before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).
  • Assisting veterans with all types of claims and complexity, such as cases involving PTSD, TBI, hearing loss, orthopedic injuries, MST, and other service-related conditions.
  • Where qualifying and applicable, assisting surviving spouses and dependents with Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and related survivor benefits.

Your Veteran’s Journey

  1. Free consultation – We review your service records, medical history, and previous VA decisions
  2. Claim preparation – We gather evidence: service records, medical nexus, lay statements, and compile in an efficient package
  3. Submission & tracking – We file with the VA and monitor the process, ensuring compliance and responsiveness
  4. Decision & follow-up – If you are you’re approved, we stay engaged to protect increases and future reviews. If denied or rated too low, we prepare the appeal and represent you at the BVA or review hearings.

FAQs

Yes. What matters most is whether your condition is service connected, not where you served. Our VA-accredited attorneys represent veterans nationwide, regardless of where your parent unit/station was, we ensure your claim is properly developed and presented, wherever you are located.

Timelines vary based on the complexity of the case and the VA’s workload. While initial claims for benefits can result in decisions in 6 to 12 months, appeals can take longer. We manage expectations, monitor every development, and press the process forward efficiently so you are never left wondering what is happening with your claim.

No attorney fees are charged unless the VA awards you past-due benefits (back pay). Fees are regulated by federal law (38 C.F.R. § 14.636) and are a reasonable percentage of any retroactive award. We also advance most case-related costs and only recover them upon a successful outcome. (38 C.F.R. § 14.637).

We review your complete claim file, identify the reasons for denial or underrating, and build the strongest possible appeal. Depending on your case, we may pursue a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) hearing. Our mission is to ensure your rating reflects the full impact of your service-connected conditions.

Absolutely. Although our attorneys are licensed in to practice law in California and Texas, they are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans in all fifty states and U.S. territories. VA accreditation is federal in scope, allowing us to prepare, present, and prosecute VA benefit claims and appeals nationwide.

No. Most veterans’ benefits cases are handled entirely remotely, by phone, secure email, or video conference. All filings and evidence submissions are completed electronically through the VA’s systems. We ensure every veteran has full access to our team and clear communication at each step, regardless of location.

Take the first step

Schedule your free evaluation now

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Your case is unique, and all VA disability benefits are subject to federal rules.

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, Inc. is a law firm with attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of California and the State of Texas. Brandon Largent is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to represent veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA disability claims and appeals nationwide. VA-accredited representation is authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 5904 and 38 C.F.R. §§ 14.629 – 14.637, allowing our firm to assist clients in all fifty states and U.S. territories.