Skip to Content
Bowman, DePree & Murphy Bowman, DePree & Murphy
Call Us Today! 563-412-4755
Top
Veterans Disability

VA Disability Attorney in Scott County

Help For Veterans Struggling With VA Disability Benefits

If you are a veteran living in or connected to Scott County and your health makes it hard to work, trying to deal with the VA can feel overwhelming. You may be waiting on a decision, wondering why your rating is so low, or holding a denial letter that does not reflect what you live with every day. At Bowman, DePree & Murphy, we help veterans pursue the disability benefits they rely on when service-connected conditions affect their ability to earn a living.

Our firm is based in Davenport and we have focused on disability and veterans claims since 1992. We understand that these benefits are often the difference between paying rent and falling behind, between getting consistent care and putting off treatment. We offer free personal consultations and we work on a no win, no fee basis for legal fees, so you can talk with us about your options without adding to your financial strain.

If your claim has been denied or your rating is too low, our Scott County veterans disability attorney is here to help you appeal. Benefit from our personalized approach and our free consultation. Reach out to Bowman, DePree & Murphy at (563) 412-4755 or through our contact form to start your path to recovery.

Understanding Veterans Disability Laws in Iowa

The legal landscape for veterans in Iowa is shaped by both federal statutes and specific state-level protections. Veterans disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.

It is vital to understand the primary pathways to these benefits:

  • Service-Connected Disability: This is the core of most claims. You must show a "nexus"—a direct link—between your current medical condition and an event, injury, or illness that occurred during your time in uniform.
  • Secondary Service Connection: Many veterans suffer from conditions that were not caused by their service but were caused by a different service-connected disability. For example, if a service-connected knee injury leads to a debilitating back condition, the back condition may qualify for compensation.
  • Presumptive Conditions: For certain veterans, the VA "presumes" that specific illnesses were caused by their service. This is particularly relevant for those exposed to Agent Orange, Gulf War veterans, and those covered under the PACT Act for toxic exposures.
  • Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining "substantially gainful employment," you may be eligible to be paid at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined rating is lower (typically at least 60% for a single disability or 70% combined).

While the VA handles the federal side, Iowa provides additional state-specific benefits, such as the Injured Veterans Grant and the Disabled Veteran Homestead Property Tax Credit, which our Scott County veterans disability attorney can help you integrate into your overall financial plan.

The Scott County Veterans Disability Process

Navigating the process in Davenport and the surrounding areas involves several critical stages:

  • Intent to File: This "placeholder" preserves your effective date while you gather evidence.
  • Formal Application (VA Form 21-526EZ): We assist in filing a "Fully Developed Claim" (FDC), which includes all medical and service records upfront to speed up the decision-making process.
  • Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam: The VA will likely schedule you for a medical examination. This is a pivotal moment; how you describe your symptoms here can determine your rating.
  • Rating Decision: The VA issues a decision. If you disagree with the rating or the denial of a service connection, the clock starts for an appeal.
  • The Appeal Options: Under the Appeals Modernization Act, you have three choices: a Higher-Level Review (a new look at the same evidence), a Supplemental Claim (submitting new and relevant evidence), or a Board Appeal (taking the case to a Veterans Law Judge).

Support For Veterans Facing VA Disability Claims & Appeals

Many veterans reach out to us after months or years of frustration with the VA system. Some are filing a first VA disability claim and want to avoid mistakes that could delay a fair rating. Others already have a rating but believe it is too low for the symptoms they experience. Many have received a denial that does not seem to match their medical records or their service history.

Living with chronic pain, PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, or other service-connected conditions can make it difficult to track forms, deadlines, and legal terms. We work to shoulder as much of that burden as we can. Our attorneys review decision letters, explain what the VA is really saying, and help identify gaps in medical or service evidence that may be hurting the claim.

Every member of our legal team has decades of experience with disability matters, and our combined experience exceeds 60 years. When you work with us, you work directly with an attorney on your veterans disability claim, not just with staff. We take time to understand your service, your conditions, and how those conditions affect your life, then we help present that story in the way the VA needs to see it.

Stay In The Know

  • When Should I Apply for Benefits?
    Unless you have an obvious long-term disability, the best time to apply for Social Security disability benefits is 6-9 months after you stop working.
  • When Do You Suggest I Hire a Lawyer?
    Most claimants wait until their claims are denied on reconsideration before hiring a lawyer. Most observers agree this timing works well because it is at a hearing that having a lawyer truly makes a difference.
  • When Am I Likely to Receive a Hearing?
    It can take up to two years from request until a hearing is held and a decision issued, but the time varies from state to state.



Coordinating VA Disability With Social Security Benefits

Many veterans who cannot work for health reasons pursue both VA disability and Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. These systems are separate, and they look at different questions. 

VA disability generally focuses on how service-connected conditions affect your functioning, while Social Security focuses on whether any combination of conditions prevents you from performing substantial work on a long-term basis.

Our firm handles both VA disability and Social Security Disability claims and appeals, so we can help you think about how these systems interact. We are well acquainted with the Social Security judges who hear cases for residents of Scott County and the surrounding area. 

When a Social Security case goes to a hearing, our familiarity with these judges and with federal court processes can help us prepare clients for what to expect. This combined disability focus allows us to coordinate strategies instead of treating each claim in isolation.

What To Do If Your VA Disability Claim Was Denied

Receiving a VA denial or a lower-than-expected disability rating can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the process. Understanding the decision, knowing your deadlines, and preparing supporting evidence are key steps that can improve your chances on appeal or review. 

Taking a structured approach early helps you present your case effectively and reduces stress during the process.

  • Review the decision letter carefully: The letter explains the VA’s reasoning, what evidence was considered, and what was missing or deemed unpersuasive. Understanding this is the first step to planning a response.
  • Track deadlines: VA rules set strict timeframes to request a higher-level review, file a supplemental claim, or appeal to the Board. Missing deadlines can limit your options, so note them and plan your next steps carefully.
  • Gather supporting records: Collect VA treatment records, private medical records, mental health notes, and statements from people who see how your conditions affect daily life. Organized documentation helps your attorney identify gaps in the VA’s evaluation.
  • Consult an attorney for guidance: A veterans administration attorney can help you understand your options, choose the best appeal route, and present your case clearly, ensuring you are supported throughout the process.

Why Veterans Choose Our Disability Firm In Scott County

Veterans looking for a VA disability lawyer in Scott County have many options, but not all law offices focus on disability work. Since 1992, our firm has limited its practice to Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and Veterans Disability claims and appeals. 

We do not divide our attention among unrelated areas, and this allows us to stay closely attuned to the rules and procedures that shape disability benefits.

Attorney Thad Murphy holds VA Accredited Attorney status and is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates. This reflects ongoing involvement with the community of lawyers who concentrate on veterans benefits. He is also a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, which helps our team stay current on Social Security issues that often overlap with VA claims.

Our attorneys have practiced in this region for decades and have served people in Scott County and nearby counties from our Davenport office since 1992. Over that time, we have become very familiar with the local disability environment.

Working With Our Veterans Benefits Lawyers

Many veterans tell us they worry about being treated like a file number rather than a person. At Bowman, DePree & Murphy, we ensure that you have direct access to an attorney who handles your claim from the start. From your first consultation, you speak with a lawyer experienced in veterans’ disability matters who understands the unique challenges you face.

During your initial meeting, we review your service history, current medical conditions, and any VA or Social Security decisions you have received. We listen carefully to how your disabilities affect work, daily tasks, and personal care. Based on this discussion, we outline potential next steps, whether you are filing a new application, requesting a higher-level review, or navigating an appeal.

Our fees in disability cases are contingency-based, meaning you do not pay unless your claim is successful, following standard VA or Social Security structures. We also offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options and the likely path forward without any upfront costs. 

With decades of experience in Davenport and Scott County, we guide veterans through the often complex disability process with clarity and support.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

See Why We Will Make a Difference for Your Case & Get You the Rights You Deserve.
    "I cannot say enough positive things about having Thad Murphy as my disability lawyer."
    He walked me thru each step of the process and made sure everything was in order and ready for my appeal. I spoke to many different lawyers before I decided to go with Mr. Murphy and I think it was one of the most important decisions I ever made.
    - Tim S.
    "I could never have done it again or been successful without Mr. Murphy's help.& dedication to his clients."
    I tried 10+ years to get my disability only to be told No over and over. I was frustrated, worried, and tired of trying & fighting only to be told NO yet again. A friend told me about Bowman, DePree & Murphy in Davenport. I'd heard the name in pass
    - Charity M.
    "I can now rest my head."
    I just like to thank you Michael Dupree for being my savior which has changed my life for the better unfortunately disability is a part now but thanks to you.
    - Nathaniel L.
    "Great Disability attorney! My decision to work with Mr. Thad Murphy was life changing, at the right time."
    Mr. Murphy was able to get my disability on the first appeal and charged a very fair rate which was under the cap from my settlement of back pay from being off for five years.
    - Benjamin B.
    "I love this place!"
    They helped me out with my disability when I couldn't get it on my own. Thank you so much y'all!
    - Tammy H.
    "I only wish I would have reached out sooner. Fair, Honest, and will work for your Win."
    HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Office!! My case was very complex, and had me exhausted. I had been looking for the right Attorney, and found him right here. Thad Murphy handled my case in an amazing amount of time.
    - Sandra R.
    "Everything you would expect."
    Did a great job with explaining the steps we need to take to secure our future and our children.
    - Amy S.
    "I would recommend him or this office to anyone who needs help!"
    I had the honor to work with Mr. Murphy. He handled my disability case. He is very understanding and is there if you have questions.
    - Amber W.
    "They got my disability for me very quickly."
    So very pleased! I referred 5 friends to them and they got their disability for them as well! Two from Davenport area, and three in Burlington!! GREAT ATTORNEYS!!! I'm still recommending them!
    - Melody L.

Let's Get Started

We’re here to help answer your questions. Judicial matters can be complicated, we will make it easy to understand. We take great pride in using our expertise for you and look forward to hearing from you.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Bowman, DePree & Murphy at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy