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ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI VETERANS’ BENEFITS LAWYERS

At Cofman Townsley, we’re grateful for the service and dedication of military veterans. And while your service is supposed to qualify you for a wide variety of benefits, the Veterans Administration (VA) often reduces or denies claims from veterans like you all across Missouri and Southern Illinois.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

How to Know if You Qualify for Veterans’ Disability Benefits in St. Louis

According to a recent census, close to 45,000 veterans live in St. Louis County alone. For many, navigating the VA disability system can feel overwhelming—especially when already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a service-related condition.

At Cofman Townsley, we believe Missouri and Southern Illinois veterans deserve clear answers, personal support, and an advocate who truly cares. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for VA disability benefits, understanding the basic eligibility requirements is the first step.

To receive VA disability compensation, you must be able to show a service connection for your condition. This typically requires three key elements:

A Current, Diagnosed Medical Condition

You must have a medical diagnosis from a healthcare professional. This can include physical injuries, chronic illnesses, mental health disorders such as PTSD or anxiety, or conditions that developed or worsened after service. VA does not award benefits without clear medical documentation of a current disability.

An In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness

Next, you must show that something happened during your military service that led to your current condition. This could include an injury in training, exposure to hazardous substances, combat-related trauma, or worsening of a pre-existing condition. Veterans often use service medical records, duty logs, deployment notes, and personal statements to prove this element.

A Medical Nexus Linking the Two

Finally, you must provide medical evidence connecting your diagnosed condition to the in-service event. Often, this comes in the form of a doctor’s opinion or VA examiner’s findings. This “nexus” is one of the most important and most commonly disputed parts of a VA claim.

What Happens After You File?

Once you submit your claim, the VA may schedule you for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam helps the VA understand the severity of your condition and its connection to your service. Missing the exam can result in a denial, so it’s important to attend or reschedule if needed.

After reviewing all medical evidence, statements, and examination results, the VA will issue a decision. If your claim is denied or if you believe the rating is too low, you have the right to appeal.

Why Veterans Turn to Cofman Townsley

We know how much is at stake for the veterans in our community. For more than 50 years, Cofman Townsley has stood beside injured and disabled clients in St. Louis, throughout Missouri, and across Southern Illinois.

Our team understands how difficult it is to fight through the VA system alone, especially when you’re already dealing with pain, loss of income, or uncertainty about the future.

When you come to us, you’re not just another file; you’re a neighbor, a fellow Missourian, and someone who deserves respect and personal attention. We take the time to understand your story, gather supportive evidence, and guide you through each step so you can pursue the benefits you earned through your service.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for VA disability benefits or if you’ve already been denied, contact Cofman Townsley for a free case review. We’re here to help you find answers.

Types of Veterans’ Benefits

There are several types of veterans’ benefits you or your loved ones may be able to receive, such as:

  • Education Assistance
    The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act—also known as the G.I. Bill—may provide you with tuition assistance, job training, and career assessment options. Veterans are eligible for the G.I. Bill if they completed high school and received fully honorable discharges from the military.
  • Home Loans and Grants
    The VA provides home loans at reduced rates for veterans who served at least six years in the military reserve/National Guard or a certain number of days on active duty. In addition, you or your loved one may be eligible for housing grants if you have service-related disabilities.
  • Disability Compensation
    If you or your loved one was injured in the line of duty, you may qualify for disability compensation. The amount you can receive depends on the severity of your injury and how much it affects your ability to work.

Veterans and their families may also be approved for other benefits, like insurance, burial benefits, survivor benefits programs, and more. The veterans’ benefits lawyers at Cofman Townsley are here to help you file or appeal a claim for the benefits your family is owed.

What You Need to File for VA Disability Benefits

Filing for VA disability benefits can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re coping with a serious injury or illness. At Cofman Townsley, our goal is to make this process less overwhelming by helping veterans understand what they’ll need before submitting a claim. The stronger and more complete your evidence is, the better your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

Below are the key types of documentation that can strengthen your VA disability claim:

Private Medical Records

If you’ve been treated by civilian doctors, specialists, or hospitals, these records are incredibly important. They should clearly show your diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and how your condition impacts your daily life. The VA relies on this evidence to understand the full picture. In other words, they’re looking at not just the injury, but the lasting effects.

VA Medical Records

Your medical records from VA healthcare facilities also provide critical support. These documents show how your condition has progressed over time, any ongoing treatment you’re receiving, and whether your disability is consistent with service-related injuries or illnesses.

Service Records

To establish that your disability is connected to your military service, you’ll need documentation showing what happened during your time in uniform. This can include service treatment records, duty assignments, deployment histories, incident reports, or records of exposure to hazardous conditions. These records help build the bridge between your time in service and the challenges you’re facing today.

Statements From People Who Know You

Sometimes, the people closest to you can shed light on the impact your disability has had. Personal statements from you, your spouse, family, friends, or fellow service members can describe changes in your physical abilities, emotional well-being, or daily functioning. These firsthand accounts help the VA understand the real-world effects of your condition beyond what shows up on paper.

Why This Evidence Matters

Submitting thorough, well-organized evidence is key. It not only helps prove your disability is connected to your service but also helps the VA understand the severity of your condition. A strong claim can mean the difference between a denial and the benefits you’ve earned.

At Cofman Townsley, we know how overwhelming this process can feel. With more than 50 years of serving communities across Missouri and Southern Illinois, our team is committed to offering the personal attention and respectful guidance every veteran deserves. If you need help gathering evidence, understanding what the VA is looking for, or appealing an unfair decision, we’re here to stand by you.

How Veterans Can Apply for VA Benefits in St. Louis

If you’re a veteran seeking disability benefits, health care support, or compensation for service-related injuries, the VA gives you several ways to file a claim. At Cofman Townsley, we encourage veterans to choose the method that gets their claim submitted quickly and accurately. The sooner your claim is filed, the sooner you can get the care and support you deserve.

Your Options for Filing a VA Claim

1. File Online Through VA.gov
The fastest and most efficient way to file is through the VA’s secure online portal. Submitting a claim electronically reduces delays, eliminates the risk of lost paperwork, and gives you instant confirmation that your claim was received. You can also track your status in real time, which helps you stay informed throughout the process.

2. File Through a VA-Accredited Representative
Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) and other accredited representatives can help you prepare, organize, and submit your claim. These professionals understand the VA system and can ensure your application is complete and supported by the right documentation.

3. File In Person at Your Local VA Regional Office
Veterans can visit their nearest VA office and file a claim directly with staff who can answer questions, verify documents, and guide you through the necessary steps.

4. File by Mail
If preferred, you can send your completed forms and supporting evidence to the VA’s intake center:

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER

PO BOX 4444

JANESVILLE, WI 53547-4444

How Cofman Townsley Can Help During the Process

Whether you choose to file online, in person, or with a representative, Cofman Townsley can ensure your claim starts on solid ground. We help veterans:

  • Gather and organize medical evidence
  • Understand what documentation strengthens a disability or injury claim
  • Avoid common paperwork errors that delay benefits
  • Coordinate with medical providers and VA-accredited representatives
  • Protect their rights if their injury resulted from negligence or an accident

The claims process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Cofman Townsley is here to support you every step of the way, from filing to follow-through.

Where Veterans Should Go in St. Louis for Medical Care

If you’re a veteran in the St. Louis area, getting appropriate and timely medical care is especially important, whether you’re dealing with an injury from civilian life, a service-related condition, or new health complications.

Cofman Townsley encourages every veteran to seek care immediately and understand the care network available. Below are some of the top places for veterans to receive high-quality medical attention in St. Louis.

Top Medical Providers in St. Louis for Veterans

These facilities together make up a comprehensive health care network — from urgent care and emergency services to ongoing specialty care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.

Veterans’ Benefits Law Firm Serving Missouri and Illinois

When you need veterans’ benefits, you need a law firm that cares about veterans. If you, your husband, wife, child, or other loved one served in the military and didn’t get the benefits he or she earned, we want to help. Our Missouri and Illinois veterans’ benefits lawyers will stand up to the VA and fight for your rights. Dial (314) 499-1190 or complete our free online form.