Brandon Legal Group,
VA Benefits

You have served your country and are entitled to many benefits as a result of your service. We will help you obtain the benefits you deserve.

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Our Promise

Providing enthusiastic legal counsel with confidence, integrity, and compassion.

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Vigorous client representation has been our guiding principle since our start in Brandon in 2008. Our entire mission is built around one thing, protecting our clients' interests’ legally in Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida. From Divorce & Family Law to Criminal Defense and from Business & Civil Litigation to Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation, our team of experienced trial attorneys are ready to protect you.

Our attorneys work diligently to ensure your case is handled with the utmost care and respect for your time and of course, your wallet. We truly believe that each client deserves the highest quality representation possible, and we provide personal attention at each stage of the legal process.

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Change in Disability Rating

If you have already received a rating from the VA, we can assist you with a review of your current condition to determine if applying for an increase is warranted.

Establishing Disability

If you were in active service and received an honorable discharge and you have a medical condition that began or was worsened during your service, we can assist you in applying for VA Disability benefits.

Free Case Review

We always offer a free consultation for our veterans. This includes a comprehensive review of your service connected eligibility for benefits from the VA.

Some matters in Criminal, DUI, Bankruptcy, Estate planning, Personal Injury, VA Benefits, and Workers' Compensation may be referred to an outside attorney

BRANDON LEGAL GROUP, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED (813) 902-3576

Listen To What Our Clients Say…

Because It’s Our Clients That Matter Most

Brandon Legal Group Client Recommendations

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We’ll review your situation with you and provide a quote for the services you need and
only the services you need.

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Establishing Disability

Disability compensation is the monthly monetary benefit payable for service connected disabilities. Compensation rates are not income-based or asset-based and are not subject to federal or state income tax. Disability compensation is paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The disability ratings range from 0% to 100%. The ratings are in increments of 10, such as 10%, 20% and so forth up to 100%.

With the 0% rating, the VA acknowledges that the veteran’s disability is service connected, but nothing will be paid to the disabled veteran because the VA has determined that the disability is not severe enough that they are entitled to monetary benefits. This is called a non-compensable 0% rating.

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Free Case Review

Here at BLG we will review your VA application free of charge. We will notify you of any errors or emissions we see. We do not collect a fee on any VA benefit case unless a notice of disagreement is filed with the VA and you receive additional benefits following the ruling.

Change in Disability Rating

Disability ratings are not fixed numbers. Illnesses, and injuries may become worse with age and your disability rating can increase due to this worsening. If your condition has worsened, you can file for a reconsideration of your rating and request that it be increased.

Disability ratings can provide you with monthly benefits and allow waiver of certain fees for your mortgage. Increasing a 0% rating to a 10% rating gives you the waiver of the VA funding fee on your mortgage.

Case Study: Because legal issues rarely stand their own

A client of ours, a veteran, is currently disabled with service connected PTSD.

As a result of the PTSD, he is depressed, and is inactive.

The inactivity caused our client to become obese and develop diabetes

Our VA Client is seeking an increase in his disability rating, alleging that his diagnosis of diabetes is caused by his PTSD.

By filing the appropriate forms with the VA and providing the evidence to support the increase, we can assist them in getting the medical attention they have earned.

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Discover how Brandon Legal Group can put your mind at ease

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Debunking Attorney Myths

It's too expensive to call an attorney.

At Brandon Legal Group, your initial consultation is free. Personal Injury cases are offered on a contingency fee basis meaning there are no out of pocket expenses unless there is a financial recovery in your favor. In other matters, if you think an attorney representing you is too expensive, imagine living without seeing your children or spending the next 10 years in prison…

Having an attorney makes you look guilty.

You may be great at a lot of things, but when is the last time you were lead counsel in a criminal matter? Every individual has a constitutional right to experienced legal counsel no matter the magnitude of the matter. In many instances, the Court may prefer working with experienced Counsel rather than a layman as all litigating parties will be held to the same legal standard and process.

Lawyers just complicate the process.

Experienced attorneys should foresee pitfalls in your case and reduce the chances of last-second surprises that delay or disrupt the finalization of your legal matter. Attorneys know the process, know the nuances of varying judges courtrooms, and can provide you with the proper resources to make the best decisions in your matter.

WHO WE ARE

Full service law firm serving the greater Brandon and Tampa area.

When you place your legal matter in the hands of our experienced Brandon Legal Group attorneys, you are placing it in the hands of professionals with over 40 years of experience committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Litigation can be stressful and full of uncertainty. We pride ourselves on providing enthusiastic legal counsel with confidence, integrity, and compassion. Our attorneys are committed to providing you with unmatched support and attention. We will listen carefully to your concerns, answer all of your questions, and work with you to help overcome any obstacles. We will aggressively represent your rights and best interests through each step of your case so that you receive the best possible legal outcome.

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Brandon Legal Group

The Right Attorneys For You.

Get advice and insights from our team of experienced attorneys.

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Brandon Legal Group - Service Overview
We've Got You Covered

Family Law & Divorce

Personal Injury

Mediation

BUI/DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

Estate Planning

Business & Civil Litigation

Bankruptcy

Workers' Compensation

Veterans Benefits

Ingrid Hooglander

In 2008 after gaining years of experience under the watchful eyes of her predecessors, Ms. Hooglander opened her own private practice that has grown into what Brandon Legal Group is today.

Her weight lifting and Kick Boxing training contribute to a reputation as a "force of nature" in both her personal life and her presence in the court room.

Luke Mattson

Mr. Mattson found his niche in family law and has focused his practice in that area since 2000. In particular, Luke often handles matters involving divorce, timesharing, parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, and civil domestic violence.

Mr. Mattson might look like he’s all business, but you'd be surprised to discover the incredible fun loving attitude he brings to the practice. When outside the courtroom, Mr. Mattson can often be found watching Lightning games or riding his bike around downtown Tampa.

Brandon Legal Group Client Reviews Are Saying About Us:

Brandon Lawyer Review Brandon Legal Group

Ingrid is a gifted attorney with significant subject matter experience in family law matters. She has a ton of experience and is an expert in this practice area. She is a hard worker and puts clients first. She is able to gain exceptional results for her clients. Without hesitation I endorse Ingrid.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What disability rating am I entitled to?

Your disability rating depends on the conditions you are claiming and your medical records.

How long do I have to serve to be eligible for VA benefits?

As long as you served a day and received any thing other than a dishonorable discharge you have met the first criteria of eligibility.

Legal Questions Answered Brandon Legal Group

Does the disability have to have happened during my service?

This is not a requirement. There are numerous factors that determine if the disability is ratable and service connected.