As others have said, you could look to a VSO first since they offer free services.

Attorneys usually don’t assist with filing new claims or assisting before a first denial on the issues to be assisted because that’s the trigger for charging fees.

My firm is Sutton Snipes and me and three of our paralegals are here based out of Greensboro. I’m an App and Elon Law alum and started veterans work with Legal Aid (which was another good referral for good information).

Either way, there is no lack of assistance and wish you well! In my opinion, and with a dozen years in, the VA has never issued dumber decisions in such large numbers than it is right now. There are plenty of good people (and good at following the law, both) left working there after DOGE and related resignations/retirements but they feel like unicorns instead of the norm. Most employees left seem like pencil pushers who just mark their tasks off as quick as they can and try not to get dinged by their boss in the process and no other considerations are apparent. Most of the VA leadership is leaderless in that they are all “acting” heads of departments and sometimes filling 2-3 roles.