A Legacy of Service: Helping Vets Win

Holly Sheriff • November 10, 2025

More Than Just a Date: Why Our Team Fights for Veterans

Happy Veterans Day  banner honoring those who have served for our freedoms

For the team at Best Virtual Paralegal, November 11th is far more than just a federal holiday. Veterans Day is a deeply personal reminder of our "why." It’s a day that reinforces our core mission, a mission born from the personal history of our founder, Holly Sheriff.


Holly’s life is woven into the fabric of military service. Her father, grandfather, and uncle all served our country. This legacy of service extends to many close friends who also wore the uniform. For Holly and the entire Best Virtual Paralegal team, "supporting our troops" isn't a slogan; it's a family value.


Wayne Sheriff, Holly's Father

This profound personal connection is the driving force behind our company's dedication. We see the sacrifices veterans have made, and we also see the immense challenges they face upon returning home—especially when navigating the complex system to get the benefits they earned.



That is precisely why the Best Virtual Paralegal team makes it a priority to help attorneys help vets. We provide the specialized support law firms need to effectively manage VA Disability Claims and Appeals, turning bureaucratic hurdles into successful outcomes for those who served.

The Battle After the Battle: Supporting Lawyers in the VA Claims Process


Attorneys who represent veterans face a monumental task. The VA system is a labyrinth of specific forms, strict deadlines, and high standards of evidence. A single missed deadline or a poorly compiled file can mean a veteran’s claim is denied, delaying critical support.


This is where our team steps in. We act as a force multiplier for attorneys, handling the detailed, time-consuming work that builds a winning claim. Our paralegals understand the unique demands of VA cases and provide targeted support.

Summarize Medical Records: Our team meticulously reviews and summarizes extensive medical histories, translating complex medical jargon into clear, concise evidence that directly supports the claim.


Analyze for Gaps: We analyze all documentation to identify missing information or gaps in evidence that could weaken a case.

Request Crucial Data: Best Virtual Paralegal actively helps lawyers request the specific documentation and data needed to substantiate a claim, from service records to private medical opinions.



Organize Evidence: Our team helps lawyers prepare and submit new, relevant evidence in the proper format, ensuring it meets the VA's stringent requirements.


Navigating the Three Paths of VA Appeals


When a veteran receives an unfavorable decision, the fight isn't over. However, navigating the appeals process requires precision. Our team supports attorneys by helping them understand and prepare the correct documentation for the three main appeal lanes, all of which have specific forms and timeframes.


  1. Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995): This is the path when you have new and relevant evidence to add to the case. Our paralegals help attorneys identify and organize this new evidence to directly address the reason for the initial denial.
  2. Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996): If you believe there was an error in the original decision and want the same evidence reviewed by a more senior specialist, this is the correct lane. We help ensure the file is complete and the argument for review is clear.
  3. Board Appeal (VA Form 10182): This option allows you to appeal directly to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. This is a formal legal process where our detailed file preparation becomes critical.


On Veterans Day, and every day, Best Virtual Paralegal honors the service of Holly's family and all veterans by doing what we do best: providing exceptional paralegal support. We empower attorneys to fight harder and smarter for their veteran clients, ensuring that their legacy of service is honored with the benefits they rightfully deserve.


A friend of Best Virtual Paralegal LLC who has also protected our freedoms by his service.

Are you an attorney or law firm fighting for veterans?

Don't let the paperwork obscure the path to justice for your clients. Best Virtual Paralegal provides the expert, dedicated support you need to build, file, and win complex VA Disability Claims and Appeals.


Contact us today to learn how our specialized paralegal services can strengthen your practice and help you secure the benefits your veteran clients have earned.


Helping Lawyers

Holly A. Sheriff, ASPS, BBA, MSLS, MCC, CCC, PCC, LPC, CPP, is the founder of Best Virtual Paralegal LLC (@BVParalegal) and an award-winning author & speaker. Holly is a seasoned paralegal and certified multifaceted coach with over 30 years of experience. She specializes in empowering legal professionals—attorneys and paralegals alike—to identify gaps and implement fresh strategies for increased productivity, resource leverage, and effective cost control. Holly’s practical insights and engaging publications make her an invaluable resource for anyone aiming to enhance their skills in the legal field.

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Disclaimer

This post is not intended as legal, medical, or military advice. This post is for general information only relating to the specialized services Best Virtual Paralegal LLC (BVP) offers to attorneys under their direct supervision. 



Best Virtual Paralegal LLC (BVP) is not a law firm. If you have come to our offices with a specific legal issue or problem, consider seeking the advice of a licensed attorney of your own choosing.


The Best Virtual Paralegal Team's legal support services are exclusively to licensed U.S. attorneys, whether practicing domestically or in international firms handling U.S. matters. We also offer bookkeeping, career coaching, and consulting for all legal and business professionals, including paralegals and freelance paralegals.