Transforming Veteran Support: A Firm's Unwavering Fight for Justice

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – November 14, 2025 – In the intricate landscape of veterans' disability claims, many former service members find themselves battling not just their conditions, but also a complex system often ill-equipped to address the nuanced realities of their sacrifice. A recent feature in USA Today spotlighted Gang & Associates LLC, a law firm carving out a significant path in this challenging field, particularly for veterans grappling with delayed claims and non-combat related injuries.

The firm's work underscores a critical gap in support for those whose health issues manifest years after service or stem from circumstances beyond direct battlefield engagements. Eric Gang, the firm's founder, articulates the poignant reality: "Veterans often push through pain in their twenties, believing they can handle it. By the time they are in their fifties or sixties, the condition has grown into something that can limit their mobility, their work, or their day-to-day stability. By then, the paper trail is thin, and the burden of proof becomes steep."

Navigating the Invisible Wounds of Service

The perception that disability benefits are solely for direct combat injuries is a pervasive misconception that Gang & Associates actively challenges. Many conditions linked to service arise from "routine physical strain, training environments, or exposures that weren't headline moments but still changed someone's health trajectory," as Gang explains. These "invisible wounds" often go unreported during active duty, leading to significant hurdles when veterans seek benefits later in life.

The research corroborates this, highlighting the substantial volume of claims stemming from non-combat related issues. The PACT Act of 2022, for instance, significantly expanded eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances like burn pits and Agent Orange, demonstrating a growing recognition of these service-related health challenges. Over half a million veteran claims have been filed under the PACT Act, addressing conditions from hypertension to various cancers, many of which are now recognized as "presumptive conditions" by the VA. Yet, for many other conditions, the burden of proof remains high, demanding meticulous documentation and expert medical evidence to establish a service connection.

Bridging the Gap: A Unique Advocacy Model

What sets Gang & Associates apart is their proactive approach to overcoming the "steep burden of proof" faced by veterans. A cornerstone of their advocacy model involves funding the costs of essential medical evaluations for their clients. "We fund the cost because without medical experts, many claims simply can't move forward," Gang states. "We take on that risk ourselves so the veteran doesn't have to."

This commitment is particularly impactful given that many veterans, especially those with conditions that have developed over decades, lack the comprehensive medical records needed to substantiate their claims. By fronting these costs, the firm removes a significant financial barrier, enabling veterans to access the expert opinions crucial for a successful claim. This unique strategy embodies the spirit of innovation in advocacy, transforming the accessibility of justice for those who need it most.

Confronting the System: Backlogs and Bureaucracy

The firm's vital work occurs within the broader context of the VA's disability claims system, which, despite recent improvements, continues to present challenges. As of September 2025, the VA disability claims backlog—claims awaiting a decision for over 125 days—stood at 134,009, a substantial reduction from previous highs. The total number of pending claims also saw a significant decrease, with average processing times hovering around 120-180 days. These improvements are attributed to modernization and automation technologies, and record claim processing numbers, partly driven by the PACT Act.

However, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has historically placed the VA's disability compensation program on its High-Risk List, citing issues with timeliness and consistency. While progress has been made, the complexity of individual cases, especially those with thin paper trails or non-standard origins, means that many veterans still find themselves navigating a labyrinthine process. Firms like Gang & Associates step in precisely where these systemic challenges are most acute, providing a specialized layer of advocacy that ensures "delayed claims are not failed claims. They are often incomplete stories waiting for the right evidence and the right backing to be told properly."

A Steadfast Commitment to Those Who Served

Eric Gang, with decades of experience and a track record of precedent-setting cases, has established himself as a foremost advocate for veterans. His firm's dedication is reflected in its strong standing, with licenses in New Jersey and New York, and accreditation to practice before critical veterans' courts. This ensures that veterans receive representation from a firm that is not only dedicated but also deeply qualified.

The firm's mission resonates with the core values of service and commitment. Gang concludes with a powerful statement of purpose: "These veterans gave their strength in their younger years. Our role is to give it back when they need it most. Not with hesitation or conditions, but with the same resolve they showed in service, steady, committed, and unwavering." This unwavering resolve exemplifies the impactful and innovative approach Gang & Associates brings to redefining veteran advocacy, ensuring that no service member's sacrifice goes unrecognized or uncompensated.