How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a former soldier suffering from an illness or injury caused by military service, you could qualify for veterans disability compensation. But the process can be complicated.

It is recommended to submit your claims in the shortest time possible. VA requires time for these documents to be evaluated and to give an assessment.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are related to service are those that have been acquired or worsened by military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's disease as well as mental health issues such as PTSD. It also includes recurrent illnesses, such as chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and devices. Veterans of this type are often eligible for compensation and services. This includes no-cost medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.

To prove connection to service Veterans must have medical evidence that links their medical condition to their military service. This typically comes from the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus letters may aid, too.

The VA uses a schedule of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions qualify for compensation, veterans and at what percentage. In general, the higher the disability rating, the more benefits are available.

The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the person who is disabled cannot pursue any kind of lucrative job. If they have a rating this high could be eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This helps veterans with disabilities or their survivor spouse to receive assistance for daily life tasks like dressing, bathing and cleaning, feeding and taking care of the needs of nature. This can include arranging transportation and making home modifications to make the environment more accessible.

Permanent and Total Disability

A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline for many Veterans. The additional income from a disability claim can be extremely helpful and affordable as it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it could provide food on the table and aid children through college. It can make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and an automobile in the garage.

After a veteran's claim has been approved at the Regional Office level after which they are sent the Rating Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran's medical conditions that are related to his service and Veterans assigns a rating to each. In certain instances the condition is rated 100%, while multiple conditions may be combined to give a rating of Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a designation that lasts forever which means that the combination of your ailments prevent you from being able to maintain significant gainful employment.

You can request an upgrade to a permanent rating if you have a TDIU. To request this, you must file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. This is a benefit that the VA provides to veterans who are permanently completely disabled due to amputation or loss of use of organs or body parts. This is an indefinite distinction. However, the C&P Examiner can reduce the rating if your impairments get worse or improve.

Disabilities that are a result of Service

Many veterans disability lawyer suffer from illnesses that have a significant impact on their ability to work or lead an active lifestyle, such as chronic pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans with the financial effects of these conditions, which can be severe and last for a long time.

The VA uses a rating system to determine the severity of disability as well as the amount of benefits. The ratings range between zero and 100 percent with higher percentages representing greater levels of disabilities. The criteria for determining this rating is based on a variety of factors, including the impact the illness or injury impacts the veteran's daily activities and lifestyle.

In certain instances some cases, veterans might be able to show direct service connection to their impairment. If there is evidence that the injury or illness was caused by military service, then a traumatic head injury or paralysis could be considered an immediate service connection. Some conditions, such as tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions and not directly connected to a veteran's military service.

To claim benefits, veterans should provide as as much medical evidence and other documentation as is feasible. This could include medical records that are private and service treatment records. Being able to count on the support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also expedite the claim process. It is crucial to make your dates of treatment as precisely as possible and send the requested information as soon as possible to the VA.

PTSD

If you've experienced a traumatic event, it can leave lasting effects on your body and mind. This can include nightmares and flashbacks. It can also cause problems with concentration at work or school in fear of or feeling terrorized and anxiety, as well as a decline in the interests you used to enjoy. It could also lead to anxiety or depression and could lead to abuse substances.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track with your life and help reduce the symptoms. Most of the time they involve psychological treatments such as counseling or talking therapy. However, medication are also available.

Research on PTSD shows that it is not just a result of trauma, but can also be caused by changes in brain function. It can also be aggravated by certain environmental and personal factors, such as living in a war zone or having an ancestral history of mental illness.

Mental health issues such as PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove using medical evidence than ailments like skin, neurological, or auditory problems. Veterans suffering from mental illness are more likely to receive a disability rating above 30% than those who don't.