How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a veteran suffering from an injury or illness brought on by military service, then you could qualify for veterans disability compensation. But the process is complex.

It is best to submit your claims documents as soon as you can. VA requires time to be reviewed and assign an rating.

Disabilities caused by service

The most common service-related disabilities are those that were caused or exacerbated by military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries, Lou Gehrig's disease as well as mental health issues like PTSD. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits to get special ointments or appliances. These veterans typically get compensation and other services which include free healthcare and prescription medications.

To prove connection to service, a veteran must have solid medical evidence linking their condition to their time in the military. This typically comes from the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus documents can aid, too.

The VA utilizes a list of ratings basing itself on Congressional laws to determine what conditions qualify for compensation, and at what percentage. In general, the higher the rating for disability is the better the benefits available.

The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran is unable to pursue any kind of gainful job. Those with a rating of this high may qualify for monthly benefits that are called Aid and Attendance. This helps veterans with a disability or their surviving spouse to receive assistance in everyday living tasks such as dressing, bathing, and feeding, cleaning and attending to nature's needs. This includes organizing transportation as well as making home modifications to make the home more easily accessible.

Permanent disabilities that are total

A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline for a lot of Veterans. The additional income derived from an SSD check is tax free, making it very affordable and very beneficial. It may not cover your mortgage, but you can get food on the dinner table and send your children to college. It can mean the difference between poverty and having a home and car.

After a claim from a veteran has been accepted at the Regional Office level the veteran is sent a Rating Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability score to each. In some instances a single condition is rated 100%, while in others multiple conditions, they are combined into what's known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a term that can be used for a long time which means that the combined effect of your ailments prevent you from retaining significant gainful employment.

If you have an TDIU rating You can request it be upgraded to a permanent and total rating by filing a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA offers this benefit to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to an injury, loss of organs or body parts, or any combination of the two. This is an ongoing distinction. However the C&P Examiner may reduce the rating if your impairments improve or could increase.

Disabilities Related to Service

Many veterans are affected by conditions that have a significant impact on their capacity to work or live an active life, including chronic pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans reduce the financial burden of these conditions. These conditions can be severe and last for a long time.

The VA uses a system to rate disabilities to determine their extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings vary from 0% to% and higher percentages indicate higher levels of disability. The rating is based on many factors, including the effect the illness or injury affects the veteran's daily routine and life.

In certain instances there are instances where veterans are able to prove a direct connection to their disability. If there is evidence that the illness or injury was caused by military service, the head injury that is traumatic or paralysis might be considered a direct service connection. Some conditions, such as depression, tinnitus, or anxiety disorders could be considered secondary conditions, and veterans disability not directly connected to the service of a veteran.

To claim benefits, veterans need to submit as many medical and other proof as possible. This could include medical records from private sources and service treatment records. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, Veterans Disability can assist in speeding the claim process. It is essential to be as exact as you can when reporting dates of treatment, and to provide requested information to the VA as soon as possible.

PTSD

If you've had a difficult event, it can leave lasting effects on your mind and body. This can include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulties concentrating at work or school in fear of or feeling terrorized and fear, and decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause anxiety or depression, and could lead to use drugs.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track in your life and help reduce the symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment, such as talking therapy or counseling however, medications are also available.

Research on PTSD has proven that the condition is not only caused by trauma but changes in how your brain works. It can also be aggravated by environmental and personal factors such as living in war zones or having an underlying mental illness.

Mental health issues, like PTSD, are considered "high-value" claims by the VA because they are harder to disprove with medical evidence than conditions such as skin or musculoskeletal issues. Moreover, veterans who have chronic mental health issues are much more likely be awarded a disability rating of 30% or higher than those with other conditions.