How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a former soldier suffering from an injury or illness that was caused by military service, then you could qualify for veterans disability compensation. But the process is difficult.

It is best to submit all your documents promptly. VA requires time to be reviewed and give the rating.

Service-Connected Disabilities

The most common service-related disabilities are those that were suffered or worsened through military service. These include physical health conditions such as chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health issues such as PTSD. This includes skin conditions that require frequent VA visits to get special products or appliances. These veterans typically have the right to compensation and services which include free healthcare and prescription drugs.

To prove that a connection to service exists the veteran must present an evidence-based medical record that clearly links their medical condition to their time in the military. This is typically based on service treatment records. However independent medical opinion and nexus letter can also help.

The VA utilizes a list of ratings which is based on Congressional laws to determine which conditions qualify for compensation, and at what percentage. In general the higher the disability rating, the more benefits offered.

The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran will not be able to pursue any kind of lucrative employment. People with a rating this high could be eligible for monthly benefits that are called Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their spouse of surviving receive help with daily chores like washing, dressing or cleaning, eating and attending to the wants of nature. This can include arranging transportation and making changes to the home to make the surroundings more accessible.

Permanent and Total Disabilities

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

After a veteran's claim has been approved at the Regional Office level the veteran is sent the Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's conditions related to service and assigns a rating for each. In some instances it is possible to rate a condition 100%, and multiple conditions may be combined to create a rating called Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a permanent term which means that the combination of your ailments prevent you from maintaining significant gainful employment.

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

Disabilities that are a result of Service

Many veterans suffer from ailments that have a profound impact on their capacity to work or live an active lifestyle, including chronic physical pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans disability lawyers offset the financial impact of these ailments. These conditions can be extremely severe and can last for a long time.

The VA utilizes a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefits. The ratings vary from 0% to percent with higher percentages suggesting greater levels of disability. This rating is based on a number of factors, including the impact the injury or illness affected the veteran's lifestyle and veterans Disability daily activities.

In some instances there are instances where veterans are able to demonstrate direct service connection to their condition. If there is proof that the injury or illness was caused by military service, the head injury that is traumatic or paralysis could be deemed as a direct connection to service. However, some ailments like tinnitus and depression or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions that are not directly related to the veteran's service in the military.

To claim benefits, veterans should provide as many medical and other proof as is possible. This can include private medical records as well as service treatment records. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can help speed up the process of filing claims. It is essential to be as precise as you can when reporting dates of treatment and to forward requested information to the VA as soon as possible.

PTSD

If you've been through a devastating event, it can have lasting effects on your body and mind. This can include flashbacks and nightmares, trouble concentrating at work or school as well as feelings of fear and terror, and a lack of interest in the things you used to enjoy. It can also trigger anxiety or depression and could result in substance abuse especially in teenagers and young adults.

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

Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition is not just caused by trauma but changes in the way your brain works. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental factors like living in war zones or having an history of mental illness.

Mental health issues, such as PTSD are regarded as "high-value" claims by the VA because they are harder to prove with medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological and musculoskeletal, or auditory. veterans disability attorneys suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to be awarded a disability rating above 30% than those who don't.