How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a vet suffering from an injury or illness brought on by military service, you could qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process can be complex.

It is recommended that you submit all your documents as soon as possible. VA requires time for these documents to be assessed and to determine a rating.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are related to service are those that were suffered or worsened through military service. These include physical health conditions like chronic knee injuries or Lou Gehrig's Disease, and mental health problems such as PTSD. This includes chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for special devices or ointments. These kinds of veterans usually are eligible for compensation and benefits, including no-cost healthcare and prescription medications.

To prove that a connection to service exists an individual veteran must provide an evidence-based medical record that clearly links their condition to their time in the military. This is typically dependent on the records of treatment for service. However independent medical opinion and the nexus letter may also be helpful.

The VA uses a schedule of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine which conditions are eligible for compensation and at what percentage. Generally, the higher the disability rating is higher, the greater benefits are available.

The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran cannot seek any kind of a lucrative work. Those who are rated this high may be eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their spouse of surviving receive assistance with daily tasks like washing, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and attending to the wants of nature. This includes arranging transportation as well as making home modifications to make the environment easier to access.

Disabilities that are permanent and total

A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline to many Veterans. The additional income from a disability determination is extremely beneficial and affordable since it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but you can afford food on the dinner table and send your kids to college. It could mean the difference between having a house and car.

After a veteran's claim been approved at the Regional Office and they have been approved, they will receive an Rating Decision. The document lists their service-connected ailments and assigns a disability score to each. In some cases one condition is rated as 100 percent, whereas in other cases, multiple conditions are combined into what's called a Total Disabled Independent Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU signifies that the combined effects of all your ailments hinder you from maintaining substantially gainful work, and is a permanent designation.

If you have a TDIU rating and you wish to request it be upgraded to a permanent, total rating by filing a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is an additional benefit that the VA offers to veterans who are permanently 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 score if they decide that your impairments have improved or could improve in the near future.

Service-Related Disabilities

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

The VA utilizes an assessment system for disabilities to determine their severity of the condition and determine the benefit amount. The ratings range from 0% up to 100 percent with higher percentages suggesting higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon various factors, such as the impact the injury or illness affected the veteran's lifestyle and daily activities.

In certain instances there are instances where veterans are able to demonstrate direct service connection to their disability. For example, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis might be considered to be a direct connection to service in the event that there is evidence of the injury or illness that occurred during military service. However, certain conditions such as tinnitus or anxiety disorders or depression, might be considered secondary conditions that aren't directly connected to the veteran's military service.

To be eligible for benefits, veterans should submit as many medical and other proof as is feasible. This could include private records of medical treatment and treatment for Veterans Disability service. The support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also expedite the claim process. It is important to be as precise as possible when reporting dates of treatment, and to provide requested information to the VA in the earliest time possible.

PTSD

It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on both your mind and body after an experience that was traumatic. It can cause flashbacks and nightmares, trouble concentrating at work or school fears or horror, as well as a lack of interest in activities you used to love. It could also lead to depression or Veterans disability anxiety, and may lead to use drugs.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back in the right direction and reduce your symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment, such as counseling or talking therapy but medication are also available.

Research on PTSD suggests that it's not only caused by trauma, but can also be caused by changes in the brain's functioning. It can also be aggravated due to personal and environmental factors like living in the war zone or having an underlying mental illness.

Mental health issues such as PTSD are regarded as "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove by medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological, or auditory problems. veterans disability lawyers with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to receive a disability rating of 30 percent than those without.