How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a vet suffering from an injury or illness that was caused by military service, you could qualify for veterans disability lawyers disability compensation. The process can be a bit complicated.

It is recommended that you submit your claims documents as soon as you are able to. VA needs time to evaluate them and give a rating to your claim.

Service-Connected Disabilities

The most common service-related disabilities are those that were incurred or worsened during military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries or Lou Gehrig's disease, and mental health issues such as PTSD. This includes chronic skin issues that require frequent VA visits to get special products or appliances. These veterans typically are eligible for compensation and benefits, including no-cost healthcare and prescription medications.

To prove service-connection, veterans must have medical evidence that ties their medical condition to their military service. This is usually found in medical records for treatment, but independent medical opinions and nexus letters could assist, too.

The VA uses a schedule of ratings which is based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions qualify for compensation, and in what percentage. In general, the higher the disability ratings the greater the benefits that are available.

The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran cannot pursue any kind of gainful work. If they have a rating this high may qualify for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This helps veterans with a disability or their surviving spouse to receive assistance in everyday activities like dressing, bathing, eating, and cleaning up and attending to nature's needs. This includes organizing transportation and making home adaptations to make the house easier to access.

Permanent and Total Disabilities Permanent and Total

A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline to many Veterans. The additional income derived from the disability check is tax free making it extremely affordable and Veterans Disability very beneficial. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it will help to put food on the table, and also help students through college. It can make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and having a car parked in the garage.

After a claim for a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office after which they will be issued an Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's medical conditions that are related to his service and assigns a rating to each. In some cases one condition is rated 100 percent, while in other cases multiple conditions, they are combined into what's called a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the combined effects of all of your conditions hinder you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative employment, and this is an indefinite designation.

You can request an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you have a TDIU. To request this, you have to file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. The VA provides this benefit to veterans who have been permanently and completely disabled due to an injury, loss of organs or body parts or an amalgamation of both. This is an ongoing distinction. However the C&P Examiner can reduce the rating if your impairments increase or improve.

Disabilities Related to Service

Many veterans disability law firms suffer from illnesses which have a significant effect on their ability to live an active and productive lifestyle. They are afflicted with chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans to offset the financial burdens of these conditions which can be serious and last for a long time.

The VA utilizes an assessment system that rates disabilities to determine the severity of the condition and determine the benefit amount. The ratings range from 0% to percent with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon many factors, including the impact the illness or injury affects the veteran's daily activities as well as lifestyle.

In some instances it is possible for veterans to show direct service connection to their disability. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or a paralysis can be considered to be a direct service connection in the event that there is evidence of the injury or illness occurring during military service. However, some ailments such as tinnitus or anxiety or depression may be considered secondary conditions that are not directly related to the service of a veteran.

Veterans should provide as many medical records and other evidence as they can to be eligible for benefits. This could include personal records of medical treatment and treatment for service. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding up the process of claiming. It is vital to make your dates of treatment as accurately as possible and send the requested information as soon as possible to the VA.

PTSD

It is possible to have lasting effects on your body and mind after an event that is traumatic. It can result in nightmares and veterans disability flashbacks, difficulties concentrating at school or work or at work, feelings of fear and fear, and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause anxiety or depression and can lead you to use drugs.

There are effective treatments available for PTSD. They can assist you in getting back to normal and lessen the symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy however, medications can also be used.

Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition isn't solely caused by trauma, but changes in how your brain works. It can also be aggravated by environmental and personal factors like living in areas of war or having an history of mental illness.

Mental health problems, like PTSD are deemed "high-value" claims by the VA because they are harder to prove with medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Veterans with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to be awarded a disability rating that is higher than 30 percent than those who don't.