How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

You may be eligible for compensation if are a veteran who has suffered a disability due to illness or injury sustained during military service. The process can be complex.

It is recommended to submit all your documents promptly. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your condition.

Disabilities related to service

The most common service-related disabilities are those that have been caused or exacerbated by military service. These include physical health conditions such as chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's Disease, and mental health issues such as PTSD. Also, it includes recurring disorders, such as chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments, appliances and other products. Veterans with this kind of condition are usually eligible for compensation and benefits. This includes free medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.

To prove connection to service veterans must provide medical evidence that links their condition to their military service. This is usually found in service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus documents can help, too.

The VA uses a rating scale that is based on Congressional law to determine which conditions are suitable for benefits and at what percentage. In general, the higher the disability rating and the higher the benefits will be available.

A 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest level that can be achieved rating, which means that a disabled veteran cannot pursue any kind of gainful employment. Those with a rating of this high may qualify for additional monthly benefits called Aid and Attendance. This is a way for veterans with a disability or their surviving spouse to receive assistance for daily activities like washing, dressing, eating, cleaning and attending to nature's needs. This includes organizing transportation as well as making home modifications to make the home more accessible.

Permanent and Total Disabilities

For a lot of veterans disability lawyers the VA determination of disability is a lifeline. The extra income that comes from a disability determination is extremely beneficial and affordable, as 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 aid kids through college. It can be the difference between poverty and having a house and a car.

After a veteran's claim been accepted by the Regional Office the veteran will be issued an Rating Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran's service-related conditions and assigns a score to each. In some cases one condition is rated 100 percent, while in other instances, multiple conditions are combined into what's called a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a permanent designation that means the cumulative effect of your condition prevent you from retaining substantially gainful employment.

If you have an TDIU rating and you wish to request it be upgraded to a permanent and complete rating by filing an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is a bonus benefit that the VA provides 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 may reduce the rating in the event that your impairments get worse or increase.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans are suffering from conditions which have a profound impact on their ability to lead an active and productive lifestyle. These include chronic pain, mental issues (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans disability attorneys with the financial burdens of these conditions which can be serious and lasting.

The VA uses a system for assessing disabilities to determine their severity and determine benefit amounts. The ratings vary from zero and 100 percent, with higher percentages denoting higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon many factors, including the impact that the injury or illness affected the veteran's lifestyle and daily activities.

Veterans may be able show a direct service connection with their disability in some cases. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis might be considered a direct service connection if there is evidence of the illness or injury occurring during military service. However, some conditions, like tinnitus and depression or anxiety disorders, might be considered secondary conditions that are not directly related to the veteran's service in the military.

To be eligible for benefits, veterans must submit as as much medical evidence and other documentation as possible. This can include private records of medical treatment and treatments for service. A County veterans disability law Firms Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding the process of claiming. It is important to be as precise as you can when reporting dates of treatment and to provide requested information to the VA promptly.

PTSD

If you've experienced a traumatic event, it may have lasting effects on your mind and body. It can cause flashbacks and nightmares, difficulty in concentrating at work or school or at school, feelings of anxiety and horror and a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It could also lead to anxiety or depression, and may lead to abuse substances.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track in your life and ease your symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy, but medications can also be used.

Research on PTSD indicates that it is not just the result of trauma, but also due to changes in the brain's function. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental factors such as living in conflict zones or having an underlying mental illness.

Mental health issues like PTSD are considered "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove using medical evidence than ailments like neurological, skin or auditory issues. Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to be awarded a disability rating that is higher than 30% than those with no.