How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

You may be eligible for compensation if are a veteran who suffered a disability as a result of ill health or an injury that was sustained while serving in the military. The process can be complicated.

It is recommended that you file your claims in the shortest time possible. VA needs time for them to be assessed and to determine the rating.

Disabilities caused by service

Service-connected disabilities are those that were incurred or worsened in military service. They include physical health issues such as chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's disease as well as mental health issues such as PTSD. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for special ointments or appliances. Veterans of this type are usually entitled to compensation and services. This includes free healthcare, prescription medications and other benefits.

To prove that a connection to service exists veterans must have clear medical evidence that links their health condition to their experience in the military. This is usually found in service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters may aid, too.

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

The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran cannot pursue any kind of lucrative work. Those with a rating of this high may qualify for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This helps veterans with a disability or their surviving spouse receive assistance in daily chores like dressing, bathing and feeding, cleaning and taking care of the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation and making changes to the home to make the house more accessible.

Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total

A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline for many Veterans. The extra income earned from a disability check is tax free which makes it affordable and extremely helpful. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but you can buy food for the table and send your kids to college. It can even make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and an automobile in the garage.

After a claim from a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office level, they are mailed an official Rating Decision. It lists their service-related conditions and assigns a disability rating to each. In some cases a single condition is rated as 100 percent, while in other instances, multiple conditions are combined into what's known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. TDIU is the term used to describe the effects of all your ailments prevent you from retaining a substantial amount of work, and is an indefinite designation.

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). The VA offers this benefit to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of an amputation, loss of organs or body part use, or any combination of the two. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner could reduce your rating if they find that your limitations have improved or are likely to be improved in the future.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans suffer from conditions which have a profound impact on their ability to lead an active and productive life. This includes chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans offset the financial impact of these conditions. These conditions can be severe and last for a long time.

The VA utilizes a system for assessing disabilities to determine their severity of the condition and determine the benefit amount. The ratings range between 0% and 100%, with higher percentages denoting greater levels of disabilities. The rating is based on various factors, including the impact the illness or injury impacts the veteran's daily routine and lifestyle.

In some cases, veterans disability attorneys may be able to prove direct service connection to their condition. If evidence exists that the illness or injury was caused by military service, the head injury that is traumatic or paralysis may be considered a direct service connection. Certain conditions, like depression, tinnitus, or anxiety disorders, could be considered secondary conditions, and not directly connected to the service of a veteran.

To be eligible for benefits, veterans should provide as the most medical and other evidence as possible. This could include private records of medical treatment and treatment for service. The support of a County veterans disability law firms Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also accelerate the process of submitting claims. It is vital to make your dates of treatment as accurately as you can, and then send the requested information as quickly as you can to the VA.

PTSD

It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on both your body and mind following an experience that was traumatic. This could include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulties concentrating at work or school in fear of or feeling terrorized and anxiety, and a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger depression or anxiety, and may lead to use drugs.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting back to normal and reduce your symptoms. Most times they require psychological therapies such as counseling or talking therapy. However, medication can also be utilized.

Research on PTSD has shown that it is not just caused by trauma, but also by changes in brain functioning. It may also be aggravated by certain environmental and personal factors, like living in an area of war, or having a family history of mental illness.

Mental health issues like PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove by medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological, or auditory problems. Moreover, veterans who have disabling mental health conditions are much more likely to receive a disability rating that is 30% or greater than those with other conditions.