How to Qualify For
Veterans Disability Compensation
If you're a veteran with an injury or illness caused by military service, you might qualify for
veterans disability compensation. The process isn't easy.
It is best to send your claims documentation as soon as you are able to. VA requires time to be reviewed and assign an assessment.
Service-Connected Disabilities
The most common service-related disabilities are those that were suffered or worsened through military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries, Lou Gehrig's disease, and mental health issues like PTSD. It also includes recurrent disorders, such as chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments, appliances and other products. These kinds of veterans usually get compensation and other services that include no-cost healthcare as well as prescription drugs.
In order to prove service-connection an individual veteran must provide an evidence-based medical record that clearly links their condition to their time in the military. This usually comes from the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus letters could assist, too.
The VA uses a schedule of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and in what proportion. In general, the higher the disability rating and the higher the disability ratings, the greater benefits are available.
The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran will not be able to pursue any kind of gainful work. If they are rated this high may be eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their spouse with a survivor to receive assistance in daily chores like washing, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and addressing the needs of nature. This includes arranging for transportation as well as making home modifications to make the environment more accessible.
Permanent and Total Disability
A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline for many Veterans. The extra income that comes from a disability check can be very helpful and affordable because it is tax-free. It may not cover your mortgage, but you can buy food for the table and send your kids to college. It could even be the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and a car in the garage.
After a veteran's claim has been accepted by the Regional Office the veteran will be issued an Rating Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability rating to each. In some instances, a single condition is rated as 100 percent, while in other cases multiple conditions are grouped into what's called a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the cumulative effects of all of your conditions prevent you from retaining substantial gainful employment, which is an indefinite designation.
If you have an TDIU rating and you wish to request it be upgraded to a permanent,
veterans total rating by filing an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is an additional benefit that the VA provides to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of an impairment or loss of use of organs or body components. This is a permanent distinction, but the C&P examiner can reduce the score if they decide that your impairment has improved or may be improved in the future.
Disabilities Related to Service
Many veterans suffer from ailments which have a significant effect on their ability to live an active and productive lifestyle. This includes chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help these veterans to offset the financial effects of these ailments that can be severe and lasting.
The VA uses a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefits. The ratings vary from zero and 100% and higher percentages indicating greater levels of disabilities. This rating is based upon many factors, including the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran's life and daily activities.
Veterans may be able to prove the direct connection between their service and their disability in certain instances. If there is proof that the injury or illness occurred during military service, for example, a head injury resulting in trauma or paralysis may be considered an immediate service connection. Some conditions, such as tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary and not directly connected to a veteran's military service.
To claim benefits, veterans should submit as as much medical evidence and other documentation as possible. This can include medical records that are private and service treatment records. With the help of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also expedite the claim process. It is crucial to be as exact as possible when reporting dates of treatment, and to send requested information to the VA as soon as you can.
PTSD
It is possible to have long-lasting effects on your body and mind after trauma. This can result in flashbacks, nightmares, difficulties concentrating at school or at work as well as feelings of fear and horror and a lack of interest in the things you used to love. It could also lead to depression or
veterans anxiety, and could lead to use drugs.
There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track with your life and ease your symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment, such as counseling or talking therapy but medication can also be utilized.
Research on PTSD has shown that it is not just the result of trauma, but can also be caused by changes in the brain's function. It can also be exacerbated by environmental and personal factors such as living in areas of war or having an underlying mental illness.
Mental health problems such as PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove by medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological, or auditory issues. In addition, veterans with debilitating mental health conditions are more likely to receive a disability rating that is 30% or greater than those with other conditions.