How to Qualify For
Veterans Disability Compensation
If you're a vet suffering from an injury or illness caused by military service, you may qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process can be a bit complicated.
It is recommended to complete all your paperwork in the earliest time possible. VA requires time for these documents to be assessed and to assign an rating.
Service-Connected Disabilities
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, as well as mental health problems such as PTSD. This includes chronic skin issues that require frequent VA visits for specialized products or appliances. These veterans typically get compensation and other services, including no-cost healthcare and prescription drugs.
In order to prove service-connection the veteran must present clear medical evidence that links their medical condition to their time in the military. This is usually found in service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters may help, too.
The VA uses a schedule of ratings basing itself on Congressional laws to determine what conditions qualify for compensation, and in what percentage. Generally, the higher the disability rating is then the more benefits are available.
The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran is unable to pursue any kind of gainful work. Those who are rated this high may be eligible to receive additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their spouse with a survivor to receive assistance in daily tasks like washing, dressing and eating, cleaning up and attending to the wants of nature. This includes organizing transportation as well as making home modifications to make the environment more easily accessible.
Permanent and Total Disabilities
A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline for many Veterans. The extra income that comes from a disability grant can be very helpful and affordable because it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but it can put food on the table and send your children to college. It could be the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and having a car in the garage.
After a veteran's claim has been accepted at the Regional Office level the veteran is sent an Assessment Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability rating to each. In some instances the condition is rated 100%, and multiple conditions could be combined to produce a rating known as Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU means that the combined effects of all your ailments prevent you from retaining a substantial amount of employment, which is a permanent designation.
If you have an TDIU rating you may request it be upgraded to a permanent and complete rating by filing a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA provides this benefit to veterans who have been permanently and completely disabled as a result of an accident, loss of organs or body part use or
Veterans Disability the combination of both. 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.
Disabilities Associated with Service
Many veterans suffer from conditions which have a significant effect on their ability to live an active and productive lifestyle. They are afflicted with chronic pain, mental illness (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans to offset the financial impacts of these conditions which can be serious and long-lasting.
The VA utilizes a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefit amounts. The ratings range from 0% and 100% and higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The rating is based on many factors, including the impact the illness or injury can have on the veteran's daily activities and lifestyle.
In certain instances, veterans may be able to show direct service connection to their condition. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis might be considered to be a direct connection to service when there is evidence of the injury or illness occurring during military service. Some conditions, such as depression, tinnitus, or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary and not directly connected to the service of a veteran.
Veterans must provide as many medical records and other proof as they can to be eligible for benefits. This could include medical records from private sources and service treatment records. A County
veterans disability attorneys Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding the process of filing claims. It is crucial to be as precise as you can when reporting dates of treatment and to submit requested information to the VA promptly.
PTSD
It is possible to have lasting effects on your mind and body after an event that is traumatic. This can include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulties concentrating at school or work, feelings of terror and anxiety, as well as a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger anxiety or depression and can lead you to abuse substances.
There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get your life back on track and decrease your symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as talking therapy or counseling, but medications are also available.
Research on PTSD has shown that the condition is not only caused by trauma but changes in the way that your brain works. It can also be aggravated by certain environmental and personal factors, such as being in an area of war, or having a family history of mental illness.
Mental health problems, like PTSD are deemed "high-value" claims by the VA because they are more difficult to prove using medical evidence, unlike conditions like skin, neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Veterans with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to receive a disability rating above 30% than those with no.