How to Qualify For
Veterans Disability Compensation
If you're a former soldier suffering from an injury or illness that was caused by military service, you may qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process can be a bit complicated.
It is recommended to send your claims documentation in the shortest time possible. VA requires time to review them and assign a rating to your situation.
Disabilities related to service
Disabilities that are a result of service are those that were acquired or worsened by military service. Physical health conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's disease and chronic knee injuries, as also mental health issues like PTSD are all included. This includes chronic skin issues that require frequent VA visits for specialized products or appliances. Veterans with this kind of condition are usually qualified for compensation and other services. This includes no-cost medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.
To prove that they have a connection to their service veterans must present medical evidence that ties their medical condition to their military service. This is typically based on service treatment records. However, independent medical opinions and an nexus statement can also help.
The VA utilizes a list 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 rating is and the higher the benefits will be available.
The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran is unable to pursue any kind of lucrative work. Those who are rated this high could be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their spouse of surviving receive assistance in daily chores like dressing, bathing or cleaning, eating and attending to the wants of nature. This includes arranging for transportation and making modifications to the home to make the environment more accessible.
Permanent and Total Disability
For a lot of Veterans the VA determination of disability is a lifeline. The extra income that comes from a disability grant can be very helpful and affordable since it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but it can afford food on the dinner table and send your children to college. It could mean the difference between having a job and having a house and car.
Once a veteran's claim is accepted at the Regional Office level, they are mailed the Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's service-related ailments and assigns a score to each. In certain instances it is possible to rate a condition 100%, and multiple conditions could be combined to give a rating of Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a permanent designation which means that the combination of your ailments prevent you from being able to maintain significant gainful employment.
You can request an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you have a TDIU. To do this, you must file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. This is an additional benefit that the VA pays to veterans who are permanently and completely disabled due to injury or loss of body organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction. However, the C&P Examiner can reduce the rating if your impairments increase or improve.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans suffer from conditions that have a profound impact on their ability to work and live an active lifestyle, such as chronic problems with mental health, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans to offset the financial impacts of these ailments that can be severe and last for a long time.
The VA uses an assessment system that determines the severity of disability and benefit amounts. The ratings range from 0% up to 100 percent, with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon several aspects, including the impact that the injury or illness caused on the veteran's daily life and daily activities.
veterans disability law firm may be able show the direct connection between their service and their disability in certain instances. For example, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis might be considered to be a direct service connection if there is evidence that shows the injury or illness that occurred during military service. However, some ailments like tinnitus and anxiety or depression, might be considered secondary conditions that aren't directly related to the veteran's military service.
To be eligible for benefits, veterans should provide as the most medical and other evidence as is feasible. This could include medical records that are private and service treatment records. A County
veterans disability law firm Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can aid in the speeding up of the claim process. It is vital to provide dates of treatment as accurately as you can, and then send the requested information as fast as possible to the VA.
PTSD
It is possible to experience lasting effects on your mind and body after a traumatic experience. This can include flashbacks and nightmares, difficulty in concentrating at work or school as well as feelings of fear and horror and a lack of interest in things you used to love. It can also lead to depression or anxiety and can cause substance abuse, especially in teenagers and young adults.
There are effective treatments available for PTSD. They can assist you in getting your life back on track and help reduce the symptoms. Most times they require psychological therapies like counseling or talk therapy. However, medication are also used.
Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition is not solely caused by trauma, but changes in the way that your brain works. It could also be caused by certain environmental and personal factors, like living in the midst of war or having a family history of mental illness.
Mental health problems, like PTSD, are considered "high-value" claims by the VA because they are more difficult to disprove with medical evidence than conditions such as neurological, skin or musculoskeletal disorders. Veterans suffering from mental illness are more likely to be awarded an impairment rating of more than 30% than those who don't.