What Is
Veterans Disability Compensation?
The Department of
veterans disability attorneys Affairs (VA) awards compensation based on the severity of your service-connected disability or impairment. VA Regional Offices examine the records of treatment and medical records, and other relevant information.
Some severe injuries, such as loss of a leg, blindness both eyes or being bedridden are able to receive higher compensation. These are referred to as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
Eligibility
VA disability compensation is a tax-free financial benefit given to eligible
veterans disability lawsuits, spouses, and children. The benefit is determined by the condition of the veteran's body and the degree of their disability based on the schedule set by Congress.
A person can receive benefits if they have an illness, injury or event which has caused or aggravated the medical condition that is related to service. You may be eligible for disability compensation even if you already have a condition, but it must be proved that the injury, illness or event took place in service.
The severity of the condition is calculated by a percentage. This is used to determine how much a patient will receive each month. This rating is based on an internal review of an array of treatment records, VA and private medical records associated with the condition.
The rating system also takes into account whether or not the person is unable perform "substantially profitable" employment. It is important that you remain in contact with the VA regarding any tests they require, and also that you attend the exams promptly. Failure to do this could negatively impact your case.
Benefits
Typically, veterans who are service-connected for ailments that affect their daily functioning can receive compensation payments to help offset their loss. These are tax-free financial benefits.
The amount you receive will depend on the degree of your disability. You can be compensated in the event of a single disability, or multiple disabilities. If you suffer from multiple disabilities your rates are grouped with a formula that takes into consideration each condition.
You could be eligible for additional benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Special Monthly Compensation. DIC is paid to spouses, children, or parents of deceased veterans who died on active duty or in training, or due to an injury that was caused by service. SMC is paid to disabled veterans and their children and spouses according to the need for aid and attendance.
The SHA grant program offers financial assistance to help disabled veterans adjust their homes to ensure continued treatment and accessibility. This includes modifying their current house or purchasing a home that has been designed to accommodate their disabilities. This is a federally-funded program that does not require an VA or SSI/SSDI approval.
Rates
Based on the extent of your illness or injury The VA may award you between zero and 100 percent disability compensation. This compensation is designed to provide you with a financial incentive for the period the disability keeps you from working and does not include benefits like dependent's allowance, that are available separately.
To determine your disability rating, the VA assesses your current condition and evidence of a link between your service-related illness or injury and your current health condition. They employ a scale to evaluate disabilities. Each one is assigned a percentage of how well you would be if not for the disabling condition. If your medical condition was assessed as a 10% disability, your total rating would be 10% of 100%.
The rates for compensation are reviewed every year. The VA increases its compensation each year to reflect the increase in Social Security cost of living adjustments. These adjustments are tax-free and linked to the amount veterans receive in compensation for an illness that is connected to service. The chart of the 2023 disability rate shows monthly compensation amounts determined by your disability level and household size, as well as the breakdown of dependents.
Requirements
If you've been injured or was sick during active duty, you could be eligible for disability compensation. This includes conditions like tinnitus, which developed due to exposure to gunfire, or the loss of limbs as a result of an IED explosion. Spouses and children of veterans could also be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if they die from causes related to their service.
To qualify for these benefits, you must meet the medical nexus requirements. For example, if you suffered a ankle injury during boot camp and it has been bothering you since then, you could have a disability that has the medical nexus requirements.
You must be a former veteran with an official discharge. It must not be dishonorable. A discharge that is based on willful misconduct will bar you from receiving benefits, however most other types of discharges permit you to claim veterans compensation. Additionally, you must be suffering from a disability that impacts your ability to maintain a gainful employment.
Timeframe
The VA must determine whether a claimant's medical condition is in accordance with the requirements for disability benefits with a connection to service before it is able to pay compensation. This process takes time because the VA reviews and compiles evidence from various sources. This includes testimony from family members and friends regarding the impact that disability has on the claimant's capacity to work and live as well as opinions from medical experts.
Depending on how severe the medical condition is it could take VA months to establish that there is a connection between the disability and military service. It may take longer to schedule and conduct a physical evaluation or Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam when the claim is complicated.
It is vital that claimants provide all requested evidence as quickly as they can. This aids in speeding the process of making a decision. If the VA determines that a claimant is eligible for disability benefits a Rating Decision will be mailed to them. This includes the list of their service-connected disabilities and a rating, and also an effective date. Veterans are not eligible for monthly disability checks for several months.