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 might qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process isn't easy.

It's best to file your claims as quickly as possible. VA requires time to review them and assign a rating to your condition.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Service-related disabilities are those that resulted from or aggravated by military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries or Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health issues such as PTSD. Also, it includes recurring disorders, such as chronic skin conditions, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and devices. These kinds of veterans usually get compensation and other services which include free healthcare and prescription medications.

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 found in service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters can aid, too.

The VA uses a rating schedule which is based on Congressional law to determine what conditions are suitable for compensation and at what percentage. In general the higher the disability ratings, the more benefits offered.

The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the person who is disabled cannot pursue any kind of gainful work. The people who are rated as high may be eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans disability lawsuits or their spouse who is surviving to receive assistance with daily tasks like washing, dressing or cleaning, eating and attending to the wants of nature. This includes arranging transportation and making home modifications to make the environment more accessible.

Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total

For many Veterans the VA determination of disability is an essential lifeline. The additional income from a disability grant can be extremely helpful and affordable because it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but you can get food on the dinner table and send your children 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 veteran's claim has been approved at the Regional Office after which they will receive an Rating Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability rating to each. In some cases a single condition is evaluated at 100 percent, whereas in other cases, multiple conditions, they are combined into what's known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the cumulative effects of all your conditions hinder you from retaining a substantial amount of employment, which is an ongoing designation.

If you have a TDIU rating You can 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 are completely and permanently disabled as a result of an accident, loss of organs or body parts or any combination of the two. This is a permanent distinction, but the C&P examiner could reduce your rating if they determine your impairment has improved or may improve in the future.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans suffer from ailments which have a significant effect on their ability to live an active or productive life. These include chronic pain, mental health issues (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans to offset the financial burdens of these conditions which can be devastating and lasting.

The VA utilizes a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefit amounts. The ratings range from zero and 100 percent with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. This rating is based on a number of aspects, including the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran's lifestyle and daily activities.

In some cases some cases, veterans might be able to prove direct service connection to their disability. For example, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis might be considered direct service connection if there is evidence that shows the injury or illness occurring during military service. However, some conditions like tinnitus and anxiety disorders or depression, might be considered secondary conditions that are not directly connected to the veteran's service in the military.

Veterans should submit as many medical records as well as other proof as is possible to claim benefits. This could include private medical records as well as service treatment records. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding the process of filing claims. It is important to be as accurate as you can when reporting dates of treatment, and to forward requested information to the VA as soon as possible.

PTSD

It is possible to have lasting effects on your body and mind after an experience that was traumatic. This can include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at work or school or at work, feelings of fear and fear, and a decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause anxiety or depression, and may cause you to abuse substances.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting back in the right direction and help reduce the symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy but medicines can also be utilized.

Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition is not only caused by trauma but changes in the way that your brain functions. It may also be aggravated by certain environmental and personal factors, such as living in an area of war, or having a family history of mental illness.

Mental health issues, like PTSD are regarded as "high-value" claims by the VA because they are harder to disprove with medical evidence than conditions such as neurological, skin or musculoskeletal disorders. Veterans with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to receive a disability rating that is higher than 30 percent than those with no.