How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a veteran with an illness or injury caused by military service, you might be eligible for compensation for veterans disability attorney' disability. The process can be complex.

It is best to file your claims in the shortest time possible. VA requires time to be reviewed and assign the rating.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are related to service are those that were incurred or worsened during military service. Physical health issues like Lou Gehrig's Disease and chronic knee injuries, as well mental health issues such as PTSD are also included. This includes skin conditions that require frequent VA visits to get special ointments or appliances. Veterans of this type are usually qualified for compensation and other services. This includes free healthcare, prescription medications and other benefits.

To prove that a connection to service exists, a veteran must have an evidence-based medical record that clearly links their medical condition to their time in the military. This typically comes from medical records for treatment, but independent medical opinions and nexus letters could aid, too.

The VA uses a rating schedule which is based on Congressional law to determine which ailments are suitable for compensation and in what percentage. In general the higher the rating for disability the greater the benefits that are available.

A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest one can get rating, which means that a veteran isn't able to pursue any kind of gainful employment. People with a rating this high can be eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their surviving spouse to receive assistance with daily tasks like dressing, bathing and cleaning, eating, and addressing the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation as well as making home modifications to make the home easier to access.

Permanent disabilities that are total

A VA determination of disability could be lifesaving for many Veterans. The additional income from a disability grant is extremely beneficial and affordable because it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but you can afford food on the dinner table and send your children to college. It can even make the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and having a car in the garage.

Once a veteran's claim has been approved at the Regional Office and they have been approved, they will be issued an Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's service-related ailments and assigns a rating to each. In some cases it is possible to rate a condition 100%, and multiple conditions can be grouped to give a rating of Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a permanent designation that means the combined effects of your condition prevent you from being able to hold significant gainful employment.

If you have a TDIU rating You can request it be upgraded to a permanent, total rating by submitting a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA offers this benefit to veterans who have been permanently and totally disabled as a result of an accident, loss of organs or body parts or a combination of both. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner is able to reduce the rating if they determine your limitations have improved or are likely to improve in the future.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans suffer from illnesses that have a major impact on their ability to work or lead an active life, including chronic problems with mental health, pain (like PTSD) and Veterans Disability Law Firms injuries. Disability compensation may help veterans disability law firms with the financial burdens of these conditions which can be serious and lasting.

The VA uses a system for assessing disabilities to determine the extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings range from 0% and 100% with higher percentages indicating greater levels of disabilities. The criteria for determining this rating is based on a variety of factors, including the effect the injury or illness affects the veteran's daily activities and life.

In certain instances, veterans may be able to prove direct service connection to their impairment. If evidence is available that the injury or illness was caused by military service, for example, a head injury resulting in trauma or paralysis could be deemed a direct service connection. Certain conditions, such as depression, tinnitus or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions, and not directly related to the service of a veteran.

Veterans must submit as many medical records and other proof as is possible to claim benefits. This could include private records of medical treatment and treatments for service. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can aid in the speeding up of the process of claiming. It is vital to make your dates of treatment as accurately as you can and provide the requested information as soon as possible to the VA.

PTSD

If you've been through a devastating event, it can have lasting effects on your mind and body. This can lead to nightmares, flashbacks. It can also cause problems with concentration at work or school in fear of or feeling terrorized and fear, and a decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger anxiety or depression, and can lead you to abuse substances.

There are effective treatments available for PTSD. They can assist you in getting back on track in your life and help reduce the symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment such as talking therapy or counseling however, medications can also be used.

Research on PTSD suggests that it's not only caused by trauma, but can also be caused by changes in the brain's functioning. It may also be aggravated by certain personal and environmental factors, like living in a war zone or having a family history of mental illness.

Mental health problems such as PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove by medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological or auditory problems. Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to be awarded a disability rating above 30 percent than those who do not.