How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a veteran with an injury or illness that was caused by military service, you could qualify for veterans disability compensation. But the process can be difficult.

It is recommended that you submit all your documents as soon as you can. VA requires time to be assessed and to assign a rating.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are service-related are those that have been incurred or worsened during military service. Physical health conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease and chronic knee injuries, as well mental health issues like PTSD are included. Also, it includes recurring disorders like chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments or appliances. These kinds of veterans usually are eligible for compensation and Veterans disability benefits that are free, such as healthcare and prescription drugs.

To prove that they have a connection to their service veterans must present medical evidence linking their medical condition to their military service. This is typically from service treatment records. However, independent medical opinions and an nexus statement can also help.

The VA uses a set of ratings which is based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions qualify for compensation, and in what proportion. In general, the higher the disability ratings and the higher the disability ratings, the greater benefits are offered.

A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest possible rating and means that a disabled veteran cannot pursue any kind of gainful employment. People who score this high could be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their spouse who is surviving to receive assistance in daily tasks such as dressing, bathing or cleaning, eating and attending to the wants of nature. This includes organizing transportation and modifying the home to make the environment more accessible.

Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total

A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline to many Veterans. The additional income from a disability determination is extremely beneficial and affordable because it is tax-free. It may not cover your mortgage, but it can put food on the table and send your kids to college. It can even make the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and a car in the garage.

After a claim from a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office level and they receive the Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's conditions related to service and assigns a rating to each. In some instances a single condition is rated at 100 percent, whereas in other cases, multiple conditions, the two are combined to create what's known as a Total Disabled Independent Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU signifies that the combined effects of all of your ailments hinder you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative work, and is a permanent designation.

You can apply for an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you have a TDIU. To request this, you must file an application for Special Monthly Compensation. This is a benefit that the VA will pay to veterans who are permanently totally disabled because of an impairment or loss of use of organs or body parts. This is an indefinite distinction. However, the C&P Examiner can reduce the rating in the event that your impairments improve or could increase.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans disability lawsuit are suffering from conditions that have a major impact on their ability to lead an active and productive life. This includes chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans offset the financial burden of these ailments. These conditions can be extremely severe and last for a long time.

The VA utilizes a rating system to determine the severity of disability as well as the amount of benefits. The ratings range between zero and 100 percent with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The criteria for Veterans Disability determining this rating is based on various factors, including the effect the injury or illness has on the veteran's daily activities and life.

Veterans might be able to show the direct connection between their service and their disability in some cases. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis may 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 and anxiety disorders, could be considered secondary conditions and not directly related to the service of a veteran.

To claim benefits, veterans should submit as the most medical and other evidence as they can. This could include personal documents of medical treatment as well as service treatment. Having the support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also accelerate the process of submitting claims. It is essential to submit dates of treatment as accurately as you can and provide the requested information as soon as you can to the VA.

PTSD

If you've had a difficult event, it can have lasting effects on your body and mind. It can result in nightmares and flashbacks, problems concentrating at school or work in fear of or feeling terrorized and fear, and lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger anxiety or depression and could lead to substance abuse, especially among teens 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. They typically involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talk therapy, but medications are also available.

Research on PTSD shows that it is not only caused by trauma, but also caused by changes in brain function. It can also be aggravated by personal and environmental triggers such as living in areas of war or having an history of mental illness.

Mental health issues such as PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove with medical evidence than other conditions like skin, neurological, or auditory issues. Veterans suffering from mental illness are more likely to receive a disability rating that is higher than 30% than those with no.