How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

You could be entitled to compensation if you are a veteran and have suffered a disability as a result of an illness or injury sustained during military service. However, the process can be complex.

It is recommended that you complete all your paperwork in the earliest time possible. VA requires time to review them and determine a rating for your situation.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Service-related disabilities are those that were incurred or worsened in military service. Physical health conditions, mspeech.kr such as Lou Gehrig's Disease, chronic knee injuries, as also mental health issues like PTSD are all included. This includes chronic skin issues that require frequent VA visits for special applications or ointments. These types of veterans often qualify for compensation and services, including no-cost healthcare and prescription drugs.

To prove that a connection to service exists veterans must have proof of medically proven connection linking their condition to their service in the military. This is usually found in the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus documents can help, too.

The VA uses a schedule of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions qualify for compensation, and at what percentage. In general the higher the rating for disability the greater the benefits that are available.

A 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest possible rating and means that a veteran cannot pursue any kind of work that can be considered lucrative. People who score this high could be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This lets a veteran with disabilities or their survivor spouse to receive assistance in everyday activities like washing, dressing, mspeech.kr eating, and cleaning up and taking care of the needs of nature. This can include arranging transportation and making modifications to the home to make the environment more accessible.

Disabilities that are permanent and total

For many Veterans for many, a VA determination of disability is a lifeline. The additional income from a disability grant is extremely beneficial and affordable, as it is tax-free. It may not cover your mortgage, but it can get food on the table and send your kids to college. It could mean the difference between having a house and a car.

After a veteran's claim has been accepted at the Regional Office level and they receive an official Rating Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran's service-related conditions and assigns a score to each. In some instances a single condition is rated 100%, while in others multiple conditions are grouped into what's called a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a permanent designation which means that the combined effect of your ailments prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful employment.

You can apply for an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you have a TDIU. In order to do this, you need to file an application for Special Monthly Compensation. This is a bonus benefit that the VA provides to veterans who are permanently completely disabled due to injury or loss of organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner is able to reduce the rating if they find that your impairment has improved or may improve in the future.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans disability attorney are affected by conditions that have a profound impact on their ability to work or lead an active lifestyle, including chronic problems with mental health, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans deal with the financial burdens of these conditions which can be devastating and long-lasting.

The VA uses an assessment system for disabilities to determine the severity and the amount of benefits. The ratings range from 0% up to 100 percent with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The rating is based on a number of factors, such as the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran's lifestyle and daily activities.

In certain instances it is possible for veterans to prove direct service connection to their disability. If there is proof that the injury or illness was a result of military service the head injury that is traumatic or paralysis might be considered as a direct connection to service. However, certain conditions such as tinnitus, depression or anxiety disorders are considered to be secondary conditions that are not directly related to the veteran's military service.

Veterans must submit as many medical records and other evidence as is possible to claim benefits. This can include private documents of medical treatment as well as service treatment. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can aid in the speeding up of the process of filing claims. It is essential to be as precise as possible when reporting dates of treatment and to send requested information to the VA as soon as possible.

PTSD

If you've been through a devastating event, it may have lasting effects on your mind and body. This could include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at school or work, feelings of terror and anxiety, and a decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger anxiety or depression, and may lead to use drugs.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track in your life and help reduce the symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy but medicines are also available.

Research on PTSD has shown that the condition is not just caused by trauma but changes in the way your brain works. It can also be aggravated by certain environmental and personal factors, vimeo.com such as being in the midst of war or having a family history of mental illness.

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