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, then you could qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process can be complex.

It's best to submit your claims documents as quickly as possible. VA requires time for these documents to be assessed and to assign a rating.

Disabilities Linked to Service

Disabilities that are related to service are those that have been caused or exacerbated by military service. Physical health conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's disease and chronic knee injuries, along with mental health issues like PTSD are covered in. Additionally, there are recurring illnesses like chronic skin disorders, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and devices. Veterans of this type are usually qualified for compensation and other services. This includes no-cost health care, prescription medications and other benefits.

To prove that they have a connection to their service, veterans must have medical evidence that ties their medical condition to their military service. This is typically found in the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus documents can assist, too.

The VA utilizes a list of ratings which is based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and in what proportion. In general, the higher the disability rating is the better the benefits available.

The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the person who is disabled cannot pursue any kind of gainful employment. People who score this high may be eligible to receive additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This helps veterans with disabilities or their surviving spouse to receive assistance for daily chores like dressing, bathing, and eating, cleaning and attending to nature's needs. This includes arranging transportation and home modifications to make the home more easily accessible.

Permanent and Veterans Disability Total Disability

A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline for many Veterans. The extra income that comes from a disability check can be very helpful and affordable since it is tax-free. It may not cover your mortgage, but you can get food on the table and send your kids to college. It can mean the difference between having a job and having a home and a car.

Once a veteran's claim has been accepted by the Regional Office after which they will be issued an Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's conditions related to service and assigns a rating to each. In some instances the condition itself is rated 100 percent, while in other cases multiple conditions are combined into what's known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the combined effects of all of your ailments hinder you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative employment, which is a permanent designation.

You can request an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you are a TDIU. To apply for this, you have to file an application for Special Monthly Compensation. This is an additional benefit that the VA pays to veterans who are permanently totally disabled because of an impairment or loss of use of body organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner is able to reduce the score if they decide that your limitations have improved or are likely to be improved in the future.

Disabilities Related to Service

Many veterans are suffering from conditions that have a significant impact on their ability to lead an active and productive lifestyle. They are afflicted with chronic pain, mental health issues (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans to offset the financial burden of these conditions. These ailments can be very severe and last a long time.

The VA utilizes an assessment system that determines disability severity and benefit amounts. The ratings range from 0% and 100% and higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on various factors, including the effect the illness or injury has on the veteran's daily activities as well as life.

Veterans may be able show the direct connection between their service and their condition in some instances. If there is evidence that the injury or illness was caused by military service, then a traumatic head injury or paralysis could be considered a direct service connection. Certain conditions, like depression, tinnitus, or anxiety disorders could be considered secondary and not directly related to a veteran's military service.

veterans disability attorney should provide as many medical records as well as other proof as they can to be eligible for benefits. This can include private medical records and service treatment records. Being able to count on the support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also help speed up the process of filing claims. It is important to be as exact as possible when reporting dates of treatment and to submit requested information to the VA as soon as you can.

PTSD

If you've experienced a traumatic event, it can leave lasting effects on your body and mind. It can result in nightmares and flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at work or school, feelings of terror and anxiety, as well as a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger anxiety or depression and could result in substance abuse particularly among teenagers and young adults.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting your life back on track and reduce your symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy however, medications are also available.

Research on PTSD has shown that the condition is not just caused by trauma but changes in how your brain works. It may also be aggravated by certain personal and environmental factors, like 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 VA because they are more difficult to disprove using medical evidence than ailments like skin, neurological, or auditory problems. Veterans suffering from mental illness are more likely to be awarded an impairment rating of more than 30% than those with no.