How to File a Veterans Disability Claim

A claim for veterans disability is a request for the payment of compensation due to an injury or illness that is related to military service. It could also be a claim for dependent spouses or children who are dependent.

A veteran might need to provide evidence in support of a claim. Claimants can speed up the process by keeping their appointments for medical exams and submitting requested documents promptly.

Identifying a disabling condition

Injuries and diseases that result from service in the military, like muscle and joint disorders (sprains or arthritis etc. Veterans are susceptible to respiratory issues and hearing loss, firms among other ailments. These injuries and illnesses are approved for disability benefits at a higher percentage than other types due to their long-lasting consequences.

If you were diagnosed as having an injury or firms illness while on active duty or in the military, the VA will need proof that this was the result of your service. This includes medical documents from private hospitals and clinics related to the injuries or illnesses as well the statements of friends and family about your symptoms.

The most important thing to consider is how serious your illness is. If you are a hard worker young vets can recover from certain bone and muscle injuries. As you age, however, your chances of regaining your health diminish. It is essential that veterans file a claim for disability even if their condition is grave.

The people who have been rated as having a 100% permanent and total disability could be eligible to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance/Supplemental Security income (SSI/SSDI). To speed up the SSA application process, it's beneficial for the veteran to provide their VA rating notification letter from the regional office that confirms the rating as "permanent" and also indicates that no further tests are scheduled.

Gathering Medical Evidence

If you want your VA disability benefits approved you must provide medical evidence that proves the illness is severe and debilitating. This could include private medical records, statements from a doctor or other health care provider treating your condition, as well as evidence in the form of pictures and videos that illustrate your symptoms or injuries.

The VA must make reasonable efforts to obtain evidence relevant to your particular case. This includes both federal and non-federal records (private medical records for instance). The agency must continue to seek these kinds of records until it is certain that they are not there or further efforts would be in vain.

The VA will then prepare an examination report once it has all the required details. This is based upon the patient's history and the symptoms, and is often submitted to a VA examiner.

This report is used to determine if there is a need for a decision on the disability benefit claim. If the VA determines that the disabling condition is related to service, the claimant will be awarded benefits. If the VA disagrees, the person may contest the decision by filing a Notice of Disagreement and asking an examination by a higher-level official to review their case. This process is referred to as a Supplemental Statement of the Case. The VA can also decide to reopen an earlier denied claim if they receive new and relevant evidence to back the claim.

Making a Claim

The VA will require all of your medical records, service and military to support your disability claim. You can provide them by completing the eBenefits website application or in person at the local VA office or via mail using Form 21-526EZ. In some cases you may require additional documents or forms.

Finding medical records from civilians that can support your health condition is also essential. This process can be speeded up by providing the VA with the complete address of the medical facility where you received treatment. It is also important to provide dates of treatment.

The VA will conduct an exam C&P after you have provided the necessary paperwork and medical evidence. This will include an examination of the affected part of your body. Moreover depending on the degree to which you are disabled the lab work or X-rays could be required. The doctor will create an examination report, which he or she will send to the VA.

If the VA determines you are eligible for benefits, they'll send a decision letter with an introduction and their decision to accept or deny your claim. They will also provide the rating and the specific disability benefit amount. If you are denied, they will describe the evidence they considered and why they made their decision. If you contest then the VA will issue an additional statement of the Case (SSOC).

Make a decision

During the gathering and reviewing of evidence It is vital that claimants stay aware of all forms and documents they must submit. The entire process can be reduced if a form or document is not completed correctly. It is also important that claimants schedule appointments for exams and be present at the time they are scheduled.

The VA will make an ultimate decision after reviewing all the evidence. The decision can either approve or deny the claim. If the claim is denied, it's possible to submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) seeking an appeal against the decision.

If the NOD is filed the next step of the process is to have an Statement of the Case (SOC) completed. The SOC is an official document of the evidence as well as the actions taken, the decisions taken, and the laws that govern the decisions.

During the SOC, a claimant may also include additional information to their claim or have it re-adjudicated. This is referred to as a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level review, or Board Appeal. Making changes to an existing claim could aid in speeding up the process. These types of appeals allow an experienced reviewer or veteran law judge to go over the initial disability claim again and, if necessary, make a new decision.