How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a vet suffering from an illness or injury caused by military service, you may be eligible for veterans disability compensation. But the process can be complicated.

It is recommended that you submit your claims documents as quickly as possible. VA needs time for them to be reviewed and to assign the rating.

Disabilities that are related to service

Service-connected disabilities are those that were incurred or aggravated while in military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health issues like PTSD. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for special applications or ointments. Veterans of this type are usually eligible for compensation and services. This includes free medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.

To prove that a connection to service exists an individual veteran must provide an evidence-based medical record that clearly links their health condition to their experience in the military. This is typically dependent on the records of treatment for service. However, independent medical opinions and the nexus letter may also be helpful.

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 disability rating is the better the benefits available.

A 100 percent permanent and total disability rating is the most prestigious rating, meaning that a disabled veteran cannot pursue any type of job that is lucrative. If they have a rating this high can be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This is a way for veterans with an impairment or their surviving spouse receive assistance in daily activities like washing, dressing, eating, and cleaning up and attending to nature's needs. This includes organizing transportation and making home adaptations to make the home more easily accessible.

Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total

A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline for a lot of Veterans. The additional income from a disability claim is extremely beneficial and affordable since it is tax-free. It might not cover the mortgage, but it can help to put food on the table and get children get through college. It can make the difference between having a home and car.

When a claim for a veteran is approved at the Regional Office level and they receive an official Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's medical conditions that are related to his service and assigns a rating to each. In some cases a single condition is rated 100%, while in others multiple conditions are grouped into what's known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a term that can be used for a long time which means that the combined effect of your conditions prevents you from maintaining an employment that is substantial and lucrative.

If you have a TDIU rating You can request it be upgraded to a permanent, total rating by filing an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is a bonus benefit that the VA provides to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of an impairment or loss of use of body organs or body parts. This is an unavoidable distinction. However the C&P Examiner could reduce your rating in the event that your condition gets worse or improve.

Disabilities that are a result of Service

Many veterans suffer from ailments which have a significant effect on their ability to live an active and productive life. They are afflicted with chronic pain, mental illness (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation may help veterans disability lawyers with the financial consequences of these ailments which can be serious and last for a long time.

The VA utilizes a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefit amounts. The ratings range between zero and 100% with higher percentages representing higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon many aspects, including the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran's lifestyle and daily activities.

veterans disability lawyer may be able to demonstrate the direct connection between their service and their disability in certain instances. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis may be considered to be a direct service connection in the event that there is evidence of the injury or illness occurring during military service. Certain conditions, for example, depression, tinnitus, or anxiety disorders, could be considered secondary conditions, and not directly connected to military service.

To claim benefits, veterans should provide as many medical and other proof as possible. This could include private records of medical treatment and treatments for service. Being able to count on the support of a County Veterans Service Office or veterans disability lawsuit (http://gwwa.yodev.net) Service Representative can also help speed up the process of filing claims. It is important that you provide dates of treatment as precisely as you can, and then send the requested information as quickly as possible to the VA.

PTSD

If you've been through a traumatizing event, it can leave lasting effects on your mind and body. It can cause flashbacks and nightmares, difficulties concentrating at work or school as well as feelings of fear or horror, as well as a lack of interest in things you used to love. It can also cause depression or anxiety and can result in addiction to substances, particularly in teens and young adults.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track in your life and help reduce the symptoms. Most times they are based on psychological treatments like counseling or therapy. However, medication can also be utilized.

Research on PTSD has shown that the condition isn't just caused by trauma but changes in the way that your brain functions. It could also be caused by certain personal and environmental factors, such as living in the midst of war or having a family history of mental illness.

Mental health issues, such as PTSD are regarded as "high-value" claims by the VA because they are harder to disprove with medical evidence than conditions such as neurological, skin and musculoskeletal, or Veterans disability lawsuit auditory. In addition, veterans with debilitating mental health conditions are more likely to be awarded a disability rating that is 30% or greater over those with other ailments.