How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a veteran with an injury or illness brought on by military service, you might qualify for veterans disability compensation. The process can be a bit complicated.

It is best to submit all of your documents in the earliest time possible. VA requires time for these documents to be reviewed and assign an rating.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are related to service are those that have been suffered or worsened through military service. Physical health conditions such as Lou Gehrig's disease and chronic knee injuries, as also mental health issues such as PTSD are included. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits to get special products or appliances. These kinds of veterans disability attorney usually qualify for compensation and services, including no-cost healthcare and prescription medications.

In order to prove the connection between service and, a veteran must have an evidence-based medical record that clearly links their health condition to their experience in the military. This is usually dependent on the records of treatment for service. However, independent medical opinions and an nexus statement can also help.

The VA uses a rating scale, based on Congressional law to determine which ailments are qualified for compensation and in what percentage. Generally, the higher the disability rating is, the more benefits are available.

A 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest level that can be achieved rating and means that a veteran isn't able to pursue any kind of gainful employment. Those with a rating of this high can be eligible for monthly benefits that are called Aid and Attendance. This lets a veteran with disabilities or their survivor spouse to receive assistance for daily life tasks like dressing, bathing and feeding, cleaning and taking care of the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation and modifying the home to make the environment more easily accessible.

Permanent disabilities that are total

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

When a claim for a veteran is approved at the Regional Office level and they receive an official Rating Decision. This lists their service-connected conditions and assigns a disability score to each. In some cases the condition is rated 100%, and multiple conditions can be grouped to create a rating called Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a permanent term which means that the combination of your conditions prevents you from being able to hold significant gainful employment.

You can request an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you are a TDIU. To do this, you must file an application for Special Monthly Compensation. The VA offers this benefit to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of an loss of organs, amputation or body part use, or an amalgamation of both. This is a permanent distinction but the C&P examiner is able to reduce the rating if they find that your impairments have improved or could be improved in the future.

Service-Related Disabilities

Many veterans are suffering from conditions that have a major veterans disability impact on their ability to live an active or productive life. These include chronic pain, mental issues (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help these veterans deal with the financial impacts of these ailments that can be severe and long-lasting.

The VA uses a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefits. The ratings vary from 0% to percent and higher percentages indicate higher levels of disability. The rating is based on many factors, including the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran's life and daily activities.

Veterans might be able to show an unambiguous connection between their service and their disability in some cases. If evidence exists that the illness or injury was caused by military service, the head injury that is traumatic or paralysis might be considered as a direct service connection. However, some conditions such as tinnitus or depression or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions that are not directly related to the veteran's service in the military.

Veterans should submit as many medical records and other proof as is possible to claim benefits. This can include medical records from private sources and service treatment records. A County briarcliff manor veterans disability attorney Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding the claim process. It is vital to submit dates of treatment as accurately as you can and submit the requested information as quickly as possible to the VA.

PTSD

If you've experienced a traumatic event, it can have lasting effects on your mind and body. This can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at school or Veterans Disability work in fear of or feeling terrorized and fear, and decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also lead to anxiety or depression and could result in substance abuse especially in teenagers and young adults.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get your life back on track and reduce the symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as talking therapy or counseling, but medications can also be used.

Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition isn't only caused by trauma but changes in how your brain functions. It can also be aggravated due to personal and environmental factors like living in areas of war or having an 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 using medical evidence, unlike conditions like skin, neurological or musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, veterans with chronic mental health issues are much more likely be awarded a disability rating that is 30% or greater than those with other conditions.