How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

You could be eligible for compensation if are a veteran who suffered a disability as a result of illness or injury sustained during military service. The process can be a bit complicated.

It is best to send all your documents in the earliest time possible. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your claim.

Disabilities caused by service

Service-connected disabilities are those that have been incurred or worsened in military service. These include physical health conditions like chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's disease, and mental health problems such as PTSD. It also includes recurrent illnesses, such as chronic skin disorders, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments, appliances and other products. Veterans of this type are often eligible for compensation and benefits. This includes no-cost health care, prescription medications and other benefits.

In order to prove the connection between service and harrington park veterans disability attorney must have clear medical evidence that links their medical condition to their time in the military. This typically comes from medical records for treatment, but independent medical opinions and nexus letters can help, too.

The VA uses a set of ratings basing itself on Congressional laws to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and at what percentage. In general the higher the disability rating and the higher the disability ratings, the greater benefits are available.

A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest level that can be achieved rating and means that a veteran can't follow any type of job that is lucrative. Those with a rating of this high can be eligible for monthly benefits that are called Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their spouse of surviving receive help with daily tasks like washing, dressing or cleaning, eating and attending to the wants of nature. This can include arranging transportation as well as making home modifications to make the house more accessible.

Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total

For many Veterans the VA determination of disability is an essential lifeline. The extra income that comes from a disability determination can be extremely helpful and affordable since it is tax-free. It may not cover your mortgage, but you can put food on the dinner table and send your kids to college. It can be the difference between being poor and having a home and car.

After a claim from a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office level and they receive an official Rating Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability rating to each. In some instances, a single condition is evaluated at 100%, while in others multiple conditions are combined into what's known as a Total Disabled Independent Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a permanent term which means that the combined effect of your ailments prevent you from retaining substantially gainful employment.

You can request an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you are a TDIU. To request this, you must file an application for Special Monthly Compensation. This is a bonus benefit that the VA will pay to veterans who are permanently completely disabled due to an amputation or loss of use of organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction, however, the C&P examiner can reduce the rating if they find that your impairments have improved or may improve in the near future.

Disabilities Associated with Service

Many veterans suffer from ailments which have a significant impact on their ability to work or live an active life, including chronic physical pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation is a way to help Fallon Veterans Disability Law firm deal with the financial impact of these ailments. These issues can be serious and can last for a long time.

The VA uses a system for assessing disabilities to determine their extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings vary from 0% up to 100 percent with higher percentages suggesting greater levels of disability. This rating is based upon various factors, including the effect the injury or illness has on the veteran's daily activities and life.

In some cases, veterans may be able to prove direct service connection to their condition. For example, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis may be considered to be a direct connection to service when there is evidence of the illness or injury occurring during military service. Some conditions, such as depression, tinnitus and anxiety disorders could be considered secondary conditions and not directly related to the service of a veteran.

To be eligible for benefits, veterans need to submit as as much medical evidence and other documentation as is feasible. This can include private medical records as well as service treatment records. The support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also expedite the claim process. It is essential to provide dates of treatment as accurately as you can and submit the requested information as quickly as possible to the VA.

PTSD

It is possible to have lasting effects on your body and mind after trauma. This can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, difficulties concentrating at school or work in fear of or feeling terrorized and anxiety, and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause anxiety or depression and could lead to use drugs.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back to normal and help reduce the symptoms. The majority of the time they are based on psychological treatments like counseling or therapy. However, medication can be used.

Research on PTSD shows that it is not just a result of trauma, but also caused by changes in the brain's functioning. It can also be aggravated by personal and environmental triggers like living in war zones or having an illness history.

Mental health issues like PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove using medical evidence than ailments such as skin, neurological or auditory issues. Veterans with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to receive a disability rating above 30 percent than those without.