How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

You may be eligible for compensation if you are a veteran who suffered a disability as a result of ill health or an injury sustained during military service. But the process could be complicated.

It is best to send all your documents in the earliest time possible. VA requires time for these documents to be reviewed and determine the rating.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Service-connected disabilities are those that were incurred or aggravated while in military service. These include physical health conditions such as chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's disease as well as mental health problems such as PTSD. Also, it includes recurring disorders, such as chronic skin disorders, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and appliances. These veterans typically have the right to compensation and services which include free healthcare and prescription medications.

To prove that a connection to service exists the veteran must present solid medical evidence linking their condition to their service in the military. This usually comes from medical records for treatment, but independent medical opinions and nexus letters can assist, too.

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

A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the most prestigious rating, meaning that a veteran isn't able to pursue any kind of lucrative employment. Those with a rating of this high are eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their surviving spouse to receive assistance in daily chores like washing, dressing or cleaning, eating and addressing the needs of nature. This includes organizing transportation as well as making home modifications to make the environment more accessible.

Permanent and Total Disabilities

A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline for many Veterans. The extra income from a disability check is tax free which makes it cost-effective and extremely useful. It might not cover the mortgage, but it will provide food on the table and get children through college. It can mean the difference between being poor and having a home and car.

When a claim for a veteran is approved at the Regional Office level, they are mailed an official Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran's medical conditions that are related to his service and assigns a score to each. In some instances a single condition is evaluated at 100 percent, while in other cases multiple conditions, they are combined into what's called the Total Disabled Individual (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the combined effects of all your ailments hinder you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative employment, and this is permanent designation.

You can apply for an upgrade to a permanent total rating if you have a TDIU. In order to do this, you need to file an application for Special Monthly Compensation. The VA offers this benefit to Batesville river grove veterans disability lawyer Disability Lawyer, Vimeo.Com, who are permanently and completely disabled as a result of an accident, loss of organs or body parts or the combination of both. This is an indefinite distinction. However the C&P Examiner may reduce the rating if your impairments get worse or increase.

Disabilities Related to Service

Many veterans suffer from conditions which have a profound impact on their ability to live an active or productive existence. These include chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans reduce the financial impact of these conditions. These issues can be serious and last for a long period of time.

The VA utilizes a system for assessing disabilities to determine their extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings vary from zero and 100% and higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on several factors, including the effect the illness or injury affects the veteran's daily activities as well as lifestyle.

In some cases it is possible for veterans to prove direct service connection to their impairment. If evidence exists that the illness or injury occurred during military service, for example, a head injury resulting in trauma or paralysis may be considered a direct service connection. Certain conditions, for example, tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders, could be considered secondary and not directly connected to the service of a veteran.

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

PTSD

If you've experienced a traumatic incident, it could have lasting effects on your mind and body. This could include flashbacks and nightmares, difficulty concentrating at school or work or at school, feelings of anxiety or horror, as well as a lack of interest in things that you used to love. It can also trigger anxiety or depression and could result in addiction to substances, especially in teenagers and young adults.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting back on track in your life and reduce your symptoms. The majority of the time they are based on psychological treatments like counseling or talk therapy. However, medication are also available.

Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition is not solely caused by trauma, but changes in how your brain functions. It may also be aggravated by certain personal and environmental factors, like living in an area of war, or having an ancestral history of mental illness.

Mental health issues, like PTSD, are considered "high-value" claims by the VA because they are more difficult to prove using medical evidence, unlike conditions like skin, neurological, auditory or musculoskeletal problems. Furthermore, veterans who suffer from debilitating mental health conditions are much more likely receive a disability rating of 30% or more over those with other ailments.