How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a veteran suffering from an injury or illness brought on by military service, you could be eligible for compensation for veterans disability. The process can be complex.

It is recommended to send all your documents promptly. VA requires time to review them and assign a rating to your condition.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are service-related are those that have been suffered or worsened through military service. Physical health conditions such as Lou Gehrig's Disease and chronic knee injuries, along with mental health issues like PTSD are included. Additionally, there are recurring illnesses, such as chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and devices. These Webster City Veterans Disability Lawsuit typically are eligible for compensation and benefits which include free healthcare and prescription medications.

To prove that they have a connection to their service veterans must present medical evidence linking their medical condition to their military service. This typically comes from documents related to treatment, however independent medical opinions and nexus letters can help, too.

The VA uses a schedule of ratings which is based on Congressional laws to determine which conditions qualify for compensation, and in what proportion. In general, the higher the disability rating then the more benefits are available.

The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran is unable to pursue any type of gainful job. People with a rating this high are eligible for monthly benefits that are called Aid and Attendance. This allows a veteran with a disability or their surviving spouse to receive assistance for daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, cleaning and attending to nature's needs. This includes arranging transportation and making home modifications to make the surroundings more accessible.

Permanent and Total Disabilities

A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline to many Veterans. The extra money earned from a disability check is tax free, making it very affordable and extremely helpful. It may not cover the mortgage, but it will help put food on the table and help kids through college. It can even make the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and an automobile in the garage.

Once a veteran's claim is accepted at the Regional Office level after which they are sent a Rating Decision. It lists their service-related conditions and assigns a disability 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 a Total Disabled Independent Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a term that can be used for a long time that means the combined effects of your condition prevent you from retaining substantially gainful employment.

If you have an TDIU rating You can request it be upgraded to a permanent and complete rating by filing an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA offers this benefit to veterans who have been completely and permanently disabled due to an loss of organs, amputation or body part use, or a combination of both. This is a permanent distinction but the C&P examiner may reduce the score if they decide that your impairment has improved or may improve in the future.

Disabilities Associated with Service

Many veterans are affected by conditions that have a significant impact on their ability to work or live an active life. This includes chronic physical pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation is a way to help veterans deal with the financial impact of these conditions. These conditions can be severe and last for a long period of time.

The VA uses an assessment system for disabilities to determine the severity and determine benefit amounts. The ratings vary from 0% to 100 percent with higher percentages indicating greater levels of disability. This rating is based upon a number of factors, such as the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran's life and daily activities.

In some cases there are instances where veterans are able to demonstrate direct service connection to their impairment. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis may be considered to be a direct connection to service when there is evidence of the injury or illness occurring during military service. Certain conditions, like depression, tinnitus and anxiety disorders can be considered secondary and not directly related to the military service of a veteran.

Veterans should submit as many medical records as well as other proof as is possible to claim benefits. This can include private records of medical treatment and treatment for service. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding the process of filing claims. It is important to be as exact as you can when reporting dates of treatment, and to forward requested information to the VA as soon as you can.

PTSD

If you've experienced a traumatic incident, it could have lasting effects on your body and mind. This can result in flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty concentrating at school or at work as well as feelings of fear and horror, and a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause depression or anxiety, and could lead to abuse substances.

There are effective treatments available for PTSD. They can assist you in getting back to normal and help reduce the symptoms. Most times, they involve psychological treatments like counseling or talk therapy. However, medications can also be utilized.

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

Mental health issues, such as PTSD, are considered "high-value" claims by the VA because they are harder to disprove using medical evidence, unlike conditions such as skin or musculoskeletal issues. issaquah veterans disability law firm suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to be awarded a disability rating of 30% than those who do not.