How to Qualify For New Prague Veterans Disability Lawyer Disability Compensation
You could be entitled to compensation if you are a veteran and have suffered a disability as a result of ill health or an injury that was sustained while serving in the military. The process isn’t easy.
It is recommended to complete all your paperwork in the earliest time possible. VA needs time for them to be reviewed and to assign the rating.
Service-Connected Disabilities
Service-connected disabilities are those that were incurred or aggravated by military service. Physical health issues like Lou Gehrig’s Disease and chronic knee injuries, as well as mental health issues like PTSD are included. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for specialized devices or ointments. Veterans with this kind of condition are usually entitled to compensation and services. This includes no-cost medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.
In order to prove service-connection, a veteran must have clear medical evidence that links their condition to their service in the military. This is typically dependent on the records of treatment for service. However independent medical opinions and an nexus statement can also help.
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 rating for disability is the better the benefits available.
The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran will not be able to pursue any kind of gainful job. Those with a rating of this high could be eligible for additional monthly benefits called Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their spouse of surviving receive help with daily tasks such as washing, dressing or cleaning, eating and attending to the wants of nature. This includes arranging transportation as well as making home modifications to make the house more easily accessible.
Permanent and Total Disability
A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline to many Veterans. The extra income that comes from a disability claim can be very beneficial and affordable because it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but it can buy food for the dinner table and send your children to college. It can make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and having a car in the garage.
Once a veteran’s claim has been approved by the Regional Office after which they will be issued an Rating Decision. It lists their service-related conditions and assigns a disability score to each. In certain instances, a condition is rated 100%, while multiple conditions can be combined to create a rating called Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a designation that lasts forever that means the cumulative effect of your condition prevent you from being able to maintain an employment that is substantial and lucrative.
If you have an TDIU rating, you can request that it be upgraded to a total and permanent rating by submitting an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA offers this benefit to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to an loss of organs, amputation or body part use, or the combination of both. This is a permanent distinction, however, the C&P examiner could reduce your rating if they determine your limitations have improved or are likely to improve in the near future.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans are affected by conditions that have a profound impact on their ability to work and live an active lifestyle, such as chronic pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help paramus veterans disability law firm reduce the financial burden of these conditions. These issues can be serious and can last for a long time.
The VA uses an assessment system that determines the severity of disability as well as the amount of benefits. The ratings range between 0% and 100 percent with higher percentages suggesting higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon several factors, including the impact that the injury or illness had on the veteran’s lifestyle and daily activities.
In some cases it is possible for veterans to prove direct service connection to their disability. If evidence is available that the injury or illness was caused by military service, then a head injury that has been traumatic or paralysis could be deemed as a direct service connection. Certain conditions, like depression, tinnitus or anxiety disorders can be considered to be secondary conditions that are not directly related to a veteran’s military service.
Veterans should provide as many medical records as well as other proof as possible to claim benefits. This can include medical records that are private and service treatment records. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can aid in the speeding up of the claim process. It is essential to make your dates of treatment as accurately as possible and send the requested information as fast as possible to the VA.
PTSD
It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on your mind and body after an event that is traumatic. This can include nightmares and flashbacks. It can also cause problems with concentration at work or school, feelings of terror and fear, and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also lead to anxiety or depression and may cause you to abuse substances.
There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get your life back on track and reduce the symptoms. Most of the time they involve psychological treatments such as counseling or talking therapy. However, medication are also used.
Research on PTSD shows that it is not just the result of trauma, but also due to changes in the brain’s functioning. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental triggers such as living in areas of war or having an history of mental illness.
Mental health issues like PTSD are deemed “high value” claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove with medical evidence than other conditions like neurological, skin or auditory problems. Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to receive a disability rating above 30% than those who don’t.