How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
You could be entitled to compensation if you are a veteran who has suffered a disability as a result of ill health or an injury sustained during military service. But the process is difficult.
It is recommended to submit all your documents as soon as you can. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your condition.
Disabilities caused by service
Disabilities that are a result of service are those that have been incurred or worsened during military service. Physical health conditions like Lou Gehrig’s disease and chronic knee injuries, as also mental health issues such as PTSD are all included. This includes chronic skin issues that require frequent VA visits for special applications or ointments. Veterans with this kind of condition are usually entitled to compensation and services. This includes free medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.
To prove that a connection to service exists the veteran must present solid medical evidence linking their condition to their time in the military. This is usually found in medical records for treatment, but independent medical opinions and nexus letters can help, too.
The VA uses a rating schedule that is based upon Congressional law to determine which ailments are suitable for benefits and at what percentage. In general, the higher the rating for disability and the higher the disability ratings, the greater benefits are offered.
The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran will not be able to pursue any type of gainful employment. With a rating this high can be eligible for additional monthly benefits called Aid and Attendance. This lets a veteran with disabilities or their surviving spouse to receive assistance with daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing and eating, and cleaning up and attending to the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation and making changes to the home to make the environment more accessible.
Permanent disabilities and total
For many Veterans who are disabled, a VA determination of disability is an essential lifeline. The extra income earned from a disability check is tax free which makes it affordable and very beneficial. It may not cover your mortgage, but it can put food on the table and send your kids to college. It could mean the difference between poverty and having a house and a car.
After a veteran’s claim has been approved at the Regional Office the veteran will be issued an Rating Decision. The decision lists their conditions that are connected to service and assigns a disability rating to each. In some cases, a single condition is evaluated at 100 percent, whereas in other cases, multiple conditions, they are combined into what’s known as a Total Disabled Independent Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a term that can be used for a long time which means that the combination of your condition prevent you from being able to maintain an employment that is substantial and lucrative.
If you have an TDIU rating you may request it be upgraded to a permanent and total rating by filing a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is an additional benefit that the VA will pay to veterans who are permanently and completely disabled due to loss of function or amputation of body organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction. However, the C&P Examiner can reduce the rating if your impairments get worse or increase.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans suffer from ailments which have a significant effect on their ability to lead an active and productive lifestyle. These include chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation may help veterans to offset the financial effects of these conditions which can be serious and last for a long time.
The VA uses a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefits. The ratings vary from 0% up to 100%, with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon a number of factors, including the impact the injury or illness had on the veteran’s lifestyle and daily activities.
In some cases some cases, veterans might be able to demonstrate direct service connection to their disability. If there is evidence that the illness or injury was caused by military service, then a head injury that has been traumatic or paralysis could be deemed as a direct connection to service. Some conditions, such as tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders can be considered secondary and not directly related to the military service of a veteran.
Pelham Manor Veterans Disability Lawyer must provide as many medical records and other proof as possible to claim benefits. This could include medical records from private sources and service treatment records. Being able to count on the support of a County barberton veterans disability lawyer Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also expedite the claim process. It is crucial to be as accurate as possible when reporting dates of treatment, and to send requested information to the VA as soon as possible.
PTSD
It is possible to have lasting effects on your body and mind following trauma. It can cause flashbacks and nightmares, difficulties concentrating at school or work fears and terror, and a lack of interest in activities you used to love. It can also cause anxiety or depression, and could cause substance abuse, especially in teenagers and young adults.
There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track with your life and help reduce the symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talk therapy however, medications are also available.
Research on PTSD shows that it is not only caused by trauma, but also due to changes in the brain’s function. It can also be exacerbated due to personal and environmental factors such as living in areas of war or having an history of mental illness.
Mental health issues like PTSD are regarded as “high value” claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove using medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological, or auditory problems. Veterans with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to receive an impairment rating of more than 30% than those who don’t.