How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if you are a veteran who suffered a disability as a result of illness or injury sustained during military service. But the process can be complex.
It is recommended that you send your claims documentation in the shortest time possible. VA requires time to review them and give a rating to your claim.
Service-Connected Disabilities
The most common service-related disabilities are those that were acquired or worsened by military service. These include physical health conditions such as chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig’s disease, and mental health problems such as PTSD. Also, it includes recurring disorders, such as chronic skin conditions that require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments or appliances. These types of veterans often are eligible for compensation and benefits, including no-cost healthcare and prescription drugs.
To prove that they have a connection to their service veterans must present medical evidence that links their condition to their military service. This is usually determined by the service treatment records. However independent medical opinions as well as a nexus letter can also help.
The VA uses a rating scale which is based on Congressional law to determine what conditions are entitled to compensation and in what percentage. In general the higher the disability ratings the greater the benefits that are offered.
The highest rating possible is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran cannot seek any kind of a lucrative work. People who score this high may be eligible to receive additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their spouse who is surviving to receive assistance with daily living chores like dressing, bathing and eating, cleaning up and attending to the wants of nature. This includes arranging for transportation and making home modifications to make the home more accessible.
Permanent and Total Disabilities Permanent and Total
For many Veterans the VA determination of disability is an important lifeline. The additional income from a disability grant can be very beneficial and affordable because it is tax-free. It might not cover the mortgage, but it can provide food on the table and get kids through college. It can even make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and having a car in the garage.
After a claim from a veteran has been accepted at the Regional Office level and they receive the Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran’s service-related conditions and assigns a rating to each. In some cases the condition itself is rated at 100 percent, while in other instances, multiple conditions, the two are combined to create what’s known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployment (TDIU) rating. TDIU signifies that the combined effects of all of your conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful work, and is an indefinite designation.
If you have a TDIU rating and you wish to request it be upgraded to a permanent and total rating by filing a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA provides this benefit to zimmerman Veterans disability attorney who have been permanently and completely disabled due to an injury, loss of organs or body parts, or an amalgamation of both. This is an unavoidable distinction. However the C&P Examiner could reduce your rating if your impairments improve or could increase.
Disabilities that are a result of Service
Many veterans suffer from conditions which have a significant effect on their ability to lead an active and productive lifestyle. This includes chronic pain, mental issues (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help pauls valley veterans disability attorney to offset the financial burden of these ailments. These conditions can be extremely severe and last a long time.
The VA utilizes a system to rate disabilities to determine the severity and determine benefit amounts. The ratings range between zero and 100% with higher percentages representing higher levels of disability. The rating is based on many factors, including the effect the injury or illness has on the veteran’s daily activities as well as lifestyle.
clarksville veterans disability lawsuit may be able to demonstrate an immediate service connection to their disability in some cases. If there is proof that the illness or injury occurred during military service, for example, a head injury resulting in trauma or paralysis could be considered as a direct connection to service. Certain conditions, such as depression, tinnitus and anxiety disorders can be considered secondary and not directly connected to a veteran’s military service.
To be eligible for benefits, veterans must submit as much medical and other evidence as is possible. This may include private records of medical treatment and service treatment. 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 provide the requested information as quickly as you can to the VA.
PTSD
If you’ve been through a traumatizing event, it can leave lasting effects on your mind and body. It can result in nightmares and flashbacks, problems concentrating at school or work in fear of or feeling terrorized and fear, and a decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause depression or anxiety, and could lead to abuse substances.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get your life back on track and reduce the symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment, such as counseling or talk therapy however, medications can also be utilized.
Research on PTSD has proven that the condition isn’t just caused by trauma but changes in the way your brain functions. It can also be aggravated by personal and environmental triggers such as living in war zones or having an illness history.
Mental health issues such as PTSD are regarded as “high value” claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove by medical evidence than conditions like skin, neurological, or auditory issues. Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to be awarded a disability rating of 30% than those without.