How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
If you’re a former soldier suffering from an injury or illness that was caused by military service, you may be eligible for compensation for veterans disability. However, the process can be complex.
It is recommended that you submit your claims documents as soon as you can. VA requires time to review them and give a rating to your situation.
Service-Connected Disabilities
Disabilities that are service-related are those that have been acquired or worsened by military service. These include physical health conditions like chronic knee injuries, Lou Gehrig’s disease, as well as mental health problems such as PTSD. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for specialized devices or ointments. These Deforest veterans disability law Firm typically are eligible for compensation and benefits which include free healthcare and prescription drugs.
To prove service-connection Veterans must have medical evidence that links their medical condition to their military service. This is usually determined by the service treatment records. However independent medical opinion and the nexus letter may also be helpful.
The VA utilizes a list of ratings which is based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and at what percentage. In general, the higher the disability rating is and the higher the benefits will be available.
The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran cannot pursue any kind of gainful work. Those who are rated this high are likely to be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their spouse with a survivor to receive help with daily tasks such as washing, dressing or cleaning, eating and addressing the needs of nature. This includes arranging for transportation and making changes to the home to make the environment more accessible.
Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total
A VA determination of disability could be lifesaving for many Veterans. The additional income derived from an SSD check is tax-free, making it very affordable and very beneficial. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but it can buy food for the table and send your kids to college. It can mean the difference between poverty and having a home and a car.
After a claim from a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office level after which they are sent an Assessment Decision. The document lists their service-connected ailments and assigns a disability rating to each. In some cases, a single condition is rated 100 percent, whereas in other cases, multiple conditions are combined into what’s known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. TDIU means that the combined effects of all of your ailments prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful work, and is an ongoing designation.
If you have an TDIU rating, you can request that it be upgraded to a permanent, total rating by filing a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA offers this benefit to monroe veterans disability law firm who have been permanently and completely disabled due to an loss of organs, amputation or body parts or the combination of both. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner may reduce the rating if they find that your limitations have improved or are likely to improve in the future.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans are affected by conditions which have a significant impact on their ability to work or live an active life, including chronic mental health issues, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans offset the financial impact of these ailments. These ailments can be very severe and can last for a long time.
The VA utilizes a rating system to determine the severity of disability and benefits. The ratings range between 0% and 100% with higher percentages suggesting greater levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on a variety of factors, including the impact the illness or injury has on the veteran’s daily activities and life.
In certain instances some cases, veterans might be able to prove a direct connection to their disability. For instance, a traumatizing brain injury or paralysis might be considered to be a direct service connection if there is evidence that shows the injury or illness occurring during military service. However, some ailments like tinnitus and anxiety or depression disorders, might be considered secondary conditions that are not directly related to the veteran’s military service.
To claim benefits, veterans should provide as the most medical and other evidence as they can. This can include medical records that are private and service treatment records. The support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also help speed up the process of filing claims. It is essential to be as accurate as possible when reporting dates of treatment, and to forward requested information to the VA promptly.
PTSD
It is possible to have long-lasting effects on your body and mind after an experience that was traumatic. This can result in flashbacks, nightmares, difficulties concentrating at school or work fears and terror, and a lack of interest in things you used to love. It can also trigger anxiety or depression, and can lead you to use drugs.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting your life back on track and lessen the symptoms. Most of the time, they involve psychological treatments like counseling or talk therapy. However, medication are also used.
Research on PTSD indicates that it is not just the result of trauma, but also due to changes in the brain’s function. It may also be aggravated by certain environmental and personal factors, like living in an area of war or having a family history of mental illness.
Mental health issues like PTSD are regarded as “high value” claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove with medical evidence than other conditions such as skin, neurological or auditory problems. Furthermore, veterans who suffer from disabling mental health conditions are more likely to be awarded a disability rating that is 30% or greater than those who suffer from other ailments.