How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
You may be qualified for compensation if are a veteran and have suffered a disability due to ill health or an injury that was sustained while serving in the military. The process can be complicated.
It’s best to file your claims as soon as you can. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your situation.
Service-Connected Disabilities
Service-related disabilities are those that have been incurred or worsened in military service. Physical health conditions like Lou Gehrig’s Disease, chronic knee injuries, as well as mental health issues like PTSD are all included. Also, it includes recurring disorders, such as chronic skin conditions, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and appliances. These types of veterans often are eligible for compensation and benefits that include no-cost healthcare as well as prescription medications.
In order to prove service-connection an individual veteran must provide proof of medically proven connection linking their health condition to their experience in the military. This usually comes from service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters may help, too.
The VA uses a set of ratings based on Congressional laws to determine which conditions are eligible for compensation and in what proportion. The higher the disability rating higher, the greater benefits are available.
The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran is unable to pursue any kind of gainful employment. If they are rated this high may be eligible to receive additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their surviving spouse to receive assistance in daily chores like washing, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and attending to the wants of nature. This includes organizing transportation as well as making home modifications to make the home more easily accessible.
Disabilities that are permanent and total
For a lot of Veterans who are disabled, a VA determination of disability is an important lifeline. The extra money earned from the disability check is tax free, making it very affordable and very beneficial. It may not cover your mortgage, but you can buy food for the dinner table and send your children to college. It could even be the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and a car in the garage.
After a veteran’s claim been accepted by the Regional Office after which they will be issued a Rating Decision. It lists their service-related conditions and assigns a disability score to each. In some cases one condition is evaluated at 100 percent, while in other instances, multiple conditions are grouped into what’s known as a Total Disabled Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a permanent designation that means the cumulative effect of your medical conditions prevent you from being able to hold substantial gainful employment.
You can apply for an upgrade to a permanent rating if you have a TDIU. To do this, you must submit a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. The VA provides 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 is able to reduce the rating if they believe that your impairment has improved or may improve in the future.
Disabilities Related to Service
Many veterans suffer from conditions that have a major impact on their ability to work and live an active lifestyle, such as chronic mental health issues, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans reduce the financial impact of these conditions. These conditions can be extremely severe and last for a long time.
The VA utilizes an assessment system that rates disabilities to determine their extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings range from zero and 100% and higher percentages indicating greater levels of disabilities. This rating is based upon a variety of factors, including the effect the injury or illness can have on the veteran’s daily activities and lifestyle.
dayton veterans disability law firm may be able show the direct connection between their service and their disability in certain instances. For example, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis might be considered to be a direct service connection in the event that there is evidence of the illness or injury occurring during military service. However, some ailments like tinnitus and anxiety disorders or depression are considered to be secondary conditions that aren’t directly connected to the service of a veteran.
To be eligible for benefits, veterans should provide as as much medical evidence and other documentation as possible. This could include private documents of medical treatment as well as treatments for service. Having the support of a County twin lakes Veterans disability lawsuit Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also expedite the claim process. It is important that you report dates of treatment as precisely as you can and provide the requested information as soon as you can to the VA.
PTSD
It is possible to experience lasting effects on your body and mind following a traumatic experience. This can include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at school or work, feelings of terror and fear, and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause anxiety or depression, and could lead to substance abuse, particularly in teens and young adults.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can aid you in getting back to normal and help reduce the symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy, but medications are also available.
Research on PTSD has proven that the condition isn’t solely caused by trauma, but changes in the way that your brain functions. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental triggers such as living in areas of war or having an illness history.
Mental health issues, such as PTSD are regarded as “high-value” claims by the VA because they are harder to disprove with medical evidence than conditions such as neurological, skin or musculoskeletal issues. Veterans with disabling mental conditions are more likely to receive a disability rating above 30 percent than those without.