How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
You could be eligible 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 isn’t easy.
It is recommended that you submit all of your documents as soon as you can. VA requires time for these documents to be assessed and to give the rating.
Disabilities Linked to Service
Service-related disabilities are those that have been incurred or aggravated by military service. These include physical health conditions like chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig’s Disease, as well as mental health issues like PTSD. This includes skin conditions that require frequent VA visits to get special 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.
To prove connection to service Des Moines Veterans Disability Law Firm must have medical evidence that ties their condition to their military service. This usually comes from the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus letters could aid, too.
The VA utilizes a list of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and in what proportion. The higher the disability rating higher, the greater benefits are available.
A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the most prestigious rating, meaning that a disabled veteran cannot pursue any type of job that is lucrative. If they have a rating this high can be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled augusta veterans disability lawyer or their spouse with a survivor to receive assistance in daily chores like washing, dressing and cleaning, eating, and addressing the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation as well as making home modifications to make the surroundings more accessible.
Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total
For many Veterans, a VA determination of disability is a lifeline. The extra money earned from an income from a disability check is tax free and therefore very affordable and very beneficial. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it could help to put food on the table and get children through college. It can make the difference between having a job and having a house and a car.
When a claim for a veteran is accepted at the Regional Office level after which they are sent an official Rating Decision. The Rating Decision lists the veteran’s medical conditions that are related to his service and assigns a rating for each. In some instances it is possible to rate a condition 100%, while multiple conditions could be combined to create a rating referred to as Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU signifies that the combined effects of all your conditions hinder you from retaining a substantial amount of work, and is a permanent designation.
You can request an upgrade to a permanent rating if you have a TDIU. To apply for this, you have to file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. The VA offers this benefit to veterans who are completely and permanently disabled due to an accident, loss of organs or body part use, or any combination of the two. This is an unavoidable distinction. However the C&P Examiner is able to reduce the rating in the event that your impairments get worse or improve.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans suffer from conditions that have a major impact on their ability to work or lead an active lifestyle, including chronic problems with mental health, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans offset the financial burden of these ailments. These conditions can be severe and last a long time.
The VA utilizes 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. The rating is based on many factors, including the impact the injury or illness affects the veteran’s daily activities and lifestyle.
Veterans may be able to demonstrate a direct service connection with their impairment in certain cases. If there is proof that the illness or injury was a result of military service for example, a head injury resulting in trauma or paralysis could be deemed as a direct service connection. Some conditions, such as depression, tinnitus or anxiety disorders could be considered to be secondary conditions that are not directly related to the military service of a veteran.
To claim benefits, veterans should provide as many medical and other proof as they can. This could include personal records of medical treatment and service treatment. The support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also accelerate the process of submitting claims. It is important to be as precise as possible when reporting dates of treatment, and to forward requested information to the VA as soon as you can.
PTSD
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, it can leave lasting effects on your mind and body. This can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at school or work in fear of or feeling terrorized and fear, and decrease in interest in the activities you used to enjoy. It can also lead to anxiety or depression and could lead to use drugs.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can aid you in getting back on track in your life and ease your symptoms. Most of the time they require psychological therapies such as counseling or talking therapy. However, medication can be used.
Research on PTSD shows that it is not just caused by trauma, but also due to changes in brain function. It can also be aggravated by certain personal and environmental factors, such as living in an area of war or having a family history of mental illness.
Mental health issues, like PTSD are deemed “high-value” claims by the VA because they are harder to prove with medical evidence than conditions like neurological, skin or musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, veterans with disabling mental health conditions are much more likely be awarded a disability rating of 30% or higher than those who suffer from other ailments.
