How to Qualify For
veterans disability attorneys Disability Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if you are a veteran and have suffered a disability due to ill health or an injury sustained during military service. The process can be complex.
It is recommended to complete all your paperwork as soon as you can. VA requires time to review them and give a rating to your claim.
Disabilities related to service
Disabilities that are service-related are those that have been suffered or worsened through military service. Physical health conditions like Lou Gehrig's Disease and chronic knee injuries, as also mental health issues like PTSD are included. It also includes recurrent illnesses, such as chronic skin disorders, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments or appliances. Veterans of this type are often qualified for compensation and other services. This includes free health care, prescription medications and other benefits.
To prove that they have a connection to their service veterans must present medical evidence linking their condition to their military service. This is usually found in service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters could aid, too.
The VA utilizes a rating system, based on Congressional law to determine what conditions are eligible for payment and at what percentage. Generally, the higher the disability rating, the more 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 lucrative work. The people who are rated as high may be eligible to receive additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This allows disabled veterans or their surviving spouse to receive assistance with daily living chores like dressing, bathing, cleaning, feeding, and addressing the needs of nature. This includes arranging for transportation and making home modifications to make the home more accessible.
Disabilities that last a lifetime and are total
A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline for a lot of Veterans. The additional income from a disability determination can be very beneficial and affordable as it is tax-free. It might not cover the mortgage, but it could provide food on the table and get children through college. It can make the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and an automobile in the garage.
After a veteran's claim been approved at the Regional Office the veteran will receive a Rating Decision. This lists their service-connected conditions and assigns a
disability rating to each. In some instances one condition is evaluated at 100 percent, while in other instances, multiple conditions are combined into what's known as the Total Disabled Individual (TDIU) rating. TDIU signifies that the combined effects of all your ailments hinder you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative employment, which is a permanent designation.
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). The VA provides this benefit to veterans who have been completely and permanently disabled as a result of an injury, loss of organs or body parts, or the combination of both. This is a permanent distinction,
disability however, the C&P examiner can reduce the rating if they find that your impairments have improved or may improve in the near future.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans suffer from ailments that have a major impact on their ability to work and live an active lifestyle, including chronic problems with mental health, pain (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans reduce the financial burden of these ailments. These conditions can be severe and can last for a long time.
The VA utilizes a system to rate disabilities to determine their extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings vary between 0% and 100 percent with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on many factors, including the effect the illness or injury can have on the veteran's daily routine and lifestyle.
veterans disability lawyer may be able show an unambiguous connection between their service and their condition in some instances. For instance, a traumatizing brain injury or paralysis may be considered to be a direct service connection if there is evidence of the injury or illness that occurred during military service. However, certain conditions like tinnitus and anxiety disorders or depression, might be considered secondary conditions that aren't directly related to the service of a veteran.
Veterans should provide as many medical records and other proof as is possible to claim benefits. This could include private documents of medical treatment as well as treatments for service. A County Veterans Service Office,
Disability or Veterans Service Representative, can aid in the speeding up of the process of claiming. It is crucial to be as precise as you can when reporting dates of treatment and to forward requested information to the VA promptly.
PTSD
It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on both your body and mind after an experience that was traumatic. This can result in flashbacks, nightmares, trouble concentrating at school or work as well as feelings of fear and terror, and a lack of interest in activities you used to love. It can also lead to anxiety or depression, and could lead to substance abuse, especially among teens and young adults.
There are effective treatments available for PTSD. They can help you get back to normal and lessen the symptoms. The majority times they are based on psychological treatments like counseling or therapy. However, medication are also available.
Research on PTSD has shown that it is not just a result of trauma, but also by changes in the brain's functioning. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental factors like living in areas of war or having an illness history.
Mental health issues like PTSD are deemed "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove with medical evidence than other conditions such as skin, neurological or auditory issues. Veterans with mental health issues that are disabling are more likely to receive an impairment rating of more than 30 percent than those who don't.