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 might be eligible for Disability veterans disability compensation. But the process can be complicated.

It is recommended that you submit all of your documents promptly. VA needs time to evaluate them and give a rating to your condition.

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disabilities that are service-related are those that have been caused or exacerbated by military service. They include physical health issues like chronic knee injuries or Lou Gehrig's disease, and mental health issues like PTSD. These include chronic skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for special products or appliances. These veterans typically qualify for compensation and services that are free, such as healthcare and prescription medications.

In order to prove service-connection, a veteran must have proof of medically proven connection linking their health condition to their experience in the military. This is usually dependent on the records of treatment for service. However independent medical opinions as well as a nexus letter can also help.

The VA uses a rating schedule which is based on Congressional law to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and at what percentage. The higher the disability rating is higher, the greater benefits are available.

The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the person who is disabled cannot pursue any type of gainful employment. The people who are rated as high may be eligible to receive additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This lets a veteran with disabilities or their survivor spouse to receive assistance for daily living tasks such as dressing, bathing, cleaning, feeding and attending to nature's needs. This includes arranging transportation as well as making home modifications to make the environment more accessible.

Permanent and Total Disability

A VA determination of disability can be lifesaving for many Veterans. The extra income that comes from a disability grant is extremely beneficial and affordable as it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but it can get food on the dinner table and send your kids to college. It could mean the difference between poverty and having a house and car.

After a veteran's claim has been approved at the Regional Office after which they will receive a Rating Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran's medical conditions that are related to his service and assigns a rating for each. In some instances, a condition is rated 100%, while multiple conditions may be combined to give a rating of Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU signifies that the combined effects of all your conditions prevent you from holding a job that is essentially lucrative work, and is an ongoing designation.

If you have a TDIU rating and you wish to request it be upgraded to a total and permanent rating by filing an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is a benefit that the VA pays to irmo veterans disability attorney who are permanently totally disabled because of an loss of function or amputation of organs or body parts. This is a permanent distinction but the C&P examiner can reduce the rating if they believe that your limitations have improved or are likely to improve in the near future.

Disabilities related to Service

Many veterans suffer from ailments that have a major impact on their capacity to work or live an active lifestyle, including chronic physical pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation is a way to help freeport veterans disability lawyer deal with the financial burden of these ailments. These ailments can be very severe and last for a long time.

The VA uses an assessment system for disabilities to determine the severity of the condition and determine the benefit amount. The ratings range from 0% to percent with higher percentages indicating greater levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on a variety of factors, including the effect the injury or illness affects the veteran's daily activities as well as lifestyle.

Veterans may be able show a direct service connection with their disability in certain instances. If evidence exists that the injury or illness was caused by military service, the head injury that is traumatic or paralysis could be considered an immediate service connection. Certain conditions, for example, tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders can be considered secondary conditions, and not directly related to a veteran's military service.

To be eligible for benefits, veterans must submit as as much medical evidence and other documentation as possible. This may include private documents of medical treatment as well as treatment for service. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can help speed up the process of claiming. It is vital to provide dates of treatment as accurately as you can, and then send the requested information as quickly as possible to the VA.

PTSD

It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on your body and mind after trauma. It can result in nightmares and flashbacks, problems concentrating at school or work, feelings of terror and fear, and a decline in the interests you used to enjoy. It can also cause depression or anxiety and can result in addiction to substances, particularly in teens and young adults.

There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get your life back on track and help reduce your symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy however, medications are also available.

Research on PTSD has shown that the condition is not solely caused by trauma, but changes in how your brain functions. It could also be caused by certain environmental and personal factors, such as being in an area of war, or having an ancestral history of mental illness.

Mental health problems, like PTSD are deemed "high-value" claims by the VA because they are more difficult to prove with medical evidence than conditions such as neurological, skin, auditory or musculoskeletal problems. In addition, veterans with disabilities in their mental health are much more likely to receive a disability rating of 30% or more than those with other conditions.