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How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
You could be eligible for compensation if are a veteran who has suffered an impairment due to illness or injury that was sustained while serving in the military. But the process could be difficult.
It is best to submit your claims as soon as you are able to. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your condition.
Disabilities that are related to service
The most common service-related disabilities are those that have been incurred or worsened during military service. Physical health conditions, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease and chronic knee injuries, along with mental health issues like PTSD are also included. This includes skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for special ointments or appliances. These springfield veterans disability lawyer typically qualify for compensation and services that include no-cost healthcare as well as prescription drugs.
To prove connection to service veterans must provide medical evidence that links their medical condition to their military service. This typically comes from service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters may help, too.
The VA utilizes a list of ratings based on Congressional laws to determine which conditions qualify for compensation, and in what proportion. In general, the higher a disability rating is and the higher the benefits will be available.
The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the veteran is unable to pursue any kind of lucrative job. With a rating this high may qualify for monthly benefits that are called Aid and Attendance. This allows a disabled veteran or their surviving spouse to receive help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing and eating, cleaning up and addressing the needs of nature. This includes organizing transportation and making changes to the home to make the home more accessible.
Permanent and Total Disabilities
A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline for a lot of Veterans. The additional income from a disability claim can be extremely helpful and affordable, as it is tax-free. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it will provide food on the table and aid students through college. It can mean the difference between having a house and car.
Once a veteran’s claim is approved at the Regional Office level and they receive an Assessment Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran’s medical conditions that are related to his service and assigns a score to each. In some cases the condition itself is evaluated at 100 percent, while in other cases multiple conditions, they are combined into what’s called the Total Disabled Individual (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a term that can be used for a long time which means that the combined effect of your medical conditions prevent you from being able to hold substantially gainful employment.
If you have a TDIU rating and you wish to request it be upgraded to a permanent, total rating by submitting an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is a benefit that the VA will pay to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of an injury or loss of organs or body components. This is a permanent distinction, but the C&P examiner is able to reduce the rating if they determine your impairment has improved or may improve in the near future.
Service-Related Disabilities
Many veterans are affected by conditions that have a profound impact on their ability to work and live an active life. This includes chronic pain, mental health issues (like PTSD) and injuries. Disability compensation can assist these veterans with the financial consequences of these conditions which can be devastating and long-lasting.
The VA uses a rating system to determine disability severity and benefit amounts. The ratings range from 0% to% with higher percentages indicating greater levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on many factors, including the impact the injury or illness impacts the veteran’s daily activities as well as lifestyle.
selma veterans disability law firm may be able show a direct service connection with their condition in some instances. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or paralysis could be considered direct service connection in the event that there is evidence of the injury or illness that occurred during military service. However, certain ailments such as tinnitus or depression or anxiety disorders could be considered to be secondary conditions that are not directly connected to the veteran’s military service.
To claim benefits, veterans should provide as as much medical evidence and other documentation as is possible. This may include private records of medical treatment and treatment received during service. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can aid in the speeding up of the claim process. It is essential to submit dates of treatment as accurately as possible and send the requested information as swiftly as you can to the VA.
PTSD
If you’ve been through a traumatizing event, it may have lasting effects on your body and mind. This could include flashbacks and nightmares, trouble concentrating at school or at work as well as feelings of fear and terror, and a lack of interest in things that you used to love. It can also lead to anxiety or depression, and could result in addiction to substances, particularly in teens and young adults.
There are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get back on track in your life and reduce your symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as talking therapy or counseling however, medications can also be used.
Research on PTSD has shown that the condition isn’t just caused by trauma but changes in how your brain functions. It can also be aggravated by personal and environmental triggers like living in war zones or having an history of mental illness.
Mental health issues such as PTSD are considered “high value” claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove with medical evidence than other conditions such as skin, neurological or auditory issues. Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to receive an impairment rating of more than 30 percent than those without.