How to Qualify For
veterans disability lawyers Disability Compensation
If you're a veteran with an illness or injury caused by military service, you might qualify for
veterans disability compensation. The process can be complex.
It's best to submit your claims documents as soon as you are able to. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your situation.
Disabilities that are related to service
Service-related disabilities are those that have been incurred or worsened during military service. These include physical health conditions like chronic knee injuries or Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health issues such as PTSD. This includes skin conditions that require frequent VA visits for specialized applications or ointments.
veterans disability case with this kind of condition are often eligible for compensation and services. This includes free medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.
To prove connection to service the veteran must present proof of medically proven connection linking their health condition to their experience in the military. This usually comes from the records of treatment for service, however independent medical opinions and nexus documents can help, too.
The VA uses a rating scale that is based on Congressional law to determine which ailments are eligible for compensation and in what percentage. In general, the higher the disability rating and the higher the disability ratings, the greater benefits are available.
A 100 100% permanent and total disability rating is the highest one can get rating, meaning that a veteran can't follow any kind of work that can be considered lucrative. The people who are rated as high may be eligible for additional monthly benefits, known as Aid and Attendance. This lets a veteran with disabilities or their survivor spouse to receive assistance for daily chores like washing, dressing, feeding, cleaning and attending to the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation and making home modifications to make the house more accessible.
Permanent and Total Disabilities Permanent and Total
For a lot of Veterans the VA determination of disability is a lifeline. The additional income from a disability claim can be very beneficial and affordable as it is tax-free. It may not cover your mortgage, but it can afford food on the table and send your kids to college. It can mean the difference between being poor and having a home and a car.
After a claim from a veteran has been approved at the Regional Office level the veteran is sent an Assessment Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran's conditions related to service and assigns a rating for each. In some cases a single condition is rated as 100 percent, whereas in other cases, multiple conditions are grouped into what's known as the Total Disabled Individual (TDIU) rating. TDIU is a designation that lasts forever that means the combined effects of your medical conditions prevent you from being able to maintain substantially gainful employment.
If you have an TDIU rating You can request it be upgraded to a permanent and total rating by submitting an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is a bonus benefit that the VA provides to
veterans disability attorneys who are permanently completely disabled due to amputation or loss of use of organs, body parts or other organs. This is a permanent distinction, however, the C&P examiner can reduce the rating if they determine your limitations have improved or are likely to improve in the future.
Disabilities related to Service
Many veterans are suffering from conditions which have a profound impact on their ability to lead an active and productive lifestyle. They are afflicted with chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans offset the financial burden of these ailments. These ailments can be very severe and last a long time.
The VA utilizes a system to rate disabilities to determine their severity and the amount of benefits. The ratings range between 0% and 100 percent and higher percentages indicate greater levels of disability. The criteria for determining this rating is based on various factors, including the effect the injury or illness affects the veteran's daily activities and life.
veterans disability attorney may be able to demonstrate a direct service connection with their impairment in certain cases. For instance, a traumatizing brain injury or paralysis may be considered to be a direct service connection in the event that there is evidence of the injury or illness occurring during military service. Certain conditions, like tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions, and not directly connected to the military service of a veteran.
To claim benefits, veterans should provide as the most medical and other evidence as is possible. This could include private medical records and service treatment records. Having the support of a County Veterans Service Office or Veterans Service Representative can also accelerate the process of submitting claims. It is essential to submit dates of treatment as precisely as you can and provide the requested information as soon as possible to the VA.
PTSD
It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on both your body and mind after trauma. It can result in nightmares and flashbacks, difficulties concentrating at school or work or at work, feelings of fear and anxiety, as well as a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also cause anxiety or depression and could result in substance abuse particularly in teens and young adults.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can help you get your life back on track and lessen the symptoms. The majority of them involve psychological treatments such as counseling or talk therapy but medicines can also be used.
Research on PTSD shows that it is not only caused by trauma, but also due to changes in brain function. It can also be exacerbated by personal and environmental factors such as living in conflict zones or
veterans disability compensation having an history of mental illness.
Mental health problems, like PTSD are regarded as "high-value" claims by the VA because they are more difficult to prove by medical evidence than other ailments such as neurological, skin or musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, veterans who suffer from disabilities in their mental health are much more likely to receive a disability rating of 30% or higher than those who suffer from other ailments.