5 Killer Quora Answers On Veterans Disability Legal
How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
If you're a vet suffering from an illness or injury caused by military service, you might qualify for veterans disability compensation. But the process is complicated.
It is recommended to submit your claims documents as soon as you can. VA requires time to review them and give a rating to your claim.
Service-Connected Disabilities
Service-related disabilities are those that have been incurred or worsened during military service. Physical health conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease and chronic knee injuries, as well as mental health issues such as PTSD are also included. Also, it includes recurring disorders like chronic skin conditions, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and devices. These veterans typically are eligible for compensation and benefits that are free, such as healthcare and prescription medications.
In order to prove the connection between service and, a veteran must have clear medical evidence that links their condition to their service in the military. This is typically based on service treatment records. However independent medical opinions and nexus letter can also help.
The VA uses a schedule of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine which conditions qualify for compensation, and in what percentage. In general, the higher the rating for disability the greater the benefits that are offered.
The highest rating that can be achieved is 100% permanent and complete disabilities. This means that the veteran will not be able to seek any kind of a lucrative employment. If they are rated this 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 in daily chores like washing, dressing, cleaning, feeding, and addressing the needs of nature. This includes organizing transportation and making modifications to the home to make the house more accessible.
Permanent disabilities that are total
A VA determination of disability can be a lifeline for many Veterans. The additional income derived from an income from a disability check is tax-free and therefore very cost-effective and extremely useful. It might not be enough to pay for your mortgage, but you can put food on the dinner table and send your children to college. It can make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and an automobile in the garage.
When a claim for a veteran is approved at the Regional Office level the veteran is sent an Assessment Decision. The Rating Decision outlines the veteran's service-related ailments and assigns a rating to each. In some instances the condition is rated 100%, while multiple conditions could be combined to create a rating referred to as Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is a permanent designation that means the cumulative effect of your medical conditions prevent you from being able to maintain substantial gainful employment.
If you have an TDIU rating you may request it be upgraded to a total and permanent rating by submitting a claim for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA provides this benefit to veterans who have been permanently and completely disabled as a result of an amputation, loss of organs or body part use or any combination of the two. This is a permanent distinction however, the C&P examiner may reduce the rating if they determine your impairment has improved or may be improved in the future.
Disabilities Associated with Service
Many veterans are suffering from conditions which have a profound impact on their ability to lead an active or productive existence. These include chronic pain, mental illness (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation may help veterans deal with the financial impacts of these ailments, which can be severe and lasting.
The VA utilizes an assessment system that determines disability severity and benefit amounts. The ratings vary between 0% and 100 percent, with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. The rating is based on several factors, including the impact the injury or illness impacts the veteran's daily routine and life.
Veterans may be able to prove a direct service connection with their disability in certain instances. For instance, a traumatizing brain injury or a paralysis can be considered to be a direct service connection if there is evidence that shows the injury or illness that occurred during military service. Certain conditions, like depression, tinnitus or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions and not directly related to a veteran's military service.
Veterans should submit as many medical records and other proof as they can to be eligible for benefits. This could include private documents of medical treatment as well as treatments for service. Having the support of a County Veterans Service Office or veterans disability law firm Service Representative can also speed up the claims process. It is vital to provide dates of treatment as precisely as you can, and then send the requested information as swiftly as possible to the VA.
PTSD
It is possible to have long-lasting effects on both your body and mind following trauma. This could include nightmares and flashbacks, problems concentrating at school or work in fear of or feeling terrorized and anxiety, 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 among teenagers and young adults.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting your life back on track and decrease your symptoms. The majority times, they involve psychological treatments like counseling or talk therapy. However, medications are also available.
Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition isn't only caused by trauma but changes in the way your brain works. It can also be aggravated due to personal and Veterans Disability environmental factors like living in areas of war or having an underlying mental illness.
Mental health issues, such as PTSD, are considered "high-value" claims by the VA because they are more difficult to prove by medical evidence than other conditions like skin, neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, veterans with chronic mental health issues are much more likely to be awarded a disability rating that is 30% or greater over those with other ailments.