Five Killer Quora Answers To Veterans Disability Legal

How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation

If you're a veteran with an injury or illness brought on by military service, you may qualify for veterans disability compensation. But the process can be difficult.

It is recommended that you file your claims as quickly as possible. 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 in military service. They include physical health issues such as chronic knee injuries and Lou Gehrig's disease as well as mental health problems such as PTSD. It also includes recurrent illnesses, such as chronic skin conditions, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments and appliances. Veterans of this type are usually qualified for compensation and other services. This includes free medical care, prescription medication and other benefits.

To prove that a connection to service exists veterans must have solid medical evidence linking their condition to their service in the military. This is usually found in service treatment records, although independent medical opinions and nexus letters can help, too.

The VA uses a set of ratings that are based on Congressional laws to determine what conditions are eligible for compensation and at what percentage. In general, the higher the rating for disability the greater the benefits that are offered.

A 100% permanent and total disability rating is the most prestigious rating, which means that a veteran can't follow any type of job that is lucrative. If they have a rating this high can be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This is a way for veterans with an impairment or their surviving spouse to receive assistance in everyday activities like dressing, bathing, feeding, cleaning and attending to the needs of nature. This includes organizing transportation and home modifications to make the house more easily accessible.

Disabilities that are permanent and total

For a lot of veterans disability attorney, a VA determination of disability is a lifeline. The extra money earned from an income from a disability check is tax free making it extremely affordable and extremely beneficial. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it will aid in putting food on the table, and also help children through college. It could be the difference between living in poverty and having a roof over your head and having a car parked in the garage.

After a claim from a veteran has been accepted at the Regional Office level and they receive an Assessment Decision. It lists their service-related conditions and assigns a disability rating to each. In certain instances it is possible to rate a condition 100%, while multiple conditions could be combined to create a rating referred to as Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU means that the combined effects of all of your ailments hinder you from retaining substantial gainful employment, which is an ongoing designation.

If you have an TDIU rating, you can request that it be upgraded to a total and permanent rating by submitting an application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The VA provides this benefit to veterans who are permanently and completely disabled due to an accident, loss of organs or body parts, or a combination of both. This is an ongoing distinction. However, the C&P Examiner may reduce the rating if your impairments get worse or increase.

Disabilities Associated with Service

Many veterans are suffering from conditions which have a significant effect on their ability to lead an active or productive life. These include chronic pain, mental disorders (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help veterans offset the financial consequences of these ailments which can be devastating and long-lasting.

The VA utilizes an assessment system that rates disabilities to determine their extent of the disability and calculate benefit amounts. The ratings range from 0% to 100 percent, with higher percentages indicating higher levels of disability. This rating is based upon many factors, including the impact the injury or illness has on the veteran's daily routine and lifestyle.

In some cases, veterans may be able to prove a direct connection to their disability. For instance, a traumatic brain injury or a paralysis can be considered to be a direct service connection when there is evidence of the illness or injury occurring during military service. Certain conditions, such as tinnitus, depression, or anxiety disorders could be considered secondary conditions and not directly related to the military service of a veteran.

To claim benefits, veterans should provide as many medical and other proof as possible. This could include medical records that are private and service treatment records. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding the claim process. It is crucial to make your dates of treatment as precisely as you can and provide the requested information as swiftly as you can to the VA.

PTSD

If you've been through a traumatizing event, it can have lasting effects on your body and mind. This could include flashbacks and nightmares, difficulty in concentrating at school or at work or at school, feelings of anxiety or horror, as well as a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also lead to depression or anxiety, and could lead to abuse substances.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for PTSD. They can assist you in getting your life back on track and lessen your symptoms. They typically involve psychological treatment such as counseling or talking therapy however, medications can also be used.

Research on PTSD has proven that the condition isn't solely caused by trauma, but changes in how your brain functions. It may also be aggravated by certain personal and environmental factors, like living in a war zone or having a family history of mental illness.

Mental health problems such as PTSD are considered "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to prove with medical evidence than other conditions like neurological, skin or auditory problems. Additionally, veterans with disabilities in their mental health are more likely to be awarded a disability rating of 30% or more than those with other conditions.