Five Killer Quora Answers On Veterans Disability Legal
How to Qualify For Veterans Disability Compensation
If you're a veteran suffering from an illness or injury caused by military service, then you could qualify for veterans disability (see it here) compensation. But the process could be complex.
It is best to file your claims in the shortest time possible. VA needs time to evaluate them and determine a rating for your situation.
Disabilities that are related to service
Service-connected disabilities are those that were incurred or worsened in military service. Physical health conditions such as Lou Gehrig's disease and chronic knee injuries, as also mental health issues such as PTSD are also included. Additionally, there are recurring illnesses, such as chronic skin conditions, which require frequent visits to the VA for special ointments, appliances and other products. These types of veterans often are eligible for compensation and benefits, including no-cost healthcare and prescription medications.
To prove connection to service Veterans must have medical evidence linking their medical condition to their military service. This is usually dependent on the records of treatment for service. However independent medical opinion and an nexus document can also help.
The VA uses a rating scale, based on Congressional law, to determine which conditions are eligible for benefits and at what percentage. In general, the higher the disability rating then the more benefits are available.
The highest possible rating is 100% permanent and total disabilities. This means that the person who is disabled cannot pursue any kind of gainful job. The people who are rated as high could be eligible for additional monthly benefits known as Aid and Attendance. This helps veterans disability lawsuits with a disability or their surviving spouse to receive assistance for daily activities like washing, dressing, eating, and cleaning up and attending to the needs of nature. This includes arranging transportation and making home modifications to make the environment more accessible.
Permanent disabilities that are total
A VA determination of disability could be a lifeline for a lot of Veterans. The extra income from the disability check is tax free, making it very affordable and extremely helpful. It might not be enough to pay for the mortgage, but it can help to put food on the table and aid kids through college. It can make the difference between being poor and having a roof over your head and having a car parked in the garage.
After a veteran's claim has been approved at the Regional Office level and they receive the Rating Decision. It lists their service-related conditions and assigns a disability score to each. In some cases the condition is rated 100%, while multiple conditions can be grouped to create a rating referred to as Total Disabled Unemployment (TDIU). TDIU is the term used to describe the effects of all your ailments hinder you from retaining substantial gainful employment, which is an indefinite designation.
You can apply for an upgrade to a permanent rating if you are a TDIU. To do this, you must file a claim for Special Monthly Compensation. The VA provides this benefit to veterans who are completely and permanently disabled as a result of an injury, loss of organs or body parts or an amalgamation of both. This is an unavoidable distinction. However the C&P Examiner can reduce the rating in the event that your impairments get worse or improve.
Disabilities Related to Service
Many veterans suffer from conditions that have a significant impact on their ability to lead an active and productive life. They are afflicted with chronic pain, mental illness (like PTSD), and injuries. Disability compensation can help these veterans deal with the financial consequences of these ailments which can be devastating and long-lasting.
The VA uses an assessment system that determines the severity of disability and benefit amounts. The ratings vary between zero and 100 percent and higher percentages indicating greater levels of disabilities. The criteria for determining this rating is based on a variety of factors, including the effect the illness or injury impacts the veteran's daily activities and life.
In some instances there are instances where veterans are able to prove a direct connection to their disability. If there is evidence that the illness or injury was caused by military service, for example, a head injury resulting in trauma or paralysis may be considered as a direct service connection. However, certain ailments like tinnitus and depression or anxiety disorders may be considered secondary conditions that are not directly related to the service of a veteran.
Veterans should provide as many medical records and other proof as they can to be eligible for benefits. This can include private medical records as well as service treatment records. A County Veterans Service Office, or Veterans disability Veterans Service Representative, can assist in speeding up the process of claiming. It is crucial to submit dates of treatment as accurately as you can and submit the requested information as fast as you can to the VA.
PTSD
It is possible to experience long-lasting effects on your body and mind following trauma. This can include nightmares and flashbacks, difficulty concentrating at school or work, Veterans disability feelings of terror and fear, and lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy. It can also trigger depression or anxiety and can lead to substance abuse, particularly in teens and young adults.
There are effective treatments available for PTSD. They can help you get back to normal and help reduce the symptoms. Most involve psychological treatment, such as talking therapy or counseling but medicines can also be used.
Research on PTSD has revealed that the condition is not only caused by trauma but changes in the way that your brain works. It can also be aggravated by personal and environmental factors like living in conflict zones or having an underlying mental illness.
Mental health problems such as PTSD are considered "high value" claims by VA because they are more difficult to disprove with medical evidence than other conditions such as skin, neurological or auditory problems. Veterans suffering from disabling mental disorders are more likely to receive a disability rating above 30 percent than those without.