Fighting for Your Veterans Disability Benefits?
Veterans who experience service-related injuries, illnesses, or have preexisting conditions worsened by their military service are eligible for VA disability compensation. This compensation is a tax-free monthly payment. Both physical conditions, such as chronic illnesses or injuries, and mental health conditions like PTSD, which occur before, during, or after service, may qualify for VA disability benefits.
This article aims to provide comprehensive information on how to apply for these benefits.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR VA DISABILITY COMPENSATION
Eligibility:
- You have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
- You are currently suffering from a mental or physical illness or injury, known as a condition.
Additionally, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- You can prove that your illness or injury occurred during military service (referred to as an “in-service disability claim”).
- You had a medical condition before enlisting, and your service aggravated or exacerbated it (known as a “preservice disability claim”).
- You have a service-connected disability that became apparent after your military career ended (referred to as a “post-service disability claim”).
Veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other toxic substances now have enhanced access to VA health care and benefits through the new PACT Act. Further details are available for those interested.
Note: In some cases, the VA may presume that a health problem you are experiencing is directly caused by a service you received. These are known as presumptive conditions. Compensation for a presumptive condition does not require proof that your service directly caused the illness or injury. Fulfilling the presumptive service requirements qualifies you for the presumption.
DISCHARGE STATUS:
If you were discharged under conditions other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable, you may not be eligible for VA disability benefits. However, you can apply for a discharge upgrade. Learn more about the process.
Note: The VA’s Character of Discharge review process can determine your eligibility for benefits despite a less-than-honorable discharge. This investigation may take up to a year. Find more information about it.
CONDITIONS COVERED UNDER DISABILITY BENEFITS:
You may be eligible for benefits if you have any of the following conditions:
- Chronic pain resulting in back pain
- Difficulty breathing due to preexisting lung disease or acute lung injury
- Profound deafness
- Tumor remnants
- Limited mobility
- Ulcers
- Cancers and other diseases caused by hazardous exposure. Learn more about these conditions.
- Traumatic brain damage (TBI)
- Affective Disorders Related to Trauma (PTSD)
- Depression
- Anxiety
For a complete list of covered illnesses, you can download Title 38, Code of Federal Regulation, 3.309(a) (DOC).
Your disability must be directly linked to an event, injury, or exposure that occurred during your military service. Medical records, reports, or other documentation can support this.
The circumstances of a veteran’s service can make it easier to service-connect certain claims. If you served in a specific location involving chemical exposures, or if your disabilities manifested within a certain period of time after service, VA will presume that certain conditions are related to military service. Specifically, presumptive conditions can include certain chronic diseases, or conditions related to Camp Lejeune water contamination or Agent Orange.
You may be eligible for benefits if you suffer from a disability caused or aggravated by a condition that is already service-connected.
Benefits may be available if your military service aggravated an existing condition. During military service, your condition must have worsened beyond its natural progression.
Why Choose Rob Levine & Associates?
Tailored Representation
The VA benefits system presents unique challenges and complexities. We are committed to meeting the needs of every disabled veteran. We provide personalized and dedicated representation to help you navigate the process for receiving benefits.
Multi-pronged Approach
We handle every VA benefits case as a team, relying on team collaboration and expertise for the best possible results. We work with a multidisciplinary approach that allows for comprehensive analysis, thorough preparation, and effective representation throughout the entire process.
Years of Experience
We have an excellent track-record in helping veterans obtain benefits for their service-connected disabilities. Time and again, our extensive knowledge of the VA system, regulations, and requirements have helped increase the chances of securing benefits.
Serving Those Who Served Us
FILING A VA DISABILITY CLAIM:
Filing a disability claim can be complex and confusing. Therefore, the VA strongly recommends seeking assistance from an accredited representative or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) when filing a claim or appeal. VSOs are certified and trained advocates who specialize in handling claims and appeals for Veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and the deceased. They can address all your VA-related needs.
Please provide your details below, and we will connect you with a trusted VSO who can assist you with your VA needs:
We are committed to your well-being beyond the legal aspects – We are here to help you regain your independence and confidently move forward.
We are associated with Rob Levine & Associates. We handle initial claims for free & appeals cases nationwide. Feel free to contact us today for your case, we are sponsored to help you in all your VA disability matters.