Serving your country comes with sacrifices, and for many veterans, that includes long-term, painful injuries and illnesses.
Veteran disability compensation is designed to provide monetary support, but understanding its intricacies can be difficult. Here’s a short guide to clarify to process and types of veteran disability compensation:
What is Veteran Disability Compensation
Veteran disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is offered to veterans who suffer from an injury or illness caused or worsened by their military service. Like many veteran support programs, VA disability compensation aims to support veterans by covering the cost of physical disabilities and mental conditions.
You can get VA disability benefits for:
- Chronic back or joint pain
- Breathing problems resulting from lung disease
- Severe hearing loss
- Reduced range of motion or complete loss of mobility in one or more limbs
- Ulcers
- Conditions caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other dangerous substances
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Anxiety
- Depression
The amount of compensation is determined by the degree of a veteran’s illness or injury, ranging from 10% to 100%.
Steps for Filing a Veteran Disability Claim
Filing a veteran disability claim involves multiple steps. Here’s a brief overview:
Check Eligibility
The first thing you should do is check the eligibility criteria from the official website of the Department of VA. You’re eligible if:
- You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
- You have a current disability related to your military service.
- You have an injury or illness that appeared after the service ended.
You can also file for a veteran disability claim based on presumptive conditions in which you don’t need to prove a direct link between your service and the condition to receive compensation. Examples of presumptive conditions include a chronic illness that appeared one year after you left service, an illness caused by contact with hazardous substances, or an illness caused by your time spent as a prisoner of war (POW).
Gather Supporting Documentation
If you meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, strengthen your claim by collecting evidence and necessary documentation. You should gather:
- Military medical records
- Private or VA medical records
- Service incident reports
- Written statements from fellow service members, who witnessed your condition first-hand
Many VA experts recommend submitting a statement in support of the claim. It is a brief narrative explaining your current symptoms and how they are connected to your military service.
Depending on your country of residence, you might be asked to submit additional documents. If you’re living in Georgia, consider working with a reliable Georgia veterans disability claims attorney, who will ensure you’re submitting all the necessary documents.
Choose How to File
Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, complete the VA Form 21-5263Z. There are numerous ways to submit your claim. You can apply online through the VA’s official website, send your application via mail, or visit the VA regional office to submit the appeal in person. The means of applying doesn’t affect your compensation value.
Cooperate and Stay Informed
A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will review your claim and reach out for additional evidence. They might also ask you to undergo a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam with a VA doctor. Once the investigation is complete, they’ll assign a disability rating.
During this time, you should reach out for updates and wait for the VA decision letter. If you think the compensation is not fair, you can file for an appeal, submit additional evidence, and request a new review.
Types of Veteran Disability Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs offers various disability compensation programs. Here’s a brief breakdown of four common examples:
Service-connected Disability Compensation
As the name indicates, it is awarded to veterans who became sick or injured while performing military duties. It is also offered to veterans whose pre-existing medical condition was worsened due to military service. To be eligible, a veteran must have an honorable discharge or other than dishonorable discharge.
VA Pension
It is a monthly cash payment for retired or disabled veterans with low incomes. To be eligible, you must have 90 days of military service including at least one day during wartime on your record. Moreover, veterans must have a total permanent disability or be over the age of 65.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP)
The CRDP program allows military retirees to receive both retirement benefits and disability payments. Veterans who have at least 20 years of service and a service-connected disability rated 50 percent or more are eligible.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a payment reserved for surviving family members, including spouses, children, or parents of a military officer who died due to a service-related injury or illness.
Why Hire a Veteran Disability Attorney
Filing for veteran disability compensation can be a long and tiring process. Moreover, collecting paperwork and meeting deadlines can be challenging. A seasoned veteran disability attorney will take care of all the complex legal procedures, minimizing the risk of mistakes and delays.
The Department of VA has strict eligibility requirements and many veterans receive lower disability ratings than they should. Lawyers have years of experience in handling VA claims and are equipped with the ins and outs of the department regulations. They can analyze your medical records, gather additional evidence, and strengthen your case, helping you receive a higher rating.
While there are plenty of nonprofit offices that offer legal aid for veteran disability claims, these organizations are often understaffed. As a result, they might not be able to give complete attention to your case, leading to denied appeals. An accredited VA attorney will offer personalized service and create a plan for every circumstance.
Most veteran disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost and you only have to pay if you win the case. If you’re financially struggling, rest assured you can get expert legal assistance without a hitch.
Choosing a VA Disability Attorney
When you’re hiring a veteran disability attorney to represent you, pay attention to the lawyer’s credentials and success rate. Make sure they are accredited by the Office of General Counsel (OCG) at the Department of Veterans Affairs and have ample experience representing military retirees.
If you wish to work with a law firm, understand their goals and mission. Lawyers who care about their client’s needs can not only increase your chances of fair compensation but also provide emotional support.
