Not Sure If VA Disability Is For You?
Many veterans are unsure about the Veterans Affairs (VA) disability program. There are many misconceptions about the disability system, such as assuming wrongly that only combat injuries are eligible, or assuming that your income will be limited the same way that Social Security limits income. Both and more are untrue, and as you take a look at a few eligibility concerns, you can feel better about putting in as many claims as you want. Filing is free and unlimited, after all.
What Are Valid Conditions With The VA?
If it happened during your military service, it's valid. End of story. Since there's bound to be a few "how about this?" questions, a bit of elaboration is fair.
Military service means from the beginning of your military service to the end, which includes your reservist duty. Although the Inactive Ready Reserves (IRR) period means that you'll be at home most of the time until periodic muster/roll coll meeting, it's still part of your military service and may be eligible as well.
It doesn't matter how you were affected, just as long as you were affected. Disability isn't just for combat injuries, nor is it for workplace accidents. Healthcare and monetary compensation aren't limited to severe incidents such as car crashes or removed limbs. If it affects the way you work, enjoy life or simply exist, it counts.
Mental conditions count as well, and that is a big category. It's more than just the common, but contested Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as there are a variety of problems that can be caused by military service.
If it gives you even the smallest problem, file a claim. You're not taking away from veterans who need compensation, as Veterans Affairs has a robust budget. Although funding is needed for high-cost projects such as medical research and facilities, there's still plenty of room for veterans to get help. This isn't an issue of limited seats.
Your Appeal May Need A Professional's Touch
It shouldn't be up to you to decide if your condition is worthy or not. The VA can make the decision, so if you think that you have a minor issue that gives you a few problems, you can let the VA decide. Even if they don't give you disability payments, the VA will provide medication, counseling and other benefits as part of their basic health benefits. That's just for being a veteran, not for disability at large.
If you think that your condition is a problem, but the VA disagrees, it's time to get a professional to help you file an appeal. Many disability denials for valid conditions are denied because your claim or appeal didn't meet the service-connection test.
A service connection is a connection that shows how your condition is related to military service. You may know how your condition began or have a good idea, but the VA can't just take your word for it. They need paperwork showing that the problem started before you left the military, since the VA won't give disability to conditions caused during your civilian life.
An attorney can interview you about your condition and find evidence that you may not have been aware of or events that you didn't connect on your own--and if you're not an attorney, you're likely unaware of a lot of possible connections contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your appeal for greater success, no matter how big or small.
For more information, contact Norris, Gary G. Attorney or a similar legal professional.
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