AMU Military Original Veterans

VA Disability Benefits: Understanding How to File a Claim

One common error that military veterans make is failing to make a claim for disability benefits through Veterans Affairs (VA). This problem occurs because there are a lot of misconceptions over the VA disability benefits process.

One of the most common misconceptions is that veterans don’t understand their eligibility for benefits. Another misconception is the difference between healthcare and disability benefits and the differences in eligibility.

Veterans Affairs Healthcare Benefits

Healthcare benefits is different than VA disability benefits. According to Veterans Affairs, a servicemember may be eligible for VA healthcare benefits if that person did not receive a dishonorable discharge and meets the following criteria:

    • Enlisted after September 7, 1980 or entered active duty after October 16, 1981
    • Served at least 24 continuous months or the full period of time that the servicemember was called to active duty
    • Exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving our country – at home or abroad
    • Received financial compensation (payments) from VA for a service-connected disability
    • Discharged for a disability resulting from something that happened in the line of duty
    • Discharged for a disability that got worse in the line of duty
    • Was a former prisoner of war (POW)
    • Received a Purple Heart or a Medal of Honor
    • Has received or qualifies for Medicaid benefits
    • Was a combat Veteran discharged or released on or after September 11, 2001

    There are additional factors that can enable servicemembers to be qualified to receive VA healthcare benefits. Reservists called to active duty by a federal order and who completed the full active-duty period may be eligible to receive Veterans Affairs healthcare benefits, according to the VA.

    VA Disability Benefits

    According to Veterans Affairs, disability compensation offers tax-free monthly payments for a service-connected condition, such as an illness or injury that was caused by or got worse due to active-duty service.

    The VA defines eligibility for disability compensation based on:

    • A current illness or injury that impacts the servicemember’s mind or body.
    • Whether the servicemember served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

    Also, at least one of the following conditions must apply:

    • A link must be established that the illness or injury occurred while the servicemember was in the military.
    • The military service caused an illness or injury to worsen.
    • The servicemember/vet has a disability related to active-duty service that did not appear until after military service ended.

    What to Know About VA Disability Claims

    A servicemember does not need to be fully incapacitated to qualify for VA disability. In fact, service-connected disabilities may include a wide range of injuries and illnesses.

    The VA uses a percentage-based system to determine qualifying injuries and illnesses. For example, a servicemember may receive a 10% disability rating for tinnitus and may receive compensation as a result.

    Also, a servicemember or veteran may receive a high VA disability rating due to multiple conditions that increased that person’s overall disability rating. For example, a veteran may receive a disability rating for injuries that occurred over a military career that resulted in several medical conditions, such as:

    • Back pain
    • Hearing loss
    • Limited range of motion in the arms or other extremities
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

    How to Apply for VA Disability Claims

    Servicemembers and veterans can apply for VA disability benefits through the File for Disability Compensation link. But before you file, have some documentation available to substantiate any service-related injuries that you claim. This documentation can be in the form of:

    • Military medical records
    • Civilian medical records
    • Statements from others who can validate your claim
    • Time-stamped photographs of your injuries

    Others Can Help You to Claim VA Disability Benefits

    Veterans have the choice of filing their Veterans Affairs disability claims on their own or with the assistance of others. Also, veterans support organizations can assist with filing the paperwork for the disability claim. An example is the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

    In addition, there are lawyers who specialize in Veterans Affairs disability claims. They can assist veterans in completing the filing process.

    Veterans should receive the compensation they deserve due to the injuries they endured during military service. Thankfully, there are others willing to provide assistance if a servicemember or vet is experiencing difficulties in applying.

    Jarrod Sadulski

    Dr. Jarrod Sadulski is an associate professor in the School of Security and Global Studies and has over two decades in the field of criminal justice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Thomas Edison State College, a master’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University, and a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Northcentral University. His expertise includes training on countering human trafficking, maritime security, mitigating organized crime, and narcotics trafficking trends in Latin America. He has also testified to both the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate on human trafficking and child exploitation. He has been recognized by the U.S. Senate as an expert in human trafficking. Jarrod frequently conducts in-country research and consultant work in Central and South America on human trafficking and current trends in narcotics trafficking. Also, he has a background in business development. For more information on Jarrod and links to his social media and website, check out https://linktr.ee/jarrodsadulski.

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