Cancer is classified as a disabling condition that may qualify for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Commonly, the VA gives a 100% disability rating to Veterans diagnosed with service-related cancer during active treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation surgery, and other forms of medical treatment are included in this. With a 100% rating, Veterans receive the absolute maximum amount of disability benefits the VA offers while going through cancer treatment and their recovery. Once a Veteran goes into remission, it is crucial to understand the process of how the VA could change the disability rating.
After a hard-fought treatment and recovery, some Veterans do achieve remission, and the VA will not immediately discontinue your disability benefits. It is important to note that the disability rating you received while diagnosed with cancer is subject to change through a reevaluation process. Called a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam, the VA usually initiates this exam months after the successful cancer treatment. The exam is designed to reassess the Veteran’s overall condition and identify any lasting damages or effects caused by the cancer and treatment on the body.
The VA will review medical records recorded across the entire history of the cancer diagnosis and treatment, and reserves the right to readjust the initial 100% disability rating based on any residual symptoms a Veteran has experienced. If a Veteran has lasting health issues due to the cancer or treatment, the VA assigns a new rating dependent on these symptoms.
It is common for many Veterans to face long-term complications from cancer and the treatment that goes along with it. These residual conditions may qualify as their own separate disabilities for the VA to consider when determining your new disability rating for continued compensation. Frequent residual conditions may potentially include:
The determining factor when being reevaluated for a new disability rating is in how severe these conditions present themselves. Should a Veteran disagree with the new rating after remission, he or she may submit additional medical evidence for reconsideration or even submit an appeal for the decision.
It is important to be proactive to protect your VA disability benefits after cancer remission. Veterans should take extra steps to ensure they continue to receive continued compensation such as:
Should the cancer return, or even get worse, a Veteran may make a request for the full restoration of benefits as a rating increase. Veterans with at least a 30% disability rating may be eligible for an increase in compensation if they have a child, spouse, or dependent parent.
At Fight4Vets, our experienced VA-accredited attorneys can help Veterans understand their rights, collect medical evidence to support their current condition, and even assist in appealing decisions when needed. Free consultations are readily available to Veterans in order to secure the benefits he or she deserves.
