Service Connection Archives

Service Connection VA Disability Benefits

Can I Get VA Disability for Alcohol or Substance Abuse?

Dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and memories or flashbacks tempts many Veterans to turn to alcohol and drugs for relief. While no one plans to develop a substance abuse issue, alcoholism and substance abuse are still a major problem...

Physical Conditions Service Connection

Sciatica and Radiculopathy Claims Secondary To Service-Connected Back Condition

Back pain affects many people, including a large number of Veterans, and one of the most intense forms of that pain is sciatica. This condition develops when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg, becomes...

Healthcare Service Connection

Can I Establish a Service Connection If I Didn’t Receive Treatment in the Military?

A common concern among Veterans is whether they can obtain VA disability benefits if they did not receive medical treatment for their condition during active duty. It is possible to establish a service connection without in-service treatment records, but doing...

Mental Health Physical Conditions Service Connection

Can I Get Service-Connected for My Heart Condition as a Secondary Disability to My Psychological Condition?

A Veteran with a service-connected disability can file a claim for benefits related to that disability. To collect for a secondary disability, a Veteran first needs to secure benefits for the primary disability. To determine if a disability is service-connected,...

Blog Service Connection VA Benefits Process Vietnam Veterans

The PACT Act: What Veterans Need to Know

At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we understand the unique challenges that Veterans face when seeking healthcare and benefits. In 2022, new legislation took affect to aid Veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances – the Sergeant First Class...

Service Connection VA Disability Benefits

VA Disability Compensation Rates

Veterans who suffered an injury or illness during their active-duty service may be eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit. The amount you may be eligible for varies...

Service Connection VA Disability Benefits

A Parachutist Badge Can Help Get Service Connection on a Direct Basis

A parachute badge, also known as “Jump Wings,” is a military badge from the United States Armed Force awarded to anyone serving who completes the Basic Airborne Course. This course can be taken at Fort Benning, Georgia and ultimately qualifies...

Service Connection VA Disability Benefits

Secondary Service-Connected Depression after a Physical Condition

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), depression is the most diagnosed mental illness among US military veterans. A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study found that as many as 33% of former servicemembers exhibit symptoms of depression. While...

PTSD Service Connection VA Disability Benefits

Proving Entitlement to Service Connection for PTSD under Relaxed Standards

Disability claims filed through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) commonly involve post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the VA, over 50% of former servicemembers will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. There are many common...

Service Connection

The 5 Worst Myths About VA Disability Benefits

We have practiced VA Disability Law for so long that very few things take us by surprise. You might say we’ve “heard it all before”. The VA Disability process has made mainstream news in recent years, and more people are filing...