Veterans with service-connected injuries have sacrificed their health and stability in order to perform their duties to the country. While that risk is part of their job, it comes with an obligation from the country to protect and support them when their duty ends.
If you are a Veteran with a service-connected injury, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) may owe you disability benefits that provide financial support and access to services. These benefits are available for physical and mental health conditions; however, the condition must meet a minimum level of disability. They also must be service-connected.
Proving the degree of disability and that it was service-connected can be difficult in certain situations. An Ohio Veterans disability lawyer from Fight4Vets, the nation’s largest Veterans law firm, may be able to help. We can provide guidance through every part of the process—from the initial application through any necessary appeals.
VA disability benefits fulfill a promise to Veterans by providing them compensation and access to healthcare and other services. These benefits allow Veterans, who are otherwise unable to do so, to provide for themselves and their family members. Veterans with dependents may even get additional compensation if their disability meets a certain threshold.
The amount of compensation is not unilateral—it depends on the degree of disability. The VA will combine multiple disabilities to determine whether someone is unable to work and evaluate their disability rating. The rating system strives to capture the degree to which the condition impacts a person’s ability to provide for themselves. You can learn more about the rating system on our VA benefits calculator.
However, VA benefits differ from some something like SSDI benefits in a substantial way—they do not depend on the Veteran’s income or assets. As long as the disability—or combination of disabilities—gets a high enough rating and is service-connected, then the Veteran should qualify. A lawyer who handles VA disability benefits can help a Veteran in Ohio establish both of those factors.
The most important thing to understand about VA disability benefits is that they must be service-connected. The VA will pay benefits for almost any type of disability—physical or mental—as long as it is service-connected. These disabilities can be the result of acute injuries, long-term exposure, or an exacerbated pre-existing condition. However, they have to be significant enough that they interfere with the Veteran’s ability to support themselves.
Service members have demanding lives and risk constant exposure to toxins, dangerous situations, loud noises, and more. Some common physical injuries include damage to the spine, neck, knees, and ankles. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) also occur with some frequency, especially for those in combat scenarios.
There are some chronic conditions linked to service, too. They may depend on the years of service and their condition. Traumatic Brain Injury, Gulf War Syndrome, PTSD, and Type 2 diabetes are some examples of these chronic conditions.
Some of these chronic conditions are linked to exposure. Cancers and other severe ailments are potential issues. Establishing that they are service-connected can be more challenging—medical documentation and Lay Statements from colleagues can help establish that nexus.
Mental health conditions are common among Veterans who may have been exposed to traumatic scenarios. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are not uncommon, and they can impact not only the quality of life but also a Veteran’s ability to work.
Whatever the nature of the injury or illness, establishing the connection is essential. An attorney can help Ohio Veterans understand their obligations and gather the evidence needed for a successful claim.
The benefits application process is notoriously difficult. In addition to proving the degree of a disability, Veterans have to prove that the disability is service-connected. Plus, the VA is known for denying applications for various reasons, including insufficient evidence and internal errors.
There are three ways to appeal a denial. An Ohio Veterans disability attorney can help Veterans select the correct pathway for their appeals process. The options include higher-level review, filing a Supplemental Claim, or appealing to the Board of Veteran’s Appeals. The first two options represent a quicker turnaround time, but the Board Review may allow for a more involved analysis, even though it could take a few years to resolve.
Trying to figure out the VA claims process can be challenging due to its strict requirements. The VA frequently denies valid claims because of these strict requirements and the frequency of errors. You have legal options when this occurs.
At Fight4Vets, an Ohio Veterans disability lawyer can help you with any stage of the VA benefits process so you can get the benefits you are owed for your sacrifice. Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more.
