To win your VA disability compensation claim, you must demonstrate three things:
- a medical diagnosis,
- a connection to active duty military service (nexus), and
- medical evidence of recurring or persistent symptoms.
What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?
- Tip #1: Use MyHealtheVet to Get Your Current Symptoms Documented in VA Medical Records
- Tip #2: Go for High-Value VA Disability Claims (e.g., Mental Health , Lifestyle Impact Claim , Migraines , Sleep Apnea)
- Tip #3: Have a Doctor Complete DBQs for Conditions Already Service Connected
How to get a 100% VA disability rating?
Tips to Obtain an 100 Percent VA Disability Rating
- Expect the unexpected. When you receive your VA Rating Decision letter, be prepared to find some incorrect items. ...
- Do legal research. There are literally thousands of federal regulations that could affect your VA disability claim for a 100% rating. ...
- Consider previous case law. One thing that assists our veterans disability benefits lawyers with winning claims is that we know VA case law. ...
- Don’t rely solely on free veterans legal services. You know what our thousands of clients all have in common? They were all denied the VA disability benefits ratings they deserved. ...
What disabilities qualify for VA disability?
Office of Personnel Management Guidelines
- Competitively Filled Positions. Jobs that are filled competitively are advertised through USAJOBS. ...
- Non-competitively Filled Positions. ...
- Required Disability Documentation. ...
How do I start my VA disability claim?
You will see eight steps to the claims process:
- Step one: Claim Received. When you have supplied them with all of the information they need from you, the process starts here.
- Step two: Under Review. Your claim has been assigned to Veterans Service Representative (VSR) and is being reviewed to determine if any additional evidence is needed. ...
- Step six: Pending Decision Approval. ...
What conditions qualify for VA disability?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as:Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability.Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease.Severe hearing loss.Scar tissue.Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)Ulcers.More items...•
Is it hard to get disability VA?
As you might expect, it is difficult to obtain a 100% VA disability rating with just one service-connected disability. Most veterans who receive a 100% rating have two or more disabling conditions. Often, these conditions have a secondary service connection.
What is the easiest disability to claim for VA?
TinnitusThe #1 Easiest VA Disability to Claim: Tinnitus Tinnitus can only have one VA rating. It is either 10% or nothing. There is no lower VA rating and there is no higher VA rating. Therefore, we call it a “low-value” claim, because it is always rated at 10%, and 10% only, with no exceptions.
What is the best way to get VA disability?
Tips on How to Obtain VA BenefitsUnderstand what's required for the claim. ... Don't claim un-winnable conditions. ... Be proactive. ... Use the correct forms. ... Get military records. ... Send in evidence with the claim. ... Show up to VA exams. ... Know what the VA exam is about.More items...
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
Why do VA claims get denied?
If a Veteran does not submit enough proof about their disability in their VA claim , the VA will likely deny their claim. The VA has strict guidelines about what types of medical conditions qualify as disabilities and what level of compensation each veteran can receive based on the impact of the condition.
Can you get VA disability without medical records?
If several attempts to find the missing medical evidence have failed, you can still win your VA disability case if you can find other evidence of the accident or treatment. The evidence in your file may show a sudden drop off in health or a leave from duty that can support your assertion that an event occurred.
How long does the VA disability process take?
As of June 2021, the average time it takes for the VA to issue a decision on VA benefits is 134.4 days. If your application is denied and you want to complete the appeals process, it will take approximately 125 days for a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review and more than one year for a Board Hearing.
What is the most common VA disability?
tinnitusThe most common VA Disability Claim is tinnitus. According to 2018-2019 VA disability claims statistics, Tinnitus was the most common VA disability claim. In total, there were 57,152 compensation recipients. Tinnitus involves the sensation of hearing sound when no external sound is present.
What should you not say at C&P exam?
Don't Lie or Stretch the Truth. This is a big one. Don't ever lie or stretch the truth when it comes to your VA disability claim. At your C&P exam, you should think, look, act, and speak as you would on a normal day.
How does the VA investigate disability claims?
A VA disability rating re-examination may consist of either a simple medical evaluation or a hospital stay. VA representatives often complete simple medical evaluations over the phone or in person. If the veteran has more severe disabilities, they may be observed during a hospital stay.
Is High Blood Pressure a VA disability?
Hypertension as a VA Disability Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) is considered a potential VA disability under the Federal Schedule for Rating Disabilities, Code 7101 (Diseases of the Heart).
What evidence will VA look for to support my disability claim?
We’ll look for evidence that shows you have: A current physical or mental disability (damage to your body or mind that makes you less able—or total...
What documents will I need to support my claim?
We require certain documents to support all claims for disability benefits. You’ll need to submit or give us permission to gather these: Your DD214...
What should the evidence show to support my disability claim?
This depends on the type of claim you’re filing. Find out what evidence you’ll need for the different claim types listed below. Notice to Veterans...
What are the criteria for VA disability?
To win your VA disability compensation claim, you must demonstrate three things: medical evidence of recurring or persistent symptoms. If you don’t score on each of these criteria, you won’t get approved for VA disability benefits.
How much is VA disability in 2021?
As of 2021, if a disabled veteran with a spouse and no children has a 100% VA disability rating, he or she would be entitled to a monthly disability compensation payment of $ 3,321.85.
What is considered a high value disability?
Somatic symptom disorder. Military sexual trauma. Disabling mental health conditions are generally regarded as “high-value” claims. This is because mental health issues are much more likely than neurological, skin, auditory, or most musculoskeletal conditions to receive a disability rating of 30% or higher.
What is 100% disability?
A 100% disability rating denotes a medical condition that is completely and totally disabling, with no expectation of finding gainful employment. As of 2021, if a disabled veteran with a spouse ...
Does the VA pay for tinnitus?
It can occur with ordinary age-related hearing loss. But. The VA may pay benefits for tinnitus, but the highest rating you can receive for tinnitus alone is 10%. Disability compensation professionals regard tinnitus as a “low value” claim for this reason.
Can you get VA disability for tinnitus?
However, tinnitus is among the easiest VA disability benefits to get approved. First, it’s subjective. There’s no definitive test for it. Unlike other conditions that can only be approved if there is a good deal of objective medical evidence for the claim, tinnitus is on the honor system.
You can still file a claim and apply for benefits during the coronavirus pandemic
Get the latest information about in-person services, claim exams, extensions, paperwork, decision reviews and appeals, and how best to contact us during this time. Go to our coronavirus FAQs
What evidence will I need to provide to support my claim?
You can help to support your VA disability claim by providing documents, such as:
Should I submit an intent to file form?
If you plan to file for disability compensation using a paper form, you may want to submit an intent to file form first. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date).
What happens after I file my VA disability claim?
You don’t need to do anything while you’re waiting unless we send you a letter asking for more information. If we schedule exams for you, be sure not to miss them.
More information about filing disability claims
Learn about standard claims, supplemental claims, secondary claims, and more.
What is VA disability compensation?
VA disability compensation. VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions ...
What is VA DIC?
Compensation benefits for a surviving spouse and dependents (VA DIC) Learn about getting VA disability benefits as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent.
Can you get VA disability for mental health?
You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you've earned.
How long does it take to review a VA disability claim?
The amount of time it takes to review your VA disability claim depends on: 1 The type of claim you filed 2 How many injuries or disabilities you claimed and how complex they are 3 How long it takes us to collect the evidence needed to decide your claim
What to do if you disagree with a claim decision?
If you disagree with a claim decision that you received on or after February 19, 2019, you can ask us to review the decision. You have 3 decision review options to choose from. Learn about your decision review options.
What is the first claim for disability?
Original claim—the first claim you file for disability benefits. You’ll need to submit evidence of: A current physical or mental disability from a medical professional or layperson (someone who’s not a trained professional), and. An event, injury, or disease that happened during your active-duty service, and.
What is a new claim?
New claim—a claim for added benefits or other benefit requests related to an existing service-connected disability. You’ll need to submit evidence of: A current physical or mental disability from a medical professional or layperson (someone who’s not a trained professional), and.
Three Criteria Required to Get Your Claims for VA Disability Service Connected
To be eligible for VA disability benefits by law, a veteran must prove three criteria under the law:
10 Most Common VA Disability Claims in 2022
According to the most recent Veterans Administration report to Congress, the 10 most common VA disability claims to get approved are listed in order as follows, along with the total number of veterans receiving disability compensation for each condition:
Medical Evidence and Supporting Documentation Are Critical
To maximize your chances of winning your VA claims, medical evidence and supporting documentation should be an important part of your VA claim strategy.
Want to Work With a VA CLAIM EXPERT?
At VA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrate LIFE CHANGE by getting them the VA disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE by law.
About the Author
Brian Reese is VA benefits expert, author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned, and founder of VA Claims Insider – “The Most Trusted Name in Education-Based Resources for Veterans.”
What are the benefits of VA disability?
List Of VA Disability Benefits. VA loans come with several benefits like no down payment facility, lower interest rates and easier refinance options. However, a current/former military member who suffers or died from any service-related disability is open to additional benefits too. No Funding Fees Required- VA loans come with a variety ...
How much is military disability compensation?
The rates depend upon the various factors and can reach up to $5000 and even $10000 in some cases.
Can a veteran get a VA loan?
The VA guidelines clearly state that an active military member, a Veteran and their family member can avail VA loan and health benefits, given they meet the eligibility criteria. So, a disability or an ailment will not stop you from reaping the benefits of VA mortgages. Rather, a Veteran who has a service-related disability is open ...
Do VA loans have a down payment?
No Funding Fees Required- VA loans come with a variety of benefits like no down payment options, lower interest rates and flexible guidelines. However, one of the downsides applicants have to endure is the funding fee. This fee can range up to 2.3% of the borrowed amount. But, if you meet the requirements for VA disability benefits, ...
Can a veteran with a service related disability get VA disability?
Rather, a Veteran who has a service-related disability is open to avail VA disability benefits provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
