If you have ever served in the military and been injured or developed a medical condition as a result of your service, you may be eligible for VA Disability Benefits. These benefits can provide you with financial assistance to help cover the costs of living with a disability. In this blog post, we will explore what VA Disability Benefits are, who is eligible to receive them, and how to apply for them.
What Are VA Disability Benefits?
VA Disability Benefits, also known as VA disability compensation, are monthly tax-free payments made to veterans who have sustained or worsened disabilities or illnesses through their time in the military. These benefits can also provide for dependents of the veteran, including a spouse, child, or parent.
Benefits are awarded based on the veteran's VA disability rating, which ranges from 0 to 100%. The higher a veteran's rating, the more benefits and financial compensation they are eligible to receive.
Benefits available under VA disability include:
● Monthly financial compensation
● Access to medical care through the VA healthcare system
● Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
● Home loans and specially adapted housing grants for disabled veterans
● Financial aid and attendance benefits for higher education
Do you or a loved one have a 100% disability rating? Read our blog to learn more about what this rating entitles you to.
Eligibility for VA Disability
To be eligible for VA disability benefits, the veteran must have a current disability that was caused or made worse by their time in the military. The disability does not necessarily have to have occurred during combat - it can also be from training accidents or day-to-day duties. In addition, the veteran must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
Veterans must prove two things when applying for VA disability:
● They were a member of the United States military and either served as an active service member or during active or inactive dutyto training.
● They have a current disability or injury, and the disability is related to their time in the military. This can be done with service medical records, doctor's opinions, and evidence such as bloodwork, imaging studies, exams, and other test results
How To Apply for VA Disability Benefits
The first step in applying for VA disability benefits is to gather all the necessary documents and information, medical evidence of the disability, and statements from doctors or someone who can testify to the impact of the disability on your daily life.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can contact a knowledgeable VA attorney to help file the claim for. You can also apply for benefits online through the VA's eBenefits portal or submit a paper application to your regional VA office, either in person or through the mail. It is important to note that the application process can take several months and may require appeals if the initial claim is denied.
If your claim is denied, this is also an important time to contact an experienced VA disability attorney. They can help you request an appeal to your claim and guide you through the process of the appeal.
Lawyers Serving Georgia's Disabled
At Affleck & Gordon, we have over 45 years of experience helping veterans receive the VA disability benefits they deserve. If you are filing your initial claim or have been denied VA disability and need assistance with your appeal, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to serving and advocating for Georgia's disabled veterans.
Schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a member of our team today by calling our firm at (404) 990-3945. Our attorneys are here to guide you through the VA disability process and fight for the benefits you are entitled to. We look forward to serving you.