VA Disability Pay: Tips and Tricks to Obtain VA Benefits

Veterans with injuries or health conditions related to military service may qualify for VA disability payments depending on the type and extent of disability and the number of dependents. The veterans have a disability rating -0-100%, with higher ratings getting higher compensation on the 2023 VA disability pay chart. However, applying for VA disability pay can be complex, with many opportunities for error, adversely affecting your claim. If you want to file a VA disability claim, here are several tips and tricks to increase the odds of getting disability benefits.

Eligibility for Veteran Compensation

Many veterans wonder whether they qualify for VA disability. Typically, veterans are eligible for these benefits if they sustain physical and mental conditions from service. They must have served in the military, naval, and air service and not be discharged dishonorably.

Gathering Evidence

Veterans must prove their disability is service related. They must show that an in-service event –say, injury or toxin exposure led to the disability. Also, veterans must prove that the health condition or impairment is long-term or permanent.

Medical records, military records, buddy letters, newspaper articles, witness statements, and medical nexus letters are invaluable in proving disability. A private or VA doctor can help you document your disability, thus supporting your claim. Remember to also provide your DD214 and dependents documents for a fully-developed claim.

Complete Application Carefully

Start your VA claim by filing an intent to file form. This way, you get an earlier effective date than the one on your claim and may receive retroactive payments. Then, complete your benefits application online. You can create an eBenefits account to monitor your claim.

When completing the application, give as many details as possible and paint a complete picture of your conditions and how they impact your life. If the disability affects your ability to work or income, mention it and provide evidence for it. Ensure you fill out all relevant forms and provide vital information to quicken the claim.

 Show Up for VA Exams

VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension exam for claims with merit. In the exam, the VA examiner confirms whether the claimed condition is service-connected and determines the VA disability rating, which will determine the amount of compensation. It is best practice to show up for the exam; if you can’t, reschedule it as soon as possible. Do not forget to bring documentation for your claim and be honest with the examiner.

Observe Deadlines

After filing a claim, the VA may request additional information or send additional forms to fill out. While this may be daunting, please don’t ignore it. Send clarifications diligently and fill out forms timely to avoid a denied claim due to failure to respond or missing a deadline.

Appeal When Dissatisfied with Claim Outcome

Typically, you will know the outcome of your claim in 90-120 days. The speed of the claim depends on its completeness, workload at the regional office, and disability complexity. You can check your claim’s status online on your My VA account.

If you are dissatisfied with the claim results or VA disability rating, you can appeal the decision. For instance, you may want to appeal a denied claim if you have a solid claim. However, you have one year to do this.

The cycle of appeals and denials can leave you hopeless and frustrated while costing time, effort, and money. Fortunately, a VA-certified lawyer can help, since they understand the processes and complexities of appealing to get the VA benefits you deserve.

While almost all veterans hurt during service, qualify for disability compensation, filing a claim and getting compensated can be lengthy, tedious, and overwhelming. Small mistakes may result in a denied claim or a lower payout. The tips above help veterans increase their chances of fair compensation and avoid denial and appeal delays and frustration.