Articles Posted in Veteran Affairs

Many of the most common ratable conditions that receive VA compensation occur regardless of the branch of the military in which you served – which is why they’re the most common. However, some conditions are seen more often in some branches than in others.                                 

Below is a list of the most common disabilities rated by the VA:

  • Tinnitus, hearing deterioration, or loss

The 100% disability rating is the highest level of disability the VA offers, providing monthly payments along with full medical care for service-related conditions. Other benefits and compensation are also available. This rating can be reached in a number of ways. 

Severe conditions

If you have an extremely severe service-connected condition that makes you unable to work and, in some cases, unable to provide yourself with personal care without help, this condition may be rated as 100% disabled. 

Veterans with a 100% disability rating may be able to work, but depending on how you were awarded the rating, there may be limitations to how much you are allowed to earn. A 100% disability rating can be reached in several ways:

  • One service-related condition that is rated at 100% disability
  • Several conditions that together reach the 100% disability level

If you are looking for help with your VA disability claim it is probably because you are frustrated by the process. After helping countless veterans with their disability claims, we know how confusing it can be. It is particularly difficult if you have received a denial letter and you do not understand why your claim was rejected or what the process is for moving forward. We can help you sort things out. 

First, keep in mind that there are certain requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for disability benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA). Those requirements are:

  • You must be a veteran of the U.S. military

If you receive a disability rating from the VA, you will likely receive some retroactive benefits or back pay. Retroactive benefits are paid in a lump sum after the grant of benefits. Your regular benefits will then be distributed to you on a monthly basis. 

You can apply for disability any time – there is no “statute of limitations” on VA disability. Nevertheless, the sooner you file after leaving the service the better your case may be because it will be easier to collect records and testimonies to support your claim. It may also affect how far back your back pay will go. 

The calculation of the retroactive benefits date is determined by several factors, as follows:

Autoimmune disease is a term that covers at least 80 different known conditions. An autoimmune disease or autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system is unable to distinguish between foreign invaders and healthy tissue, producing antibodies that destroy the body’s own tissue instead of the infection. 

Some of the most commonly-recognized autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, psoriasis, and fibromyalgia. Autoimmune diseases can be debilitating and they are difficult to diagnose because symptoms are broad, including fatigue, chronic joint pain, digestive problems, muscle weakness, inflamed skin, hair loss, and chronic, unspecified pain. 

Rules for VA Compensation

Military service brings with it a complicated and often dangerous set of tasks, responsibilities, and experiences. The job usually takes a toll on a service member’s physical and mental health, creating lifelong problems. For this reason, service-disabled veterans can file a claim with the VA for compensation.  

Based on the severity of your illness, syndrome, or injury, the VA will assign a disability rating to your particular situation. The ratings start at 0% and go up to 100% in 10% increments. They can be added together (although unlikely) but your overall rating can not go beyond 100%.  

The first step in obtaining your VA rating is to submit an initial claim with all of your medical and military documentation. This includes your military medical records, service records, results of an independent medical exam, and personal statements from you and possibly others. You may be required to submit documentation of any conditions you had before entering the service. 

Obtaining VA Benefits for a service-related disability can be a very difficult process. If you are here doing research, you probably have received a denial letter. Don’t worry, we can help you. While complicated, the process of obtaining your correct service rating can bring about significant financial security for you and your family.  

It has been shown that members of the military can experience a wide variety of service-related health issues that cause significant problems when trying to live a full life. As such, the VA offers financial compensation. Now, as you start the process you might be wondering what the most common disabilities for veterans are. In addition to hearing loss, arthritis, and eye issues, there are a few conditions that we regularly see:  

Gulf War Syndrome

Adult female healthcare professional dressed in her scrubs receiMission focus is why we justly admire our active-duty and Veteran military personnel. Unfortunately for our service members and Veterans, “Playing with pain” often evolves from a mantra to a way of life.  This means that injuries and ailments are pushed aside and visiting the doctor is even viewed as a deplorable sign of weakness.

Even the most fit person should take preventive health measures.  And there is one simple step all active-duty military personnel should take before leaving service. Failure to take this step can have traumatic results for you and your family.  To protect yourself and your loved ones, before leaving service, all active-duty military personnel should make it their mission to take this one crucial step, preferably in the year before they separate.  Here’s the step: get a pre-discharge physical. Continue reading

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