Military Veterans' Lawyer Blog

August 13, 2021

VA Benefits and Back Problems

If you are experiencing back pain due to your military service, you can receive VA benefits, as long as you fulfill the necessary requirements. In order to receive any kind of benefits, you must demonstrate that you are a former member of the U.S. military with an honorable discharge, that you have a current medical condition caused by your military service, and that you have medical evidence connecting your condition to the in-service event, injury, or illness.

Back pain and its causes

Back pain presents itself in many ways. You could be experiencing dull, aching pain or shooting pain; burning or stabbing pain; cramps or spasms; or numbness and weakness. The pain may even extend down your limbs. In addition, you may experience flare-ups that increase the severity for a time.

August 11, 2021

Cancer and VA Benefits

by Bob Goss

Cancer can strike at any time, but it usually does not become active for years after the cause. Many veterans do not automatically make the connection between their time of service and their cancer diagnosis. But there are many exposures during military service that are presumed to cause cancer and others that can be proven to be either a direct cause or a secondary cause of cancer. If your service to our country caused cancer, you deserve compensation while you fight to defeat this enemy.

Proving Service Connection for Cancer

As with all disability claims, you must be able to demonstrate that you are a veteran of the U.S. military, that you have an honorable discharge, and that there is a connection to military service: a direct connection, an aggravation of an existing condition, a secondary connection, or a presumptive connection.

August 9, 2021

Most Common Disabilities for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines

by Bob Goss

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

August 4, 2021

Common Eye Problems Related to Military Service

by Bob Goss

Eye problems are a common result of military service. As of 2018, over 250,000 veterans were receiving some degree of disability compensation. Eye conditions could be caused by injuries, exposure of some kind, illnesses, diseases, or complications from medication for service-related medical conditions. Many eye problems are secondary conditions or are related to injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In fact, 75% of veterans with TBI experience visual problems and may not know they are connected to their service-related injury.

The VA offers veterans more than just compensation for eye problems. Eligible veterans may also receive eyeglasses, eye care, and necessary medical interventions.

Conditions that May Cause Eye Problems

June 29, 2021

Medical Records and Other Documents You Need to Support Your VA Disability Claim

by Bob Goss

In order to receive disability compensation from the VA, you will need to demonstrate that you were honorably discharged from the U.S. military and that you have a condition that is connected to your military service: a direct connection, an aggravated connection, a secondary connection, or a presumptive connection.

In order to prove you have a disability, you will need medical records supporting your claim. There are other records that you may need, but actual medical evidence is critical. Medical documentation can demonstrate your actual medical condition and paint a picture of the symptoms and the severity of your disability.

Collecting your Medical Records

June 27, 2021

Getting a 100% Disability Rating with the VA and Additional Benefits

by Bob Goss

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.

June 25, 2021

Mistakes Veterans Make when Filing Disability Claims with the VA

by Bob Goss

Applying for disability through the Veterans Administration can be a daunting task. In fact, many veterans make common mistakes that delay their claims or create incorrect denials or low disability ratings. You can avoid this delay by avoiding these common mistakes.

Waiting to file: Please don’t wait until you have collected enough evidence or your symptoms worsen to get a higher disability rating. The sooner you file, the sooner your effective date will begin. This effective date will set your date for retroactive benefits when you finally are awarded a claim. You can submit supplemental evidence as it becomes available, and you can always apply for an increased rating as your symptoms worsen, so start the process now. In addition, your filing triggers the VA’s “duty to assist.” They are required to offer assistance in obtaining your medical records from VA hospitals and your duty records. However, we do not recommend you wait for them, since they have hundreds of claims to process and you only have your own. So try to find the information yourself, but know that the VA is a good backup.

Completing forms incorrectly: The VA allows you to file online, via mail or fax, or at your VA Regional Office, with the help of the staff there. The forms can seem long and confusing. Take some time to research how to complete them accurately to avoid delays. If you do make a mistake and are contacted by the VA, complete the corrections as quickly as possible to maintain your effective date.

June 11, 2021

Can You Still Work as a 100% Disabled Veteran?

by Bob Goss

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

April 14, 2021

Depression and Veterans

by Bob Goss

Depression occurs in veterans at a much higher rate than in the general population. It’s estimated that up to 14% of service members experience depression after deployment. However, many veterans have a problem proving a service connection to their depression.

Symptoms of depression include:

Fatigue or lack of energy

April 12, 2021

Why Did the VA Deny My Claim?

by Bob Goss

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