You served your country; now get the support you need.
Veterans have given so much to the country however when it comes time for the compensation of their ailments or losses, they are either overlooked or put into a seemingly endless system that takes multiple trips regarding the same issues before any kind of resolution is brought up.
Once the “way forward” is identified it begins to seem like a mountain of information and appointments just to hope that the VA will recognize the veterans’ ailments as true, service related and that it receives a VA rating at the end of the day.
Understanding VA benefits
There is a plethora of different types of VA benefits some of which are;
- Disability compensation: Provides financial assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities and connects them with other resources.
- Pension: Need-based benefit for low-income veterans and their surviving spouses helps many veterans stay afloat if they find themselves out of work for any reason.
- Education benefits: Assistance with college, vocational training, and other educational programs helps veterans reintegrate into society and find a new career path, if desired.
- Healthcare: Access to VA medical centers and clinics for various healthcare needs can make all the difference in a crowded healthcare market.
- Home loan guarantee: VA-backed home loans with favorable terms and conditions and do not require a down payment.
- Life insurance: Several life insurance programs are available for veterans, typically at a much lower rate than traditional policies.
You can also apply for these benefits through an online, paper or phone application.
Common Physical and Mental Health Conditions Among Veterans
This list consists of common conditions that veterans have to deal with.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Back injuries
- Hearing loss or impairment
- Exposure to hazardous or harmful chemicals
As stated previously this is a list of common conditions veterans face and a lot of the time the veteran views it as “too troublesome” to act upon it.
Everything You Need to Know About VA Disability Compensation
- Disability Compensation is a tax-exempt financial aid provided to Veterans with disabilities stemming from a disease or injury acquired or worsened during active military service. Additionally, compensation may extend to post-service disabilities linked to those incurred during service or presumed to be connected to military circumstances, even if they arise later. The compensation levels are typically structured to address significant work loss due to exacerbations or illnesses.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary support typically granted to the surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who passed away during active duty, training duty, or due to service-related disabilities. DIC for parents is contingent upon income.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) offers an extra tax-exempt benefit available to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents. For Veterans, SMC offers increased compensation rates for special circumstances, like the need for aid and attendance or specific disabilities such as loss of limb function.
- Spouses and surviving spouses commonly receive this benefit, known as aid and attendance, based on their requirement for assistance.
- Additionally, the VA extends further benefits to disabled Veterans, including Adapted Housing grants, Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance.
How VA disability ratings work
The amount of disability received will be dependent on your percentage of disability. The percentages range from 0 – 100% and are raised in increments of 10%. When the veteran suffers from more than one disability they can apply for combined ratings. Disability ratings are not additive which means that the VA cannot add rating percentages to get the combined percentage. They will follow a chart that outlines how to calculate the percentage the veteran receives. The veteran can also be paid an additional amount in certain circumstances, such as; severe disability, loss of limb(s), having a spouse or children, and even if the spouse is deemed seriously disabled.
Financial Assistance for Service-Related Conditions
In 2022 the PACT ACT passed as a law that significantly expanded health benefits and coverage for veterans who were exposed to certain chemicals during their service. The law has also added more than 20 conditions that could have been caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals. The expansion of this list means that veterans will automatically qualify for benefits without having to prove that their injury or illness was service related. Survivors may also be entitled to additional VA health benefits through the PACT Act if their loved one died from a “service-connected disability.” Eligible survivors include a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of the decedent. Filing a survivor’s claim can be challenging without the help of an attorney. It is essential that you consult with a lawyer as early in the process as possible. Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for a monthly VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC) payment, a one-time accrued benefits payment, or a Survivors pension.
VA benefits law group: your guide to VA benefits
At Veterans Benefits Law Group, PLLC, we are deeply committed to advocating for the rights of those who bravely served our country. Our experienced legal team has a thorough understanding of the VA benefits system. With over 45 years of experience assisting clients nationwide, our veterans’ benefits attorneys are ready to guide you through the intricacies and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. We know how to maneuver through the complex VA system to ensure that you receive all the compensation and assistance that you have earned.
Don’t wait to get the help you earned
Veterans served their country with honor and dignity. It is time to get all the assistance and compensation you are entitled to. If you have had applications get denied our teams have a proven track record of success in ensuring our clients receive the benefits that they are entitled to. We understand the VA system and will fight tirelessly for the veterans. Let Veterans Benefits Law Group help secure the benefits you have earned.
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