Many American veterans are unaware of the fact that they might be eligible to receive benefits. While some feel like leaving the past behind them, so to speak, others do not even realize that there may be reason for them to receive benefits. Obtaining benefits from the VA can sometimes be a difficult and long process that sometimes does not seem worth the effort. But injured or disabled veterans have a right to benefits, and so should look into the process for obtaining them.
Q: How do you know if you could be receiving benefits? Who is qualified to receive benefits?
A: Three main components make up a veterans possible eligibility for service connected disability benefits. The first is that you must have done service with either the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, or the US Coast Guard. Second, you must have a current disability, either caused by your time in the service or a disability that you had going into the service and it was aggravated or made worse by your time in the service. This could be anything from High Blood Pressure to certain types of cancers as well as many other disabilities depending on when and where you served. Lastly, you need to show evidence that your current disability is connected to your military service.
An example is, if you were on leave from active duty and vacationing with your family and while skiing you fell and broke your leg or injured your knee. Because of the injury you now need a knee replacement or surgery, even if its years later. Though it may not seem like it, this injury itself is service connected, as you were on active duty when the accident or illness occurred, even though you were on leave. And in addition to the surgery, the incident has caused other problems that you need taken care of.
Q: But how will receiving benefits from Veteran Affairs really help me?
A: If you are successful in being service connected for your disability you could receive a monthly benefit and you become eligible for medical care at your local VA facility. The amount of your monthly benefit will depend on your percentage of service connection granted.
Q: If I am eligible for service connected benefits, and have 10% hearing loss and 30% PTSD, why are my disabilities considered only 30% connected to my military service?
A: Veteran Affairs uses a rating schedule that uses the severity of your disability to tell them what percentage service connected disability to award you. They also use a rating chart to total your percentage of service connection, they do not use mathematical terms. Because determining a percentage of service connection is quite complex, if you feel that the percentage awarded you is insufficient for your disability, you should speak to a professional about your options.
Q: Why does my neighbor receive 70% for the same disability that I have?
A: This is due to the fact that the VA rates everyone separately depending on the severity of their disability. It is important to remember that the VA uses a rating schedule to determining the percentage and, therefore, the amount of benefits an individual receives.
Q: Can I still work and receive VA service connected disability benefits?
A: Yes, you can. VA service connected disability benefits are not like Social Security Disability benefits in this respect. If you are granted service connection for a disability that is not keeping you from working then you can still work and receive benefits. Your disability benefits are not reduced or annulled if you are earning an income.
Q: Can I obtain benefits from both Social Security Disability and the Dept. of Veteran Affairs? A: Yes. While Social Security Disability does gauge your earned income when determining your SSD benefits, your VA benefits are not considered earned income, and so will not get in the way of your SSD benefits.
Q: My husband/wife was in the service and receiving VA service connected disability benefits but they have passed. Can I receive their benefits?
A: There are benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children. However, every case is different, and you need to be sure to speak to a professional before moving forward.
Q: How do I file a claim?
A: Veteran Affairs has laws to follow called "Veteran Friendly Laws." The VA has the duty to help you file a claim and walk you through the process of obtaining benefits. There are Regional Offices in every state and there are organizations set up to assist the veterans at no cost to you. You can find your local VA Regional Office as well as Veterans Service Organizations on the VA website at www.va.gov.
Q: Can I hire an attorney?
A: Veteran Affairs has some laws that help a lawyer to know when he or she can represent you for a fee, and when he or she cannot. You can find some lawyers who will represent you for free, or Pro Bono, and others who will require you to sign a contract promising payment for their services. If you are considering contracting a lawyer to help with your claim, it is important to contact one locally for more information about your particular case.
Q: I already get benefits for a service connected ability. Is there any other benefit I can receive?
A: The answer to this question will depend on your situation. If you have a service connected disability and it has gotten worse, you can request for an increase in your rating which would result in higher benefits if a higher rating is granted. The VA also has benefits for those veterans that are unemployable due to their service connected disability. If this is your situation, there is a second application that you need to fill out in order to apply. If you feel you are unemployable and should be receiving higher benefits you should contact a VSO or an Attorney to answer your questions and possibly assist you in obtaining these benefits. Veteran Affairs also provides additional benefits to those veterans who, due to their service connected disability, are mostly homebound and cannot care for themselves. These benefits are a homebound compensation. If you need assistance in caring for yourself but are having trouble paying for the care you should look into this option.
Every veterans case is different and obtaining the benefits set aside for you by the VA can be quite confusing to some people. The VAs website has a lot of information on what kind of benefits there are beyond disability benefits and what you can do to receive these benefits. If, as a veteran, you were injured in any way during service, or saw your previous disability or injury exacerbated by your service, it is very important to look into your benefits options. You served for our country and you may be entitled to veterans benefits.