It is overwhelming for most ex-army men to wade through the Disability Claims Process of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). From forms to doctor appointments, the process is full of steps that demand precision, patience, and persistence. For veterans to acquire rightful compensation for illnesses and injuries incurred during service, information on the nitty-gritty of filing is crucial. The following is real-world va disability claim tips designed to help veterans maximize their chances of a successful claim and avoid typical pitfalls.
Understand the overall process before proceeding on to tips that can be utilized. The VA disability claim is the actual application that a veteran files in hopes of receiving an award of compensation for diseases or injuries contracted or worsened while serving in the military. The VA determines the extent of the condition and adds an added disability rating. This rating, from 0% to 100%, is the amount of money that a veteran is eligible to receive each month.
While the process may appear straightforward, it is often tainted with delays, denials, and appeals—most of which may be avoided with thoroughly documented application.
Tip 1: Start with Proper Documentation
The most prevalent cause of claim denial is the absence of evidence. All the medical records, i.e., service treatment records, post-service treatment records, and private medical examinations, are required to be acquired by the veterans. Nexus—a direct relationship—between the current condition and military service should be well-established. Personal statements can also support a claim. The "lay statements" of family members, comrades, or the veteran may establish the cause and severity of the condition in lay language.
Tip 2: Don't Wait to File
File a claim as soon as the veteran becomes aware that they have a disease or injury that is service connected, even before they're gathering documents. Early filing safeguards the effective date of the claim, which affects retroactive benefits projected. It's worth filing an "Intent to File" form (VA Form 21-0966), as it gains time in gathering required documents without forfeiting the effective date.
Tip 3: Complete the VA's Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
VA provides pre-printed Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) where private physicians can fill out in the same way as VA claims processors are utilized. The questionnaires assist in putting down the evidence in clear and simple language and according to VA guidelines. A filled-out DBQ by a physician assists veterans in achieving the additional opportunity that their condition will be examined fairly and timely.
Tip 4: Obtain Assistance from a VSO
Service Organizations for Veterans (VSOs) like the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provide free service in completion and submitting claims. These are staffed by veteran practitioners who know the VA system and can assist veterans with the process so no important aspect is missed. Also, certified VSO staff can represent veterans on appeal, if necessary.
Tip 5: Be Honest and Consistent
Consistency is the essence of any VA claim. The veterans must make sure that the facts they provide are real and according to facts provided in the service records and medical records. Consistency here prevents delay or rejection of the claim. Exaggeration of symptoms also defiles the authenticity of the claim and can result in full investigation of the application. The veterans must give a true, honest report of the impact of their condition on their daily living, work, and social functions.
Tip 6: Prepare for the C&P Exam
The Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination is most often the deal-maker in a VA disability claim. A VA doctor or contractor performs the examination to verify the condition. The vet will be requested to attend all appointments and be ready to describe symptoms in full detail. Honesty needs to be expressed when discussing limitations but not exaggerate or downplay the effect. They do not report or reschedule them for lack of reason, and this will automatically result in denial.
Tip 7: Consider a Secondary Service Connection
There are some veterans who do not know how to claim secondary service-connected disabilities—diseases caused or aggravated by a former service-connected illness. For instance, a condition of the knee which is service-connected and later developing hip pain due to abnormal gait, one can list such a condition of the hip as secondary disability. It could result in more compensation done that way.
Tip 8: Be Patient and Persistent
The VA claims process is always slow, and procrastination is anticipated. Be patient but persistent, tracking down all the correspondence, appointments, and forms filed. If the claim is denied, don't lose heart. There are several levels of appeal, and many claims succeed on reconsideration or in appeals advances.
In general, navigating the VA disability claim is usually frustrating and demoralizing, but employing these VA disability claim tips, veterans can more ensure that they're going to be receiving what they so rightfully deserve. With solid evidence, expert advice, and full knowledge of the system's workings, veterans can achieve winning their claim with more confidence.
