Types of VA Disability Claims
Veterans who are filing for disability are faced with numerous types of claims that the VA recognizes as compensable. Some of the disabilities are a result of service, while others are made worse by conditions the service member experienced while serving.
If you are disabled at least 10% you could be eligible for monthly compensation from the VA. Vets National Advocates provides free consultations for veterans who need to file for disability or wish to appeal a denial or deferment of their claim.
How does the VA Categorize Types of Claims?
The VA classifies claims according to several sets of circumstances. Those include:
Pre-Discharge Claims
If you are within 180 days of retirement or separation from active duty or are full time National Guard, you may be eligible to file a pre-discharge claim for compensation. Processing times tend to be much shorter for these types of claims.
Eligibility is determined by the service member’s level of fitness for duty.
Claims Based on Pre-Service Disabilities
In the event a service member enters the military with a pre-existing disability that becomes worsened by duty, they may be eligible for compensation. The level of aggravation caused by service is compensable, but the level of disability attached to the original disability is not compensable.
For example, if a service member enters the military with a 10% disability, the aggravation will have to elevate their condition to at least 20% for compensation to be applied.
Claims Based on In-Service Disabilities
These are claims based on disabilities caused by service. Illnesses, physical disabilities or psychiatric conditions that resulted from duty may be compensable, and are rated by the VA to be 10%, 20%, 30% 50%, 70% or 100% disabling.
Claims Based on Post-Service Disabilities
If a disability related to service arises after service has ended, this condition may still be compensable. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or presumptive illnesses like those caused by Agent Orange exposure could be examples of post-service disabilities.
Special Circumstances
The VA recognizes that events like surgeries or claims filed by surviving spouses may not fit into these categories. For this reason it maintains the option of classifying a claim under individual special circumstances.
Getting Help for Your Claim
Understanding where your claim falls in this hierarchy can be confusing. For veterans and family members who are in desperate need of compensation for their injuries, Vets National Advocates is here to help.
Our advocates have a deep knowledge of the VA system and our goal is to take as much stress out of the claims process as possible. We are also able to appeal your claim if it was denied or deferred.
You’ve earned benefits for your service-connected disability. Helping Veterans, It’s What We Do.
Contact us online now or call 1 (877) 777-4021 to get help today.
