Filing for disability benefits based on your time in the armed services can be a complicated process. It helps to understand the terminology the VA uses in classifying your claim, so that you or your veterans advocate know exactly where your disability claim stands.
Types of Disability Claims
Some individuals can enter the military service with a pre-existing, or known, disability. If this disability becomes aggravated by your activities in the armed forces, you may be able to file a disability claim based on the worsening of your injury.
This type of claim is the most common. Injuries that happen during your military service are generally the reason for most disability claims. There is, however, an exception for injuries which occur as a result of the enlisted persons behaviors, such as injuries caused by drug or alcohol use.
Servicemembers who have been injured during their service (or had a pre-existing condition made worse) and are within 180 days from the date of their discharge can file a claim for disability benefits while still enlisted. Normally, pre-discharge disability claims are processed much faster than those filed after discharge.
Disabilities which occur after you have served in the armed forces, but are somehow related to your service would qualify for this type of claim. For example, some Vietnam veterans have claims for Agent Orange injuries which developed years after the toxic exposure. These would be classified as post-service claims.
Claims which do not fit in any of the above categories are usually characterized as special claims. These claims may not be directly related to the event which caused your disability, but could be more peripherally-related to your injury. These claims could include allowances for an automobile or clothing, or additional benefits for hospitalizations, dental work, or other necessary services.
How the VA Classifies Your Claims
Depending on how many claims you file, and the course that your claim takes through the VA system, you may also hear your claim referred to as original, re-opened, new, or secondary. These terms refer more to the status of your claim than the characteristics of your injury.
- OriginalThe first injury-related claim you file with the VA
- Re-openedA closed and final decision on a disability claim which the VA re-opens after receiving new evidence which is relevant to the original claim.
- NewA claim which is different from your original claim, and is not based on any evidence associated with another claim.
- SecondaryClaims which are related to, or caused by, the original service-connected disability.
Using the correct terminology when referring to your disability claim will help you communicate more effectively with the VA staff processing your claim.
To avoid dealing with the hassles of the VA, contact Vets National Advocates. Our qualified advocates can help you prepare your disability claim, and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
Call 877-777-4021 to speak with one of our veterans advocates about your claim for free.
