Disabled Veterans may qualify for monthly disability benefits though the “VA Compensation” program. VA compensation is the benefit paid to veterans whose disabilities arose from or during service. The disability does not have to be directed related to military service, it just must present or be aggravated while the veteran is in service. There is also a presumption that a disability that presents within one year of severance from military service is service connected.
A veteran may be eligible for disability compensation if he or she has a service-related disability and was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. The veteran must have:
1. Current Disabling Condition
The veteran must first establish that he or she has a medical impairment that is disabling under the VA rules.
2. Service Connection
Direct service connection is when an in-service injury, disease or incident is shown to have directly caused the veteran’s present medical disability. Service connection connotes many factors but basically it means that the facts, shown by evidence, establish that a particular injury or disease resulting in disability was incurred coincident with service in the Armed Forces, or if preexisting such service, was aggravated therein.
3. Medical Nexus
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If there are no medical records establishing a direct service connection, the key to showing direct service connection is what is often called a nexus letter from a doctor. A doctor may review a veteran’s entire claims file and write an opinion letter stating that “it is more likely than not” that the veteran’s current impairment is related to the veteran’s service.
Qualifying Veterans may be eligible for a partial disability rating and monthly benefits or if totally disabled, they may qualify for “total disability based on unemployability” (TDIU). For more information on the Veterans Administration Disability Compensation Program and how to pursue your VA claim, contact us here.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
