Navigating the VA disability claims process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what you can actually claim. If you’re suffering from a service-related condition, understanding your options is essential to obtaining benefits.
You can file a VA disability claim for any condition caused or worsened by your military service. Too often, the VA denies claims filed by veterans with qualifying conditions.
If this has happened to you, a Veterans Affairs Disability Benefits Claims Lawyer can help you file an appeal.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
What Conditions Can I Claim for VA Disability?
You can file a VA disability claim for any medical condition that was caused or aggravated by your military service.
These conditions can be physical or psychological. Common examples include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Back and neck injuries
- Lower back pain
- Knee and joint problems
- Diabetes
- Respiratory conditions (such as asthma or COPD)
- Agent Orange-related illnesses
- Gulf War Syndrome
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Skin conditions and rashes
- Sleep apnea
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Hypertension
- Erectile Dysfunction
To win your claim, it’s important to provide solid evidence showing that your condition is service-connected. This typically requires medical records, service records, and, in some cases, statements from family or fellow service members.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
What Are the Most Approved VA Disability Claims?
While no condition guarantees approval for VA benefits, some have higher approval rates because they tend to be more easily verified and more clearly connected to military service.
Those conditions include:
- Tinnitus
- Limitation of knee flexion
- Hearing loss
- Lumbosacral or cervical strain
- Scars
- PTSD
What Is the Hardest VA Claim to Get Approved?
The most difficult VA claims to get approved typically involve conditions that are difficult to tie to military service or that lack medical documentation. These include:
- Sleep apnea
- Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome
- Mental health disorders without clear service incidents
- MST-related (Military Sexual Trauma) PTSD
- Secondary conditions without a strong link to a primary disability
To improve your odds of success, it’s important to submit strong medical evidence, personal statements, and buddy letters that support your case.
Who Is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?
You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if:
- You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.
- You have an illness or injury that affects your mind or body.
- Your condition was caused or aggravated by your military service.
- You received a discharge that was not dishonorable.
Reservists and National Guard members may also qualify if they were called to active duty and sustained injuries or illnesses during that time.
In addition, certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected if they appear soon after service, particularly for veterans who served in specific conflicts (like Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange).
What Types of Benefits Do Veterans Receive?
Veterans who qualify for VA disability receive a range of benefits, including:
- Monthly tax–free compensation based on your disability rating
- Access to VA healthcare, including medications, specialty care, and mental health services
- Additional compensation for dependents if you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents
- Special monthly compensation (SMC) for specific conditions
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E) to help you return to the workforce
- Housing and vehicle grants if you have mobility issues or special needs
- Education benefits through programs like the GI Bill, depending on your status
What Happens After I File a VA Disability Claim?
The VA Claim Process After You File Your Claim typically involves these steps:
- Initial review: The VA reviews your application and assigns it to a representative.
- Evidence gathering: The VA may request medical records and service documents and schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.
- Decision: The VA makes a decision and assigns you a disability rating.
- Notification: You’ll receive a letter explaining the decision and your options.
This process may take several months, depending on the complexity of your case and how much evidence is needed.
How Does the VA Determine Compensation?
The VA assigns a disability rating between 0% and 100% in 10% increments. This rating determines how much monthly compensation you receive, and it’s based on:
- The severity of your condition
- Your condition’s impact on your daily life and ability to work
- Your C&P exam results
- Medical evidence and service records
If you have multiple disabilities, the VA uses a formula called the “combined rating table” to calculate your total rating.
What Should I Do if My Claim Gets Denied?
If your claim gets denied or underrated, you can file an appeal. You typically have one year from the date of the decision to start the appeals process.
Working with a VA disability attorney can significantly improve your chances of success.
Why Hire a VA Disability Attorney?
A VA disability attorney can provide valuable help at every stage of the claims process. Specifically, they can:
- Strengthen your evidence: Attorneys know what kind of evidence the VA looks for.
- Represent you: A lawyer can help you present a more compelling argument to the VA.
- Improve your odds: Veterans represented by attorneys often receive higher ratings and more back pay.
Legal help can make a major difference, especially if your claim has been denied.
Contact a VA Disability Lawyer
If your VA disability claim has been denied, you don’t have to file an appeal alone. A VA disability lawyer from Marc Whitehead & Associates can help.
Our team has over 120 years of combined experience. We’re here to assist you in gathering the right evidence, building a strong case, and fighting for the compensation you’ve earned through your service.
Schedule a free consultation to learn about your options.