What is VA Disability Compensation?

Disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury that was caused by, or aggravated by, active military service. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions and mental health condition that developed before, during, or after service.

Some common examples of compensation claims include, but are not limited to:

  • A Blue Water Navy Veteran who served off the coast of Vietnam and has developed prostate cancer.

  • An OIF Veteran who was injured in an IED while on patrol and now suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and loss of hearing.

  • An OEF Veteran who suffers from bad knees and a bad back from countless foot patrols in the mountains.

  • A peacetime era Veteran who developed Type II Diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome while in service.

Injuries and illnesses do not have to be combat-related in order to file a compensation claim.

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> Military Service

  • Did you serve on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training?

and

  • Did you receive an Honorable or Other-Than-Honorable discharge?

If yes to both, you have qualifying military service

> Qualifying Disability

  • Did you get sick or injured while serving on active duty?

or

  • Did you have an illness or injury prior to enlistment that was aggravated by service?

or

  • Do you have a current disability related to your active duty service that occurred after service?

If yes to at least one, you may be eligible for disability compensation.

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Now that you have determined that you are eligible, you can proceed with the claims process. Our team of VSO’s (Veteran Service Officers) will guide you through the entire VA claims process from start to finish. Your claim will be thoroughly researched and include all the required evidence for a successful claim.

The claims process can be lengthy, taking anywhere from five to ten months for the VA to make a decision on your claim. Patience is paramount when working your way through the VA system. Below are the general steps you’ll follow when filing your disability claim.

> Getting Started

  • Contact us to schedule an appointment with a Veteran Service Officer. Services are by appointment only, in order to give each Veteran the time and attention needed to properly document their issues.
  • Prior to your appointment, gather any relevant documentation such as your DD 214, service medical records, or private medical records.

> Initial Appointment

  • Meet with one of our VSO's for an in-depth interview. The interview will cover a wide range of topics, such as service history, medical history, and available VA benefits. You'll work together with a VSO to create a plan to fully develop your claim or appeal.
  • After the appointment, you might be tasked with gathering additional evidence, such as medical opinions from your doctor, private medical records, or lay statements to support your claim.

> Record Review

  • Your VSO will perform a thorough review of your available service medical records. Any evidence supporting your claimed conditions will be pulled from those records.
  • Research will be conducted using the latest, peer-reviewed scientific journals and medical literature.
  • You may be contacted during this stage to provide additional evidence, statements or letters from your primary care manager.
  • Once the review of your records is complete, the results will be compiled into a Fully Developed Claim packet and you will be contacted for a final appointment to review the findings.

> Final Appointment

  • Before your compensation claim is submitted, you'll meet with a VSO to review the compiled claim packet. With your final approval, the documents will be signed and securely transmitted to the VA Regional Office.
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> Compensation and Pension Exams

  • After your claim has been submitted to the VA, you will be scheduled for mandatory VA examinations, known as Compensation and Pension exams, or "C&P exams".
  • A third-party contractor will perform a medical examination to determine the severity of the conditions claimed.

> Final VA Decision

  • With your C&P exam complete, a VA Rating Officer will review your entire claims file from start to finish. The Rater will consider the evidence submitted with your packet and your C&P exam results when making a decision.
  • Once a decision has been made, the VA will notify you via mail or eBenefits with a detailed breakdown of the decision and the reasoning behind the decision.
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> Post VA Decision

  • Compensation claims will either be approved, deferred or denied.
  • If your claim was approved, you will be granted a percentage disability and can begin to enjoy federal and state-specific Veteran's benefits.
  • If your claim was deferred, there is no action needed. Your claim is still in the review process and will eventually be adjudicated. It is possible to have a decision rendered on some claims, while others are still deferred, or in progress.
  • If your claim was denied, contact us to discuss the outcome. Our experienced team can guide you through the appellate process and begin creating a plan to appeal denied conditions.