Many Americans have answered the call to serve in the Armed Forces. In many cases, they return from their time of service and can carve out a satisfying role as a civilian. However, there are plenty who struggle to re-acclimate, and there are many reasons for this challenge.
One of those reasons may be a health topics. Military service can be incredibly taxing and intense. Combat service members are especially prone to getting injured or sick during their time in the military. Some may even have had health conditions before they entered the military, but these issues got worse because of their service.
Dealing with these issues can be a huge challenge when you return home to civilian life as a veteran. Perhaps this condition excludes you from pursuing certain careers or it is difficult to find a job. Maybe your medical bills from ongoing roca healthcare are weighing you down financially. In either case, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a program to help you navigate these challenges.
What Are Disability Benefits?
First, let’s discuss what these benefits are that you can receive from the VA for a service-related injury or illness. The disability benefits program is separate from the veteran healthcare system. If you file a VA claim and are approved, then you will receive monthly tax-free payments. The amount of these payments is based on your disability rating, which is a percentage in increments of ten that essentially estimates the impact that your disability has had on your life. For example, a 100% disability rating would indicate that it has completely changed your lifestyle and that you can receive the maximum payment amount each month. In 2024, the range for these payments is $171.23 to $4,433.39.
What Qualifies as Service-Related?
This is the most complicated question for anyone filing a VA claim. Many of these injuries and illnesses are hard to quantify, which is why evidence plays such a big role in this type of claim. Your condition must meet one of the following three standards to be eligible for disability benefits:
- The condition was exacerbated by your time in the service
- You obtained the illness or injury because of your time in the service
- You developed the condition after your service, but it was demonstrably caused by your time in the military
A service-related illness or injury can include many conditions. If you spent time at Camp LeJeune, the water contamination could have caused certain cancers to develop over time. A physical trauma during combat or training would also qualify. Hearing loss, breathing problems, or even the loss of range of motion could be part of your VA claim. The most important factor when filing a VA claim is being able to present evidence and documentation of your condition that supports one of the three standards mentioned above.
Filing the Claim
Are you wondering how to file a VA claim? Fortunately, the process is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is gather evidence, fill out the form, and then submit it either online, by mail, or in person at the local VA office in your town. Things get tricky if your claim is rejected or if you believe your disability rating is too low. You deserve to receive the benefits you are owed, but the VA is not always perfect at assessing the situation comprehensively. If you do not provide enough evidence in the form of doctor’s reports, MRIs, X-rays, or other data, then your claim could be rejected or your rating is too low. If you receive a rejection letter, then it is important to find the right resources that can support your fight for these helpful benefits.
How This Program Helps
Disability benefits are purely financial in nature, which is why so many veterans file claims. They may be struggling to pay their medical bills or find a job with reliable income because of their condition. These tax-free monthly payments, which could be up to thousands of dollars, can be incredibly helpful in relieving your financial burdens. Not only will this help with your mental health, reducing financial stress, but this money can help you pay for better care and a healthier lifestyle.
Research the VA Disability Program Today
If you have an illness or injury that you believe is the result of your military service, then it is time to consider filing a claim for VA disability benefits. You should be rewarded for making this sacrifice for your country, not punished. Although the debt can never be repaid, at least you can experience some financial relief after suffering from a service-related illness or injury. Research the program yourself to see if it will work for you.
