VA disability compensation can provide essential support for veterans with service-connected disabilities. However, the claims process can be difficult and complex.
The key to receiving a favorable disability rating is providing comprehensive medical evidence and establishing a clear nexus between your injury and military service.
1. The Severity of Your Disability
The severity of your disability determines how much financial compensation you’ll receive from the VA. The rating system includes a scale of zero to 100 percent in 10 percent increments, with higher ratings resulting in more monthly compensation. VA disability claim results can significantly impact veterans’ lives, affecting their access to essential benefits and compensation for service-related injuries.
The outcome of these claims can range from full approval to partial approval, denials, or adjustments in the disability rating, which may necessitate further appeals or adjustments to secure the support veterans deserve. Listed at #27 on the Top 30 Most Common VA Disability Claims is Degenerative Arthritis. Its highest scheduler rating is 100 percent, meaning you have an unfavorable spinal condition that prevents normal movement of your body.
If your disability is service-connected, you can expect a medical exam and reevaluation every 2 to 5 years unless it is permanent or protected. The study may result in a reduction of your disability rating. Still, you can challenge that decision based on several determinations, including making sure there is an actual change in the severity of your symptoms and proving how those changes impact your ability to function.
2. The Number of Disabilities
Generally, the more disabilities you have, the higher your disability rating will be. For example, the VA gives a higher rating for amputations than for other injuries. The reason is that it’s harder for people to perform their daily activities when they lose a limb. Cancer is another condition that typically receives a high disability rating.
The reason is that this disease can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In addition, cancer itself can cause severe pain and discomfort. However, not all veterans with a cancer diagnosis get a high disability rating.
Many of them only receive a moderate rating. Similarly, some veterans with GERD (acid reflux) secondary to PTSD only receive a 10 percent rating. This is because most veterans with this condition only have mild symptoms that occur during stress or are controlled by medication.
3. Your Ability to Work
There may come a time when you are receiving Disability Compensation and notice your symptoms or condition worsen. Depending on your medical evidence and the severity of your condition, consider asking for a rating increase. The VA looks at the severity of your disability based on how often your illness incapacitates you. This is called your “incapacity rating.” It’s important to keep in mind that your range of motion can also impact your rating.
For example, if you have a neck injury, the VA will consider how far you can rotate your head up and down, side to side, and backwards. TDIU benefits are awarded to veterans who are considered disabled by one or more of their service-connected medical conditions. TDIU beneficiaries are not required to work, but they must be able to support themselves financially.
4. The Impact Your Disability Has on Your Daily Activities
One of the biggest factors that affects your VA disability rating is how much pain your condition causes. For example, if you have chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia and your symptoms cause severe pain when trying to button a shirt or tie a shoelace, your disability rating will be higher than if your pain was mild or intermittent. Injuries affecting your range of motion also factor into your rating.
The VA looks at how far you can bend over, twist at the waist, or move your head forward and backward. Anxiety disorders and phobias can make it difficult to complete daily activities like going to work, driving or running errands. Migraines can cause so much pain that you have to lie down (prostrating migraines) and get rated at a lower rate than if the headaches are mild or moderate.
5. The Relationship Between Your Disability and Military Service
To qualify for service-connected disability compensation, you must show that your condition was incurred or aggravated during active duty. This is known as offering a “nexus.” To do so, you must have a medically diagnosed disability from a VA-approved doctor. The Nexus requirement can take time to meet. For example, a veteran who wants compensation for a bad knee must prove that their military service caused it. This can be challenging if you do not carry heavy loads while on active duty.
The Nexus requirement can also be difficult to meet when you suffer from a condition that does not have a medical diagnosis. For instance, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has held that pain without a diagnosis does not satisfy the Nexus requirement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the outcome of a VA disability claim is influenced by several key factors. The strength of the evidence provided, including medical records and supporting documentation, plays a significant role in determining the success of a claim. Additionally, the thoroughness and accuracy of the claim application can make a difference in how it is evaluated by the VA. The expertise and experience of a veteran’s representative or attorney can also greatly impact the outcome.
Furthermore, having a clear understanding of the VA disability rating system and how it applies to individual cases is crucial. Lastly, maintaining open communication with the VA throughout the claims process can help ensure that any issues or discrepancies are addressed in a timely manner. By considering these factors and seeking professional assistance when necessary, veterans can improve their chances
