Veterans serve all of us when they serve our country, and as such, they’re entitled to important benefits that can, nevertheless, be difficult to obtain. If you are a veteran who suffered a disability in the line of service or who had a preexisting condition that was worsened to the point of debilitation in the course of your service, you may be eligible for disability benefits, and understanding the scope of these benefits can help you better understand your own claim. One of the most important steps anyone in your situation can take is reaching out to an experienced VA disability claims attorney early in the process.
Your Original Claim
The first VA disability claim you file is referred to as your original claim. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers different types of claims, including service-connected disability claims, non-service-connected disability claims, and individual unemployability claims. Service-connected disability claims are by far the most common.
Veterans can file an initial claim as soon as they have no more than 180 days left on their active duty. And if they develop a service-related disability after they’ve been discharged, they can file what is called an original post-service claim as soon as they make the discovery.
The benefit application process can be completed online or with a paper application mailed or faxed to the VA, and a veterans disability claims lawyer should oversee this process.
An Increased Claim
If the service-related disability that your original claim is based on worsens, you can pursue an increased claim. VA disability claims are based on the administration’s rating of the disability – from 10 to 100 percent – and are measured in increased increments of 10 percent. If you have recent medical evidence that supports an increased disability rating, seeking an increased claim is advised.
A New Claim
You can file a new claim to request changes to your benefits that address the need for any of the following:
- Additional financial support
- Special monthly payments based on a unique need
- A shift to individual unemployability status, which is assigned to veterans whose disabilities stop them from working
The decision on this claim will be based solely on the new evidence you provide – rather than on the information that supported your original claim.
A Secondary Service-Connected Claim
You can file a secondary service-connected claim in order to receive additional benefits for a new disability linked to a service-connected disability that’s already been identified. This makes it a secondary claim, and common examples include:
- A heart condition that you develop as a result of your high blood pressure, which has already been connected to your service.
- Painful arthritis that you develop as a result of a knee injury you sustained while on active duty.
A Special Claim
Special claims are used to seek compensation for special needs like the following:
- A specially equipped vehicle that accommodates your service-connected disability
- Increased payments if you’re unable to work at all as a result of your service-connected disability
- Temporary payments if you need time to recover from treatments or surgery related to your service-connected disability
Appealing Claim Denials
Like any type of disability benefits claims, valid veterans claims are commonly denied. This might be due to insufficient medical records or other evidence, not meeting VA requirements, or other common issues.
The administration provides different avenues for appeals, and a veterans benefits lawyer can identify the right one for your case. These include:
- Supplemental Claims
- Higher-Level Reviews
- Board of Veteran’s Appeals
If one appeal is unsuccessful, an attorney can pursue another route.
Contact an Experienced Veterans Benefits Attorney Today
Maaz Quraishi is a knowledgeable VA disability claims attorney who has earned an imposing reputation for his fierce advocacy on behalf of injured veterans like you, and he appreciates the opportunity to also serve you. Your service leaves you entitled to benefits, and we are fully committed to skillfully seeking these benefits on your behalf. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us today.