Veterans risk it all to serve our country, and in response, they’re entitled to a range of benefits that they’ve more than earned. Obtaining these benefits, on the other hand, is a challenging process, and when the benefit is not related to service, such as workers’ compensation, the path forward can be even more complex. If you’re a veteran who has concerns related to workers’ compensation, an experienced workers’ compensation for veterans’ attorney is standing by to help.
VA Disability Benefits
A veteran doesn’t have to be totally disabled in order to receive VA disability benefits. Instead, these benefits are based on the veteran suffering a debilitating injury or illness during their service or on the veteran experiencing a worsening of a preexisting condition as a result of their service. When this is true, the veteran may be eligible for VA disability benefits, which are based on the rating of disability assigned. This disability rating can range from 10 to 100 percent and is measured in increments of 10 percent.
As such, it’s possible for a veteran to receive VA disability benefits and to hold a civilian job. When a veteran is injured on the job as a civilian, they may be entitled to both VA disability and workers’ compensation. Veterans can apply for these benefits online or with a paper application, and they should never hesitate to seek assistance from a veterans benefits attorney.
Should an applicant receive a denial due to insufficient medical documentation or other common issues, a veterans benefits attorney can pursue an appeal using three different options:
- Filing a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence
- Requesting a Higher-Level Review of an initial or supplemental claim
- Filing with the Board of Veteran’s Appeals
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a separate and distinct program from SSD, and when a veteran qualifies for both, they’re entitled to both – and neither will impact the other’s calculation if they’re each based on separate matters.
Workers’ compensation refers to programs at both the state and federal levels that require employers to cover their employees for injuries and illnesses incurred as a result of their work, and the matter of fault isn’t a factor.
Workers’ compensation, however, does take pre-existing conditions into account, and this can play a pivotal role in veterans’ claims. This means that the path forward toward just compensation is complex, and you need skilled legal representation on your side.
A Balance of Rights and Responsibilities
If an employee is injured on the job, they’re covered by worker’s comp, which streamlines the compensation process but limits coverage – relative to personal injury claims. While the employer is required to cover the injured employee, they needn’t fear a costly, time-consuming, and disruptive personal injury claim. In other words, workers’ compensation is intended to strike a balance between an employee’s rights and their employer’s responsibilities.
Compensation
When a veteran is injured on the job, they can – just like any other employee – seek compensation in each of the following categories:
- A specific percentage of their current wages
- Their necessary medical expenses
- Disability coverage if the injury leaves them unable to work or unable to work at the same level for an extended period
Their veteran status, however, can complicate the process.
Contact an Experienced Veterans Benefits Attorney Today
Maaz Quraishi is a knowledgeable workers’ compensation for veteran’s attorney who is committed to helping you successfully navigate the challenging workers’ compensation claims process on your journey forward toward fair compensation that addresses your covered losses. Don’t wait to learn more by contacting or calling us today.