Veterans who become disabled due to their military service are entitled to veterans disability compensation.
Qualifications for veterans disability pay and the amount a veteran is entitled to are dependent on numerous details, including what the disability is, how and when it occurred, and the degree of disability the veteran is experiencing.
To receive these benefits, veterans must apply through the VA system, then provide the necessary information and evidence to support their disability claim.
Disability Must Be Service-Related
The first detail that anyone requesting veterans disability compensation must be able to prove is that their disability is somehow connected to their military service.
A service-connected disability is defined as an injury or illness that was sustained while in the military, as a result of military service, or was aggravated by military service.
Both on-duty and off-duty injuries and illnesses may qualify depending on the circumstance as long as a military member received an honorable discharge.
Service Connection Must Be Verified
The key to knowing whether an injury or illness is service-connected and therefore creates eligibility for veterans disability pay is that the injury or condition happened during active military duty.
Veterans will be asked to provide diagnosis information supporting the claim that the condition happened during or was caused by military service.
Current and past medical records and statements must be submitted and military medical records that are supportive of a disability claim are especially important.
Claim Can Now Be Submitted
Once a veteran can prove that they have an injury or condition and there is either a chain of evidence or professional opinion that it is due to military service, they can submit it to establish a service connection.
They will usually also be asked to undergo another physical examination through the VA system as well.
If Approved – Disability Rating Assigned
Using these exam findings, past medical records, and professional statements, the VA will confirm that the injury or illness is service-connected and then assign a disability rating.
The VA disability rating system considers the type of disability, the amount of impairment it causes, and how the disability affects a veteran’s ability to earn an income and lead a normal life.
Ultimately, the amount of veterans disability compensation a veteran is entitled to collect depends on their assigned disability rating.
In Summary
Veterans disability pay is available for all eligible veterans that meet the criteria for a service-connected injury or illness.
Proving service connections or disability severity can sometimes be challenging, so it is essential that veterans submit as much evidence as possible to support their claim.
Those in need of it should seek assistance with their veterans disability compensation claims from experienced professionals that can help.