The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body. Damage to the backbone could sever or disrupt this connection and may impede daily tasks and certain bodily functions.
Making matters worse, damage to the spinal cord may be permanent and leave you with these symptoms for the rest of your life. Fortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation program can provide benefits to former servicemembers who suffer debilitating injuries while on active duty.
If your backbone injury is the result of an incident that occurred during your active duty service, you may be entitled to receive benefits. VetLaw’s team of qualified legal advocates can help you pursue spinal cord injury claims – even if you have already received one or several denials.
Service-Related Backbone Injuries
Of course, those who serve in combat face exposure to enemy contact. However, injuries sustained during training accidents or while serving in a logistics capacity can also form the basis of a successful backbone injury claim. Spinal cord injuries can result from accidents involving ground vehicles or helicopters as well as simple falls while on base.
Fortunately for veterans, the VA’s disability compensation program provides benefits to offset any injuries servicemembers suffer while on active duty. A local attorney can help a veteran evaluate the effect of military service on their physical health and pursue disability compensation.
Effects on a Veteran’s Civilian Life
An important part of a damaged vertebrae claim is proving the impact of a former servicemember’s injury on their civilian life. VA staff members will assign a disability rating that determines the level of benefits that a former servicemember will receive.
Getting regular examinations from a doctor who can examine the extent of an injury could be substantially beneficial to any claim. The sooner medical treatment is sought following service, the easier it is to prove the connection to an in-service injury.
Incidents that affect a veteran’s lower back can cause them to lose feeling or function in their legs. Injuries to the middle of the spine can impact arm and organ functions. Additionally, spinal cord injuries in the neck can result in total or partial paralysis and may require a veteran to seek ongoing physical therapy. A VA-accredited attorney can help demonstrate the full impact of the disability and provide support for a spinal cord injury claim.
Let an Attorney Help You Appeal a Veteran Spinal Cord Injury Claim Denial
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe conditions that can affect members of the military. A direct and sudden blow to the vertebral column could leave spinal nerves vulnerable to damage. Many times, these conditions do not heal and may result in life-altering losses.
If your backbone damage is the result of serving on active duty, you may qualify for VA disability compensation benefits. Applicants must demonstrate the impact of their injury on their civilian life and connect it to active duty service in order to be compensated.
An attorney from our experienced legal team can help you prepare a claim or file an appeal if you are a veteran and have already received a spinal cord injury claim denial. Call our firm today to start discussing your case with well-versed legal counsel.
