What Are The Requirements For VA Disability Eligibility

What Are The Requirements For VA Disability Eligibility

Legally reviewed by Brendan Garcia , Owner and Lead Attorney

You proudly served your country with honor and bravery. However, you are now dealing with the aftermath of your service. You are one of many honorable veterans that are living with a service-related disability. As a disabled veteran, you may be entitled to receive disability benefits from the VA. Read on to learn more about the VA disability eligibility requirements and the benefits process.

What are VA Disability Benefits?

VA disability benefits are provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to former members of the United States Armed Forces. However, not all disabled veterans are eligible to receive the veterans’ disability benefits provided by the VA. Disabled veterans who are deemed eligible to receive VA benefits will be sent a monthly monetary payment from the U.S. government.

Not all veterans who are eligible for VA disability benefits receive the same monthly monetary compensation. The main factor that affects the monetary amount of the payment is the veteran’s degree of disability. Having a higher degree of disability will result in receiving a higher monthly payment. Disabled veterans whose disabilities require travel for rehabilitation or treatment may also be eligible to receive an additional monthly payment for travel-related expenses.
The three main VA disability benefits claims are as followed.

  • Inservice Disability Claim — You got sick or became injured while serving in the military
  • Preservice Disability Claim — You had an illness or injury before joining the military that was made worse by serving.
  • Postservice Disability Claim — You have a disability-related to your active-duty service that did not appear until after your service had already ended.

Who is Eligible to Receive VA Disability Benefits?

To receive VA disability benefits, there are certain requirements that must be met. The major eligibility requirement for VA disability benefits is that you incurred an illness or injury that was caused by or was made worse by your active military service. Further eligibility requirements are listed below.

To receive VA disability benefits, both of these must be true.

  • You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
  • You have a disability rating for your service-connected condition.

To receive VA disability benefits, one of the following must also be true.

  • You got sick or became injured while serving in the military.
  • You had an illness or injury before joining the military that was made worse by serving.
  • You have a disability-related to your active-duty service that did not appear until after your service had already ended.

Former service members who did not receive honorable discharge are most likely not eligible for VA disability benefits. Veterans whose disease or disability was caused by misconduct or occurred while the veteran was avoiding duty are also unlikely to be eligible for VA disability benefits. However, it is always best to contact a qualified VA attorney to better understand your rights and eligibility in the matter.

What Conditions are Covered by VA Benefits?

There are a variety of conditions that are covered by VA disability benefits. The following are common conditions that are typically covered by the VA.

  • Chronic back pain or a diagnosed back disability
  • Severe hearing loss
  • Scar tissue
  • Range of motion loss
  • Ulcers
  • Cancers caused by exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Breathing problems or lung disease
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Applying for VA Disability

If you believe you may be eligible to receive VA disability benefits, the first step is to submit a VA disability claim. It is best to submit your claim as early as possible and preferably within one year of your separation from the military.

Submitting a claim after being out of military service for over a year is possible. However, waiting to submit a claim until after the one-year mark will make it harder to provide evidence that your disability is definitely service-connected.

To maximize your chance of receiving VA disability benefits, it is essential that you carefully prepare for the VA disability process. The process can be challenging to navigate alone. Therefore, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced VA disability attorney to help you navigate this process seamlessly.

Consultant with an Experienced Veterans Disability Attorney Today

Your service to the United States of America is greatly appreciated. However, you know better than anyone that service to your country doesn’t always come without a cost. If you received a disability during your service or had an existing disability that was made worse by your time in the service, you deserve compensation for your sacrifices. Navigating the VA disability benefits application can be difficult alone. For help with a VA disability denial or appeal or to have any of your questions answered regarding VA disability benefits, contact an experienced VA disability attorney today.