Blog: Veterans Disability - Page 2

PACT Act Claims: TERA VA Medical Opinions The PACT Act expanded access to healthcare and VA disability benefits for many veterans who suffered toxic exposures during their military service. Many of these veterans had waited years, or even decades, for recognition that their medical conditions were service-connected. What some veterans don’t know is that coverage …

VA to Drop Co-Pay for All Telehealth Services Telehealth services can improve access to medical care, especially for veterans who may have difficulty getting to and from medical appointments. Now, the VA is working to increase the availability and benefits of telehealth services in two important ways. First, the VA plans to award grants to …

2025 VA Disability Pay Rates and Cost of Living Adjustment Starting this month, veterans receiving VA disability benefits will see an increase in monthly benefits. That’s because for veterans, the 2025 cost of living adjustment (COLA) takes effect on December 1, 2024. Here’s what you can expect.  How Much is the 2025 COLA?  The 2025 …

Common Secondary Service-Connected Conditions Among Veterans If you’re receiving veterans disability benefits or plan to file a claim for VA disability, it’s important to understand secondary-connected conditions. Overlooking a secondary-connected condition can mean losing out on some of your benefits. Here’s what you need to know about what a secondary service connection is and some …

TMJ VA Disability Ratings Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) affects millions of Americans. Estimates range from 5% to 12% of the U.S. population. TMJ has many possible causes, and the severity of symptoms can vary significantly. Here’s what veterans need to know about VA disability ratings for service-connected TMJ.  About TMJ The temporomandibular joint is a …

Top Reasons Your VA Disability Claim Gets Denied When you apply for veteran disability benefits, the last thing you want is for your claim to be denied or delayed unnecessarily. Unfortunately, innocent mistakes can derail your claim. Earlier this year, the VA reported that the approval rate for PACT Act related claims was just over …

Understanding VA Disability Appeals: How to Seek the Benefits You Deserve Many veterans find themselves confused and discouraged after receiving a lower-than-expected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or even facing a denial of benefits. For some, it may feel as if there’s no choice but to accept the VA’s decision and …

VA Ratings for IBS With GERD Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition that can cause pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea and/or constipation. The severity of IBS varies, but most people can manage the condition with diet and stress management. Some IBS patients need medication. Many people who suffer from IBS also have …

20% VA Disability Ratings and Benefits Explained Your VA disability rating determines the benefits you will receive–both the amount of your monthly monetary benefit and the types of benefits you are eligible for. That’s one reason it’s important to work with an experienced VA disability benefits advocate when you file a claim. A knowledgeable advocate …

What Heart Conditions Qualify for VA Disability?  Any heart condition can qualify a veteran for VA disability, if the condition is service connected and is sufficiently serious. The VA uses a general rating schedule for many heart conditions, but also has separate schedules for many heart conditions. And, some heart conditions are presumed service connected …

Understanding Your Deferred VA Claim VA disability benefits can be a lifeline if your ability to earn a living is limited due to a service-connected disability. So, it’s not unusual for veterans who have submitted a disability claim to be anxiously on the lookout for the decision letter. Approval is great, and denial probably means …

Will a Government Shutdown Affect My VA Disability?  When you’re reliant on VA disability benefits for living expenses and medical care, the threat of a government shutdown can be nerve-racking. Here’s what you need to know about whether and how VA disability benefits could be impacted by a government shutdown.  Will a Government Shutdown Happen?  …

How to Get VA Disability for Arthritis Arthritis is a rheumatic condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. This inflammation leads to pain, swelling, and limitation of movement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 19% of adults in the nation have been diagnosed with arthritis. Still, the condition is significantly …

Can I Get VA Disability Benefits For Flattened Affect? If you are a military veteran with flattened affect, you may be eligible for VA  disability benefits. Flattened affect is a symptom of several medical conditions that may be service-connected. If you suffer from this condition as a veteran, you may be eligible for disability benefits …

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Rates for 2024 Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) is a monetary benefit payable to some survivors of disabled veterans. Both the deceased veteran and the dependent must meet certain requirements. The veteran must have either died on active duty or in training, died due to a service-connected condition, or have been …

Why Should I Hire a VA Disability Advocate?  If you’re considering filing a VA disability claim or have been denied VA disability benefits, you may be wondering whether you should work with an experienced disability benefits advocate. For most people, it is helpful to hire a VA disability benefits advocate at the very beginning of …

How Can I Speed Up My VA Disability Claim The average VA disability claim takes more than five months to process. Your actions can impact that timeline in two ways. First, the VA offers some limited opportunities to speed up the process somewhat. Second, and just as important, you will want to make sure you …

VA Disability Benefits for Esophageal Cancer Esophageal cancer can be an ordeal and is often fatal. However, early detection and treatment increases survival rates dramatically. A veteran suffering from esophageal cancer can receive VA disability benefits if:  They have a current diagnosis of esophageal cancer, and They can show that the cancer is connected to …

Can the VA Reduce My 100% TDIU Rating?  A classification of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) can make a big difference in the benefits a disabled veteran receives. But, a TDIU classification isn’t necessarily permanent. Here’s what you need to know about when a veteran may qualify for TDIU, why and how the …