You can claim various mental and physical health effects caused by a military service-related disability. It is also possible to get compensation for all expenses related to treatment, adaptive counseling, and restoring your quality of life.
Are you interested in getting more answers to what can be claimed for VA disability? Then, read on to discover various conditions you can seek reimbursement for, and the costs that compensation may cover.
Tinnitus
One health issue you can claim from the VA as part of your disability is tinnitus. This term refers to a condition whereby you constantly hear a high-pitched ringing in your ears. The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud noises such as gunfire and explosions.
While it is common to experience ear ringing during wars, most of these symptoms go away after a few seconds or minutes. However, if the sound vibrations damage some inner ear parts, you will likely suffer from tinnitus.
When filing a claim against the VA, you can seek compensation for tinnitus triggered by a military-related incident. The highest disability rating you get for this condition alone is 10%. However, if it affects other aspects of your life, you may qualify for a greater rating.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Mental Health Issues
Military service may have a devastating effect on your mental health. The most common condition among veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder. This often results from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events during wars.
If you have PTSD triggered by military service, you may seek compensation from the VA. This process will involve taking a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to diagnose your condition. It also includes presenting enough evidence to prove that active service triggered or aggravated PTSD.
Other mental health issues you can claim for a VA disability are:
- Anxiety
- Military sexual trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- Somatic symptom disorder
- Schizophrenia
The disability rating you get for mental health issues will depend on their severity. For example, you will likely get a high rating if you have anxiety that significantly affects your social life and concentration ability. This is contrary to a veteran whose condition is easily manageable with therapy and medication.
Scars
If you have a significant scar sustained from military-related activities, you can claim disability. VA usually rates such issues from 10%-80%, depending on the severity. The rating can also vary based on the scar’s visibility and its effects on your everyday life.
Another factor that can increase a scar’s rating is if it affects your mental health. For example, having significant marks on your face or legs may lower your self-esteem and lead to depression.
Some injuries, especially on the arms, neck, and legs, may leave scar tissue affecting mobility. Therefore, you can qualify for a higher rating due to secondary disabilities in such a case.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Nerve Damage
Another disability you can claim from the VA is nerve damage. The most common types of this condition experienced by veterans are sciatica and neuropathy.
Sciatica is a prevalent form of nerve damage, which often manifests as a sharp pain in the affected region. This condition might also lead to a tingling sensation and difficulty lifting the front part of your feet. Apart from that, it may cause paralysis and permanent disability in severe cases.
Neuropathy is a less common type of nerve damage that mainly affects the hands or feet. This condition can lead to:
- Numbness
- Poor balance
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced sensation to touch
Before claiming nerve damage as a disability from the VA, you have to undergo medical tests. These will provide a current diagnosis of your condition and details about its severity. It is necessary to show a connection between the nerve damage and a military service incident.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Which Disability Benefits Can You Get From the VA?
When you receive a VA disability rating, you are entitled to various benefits. For example, you may get free medical care to treat related health conditions. These benefits will also cover the cost of surgery and buying medical devices like hearing aids.
Additional disability benefits you get from the VA are:
- House loans or grants
- Property tax waivers
- Income tax exemption on your pension
- Educational benefits for your children
- Fiduciary services
- Veteran Readiness and Employment
Another disability benefit you receive is monthly compensation, which will vary based on various factors. Such include your rating, health progress, and VA annual rates.
Contact an Advocate to Determine What You Can Seek for a VA Disability
Working with a veterans disability advocate can help you identify what to seek from the VA. They will assess your first claim and your current health condition to determine eligibility for more benefits. They will then request a decision review process and include any new evidence from your medical provider.
Additional ways VA benefits advocates can assist is by providing guidance and ensuring you get a C&P exam. To get more information on what can be claimed for a VA disability, contact us for a free consultation.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
