If the decision notice sent by VA shows you have at least a 10% disability rating, you will get your first check within 15 days. After that, however, if your doctor confirms more injuries that may worsen your condition, you can contact the VA to provide the information. Unfortunately, this implies that you may have to wait longer for them to review your case and give a new ruling.
Read more details about receiving your first VA disability check and related topics.
What Factors Can Lead to Delays in Receiving Disability Checks?
While receiving the first veteran disability check usually takes a maximum of 15 days, you might need to wait longer in some cases for various reasons. For example, if the claim included several service-connected disabilities, the VA may take longer to review your case. This is because they need to investigate each condition separately to determine your disability rating.
Another factor that may lengthen the waiting period is presenting medical evidence from your primary doctor and the military treatment records. In addition, the VA might need more time to establish a clear connection between the injuries sustained during military service and your current condition.
VA allocates a specific period for gathering all the documents they need to process your claim. If they cannot get files within the time period, they may defer your case. This implies that you may have to provide more evidence for your claim to proceed with the review.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Can a VA Disability Rating Change After Time?
A disability caused by military-connected incidents can improve or worsen with time. For example, if you sustained a leg injury that affected mobility, you may gradually recover with rehabilitative care. On the other hand, if you have a severe wound that requires amputation, it will likely worsen your condition.
Due to these aspects, your disability rating is likely to change with time, depending on your progress. Therefore, when assessing if you qualify for compensation, the VA also checks the likelihood of your condition changing over time.
Based on the findings, they then schedule reexaminations about two to five years from the date you receive your first benefit. This process will allow them to readjust the disability rating based on your current health status. It also ensures that you receive proper compensation.
What to Do if Your Condition Worsens
When your health worsens due to an injury related to military service, you may need to pay for some costs out of pocket. For example, if you develop mental health conditions like anxiety or PTSD, you will incur more money on treatment.
If your injuries lead to paralysis, you have to buy medical devices like a wheelchair and remodel your home. While waiting for the VA review period may help you get a new rating, you may face financial challenges depending on the extent of your disability.
Luckily, you can request a decision review process and present new evidence to support the case. VA will then assess your condition based on the provided details and a Nexus letter to determine your current disability rating.
If you are unfamiliar with the decision review process, it is advisable to work with a veteran disability advocate. These will help you get a VA’s Compensation and Pension (C&P) examination. Based on the results of these tests, you may then seek a Nexus letter from a licensed medical professional.
Another way a disability advocate can help with the decision review process is by evaluating your case. This step allows them to identify weaknesses in the initial claim. They can also determine if you provided the needed medical documents and sufficient evidence.
A veterans disability advocate will then compile your updated medical records and those from your military service to present them for the decision review process.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
What Benefits Can a Disability Check Include?
Your veteran disability check can include a wide range of benefits. In most cases, these will vary based on the number of dependents you have and your disability rating. One part the check can include is medical care benefits.
This one allows you to recover all costs of treating your injuries and their effects. It also covers transportation expenses and helps you get all the needed medication. Other benefits your check may include are:
- Monthly compensation
- Reimbursement for home renovation expenses
- Unemployment compensation
Another expense your disability check may cover is the cost of living in a nursing home. It may also reimburse the costs of hiring a caregiver.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Contact an Advocate for VA Benefits to Learn More About Veteran Disability Checks
After filing a claim for military-related disability, you may be wondering when you will receive your first VA disability check. Consulting a veterans disability advocate can help you understand the laws regarding receiving compensation. You can also request a decision review if you disagree with the disability rating issued by the VA.
If you need a VA benefits advocate to provide counsel about disability payments and related laws, contact for a case assessment.
Call 1-888-373-4722 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
