Imagine serving your country and then incurring injuries and illnesses that haunt you forever. It's important then, to file for your disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that you are compensated to offset these costs. Knowing the top VA disability claims can be extremely helpful to you in your efforts to get the benefits you deserve. Also knowing what is most common may help you decide what to submit a claim for, especially if you are suffering from more than one conditions.
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Veterans often experience certain medical conditions at higher rates than their civilian counterparts due to exposure to events occurring during military service.
According to the VBA Annual Benefits Report Fiscal Year 2022, the following are top 10 VA Disability Claims:
Tinnitus: This refers to the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. In most cases, it a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. Veterans do not need a specific diagnosis of tinnitus to be granted service connection. They can provide a subjective report of their symptomatology, which is enough to show they meet the rating criteria. VA rates tinnitus under 38 CFR § 4.87, Diagnostic Code 6260.
Hearing Loss: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, veterans are 30 percent more likely than non-veterans to have severe hearing impairment. Hearing loss includes the muffling of speech and other sounds, difficulty hearing consonants, frequently asking others to speak slowly, clearly, and loudly. This may cause withdrawal from conversations and can significantly impact a veteran’s quality of life. Hearing loss is categorized into three main types: conductive (involves outer or middle ear), sensorineural (involves inner ear), and mixed (a combination of the two). Common causes of hearing loss include damage to the inner ear, earwax buildup, ear infection, and ruptured eardrum. The VA requires a rating for hearing loss diagnosis through conducting auditory tests. The ratings can range from 0 to 100 percent; however, most veterans receive between 0 and 10 percent.
Migraines (Headaches): Migraines may be described as constant, intense headaches that can be completely debilitating. The symptoms can include pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, lightheadedness, and blurred vision. Main factors that contribute to the higher rate of migraines among veterans include intense or stressful situations and traumatic brain injury. The VA rates migraine headaches under 38 C.F.R. 4.124a as Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders Diagnostic Code 8100. The VA rates migraines differently from 0, 10, 30, or 50 percent depending on the severity and frequency of the migraines.
Limitation of Flexion, Knee: This refers to the range of motion of the knee as the veteran moves it out or curls it inward towards the body. The VA rates this condition as a musculoskeletal condition based on the range of motion in degrees that exists rather than the pain caused by the motion. The VA rates this disability under 38 CFR § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code 5260, at 0, 10, 20, or 30 percent, with the most common rating being 10 percent.
Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve: Sciatica speaks to a nerve condition in which pain radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back down through the legs. It occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or pinched. Common symptoms of sciatica are tingling, numbness a burning sensation, and muscle weakness. The most severe form of sciatica is paralysis of the sciatic nerve and it is very common amongst veterans, primarily because it is linked to back and neck issues. The VA rates sciatica under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Schedule of Ratings, Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders and is rated under Diagnostic Code 8520 at 10, 20, 40, 60, or 80 percent.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This is a mental health condition that results from experiencing a distressing, shocking, or otherwise traumatic event. To establish service connection for PTSD, veterans must verify an in-service stressor that they believe caused their PTSD. Corroboration is this is needed through evidence, such as lay statements detailing the occurrence. The VA rates PTSD under the Schedule of Ratings for Mental Disorders, 38 CFR § 4.130, Diagnostic Code 9411, at 0, 30, 50, 70, or 100 percent. The ratings are based on the level of social and occupational impairment, as well as the duration, and severity of symptoms.
The symptoms and severity of PTSD vary from person to person. Common symptoms are-
Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive, distressing recollections of the event.
Emotional numbness and avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling easily irritated and angered.
A number of factors contribute to a claim’s success or failure. Proof is absolutely key. Your claim should contain evidence that demonstrates your injuries and establishes a service connection. Both medical and lay (non-professional) evidence are important components to build a strong VA disability claim.
To learn more, call us or contact us online to arrange your review, check out our resources page, request prayer, or check out how we’ve helped other veterans!
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