Statistics shows that there are over 18 million veterans in the United States, as of 2022.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently aimed to support this population by providing healthcare, financial, educational and other benefits to veterans and their families. Although these resources are available, only a fraction of veterans are taking advantage of them and are missing out on disability benefits that they rightfully deserve.
Research has shown various reasons why veterans are not filing for disability:
1. Application Issues
Misunderstandings about the process and the qualifications needed keeps veterans from their disability benefits. Often, the most pressing reasons why you may forgo filing is because of the confusing nature of the application. Common complaints are:
using the wrong VA forms
missing important deadlines
Equally important is if you are filing after a denial, it can be difficult to decipher which form to use and when to submit these forms. Veteran disability claims are highly time sensitive, with many different dates to remember. Missing these dates can impact the success of your claim.
2. Giving Up On Claims
It is noted that many veterans give up once they see the paperwork and time involved to obtain their claim. For many, a negative experience with the claims process or getting a denial is sufficient enough to forgo trying for disability benefits.
3. Confusion About Who Can File & Eligibility
Many veterans are also unsure if they qualify. Many veterans are eligible and entitled to benefits but they simply are not aware.
Myths About Eligibility
You had to be in combat operations in order to file.
Disability benefits are not limited to combat veterans, nor those with orthopedic conditions. Once a veteran has honorably served on Active Duty military service, they may be eligible to get VA disability benefits and compensation. This includes mobilized or activated individuals during National Guard or Reserve time as well.
Illnesses must arise during military service
Once current illnesses or conditions that affect your mental or physical health are present, and these conditions could be linked to the military, they can qualify a veteran to receive benefits. A veteran does not have to just have conditions that occurred during service to be eligible. Many conditions can arise after military service has ended, those root causes can be traced back as being service-related. If you have signs of illnesses such as like hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, diabetes, or peptic ulcers that began within a year after you were discharged from active duty service, the VA may determine that they are related to your service.
Only an honorable discharge warrants VA disability benefits
An honorable discharge is something to aspire to, however, a general discharge under honorable conditions is also valid. A veteran with an other-than honorable discharge can get service-connected benefits in specific cases, but a successful outcome under this discharge can be difficult. If a veteran received a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, they are not eligible to receive VA disability benefits.
4. Don’t Think They Can Pursue More Than One Disability Claim
Oftentimes, many of your injuries and illnesses will impact each other, so it is a logical step to pursue all of your claims at once. Filling all of your claims at once is the best decision because you still will likely get multiple decisions around the same time. There is no deadline, you can file claims years after service. Severe symptoms and certain conditions seen in veterans don’t actually manifest until it’s been a lengthy amount of time post-service. Don’t think you are unable to file!
5. Skipping Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exams
Another aspect to consider is the Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam.
The VA will schedule this exam in connection with the compensation application process. This exam is critical and is not an optional exam. If you fail to attend, the VA can deny your application solely for that reason. Improper rescheduling or absence from a C&P is a common reason veterans do not obtain or stop pursuing their well deserved disability benefits.
6. Concerns About Their Employment
Misinformation about the impact of the claim process on future employment for veterans and subsequent monetary compensation are circulating. This misunderstanding commonly exists because of a VA program known as “Total Disability Individual Unemployability” where disabled veterans receive 100% VA disability compensation because they cannot keep or obtain employment. Veterans who are awarded this and other VA ratings and subsequent compensation may still maintain employment without limitation.
7. VA Disability Benefits and Social Security Benefits Are Not The Same
Kindly note that the Social Security Disability and VA Service Connected Disability are not the same. The two programs can often be confused for the same thing and lead to veterans missing out on benefits. If it is that you are receiving social security benefits, it does not mean that you automatically qualify for VA disability, and vice versa.
8. Belief That Their Injury Or Illness Is Not Serious Enough
Some veterans may believe that their injury or illness is not severe enough to qualify for benefits. They may also have a hard time demonstrating that their injury or illness is related to their military service.
9. Fear Of Being Denied
Some veterans may be hesitant to file a claim because they are afraid of being denied benefits. They may have a hard time demonstrating that their injury or illness is related to their military service and as a result opt to not pursue the process, believing they would not be successful.
10. Concerns Over Legal Rights
Another noteworthy concern amongst veterans is filing for mental health treatment and claims. Mental health ratings from the VA and mental incompetence are two different things. Having a mental health condition does not put the veteran at risk for losing their constitutionally protected rights. If you are suffering from PTSD or other mental health conditions, it’s important to seek care and pursue filing for disability to help.
How Can Veterans Claim Servants Help You?
We know Veterans and understand the medical evidence needed to fight for VA claims and appeals. If you believe that you are entitled to VA Disability Benefits and were denied after you filed a claim, we may be able to help. For more information about filing a VA Benefits Claim or Appeal, contact us!
Kommentare