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Answering Your Questions about Veteran Benefits
Many American veterans are unaware of the fact that they might be eligible to receive benefits. While some feel like leaving the past behind them, so to speak, others do not even realize that there may be reason for them to receive benefits. Plus, the laborious, seemingly endless application process can seem too daunting even to give it a try. But injured or disabled veterans have a right to benefits, and so should look into the process for obtaining them.
Q: How do you know if you could be receiving benefits? Who, exactly, is qualified to receive them?
A: Three main components make up a veteran's possible eligibility for service connected disability benefits. First, you had to have served in the Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines, or Air Force. Second, you must have a current disability, either caused by your time in the service or a disability that you had going into the service and it was aggravated or made worse by your time in the service. There is a wide range of these sorts of disabilities, to some types of cancer, to breathing problems, to other disabilities that originated from or were affected by your service. Lastly, you need to show evidence that your current disability is connected to your military service.
A good illustration of this kind of injury is if you injured your knee while hiking with your some friends while on leave from active duty. Today, even though many years have passed, the problem caused by that old injury is only getting worse, and you will soon need surgery to have the knee replaced. Though it may not seem like it, this injury itself is service connected, as you were on active duty when the accident or illness occurred, even though you were on leave. Secondly, now that problem is causing pain as well as other problems which you have to be treated for.
Q: Why should I obtain VA service connected disability benefits, how will it help me?
A: Like this: if you do obtain benefits, you can receive monthly monetary benefits, as well as eligibility to use the VA hospital and medical facilities. The benefit amount you will receive each month will be dependent on what percentage of your current disability is determined to be service connected.
Q: If I am currently service connected and I have hearing loss at 10% and PTSD at 30% why am I only considered 30% service connected?
A: The VA has a rating schedule that they use to determine what percentage is to be granted for each disability depending on the severity of the disability. Rather than using math to determine these percentages, they use a rating chart to give you a total final percentage, or rating. Because determining a percentage of service connection is quite complex, if you feel that the percentage awarded you is insufficient for your disability, you should speak to a professional about your options.
Q: My cousin has obtained a 65% service connection for the exact same disability I have. Why?
A: This is due to the fact that the VA rates everyone separately depending on the severity of their disability. It is important to remember that the VA uses a rating schedule to determining the percentage and, therefore, the amount of benefits an individual receives.
Q: Can I still work and receive VA service connected disability benefits?
A: You can. Unlike with Social Security Disability, the disability benefits you obtain from Veteran Affairs are not affected by working. If you obtain benefits for a service connected disability, but are still able to work, then you are entitled to keep working and receiving benefits. The VA does not reduce your VA service connected disability benefits just because you are working and receiving an earned income.
Q: Can I obtain benefits from both Social Security Disability and the Dept. of Veteran Affairs? A: You can. While Social Security Disability does gauge your earned income when determining your SSD benefits, your VA benefits are not considered earned income, and so will not get in the way of your SSD benefits.
Q: My husband/wife was in the service and receiving VA service connected disability benefits but they have passed. Can I receive their benefits?
A: There are benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children. However, every case is different, and you need to be sure to speak to a professional before moving forward.
Q: How do I apply for benefits?
A:The VA has laws that are considered veteran friendly laws. It is the responsibility of Veteran Affairs to help you apply and file a disability claim, as well as take you through the benefits application process. There are many independent organizations to help, and every U.S. state has a Regional Office where you will receive assistance free of charge. You can find your local VA Regional Office as well as Veterans Service Organizations on the VA website at www.va.gov.
Q: Can I employ a lawyer to help me?
A: The VA does have laws that tell attorneys when they can represent a client for a fee and when they can not. You can find some lawyers who will represent you for free, or Pro Bono, and others who will require you to sign a contract promising payment for their services. You should contact a local attorney's office for more information and specifics regarding your claim.
Q: I am already receiving VA service connected disability benefits, can I receive anything else?
A: The answer to this question will depend on your situation. If, for instance, your service connected disability has grown in severity since you began receiving benefits, you can apply for an increase in your percentage or rating, which will also increase the amount of your monthly benefits. Veteran Affairs also provides expanded benefits to those veterans who cannot work due to their service connected disability. If this is your situation, there is a second application that you need to fill out in order to apply. If you feel that your disability makes it impossible for you to work, and should therefore receive more benefits from the VA, you should either contact a VSO or a lawyer to answer your questions and help you through the process. Veteran Affairs also provides additional benefits to those veterans who, due to their service connected disability, are mostly homebound and cannot care for themselves. These benefits are a homebound compensation. If you need assistance in caring for yourself but are having trouble paying for the care you should look into this option.
Because each claim is different, getting the benefits that you are entitled to can be a complex and confusing process. The Dept. of Veteran Affairs website is full of information to help you understand what VA benefits might be available to you, and how to get them. If, as a veteran, you were injured in any way during service, or saw your previous disability or injury exacerbated by your service, it is very important to look into your benefits options. You served for our country and you may be entitled to veterans benefits.