How to Apply for VA Disability Benefits: A Complete Guide for Veterans

Are you a veteran needing to apply for disability benefits?

Veterans who served the country and, as a result, developed a health impairment are entitled to VA disability benefits. That includes financial assistance along with other valuable resources.

To access those benefits, veterans must apply and await a response from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The application process can be complex and lengthy; knowing how it works can help you move faster and obtain benefits sooner.

In this article, a professional disability attorney Indianapolis will share everything you need to know about the veterans' disability benefits process.

What Does It Take To Qualify for Veterans Disability Benefits?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grants benefits to veterans who served the country and developed disabilities as a result of their service.

VA benefits include monthly financial assistance and healthcare insurance.

In some cases, veterans can also receive home allowance, educational fees, and career counseling, among other valuable benefits.

Such benefits can signify enormous help for veterans struggling to re-enter the workforce due to a health impairment.

Before you embark yourself on this journey, you’ll want to make sure you are eligible.

Eligibility requirements can change depending on your particular military service and disability. However, this is the core criteria the VA demands for all candidates:

You have participated in active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
You are recognized as having a disability that meets the VA rating criteria for your service-connected condition.

Additionally, one of these must apply to your case:

You got sick or injured during service and can link the disability to your illness or injury.
You had an illness or injury prior to joining the military, and your service worsened it or aggravated it beyond the condition's natural progression.
You have a disability connected to your active duty service that only became apparent after you finished your service.

What Evidence Do I Need To File a VA Claim?

As with any disability benefits claim, the applicant must provide substantial medical evidence that supports their claim.

Without enough medical evidence, your case will likely be rejected.

Some documents you can use to support your claim include:

Service treatment records
Doctor’s reports and medical opinions
X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging
Medical test results

A disability well-documented on service treatment records is easier to prove it is service-connected.

If you are still in the military, we advise you to see a service physician to put your health condition on the military records. That will give you a better chance of securing veterans' disability benefits.

Finally, don’t forget to include all evidence relevant to your claim. Any up-to-date document that you consider can help demonstrate the impact of your disability and its connection to your services must be included only in our claim.

How Will The Department of Veterans Affairs Process My Claim?

The VA application evaluation process involves 8 steps:

Receiving the claim: The Department of Veterans Affairs will inform you they received your claim.
Initial review: A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will review your claim.
Gathering evidence: If necessary, the VSR will collect crucial evidence from different sources.
Evidence review: Once they collect enough evidence, they’ll proceed to review it.
Preparing a decision: The Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) will receive and carefully review your application.
Pending decision approval: The RSVR’s recommended decisions are reviewed, and a final approval for your claim is made.
Preparation for notification: A Senior Veterans Service Representative (SVSR) examines the finalized documents and approves issuing the award letter and payment.
Claim completed: The VA will close the claim, and you will receive a decision packet.

How long does the process typically take? Depending on the complexity of your case, each step takes a few weeks or months.

How Can A VA Disability Attorney Help with My Case?

Are you considering hiring a VA disability attorney to help with your case?

Veterans who work with a professional attorney have more chances of increasing the amount of their benefits and securing them afterward.

Here is how a seasoned attorney can assist you:

Gather Crucial Medical Evidence: Your attorney will contact healthcare providers and clinics to gather strong, relevant medical evidence to build your case. Medical evidence is crucial to prove your disability and win your case.
Completing Complex and Extensive Forms: Applying for VA benefits involves filling out several complex forms. Missing a form or skipping a question can harm your case and lead to a denial. An attorney will take care of the forms and documentation for you, handling them professionally.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Forgetting to submit a document, missing a deadline, or providing a wrong answer can significantly hinder your case. With a lawyer, you avoid common mistakes and ensure that you submit a flawless claim.
Increase Your Disability Rating: The VA assesses each applicant’s condition and assigns them a disability rating. That percentage determines the amount of the benefits. Your attorney can increase your rating and secure higher benefits through substantial evidence, expert opinions, and building a solid case.

Securing Veterans Benefits Fast and Smoothly

Now that you understand the VA disability process a bit better, you can start working on building your case.

The more relevant and up-to-date evidence you collect, the better your chances of securing benefits.

For legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a disability attorney. You can request a free consultation to learn about their service and how they can help you win the benefits you are entitled to.