We understand that filing a VA disability claim can be a long and stressful process. Even if you are eligible, mistakes in your application could lengthen the process or even get your claim denied. In this blog, we will go over some of the most common mistakes veterans make when filing their VA disability claims and provide information on how to avoid them. By being aware of these mistakes, you can improve your chances of filing a successful claim and receive your benefits in no time.
Inadequate Medical Evidence
The VA has specific criteria to prove a disability, which requires extensive medical evidence. Some medical evidence you may need to provide are service treatment records, private medical records related to your illness or injury such as doctor’s reports, X-rays, and medical test results. You may also need to provide any military records of medical treatment you received. If you do not provide enough relevant medical evidence, the VA may have a hard time determining the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to function. So, it is important to gather and submit all relevant medical documentation in order to strengthen your claim.
Failure to Show Service Connection
One of the primary reasons for VA claim denials is the lack of medical evidence that shows a connection between your disability and your military service. Proving a link between your current disability and the event, injury, or disease that happened during your service is essential for getting approved. This connection, known as the “service connection,” forms the foundation of your claim and determines whether your condition qualifies as a service-connected disability. Without clearly establishing this connection, the VA may not recognize your disability as related to your military service. Some ways you can prove service connection is by providing detailed medical records, incident reports, statements from fellow service members, and any other relevant evidence that supports how your disability originated or worsened from your time in the military.
Incomplete or Incorrect Claim Forms
You may need to fill out more than one form to file a VA disability claim, and it is important they are all filled out completely and accurately. The VA Form 21-526EZ, The Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits, is the main form that you will need to complete in order to receive benefits. This form goes over your personal details, military service history, specifics about claimed disabilities, and information about dependents if applicable. A few common errors to avoid when filing out this form are leaving sections blank, providing inaccurate dates, forgetting to sign or date where required, and failing to include necessary medical records or other supporting documents. Making sure you read each section thoroughly and provide accurate responses in each section is essential to ensuring your claim is processed efficiently.
Failing to Hire a Lawyer
As a law firm specializing in VA disability claims, one critical mistake we see is veterans choosing to claim without legal representation. The complexities of VA law and the requirements for filling a successful disability claim can be overwhelming and hard to navigate alone. That’s where we come in. Here at Veterans Help Attorneys, we want to help make the process of filing a VA Disability Claim as easy for you as possible. Don’t go through the arduous process of applying for VA benefits without the assistance of a knowledgeable veterans benefits team. We can help you from start to finish with your benefits claim.
Veterans Help Attorneys is a VA law firm located in Cincinnati that helps individuals throughout the country secure the benefits they deserve.
