Some veterans may submit VA disability claims with 50-50 evidence, meaning the VA could decide the claim either way. However, the “benefit of the doubt” doctrine can help you avoid a denial of your VA disability benefits claim. The doctrine gives veterans a slight advantage that recognizes the goals of supporting them. Understanding the Benefit…
Veterans who file claims for VA disability benefits will face a waiting period while the VA processes and investigates their claim. However, you might expedite the processing of your VA disability claim by submitting all the evidence for your claim with your application to create a “fully developed” claim. But what makes a claim “fully…
When you apply for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will need to submit various forms and documents to establish that you have a qualifying disability. One of the documents you may need to submit with your VA disability application includes a disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) form. But what is a DBQ?…
Sometimes, the VA may defer a veteran’s claim for disability benefits. A deferred claim does not mean that the VA has denied the claim; instead, it means that the VA requires additional information to assess the claim. When the VA defers your disability benefits claim, you may need to provide further information to establish your…
By law, the Department of Veterans Affairs annually increases the disability benefits it pays to veterans by a specific percentage. The VA recently announced the 2026 COLA increase for disability benefits. Veterans who receive disability benefits from the VA will see an increase in their monthly compensation next year. As a result, veterans approved for…
However, what benefits can the dependents of a veteran with a 100 percent-rated disability receive from the VA? Who Qualifies as a Dependent? VA regulations recognize several categories of relatives as “dependents” potentially entitled to VA benefits: Various factors can affect a family member’s eligibility as a dependent, such as a child’s age and current…
Military service members can sustain injuries during service that cause long-term and permanent impairments even after the service member leaves the military. Various service injuries may qualify veterans for VA disability benefits. Many veterans suffer from back, knee, and other joint injuries due to service-related traumatic or stress injuries. When you have a disability due…
Veterans who have service-connected medical conditions can apply for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The benefits that a veteran can receive will depend on how the VA rates the veteran’s condition. Some veterans may qualify for a 100 percent disability rating from the VA. But what benefits and services can a veteran qualify…
Some veterans who apply for VA disability benefits will have their claims denied upon initial review and after requesting a higher-level review or supplemental claim. Fortunately, the VA offers continued appellate options to veterans who receive an upheld denial notice after a supplemental claim or initial review. A veteran can file VA Form 10182 to…
Many veterans apply for VA disability benefits months or years after leaving military service. A veteran might delay their application because some service-connected conditions can take a long time to manifest symptoms, or a veteran may wait and seek treatment after leaving service to see if their condition will improve. However, when a veteran develops…