Receiving less than an Honorable discharge may jeopardize a veteran’s eligibility for various benefits, including VA disability benefits. However, can a veteran secure disability benefits if they obtain a discharge upgrade? Obtaining VA benefits may become possible by improving the characterization of one’s military discharge. Understanding Discharge Characterizations When a service member leaves the military,…
Many veterans develop high blood pressure while serving in the military or after leaving the military due to various conditions, injuries, or exposures while serving in the military. In certain circumstances, a veteran with hypertension may secure VA disability benefits through statutory presumptions that link their condition to their military service. As a result, when…
Certain service-connected injuries and medical conditions may result in a veteran having a “permanent and total” disability. However, when the VA deems you to have a “permanent and total” disability rating, what exactly does that mean for you? Understanding when you may have P&T status and what benefits you might receive can help you maximize…
Some veterans with disabling medical conditions may choose to apply for both VA disability benefits and Social Security disability. However, does receiving both VA disability and Social Security disability benefits jeopardize your eligibility to receive either type of benefit? When can a veteran receive both VA and Social Security disability? Overview of VA Disability Benefits…
Securing approval of a VA disability benefits claim means you will receive financial compensation for a disabling condition caused by your military service. However, in certain circumstances, you may also receive back pay after the VA approves your disability benefits. Back pay ensures that veterans receive compensation for the time they had to wait for…
When a veteran applies for disability benefits for a service-connected condition, the VA may assign a disability rating based on the condition’s severity and symptoms. However, does the VA ever reevaluate a veteran’s disability benefits, and if it does, will a veteran ever see an increase in their disability rating? Certain factors may lead the…
Many military veterans have service-connected medical conditions that affect their daily living, entitling them to financial compensation from the VA. However, veterans who receive VA disability benefits may want to continue working despite their condition. But can you work if you receive VA disability benefits? Understanding when you can and cannot work as a recipient…
Various events or stressors experienced during military service may lead to the development of sleep apnea during or after service. However, to obtain VA benefits for sleep apnea, you must prove that the condition has a connection to your military service. Understanding what veterans need to do to establish a service connection for their sleep…
During military service or after a service member leaves the military, they may develop recurring, severe migraines that affect their ability to perform their duties or work in civilian employment after discharge. Chronic migraines may result from various service-connected conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries. As a result, a veteran who develops migraines due to…
Most years, the VA adjusts disability benefit rates to reflect inflation. This adjustment, known as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), can help VA benefits keep pace with rising living costs. As a result, veterans who receive VA disability benefits should know what increases in benefit rates they can expect in 2026. What Is the 2026 COLA…