During the review process for a VA disability benefits application, the agency may seek additional information about a veteran’s claimed condition(s). One of the ways that the VA obtains updated medical information for a veteran’s disability includes having the veteran attend a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. Knowing what to expect during a C&P exam…
Veterans who have disabling medical conditions may qualify for disability benefits from the VA if they can demonstrate a connection between their condition and their military service – in other words, that their military service caused or worsened their condition. However, federal law and VA regulations recognize some conditions as automatically having a service connection….
Veterans who suffer from service-connected disabilities can receive monthly compensation and other benefits from the VA after filing a disability benefits claim. However, part of a disability benefits award can include back pay. Before you file a VA disability claim, you should understand disability back pay and how you can ensure you receive the full…
Military servicemembers can suffer various chronic health conditions due to their service. However, service-connected health conditions do not always affect a veteran physically. Some veterans have developed mental health conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, due to their experiences in the military. Understanding how the VA assigns disability ratings for mental health conditions can…
When you receive an unfavorable determination on your VA disability claim, or you receive new medical evidence that may increase your disability rating, you might file a supplemental claim to pursue the benefits you deserve. New medical evidence can bolster your claim of having a service-connected disabling condition entitling you to VA disability benefits. But…
The VA denies many initial disability benefits claims for various reasons. Some of the reasons for denials include application errors, insufficient medical evidence, or a failure to attend a compensation and pension exam. The VA also denies disability benefits claims when it determines that a veteran’s medical condition lacks a service connection – in other…
The rigors of military service can lead servicemembers to develop various mental health issues, such as depression. Depression symptoms resulting from one’s experiences in the military can have a debilitating effect on one’s life, making it more challenging to maintain relationships or hold down steady employment. However, service-connected depression may entitle a veteran to financial…
The VA sometimes reevaluates cases of veterans receiving disability benefits to determine the current state of the veteran’s disability. Changes in a veteran’s medical condition may result in adjustments to their disability benefits, potentially increasing benefits if the veteran’s disability worsens or reducing or eliminating benefits if the veteran’s condition improves. As a result, veterans…
When you experience severe disabilities due to medical conditions resulting from your military service, you may become unable to hold down a job, making VA disability benefits critical to affording living expenses. Although a 100 percent disability rating can maximize your benefits, what happens if the VA assigns you a high rating, but doesn’t rate…
Understanding what you need to do to appeal an unfavorable decision on a VA disability benefits claim can help you secure the financial resources you deserve for serving your country. Initial VA Decisions and Your Right to Appeal When a veteran applies for disability benefits, the VA will review the veteran’s application, medical records, service…