20 of the Most Common VA Disability Claims

Navigating the VA disability claims process? This guide breaks down how the VA evaluates claims, how much support you can get, and tips for success. Get the financial and medical aid you deserve for a fulfilling life post-service. We’re here to help!

What Are Common VA Claims?

Disability claims represent a wide range of service-related disabilities that disabled. Specific rankings of VA disability claims can vary over time, as do the conditions people apply for, but here are some commonly reported disabilities from veterans who submit claims for VA disability compensation:

• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears, often caused by exposure to loud noises during military service.

• Hearing Loss: Partial or complete loss of hearing, commonly linked to exposure to loud environments during active duty.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Mental health condition resulting from traumatic experiences during military service.

• Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain: Back and neck injuries are often caused by the physical demands of military service.

• Scars: Visible scars resulting from injury or surgery during active duty or service.

• Limitation of Flexion, Knee: Decreased flexibility in the knee joint due to injury or wear and tear.

• Limitation of Motion of the Ankle: Reduced mobility in the ankle joint due to injury or conditions.

• Migraines: Severe headaches that can result from various factors, including stress, head injury, or another medical condition.

• Degenerative Arthritis: A chronic medical condition characterized by the deterioration of joint cartilage, often caused by wear and tear.

• Cervical Spine (Neck) Conditions: Various neck-related injuries or conditions resulting from military service.

• Diabetes Mellitus Type II: Chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels.

• Limitation of Motion of the Wrist: Reduced range of motion in the wrist joint due to injuries or conditions.

• Anxiety Disorders: Mental health condition(s) causing symptoms of excessive worry, fear, or unease. Often related to, or worsened by, military experiences.

• Major Depressive Disorder: Severe and persistent depression affecting daily life.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Digestive disorder causing acid to flow back into the esophagus, often linked to stress or dietary habits.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression in the wrist causing numbness and tingling, often due to repetitive motions.

• Herniated Disc: Displacement of spinal disc material causing pressure on nerves, leading to pain and discomfort.

• Prostate Cancer: Cancer affecting the prostate gland, more common among older veterans.

• Radiculopathy: Nerve root disorders causing pain, weakness, or numbness due to compression or damage.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain injuries resulting from concussions or other head trauma during military service.

Decoding the Disability Determination Process: How The VA Evaluates Your Claims

The higher your percentage, the more severe your disability is deemed. A higher percentage usually translates to more financial aid from the VA, aligning the support you receive with your challenges.

Medical proof is crucial in this rating process. You should supply comprehensive records—full medical history, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Expert opinions also come in handy if they apply. The VA gauges your disabilities based on their daily life impact and assigns a percentage reflecting that level of disruption. This rating mirrors how significantly the disability hampers your ability to function in different areas.

Navigating the Application Process: Tips for a Successful VA Disability Claim

When you’re ready to file a VA disability claim, preparation is crucial. Gather all necessary medical records and evidence to back up your claim. Make sure medical opinions and diagnoses are clearly stated in your paperwork. Be honest and detailed about how your disabilities impact your daily life. Choosing the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) option can speed things up. Keep an eye on your application’s status and promptly respond to any requests for more information.

The VA needs strong medical evidence to establish a service-related disability, and this can be challenging. Conditions like degenerative arthritis may not have clear proof in your service records and might be chalked up to natural aging instead.

The process for veterans benefits is thorough and often demands a complete medical history. For mental health claims like PTSD, you may hit snags due to the subjective nature of these conditions. Such claims often get rejected or underrated, leaving you without the financial and medical aid you need.

Lastly, be mindful of potential pitfalls like paperwork errors or missing documents. These can delay or even derail your claim. And while an appeals process exists, it’s also complex and can take a while.

How Much Support Can You Receive from the VA?

VA financial aid acts as a vital safety net for you, providing essential relief from the financial stress that often comes with service-related disabilities. The compensation rates are at the heart of this help, tightly connected to the VA’s disability rating system. This system gauges how severely each disability affects your overall well-being.

Your compensation is set based on a disability rating, given as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the greater your impairment due to a service-related disability—and the more financial support you get. This tailored approach ensures you receive aid commensurate with your difficulties, creating a fair balance across different situations.

For example, if you have a 10% disability rating, you’ll receive aid that tackles minor challenges your disability causes. But with a 70% rating, you’d need more help due to the substantial impact on your daily life. This system understands that disabilities vary in effect and adjusts for your unique circumstances.

Beyond money, the VA offers other perks, like custom health services and medical support. Vocational rehab programs are also available to help you rejoin the workforce and learn new skills—vital for a rewarding life post-service.

 

The VA exists to honor your service and sacrifices. Being diligent and detailed can secure the support you need for a meaningful, successful life after service. Don’t hesitate to get the help you deserve; we’re here to assist you. Find out more and get in touch with our advisors today!