7 Most Common VA Disability Claims for Veterans
For many soldiers, there is no real end to war, as they bear its scars on their bodies and minds. While medical and mental health experts can help ease the symptoms, many are still left with life-changing injuries. Veterans can receive compensation both for physical and mental conditions as long as they meet a set of conditions. The most common types of disability claims include hearing damage, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD.
1. Hearing Damage
The most common veteran disabilities are relating to hearing damage or loss of hearing. Many veterans complain of tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and bilateral hearing loss from field conditions in war zones (aircraft, gunfire, explosives, tanks). To put the situation into perspective, here are the number of veterans that receive compensation for these conditions: more than 1.1 million for hearing loss and over 1.7 million for tinnitus.
For both of these diagnoses, the maximum disability rating is 10%. However, a diagnosis by a professional physician is only the first step. This will be taken into account for the final verdict. The Veterans Affairs (VA) will also request a separate, independent consultation.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury
This type of injury is particularly common among Veterans from recent wars (including Afghanistan and Iraq). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often attributed to injuries suffered from improvised explosive devices. The tableau of symptoms is quite complex and can include memory problems, headaches, and sensitivity to light. Interestingly, according to clinical notes, this condition often appears with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this might not be so surprising, considering that a number of the symptoms overlap.
3. Musculoskeletal Injuries
The body is exposed to extreme conditions both during training and then while on deployment. What is more, soldiers often do not have the opportunity to receive the proper medical care while in a combat zone or the time needed to heal their wounds. Musculoskeletal injuries might start mild only to gradually aggravate because of improper conditions that do not always favor a healthy recovery.
Some of the musculoskeletal injuries common to war veterans include:
● Neck or back injuries from carrying heavy loads.
● Shoulder pain from carrying heavy equipment for long periods.
● Knee injuries caused by walking or running too much.
Many of these injuries risk getting worse as veterans age. You will have a better chance of receiving benefits for your musculoskeletal injuries if these are associated with a restricted range of movements.
4. Chemical Exposure
Soldiers may be exposed to dangerous chemicals during the service, which might lead to serious health conditions. To receive military base toxic exposure claims, you will need to address several points.
To begin with, you must prove that the condition you suffer from is a result of military service. It helps your case if you can also prove your deployment to a base with known dangerous toxins. Next, you must establish a connection between the toxin and health conditions from which you suffer. Look for articles published in scientific journals, talk to other veterans (especially those deployed to the same base), and specialized physicians.
5. Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea might not be the most severe disability on the list, it can cause serious disturbance in the course of normal life. Sleep quality is essential to ensure our well-being and social functioning.
To receive VA benefits, it is crucial to prove that sleep apnea was caused by service-related conditions. Most commonly, it can be triggered by prolonged exposure to toxins and injuries of the nervous system. However, it can also be a symptom of other disabilities, like PTSD.
6. PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological scars that veterans face. It is also one of the most common disabilities rated by the VA. The condition can receive a disability rating as high as 70%, depending on the severity.
This mental health condition can be triggered by traumatic events (most often consisting of life-threatening situations). However, it can also occur in people who have witnessed a traumatic event. The war zone is littered with experiences that are hard to process or accept.
A person diagnosed with PTSD may have flashbacks to the traumatic events even years after the incident has occurred. They might also have trouble sleeping, concentrating, and enjoying everyday activities. Therefore, it can severely impact a veteran’s chances of successful social reintegration.
If you experience symptoms specific to PTSD, contact a mental health specialist. Ongoing therapy and (sometimes) medication can decrease the symptoms and help the patient have an active social life. However, it is essential to remember that healing is a process and be patient with the results.
Again, an expert psychological assessment is not enough to obtain a VA benefit for PTSD. To secure a rating for your condition, a VA provider has to assess the case. One of the main points of this evaluation is to establish if the trauma that led to the PTSD is military service-related.
7. Other Mental Disorders
PTSD is not the only mental health problem that veterans may encounter after a tour of duty. Other conditions that may qualify for benefits include:
● Anxiety disorders
● Cognitive disorders
● Mood disorders
● Eating disorders
● Psychotic disorders
According to veterans disability law, VA covers both physical and mental conditions that are service-related. However, these are approached differently. Ratings are mostly based on the degree of occupational and social repercussions of the psychological disorder. To learn more about whether or not the condition you were diagnosed with may qualify, reach out to an experienced attorney.
The Bottom Line
To find out more about how to seek disability benefits, contact an experienced lawyer. Each case is unique in its own way. After they have an understanding of your situation, they will suggest ways to proceed. The process can become complicated down the line. Therefore, make sure that you have the best chances to receive the benefits you deserve by having an attorney fight for your rights.
