FAQs
A VA disability claim is a request made to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for compensation and benefits due to an illness, injury, or condition incurred or aggravated during active military service.
You can submit your claim online through the VA’s website. You will need to provide proof of military service, and any other supporting documentation such as medical records, witness statements, past treatment notes, etc.
Once you are a retired veteran, you can file a claim at any time. However, the VA encourages veterans to submit their claims within one year of leaving military service. If you are still active duty, you can submit a claim within 90 days of your discharge date.
No. You can submit a single claim for multiple conditions. However, if you need to add one later, you will have to submit a new claim. Remember, you will have to be able to prove that each condition is service-related.
The time it takes to process a claim varies and is dependent on the complexity of your case, as well as the amount of evidence needed to support your claim. Generally, you can expect to receive a decision within three months from the time they receive all the necessary documentation. If any information is missing from your claim, it could take much longer.
You can check the status of your claim online, or by calling the VA directly.
A VA disability rating is a percentage that reflects the severity of a veteran’s service-related disability. The higher the rating, the more compensation and benefits you may be eligible for.
If your condition is a result of your military service, you may be eligible for a VA disability rating and the corresponding compensation and benefits.
To apply for your ratings, you will need to submit a VA Disability Claim. You will also have to provide any supporting evidence or documentation that proves the condition is service-related.
If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for a variety of benefits such as monthly compensation and financial assistance, medical care from the VA for your condition, employment services, housing programs, and educational opportunities.
The VA uses its own rating system (VASRD) to determine how much compensation and benefits a veteran is eligible for. Generally, the ratings range from 10% to 100%, depending on the severity of your disability. It’s based on the medical evidence you provide, the results of your VA claim exam and information gathered from other sources.
The best way to increase your VA rating is to provide additional medical evidence that proves the severity of your disability. This could include witness statements, treatment notes, and other documentation from healthcare providers. If you feel the VA assigned an incorrect rating, you can appeal the decision. If your conditions have worsened, you can submit a new claim asking for an increased evaluation.
A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a downloadable form used by the VA to document a veteran’s medical condition and gather information about their disability. DBQs speed up the claims process by providing the VA with all the necessary information they need to determine a veteran’s eligibility for benefits. The form can be completed by both you and your healthcare provider, allowing you to provide detailed evidence that would otherwise take much longer to gather.
Although any civilian provider can complete a DBQ, it’s usually best to have a physician complete a DBQ. The VA holds a higher view of DBQs filled out by physicians. In any event, the provider that fills it out must be licensed and have knowledge of the veteran’s medical condition. These can include doctors, psychologists, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, dentists, and optometrists.
Once the DBQ is complete, you should make a copy for your records and submit the original to the VA Regional Office that’s handling your claim.
If You Have Questions, ECG22 Can Help
We understand that navigating the claims process can be overwhelming, but with ECG22, we are here every step of the way to make sure that you get the compensation and benefits you deserve.
From helping you complete a DBQ, to filing appeals if needed, our team of experienced medical consultants will ensure that no claim goes unresolved. Contact us now to learn more about VA disability ratings and how we can help you receive what is rightfully yours. We look forward to serving those who have served.