According to some statistics, as many as 3.5 million veterans have disabilities that adversely affect their ability to work for an income. While many of these individuals may be eligible to receive veteran’s disability benefits, the rules around eligibility can often feel frustratingly opaque. A Louisiana veterans’ benefits attorney can help you understand your rights and maximize your compensation. Here is what you need to know about which conditions qualify as a veteran’s disability.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Benefits?
To be eligible for VA disability benefits, you must have served on active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training and have a disability rating for your service-connected condition. Your illness or injury must have either started during your service, been aggravated by your service, or developed after service as a result of your service. Benefits eligibility depends on factors like your disability rating, financial situation, and period of service. A knowledgeable veteran’s benefits attorney can assess your military background and current situation to help you determine whether you qualify for benefits.
Which Disabilities Are Covered by VA Benefits?
The VA disability benefits program covers a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. The following may be covered if they are connected to your military service:
- Cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, melanoma, and cancers of the brain, spinal cord, breast, and prostate
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as problems with heart function and the circulatory system, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmias
- Skin disorders resulting from exposure to environmental hazards during service, like dermatitis, chronic infections, and burn-related lesions
- Gastrointestinal issues related to the digestive system, including GERD, IBS, hepatitis, and pancreatitis
- Certain infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and West Nile virus
- Mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
- Musculoskeletal problems that impair mobility, such as arthritis, spinal disc disease, and injuries to soft tissues, bones, and joints
- Neurological disorders of the brain and nervous system, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and traumatic brain injury
- Respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, sleep apnea, and other conditions related to airborne toxin exposure
- Sensory impairments of vision and hearing, including blindness, tinnitus, and hearing loss
Even if you have a service-related condition that does not appear on this list, you should consult an experienced Louisiana veteran’s benefits attorney who can assess your eligibility for VA benefits.
How Can a Veterans’ Benefits Attorney Help?
A veterans’ benefits attorney can provide valuable assistance in securing the disability compensation you deserve in the following ways. They can help gather the necessary medical evidence, service records, and other documentation that will establish your eligibility. An experienced attorney who understands the complex VA benefits process can ensure your application is thorough and persuasive. If your initial claim is denied, they can guide you through the appeals process to maximize your chances of success. Their advocacy can make all the difference.
Contact Kallio Law Firm, LLC, Today
If you have served our country in the armed forces, the team at Kallio Law Firm, LLC, offers you its most sincere gratitude. We understand that the bureaucratic challenges of a veteran’s life can be overwhelming sometimes, but we want you to know that we are here to give you the support and advocacy you deserve.
Lead attorney Eric Kallio served in the Army for almost 23 years, so he understands first-hand the daily struggles veterans face. With our team on your side, you can optimize your chances of securing the benefits that will allow you to move forward with dignity. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to learn more about what we can do to support you.