VA Disability for Asthma Asthma is a common medical condition in the United States, but it’s even more common among combat veterans. One study determined that service members who served in combat were 24-30% more likely to develop asthma than those who had not been deployed. Veterans with this service-connected condition may qualify for VA disability benefits.  Table of Contents Toggle VA Disability for Asthma What is Asthma?  Qualifying for VA Disability for Asthma VA Disability Ratings for Asthma What is Asthma?  Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes sym ..read more

Filing a VA Claim for Secondary Service Connections Secondary service connections are often overlooked when a veteran is pursuing VA disability benefits. Sometimes, that’s because it isn’t obvious to the veteran that the secondary condition is related to the service-connected condition. But, there are good reasons to educate yourself about what a secondary service connection is and consider whether additional conditions should be added to your claim.  Table of Contents Toggle Filing a VA Claim for Secondary Service Connections What is a Secondary Service Connection?  Establishing ..read more

Differences Between VA Disability and SSD A disabled veteran may be eligible for both VA disability and Social Security disability (SSD) benefits, and you can receive both types of benefits simultaneously. However, the two programs work very differently, from how you qualify to how your benefits are determined.  Here are the key differences you should be aware of.  Table of Contents Toggle Differences Between VA Disability and SSD Qualifying for VA Disability v. SSD Service Connection v. Work Credits Medical Eligibility How Benefits Are Calculated Which Type of Disability Bene ..read more

100% Disabled Veterans Spousal Benefits The VA provides benefits to spouses of veterans with a 100% VA disability rating. These benefits may include additional monthly compensation as well as healthcare and educational benefits for the disabled veterans dependents. Also, if your partner with the 100% disability rating passes, you may be eligible for other VA benefits after their death. Table of Contents Toggle 100% Disabled Veterans Spousal Benefits Education Benefits Healthcare Benefits Spouses Who Pass Away With a 100% Disability Rating Other Benefits Available to Spouses of Deceased Vet ..read more

How Does the VA Rate Back Pain? Back problems are common among veterans, and many qualify the veteran for a VA disability rating and the associated veterans disability benefits. But “back pain” isn’t a medical condition. How the VA determines a disability rating for back problems will depend on the service-connected condition (or secondary-connected condition) causing the back pain.  That means the possible VA disability rating varies significantly, depending on the condition and the degree of limitation caused by the condition.  Table of Contents Toggle How Does the VA Rate Back ..read more

How Does Back Pay Work for VA Disability?  You probably know that getting your VA disability claim approved can take some time–especially if you have to go through an appeal. The good news is that if your claim is ultimately approved, you’ll get benefits starting from the effective date of your claim, not the date you were approved. That means that by the time your claim for veterans disability benefits is approved, you may be owed months or even a year or more of benefits.  Table of Contents Toggle How Does Back Pay Work for VA Disability?  What is the “Effective Date”?&nbs ..read more

What Is TDIU And How Can I Get It? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) refers to individual unemployability as Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability. A veteran who qualifies for TDIU receives compensation or benefits at the same rate as a veteran with a 100% disability rating. The disability percentage ratings that are assigned to veterans frequently create a lot of confusion about which kinds of benefits a veteran may be entitled to. When a veteran does not satisfy the minimum disability rating requirements for these benefits, they may still qualify when their disabilities ..read more

How to Conquer Your Veterans C&P Exam  If you’ve filed a claim for VA disability and you’ve been scheduled for a veterans C&P exam, you may be nervous about how to handle the exam. The first step is to learn about what a C&P exam is, why it’s scheduled, and what is expected of you.  Table of Contents Toggle How to Conquer Your Veterans C&P Exam  What is a C&P Exam?  Attend Your C&P Exam (and Don’t Be Late!) Submit any Additional Medical Records Before Your Appointment Be Honest about Your Condition Consider Bringing Someone With You Get The Help ..read more

SSDI for Veterans Many disabled veterans qualify for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), either alone or in addition to veterans disability benefits. The two types of benefits don’t affect each other, so if you qualify for both, you can significantly increase your monthly benefits. And, if you don’t qualify for VA disability benefits you may still be able to get SSDI. Table of Contents Toggle SSDI for Veterans Key Differences Between SSDI and VA Disability Benefits Qualifying for SSDI as a Veteran Read More On This Topic: Key Differences Between SSDI and VA Disability Benefits B ..read more

VA Disability after Burn Pit Exposure If you are one of the approximately 4 million U.S. military veterans who were exposed to burn pits during your military service, you probably have questions. Here’s what you need to know about burn pits, how exposure can harm you, and which veterans have a presumptive service connection for burn-pit-related conditions.  Table of Contents Toggle VA Disability after Burn Pit Exposure What Are Burn Pits?  VA Disability Benefits for Conditions Caused by Burn Pit Exposure Service Areas that Qualify for Presumptive Service Connection for Burn Pits ..read more