Military Veterans who are injured and become disabled during his or her service will be able to collect VA Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits simultaneously. More than 950,000 former service members receive SSDI. Both federal agencies have different processes for determining who is eligible for benefits. Additionally, if you qualify for VA disability compensation, this does not mean that you will automatically qualify for SSDI. However, if you receive 100% permanent and total (P&T) disability rating from the VA, then the Social Security Administration (SSA ..read more

If you consistently feel “down” or numb, or if your mood interferes with daily activities, you might be suffering from depression. Alternatively, you could have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and both depression and PTSD share several symptoms. With either condition, you might struggle with sleep, feel irritable over small things, or lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. It is also possible to have both conditions simultaneously. While the Department of Veterans Affairs uses similar criteria to evaluate disability benefits ratings for PTSD and depression, the process for establ ..read more

Waiting for your VA disability benefits appeal can feel like an arduous and never-ending process. Those who have gone through it can testify to it being an extremely frustrating process; but with the right support system, it can be made easier. While a lawyer cannot directly speed it up (with a few rare exceptions), here is a quick guide on how to navigate the Department of Veteran Affairs appeals process. Board of Veterans’ Appeals Process The types of appeal lanes or decision review options as laid out by the Appeals Modernization Act are supplemental claims, higher-level review, and Board a ..read more

The National Library of Medicine found that there have been about 450,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from the U.S. military in the 21st century, and many of these cases go unreported. A TBI is a serious and dangerous injury that remains common for those who serve in the military. It is very important to assess yourself and determine if you struggle with a TBI, as there are medical and therapeutic solutions that may help you cope. Veterans can even apply for disability benefits due to their brain injury that came from active duty. Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries A TBI can be caused by an ..read more

While some attorneys may mislead you by suggesting they can make the Veterans disability claims process go faster, that is not true. An attorney cannot expedite your claim. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently takes about 4-8 months to issue a decision on a Veteran’s disability application. The turnaround time depends on how many applications they are processing, since they review applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. For many Veterans, this waiting period is highly detrimental because they cannot be self-supporting in the interim and may not have a civilian support sys ..read more

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has numerous ways of assessing how disabled a Veteran is and whether he or she can sustain gainful employment. In addition to the traditional rating system, the VA can also offer Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, which would allow you to be compensated at the same rate as a Veteran with 100% disability. Unfortunately, even if you receive this designation, it is not necessarily permanent. A Veteran with TDIU disability benefits could end up losing those benefits if the service-connected conditions that originally prevented him or her f ..read more

When beginning your VA disability claim, it can be challenging to determine whether you will need an attorney to assist you with the process. After all, lawyers are expensive and cannot promise specific outcomes. When making such an impactful decision, it can be helpful to know exactly what a VA disability attorney does for their clients and if they are right for you. What Can a VA Disability Lawyer Do For You? A VA disability attorney’s primary concern will always be representing their client’s best interests. After all, that is precisely the purpose of hiring them. A VA disability lawyer can ..read more

When you have suffered from military sexual trauma (MST), know that you are not alone. Unfortunately, many women and men experience incidents such as non-consensual sexual contact, sexual harassment at work, and rape. In the armed forces, you provided this country with your dutiful service and did not deserve to be hurt in any way. When you have had an MST, you deserve compensation and justice. Our team can assist with getting help and benefits for military sexual trauma. What is Considered MST? MST can be, but is not limited to, any sexual advances that are unwanted or threatening, comments a ..read more

Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, is excited to announce that we are teaming up with Discovery World on Market to sponsor free admission to the Blue Star Museum for all active-duty military families AND we will be sponsoring free museum admission to any Veterans and their families! Our Veterans and active-duty military members are so important to us, and we are thrilled at this opportunity to give back with the help of Discovery World on Market. 2024 Blue Star Museum Programs We will be sponsoring free admission starting on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18th, 2024, through Labor Day, Monday, Septe ..read more

Veterans of the Gulf War have faced a variety of challenges, including the physical demands of military service and environmental exposure associated with combat deployment. Among the most common challenges are the development of fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Before diving into the context of the Gulf War Veterans’ experiences with these health challenges, it is essential to understand the causes and symptoms of IBS and fibromyalgia. Understanding Fibromyalgia and IBS Fibromyalgia is an unexplained chronic condition that is often characterized by pain, fatigue, sleep disturb ..read more