Special Monthly Veterans Compensation Living with a disability can result in a veteran facing significant obstacles. There are some disabilities that a veteran can suffer that can result in compensation that is different from that received by veterans with other disabilities. These conditions are called “special monthly compensation” and can be received in addition … Continued
The Difference between Compensation and Pension Benefits for Veterans Veterans who file a claim for benefits should understand the difference between compensation vs pension. Once an individual understands this difference, it is easier to understand what kind of benefits an individual desires and the process required in order to obtain these benefits. It is … Continued
Veterans Disability Private Medical Opinion In a large number of veteran disability claims, a case can be significantly bolstered if a private strong medical opinion letter is provided by a treating physician. A direct service connection can often be shown if a veteran presents the Veterans Affairs office with a strong medical opinion that details … Continued
VA Compensation for PTSD to Veterans Many veterans suffer in some way, shape, or form from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The VA estimates that somewhere around 15% of Vietnam Veterans were diagnosed with PTSD at the time of the most recent study (in the late 1980s), but that up to 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had … Continued
Upgrading Military Discharge Status When an individual applies for Veteran Administration benefits, that person’s military discharge status will affect their eligibility for benefits. If an individual was discharged under honorable conditions, the individuals will likely face no difficulty in obtaining benefits. If an individual was discharged under anything less than honorable status, the individual … Continued
Receiving Veterans Benefits While Incarcerated Statistics from the National Institute of Corrections reveal that veterans represent 9 out of every 100 individuals in jails or prison in the United States. Many individuals are not aware that veterans can still apply for Veteran’s Administration benefits while incarcerated. This article will explain some of the important aspects … Continued
VA Personality Disorder Disabilities The Veteran’s Affairs Office diagnoses many veterans with personality disorders. A personality disorder, however, is not a recognized disability by the Veteran’s Affairs Office. In situations where a veteran’s behavior becomes abnormal or erratic, military physicians often diagnose a veteran with a personality disorder so that claims can be denied. In … Continued
Veterans Benefits for Hearing Loss or Blindness Hearing loss & blindness are disabilities that deserve compensation through benefits. A large number of veterans experience hearing loss and tinnitus or ringing in the ears. Other veterans experience vision loss or other eye-related problems. For each of these elements, it is vital for a veteran to establish … Continued
VA Form 21-4138 If the Veteran’s Affairs Office sends a veteran a request for additional information to support a claim or a more detailed explanation of an element in a person’s claim, the veteran file a Statement in Support of Claim or VA-Form 21-4138. These statements frequently include or describe the evidence that supports a … Continued
Common Reasons for SSDI Denial Each year, millions of individuals file for SSDI and other types of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, statistics reveal that only 30 percent of these claims are accepted. There are many reasons why the Social Security Administration denies an individual’s claims, but some of the most common … Continued
Decision Review Officer Hearings A Decision Review Officer is an employee of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs who review certain types of appeals concerning veterans’ disability benefits. Obtaining a DRO review is much faster than appeal to the Bureau of Veterans Affairs. In handling a decision review officer hearing, however, individuals frequently find it essential … Continued
TDIU Claims Many veterans experience conditions that significantly interfere with work but do not satisfy the Veterans’ Affairs definition of 100 percent disability. In these cases, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TIDU) or Individual Unemployability (IU) claims provide the same types of compensation as 100 percent disability ratings to veterans when a veteran’s … Continued
Veteran’s Administration Compensation Pension Exam The VA Compensation Pension Exam is a routine part of the Veteran’s Administration claims process. In some cases, individuals who have more than one injury or illness might even need to attend a Compensation and Pension Exam for each individual health condition. How VA Compensation Pension Exams Are Conducted VA compensation … Continued
Mental Consultative Examinations for SSDI Benefits Some individuals who seek to obtain disability benefits are required by the Social Security Administration to participate in a Mental Consultative Examination to provide the evidence necessary for the Administration’s decision about the individual’s potential disability. As a result, individuals frequently find it essential to obtain the assistance an … Continued
Taxes and Social Security Disability Insurance One of the most common questions that individuals have about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is what tax rules apply when a recipient receives income through this method. In some situations, recipients of SSDI benefits are taxed on at least a portion of these benefits. SSDI … Continued
GAO Issues Report on Appeals & VA Disability Benefits In March of 2017, the Government Accountability Office released a report titled “VA Disability Benefits: Additional Planning Would Enhance Efforts to Improve the Timelines of Appeals Decisions”. This report addresses the Veteran Administration efforts to reform the appeals process by focusing on potential improvements to … Continued
