Becoming Eligibile for VA Benefits

If you are a U.S. military veteran, there are several benefits available just for you and your family through the Department of Veterans' Affairs. If you are suffering from a disability, you may be able to gain monthly financial assistance if you are partially or totally unable to work. There are several eligibility requirements that you must possess before the VA will approve your application, however. A  Decatur veterans' disability lawyer explains below.

Of course, you must be a veteran of one of the branches of the U.S. military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. You must have been on active duty during your time of service, on active duty for training or on inactive duty for training during which time you endured an injury or exacerbated an existing injury. In other words, your disability must derive from your time in the military in order to make you eligible for benefits. If your injury occurred during an inactive period while you were training, you must have suffered a heart attack, stroke or severe injury. Otherwise, you must be at least 10 percent disabled by your service-related injury.

Lastly, you must have been discharged from the military for any reason other than dishonorable discharge, which can include an honorable or general discharge.

Decatur Veterans' Disability Lawyer Discusses the Evidence Required for Disability Benefits

Your veterans' disability benefits eligibility will hinge upon your medical records and the presence of a true, debilitating disability. Therefore, the medical records requirement is a pivotal issue in your eligibility status and you should prepare to submit as much as possible to support your claims. The VA currently requires documented medical evidence of a current physical or mental disability and evidence of the relationship between your condition and past military experience.

The VA maintains certain presumptions with regard to your disability status. If any of the following apply to you, you may be presumed disabled without the necessary documentary evidence:

• Former prisoner of war (POW) • Tropical illnesses that become apparent after time of service in a particular area • Exposure to ionizing radiation, mustard gas, or Lewisite during service • Exposure to certain herbicides while serving in Vietnam, or • Service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War

Contact a Decatur Veterans' Disability Attorney Today

If you are interested in applying for disability benefits as a veteran of the U.S. military, contact the Law Offices of Louis B. Lusk today by calling 800-883-7043.