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Securing the right VA disability rating can make a significant difference in your financial stability and access to essential benefits, but the process can be complex. If you’re a veteran living in North Carolina, it helps to know exactly how to navigate the system and use every resource to your advantage. Whether you’re just starting your claim or looking to increase an existing rating, this guide offers practical tips to help you maximize your VA disability benefits and get the support you’ve earned.
Tip #1: Understanding How VA Disability Ratings Work
Before you can maximize your disability rating through the VA, it is vital that you understand how this process works. The VA assigns disability ratings in 10% increments, ranging from 0% to 100%. These ratings reflect the severity of your service-connected condition and determine your monthly compensation. A 0% rating acknowledges the condition but doesn’t qualify for monthly payments, while a 100% rating provides the maximum benefit.”Special Monthly Compensation” is also available if additional criteria is met.
If you have more than one service-connected condition, the VA uses a complex formula to calculate your combined disability rating. For example, if you have one condition rated at 50% and another at 30%, your total rating won’t be 80%. Instead, the VA starts with your highest rating, then calculates the remaining percentage of your “healthy” body before applying the next rating. This process often results in a lower combined rating than veterans expect.
It’s also important to understand that your rating can increase or decrease over time based on changes in your condition. That’s why accurate documentation and regular medical updates are crucial.
Tip #2: Accurately Report Your Symptoms
Whether you are dealing with your primary care physician or going through a Compensation and Pension exam, it is vital that you accurately report your symptoms. One unfortunately common occurrence among veterans is to downplay the severity of the symptoms. Internalizing this pain or discomfort is not helpful during the claims process, as it can lead to an undervaluation of your condition. It is critical to be honest about the severity and impact of the symptoms you have experienced.
Tip #3: Apply for Secondary Conditions
One of the best ways to increase your rating and the benefits that come with it is by not only applying for your primary disability but also listing any secondary conditions as well. Many veterans find themselves living with multiple disabling conditions, each of them can have distinct impacts on your quality of life.
Most disabilities that result in a viable VA claim stem from an event or accident during a person’s military service. However, secondary conditions are disabilities that are the result of some other service-connected condition. For example, a leg injury could impact the way a person walks, which can over time lead to chronic back pain. While that back pain did not occur as the result of an incident during a person’s service, it is related to a service-connected condition. Some of the most common examples of secondary conditions include the following:
· PTSD
· Anxiety
· Chronic pain
· Sleep apnea
· Depression
Ultimately, the VA considers the impact of each of these conditions together when determining a rating. Having a recognized secondary condition might be your best chance at securing a 100 percent rating.
Tip #4: File for an Increase in Benefits If Your Condition Worsens
Your initial VA disability rating isn’t set in stone. If your service-connected condition has gotten worse over time—physically, mentally, or both—you have the right to request a rating increase. To do this, you’ll need to file a Claim for Increased Disability Compensation through the VA.
Before filing, gather recent medical records and documentation that clearly show your condition has worsened. This might include VA medical reports, private doctor evaluations, or statements from family members describing changes in your daily life.
Keep in mind that when you file for an increase, the VA will review your entire condition, which means your rating could go up or down. If your condition has stabilized or improved, there’s a risk your benefits may be reduced.
Tip #5: Appeal Low Ratings or Denials
If you receive a VA decision that underrates your condition—or denies your claim altogether—you have the right to appeal. Many veterans are initially underrated or denied due to missing evidence, inconsistent medical records, or mistakes in how the VA evaluated the claim.
The good news is that the appeals process is not only available, but it is frequently successful. This is the first point when a veteran has the ability to hire an attorney to assist with their claim. The VA offers several appeal options:
- Higher-Level Review: A senior VA reviewer re-examines your case without new evidence.
- Supplemental Claim: You can submit new and relevant evidence to support your case.
- Board Appeal: You can submit additional evidence, request a hearing or direct review by a Veterans Law Judge.
Choosing the right path depends on your situation. If your medical condition has changed or new records are available, a Supplemental Claim may be best. If you believe the VA made an error, a Higher-Level Review could be the right move.
You do not have to weigh these complicated decisions on your own. Instead, an attorney can assist you with every aspect of appealing your rating, whether you were denied or believe your claim has been undervalued.
Rely On Our Team Following a Denied Claim
Now is the right time to discuss your options with legal counsel. While these tips can have a major impact on the outcome of your case, there are few ways to help yourself succeed that are more effective than finding an attorney to serve as your advocate.At Gang & Associates, we are proud of our track record of success for advocating on behalf of those who served. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.