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How To File A VA Claim For Disability Compensation

by Cheri Hermanson
March 15, 2022
in Disability, Social Security Advice
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How To File A VA Claim For Disability Compensation
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Filing a claim for VA disability compensation can be extremely time-consuming. If you file a VA claim online through their website, the process can take at least 30 minutes. Aside from filling in the needed information and gathering the required supporting documents, the most challenging part is submitting and waiting while the VA reviews your claim.

That being said, it’s no wonder why many people find the process frustrating. Fortunately, there are some tips that will help you make the process easier. Following these steps will ensure that you get everything right the first time, so you won’t have to do it over and over.

Prepare Documents For Filing A Disability Claim

You should submit all of your supporting documentation with your claim for benefits to get a decision from the VA as quickly as possible. The required documents are as follow: 

  • Records of the hospital or clinic where you received medical care are needed for your benefits application, but many private medical providers do not comply with VA requests for these records. Avoid this delay by proactively submitting your documents.
  • A copy of any DD214 or separation documents you may have. 
  • A statement from your friends, family, clergy, law enforcement, or another veteran supporting your injury or illness.
  • Dependency records such as marriage certificates and children’s birth certificates.

If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to submit more documents that will support your disability claim. Keep in mind that you’re not required to send original documentation to the VA; copies are enough. These documents will help them determine your VA Disability Rating.

Specify Your Illnesses and Injuries

Include the dates your symptoms began, along with the specific ailments and injuries for which you are applying for disability benefits. If you are still suffering from a disability or illness that developed during your military service, or if you suspect that complications may arise in the future, you should include it in your VA disability claim.

Filing VA Claims Via Different Platforms

If you want to file a VA claim, you can choose from different platforms for your convenience. After submitting a filled-out Form 21-526EZ, choose from the following options: 

  • Apply online using the VA’s website.
  • Call their hotline at 800-827-1000.
  • File a claim through the eBenefits website.
  • Get in touch with the Veteran’s Service Organization. They are knowledgeable about working with the VA and can assist you in ensuring your application is complete and correct. All VA claims are free, and anyone who is charging for help is ripping you off.
  • Get assistance from a VA employee at a regional VA office.

Waiting For Your Claim To Be Reviewed

After filing your claim, all you have to do is wait. Although it may take a few months, you will usually receive a letter from the VA acknowledging the receipt of your claim.

There are also instances when they will reach out to you to inform you that they are working on your claim or need more information. Moreover, expect to get a status update every month while the VA is working on your claim. They will also notify you once they have made a decision.

Depending on how your claim was filed, you can check its status through the veteran’s service organization. If you submitted a claim online, you can check the status on the VA website.

The VA may contact the Department of Defense (DoD) or ask you for more medical information depending on your situation. Additionally, VA may arrange for you to undergo an examination to determine your claim of disability. If you claim multiple disabilities, the VA may schedule you for a number of medical appointments. It is important that you show up for your VA appointment if you are required to undergo a medical examination to support your claim. 

VA will not ask for additional information unless it sends you an official letter stating so. Other than attending scheduled examinations, you need not do anything else.

Get Assistance

You can visit your local VA office if you need assistance with your disability claim. An attorney can also assist you through the process. You can receive the compensation you deserve by working with an experienced disability benefits attorney who can review your claim, gather the necessary evidence, and prepare the required paperwork.

Conclusion

Filing a claim with the Veterans Affairs Department of the United States (VA) requires patience and effort. It could take months or several years to process an initial claim for VA benefits, so do not waste any time. When you discover you are disabled, you should apply for benefits right away to secure your compensation.

Are you interested in learning more about the various options and programs that help people with disabilities? Read more of Disability Help’s resources on our website!

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VA Knee Pain Ratings For Disabilities

Cheri Hermanson

Editor-In-Chief Cheri leads our team of writers in producing the best quality content there is regarding society and disability, most especially those that helps ease the quality of life for our differently-abled loved ones.

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When you suffer from knee pain, it can significantly impact your quality of life. If you have knee pain related to your military service, you can be eligible for VA disability benefits. Before making a disability claim, it is important to understand how the VA rates knee problems based on their severity. Factors Impacting VA Ratings For Knee Issues A higher VA knee pain rating is assigned to knee injuries that are more serious and disabling. Several factors determine VA knee pain ratings, including: Type of injury Severity of the diagnosed knee condition Range of motion the knee has Severity of pain in the knee Common Knee Problems Eligible For VA Disability Benefits When applying for disability benefits, several disability ratings are available to determine the severity of knee pain. Some of the conditions for which you can receive VA disability benefits include: Limitation of Flexion of the Knee (Diagnostic Code 5260) Range of motion pertains to knee movements towards the body. Knee problems are the most common disability claim for veterans, with limitations of flexing the knee getting ratings ranging from 10% to 30%. As long as a veteran can prove that they are experiencing painful motion when their knee is moved, the VA will award them a 10% disability rating even if they do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria. Limitation of Extension of the Knee (Diagnostic Code 5261) An extended knee refers to a knee that cannot straighten all the way and is only limited in extension. According to the diagnostic code 5261, knee pain is rated as 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% disabled. Typically, the more difficult it is to straighten a knee (or the more limited the ability to extend it), the higher the disability rating. The range of motion measurements for each disability rating is similar to the limitations of flexion of the knee. When the leg can be straightened only to within 45 degrees, it is given a rating of 50%. On the other hand, if it can only be straightened to 10 degrees, it is rated 10%. Instability of the Knee (Diagnostic Code 5257) An unstable knee moves too much in either direction or dislocates repeatedly. Damaged cartilage and tendons can no longer be properly support the knee joint. Depending on the degree of instability present in the knee, the VA assigns a disability rating of 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30%. To receive the maximum rating, a knee must be unstable enough to give out or dislocate frequently. Ankylosis of the Knee (Diagnostic Code 5256) The degree of disability assigned to ankylosis, abnormal stiffening, and immobility of the knee will depend on how much flexion is restricted. The more restriction experienced by a veteran, the higher the rate of disability. Total Knee Replacements (Diagnostic Code 5055) This code is used if a prosthesis has replaced the entire joint. A veteran will be eligible for 100% compensation for one year after surgery. The subsequent rating will be based on the performance in a C&P exam, with a minimum of 30%. An individual with partial knee replacement does not have their own diagnostic code and is rated based on their symptoms. A Compensation and Pension examination (C&P) will be held after the one-year grace period to determine the severity of the knee pain condition. Veterans will receive a new rating following the exam based on the rating criteria. If a veteran's knees are weak and painful, they are evaluated at 60%. When pain is mild but limits the range of motion, it is classified under Diagnostic Code 5256, 5261, or 5262 depending on the residual symptoms. A total knee replacement should have a minimum rating of 30%, regardless of how much movement it has. Are you interested in learning more about the various options and programs that help people with disabilities? Read more of Disability Help’s resources on our website!

VA Knee Pain Ratings For Disabilities

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