Are You Eligible for Veterans Disability Compensation?

It is estimated that nearly five million veterans, or about 27% of all veterans, have some kind of disability related to their military service, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, there are a substantial number of veterans who may be eligible for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) who do not currently receive them. So how do you know if you are eligible for veterans disability compensation?

• You were injured during your military service

1. 1. • One of the most common reasons that people receive veterans disability compensation is that they are injured during their service. This could be the result of being injured in combat, or it can be due to an accident that occurred while you were serving. It may also be the result of something incidental to your service, such as hearing damage due to proximity to gunfire, explosions, or airplanes.

• You got sick after you returned home

1. 1. • In some cases, a disability may not arise during a person’s service, but instead will become apparent once a person comes home. These may include issues like traumatic brain injuries, which may not be diagnosed until weeks or months after they occur, or other similarly difficult to diagnose conditions. In such cases, you can apply for veterans disability compensation if you can tie your condition to your service.

• You are suffering from psychological issues related to your service

1. 1. • Not all injuries are physical in nature. Psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress-disorder (PTSD), major depression, or generalized anxiety disorder, are all issues that may appear after someone has endured a traumatic experience in the military. These can all potentially be considered service-related disabilities, and thus may make you eligible for veterans disability compensation.

• You suffered from a rare disease caused by toxic exposure

1. 1. • An increasingly common issue seen in disability applicants are diseases caused by toxic exposure during military service. Inhaling smoke from burn pits, drinking contaminated water, or otherwise being exposed to toxic chemicals can dramatically increase your risk of certain cancers, as well as other chronic illnesses. If this happens to you, it may be possible for you to obtain veterans disability compensation.

• You have a pre-existing condition that worsened after your service

1. • Many people enter military service with a physical or psychological condition which is manageable when they begin their service. However, due to their experiences in the military, those conditions can substantially worsen. If that describes you, then you may be able to apply for veterans disability benefits.

The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.