The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) has announced a new record, delivering more benefits to women veterans than ever before. The amount of benefits delivered to female veterans increased by 26% over the course of five years. This dramatic increase in benefits is a sign of the VA’s continued efforts to reach out to women veterans to ensure they access the benefits they are rightly entitled to.
Record High Benefits to Women Veterans
The VA announced that more women veterans were receiving disability benefits than ever before. The amount of benefits delivered increased by about 26% over the past five years, as more women sought disability benefits than ever before. These benefits include cash payments, as well as the delivery of healthcare through VA medical facilities, including things like cancer screenings and reproductive health services.
Women Have Higher Average Disability Rating
This growth in the number of women seeking healthcare benefits has revealed some interesting information. For example, women veterans, on average, have a combined disability rating of 68%, compared to the 61% average combined rating for men. While specific differences for this were not clear, it was noted that around 89% of all veterans disability applications for women were granted.
Women Veterans Face Unique Challenges
Unfortunately, there are several factors that could contribute to the overall higher disability rating that women suffer from. Women, for example, are more likely to experience sexual assault during their service, which can lead to PTSD and other psychological complications that contribute to their disability rating. Women may also struggle to get timely care for their injuries, leading to additional complications that worsen their conditions.
More Work to Be Done
Although great strides have been made to help women veterans more than ever, it is clear that there is still much more work to be done. Women may still struggle to access their benefits, or to get the care they need for their medical and psychological issues. However, by taking the first step to seek benefits, outcomes can improve overall for female veterans.
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.
