If you served in the military, there is a chance that you may have heard of the term “service-related disability.” This idea is a critical concept to understand if you are looking to apply for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). But what exactly is a service-related disability, and why might it matter if you are applying for veteran disability benefits?
What is a Service-Related Disability?
Put simply, a service-related disability is any kind of long-term illness or injury that was caused or worsened by something that occurred during a veteran’s military service. This includes physical injuries, such as hearing loss, vision loss, or paralysis, as well as psychological issues like depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also includes some medical conditions that may not show up until years after a person’s service, such as cancers caused by burn pit exposure.
Why Might a Disability Not Be Considered “Service-Related?”
Unfortunately, not every disability necessarily counts as service-related. First, any disability that someone had prior to joining the military service does not qualify, unless there is proof that it worsened as a result of their time in the military. Second, there must be some kind of medical or scientific evidence connecting the disability and something that happened during a veteran’s service. If there are insufficient medical records, or there is evidence the disability may be related to something outside of a person’s military service, it may not count.
Why Does it Matter if a Disability is Service-Related?
The question of whether a specific condition is considered a service-related disability is essential, because the VA only grants benefits for medical conditions related to a veteran’s military service. No matter how bad a veteran’s disability is, if it’s not service-related, it will not entitle them to any benefits. This is why it is essential to collect as much evidence as possible when making an application for VA disability benefits.
What Should You Do?
If you are a veteran who is looking to apply for disability benefits through the VA, or you have previously applied and had your application rejected, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling veteran disability claims. They can help you review your case, and help you get the benefits you deserve. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
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.
