While there are millions of veterans across the United States who receive disability benefits through the VA, there are also many veterans who struggle to get benefits despite having a potentially qualifying disability. Often, these are due to avoidable mistakes that can impede the approval process, and which can be prevented with due care. Here are seven common errors that can lead to veterans disability denials:
- Incorrect information on paperwork
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- One of the easiest mistakes to make, and one of the most common reasons for denial, is simply putting down incorrect information on your paperwork. In a shocking number of cases, a denial may really just come down to issues like misspelled names or addresses, or putting down the wrong phone number.
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- Failing to provide all necessary paperwork
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- An application for veterans disability benefits involves submitting a number of forms, all of which need to be included and filled out completely. If you fail to do so, your claim may be denied before it ever gets considered on the merits.
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- Using incorrect forms
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- Another common issue is submitting the wrong forms for the type of benefits you are seeking. For example, you will need different forms if you are seeking education or healthcare benefits, rather than disability benefits, and you need to make sure to not submit the wrong ones.
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- Lack of current diagnosis
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- To be eligible for veterans disability benefits, you need to have a current medical diagnosis related to your military service. If you have not been diagnosed, or if your condition is in remission, you may not be eligible for benefits.
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- Lack of medical evidence
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- You will also need medical evidence to show the nature and severity of your disability. This generally comes in the form of medical tests, exams, and records of treatments and procedures done to treat your ailment, and you will be denied if these records are not properly submitted.
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- Lack of evidence of service connection
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- No matter how severe your disability is, you will not be eligible for veterans disability benefits if there is no connection between your disability and your military service. For example, you may be denied if your issue is due to a pre-existing condition, or if it may have been caused by problems that happened after you completed your service.
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- Failure to complete C&P exam
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- Most veterans need to successfully complete a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to be able to get benefits. If you fail to show up for the exam, you will likely be denied, even if you otherwise meet all other requirements.
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.
