If you’re a veteran being assessed for disability benefits by the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), chances are you’ve heard about your disability “rating.” However, you might not know what it is, or what it means for you. This can be an issue, as your disability rating determines exactly how much the government will give you, should they determine you are eligible for disability benefits.
When the VA evaluates someone for disability benefits, there are two primary things they are looking to ascertain: whether your disability is the result of an injury or illness sustained during service, and the extent to which that disability has impaired your ability to function in your day-to-day life. Based on those assessments, the VA will assign you a disability rating, expressed as a percentage. The higher your disability rating, the greater the benefits you are entitled to, in terms of the money you receive from the VA.
The exact amount of benefits you receive will also depend on other factors, such as whether you are married or have children, or if you have any other dependent family members you’re caring for (such as an elderly parent). Again, the more people you have in your household, the greater the benefits you will receive. This is in addition to health care, education, and burial benefits that you are already entitled to as a service member with an honorable discharge.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on veteran disability law. With over 50 years of combined experience between its lawyers, our attorneys may be able to assist you or a loved one in obtaining VA disability benefits. 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.
