The Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA) recently announced that it would be easing the restrictions for veterans from post-9/11 wars to obtain disability benefits for certain medical conditions. The changes to these rules are meant to help veterans who may have struggled to obtain benefits previously due to the nature of their condition, specifically those who were exposed to toxic chemicals during their service. As a result, many more people may be able to obtain benefits than previously could.
What Are These Rule Changes?
The rule changes, which were announced on January 8, will grant “presumptive status” to veterans who fought in the Gulf War and the post-9/11 wars and have certain specific medical conditions. Specifically, it helps those who have developed certain long-term medical issues, such as leukemia or bladder cancer. Presumptive status means that their medical conditions will automatically be considered to be related to their military service.
What Are the Effects of These Changes?
The overall effect of these changes is that people who have these medical conditions, and fought in the Gulf War and Post-9/11 Wars, will have a much easier time obtaining benefits. This is because they will no longer need to go through the difficult process of trying to prove their medical conditions were related to their military service. While it does not guarantee they will obtain benefits, it makes the application process much smoother and easier.
Why Were These Changes Made?
The reason for these changes are simple: many veterans who fought in the Gulf War, as well as those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11, were exposed to toxic burn pits and suffered serious health problems as a result. However, due to difficulties proving their conditions were related to their service, they could not obtain veterans disability benefits. These rules changes help to address those problems, helping veterans get the treatment and benefits they rightly deserve.
How Could This Affect You?
If you or someone you love served in these wars but struggled to obtain benefits due to the nature of your medical condition, you may be able to obtain veterans disability benefits. However, to know how to take advantage of these rule changes, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling VA disability claims. They can not only help you apply for benefits, they can argue on your behalf and help you appeal your claim if it is denied.
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.
