The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recently updated its disability rating schedule for certain infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. This change in the schedule is meant to bring the disability ratings for these diseases in line with the current understanding of medical science. As a result, it could affect the disability ratings of many veterans who either are currently receiving disability benefits, or who are looking to receive those benefits.
The disability rating schedule is a description of various diseases, disorders, and other assorted maladies that a person might suffer from as a result of their military service. When someone receives disability benefits, the amount of the benefits they receive is based on the extent to which they are considered disabled, and the extent to which that disability can be tied to things that happened to them during their military service. Medical science can affect both considerations, as we come to understand how disabling certain disorders and diseases can be, and as science establishes links between disabilities and their potential causes.
Some of the diseases that have been re-evaluated include cholera, leishmaniasis, melioidosis, leprosy, malaria, plague, rheumatic fever, beriberi, pellagra, typhus, Lyme disease, and HIV-related diseases. Those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may also be affected by the new schedule. The new standards are effective August 11th and apply to both new and ongoing claims.
If you are suffering from any of these ailments, and you believe you may be impacted by the new standards, please give Sullivan and Kehoe a call. 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.
