If you’re a veteran who became disabled as a result of your military service, you may be entitled to benefits through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). If your application for disability benefits is accepted, you could be entitled to both financial assistance and healthcare through the VA health system, among other possible benefits. But what’s actually involved in applying for veterans’ disability benefits, and what does the application process look like?
Applying for veterans’ disability benefits can either be done online through the eBenefits website, or submitted through the mail using this form. You can also apply in person at a VA regional office. No matter how you choose to apply, your application will then be considered by the VA to determine whether you are, in fact, disabled, and if you are, whether that disability can be conclusively tied to your military service. If you cannot demonstrate you are disabled or cannot demonstrate your disability is related to your service, you will not be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits.
To prove your disability status, you will need copies of any discharge papers you received, as well as any medical records (whether from the VA or from a private doctor or hospital) that relate to your disability. Based on this evidence, the VA will make a determination of not only whether you are disabled and whether that disability is related to your service, but the degree to which you are considered disabled, expressed as a percentage. The greater your degree of disability, the more benefits you’re entitled to. If you initially get a judgment from the VA that you’re dissatisfied with, you can also appeal the decision, which may require legal representation.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers 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, or visit our contact page.
