VA Disability Benefits
Filing for VA disability benefits should be straightforward. You served your country, and if service left you with physical or mental health conditions, you deserve compensation.
But the VA claims process is anything but simple. Between confusing forms, strict medical evidence requirements, and a backlog of cases, many veterans wait months or even years for a decision. And when that decision finally comes, it’s often a denial or a rating far lower than what you deserve.
At ProVet Legal, we understand the frustration. Our VA-accredited attorneys have years of experience helping veterans just like you cut through the red tape and secure the disability benefits you’ve earned. Whether you’re filing an initial claim, appealing a denial, or fighting for a higher rating, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
And with our nationwide reach, we can assist veterans no matter where you’re located.
What Are VA Disability Benefits?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with service-connected disabilities or illnesses. The amount you receive depends on your disability rating, which ranges from 0% to 100% in 10% increments.
The VA assigns ratings based on the severity of your condition and how much it impacts your ability to work and live day-to-day. The higher your rating, the more compensation you receive each month. You can use our VA Disability Calculator to estimate your monthly payment based on your combined rating.
Some veterans also qualify for additional benefits, including:
- Dependents allowance if you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for conditions like loss of limb, blindness, or needing aid and attendance
- TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) if service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining gainful employment
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Compensation?
To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must meet three key requirements:
- Service Connection: You must show that your disability or illness was caused by, or made worse by, your military service. This includes physical injuries, mental health conditions like PTSD, and chronic illnesses linked to service.
- Current Diagnosis: You need a medical diagnosis of the condition you’re claiming. This can be established through VA medical records, private treatment records, or independent medical examinations.
- Nexus: You must provide evidence linking your current condition to your time in service. This is often the most challenging part of the claim and typically requires a medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider.
Certain conditions are presumed to be service-connected if you served in specific locations or during certain time periods. These include:
- Agent Orange exposure (Vietnam veterans, Blue Water Navy, Korean DMZ)
- Gulf War Illness (for veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater)
- Burn pit exposure (PACT Act expanded eligibility)
- Radiation exposure
If your condition falls under a presumptive category, you may not need as much evidence to establish service connection.
How VA Disability Ratings Work
The VA uses a complex formula to calculate your combined disability rating. Each condition is rated individually, and then the VA combines those ratings using its own math (not simple addition).
This system can be confusing, which is why many veterans don’t realize they’re being under-compensated. Our attorneys can help you understand your ratings and identify opportunities to increase them through secondary conditions, aggravation claims, or TDIU.
Common conditions we help veterans with include:
- Physical conditions like sleep apnea, migraines, back and neck conditions, knee injuries, and diabetes
- Mental health conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma
Common Reasons for Claim Denials
The VA denies thousands of disability claims every year. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Lack of service connection: The VA doesn’t find enough evidence linking your condition to your military service.
- Insufficient medical evidence: Your claim lacks a current diagnosis or a medical opinion establishing a nexus.
- Missed deadlines: You didn’t file your claim or appeal within the required time frame.
- Failure to attend C&P exam: The VA scheduled a Compensation and Pension exam, and you missed it or the examiner’s opinion was unfavorable.
- Administrative errors: Paperwork was incomplete, or the VA lost your evidence.
If your claim was denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal, and our attorneys can help you build a stronger case.
Appealing a Denied VA Disability Claim
If the VA denies your claim or gives you a lower rating than you deserve, you have options. Depending on the reason for the denial, we may recommend:
- Higher-Level Review: A senior VA official reviews your case with fresh eyes, but no new evidence can be submitted.
- Supplemental Claim: You can submit new and relevant evidence to support your case. This is often the best option if your initial claim lacked strong medical opinions or service connection proof.
- Board Appeal: You can request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). This gives you the opportunity to testify and present your case directly.
We’ll work with you to choose the best appeal path and develop the strongest possible case. Our team has a proven track record of success in VA disability appeals, including grants of service connection, rating increases, and TDIU awards.
TDIU: When You Can’t Work Due to Service-Connected Conditions
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows veterans to receive compensation at the 100% rate even if their combined rating is less than 100%. This benefit is designed for veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
To qualify for TDIU, you generally need:
- One service-connected disability rated at 60% or higher, or
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or higher (with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher)
TDIU can be life-changing for veterans who are unable to work but don’t meet the strict requirements for a 100% schedular rating. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping veterans win TDIU benefits, including gathering vocational evidence, medical opinions, and employer statements to prove unemployability.
Why Choose ProVet Legal?
At ProVet Legal, we believe that no veteran should have to navigate the VA system alone. That’s why we work on a contingency basis – if we don’t secure benefits for you, you won’t owe us a dime in attorney fees.
Our team has:
- Years of VA-accredited experience representing veterans nationwide
- A proven track record of successful claims, appeals, and rating increases
- In-depth knowledge of VA regulations, medical evidence requirements, and appeal strategies
- Compassionate, veteran-focused service that treats you with the respect you deserve
We’ve helped hundreds of veterans win their VA claims. Just take a look at some of our recent case results and testimonials from the veterans we’ve served.
Ready to fight for the benefits you earned?
If you’re struggling to get the VA disability compensation you deserve, don’t try to go it alone. Contact ProVet Legal today for a free case evaluation. Our VA-accredited attorneys are ready to fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
