Most Common Disabilities for Veterans in 2023
Many different disabilities can affect veterans, depending on their branch of service, era of service, and type of military occupation. These disabilities can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to combat, exposure to toxic substances, and accidents or injuries that occurred during military service.
Veterans with disabilities may face several challenges, including living a "normal" life, accessing healthcare, finding employment, and obtaining affordable housing. However, several resources are available to help veterans with disabilities, including benefits and services from the VA and support from non-profit organizations. If you are a veteran, an experienced VA lawyer can help you get the VA benefits you deserve and walk you through any additional benefits you could receive.
According to most recent statistics, as of 2022, there are approximately 14,873,966 disabled veterans, roughly 80% of the total veteran population. According to the VA, 5,417,012 disabled veterans receive service-connected disability benefits between 0% and 100%.
At The VA Claims Lawyer, we are experienced in veterans affairs, and our nationwide VA attorneys are here to help you. We will review your case for free and help you get the monthly compensation you deserve. Please feel free to call us at 877 VET FILE.
10 of the most common disabilities for veterans
The most common disabilities for Veterans, according to the Veterans Administration's 2022 Annual Benefits Report, are:
Tinnitus: 2,703,665
Limitation of flexion, knee 1,657,593
Hearing loss: 1,426,183
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD: 1,343,669
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain: 1,325,248
Paralysis of the sciatic nerve: 1,308,812
Scars, general: 964,644
Limitation of motion of the ankle: 930,108
Limitation of motion of the arm: 894,846
Migraine: 837,211
It is important to note that this is not a comprehensive list, as many other disabilities can affect veterans. Additionally, as mentioned above, the condition of specific disabilities can vary depending on the branch of service, the era of service, and the type of military occupation.
Veterans who believe they may have a service-connected disability should file a claim with the VA. A VA attorney can help veterans file their claims for the benefits and services they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
An experienced VA attorney can;
Assist you in gathering evidence and documents to prove your disability claim. This evidence includes documents from family, friends, colleagues, and anyone close to you.
Gather medical evidence from healthcare providers, like therapists, doctors, and others. Medical evidence can help the VA understand that it needs to provide you with access to services and increase your disability rating.
An experienced VA attorney will be your advocate from start to finish. A VA attorney will review your case, answer all your questions, and ensure you have completed the correct documents and submitted all necessary evidence.
How do I file a claim for benefits with the VA?
There are numerous steps you have to take to file a VA claim. First, you have to meet specific guidelines to receive benefits.
You must establish a medical condition or diagnosis, which the VA must approve. The three components include a current diagnosis of your condition from a medical professional, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and the link that connects the current condition to the in-service event.
To file an original claim, you need to complete and submit the VA Form 21-526 application to the Claims Center within the Veterans Benefits Administration.
Additional documents include;
Your discharge from Active Duty documents (DD-214)
Copies of your medical records
Form 21-4138 (a statement document supporting your claim.)
VA Form 21-0781 Statement in Support of Claim of Service Connection for PTSD
Once approved, the VA will also assign a disability rating based on the severity of your condition. The rating corresponds to the amount of monthly compensation the veteran receives. VA disability ratings range from 0 to 100 percent, in increments of 10. The higher the rating, the more severe the condition.
However, it should be noted that veterans with a 0% rating can still qualify for VA health care.
How long does it take to get VA benefits?
If it is your first time applying for VA benefits, processing your claim can typically take four to eight months. Therefore, ensuring you have a solid case with a diagnosis from your doctor and supporting documents is essential. A VA attorney can assist in creating a case so that you can get the benefits you deserve.
If your claim was denied, or your condition or diagnosis has worsened, you can put together a 2nd case that typically takes three to four months to get approved. Once approved and given a VA rating, you can expect your first payment at the beginning of the following month.
Are you looking for an experienced VA attorney?
At The VA Claims Lawyer, we're not just your legal representative. We're your advocate. We've successfully assisted countless veterans in getting the VA benefits they deserve. We can also help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. If we don't win your case, there is no fee. Contact us today at (877) VET-FILE for your free case evaluation.