Military Veterans' Lawyer Blog
Obtaining VA Benefits for a service-related disability can be a very difficult process. If you are here doing research, you probably have received a denial letter. Don’t worry, we can help you. While complicated, the process of obtaining your correct service rating can bring about significant financial security for you and your family.
It has been shown that members of the military can experience a wide variety of service-related health issues that cause significant problems when trying to live a full life. As such, the VA offers financial compensation. Now, as you start the process you might be wondering what the most common disabilities for veterans are. In addition to hearing loss, arthritis, and eye issues, there are a few conditions that we regularly see:
Gulf War Syndrome
Gulf War syndrome is actually a group of conditions. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, those who served our country in the Gulf War could have any of the following: “fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems.” Additionally they may suffer from certain medical disorders and syndromes including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Just under half of all veterans who served in the Gulf War have a form of the syndrome. To qualify you must already be at a 10% disability rating and have served in the Gulf War.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can last months or even years. It is usually caused by a traumatic event such as combat, bombings, stress of war, sexual assault, and harrassment.Then, an event in the future triggers a memory and the individual relives the trauma. PTSD is very common in veterans and ranges from mild anxiety, anger, and rage to depression to debilitating anxiety. Night terrors, fits of rage, anxiety, and an inability to work can also be experienced. Using affidavits and lay statements we can make sure that the VA understands the event (or events) you experienced while in service and how they relate to the problems you are now experiencing.
Male infertility
The emotional stress of not being able to conceive a child can be overwhelming to a couple.
To the VA, infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after one year. Male infertility in veterans has roots in a whole list of potential causes related to service including exposure to high heat, toxic substances, chemicals, and radiation. If you are legally married, served under extreme conditions, and meet the medical requirements, we can help you increase your rating for this condition.
Agent Orange
Agent Orange was used by the military during the Vietnam War. The intent was to spray toxic herbicide to decrease vegetation. This gave troops, including aircraft, a tactical advantage.The problem is that it is a deadly substance and caused severe long-term illness for many of our service members. There are a number of conditions, cancers, and illnesses caused by Agent Orange. All veterans who served in Vietnam are presumed to have been exposed and therefore can link a disease directly to the exposure.
If you receive a denial letter from the VA, it is time to talk to an attorney. While these are some of the more common reasons veterans qualify for military compensation, there is an unfortunately never-ending list of other service-related illnesses and conditions.