Veterans who were disabled because of an injury or disease that was sustained or aggravated during active military service should never be denied their VA benefits. Unfortunately, recovering VA benefits is often not as easy as it should be.

The Simpson Legal Group, PLLC helps disabled service members obtain the Veterans Administration (VA) benefits they are entitled to receive.

According to veterans’ disability law, the VA is supposed to compensate veterans who suffer from service-connected disabilities. Benefits are available to any veteran who has not been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the military.

What Are Service-Connected Disability Benefits?

Service-connected disability benefits are available for a disability caused by sickness or injury that occurred or was aggravated during military service.

Almost any injury, illness, or condition that was suffered in connection with or made worse by military service can be considered service-connected.

Depending on the percentage of disability a veteran has, the veteran may be entitled to monthly, nontaxable benefits.

VA Benefits for Physical and Mental Disabilities

Veterans are entitled to compensation for a physical disability that is caused by a service-related injury or illness and rated at 10% or more as a single disability.

Veterans who suffer from a mental health disorder may qualify for disability compensation if the mental health disorder is service-connected.

If the veteran cannot work because of the service-connected conditions, and are not rated at 100 percent disabled, they may be entitled to an increased benefit known as total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

Types of Veterans Benefits Available

The veteran’s degree of disability rating dictates the amount of monthly benefits the veteran is entitled to receive. If a veteran suffers from multiple disabilities, benefits may be combined. If the veteran has dependents, an additional allowance may be added if the combined disability is 30% or more.

Veterans and their families are also eligible for:

• Special Monthly Compensation—an additional tax-free payment for veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses and parents that is paid due to special circumstances, such as the need for assistance with activities of daily living, or a specific disability such as the loss of a hand or leg.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)—a tax-free payment made to the surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent of a veteran who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, and for survivors of veterans who died from a service-connected disability.
• Adapted Housing Grants—a grant to help buy or construct a home that is adapted for a veteran’s disability, or to modify an existing home to accommodate a disability
• Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance—permanent and term insurance plans with a maximum face value of $10,000
• Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance

Special Benefits

Veterans and their families are also eligible for special benefits such as a one-time allowance to buy a new or used car or other adaptive equipment to accommodate a service-connected disability, and a convalescence benefit, which is a temporary 100% disability compensation to recover from surgery or immobilization of a joint by a cast without surgery, or for veterans who were hospitalized for more than 21 days for a service-connected disability.

Veterans and their families are also eligible for benefits for:

• Birth defects linked to exposure to certain chemicals like Agent Orange
• Replacement of clothing that was damaged by a prosthetic or orthopedic device, or by medication that is being taken for a skin condition
• Dental care

Individual Unemployability Benefits (TDIU)

A veteran may be able to receive VA benefits if their service-connected disability has significantly interfered with their ability to work or has caused frequent hospitalization.

Individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits may be paid to a veteran who is unable to maintain substantial gainful employment as a result of a service-connected disability and who has at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more, or two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more when at least one of the disabilities is individually rated at 40%.

The Simpson Legal Group: Serving Those Who Served

If your claim for VA benefits was denied, The Simpson Legal Group can help.

Based in Cocoa Florida, attorney Nic Simpson knows that fighting the VA for compensation is often more difficult than it should be.

The Simpson Legal Group will help you understand the VA benefits process, and will fight to recover the benefits you are entitled to receive.

To learn how Nic Simpson can help, contact The Simpson Legal Group today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.