Veterans with proven service-connected injuries or illnesses are entitled to monthly disability benefits from the VA. The amount you receive in disability compensation varies and is based on a disability rating given to you by the VA. This rating can range from zero to 100% and is dependent on factors like the severity of the injury or illness and the number of dependents you are responsible for, among other factors.
With a 100% disability rating, the illness or injury must be totally and completely disabling and leave you without any expectation of finding and maintaining gainful employment. However, even if the service-connected condition is less severe and would not qualify for a disability rating of 100%, you are still eligible for compensation, and you should still pursue disability benefits.
The Top 5 Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability
Some conditions are more difficult to prove service connection, while others are relatively simple to prove. The VA recently reported on the most common medical conditions that are approved for disability benefits. The following are five of the easiest things to claim for VA disability.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. They will most likely receive a rating of 30% or more.
Scars
Because scars are easily visible and impossible to question, disability claims for this condition are approved fairly easily. Depending on the size and location of the scar, it is rated between 10% and 80%. You may also qualify for a secondary disability if the scar leads to leg, arm, back, or neck impairment or immobility.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions involve issues with the muscles and joints that limit a person’s range of motion and cause painful motion, weakness or fatigue in the extremities, loss of power, coordination, or movement control. Some musculoskeletal conditions include:
- Limitation of the knee
- Neck and back strains (Lumbosacral or cervical strain)
- Limitation of arm motion
- Limitation of ankle motion
These claims usually receive a rating between 0% and 20% and are often claimed as secondary conditions associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or side effects of medication.
Presumptive Disorders
Illnesses or injuries that are presumed to be service-connected are called presumptive disorders. They do not require additional proof of a service connection to qualify for compensation. Presumptive disorders include heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. What qualifies as presumptive generally depends on when you served in the military.
Tinnitus
This condition is the most awarded claim by the VA. Those that suffer from tinnitus hear a ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or clicking noise in the ears. This is considered a low-value claim – generally only rated at 10% – but if you also suffer from other service-connected illnesses or injuries, a disability rating for tinnitus could move you close to being approved for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits.
Receiving a Disability Rating
Following the right path toward submitting your disability application is crucial to maximizing your chance of winning your claim with the V. A. You will need supporting documentation of medical evidence, strong personal statements to support your disability, and a Buddy Letter from a relative, coworker, friend, or fellow service member.
You deserve compensation for your service-connected condition. Don’t wait any longer to begin the process of receiving the benefits you are owed.
