Veterans Disability Benefits: What Can I Expect?

 

Perhaps you have spent time in the military serving your country, anticipating the ultimate sacrifice—your life. Perhaps you were injured during active duty or encountered some disabling mishap while training to fight for your country. The fine ladies and gentlemen who have laid their lives on the line deserve the help and attention of the government they are protecting. Veteran’s disability benefits can compensate them for their courage and their pain.

You could be allotted in excess of $3,000 if you acquired an illness or injury during active duty or if you already had and illness which was aggravated because of service-related conduct. It all depends on the severity of the disability. You could get as little as $117 and as much as $3,000. The Veteran’s Administration will determine your eligibility and the amount you will receive if approved. Note that if you were dishonorably discharged you will not receive compensation or monthly benefits. The amount of Veteran’s disability benefits you may receive will be higher if your disability is severe or if you lose a limb or extremity because of a service-related incident. Also, if there are dependent children, a spouse, or even a parent for whom you are responsible, you may receive more money.

There are several beneficial assistance programs to aid the disabled veteran. Even if you have not received a discharge or medical retirement, you may, nevertheless, qualify for disability type programs. There exists a program called DTAP (Disabled Transition Assistance Program). This plan works hand-in-hand with Veteran’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. DTAP will help the interested Veteran in applying for these rehabilitation benefits and speed up the process. Usually, the DTAP offers services that are 2 hours in length. Counseling and rehabilitation services are discussed in these group sessions. Sometimes an interested veteran is hospitalized and cannot attend group sessions. The VA Regional Office will set up individual meetings with these veterans.

Veteran’s disability benefits also surface in the form of medical treatment or coverage. If you were disabled due to a service-connected injury that occurred during active duty, you mat obtain medical care on an obligatory basis. Services will be given for free to the veteran as the need arises. In cases where the disability occurred outside active duty, the medical assistance is only approved if the space is available. The Veteran in this case must co-pay for the care given.

In order to be considered for benefits, you must file an application with the Veteran’s Administration. You will need such documentation as doctor and hospital reports concerning your condition. You will also need to have records such as birth certificates for your dependents, You will need to fill out a form that informs the VA about your health conditions so they can be evaluated—focus on service-connected conditions.

One great advantage is that there is no statute of limitations affecting your eligibility to file for Veteran’s disability benefits.

Do not hesitate to get into the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the VA will pay for any supplies you need. These supplies may include books, tuition, necessary equipment, and perhaps dental care, prosthesis if needed, sign language, as well as medical treatment. There are even more Veteran’s disability benefits services not mentioned. You may visit he VA’s site at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/.