Don’t Delay: File Your Claim Now
There is no time limit on when you can file a claim for VA disability compensation. However, it is crucial to submit your initial claim as soon as possible. Why is this important? The date the VA receives your application becomes the “Effective Date,” and if your claim is approved, the VA will provide retroactive payments dating back to the Effective Date. In essence, waiting to file your claim means losing out on potential compensation.
Recently Discharged? Act Immediately
If you have recently been discharged, it is imperative to file your claim right away. By doing so within one year of discharge, the Effective Date will be the date of discharge itself (not the date the VA receives your application) for any approved conditions filed within that first year.
Unlocking Secondary Conditions
According to the VA, compensation may be granted for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to those incurred during military service, as well as for disabilities presumed to be connected to military circumstances, even if they arise after service. In simpler terms, a service-connected condition can lead to a disability or disease that was not originally incurred during service—this is known as a secondary condition.
For instance, if your time in service resulted in tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and as a result, you experience headaches, the headaches would be eligible for service connection if it can be demonstrated that they were caused by the tinnitus. Therefore, it is crucial to include any and all conditions you believe were caused by your time in service in your initial application.
Sleep apnea is another condition that can be caused by service-connected issues. If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, you may be entitled to a 50% rating.
Presumptive Conditions: Simplified Compensation
Certain conditions may be presumptive for VA Disability Compensation. For example, a Vietnam veteran does not have to prove that Agent Orange caused their current coronary artery disease. It is presumed that the veteran was exposed to Agent Orange and that it is the root cause of the disease.
Take proactive steps to explore these presumptive conditions and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
File your claim now and let National Vet Help guide you through the process to maximize your benefits. Don’t miss out on the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to get started.
