A Veteran Based Site to Guide veterans through the Veterans Affairs process for filing a claim for service connected disability compensation. We combine the Knowledge, Skills, and abilities of Veterans to provide other Veterans the Information and support they need dealing with the VA system.
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Utilize our site and discussion forum to research V. A. Claims procedures benefits. Search for topics of interest. Join our active discussion forum and post questions to other veterans.
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One of the more difficult tasks for a returning veteran is applying for the many VA benefits. The unknown of "should I," "would I qualify," "how do I apply," or "where do I go for help" can be a frustrating experience. VA intends to ease those frustrations and facilitate your transition from active participation in armed conflict back to civilian life with some basic tips for applying for benefits.
After VA receives your Application for Compensation, it sends you a letter. The letter explains what VA needs in order to help grant your claim. It states how VA assists in getting records to support your claim. The letter may include forms for you to complete, such as medical releases. They help VA obtain pertinent medical records from your doctor or hospital. You should try to complete and return all forms VA sends within a month. Your claim can often be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records. This letter is often referred to as the Duty to Assist letter.
I have compiled this guide to help veterans understand the VA a little more on how, why, and what is needed to ultimately succeed with their compensation claims. I have also compiled this guide after years of experience in helping other veterans obtain their deserved benefits. - Vike17
To establish service-connection:
There are two types of service-connection
Direct
Presumptive
There are three requirements to establish Direct service-connection for residuals of injuries and diseases;
If you would like to conduct an on-line search of BVA's decisions, enter the word or group of words you are looking for in the block below. From the resulting list, you can connect directly to individual decision texts or you can return to this page to conduct additional searches. Decisions are current through June 30, 2008.
The GAF is a 100-point tool rating overall psychological, social and occupational functioning of people over 18 years of age and older. It excludes physical and environmental impairment. The GAF is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) in the section on multi-axial assessments.
Everything Veterans Affairs does with your service connected disability compensation claim, is goverened by law. You may want to bookmark this page as a reference as you proceed with your claim.
It can be a bit daunting. Just remember the U.S.C. is the law, the C.F.R. is how they interpret the law and last but certainly not least is the V.A. adjudication manuals that is how they apply the law. The section of the law that covers the veterans benefits is Title 38 in the U.S.C. in the C.F.R. is usually written 38 C.F.R. or something similar, V.A. frequently requested manuals are listed below Read More...
Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans can use vetrecs.archives.gov
Obtain and Fill out Standard Form 180 (SF-180)
Or Write a Letter to Request Records
1. How to Obtain Standard Form 180 (SF-180), Request Pertaining to Military Records
There are several ways to obtain an SF-180. You can: Read More...
The following is written from a C & P examiners perspective relating to psychiatric exams. It is a good guideline for all exams but I only did psych exams. I’ve been examined by the VA for multiple problems and this is my format when I go to be examined. A little common sense and clarity of thinking will go a long ways towards getting you what you are entitled. Read More...
Veterans Affairs ( VA ) Math This isn't your mother's arithmetic
This is meant only as a guide and not a guarantee you should always consult the Combined Rating Tables 38CFR4.25(a)
Example
In VA math, your total disability is calculated as follows:
10% of 100% = 10% (100% - 10% = 90%)
30% of 90% = 27%; (90% - 27% = 63%)
50% of 63% = 31.5%; now, add together 10% + 27% + 31.5% = 68.5%, rounded UP to 70%.
(*Note, .5 and above rounds UP; .4 and below rounds DOWN.)
You finally decided to file a VA claim for disability, so now what do you do? Maybe you already have started the paperwork yourself or have been helped by a veteran rep filling out the required VA Forms and are now one of many waiting to hear from the VA about your claims status.
"If you haven’t figured it out by now, it’s time to realize that you are involved in a giant paper shuffle and this IS NOT a spectator sport."
The following is written from a C & P examiners perspective relating to psychiatric exams. It is a good guideline for all exams but I only did psych exams. I’ve been examined by the VA for multiple problems and this is my format when I go to be examined. A little common sense and clarity of thinking will go a long ways towards getting you what you are entitled.
1. Be on time or a little early.
2. Be polite. Yelling at the examiner for the injustices you perceive will do nothing but alienate him/her.
3. Curse at your risk. You can get your point across much better with proper English than you can with outlandish language.
4. This person is going to judge you. It’s his/her job and that is why you are there. To be adjudicated fairly. How would you like to be remembered? A skuzzy stereotypical veteran? Or a troubled one who is doing the best he/she can?
1. View your claims folder at the regional office call 1-800-827-1000 and request an appointment to view your c-file (claims folder).
1. Ensure that all the records in your C-File are yours.
2. Check that everything you have sent to the VA is included in your C-File.
2. After viewing your claims folder (c-file) and correcting any mistakes you may find. Then request a hard copy of your claims folder.
Be sure to checkout our forums for more information HadIt.com Forums
Eligibility
In general , the claimant must be a veteran or the dependent or survivor of a veteran‚ in order to be eligible. For VA purposes, the definition of veteran‚ is‚ a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.‚ Source: 38CFR3.1(d)
Entitlement
Disability compensation. (1) Basic entitlement for a veteran exists if the veteran is disabled as the result of a personal injury or disease (including aggravation of a condition existing prior to service) while in active service if the injury or the disease was incurred or aggravated in line of duty. Source: 38CFR3.1(b)
In plain English and general terms. In order to receive service connected disability compensation through Veterans Affairs. You must have an other than dishonorable discharge. And you must have evidence that the disability occurred or was aggravated in the line of duty.
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