Maximizing Your Veterans Benefits

When it comes to veterans benefits, the more disabled you are, the more money you’ll receive. Veterans benefits are based on your disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A 100% rating is the highest you can get. A 100% VA disability rating is given to veterans who have debilitating service-connected conditions that prevent them from working and even caring for themselves.

Such a rating unlocks the highest level of compensation and benefits for veterans. But how can you maximize your veterans benefits and get at 100%? It’s a goal that requires understanding of the VA’s system.

First, you need to know that getting a 100% rating with just one service-connected disability is not an easy task. Hitting the 100% mark usually requires two or more conditions that are all linked as secondary service connections.

If you want to increase your rating, here’s what you need to do:

• Appeal or refile your claim. Maybe you got a rating of something like 60 or 70%. While this is good, it’s not 100% good. If you’re not happy with the rating, you can appeal within the first year. Once that window has closed, though, not all is lost. You can file a new claim, but you’ll want to include more evidence proving why your condition warrants a higher rating.
• Prove individual unemployability. You can strive for a 100% rating if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working. You will need either one disability rated at 60% or higher, or a combined rating of 70%, with one condition at 40% or higher. You will need strong documentation to prove this, such as medical records, employment history, and statements from employers.
• Secondary service connections. If neither of the options above will work, consider secondary service connections. For example, maybe your PTSD has led to other health issues, such as sleep apnea or migraine headaches. File a new claim linking these secondary conditions to your service-connected PTSD. This can help increase your overall rating.

Keep in mind that getting a 100% VA disability is not an easy task, especially if you’re relying on just one condition. The VA’s rating system looks at the combined effect of multiple disabilities, so look for ways to document every aspect of how your disabilities impact your life.

A 100% rating is challenging but not impossible. Know your options and gather strong evidence to build your case. You made the biggest sacrifice ever for your country. Now it’s time to get the financial support you deserve.

Learn More About Veterans Benefits

The higher you can boost your disability rating, the more money you’ll receive. Learn more about maximizing benefits with our help.

Count on a White Plains veterans disability benefits lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon to handle your case with ease. We represent clients at all levels of the veterans benefits system. To schedule a consultation, call 914-294-2145 or fill out the online form.

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