Since President Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act in August 2022, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has already received over 100,000 new disability compensation claims. With more veterans entering the system each day, it’s important that they understand how to approach the filing process with confidence and avoid the mistakes veterans make with disability benefits.
As veterans try to get the full extent of their earned benefits as quickly as possible, there are a few key mistakes to avoid, and some resources — like Allsup Veterans Disability Appeal Services — can make a world of difference.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to File
When injured during service, a member’s first impulse may be to try to power through it. However, even if they are able to grit their teeth at first, the injury or exposure may worsen with age, especially if left untreated. According to Allsup’s VA Disability Benefits Survey, the second largest group of veterans to file for benefits (29%) submit claims 10 or more years after separating. But the VA approval process doesn’t happen overnight. On average, it takes the VA 127 days to process a disability claim, and this timeline can quickly expand when complications and appeals are added to the equation.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Filing claims now ensures that veterans have ready access to all services and benefits before their condition becomes severe.
Mistake #2: Having an Incomplete Diagnosis or Treatment History
Although veterans themselves know their health history and conditions, if they haven’t been diagnosed by a doctor, their medical records may be unclear or incomplete. In addition, if a veteran has seen civilian doctors for treatment, the medical history that the VA needs to make an accurate disability rating assessment may be piecemeal.
However, when veterans know their options and have a VA-accredited claims agent to guide them, this issue is easy to resolve. Veterans can either upload their records through the eBenefits system or rely on the VA’s “duty to assist,” whereby the VA tracks down missing or incomplete medical records from civilian providers.
Mistake #3: Failing to Show a Clear Connection
Lacking a clear connection between the health condition and a service-related injury or exposure is a common problem. In order to receive adequate benefits, veterans need a complete account of the circumstances around their injury or exposure. For instance, an individual with cancer who files an exposure claim must provide a clear explanation of the what, where, how and why that links the incident to their condition.
This link is even more crucial after the landmark PACT Act, which accepts more service-connected illness claims, such as respiratory illnesses, cancer and radiation-related illness for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange or other toxic substances. Being able to outline this connection is not only important for initial filing, but consistent, specific claims strengthen a veteran’s case if they must appeal.
Mistake #4: Neglecting to File for Priority Review for Appeals
The VA offers an expedited appeals review process for veterans in need to help them receive their earned benefits faster. Veterans who are over the age of 75 automatically have their appeals submitted for Advanced on Docket status, but veterans can request priority review if they suffer from a serious illness, are in financial distress or have other sufficient cause for an expeditious appeal review. Moving their appeal to the front of the line is a simple process that can help get veterans their benefits quickly.
Mistake #5: Not Claiming Unemployability as a Result of the Disability
If a veteran’s service-connected disability impairs their ability to work, they may qualify for Individual Unemployability (IU), which makes them eligible for additional compensation and insurance on top of their VA disability benefits. However, our survey shows that almost half of veterans don’t understand their disability benefits and therefore miss out on the resources they deserve.
IU recognizes that even without a 100% disability rating, veterans may suffer from chronic symptoms that severely impact their employability. Veterans can file this claim without affecting their standing VA disability benefits, and it may give them a more substantial support system than they would otherwise receive.
By avoiding these mistakes, veterans can manage their health with their service-earned benefits. For active-duty military members, a basic understanding of VA disability benefits now may help ensure that they are better equipped to navigate the process if they ever need to apply.
Thousands of service members receive VA benefits for service-connected health conditions. Looking to veterans who have gone through the process before and Allsup’s knowledgeable VA-accredited claims agents for guidance can help veterans access their rightful benefits with ease.
-
Dow Hits New Intraday High on Fed Day: Stock Market TodayNot even the most important stock in the world could keep the oldest equity index down on a significant day for markets.
-
Savings Goal CalculatorTools Want to know how much you need to save each month to reach your financial goals? Our calculator helps you build a realistic savings plan.
-
Gray Divorce Can Throw Your Retirement a Curveball: What to KnowIf you're entering retirement and going through a divorce at the same time, you've got some work to do to shore up your long-term financial security.
-
I'm a Real Estate Investing Expert: Optional 721 UPREIT DSTs Can Be the Best of Both WorldsBefore investing in any 721 UPREIT exchange, look for one that offers a straightforward, investor-friendly exit.
-
How an Expired Passport Thwarted Blackmail (and What Other Important Documents You Should Keep)An optometrist produced his expired passport to foil a blackmail attempt by the daughter of a former employee. After proving he was out of the country on the date of a forged diary entry, he took it a step further.
-
Optimize, Grow, Retain: The Power of Annual Client ReviewsFinancial advisers can use annual reviews to help enhance client outcomes, strengthen relationships and build their practice.
-
I'm a Real Estate Investing Pro: This Is What Investors Should Know About Truck Stop InvestmentsTruck stops might seem like good investments, but they can actually be a risky gamble due to unstable fuel prices, unreliable operators and coming changes in transportation. Instead, consider safer options like industrial or residential properties.
-
Don't Disinherit Your Grandchildren: The Hidden Risks of Retirement Account Beneficiary FormsStandard retirement account beneficiary forms may not be flexible enough to ensure your money passes to family members according to your wishes. Naming a trust as the contingent beneficiary can help avoid these issues. Here's how.
-
This Is How Life Insurance Can Fund Your Dreams NowBeyond a death benefit, life insurance can provide significant financial value and flexibility through 'living benefits' while you are still alive, helping with expenses like education, business ventures or retirement.
-
Potential Trouble for Retirees: A Wealth Adviser's Guide to the OBBB's Impact on RetirementWhile some provisions might help, others could push you into a higher tax bracket and raise your costs. Be strategic about Roth conversions, charitable donations, estate tax plans and health care expenditures.
