Physical Conditions – Veteran Disability Claims

Military personnel have a high risk of suffering physical injuries and developing debilitating physical conditions both in and out of combat roles.

For reasons obvious to military veterans, many times there is little, if any, documentation of injuries or treatment in-service. Often, this is because the veteran was trained not to complain, did not want complaints impacting promotability, or did not want to be removed from status for a health condition.

Supporting veterans with disability benefits for these service-related physical conditions is essential. No service treatment records does not necessarily mean no service connection. Bartlett Legal Group specializes in working with veterans the VA denied based on lack of in-service treatment.

Face the VA With Bartlett Legal Group's Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyers

Veterans can get disability benefits for their service-related physical conditions to offset the many costs these disabilities can generate, such as medical bills and lost earning ability. While these claims promise financial relief for veterans’ injury expenses, they can also become headaches when the VA denies them.

Bartlett Legal Group offers free consultations so veterans can meet with accredited attorneys to answer their questions. Our team of experienced veterans’ disability lawyers can assist you in appealing the denial of your claim. We will strive to get you the veterans’ disability benefits you qualify for. Then, we can help you stabilize after suffering from the financial effects of your condition.

To contact Bartlett Legal Group to schedule a free consultation on your veteran disability claim you can call (850) 332-6434. You can also schedule through our contact page.

Common Physical Conditions in Veterans’ Disability Claims

The possible injuries that you can suffer as a result of conditions experienced during military service vary greatly from mild cosmetic damage to life-altering wounds and chronic disabilities. The physical conditions veterans file disability claims for consequently vary just as much.

Common disabilities include:

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries are common among active service members. Generally, they impact muscles, bones, and joints. Back and knee injuries, such as strains, ligament tears, disc herniations, and meniscal damage, are particularly prevalent due to the physical demands of military duties.

The VA recognizes these physical conditions as service-connected disabilities, given their direct link to military service. Such injuries can also severely limit veterans’ physical capabilities. Therefore, their health can hinder their ability to perform job tasks and affect their quality of life.

Consequently, veterans experiencing these debilitating conditions are eligible for disability benefits through the VA Disability Compensation program. This program acknowledges the significant impact of these injuries on daily functioning and employment. Additionally, it offers essential financial support to vets whose service compromised their physical health.

Limitation of Joint Motion

Joints bear the brunt of a lot of shock and trauma external forces inflict on the body. Consequently, they can end up with injuries that affect their motion. Many veterans seek disability benefits for physical conditions like decreased range of motion in their knees, shoulders, ankles, and limbs.

Limited flexion of the knee is the most common version of this issue we see in disability claims. However, any joint is potentially able to suffer issues that can impede a veteran’s mobility. Direct physical trauma, repetitive motion, and strain, which occur in a variety of military roles, can cause these conditions.

Radiculopathies, including Sciatica (Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve)

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body located in the lower back, and travels down the legs. Ruptured discs in the vertebrae, spinal stenosis, and severe strain on the lower back can damage the sciatic nerve. Consequently, veterans may experience a plethora of symptoms. This condition is known as sciatica. Sciatica can cause chronic pain, weakness, numbness, paralysis, and difficulty walking.

Migraine Headaches

One physical condition that many veterans do not realize they can seek disability benefits for is migraines. These severe headaches can be associated with physical injuries or secondary to chronic conditions, such as tinnitus. This condition also leaves some veterans unable to carry out certain tasks or can even come in attacks that leave some bedridden for a period of time.

Migraines are not just bad headaches but severe bouts of head pain that can interfere with a person’s ability to function and cause additional symptoms. Veterans with migraines often report nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound accompanying their migraines.

Scarring and Disfiguration

One of the most common conditions that veterans seek disability benefits for is scarring. It is not surprising that veterans can come away from their service with some physical scarring but for some, these scars are much more than some skin tissue that is mostly just a cosmetic blemish.

Many veterans have extensive scarring that can come from all kinds of sources like lacerations, burns, punctures, etc. that can have lingering effects. Veterans with severe scars can have them exhibit chronic pain, inhibition of movement, and in general be cosmetically displeasing and cause social problems.

In order to be eligible for VA disability benefits for scarring, veterans need to fulfill several of the following criteria, but not all:

The scar is 5 or more inches in length
The width of the scar is ¼ inch at the widest part
The surface of the scar elevates or depresses when pressed upon
The scar is adherent to the soft tissue underneath it
The scar must have Hypopigmentation (loss of skin color) or hyperpigmentation (skin color darkening) in an area larger than 6 square inches
The scar must have abnormal skin texture in an area larger than 6 square inches
The underlying soft tissue beneath the scar is missing in an area larger than 6 square inches
The skin of the scar or around is inflexible and indurated (i.e. hard) in an area exceeding 6 square inches

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Extremely loud sounds accompany many roles in the United States Military both combat and support-oriented. Weapon fire, explosive detonation, aircraft, vehicles, and other machinery can create high enough sound levels that hearing damage is possible. Many veterans come away from their service with hearing issues as a result, which they can receive VA disability benefits for.

Tinnitus is a common condition in VA claims that involve hearing damage. Hearing damage can result in constant whining, buzzing, hissing, or humming that does not come from an external source. Hearing loss is also common with varying degrees of impairment.

How to File a VA Disability Claim for Physical Conditions

VA disability claims offer a form of relief for veterans suffering from service-related physical conditions. However, veterans can only obtain disability compensation if they meet certain criteria. Firstly, you must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training in the United States military. Additionally, you need to show you have an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions.

Veterans seeking benefits must also have a diagnosis for a health condition that is connected to their military service. The injury can either be suffered during or after their military due to conditions experienced while serving or it can be a pre-existing physical condition that was aggravated by conditions while serving.

In order to file a claim, you can either fill out the online veterans’ disability claim form on the VA website or file by mail by filling out VA Form 21-526EZ. One of the crucial components of filing for filing a disability claim is gathering evidence to prove the service connection, credibility, and severity of your injury.

This evidence will typically include a medical nexus from your doctor diagnosing your condition and linking it to your service. Additionally, evidence can include service records and statements from people who witnessed your injury and the effects of your disability.

How a VA Disability Claim Lawyer Can Help Vets With Physical Conditions Claims

Claiming VA disability benefits can be a daunting task for veterans dealing with service-connected physical injuries. The process involves intricate paperwork, strict deadlines, and the necessity of providing substantial evidence to support claims.

However, with the right legal support, you can confidently pursue the benefits you deserve. Bartlett Legal Group offers dedicated VA-accredited disability benefits claims and appeal lawyers who can assist you or your loved one in securing the benefits the VA owes you for your sacrifices.

Expert Navigation Through the Claims Process

With a veterans’ disability lawyer on your side, you can be confident that your claim’s appeal will be on the right path and that your representation will help you navigate through the many bureaucratic obstacles of the process. Your VA lawyer can also help you gather evidence to prove your condition and assist with your VA claim forms.

Additionally, they can develop a solid strategy and approach to appeal your claim. Then, they will stand with you when speaking to representatives of the VA or in a hearing to look out for your best interests. A VA-accredited lawyer from Bartlett Legal Group provides invaluable guidance, handling each step efficiently and accurately.

Our expertise helps streamline the process, from the initial filing to the final appeal, reducing the stress and confusion that often accompany these claims. By having a knowledgeable professional on your side, you can feel assured that your claim is on the right track.

Comprehensive Evidence Gathering

A crucial element of any successful VA disability claim is the ability to present compelling evidence of your physical conditions. Bartlett Legal Group’s experienced VA lawyers assist in gathering and organizing the necessary medical records, service documents, and witness statements that substantiate your claim.

We work closely with you to identify and compile the most persuasive evidence. Therefore, you should have a higher likelihood of a favorable outcome. This comprehensive approach means we will meticulously document every detail to provide a solid foundation for your case.

Assistance With VA Disability Claim Forms

Filling out VA claim forms can be a cumbersome task. Frequently, it is fraught with potential pitfalls that can lead to delays or denials. However, the skilled attorneys at Bartlett Legal Group will guide you through this paperwork. We will oversee the timely submission and accurate completion of all forms.

Our attention to detail helps prevent common errors that could jeopardize your claim, offering peace of mind that your application is both thorough and precise.

Strategic Appeal Development

If the VA denies your initial claim, then you need a capable legal team. Bartlett Legal Group’s VA disability appeal lawyers are adept at developing a strategic approach to appeals. We assess the reasons for denial, identify any overlooked evidence, and craft a compelling argument to present to the VA.

This strategic planning therefore maximizes your chances of success during the appeals process. A skilled VA disability attorney will work to ensure that your case is heard and reconsidered with all pertinent information taken into account.

Representation in Hearings

Facing the VA in hearings can be intimidating, especially when dealing with the personal impact of service-related injuries. An experienced VA attorney provides steadfast representation, standing by your side to advocate on your behalf.

We can skillfully and effectively communicate your case to VA representatives. Furthermore, we will emphasize your right to benefits and safeguard your interests throughout the proceedings. Our presence also offers confidence and support, making the process less daunting for veterans.

VA Disability Claim Physical Condition FAQS

How much does a VA benefits claim lawyer cost?

In most cases, if you don’t get paid, then they don’t get paid. Your veterans disability lawyer won’t require payment for their services at an hourly rate or a considerable down payment upfront. Generally, veterans’ disability benefits attorneys work for a contingency fee. You only pay this fee after they resolve your claim and you acquire back pay benefits.

The contingent fee arrangement is an agreement you sign with your lawyer. It gives them a percentage of the money that they get for you after they successfully appeal your case. This percentage is usually 20-30%, however the specific percentage depends on the lawyer and case.

How long do veteran disability claims for physical conditions take?

A VA disability benefits claim can take anywhere from roughly a hundred or so days to sometimes years to resolve. Each claim is different and the demands on the VA will change, therefore wait times will change as well. The bottom line is that disability benefits claims take some time.

Appeals of denied claims can also be a lengthy process depending on the type of appeal you decide is right. Simply requesting a review or filing a supplemental claim takes much less time than a Board of Veteran’s Appeals hearing.

How long do I have to file a veterans’ disability claim?

There is no deadline for filing a VA disability benefits claim since there are illnesses such as cancer and asbestosis that do not display symptoms until many years after the initial cause of their development occurred. However, VA disability claim appeals have a deadline of one year after the date of the denial’s mailing. This is not to be confused with the date of the denial letter’s arrival.

Contact Bartlett Legal Group About Your Veterans’ Disability Claim

If you’re encountering difficulty getting the veterans’ disability benefits following a VA denial, then contact Bartlett Legal Group. Our team of experienced veterans’ disability lawyers offers legal representation for veterans struggling against the red tape of the VA. We will act as your voice during the disability claims process.

Our veterans’ benefits lawyers offer free consultations to veterans with claim denials. During these meetings, we explain what else we can do to appeal the claim the VA rejected. Meeting with our team can at the very least give you some answers to your questions and also provide you some options on how to proceed with your case.

To contact the Bartlett Legal Group to schedule a free consultation on your veteran disability claim, call (850) 332-6434. We also accept schedule requests online through our contact page.