How To Maximize VA Disability Benefits?
If you have suffered any disability as a veteran or your medical condition has aggravated over time, you can be eligible to maximize your VA disability benefits. If you’ve filed to maximize your VA ratings and have been denied, this article will greatly help!
How to Maximize VA Disability Benefits?
Below are the top 4 ways to maximize your service-connected disability benefits, regardless of your current disability ratings or how many times you have been denied disability benefits previously.
Prioritize High-Value VA Disability Claims
A high-value VA disability claim is a condition with an increased likelihood of obtaining a 30% rating or higher on its own.
Prioritizing high-value disability claims is an ideal way to maximize your disability rating in less time.
High-value disability claims include;
Mental Health Conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Generalized anxiety disorder,
- Major depressive disorder; and
- Somatic symptom disorder.
Sleep Apnea Claims
Migraines
Respiratory Conditions
- Heart conditions
- Lung conditions
Obtain DBQ Forms Filled for Already Service-Connected Conditions
DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire), also called the Public Facing DBQ Form, is the best way to maximize your VA rating for medical conditions already service-connected at 0% or higher.
Getting a DBQ review from any qualified medical provider allows veterans to present their conditions to the VSR and RVSR (VA raters) for VA disability rating purposes.
The key benefit of filling DBQs is that several times the VA will give veterans a higher disability rating based on the data available in the DBQ alone.
Get Medical Nexus Letter to File for Secondary Service Connection
In VA disability claims, secondary service connection needs a “showing of causation.”
A “showing of causation” means that a secondary VA disability is shown to be "caused by" or " worsened by” another service-connected VA disability in your body.
According to VA law, three evidentiary factors should be satisfied to establish a secondary service connection on "at least as likely as not basis."
- The medical diagnosis of your disability condition in VA medical records or private medical records (unless a veteran also has the disability in their service treatment records)
- Evidence of the service-connected primary VA disability (including PTSD, anxiety, depression, migraines, tinnitus, etc.), AND
- Medical Nexus Letter evidence having a connection between your current disability and the service-connected disability
Get a Buddy Letter from Your First-Hand Witness
VA buddy letters are credible written statements by any competent person 18 years or older. They must have direct, first-hand knowledge of the event or injury and provide an account of what they’ve witnessed to support your VA disability claim.
Such personal statements can be taken from any fellow service member, friend, spouse, pastor, boss, co-worker, or adult child. Also, any credible and competent individual who can explain your disability condition and its underlying symptoms can become your witness.
