Am I Entitled to Veteran’s Disability?
All military personnel in the United States are eligible for disability compensation if they acquire injury or disability while on service. These benefits are available to all military service members, including active-duty soldiers, staff at military bases, and more. A veteran’s disability also covers any injury or disease that occurs after service, with its origin presumed to be during military service. Additionally, these disability benefits are meant to compensate for the loss of income that might result from an illness during military service. If you or your loved one got injured during or because of your military service, you might be entitled to compensation. Hiring an experienced VA Lawyer at Riddle & Brantley in North Carolina is one of the best ways to ensure that your claim will receive the justice it deserves. Keep reading as we take a brief look at veteran’s disability compensation, its eligibility criteria, and the types of benefits you can avail yourself if you find yourself in such a position.
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Are You Eligible for Veteran’s Disability?
To become eligible for veteran’s disability compensation, you must have an injury or that resulted during your active military service. Eligible disabilities include those that might arise due to your military training or during active combat while on duty. Additionally, you must have evidence of a diagnosed illness or disability from a registered medical professional, and the duration of impairment due to said injury or disability must be at least one year. Another condition for eligibility for a veteran’s disability is an honorable military discharge. Veterans who were dishonorably discharged from the military might not be able to qualify for benefits. It is important to note that the injury or disability eligible for compensation does not have to be a wound acquired on the battlefield. However, it must be connected to your military service.
Types of Disability Benefits for Veterans
Veterans might qualify for a range of disability benefits, including:
Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a financial benefit offered to veterans who acquired a disability during active military service. Most forms of compensation account for any significant absence from work due to illness or injury or its exacerbations. This is beneficial to those who have to miss out on work or even get a job in the first place due to their disability. Compensation is needed for those who are not able to provide for themselves.
Disability Pension
Disability pension is a benefit for wartime veterans who might have acquired temporary or permanent incapacitation because of their military service injury. To be eligible for a pension, you must be aged 65 or over, have limited income or have a permanent due to military service. You cannot receive compensation or a pension at the same time. If you qualify for both of these benefits, it is suggested that you take whichever one offers a higher amount. While there are strict rules that need to be followed, the benefits are great for those who need them.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a disability benefit paid to the living family members of a veteran who died due to a service-connected or during active duty. The compensation is awarded to surviving spouses of deceased veterans or any other dependents like children. It is a tax-free monthly payment to help those who have been affected by the loss of a loved one who was on duty. To be eligible for this type of benefit the military Servicemember or veteran had to either pass while on duty, pass from the result of an injury involved in duty, or passed years later from a specific injury or disability.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
SMC is a special allowance given to veterans who lost one or more bodily functions because of their service-connected injury. Due to this injury, they require another person’s assistance for normal function. These normal functions include activities of daily living like personal grooming, feeding, and more. They will receive financial benefits as they are not able to resume working. This can be paid either to the veteran or their spouses.
Conclusion
If you or your loved one acquired military service-connected injury during active military duty, you might be able to obtain veteran’s compensation. To obtain said compensation, it is crucial to hire a skilled lawyer who will prove your disability and related damages in court. They will help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. It is best to keep track of all the details necessary for your case and your legal professional will do everything in their power to get you taken care of.
