Veterans who have served in the military for years or decades may have medical conditions caused by their military service. Those disabilities can range from illnesses caused by chemical exposure to brain injuries caused by percussive force when explosions occur.
Veterans who have medical limitations can potentially obtain disability benefits. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates veterans to determine the extent of their medical limitations. They express disability as a percentage. That percentage, in turn, determines the benefits the veteran receives. In some cases, veterans may need help appealing an unfairly low determination.
Appealing disability ratings can be difficult
Military veterans already dealing with medical complications may struggle to navigate the VA’s benefits system. Not only can it be difficult to understand the rating system the VA uses, but it may also be difficult for veterans to manage the bureaucratic process necessary to correct an inappropriately low disability rating.
Veterans can file a supplemental claim if they have new evidence to support their disability claim. They can ask for a higher-level review if they believe the initial rating was an error based on the evidence already submitted. They can also request a formal appeal at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Legal professionals who have experience with military law can help manage paperwork, collect medical documentation and present a compelling case about a veteran’s disability benefits.
Reviewing one’s current disability rating and how it fails to account for a veteran’s functional limitations can help frustrated veterans understand their options. The advocacy of a legal professional familiar with military law can help veterans correct an inaccurately low VA disability rating.