About 30% of military veterans have a disability related to service. This qualifies them for VA compensation. However, most people are unsure which disabilities qualify and how they’re rated. Usually, when you submit a VA claim to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), they will evaluate the claim and assign a disability percentage rating. This part can be confusing, especially if you’re yet to hire a VA disability attorney. Keep reading to find out the common disabilities for veterans and how they’re rated.
Scarring
Scarring is a common disability among veterans. It could be a minor cosmetic issue in some instances, while in others, it’s life-threatening. Scarring can result from surgery, traumatic injury, or mild injuries. The disability rating for scars is usually low, considering how strict the criteria for scars are. You have to prove complications such as pain associated with the scar. Although you may not qualify for VA compensation for post-surgery scars, you can file a claim for temporary VA disability benefits. Do this with the help of a VA disability lawyer. The attorney can help you collect the evidence needed to influence your disability rating.
Sciatic Nerve Paralysis
This condition is common among veterans mostly because it’s linked to neck and back pain. Sciatic nerve paralysis affects only one side of your body, and symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness, burning sensation, tingling, and muscle weakness. Depending on how severe or mild the condition, this disability can receive a rating of between 10 to 80%. For example, if you have partial or mild paralysis, your disability rating can be 10%, and if you have complete paralysis where the muscles below the leg fail to work, you can get an 80% disability rating.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Members of the military encounter so many unpleasant things on the battlefield that scar their emotional health. This is one of the reasons PTSD is prevalent among veterans. One can experience mild or severe PTSD. When filing a claim for PTSD, a VA provider will have to evaluate you and establish the condition is connected to the time you served. In most PTSD cases, veterans are assigned a 70% rating, although it can be lower for mild PTSD.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the buzzing or ringing noise in the ears. The noise can come in several forms, such as roaring, hissing, clicking, humming, and buzzing. Most veterans suffer from this condition because of the constant exposure to loud noise from aircraft, armored vehicles, gunfire, and machinery. Usually, having tinnitus indicates you have an underlying condition like ear injury, loss of hearing, or circulatory system disorder. The VA assigns a disability rating to this condition based on its severity. Most veterans get a 10% disability rating for this condition.
Knee Problems
Knee conditions among veterans are common, qualifying them for VA compensation. The most prevalent knee condition among service men and women is a flexion deformity of the knee. It means the knee’s range of motion is limited when curling or moving it toward the body. The VA rates this condition depending on the existing range of motion when a person moves their knee. For instance, if the extension is limited to 45°, they can assign you a 50% disability rating, and if it’s limited to 10°, you can get a 10% disability rating.
Injuries or disabilities change your life. Some can even prevent you from working. While these are the most common disabilities among veterans, the list is extensive. Talk to a VA attorney if you have any injury related to the time you served. They will analyze your case and suggest the best way to proceed with the case.
