STEP-BY-STEP OVERVIEW OF VA DISABILITY
After suffering a debilitating injury or disease because of your military service, you are probably wondering what steps you need to take in order to receive veterans disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Below is a step-by-step overview of how the VA disability process works. You can also benefit from the counsel of a VA disability agent or attorney who can answer any further questions you may have and help you file a strong claim for compensation.
1. You file a VA disability claim.
The first step in the veterans disability process is taken by you. As a disabled veteran, you must complete the applicable VA form and submit it to your local VA office. Applying online is the fastest way to submit your application to the VA. If you mail an application, the VA requires at least one week to receive the application and to record that they have received it.
2. The VA reviews your claim.
Once the VA has received your claim, the claim will be assigned to a veterans service representative and will be reviewed to determine if additional evidence of your disability is needed. If no evidence is needed, the VA will skip the next step and will prepare to make a decision.
3. The VA gathers and reviews evidence.
If further evidence of your disability is required, the VA will gather that evidence from you and other sources, such as medical professionals, government agencies, and other authorities. The VA disability process often cycles back to this step on one or more other occasions, since additional evidence may be required or may become available in the future.
4. The VA makes a decision.
Once all evidence has been gathered and the claim has been reviewed, the VA will prepare to make a decision. This involves preparing required documents and, in some cases, gathering any more evidence that may be required. The VA will then make a final decision and put together a notification packet for the claimant.
5. You receive notification of the VA’s decision.
Once the VA has made their decision, they will send you a notification packet that informs you whether your claim has been approved or denied, as well as the details regarding that decision. If your claim is approved, you will receive information regarding your awarded benefits.
READ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS
Want to learn more about VA benefits, eligibility, and service-connected injuries? Browse through the rest of this veterans disability informative website! It has numerous education pages designed to provide you with information and answer your questions. There is even an FAQ page to help you get started. Still can’t find the information that you need? Speak with a qualified VA benefits representative or attorney today.