TYPES OF VETERANS BENEFITS & VA CLAIMS
Disability Ratings
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines how disabled a veteran is based upon the evidence the veteran provides, as well as their military service records. Veterans disabilities are rated from 0% – 100% in increments of 10%. The amount of benefits a disabled veteran receives is determined by the percentage disability rating, their spouse and / or dependents, and whether or not their spouse is severely disabled.
Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
DIC is a tax-free form of compensation paid to surviving spouses and dependents of those veterans who died in the line of duty, or whose death was the direct or proximate result of a service-connected injury or disease. A claimant’s spouse could be killed in action overseas, or the claimant’s spouse could have died from complications that arose from Agent Orange exposure, shrapnel wounds, traumatic brain injury, or any other number of service-connected injuries.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Veterans who suffer from certain severe types of disability as a result of their military service – such as loss of use of a hand, foot, limb, or other specific organs or extremities – may be eligible for SMC. This is additional compensation to regular VA service-connected disability benefits.
Mental Claims
Veterans may be eligible for compensation if they have mental health issues as a result of their military service. These mental health conditions can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse… Find information here and then get immediate help if you are struggling emotionally due to your military service experiences.
HOW TO FILE A MENTAL HEALTH CLAIM
When it comes to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues resulting from military service, a veteran may be eligible for VA benefits. The VA can also help veterans get professional help to assist them with coping and managing any mental health condition. You can file a claim for PTSD or any mental health condition online with the VA or at your local VA office.