disability
2006-09-21 08:44:52 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Try this number first:
VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
Keep in mind though that a VA pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older. You may be eligible if you:
1. were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions,
2. served 90 days* or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time,
3. have family income is below a yearly limit set by law, and are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.
* However, anyone who enlists after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty.
Also if you know of records that will support your claim, VA will help you by requesting them from the person, medical facility, company, or agency that has them.
On Part B of VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and Pension, tell them the name and address of the person, medical facility, company or agency that has these records, the approximate time frame covered by these records, and the condition for which you were treated in the case of medical records.
If you received treatment from a military health care facility after your discharge from service, just tell them the name of the facility. If your treatment was by a private physician, or any other health care provider, complete VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They can use that form to request these records. You can find the form at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-4142.pdf .
2006-09-21 13:13:14 · answer #1 · answered by errin24 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest you seek information from three sources in this order:
First, search the VA websites for as much pertinent information as you can find on disability claims. Then go into you local Veterans Affairs offices to talk to a Vet Rep. The VA Vet Reps are usually friendly, helpful and a good source of information. They'll be able to give you a lot more information than you can get here and it will be specific to your personal circumstances.
That's also when you can request a copy of your service medical records-- that you'll almost definitely need in order to show whether or not your disability is service connected.
Do your homework first, because you don't want to seek legal representation without having some idea of what you're getting yourself into. And if your claim is a simple one, you might not even need an attorney at all.
Second, contact a local Veteran's Service Organization like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). They should be able to hook you up with an advocate or a similar resource who can help you find legal representation who has some experience in veterans affairs.
Third, and last, contact your state bar association attorney referral service and ask for a list of attorneys in your area that claim to be familiar with veterans affairs and disability.
Good luck.
2006-09-21 09:06:32 · answer #2 · answered by ParaNYC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you will need your DD 214. If you were medically discharged, this will help your claim for disability with the VA. You must also have a COMPLETE copy of your medical records. When you were discharged, I hope you had your records sent to your local VA office, otherwise they were sent to St. Louis to sit in a basement to collect dust until they are called upon. I also hope you have a copy for yourself, it is hard to get once it is sent off! Before you obtain a lawyer, have a VA rep help you fill out the paperwork for VA Compensation and Pension. (I don't know if a lawyer will do much good when filing for disability through the VA) This needs to be submitted to the regional VA office in your area. You don't need to be receiving disability to be seen by a VA doctor, you can schedule an appointment at any time during the process. Keep in mind, you may have to pay co-pays for meds (if you need them- they are minimal, but can add up if you take a lot of medication) and services until you receive a rating from the VA. If you are not satisfied with the rating you receive from the VA, you can always appeal. If they find in your favor after the appeal process, your award will be back-dated to the first day the appeal was started. My rating took 5 months to get from the VA, I had several physicals that I had to go through. Remember the other resources that are available through the VA, too. Not just the monetary compensation and pension, but vocational rehabilitation, home loans, etc. I hope this was helpful, but you can also email me if you have any other questions.
2006-09-21 09:03:55 · answer #3 · answered by proud mom of 2 girls 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will need a lawyer and I'll warn you from knowing people who've been thru this that it will take a very long time. Your Veteran's association or local Bar association should be able to help you find a good attorney. Then gather up all the paperwork you have and I would even write down your story or some notes so you don't forget to tell the attorney anything. Good Luck!
2006-09-21 08:55:17 · answer #4 · answered by KB 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go to talk to a VA rep first and start filing out your paperwork. talking to a lawyer should be the last thing you should do.
2006-09-21 10:45:17 · answer #5 · answered by Rusty Shackleford 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it sucks but it's true, those representing themselves will get screwed over, and those who pay will get more of what they should from the government they served in and usually renegs when it comes to taking care of family or troop once out
usually only those 'active' or 'mobilized' are treated well
the rest become back burner material and usually give up and walk away
good job, get a dang lawyer and stand up for yourself
2006-09-21 10:22:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the local VA rep, he will help you. Also, get a hold of the DAV or American Legion to help you
2006-09-21 08:56:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You dont need a lawyer. Its a simply app. and there are groups like D.A.V.E that will help you get started. You can also go to the amvets and get info..........I currently get v.a all i had to do was so my records and do the leg work it.
2006-09-21 09:00:38 · answer #8 · answered by lee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start by calling a lawyer. How tough is that?
2006-09-21 08:47:05 · answer #9 · answered by Spud55 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask the hudvash people to help u
2014-12-30 07:07:18 · answer #10 · answered by Thomas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋