Disabled Veteran Benefits & VA Claims Assistan
How do I get started with filing my VA disability compensation claim?
We always recommend finding a veterans service organization (VSO) to help you file a claim with the VA. However, should you choose to file a claim on your own, educate yourself through the VA’s website on the basics of filing a service-connected compensation claim. Additionally, the VA provides prompts through your va.gov account to file your claim electronically.
I have already filed my VA disability claim. Can WWP still help me?
Even if you have filed your claim, our accredited National Service Officers can assist with making sure all illnesses or injuries were claimed and that the VA has rated your disability claim properly.
Additionally, you may be able to receive assistance with increased compensation or additional claims, and we can help you become more informed about the claims process to ensure you’ve received the benefits you’ve earned in a manner that honors your service.
What should I do if the VA contacted me saying that I have an exam I wasn’t expecting?
First and most importantly, do not fail to appear for the exam. The VA schedules future exams for certain conditions that a veteran has that may have a probability for improvement in their severity. Should you fail to appear for the exam, the VA will reduce the percentage for that condition, which could impact your total compensation. If you have a relationship with a VSO, you should contact them immediately to find out what the exam is for, why the exam was scheduled, and how to fulfill the requirements of the exam.
How do I know who my current VA representative is?
The quickest and easiest way to verify your current VA representative is to log into your va.gov/benefits account and check the “Profile” section. Your current representative, if any, should be shown there. Alternatively, you can call the VA at 800.827.1000 and speak with a representative who can verify your representation.
What am I entitled to at my current rating?
The VA’s website contains a “Service-Connected Matrix”, which displays the additional benefits you may be eligible for based on your VA disability rating. You can look at your potential benefits entitlements here.
What is an Intent to File?
An Intent to File is an official notice sent to the VA that provides you with a “placeholder” for filing a formalized claim. You’re essentially telling the VA, “This is my date of claim, but I’d like up to one year to gather my evidence and formalize it”. It’s a tool we recommend veterans use when they don’t know if they’re quite ready to file a claim but will have what they need to execute a successful claim within one year.
How do I know if I am Permanent and Total (P&T)?
The quickest and easiest way to verify this is to log into your va.gov account and select your name at the top right of the page. Next, select “Letters”. Verify that your mailing address is correct, then select “View Letters.” Scroll down and expand the “Benefits Summary and Service Verification Letter” option. There, if you see an option saying, “You are considered to be totally and permanently disabled solely due to your service-connected disabilities,” then you are rated P&T. You can generate a letter and include that designation if you choose. Alternatively, you can call the VA at 800.827.1000 and speak with a representative who can verify if your total (100%) VA rating is rated as permanent.
Am I eligible for benefits because of the PACT Act?
Benefits: Veterans who (1) served during certain eras, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, and post-9/11, (2) were deployed to certain locations, and (3) were diagnosed with one or more of the presumptive conditions may qualify for disability compensation, even if denied previously.
Review a complete list of qualifying dates and locations of service and the newly recognized presumptive conditions to learn more.
VA Health Care: Veterans who have served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone following 9/11 are entitled to enroll in VA health care without needing to apply for VA benefits initially. Moreover, veterans who were exposed to toxins or hazards during training or active duty within the United States, even if they never deployed, are also eligible for enrollment.
What are the basic elements of service connection? What must be proven by evidence for a successful disability compensation claim?
The following elements are needed for a successful disability compensation claim:
What are the criteria for Individual Unemployability (IU)? (Commonly called “IU,” “TDIU,” or just “unemployability”)
If you can’t work because of a service-connected disability, you may qualify for Individual Unemployability. If the VA approves IU, you would receive disability compensation and other benefits just as a veteran with a 100% schedular disability rating. You may be eligible for Individual Unemployability if you meet the requirements listed below.
This must be true:
You can’t hold down a steady job that supports you financially (known as substantially gainful employment) because of your service-connected disability. Odd jobs (marginal employment) don’t count.
And one of these must be true:
You have at least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling; or,
You have two or more service-connected disabilities, with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.
In certain cases – for example, if you need to be in the hospital often – you may qualify at a lower disability rating.
Where can I get a copy of my rating decision letter(s)?
You can access your rating decision letter(s) by logging into your va.gov account. Select the down arrow next to your name in the top right corner, select “Letter” and then “View Letters”. You can download the specific letter(s) you need.
How do I update my dependents?
You can update your dependents on the VA’s website. Navigate to va.gov, enter “add dependents” into the search bar in the top right corner of the homepage, and follow the prompts. In most instances, dependents can be added in as little as 24 hours.