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Many American veterans are unaware of the fact that they might be eligible to receive benefits. While some feel like leaving the past behind them, so to speak, others do not even realize that there may be reason for them to receive benefits. Plus, the laborious, seemingly endless application process can seem too daunting even to give it a try. If you are a veteran and you have a disability or injury this is something you should look into, you have earned these benefits.

Q: How do you know if you could be receiving benefits? Who, exactly, is qualified to receive them?

A: There are three key factors in determining if you might be eligible to obtain VA service connected disability benefits. The first is that you must have done service with either the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, or the US Coast Guard. Secondly, you must currently suffer from a disability which began during your years of service, or began before hand and was worsened by doing service. This could be anything from High Blood Pressure to certain types of cancers as well as many other disabilities depending on when and where you served. Lastly, you need to show evidence that your current disability is connected to your military service.

An example is, if you were on leave from active duty and vacationing with your family and while skiing you fell and broke your leg or injured your knee. Today, even though many years have passed, the problem caused by that old injury is only getting worse, and you will soon need surgery to have the knee replaced. This can be service connected because while you were in the service you had an accident, incident, or illness. And in addition to the surgery, the incident has caused other problems that you need taken care of.

Q: Why should I obtain VA service connected disability benefits, how will it help me?

A: If you are successful in being service connected for your disability you could receive a monthly benefit and you become eligible for medical care at your local VA facility. The benefit amount you will receive each month will be dependent on what percentage of your current disability is determined to be service connected.

Q: If I am eligible for service connected benefits, and have 10% hearing loss and 30% PTSD, why are my disabilities considered only 30% connected to my military service?

A: The VA has a rating schedule that they use to determine what percentage is to be granted for each disability depending on the severity of the disability. Rather than using math to determine these percentages, they use a rating chart to give you a total final percentage, or rating. These service connection percentages can be tricky to understand and if you feel that you should be receiving more benefits or a higher percentage then you should look into your disability and the severity or contact a professional that could assist you.

Q: My cousin has obtained a 65% service connection for the exact same disability I have. Why?

A: This is due to the fact that the VA rates everyone separately depending on the severity of their disability. It is important to remember that the VA uses a rating schedule to determining the percentage and, therefore, the amount of benefits an individual receives.

Q: If I work at Veteran Affairs, can I still receive disability benefits for my time in service?

A: You can. VA service connected disability benefits are not like Social Security Disability benefits in this respect. If you are granted service connection for a disability that is not keeping you from working then you can still work and receive benefits. Your disability benefits are not reduced or annulled if you are earning an income.

Q: Can I receive Social Security Disability benefits and VA service connected disability benefits? A: Yes, you can. While Social Security Disability does gauge your earned income when determining your SSD benefits, your VA benefits are not considered earned income, and so will not get in the way of your SSD benefits.

Q: My spouse, who was in the service and getting benefits from the VA for a service connected disability, has passed away. Can I receive their benefits?

A: In some cases, yes, benefits are available for children and spouses who survive a deceased veteran. Each situation is different so this is something that you should consult with a professional about.

Q: How do I apply for benefits?

A: Veteran Affairs has laws to follow called "Veteran Friendly Laws." The VA has the duty to help you file a claim and walk you through the process of obtaining benefits. There are Regional Offices in every state and there are organizations set up to assist the veterans at no cost to you. To locate your local Veteran Affairs Regional Office and any local Veteran Service Organizations, visit the Veteran Affairs website at www.va.gov.

Q: Can I employ a lawyer to help me?

A: Veteran Affairs has some laws that help a lawyer to know when he or she can represent you for a fee, and when he or she cannot. Some attorneys will represent you on a Pro Bono basis, meaning they wont charge you, and others will have you sign a Contract with a fee stipulation. You should contact a local attorneys office for more information and specifics regarding your claim.

Q: I already get benefits for a service connected ability. Is there any other benefit I can receive?

A: The answer to this question will depend on your situation. If you have a service connected disability and it has gotten worse, you can request for an increase in your rating which would result in higher benefits if a higher rating is granted. The VA also has benefits for those veterans that are unemployable due to their service connected disability. To apply for these benefits there is a separate form that needs to be filled out and filed with the VA. If you feel you are unemployable and should be receiving higher benefits you should contact a VSO or an Attorney to answer your questions and possibly assist you in obtaining these benefits. Veteran Affairs also provides additional benefits to those veterans who, due to their service connected disability, are mostly homebound and cannot care for themselves. This is called homebound compensation. This is an option to consider if you feel you need assistance to care for yourself.

Because each claim is different, getting the benefits that you are entitled to can be a complex and confusing process. The VAs website has a lot of information on what kind of benefits there are beyond disability benefits and what you can do to receive these benefits. If, as a veteran, you were injured in any way during service, or saw your previous disability or injury exacerbated by your service, it is very important to look into your benefits options. After all, you served your country in the past, and may very well be entitled to receive benefits for it today.

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