How to Apply for Veterans Disability: Attorney Explains Basics of Applying

May 9, 2012 - PRLog -- You can apply for veterans disability compensation by visiting your local Department of Veterans’ Affairs office. You must complete VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. Keep in mind that these filings can get confusing and if something is filled out wrong, it may be denied. If you live in North Carolina, a disability attorney at Brent Adams & Associates for help.

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Before You Apply for Veterans Disability or Pension

Before you even fill out the application form, you should first ensure that you are eligible for benefits. You may be eligible for several different forms of benefits, including disability compensation and pension. Those who may be eligible include:

•   veterans;
•   veterans' dependents;
•   surviving spouses;
•   children or parents of deceased veterans;
•   active duty service personnel; and
•   members of the reserve or National Guard.

For disability compensation, you must have sustained a debilitating injury, condition, or illness during active duty service. In order to be eligible for compensation, you must also receive a disability rating of at least 10%.

For veterans' pensions, you must be discharged under any circumstances other than dishonorable circumstances, have served 90 days or more of active duty with at least a day of service during war time, and be permanently or totally disabled or at least 65 years old with limited income.

Filling out the Veterans Disability Compensation and Pension Application

The application is quite long and can feel intimidating if you are not prepared for it. Before you begin, you should gather all the materials and supporting documents you will have to reference.

If your application should be rejected and you believe the denial was wrongfully made, you can file a formal Notice of Disagreement, and the VA will send you a Statement of the Case with the findings and reasoning for their decision on your case. Your veterans disability advocate can help you by using this information to find out what holes exist in your case and how they can be filled with the supporting evidence you have of your injury.

At this point, you can request a hearing before the case is forwarded on to the Board of Veteran Appeals. Your attorney can explain more about this process and help you prepare for the hearing.

Contact a North Carolina Disability Attorney for Help with Your Application

If you or someone you love has sustained a debilitating injury on active duty service and is no longer able to work, or is a veteran of at least 65 years of age with limited income who served during a war, contact a veterans’ advocate. You can receive a free evaluation of your circumstances to see what benefits and special compensations you may qualify for.

An attorney from the law offices of Brent Adams & Associates will answer your questions in a free, confidential consultation so that you can be on your way toward receiving the benefits you need and deserve.