List of the 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do I apply for disability compensation benefits?
- What does service connection mean?
- How long does it take for the VA to make a decision on my case?
- If my case is approved, when will I start receiving benefits?
- Can I work while receiving disability compensation?
- Can I receive Social Security disability benefits and disability compensation benefits at the same time?
- How much compensation will I get if I am unable to work?
- If my disability gets worse, can I get more compensation?
- Why should I get a representative such as Alpha to help me apply for disability compensation?
- What is the cost for representation services?
How do I apply for disability compensation benefits?
You can apply on your own at the VA Web site, but keep in mind that the application process is very complicated. Without expert help you could face months, maybe years, before winning the level of benefits you deserve.
What does service connection mean?
Service connection means that a chronic disability arose coincidental with military service. It is important to establish that your injury or illness is service-connected if you want disability compensation from the VA.
How long does it take for the VA to make a decision on my case?
On average, it takes six to seven months to get an initial decision on an original or reopened claim. If you receive what you believe to be a fully favorable decision, check the effective date of the award and the percentage of disability assigned. If you disagree with the decision, or if you are denied, you should appeal for more benefits. Without quality representation it could take as long as three to five years to get the benefits you deserve.
If my case is approved, when will I start receiving benefits?
Generally, the effective date for receiving benefits is aligned with either the date of the claim or the date that medical diagnosis confirmed entitlement, whichever is later. There are some exceptions to the general rule. If an original claim is submitted within a year of military separation or within a year from a change in law (i.e. a disease is recognized as service-connected) the benefits may be awarded as early as the date of the claim following separation or the date of the change in law. Also, what constitutes a “claim” is sometimes debatable. A qualified veterans’ disability advocate can review your unique circumstances to help you determine whether the effective date awarded is consistent with governing law.
Can I work while receiving disability compensation?
Yes, you can work and also receive compensation benefits for your service-connected disability. In fact, the VA provides vocational rehabilitation training to help veterans get back into the workforce.
Can I receive Social Security disability benefits and disability compensation benefits at the same time?
Yes, you can receive Social Security disability insurance as well as your VA service-connected compensation benefits. If you need help in applying for SSDI, contact Freedom Disability to help you get started on your claim.
How much compensation will I get if I am unable to work?
If you are unable to work because of your service-connected disability you will be found totally disabled. The VA rates disabilities from 0 to 100 percent and even higher for severely service-connected disabled veterans. The rate for a veteran with no dependents found to be entitled to the 100 percent rate is $2,673 per month.
If my disability gets worse, can I get more compensation?
Yes. You will have to resubmit an application for more benefits and be able to explain how your disability has worsened. Alpha Advocates has the expertise and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why should I get a representative such as Alpha to help me apply for disability compensation?
It can take months and, in many cases, years, to win the level of disability compensation you deserve. Very often it takes this long because of poor case development. Alpha Advocates have had specialized training in veterans disability advocacy. We are accredited through the VA Office of General Counsel. We are, for the most part, disabled veterans. We understand the process. We know how to win a case sooner, and we know how to get the highest level of compensation possible for our fellow veterans.
What is the cost for representation services?
There is no cost to you for our services unless we win your case or have increased your benefits through the appeal process. We receive a one-time-only fee, which is 20 percent of the retroactive payment the VA owes you in benefits. The Advocate’s fee is subject to review by the VA’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The VA/OGC generally considers a fee of 20% of the retroactive award as a reasonable payment and we agree. Subject to the review of the OGC, and only if we win an appeal, your Alpha Advocate will be paid a one time fee of 20% of your retroactive award.
Note: All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.
I’ve been seeing va doctors for the past 16 years for a ailment that has kept me unemployed for the same period. I wasn’t aware, or advise to seek, any va benefits. A few months ago, a social worker asked me why I wasn’t seeking compensation and advised me to do so. I applied. Will my benefits, if approved, only be retroactive to the date I filed and not the date I sought treatment?
Mike,
Generally, benefits are payable from the date of a claim or the date the condition started, whichever is later. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your claim we’d be honored to help you.
need your help, can still apply for PTSD after 8 years
Ronald,
Please call us at 877-611-7724 to talk to an Alpha advocate. Thanks.
I HAVE JUST BEEN RECENTLY SERVICE CONNECTED BUT MY EFFECTIVE DATE SHOULD BE 1994 AND NOT THE RE-OPENED DATE IN JUNE 2009. HOW CAN I GET MY EFFECTIVE DATE CHANGED. I WAS DENIED IN 1994 BECAUISE THEY SAY IT WAS LACK OF EVIDENCE BUT IN MY APPEAL IN 2011 THE JUDGE SAID THAT YES ITS CRONIC BECAUSE I WAS BEING SEEN BEFORE WE EVEN WENT TO GULF. I THINK IM GETTING MESSED OVER BAD AND I WON’T STAND FOR THAT. HELP PLEASE
My best friend joined the military immediately after high school. He served 3 years before being diagnosed with tumors in his feet. He went on to work for a manufacturing company for 32 years (Im so proud of him). Often times he was in lots of pain since his job involved being on his feet. I’ve also noticed his hearing is getting worse. He’s now 51 and unable to get suitable employment. Im sure that his noticeable health problems would make any employer think twice before hiring him. Can you please offer advice for my friend? Thank you in advance. -Ester
Ester,
We would need to know more about your friend. We need to know more about his military service. If his tumors are service-connected, he could be entitled to disability compensation. Our best advice would be to call in to talk to one of our Alpha advocates at 877-611-7724.
Anthony,
Effective dates of an award can be tricky, and often the VA fails to establish the proper effective date. You might want to talk more about it with an Alpha advocate.
I got out of the service in 2001. I have a VA exam done for lower back pain. It was rated at 0%, but acknowledged it was service connected. I have contiuned to have the same pain till this day. I have had 2 MRI done i now have to see a neurosurgeon. I have 3 herniated disc and a pinched nerve pain down to my knees and sometime feet. The VA never did and MRI which probably would have caught this. How can i refile my claim?
Carr,
An Alpha advocate can certainly review your claim and help you appeal the decision to ensure that you are getting the benefits you deserve. Please call us 877-611-7724 if you want our help. You should consider appealing.
How long does it usually take before I receive a Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) letter from the VA after filing the claim? It’s been over 5 months and I haven’t received anything. Is this a sign that they are satisfied with the documentation they already received and I won’t need any appointments?
Robert,
It generally takes 90-120 days. Maybe you should call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to ask them what the status is on your case. They may be satisfied with the documentation but VA regulations require sending you the VCAA letter.
Thanks. I actually have one of your advocates already working my case. I just wanted to know a time frame, because without receiving that letter I don’t see how any progress can be made. That should be the easy part.
I just received 50 percent ptsd disability from the VA. How long will these disability payments be there? hate to depend on them, then have them yanked away.
Jeff,
The evaluation for a service connected disability is relatively stable. Generally, the VA may routinely re-examine you every 5 years to determine whether the condition has become worse, remained the same, or gotten better. At which time, they will assign a new evaluation consistent with the change. The process to reduce is pretty difficult for the VA as the evidence must show sustainable and demonstrable improvement, so it’s not likely that a reduction will take place. Generally, if you feel your condition hasn’t really changed much, it’s more likely that the evaluation will generally remain the same.
I have recieved a letter from VA April 7 2011 stating that they recieved info from Alpha and are working on the case. That was 8 months ago. It is a reopended case. Was advised by ALPHA rep that I would be contacted by Doctor and have still not. Should I wait?
Robert,
No, don’t wait. You should reach out to your Alpha advocate as soon as possible. Consistent communication between you and your advocate are critical in these early stages. Good Luck.
Has anybody been approved a disability for gulf war syndrome?
Been with Alpha advocate 7 months now and still no VCAA letter, no contact from anyone at the VA about anything. I cannot be any more depressed than this. I have never heard of anyone waiting for an initial contact this long. I’m waiting, but not patiently. That’s impossible with Chronic PTSD. I don’t want to vent here but what else is there to do. I can’t even get through the phone to the VA to ask about my process. Can someone please find out about my case. I don’t know exactly what my advocates job entails and don’t want to keep nagging but I have no information about nothing for 7 months.
please change my address to the one above. thank you.
Robert,
I can assure you your Alpha advocate is working hard on your case. Your advocate should be in touch with your regarding your claim shortly. I know it must be difficult to be patient during this time, but please know we are doing everything we can to get you the benefits your deserve. Hang in there.
Matthew,
Please contact your Alpha advocate if there is a change of address. Thank you.
John,
The answer to your question is yes; however, it is one of the most difficult disabilities to prove. We advise you to seek representation. If you would like our assistance, please contact us at 1-877-611-7724. We would like to help.
I’m very glad to have found your website! The VA has been sitting on my claim for over 5 months now, and if I don’t get the rating I know I deserve within the next two months, you will most definitely be hearing from me. Thank you for all you do.
I am not getting good responses from my initial contact with Alpha.
I was just told that Alpha will not accept a client that has not initiated a disability claim with the VA previously.
This is not my understanding from my initial case intake which was cut off part way into it with no follow up calls for the remained of that day (I called back 3 times).
Did I misunderstand something? All I want to know at this point is whether you only work on appeals or help initiate claims.
Thank you and I have heard good things about Alpha and do understand that things happen, but am looking to make things move here.
Our current focus in on helping wartime veterans who served in a combat zone get the most of their VA benefits. For those qualifying individuals, we assist from the initial claim all the way through the appeals process.