FAQ
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.
Related Articles:
How to Apply for VA Disability Compensation
Eligibility and Benefits Compensation Criteria
How to Get Full Benefits if Not Rated 100 Percent Disabled by the VA
Vietnam Veteran with Stage IV Cancer Got VA Benefits by Chance Thanks to Alpha
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC): Another Opportunity for Disabled Veterans to Win Benefits
Alpha Advocates Get Veterans the Most. Is it Worth the Cost?
How Your Medical Discharge Could Affect Your VA Compensation Benefits
By retroactive do you mean from the time the claim was filed or from the time of the injury?
Brian, We provide an example of the retroactive pay under the "What is the Cost of Representation Services" after checking out this page, if you need further clarification, please let me know.
Good day all, I was wondering I have a service connected right knee that has had three surgerys to date and has effected my Left knee and back injuries, from my Military Med records can this be a consequential injury and would it be covered? And I'm on the registrar for Agent Orange and sent in for a claim but my Neuropathy keeps getting worse and the pain makes it so hard to walk at times and my back injury has effected my thigh nerves and numbs them both sides. How can I get authorization to have it fixed? My sleep Apnea is so severe, I hardly get sleep some nights. And they are following up on my Ocular migraines. Please HELP.
We're working on your case now. I'm sure we can address all your conditions to get you the maximum in benefits.
I'm already getting 100% . 60%on medical problem and total on unemployable. I have alot of risk factors for heart problems and had requested a consult with a cardiologist for the last seven years and the V.A. would not do it as I was on statins and asprin. In July I was told I had diabetes and extreme trygliserides and that I was a walking time bomb for a stroke or heart attack. Four days later I went to the Er with chest pain and shortness of breath. Two hours later I was sent Home still havin chest pain. I was told that I was havin a panic attack. When I got home after ahourand half drive. I had to call 911 for help.I lost half my herat function and now have an ICD implant. All this was done outside the VA. Can I get the va to pay med. bills and do I qualify for more benefits.
Danny, As far as getting help with your medical bills, we recommnend that you visit with a patient advocate at your VA medical center and request reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses. It is difficult to judge whether reopening your claim is in your best interest without learning more about your military and medical histories. We would like to discuss this further with you.
I lost my job last year from health reasons,and now im homeless with no car or income and to unhealthy to work. I spent 6 years in U.S.ARMY and beginning to to think theres no help out there for me, so a reply in general would be a little hope. thank you for your time and concern.
Scott: Each VA regional office has a Homeless Liaison person responsible for expediting cases where legitimate homelessness is found. Assuming that you may be entitled to compensation for a physical or mental disability related to your military service, one of our advocates can assist you in preparing and submitting your claim to the VA regional office. Thereafter, we can work with the Homeless Veteran Liaison to move your case through the process in the most efficient manner possible.
I am a homeless vet getting the Presidential runaround. The VA only helps those convenient to be helped. IE: drunks, drug abusers, and psyc patients. Anything else, ask for SSI backed programs. The VA is not so willing to assist in this case, but as is POTUS order, they must. The shelter only works if there is an ongoing reason to be with "their program"...whatever the hell that means. Ask Northport if you don't believe me...15 degree outside and snowing but they dont care...what a croc. My back condition is my only ongoing case. My med discharge was created to BURN me and I have evidence to prove I should still be on active duty. I have been threatened with being locked up without the key prior to service separation already. Not going thru hell again for "non-existant conditions" (and this according to the VA diagnosis and my service files.[does the homeless program consider this?? no.]) -(Ret.) MC2 Richard Jasmin
I am receiving 30% disability for a total right knee replacement (2008) from a service connected injury while serving in the USMC 1968-72. I am suffering from right hip, back, and groin pain which has been treated twice with pain management injections (2008 and 2010). I am now beginning a series of three injections for pain management to these joints which my doctors have attributed to the service connected disability to my right knee. Will the impending hip replacement surgery be an extension of the service connected disability? How do I go about requesting a VA claim for this matter? I also have been exposed to agent orange and have neuropathy and diabetes. Can a claim be made for these and if so what do I need to do?
Max, Yes, a claim can be developed. The discussion we need to have is how to strategize an approach that would work best for you. That's the challenge. You want to develop each issue to maximize the potential for getting the most compensation. We can do that. Please call to talk to an Alpha advocate. 877.611.7724
I am about to be released from the army after 14 years of sevice and two trips to Iraq.i am currently getting released on an honorable discharge with conditions being misconduct,i was struggling with a drug and alcohol problem and two attempted suicides was diagnoaed with ptsd,severe depression and amxiety disorder.I also have had two knee surgerys one as recently as in the last year.I was just wondering what my future holds as a veteran and will be recieving no bennifits from the U.S.ARMY
Dmitry I was a mortar man in the US Army from 1987 to 1990. Long marches and jumping out of choppers and trucks with a heavy rucksack and a mortar tube slung around my neck totaled my knees and my back. I have received treatment through the VA hospital for persistent debilitating back pain. I had an ACL replacement surgery for knee injuries that the VA considered to be service related. I always rejected the idea of applying for disability because I thought there are guys with much worse problems. Now, I am 45 and virtually unemployable because my body is completely giving out on me. I am afraid of loosing everything I have. Can you do anything for me.
Dmitry, You deserve what you're entitled to. And perhaps you shouldn't wait anymore. We strongly advise that you talk to one of our Alpha advocates who can advise you on your options, particularly if you believe you are unemployable. You could get a 100 percent rating and the most in benefits. We can help you with that, without a doubt. If you are interested in our help, plesae call 877.611.7724.
Matthew, If your discharge was Other Than Honorable, we would be unable to assist you with the discharge upgrade process. If that is the case, we recommend that about 6 months to a year after separation, you file a DD293 form to request a discharge upgrade. If you are able to get your discharge upgraded to at least a general, we would be able to assist you with your VA claim. FYI: your type of discharge does not prohibit you from filing a claim for compensation at the VA. You should file your claim and force the VA to deny you in written form rather than verbally. This way, if your discharge is upgraded, you have more wiggle room to argue for an earlier effective date. Good luck.
I need your help, THANK YOU:
do you think that in addition to the social security benefits of my husband can i also get disability benefits from his agent orange settlement
Jenny, There is no offset between dependency indemnity compensation (DIC) and Social Security benefits. If your husband's death was related to his exposure to Agent Orange, you should file a claim for DIC as soon as possible. Alpha can help you.
I enlisted in the Marines in 1970. I was in Nam in 1971 and got a early out in 1973 for a career in law enforcement, in 1976 while on patrol I lost my eyesight. Two weeks in the hospital my eyesight returned with severe double vision. Diagnosis was believed to be a hormone imbalance.over the years I had other problems but did not see doctors as I was still young and bullet proof. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis after a severe episode. I filed a claim with the V.A as I felt it was something I picked up in Viet Nam. V.A denied my claim because I could only file a claim within 7 years after discharge and I was diagnosed in 1999. I cannot prove the problems I have had because any medical records I had from medical providers in the past had been purged. Can I do anything? Thank You
David, We may be able to help you. The challenge here is to work on establishing if the onset of MS was within that first 7 year period after separation. Call 877.611.7724 if you want to pursue this.
I was treated for prostate cancer and received 100% benefits for two years,then my benefits were cut back to 40%.This cut actually equalled to about a 78% cut of compensation for my wife and I.Needless to say , this really has caused problems meeting expenses and financial obligations. Is there any recourse to this problem?
Russell, Yes there is. Please take a look at this video about how to protect your benefits from reductions. Then, give us a call if you'd like our help. Thanks.
I was activated national guard during the gulf war in 90 and 91 when I was 18 and was discharged honorably 15 years ago. A few months ago I had major mental problems and family problems and a help line tld me to contact VA. I now got va medical benefits and have learned about presumptive irritable bowel syndrome benefits as well as mental health possibilities. I am now a patient with the va and going to psychiatry and psychology in one month, I definitely have problems not sure if they are service related but the ibs is. Where do I start, can I hire an attorney right fom the start?
Jason, You should start by giving us a call. We specialize in helping veterans navigate the complex VA maze to get benefits. Most of us are also disabled veterans. We understand. You can get started right away with our help.
I'm a 29 yr old veteran with honarable discharge from the Marine corp in 2005. My MOS was a corrections officer. During those 4 yrs I was exposed to extreme violence and witnessed many suicide attempts.after I got out the memorys and anxiety led to alcohol and opiate abuse. Also leading to unemployment and loss of everything that ever meant anything to me.I am now in my 4th month of inpatient substance abuse program and in 2 weeks have an appt with va for ptsd evaluation. Just needed some help and info on how to go about al of this....thanks
Ryan, One of our advocates can help explain what to expect. If you want to talk, please contact us. We can help. If you want to call, the number is 877.611.7724.
I have severe sleep apena and skin cancer (basil cell), would either fit the guidelines of conditions of agent orange? I was exposed in 65-65 in Viet-Nam.
Ron, neither of your conditions is recognized as a presumptive condition related to Agent Orange. But there may be different approaches to take. If interested in having a discussion with an Alpha advocate, please call us at 1.877.611.7724.
Seeking advise not sure what to do reference in submitting a Notice of Disagreement for an earlier effective date: After 9 years of Procrastinating I finally submitted my claim for my sleep apnea and got approved with an effective date of 1 Mar 2010. As you well know allot us are not educated in the VA process. Anyway back in Mar 2002 during my retirement physical I had reported that I had Sleep Apnea and it was also noted during my QTC physical but I was denied because I didn't have nothing in my record. My Medical Health jacket was lost during the end of first Desert War 1991. I reopen my claim in Feb 2010 and received the following: 1. NEXUS Letter from my Family Nurse Practitioner 2. New Sleep Study confirming my Sleep Study 3. Buddy Letters from different friends 4. C&P Exam confirming Sleep Apnea during Active Duty I have received a NEXUS letter from my family nurse practitioner and also completed another sleep study which one again confirms my OSA Sleep Apnea and buddy letters from of variety friends that were station with me during field exercises. The most important letter is from the VA Compensation & Benefits Physician (C&P) which concluded with the following: C&P Examiners final finding: There were multiple supporting documents of sleep difficulties –disrupted sleep daytime drowsiness, and snoring which occurred during and immediately after active duty and the common finding symptoms predating diagnosis for many years, it is likely the veteran’s obstructive sleep apnea had its onset while he was on active duty. My DAV Rep stated that this is the strongest letter he's seen as evidence for Sleep Apnea. The question is should I submit a NOD for an earlier effective date of Aug 2002 instead of 1 Mar 2010. Please advise…
Hector, We thank you for asking us for advice. We suggest that you speak this through with your DAV rep. Considering the new evidence that wasn't available at the time of your earlier claim it may be unlikely that you would be successful in getting an earlier effective date. But, really, it's up to your rep to help you study the evidence that was available at the time and if the decision should have been different.
I have 40 % service connected disability at Loma Linda Medical Center in San Bernardino, Ca. I have cancelled my Medicare Health Insurance, is the Va covers my emergency bills outside VA hospital? Is my ambulance services covers too? What is options to have coverage in case of emergencies?
Alex, You should speak with a member of the Patient Advocates staff at your VA medical center to better understand how and when the VA would cover emergency services and/or unauthorized medical expenses provided from non-VA medical treatment facilities.
Im a surviving spose of Ronald David Tibbits. My husband died at the age of 34yrs massive haert attack in his sleep. He passed long before his time. He servered 2 tours in vietnam as a tank commander. he in listed Sept.1970.Served his 4yrs. Discharged with honarabl discharge. I have been trying to get answers about surviving spouse benifits for 14yr. His brother who came home from vietnam a heorin addicat.Dug accitated his rest of his life. Never paid taxes and is getting full VA benifits. I find this outrages that our milatary men fight for us and the ones who need and deserve these benifitshave to dig on their own to get them.I was not aware od the burial allowence until I started getting information on my own. It would be a blessing if the VA would help and be straight forward. Theses men put their lives on the line for us. THIS IS THE RESPECT THE MEN AND SURVIVING SPOUSES GET?? I NEED HELP AND INFORMATION PLEAS!!!!
My Dad Nicholas DiRocco is 93 years old & is going into an assisted living residence. He served in the Army in Panaman in the Army Air Corp. 1938 thru 1939 or 40. He was honorably discharged. He was drafted in 1944 into the Navy & serviced 2 years in the States. Again, he was honorably discharged. We were told that now that he needs assisted living, he is entitled to financial aide. I need to get the paperwork to complete the request. My Dad lives with my right now & has been with me since 2007. The phone number I left is my home phone.I will be home after 12:00 noon tomorrow. Thank you for your help in this matter. Barbara Cheeseman
Elizabeth, Last year Congress passed a new regulation which association ischemic heart disease with service in Vietnam. We encourage you contact us to file a new application for benefits.
I receive 50% disability compensation and in early June 2010, I initiated a claim for an increase due in large part to a secondary service connected malignancy. I submitted complete documentation by September 2010 and I had two VA scheduled exams in October 2010. The VA finally moved my case to Phase 2 (development) in late January 2011, where it continues to sit. Every time I ask for an update I get a standard apology for the delay and a reference to their backlog, yet other vets I know had their claims decided in much less time -- and they filed well after me. It's now been 10.5 months and I'm totally frustrated. Is there some way to get these people moving on my claim?
Jim, We answered a similar question just recently. A case can get expedited if a person is over the age of 75;if there s a serious financial hardship; or if there is a terminal illness. It could very well be the backlog. We don't know why others would get through faster than yours. If you'd like to talk about it give us a call at 877.611.7724. Would like to add that VA's average is 6-8 months. You might try bringing your case to attention of your congressional office. Your representative shoudl also provide you with strategies for getting your case expedited.
Thanks. I engaged my Congressional Office two months ago and the staffer sent the VA Regional Office a letter signed by my Congressman. I employed this tactic a few years ago and it resulted in a fairly quick resolution. In this case, it took the VA five weeks to respond, and they did so with the same general response they give me -- sorry, but we're busy, and we'll get to it when we get to it. The staffer was ticked that it took the VA so long to respond with basically a form letter, but he offered no other recourse to me at this point. I guess I'll continue to wait.
I am curious I heard if your receiving 100% temp and total for 10 years it automatically becomes 100% perm and total is this true? I am asking because my doctor has stated numerous times i will never get better.
Bill, It is not an automatic changeover. Since your doctor has made the determination that you won't get better, you should write to the VA to request that the rating be made permanent and total. This will qualify you and your family for Chapter 35 benefits which include ChampVA, a healthcare benefit for you, your spouse and children under age 18, as well as education and other benefits.
I'm now receiving 40% disability for PTSD and Tinnitus. I did miss my appointment for a hearing loss claim (half my hearing gone forever) that I actually wear hearing aids for, courtesy of military combat. Up until my medical board, I was diagnosed with Chronic PTSD, MDD, Antisocial Personality DIsorder, Hearing Loss, Vertigo, and a few others, which were forgotten about when the time came for the medical board, who put down 10% (and said get lost kid... they basically said under their breath) on my way out the door. Have you had any cases similar? A thousand, maybe? There was other information which they watered down as well, including suicide attempt and plenty of hospitalization (still active duty, mind you). 10%? I'm venting, I know, but there is also a 'severely impaired' mark for employability written in the medical board 'package' as well... Help! At first I'm thinking, 'ok, they don't want to make me a medically retired vet for some reason so they gave me a low percentage to send me home with', then I was verbally coaxed into filing for more benefits after returning home... being stuck on light limited for a year and a half didn't help me want to delay the process, either. Now I have to live with the information left out of the medical board package (but I do have all my medical records and documentation for the upcoming fight).
Rob, Maybe you should call in to talk to an Alpha advocate. If you're handling all of this on your own, that's a lot to deal with. Our expertise is in strategizing a case to help veterans get the most in benefits they deserve. If you want to talk, we'll listen. Please call in to 877.611.7724 if interested in our help.
Is it too late to help a disabled veteran from World War Two?
Frances, It's never too late to provide help to a disabled veteran. In the "Your View" section of this Web site, Tom was a WWII veteran. If you have a concern that you think we can help you with, please call us at 877.611.7724.
Just recently went before the BVA and was awarded earlier effective date due to a CUE by the Atlanta VARO. I was awarded my initial claim at the BVA in Oct 2006 and was awarded back to May 2004. In NOV 2006 I was rated at 60% for one illness and 40% for another. Then I was awarded TDIU Permanent and Total. My earlier effective date goes back to June 1999, my question is, "Because I did not appeal the rating just for the earlier effective date, will I get automatically get my 100 IU back to June 1999? I have been sick with the same two illnesses since 1987 after my service. So how will the VA assign a rating for the earlier effective date???Help....I am waiting for the Atlanta Varo to respond to the BVA ruling.
Bob, It will require a careful review of your case history to find a legal argument to pursue entitlement back to 1999. It happens for some cases. But for others, there is no possible means to secure an earlier effective date. Call if you would like some help with this.
I have had 5 surgeries on my knee and now the doctors are wanting to and do a meniscus transplant and also to put cartilage into my knee.will i be able to increase my compensation from the va because i will be out of work for over 6 months.
Jordan, It would be better to call in to talk to us so that we can better assist you in increasing your disability compensation. Please call 877.611.7724.
I served from 1966 to 1968 in SEA with the USAF based a Clark AFB with the 2876 GEEIA Squadron. We performed electronics radar instilation and repair all over South East Asia. Several years after discharge I developed diabetes and applied to the VA for service related exposure to agent orange. My claim was denied because I could not prove that I was in Viet Nam. Do I have a case to receive some compensation?
Mike, If you did not serve in Vietnam, you would have to prove actual exposure to Agent Orange to be found entitled to service connection under this presumptive law. The other possibilities are coincidental onset of diabetes while on active duty or some other method to connect the condition directly back to military service.