How Do Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities Work?

This page explains how secondary service-connected disabilities work. The information below is organized by disability and then explains what disabilities may be connected to it.

If you have questions after reading the information below, you can always call us for a free VA disability claim evaluation. For help, dial toll-free (866) 232-5777 or just fill out the contact form.

About Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

When applying for VA disability benefits, many veterans forget to include their secondary service-connected disabilities. Most mental and physical conditions cause other mental and physical conditions.

Suppose a Vietnam veteran is eligible for VA disability benefits because they have diabetes from Agent Orange exposure. Any medical condition that is caused by diabetes is now considered a secondary service-connected impairment.

Unfortunately, the VA often denies secondary service-connected disabilities. Very often, the VA is flat out wrong. Too many times our lawyers see that the error is simply due to someone at the VA not fully understanding how the law works – we are sure this surprises you.

How to Prove Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

There must be medical evidence that links both your first and secondary service-connected impairments to each other. You can’t claim secondary service-connection to just any disability you want. There must be sound medical research that shows a link to be eligible for veterans disability benefits.

Tell the VA that you consider a particular medical condition secondary to your service-connected impairments. Don’t just assume the VA is going to automatically understand what disabilities you are trying to use for secondary service-connection. Remember, you are trying to build a case, use evidence and tell your story.

Evidence Needed for Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

1. Evidence of service-connection for first disability: To get your secondary service-connected disabilities awarded, you are obviously going to have to first prove your initial service-connected disability. You should submit any evidence of medical treatment, diagnosis, vocational reports, psychological exams, etc., and any other relevant evidence.

2. Evidence of nexus between first and secondary service-connected disabilities: On the same VA disability application, you are also going to try to prove your secondary service-connected disabilities. For example, our veterans disability benefits lawyers often consult with medical experts to prove the connection between the disabilities. They will work with the veteran and produce reports connecting the first and secondary service-connected impairments.

Agent Orange and Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

Diabetes: Agent Orange is responsible for giving untold numbers of troops diabetes. What many veterans don’t realize is all the conditions caused by their diabetes may also be considered service-connected. For example, if you were in Vietnam and have diabetes that caused neuropathy, the latter is one of your secondary service-connected disabilities.

Heart Disease: Agent Orange is believed to cause heart disease. If you were a veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange and has heart disease, you could be eligible. You may also be eligible for any condition caused by heart disease. Some veterans may be able to secondary service-connect their peripheral artery disease, heart attack, and stoke to their service-connected heart disease.

Some veterans with serious mental conditions may have heart disease as a secondary service-connected impairment. Stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to heart disease and related conditions. Many mental conditions can lead to extreme strain on the heart and cardiovascular system.

Hypertension: Hypertension is generally service-connected through Agent Orange diabetes claims. Hypertension can be caused by diabetes. You can also service-connect impairments related to hypertension like aneurysms, damage to the heart, strokes, and kidney problems.

Prostate Cancer: The Agent Orange presumptive illness list includes prostate cancer. Veterans that are diagnosed with prostate cancer experience many secondary service-connected impairments. Erectile disfunction, incontinence, infertility, weakening bones, and more are linked to prostate cancer. They are therefore, secondary service-connected impairments that veterans should consider.

See all the Agent Orange presumptives here.

Mental Disorders and Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

Anxiety: Many veterans experience anxiety as one of their secondary service-connected disabilities. Anxiety is often secondary to PTSD, physical pain, and much more. Anxiety can be linked to your physical conditions. Many people experience extreme anxiety while they are dealing with serious medical issues that may be service-connected.

Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is one of the most common secondary service-connected disabilities to Military Sexual Trauma. Many victims of MST experience bipolar disorder after an assault. Many veterans with PTSD also experience bipolar disorder. This disease is linked to many service-connected disabilities.

Depression: Veterans with painful service-connected impairments often experience depression. Pain, injuries, and mental conditions can cause their victims to become depressed. Many veterans do link their depression to their service-connected injuries.

Military Sexual Trauma: MST can cause veterans a wide-array of mental and physical problems. MST can be responsible for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. If the trauma from your horrible experience causes a problem, it may be considered service-connected. The stress and pain from MST can also lead to heart problems and other physical conditions that may be considered for your secondary service-connected disabilities.

PTSD: Veterans with PTSD may experience many other medical conditions that are directly related to their PTSD. Common secondary service-connected disabilities linked to PTSD are sleep problems, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and many more.

Schizophrenia: Veterans with schizophrenia often find their other mental and physical conditions are considered to be secondary service-connected disabilities. Schizophrenia can be related to sleeping problems, depression, anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and even drug and alcohol problems.

Physical Conditions and Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

Back Pain: Suppose you had hip problems in the military because you were a paratrooper. You have walked a little off for years because of your injury and now your back hurts. Your back pain could be considered as a secondary service-connected disability.

Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea can be caused by long-term exposure to chemicals and toxins that veterans have been exposed to through their military service. Some of the most common secondary service-connected disabilities from sleep apnea are high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, asthma, and even acid reflux disease.

Spinal Problems: Many veterans obtain spinal problems from their time in the service from accidents. Pain, depression, headaches, neck pain, problems walking, hip problems, and more are considered secondary service-connected disabilities from spinal problems.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Veterans with service-connected traumatic brain injuries will find that a long list of side effects are eligible for secondary service-connected impairments. Anger, amnesia, headaches, balance disorder, fatigue, speech problems, nausea, tinnitus, and more are considered secondary service-connected disabilities for VA disability benefits purposes.

Toxic Exposure and Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities

Camp Lejeune: Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has sickened untold numbers of veterans. Adult leukemia, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson’s disease are all presumed to come from toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Any conditions caused by those illnesses may also be eligible for VA disability benefits because they are considered secondary service-connected disabilities.

Gulf War Syndrome: Many unexplained illness are linked to Gulf War Syndrome. Veterans who served in the first Gulf War are eligible. Don’t forget about secondary service-connected impairments. For example, fibromyalgia is a Gulf War illness. Veterans with fibromyalgia may experience severe pain that can lead to mental problems. Many Gulf War vets with fibromyalgia may experience depression, anxiety, and potentially even bipolar disorder.

Military Base Toxic Exposure: Lots of military bases were horribly polluted. Veterans have reported many different illnesses from the contamination at military bases. These claims work just like another VA disability benefits claim. If your illness from military base pollution is considered service-connected, your impairments from that condition may also be rated along with your other service-connected disabilities.

Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities, VA Disability Benefits

Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits – Neck Pain VA Compensation

Veterans with service-connected neck pain may be eligible for VA compensation benefits. Many veterans receive neck pain veterans disability benefits from the VA. If you have more questions after reading through the material below, give us a call. There is never a cost to talk about your claim. For help, call toll-free (866) 232-5777 or just fill out the online contact form and we’ll call you.

About Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits

Neck pain veterans disability benefits are available to veterans that suffer from whiplash, spinal cord damage, disc injury, nerve pinch injury, repetitive strain, or most any type of neck injury that started in military service. Neck pain that was aggravated by your time in the service may also be eligible.

Most veterans have minor neck pain at one time or another that may last a few days and then clear up. Veterans that have chronic neck pain need to get medical treatment and start receiving the neck pain veterans disability benefits you deserve.

FAQ: Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits

Did my neck pain have to start in combat for benefits? No. Many veteran’s neck pain started from things such as falling off a tank in training or falling on a wet floor in a mess hall.

What if my neck pain started before military service? If your military service worsened your neck pain, then you may be eligible.

What is the maximum allowed for disabled veterans? Veterans can receive over $2,900 a month from the VA. The amount you are awarded monthly depends up your VA disability benefits rating.

I was denied recently, can I appeal? Yes. If you were denied within the last twelve (12) months you have the option to appeal. If this has happened to you, please read the section below about appealing a neck pain veterans disability benefits denial.

I was denied years ago, can I re-file? Yes. If you have let your appeal period run out, you have the option to start a new claim. There is a section below about applying for neck pain veterans disability benefits.

Do I have to pay taxes on my neck pain veterans disability benefits? No. VA disability benefits are tax-free.

Arthritis and Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits

Veterans are vulnerable to neck injuries from their time in military service. While enlisted you were exposed to a lot of elements that can lead to residual neck injuries. For many veterans, the natural wear and tear of life is accelerated by injury.

An old neck injury from your time in the military now causes pain from the advancement of arthritis in the neck. Many veterans have bone spurs or osteophytes that can grow on bones and cause enlargement of the joints. Bone spurs become more common as veterans age. Veterans with cervical bone spurs may have neck pain and weakness that radiates into the arms and shoulders.

Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis, is a serious medical condition for many veterans. Neck pain veterans disability benefits are available to veterans that injured their neck in the military and now suffer from cervical spondylosis.

Your military neck injury may have not been a big deal at the time. You never thought that you would need to apply for neck pain veterans disability benefits. The neck injury that you received in the military accelerated the ageing process in your neck that has left you with cervical spondylosis.

The accelerated ageing process in your neck caused degeneration of discs and cartilage and the growth of osteophytes. When a nerve in your neck is pinched due to disc compression or osteophytes growth, neck pain is the result. VA benefits are available to veterans with degrative disc disease.

Radiculopathy and Neck Pain

Radiculopathy due to a compressed nerve in the cervical spine can leave veterans with numbness, weakness, tingling in the shoulders, or progress along the entire arm and into the hand or fingers. Many veterans with cervical radiculopathy are experiencing degernative changes in their spine that caused a herniated, bulging disc or degenerative disc disease that is pushing on a nerve causing neck pain.

Spinal Stenosis and Neck Pain

Spinal Stenosis is a medical condition that affects many veterans. The stenosis results from an old military injury that caused arthritis. As your arthritis develops, the spinal canal may narrow, pinching the spinal cord or the nerves around it.

Spinal stenosis VA disability benefits are available to veterans with a spinal cord injury. Veterans with advanced spinal stenosis may need a surgical procedure such as a laminectomy to help create space between bones to allow inflammation to go down.

Neck Pain and VA Unemployability Benefits

Veterans with neck pain and related conditions that are unable to work may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability benefits. Eligible veterans will receive over $2,900 a month from the VA. There are also benefits for veteran’s dependent children and parents. Some veterans may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits.

Our Individual Unemployability lawyers have seen many veterans obtain neck pain veterans disability benefits. “Neck pain” can be a generalized term used to describe several interconnected medical conditions. Remember, the VA is going to consider your secondary service-connected disabilities as well.

Watch our video about Individual Unemployability benefits.

Common Causes of Veterans’ Neck Pain: Vehicles Wrecks

Neck pain is a common complaint for veterans. Your neck pain may have started from military training, combat, or even something as simple as working at your computer or work station during your military service. Neck pain injuries are common for service members involved in vehicle crashes.

The crash that caused your neck pain may have been on or off base. It does not matter if the vehicle you were in was government owned or privately owned. Your neck was injured during your time in military and you should receive neck pain veterans disability benefits. Sudden acceleration or deceleration from a vehicle crash in the military may have started your cervical strain neck pain whiplash injury, a serious medical condition of the neck that can lead to a pinched nerve causing radiculopathy.

Applying for Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits

When applying for neck pain veterans disability benefits, do not forget to list the specific conditions that you have. Don’t assume that just putting down “neck pain” is going to get you benefits.

Don’t forget your secondary service-connected disabilities. For example, if your pain causes depression, that condition may now be considered eligible. If your neck pain causes migraine headaches, that may also be eligible for benefits. If there is a connection between any impairment and your neck pain, don’t forget them on your application.

If you have other conditions such as PTSD, back pain, varicose veins, prostate cancer, hypertension, or whatever conditions that are service-connected, include them on your application.

Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits Denials and Appeals

Have you been denied a VA disability rating for cervical spine, whiplash, or degenerative disc disease? Call our office and let our neck pain veterans disability benefits lawyers review your claim.

Our veterans disability benefits lawyers have helped many veterans recover VA disability benefits for migraines, headaches, and other injuries related to neck pain veterans disability benefits. VA Benefits are available for migraine headaches.

Veterans can receive a disability rating of 50% for migraine headaches. To receive a 50% VA rating for migraine headaches a veteran must experience “very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of economic in adaptability.”

Talk to Our Neck Pain Veterans Disability Benefits Lawyers for Free

Have questions? Talk to Woods & Woods VA disability compensation lawyers for free. There is never a cost to ask questions and get a free neck pain veterans disability benefits claim evaluation. Since 1985, Woods & Woods has successfully represented thousands of injured and disabled people.

If you decide to hire Woods & Woods VA disability lawyers, you’ll only pay if your claim is successful. If you do not obtain benefits, you don’t owe us a penny. Your VA certified disability attorney at Woods & Woods works with teams of case managers, doctors, vocational experts, and psychologists to help get you win your claim.

Need help? Not sure where to start the neck pain veterans disability benefits process? Just give us a call at (866) 232-5777 or just fill out the contact form and we’ll call you!

Neck Pain

VA Application & Appeals Veterans Disability Benefits Timeline

Veterans Disability Benefits Timeline

Veterans Disability Benefits Timeline

Step One: Initial Application Timeline

The amount of processing time for initial applications vary from different VAROs.

1. Claim is filed: This is the very first step for every veterans disability benefits claim. When you file your claim, make sure you apply for all your service-connected disabilities at once. This can help your claim move through the veterans disability benefits timeline a little faster.

2. VA Rating Decision: The good news is the time to reach an initial decision has shortened thanks to VA reforms. The bad news is that created a backlog at the appeal stage. Currently, most initial decisions are issued within months. They used to take well over a year.

Step Two: Veterans Benefits Administration Timeline

In 2016 the NOD and SOC took an average of 480 days. The Form-9 and SSOC phase took an average of 644 days.

1. Notice of Disagreement (NOD): You will need to file your Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to let the VA know your disagree with your Rating Decision. Veterans have one year to file their NOD. When you file your NOD, you should let the VA know specifically which issues you are appealing.

2. Statement of the Case (SOC): This is a decision you will get from the VA whether you request a DRO hearing or not. Some vets do receive benefits from the SOC. But many veterans are once again denied at this level. If you are denied again, veterans have sixty (60) days to file a Form 9.

3. Form-9: The VA Form-9 is also known as a Substantive Appeal. As you have now formally been denied VA disability benefits, it is time to take your case to the BVA. You must file a Form-9 at this point in the veterans disability benefits timeline.

4. Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC): These are generally required with new evidence that may have been submitted with the Form-9. SOCs may also be provided after an appeal is remanded to the RO by the Board for new or additional action.

Step Three: Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) Timeline

In 2016, certification to the Board took an average of 288 days. After that, the average wait time for a Board decision was 248 days.

1. Certification to the Board: Hearings are scheduled after your certification to the Board. You do have the option to submit paper briefs and skip the hearing. We generally do not see the upside to hearings. Paper briefs are sufficient to prove your claim.

2. Board decision: At this point in the veterans disability benefits timeline, the Board will make a decision. The Board has the option to deny, grant, or remand (see below).

3. Potential remand: The Board may decide to send your claim back to the VA Regional Office (VARO). Generally, the remand will instruct the VARO how to proceed on your veterans disability benefits claim. The Board may direct them to get more evidence or even schedule an exam.

Step Four: US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) Timeline

If your veterans disability benefits timeline takes you to the CAVC, there are three things that could happen to your claim. Here are the three different things that may happen to your claim at this point in the veterans disability benefits timeline:

CAVC grants or denies: Under this scenario, the CAVC may go ahead and grant or deny your claim.
Remand to the BVA: This could extend your veterans disability benefits timeline. If the CAVC remands your case back the BVA, there will be another waiting period for the BVA to make a decision or to follow the CAVC’s recommendations.
Supreme Court: Some veterans disability benefits claims make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, very few claims end up heading to the Supreme Court.

Expediting Your Veterans Disability Benefits Timeline

A very large number of the new calls to our military disability compensation lawyers are about the veterans disability benefits timeline. Many veterans are concerned how long VA claims take and want their claim expedited. We want to warn you, the VA expedites very few claims. On top of that, the reasons for expediting VA compensation benefits timelines are very few. Here are the most common reasons claims are expedited:

Advanced age
Former POW’s
Medal of Honor recipients
Severe financial hardship
Survivors of POW’s
Terminal illness
Veterans in Fully Developed Claim (FCD) program

Talk To Us For Free About Your Veterans Disability Benefits Timeline

Free claim evaluation: Have questions about your veterans disability benefits timeline? Talk to Woods & Woods veterans disability benefits lawyers for free. Find out if you have a good claim for veterans disability benefits. Phone calls are always free and our staff is always happy to answer your questions.

Get help applying: The VA disability lawyers at Woods & Woods never charge for help with your application. Many disabled veterans don’t know where to begin their claims. We can help get you on the right track to obtaining your veterans disability benefits.

You only pay if you win your appeal: If you hire our veterans disability lawyers we only charge if your appeal is successful. Our fee is a percentage of your back pay and case expenses. We never touch your future benefits. If your appeal is not successful, you don’t owe us a penny.

We’ve helped thousands of veterans: The VA disability compensation lawyers at Woods & Woods have successfully represented thousands of veterans. Since 1985, our law firm has aggressively represented injured and disabled people through some very tough times in peoples’ lives.

Timeline

What combat and non-combat events qualify for PTSD stressors?

VA Disability Benefits PTSD stressors Want to learn about PTSD stressors? You’ve come to the right webpage. The information below was written to help veterans better understand their PTSD claims and how to win them. If you have questions about PTSD stressors after reading through the information below, give us a call. We never charge for PTSD claim evaluations. Ask us your questions and we’ll answer them at no cost. For help, just call (866) 232-5777 or simply fill out the contact form.

About PTSD Stressors

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often the result of a traumatic event while serving in the military. The traumatic event is often called the “stressor.”

To be eligible for PTSD VA disability benefits, you want to show how the stressor has created a change in your life. For example, you used to be social and have friends, but now after the stressor event you are introverted and distant.

The VA considers the following to be PTSD stressors:

Exposure to death
Threatened death
Actual serious injury
Threatened serious injury
Actual sexual violence
Threatened sexual violence

Combat PTSD Stressors

Combat PTSD stressors can stem from many different events. You do not need to actually be injured to have a stressor that would make you eligible for PTSD veterans disability benefits. If someone other than you was injured, that can be your PTSD stressor.

Many veterans describe their PTSD stressors as an event that keeps replaying in their mind. These painful memories can be hard or impossible to forget. To obtain VA disability benefits, you are going to have show the VA you have PTSD and what the PTSD stressors are that caused your condition.

Examples of combat PTSD stressors:

Enemy ambush in Vietnam
IED event in Iraq
Flight deck plane crash in Gulf War
Seeing another service-member killed

Non-Combat PTSD Stressors

Remember, PTSD happens in the civilian population as well. If a stressor event happened to you while serving active-duty, your PTSD may be considered service-connected.

For example, suppose you were in a serious car accident while serving active-duty and a fellow service member died. Because you were close to the deceased service member, you had a very tough time getting over their death. Now you have unreasonable fears, anxiety, and depression that is related to the wreck. This scenario may qualify for your PTSD stressors requirement.

Examples of non-combat PTSD stressors:

Military sexual trauma
Serious car accidents
Training accidents
Victim of rape
Witnessing a rape

PTSD Stressors vs. PTSD Triggers

Many veterans get PTSD stressors and triggers confused. As mentioned before, the stressor is the event that caused the PTSD. While triggers are what actually trigger the emotions and memories that cause your PTSD. Triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way.

Example of PTSD triggers:

Authority conflicts
Crowded spaces
Fireworks
Images on TV
Loud noises
PTSD stressors anniversary

Appyling for PTSD VA Disability Benefits

When applying for VA disability benefits, make sure you tell the VA about your PTSD stressors. Do not assume the VA is going to connect your PTSD to any specific event. While the VA has a duty to assist, they often do not follow the law.

Make sure you also list all your other physical and mental conditions that could be service-connected. Do not forget to also include your secondary service-connected disabilities as well.

Other conditions often connected to PTSD:

PTSD Stressor Claims Denials and Appeals

Many veterans have their PTSD claim denied – you are not alone. The number of PTSD claims that are denied is staggering. ABC News reported that more PTSD claims are denied than approved. Veterans who are denied have the option to file PTSD VA disability benefits appeals. We highly suggest you consider obtaining better evidence for your appeal. Many veterans claims are denied simply because they didn’t show the correct evidence to prove their PTSD claim.

For PTSD appeals you may consider using experts:

Doctors Outside the VA: If you were denied using evidence from a VA doctor, you may want to consider getting additional medical documentation of your PTSD. Some veterans feel VA doctors are not impartial. If you can afford to do so, maybe try working with a doctor outside the VA for further reports. Our PTSD lawyers often get a second opinion from doctors outside the VA for our clients.
Vocational Experts: These experts can write reports detailing how your PTSD is affecting your work life. These reports can show the severity of your PTSD and how it has rendered you unemployable. Our PTSD lawyers often work with vocational experts on client’s claims. These reports often help prove that veterans service-connected disabilities are diminishing their ability to work.
Psychologists: We can’t tell you how many veterans contact our law firm after being denied because they didn’t have a diagnosis of PTSD. Psychologists can not only get you the proper medical documentation of your diagnosis, but they can also help you treat your PTSD. If you are a veteran with PTSD and are not working with a psychologist, we recommend you consider doing so for your claim and your mental health.

PTSD Benefits For Vets That Can’t Work

Veterans that cannot work from PTSD and other service-connected impairments should look into Total Disability Individual Unemployability benefits. Eligible veterans will have to show that their service-connected impairments prevent them from keeping or obtaining meaningful employment. These benefits pay the same as a 100% VA disability rating, but your payments will be based upon your ability to work, not just your rating.

PTSD Individual Unemployability benefits are eligible to veterans that are also still working. However, these claims can be harder to prove. You are still going to have to show that your accommodations at work prevent you from keeping or obtaining gainful employments. Many veterans who work and receive IU benefits work for family members. That means they get special accommodations that a normal work place would not accept. Essentially, veterans who get IU benefits and work are not working full loads or strenuous jobs.

Get Help With Your PTSD Claim

Since 1985, Woods & Woods has successfully represented thousands of disabled veterans. When you call Woods & Woods, you get an experienced VA certified disability attorney. Our PTSD veterans disability benefits lawyers have filed numerous PTSD claims.

You only pay our VA disability lawyers if we win your claim. If you do not obtain benefits, you owe our veterans disability benefits lawyers nothing – not a penny. Our PTSD lawyers will never ask for money upfront and we never bill by the hour. Phone calls are always free.

Whether you want to talk about applying or filing an appeal, there is never a charge to call us. Woods & Woods VA disability compensation lawyers offer free PTSD claim evaluations to any veteran or family member that needs help.

PTSD, PTSD Disability Benefits Claim, PTSD Stressors, PTSD Veterans Disability

Migraine Headaches Veterans Disability Benefits

Migraine headaches veterans disability benefits are available to many vets who didn’t even know they exist. First, read through the information below. Then, if you have more questions, give us a call at (866) 232-5777 or fill out the online contact form and we’ll call you. We offer free migraine headaches claim evaluations to veterans and their family members. Talk to us and learn your legal rights!

Service-Connecting Migraine Headaches

Nearly 1-in-4 U.S. households include someone who gets migraines. This sometimes crippling condition can causes horrible pain, dizziness, pins and needles sensations in the arm or leg, nausea, vision loss, and more.

If your migraine headaches are caused by injuries from your active-duty military service, you may be eligible. The key to winning your migraine headaches veterans disability benefits claim is the service-connection. You must show that the migraine headaches are (1) caused by your time in the service, (2) that they were worsened by your service, or (3) that they are caused by another service-connected injury.

Migraine headaches are often caused by:

FAQ: Migraine Headaches Veterans Disability Benefits

How much can veterans receive in VA disability benefits? The amount you receive monthly depends upon the number and severity of your conditions. Migraine headaches veterans disability benefits payments will also depend upon the severity of your other service-connected conditions. Some veterans receive over $2,900 a month from the VA.

What about my other service-connected conditions? When you apply you should list all mental and physical conditions you believe could be related to your time in the service. For example, you may receive depression veterans benefits alongside your migraine headaches veterans disability benefits. Remember, to also consider all your secondary service-connected disabilities. These are conditions that would be caused or cause your migraine headaches.

Who is eligible? Veterans who have service-connected conditions are eligible. You must have served active duty. Veterans who served in wartime and peacetime are both eligible. Veterans who served aboard and stateside are eligible. National Guard members who were activated by the federal government may be eligible. The biggest disqualifier for veterans is discharge – veterans with dishonorable discharges are not eligible for migraine headaches veterans disability benefits.

What are my chances of winning? The VA does not have a quota on approving or denying claims. Your chances of obtaining migraine headaches veterans disability benefits depends solely upon the strength of your claim. For example, your chances of winning should increase if you submit stellar VA disability benefits evidence. If you submit no evidence and were never treated for migraine headaches, your chances of winning will most likely decrease.

Will I get back pay? A very large number of veterans do receive back pay. Your effective date will generally determine when you should have started receiving VA disability payments. Some veterans find their VA disability back pay goes back many years, it can be a substantial amount of money. Remember, you do not have to accept the effective date the VA gives you, it can be challenged. Many veterans end up appealing migraine headaches veterans disability benefits effective dates.

What if I was denied years ago? If your migraine headaches veterans disability benefits claim was denied years ago, you can file a new claim. Here’s a little veterans benefits secret, you can file new claims as many times as you like. Many veterans who were denied years ago, file new claims and are approved.

Will I be eligible for other benefits? Maybe. Some vets who obtain migraine headaches veterans disability benefits will also be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits, healthcare, and money for dependent children and parents.

Applying for Migraine Headaches Veterans Disability Benefits

Step One: Gather up all the medical evidence you have to prove you have migraine headaches. We can’t stress how important medical evidence is for a successful claim. Think about your claim from the VA’s view, if you are not treating with a doctor for your migraine headaches, why would you grant benefits?
Step Two: Do some legal research on your migraine headaches veterans disability benefits claim. Our VA disability compensation lawyers regularly see veteran’s claims denied because, in our opinion, someone at the VA didn’t know VA very well. Some veterans who are successful cite the Code of Federal Regulations sections that pertain to VA disability benefits.
Step Three: This may seem very elementary, but you need to make sure your application is done correctly. Make sure you fill everything out and double-check your work. You don’t want your migraine headaches veterans disability benefits claim to be denied because of small application errors.
Step Four: Get a qualified legal opinion of your migraine headaches veterans disability benefits claim. Woods and Woods VA disability lawyers offer free migraine headache claim evaluations. Give us a call and talk about your case at no cost.
Step Five: If your application is denied or you are rated too low, it is time to learn how to file VA disability appeals. The section below will give you a general idea of what you are up against.

Migraine Headaches Veterans Disability Benefits Appeals

Step One: Review your Rating Decision carefully. Understand why you were denied or rated too low. Too many veterans appeal without understanding how to attack the VA’s argument.
Step Two: Make sure you know the dates for which you must submit your appeal. Veterans have one year to appeal from the date the decision was made. Too many veterans lose track of time and don’t get their appeal submitted in time. If you let that happen, your claim will be considered closed. That means you must submit a new claim.
Step Three: Learn how to appeal a denial from the Veterans Administration. You need to learn about Form 9’s, Notice of Disagreements, and Statement of the Case. The appeal process is difficult and has more processes than most veterans realize. Don’t let your claim end because you missed one of the many steps you need.
Step Four: If you don’t understand the VA disability benefits appeal process there is help available. For example, many veterans hire a VA benefits appeal lawyer to take over their claim.

Help For Vets That Can’t Work From Migraine Headaches

Total Disability Individual Unemployability benefits are for veterans that have trouble keeping or obtaining employment because of service-connected conditions. If you have migraine headaches that are severe enough to prevent you from working, you should talk with our Individual Unemployability lawyers. We can help you determine your eligibility.

Just like regular VA disability benefits claims, in Individual Unemployability claims, the VA is going to consider all your mental and physical impairments. If approved, on your initial application you are going to receive a 0 to 100 percent VA disability rating. If your VA disability rating is high enough, you may also be considered for Individual Unemployability benefits.

If you received an Individual Unemployability benefit denial, you have the option to appeal. Many veterans who wish to obtain Individual Unemployability benefits for migraine headaches are initially denied. Do not let a denial discourage you from seeking the benefits you deserve after serving our country.

Talk To A Migraine Headaches Veterans Disability Benefits Lawyer

If you want to learn more about migraine headaches veterans disability benefits, give our veterans disability lawyers a call. There is never a cost to find out if you have a migraine headaches veterans disability benefits claim. We can even help answer questions about the application and appeal process.

Our veterans disability benefits lawyers have successfully represented thousands of veterans. Since 1985, Woods and Woods has been fighting for injured and disabled people. Our experienced VA disability benefits lawyers know what it takes to get your claim approved. If you hire Woods and Woods, you always get a knowledgeable VA certified disability attorney.

Headaches, Migraine

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