Veterans suffering from pre-existing health issues that their military service has worsened are entitled to Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. However, veterans often face difficulties obtaining the benefits they have rightfully earned, given the complex nature of the VA benefits systems. Nonetheless, veterans must understand the benefits available to them and how the VA benefits can cover their pre-existing conditions through the legal assistance provided by legal professionals specializing in VA benefits.
Establishing Health Conditions with Service Connection
The cornerstone of securing VA benefits for pre-existing conditions is establishing a “service connection.” This requirement means demonstrating a clear link between the condition and military service.
The VA considers various factors when determining service connections, including:
- Nature and severity of the condition: The VA will consider the specific symptoms and limitations caused by the veteran’s condition and the impact it has on their daily life. For example, a veteran with severe arthritis may have difficulty walking, standing, or performing other activities of daily living.
- Military service history: The VA will review the veteran’s military service records to identify potential exposures or injuries that could have contributed to the pre-existing condition. This may include information about their job assignments, deployments, or any medical treatments they received in the military.
- Medical evidence linking the condition to military service: The VA will require medical records and other documentation to establish a connection between the veteran’s condition and military service. This may include medical records from their time in the military and any subsequent medical treatment they have received. It may also require a medical opinion from a qualified physician to support their claim.
What are the Common Pre-Existing Conditions Covered by VA Benefits?
VA benefits can cover many pre-existing conditions the veteran suffers that their service has aggravated. Some of these pre-existing conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Mental Health Conditions:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, such as combat exposure.
- Depression: A mood disorder that can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Depression can interfere with daily activities and relationships.
- Anxiety: A mental health condition that can cause feelings of worry, nervousness, and unease. Anxiety can interfere with sleep, concentration, and daily activities.
Musculoskeletal Conditions:
- Arthritis: A degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. This can make it difficult to move and perform daily activities.
- Back Pain: A common condition that can be caused by injury, poor posture, or degenerative changes in the spine. This can limit mobility and make sitting, standing, or lifting objects difficult.
- Joint Pain: Pain in the joints, which can be caused by arthritis, injury, or overuse. This can make it difficult to move and perform daily activities.
Respiratory Conditions:
- Asthma: A chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways; can cause wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD can cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.
- Chronic Bronchitis: A type of COPD that causes inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Cardiovascular Conditions:
- Heart Disease: This condition affects the heart and blood vessels and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart attack.
- High Blood Pressure: A condition in which the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is too high. This can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Dermatological Conditions:
- Eczema: A skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches; allergens, irritants, or stress can trigger it.
- Psoriasis: A skin condition that causes red, scaly patches; it can be triggered by stress, infection, or injury.
Navigating the VA benefits system can be complex and time-consuming. Veterans suffering from pre-existing health issues that have been heightened or worsened by their service face significant difficulties in obtaining the benefits they have earned. To overcome these challenges, veterans should seek legal assistance from attorneys specializing in VA benefits like we do at McKown and Myers. Our legal professionals can provide crucial support, including but not limited to assisting in gathering and presenting evidence, advocating during appeals, and protecting veterans’ legal rights. With the help of our experienced attorneys, veterans can avoid common mistakes that could result in benefit denials. This legal assistance can be instrumental