
Thoroughly prepared medical evidence is not just a requirement but a powerful tool that can significantly increase your chances of securing benefits when submitting a disability claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Without clear, comprehensive, and well-organized medical evidence, a disability claim could be denied. This step-by-step article will empower you with the knowledge of the type of medical evidence the VA requires, putting you in control of your disability claim.
VA Disability Claims
Securing benefits from the VA depends on whether a veteran can successfully prove how their disability is connected to their military service. To demonstrate a service-related disability, veterans must show documentation of the following three things:
- A recent diagnosis of a recognized disability
- That their impairment was caused directly or indirectly by a military service-related event, injury, or sickness
- A medical link to the current condition
The VA will consider secondary service connection if a veteran’s service-related disability worsens or leads to another condition. To prove their secondary VA service connection, veterans must provide the following evidence:
- A primary service-connected disability
- A secondary non-service-connected condition
- A medical link between the two conditions
A service-connected disability is any condition or injury that develops or worsens due to military service and is recognized by the VA as service-connected. This includes physical injuries, mental health issues, and chronic illnesses.
Medical Evidence for VA Disability Claims
The following medical evidence is critical for the outcome of a successful claim:
Medical Records: VA and civilian medical records are critical for establishing a clear and consistent medical history. These documents help establish dates and locations of service, as well as any injuries or illnesses incurred during military service. The records should cover diagnoses, treatments, symptoms, and any changes in the veteran’s condition over time. Gaps in medical paperwork might cause delays or denials in disability claims.
Nexus Letters: These are medical opinions relating the veteran’s disability to military service. Specialized physicians write them and should explain how the veteran’s condition is related to their service. The nexus letter is generally the most crucial evidence in a claim.
Independent Medical Opinions: Based on examinations performed by third-party physicians, these unbiased assessments of the veteran’s condition are frequently used when the VA seeks additional information about a veteran’s disability or when an appeal is filed.
Diagnostic Tests and Imaging: Objective medical evidence, such as X-rays, MRIs, and lab tests, can help confirm diagnoses and illustrate the severity of a veteran’s impairment. This data is frequently required to determine the severity of the ailment.
Personal Statements and Lay Evidence: Veterans and their families can share firsthand stories (witness statements) of how disability impacts daily living. To enhance the claim, these assertions should be consistent with medical records.
How Does the VA Determine the Benefit Amount?
The VA assigns a severity rating to service-connected disabilities, which determines how much VA disability pay a veteran receives. It employs the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to issue ratings ranging from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. These ratings are based on the severity of a veteran’s symptoms and how they affect their career, life, and social functioning. The VA uses a standardized process to ensure objectivity in the rating system. The total rating is calculated by combining multiple circumstances using a specified formula to determine how much a veteran will receive.
It’s important to remember that in addition to compensation, veterans with service-connected impairments may be entitled to medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits. The VA also provides survivor payments in many circumstances to the families of veterans who die as a result of service-connected disabilities.
It’s important to note that many veterans receive a disability rating that may not adequately reflect the severity of their condition because the medical evidence presented does not correctly convey the impact of the disability. The most common setbacks when applying for VA benefits due to a disability include relying on self-reported symptoms, not including the results of diagnostic tests (e.g., MRIs or X-rays), and inconsistent records.
Once a disability has been classified as service-connected, the VA will regularly examine the veteran’s file to ensure that the veteran meets the qualifying requirements. If the VA determines that a veteran’s condition has improved to the point where they are no longer disabled, it may elect to stop providing benefits. Veterans may find this encounter frustrating. It’s important to understand that not meeting the qualifying requirements can lead to a loss of benefits, and veterans should be prepared for this possibility.
Contact Trajector Medical
Medical evidence can provide a solid foundation for a VA disability claim. It creates the relationship and link between a veteran’s military service and their current disability and better ensures that VA officials assign the appropriate disability rating. A successful claim can bring financial compensation and access to medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits, providing hope and support for your future.
Many veterans make the mistake of going through this process alone or without proper assistance from licensed and qualified medical professionals. Trajector Medical’s team of medical evidence experts, with their extensive experience and knowledge, assists thousands of veterans each year in presenting the most accurate version of their disability story.
Their support can help you identify and map your symptoms if they are service-related and provide a clear, research-backed medical report to help when you file your claim. You can have an initial call with a medical evidence specialist at Trajector Medical at no charge and learn more about how you can benefit from a supportive team behind you.