How to File and Win a Veterans Disability Compensation Claim

By Ronald Kimmons

If you are a United States armed forces war veteran and you are disabled, you may be able to receive disability benefits from the federal government. The purpose of these benefits is to show appreciation for your service to the country and to give you the help you need to continue living and pay for the basic necessities of life. However, since such benefit programs always must address the possibility of fraud and the reality of limited resources, you do face the chance of getting rejected. To minimize this chance, take the necessary steps to make your application strong.

Gather your personal employment and income information. Write out your work history, including the names of your employers over the years and the amount of money you made at each place. Detail your reasons for leaving each job. Get all of the information you need from banks and other sources to develop a clear picture of your current assets and your expected income levels in the near future. If you have a spouse, gather such information about her as well, along with her Social Security number and income information.

Gather information on your disability and medical history. Find any documents related to hospital stays, surgeries and prescription medications you have taken. Construct a detailed account of the severity of your disability. If your documentation is limited, get as much information together as you can. After you apply, the VA may pay for you to see a doctor and get a professional opinion about your current disabling condition.

Fill out the VONAPP form on the eBenefits website. Draw from the information you have gathered to make sure that everything is correct. Even one incorrect date or income representation can disqualify your claim. Be thorough and patient; a hastily prepared application has much less chance for approval than a carefully prepared application. The system is set up so that you can save your application without submitting it, so if you need to rest, do so.

Get an attorney. Many attorneys specialize in veterans disability claims, and many of these take their fees out of your benefits rather than up front. If you would rather not pay attorney's fees, try to apply on your own first, and if you get turned down, go to an attorney to help you appeal.

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