How to Increase My Veterans Disability

By Nicole Byerly

Veterans often face injuries or other complications resulting from actions they have witnessed or participated in. Some individuals are able to work immediately after leaving the military but realize in time that their disabilities are increasingly worse. If you find yourself or a loved one in such a situation, it may be time to file for an increase in veteran's disability benefits.

Obtain the form 21-4138 from the Veteran Affairs website and fill out the form, explaining why you deserve an increased disability pension. You must state what disabilities have gotten worse and how this is effecting your daily routines and your ability to work. Have friends and family members fill out a 21-4138 form as well for additional proof of problems.

Obtain form 21-526 from the Veteran Affairs website and fill out sections 1 through 13. Form 21-526 covers basic home and work history information. You need to list your disabilities and how long they have effected you. For instance, if you suffer from severe migraines, explain when they began to get worse or became unmanageable.

Obtain the form 21-4142, which authorizes your medical history to released from hospitals and doctors. In order to process your claim, you will need to show proof of attempted treatments for your health problems. If you attended a VA or non-VA hospital, you will need to file this form in order for the Veteran Affairs claim worker to obtain your medical history.

Print two signed copies of each form and file one copy at your nearest regional Veteran Affairs office. Visit the Veteran Affairs Directory website to find the nearest VA office for mail or personal filing. Save the second copy of all forms in your personal files.

Receive a claims processing letter from the Veteran Affairs claims department. This letter will contain a list of materials needed as well as potential exam appointments for the compensation and pension department at your nearest VA hospital. It is extremely important that you attend these appointments when scheduled.

Bring a copy of your DD-214 to the scheduled exam appointments at the hospital. The hospital worker will use your DD-214 to locate your record in the system.

Respond promptly to any letters received from the Veteran Affairs office. The quicker you respond, the faster your claim will be processed.

Veterans Affairs can be contacted by phone at 1-800-827-1000.

Plan financially to get through this process, as it can take over a year from beginning to end.

Veteran Affairs will payout a lump sum back to the original claim file date once an increase has been approved.

http://www.lenderva.com