6 Qualifying Impairments for Veterans’ Disabilities Benefits

Veterans of the United States military have been through so much and made such huge sacrifices for our country. Many veterans are deserving of VA disability benefits. If you suffer from disease or disability due to your service in the military and you think you could qualify for receiving disability benefits, take action as soon as possible. Consider these 6 qualifying impairments for veterans’ disabilities benefits.

1. Mental health issues

According to veteran’s mental disability attorney John Berry, one of the most commonly seen mental health issues in veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Traumatic events or stressors can trigger the emotional and physical symptoms of this disorder.

Anxiety disorders and clinical depression can also be triggered by traumatic events and are commonly seen among those who’ve fought in a war. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are other mental health issues that can be seen among veterans.

2. Gulf War Syndrome

Gulf War-related illnesses can sometimes go undiagnosed. Among these are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders.

3. Agent Orange-related disabilities

Agent Orange is a chemical compound that was used largely in the 1960s and 1970s in Vietnam and Korea. Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, and coronary artery disease can all be related to exposure to this herbicide.

4. Orthopedic injuries

Slip-and-fall accidents, explosions, carrying heavy packs, and vehicle accidents can all play a role in orthopedic injuries. These injuries may cause extreme pain and require multiple surgeries. They may even require long-term or lifetime pain management and medical care.

5. Amputation

Whether you’ve lost the use of an extremity or you’ve suffered an amputation, the physical limitations are profound. There can also be a huge psychological impact as well. You could be entitled to compensation if you dealt with an amputation due to a service-related injury.

6. Ischemic heart disease

Heart disease due to toxic exposure is also commonly seen in veterans. The health effects are really just beginning to come to the surface. Exposure to Agent Orange can play a huge role in IHD, as it is damage to the heart muscle caused by insufficient oxygen.

A Final Note

According to Howard Spiva, a personal injury attorney in Savannah, GA, one of the most important steps to take when filing your claim is documenting your examination, diagnosis and treatment. You might keep a journal to keep track of your physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers Ruloff and Swain say that there will likely be more paperwork than you expect. Hiring a personal injury lawyer could be crucial in aiding with proper documentation, building your claim and gathering the evidence necessary to prove your case. There are many different rules and regulations from the VA, and the process itself can be incredibly overwhelming. It can be a huge help to have someone on your side who knows the steps to take to ensure you get the benefits and compensation you deserve.