What is the reasoning behind a veteran who was honorable discharged for a medical reason to be denied VA disability?

PFC Nichola Perez — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:01:47 -0500

I was injured on active duty and discharged for this reason but have been fighting for years to get disability benefits.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 6 at 2024 2:45 PM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:45:41 -0500

What type of discharge did you get and when were you separated (your profile doesn't show it).

The reason for the ask is the regulations about administrative discharges for medical reasons have changed over the years as well as the "disability evaluation and separation" route.

For example, if you were separated through a Medical Evaluation Board after 2009, then the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) would have been in effect and a joint DoD/VA disability rating would have been assigned (even if medically separated for a disability rated at less than 30%).

Was the injury related to a preexisting medical condition, as part of something that was considered to be "non-Line of Duty"? Both of those situations would impact on your having a determination of "service-connected".

Basically, there are many reasons why the VA would deny a service-connection to a disability from your active duty time, but you would have to provide much more information (DM me if you don't want to share publicly).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2024 3:04 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:04:21 -0500

which disability benefit are you seeking compensation or coverage. coverage comes with it being verified as service connected but not all service-connected conditions rate compensation.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 8 at 2024 2:09 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:09:49 -0500

How were to discharged? Med Board? If you have your medical records what is the basis of their denial?

Response by Robert Langham made Nov 21 at 2024 3:28 PM

Robert Langham — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:28:03 -0500

Well Ms. Perez, I don't no the details of your claims, however, I've assisted 2 veterans recently who had been discharged for over 30 years. I was able to upgrade and file new claims for both. they are both receiving over 40% compensation with back pay