What do I need to do AFTER winning my VA Claim?

FOR THE VETERAN OF THE VETERAN SHARE OF THE DAY

After years of working on a process on your disability claim, you now got the award letter in the mail. That would be one of the great news every veteran receives. Congratulations! You’ve won your VA Claim!

However, what exactly you need to consider after you won your claim?

Be sure to enroll in direct deposit from the VA

It is essential to sign up for direct deposit through a VA, or you can go to eBenefits and enroll there too. Direct deposit will automatically deposit your funds to your bank account. You don’t need to worry anymore about “lost checks” from the VA. It is better that you are prompt on this than to wait for more weeks because of these “lost checks.”

Consider enrolling in a VA health care

Just for your knowledge, you are likely entitled to some degree of VA medical care, especially if you were granted a service-connection VA claim.

Why would you consider it? Simple. If something happens, you will be given an option to obtain medical care through the VA instead of paying $26 for medicine by any private medical institution.

Also, if you have private insurance and choose to be cared for at VA medical center, in a majority of the cases, you will not be balance-billed. The VA will pass on the claim, and if your insurance only pays for a portion of your medical expenses, they will not bill you for the difference. It would be a great option to consider.

File for an increase VA disability claim

As per se, the impairment rating must be based on the most recent or up-to-date medical assessments and records available. However, the VA would take so long to decide your claim. With that, many of the veterans may experience worsening of their health conditions during that same time.

If you believed that your health condition has worsened during the process of the claim, then file for a claim increase right away. Also, make sure you have a substantial amount of evidence and documents that support it.

Remember, if you’re hospitalized for your now service-connected condition, you have the chance to be eligible for temporary total disability rating (110%).

Safeguard your past-due benefits.

Many veterans haven’t dealt with these vast sums before, and so many of them make mistakes and end up with nothing again. After winning the VA claim, do not tell your family and friends right away about the substantial amount unless they will help you manage it. Money causes tension more than anywhere else.

Don’t make any decisions until you have consulted with a trusted and eligible financial planners. It is essential to set aside an emergency fund as well. Set secure savings and let it cool until you figure out your options in managing it.

There you go, hope this article helps you in figuring out what to do after you won your claims. Congratulations on your win!

Dan Quick is apart of the VA Claims Insider Team and is an Army disabled Veteran. Ready to work with him? You can sign up here or you can contact him at [login to see]