EXTRA-FOR THE VETERAN OF THE VETERAN SHARE OF THE DAY
If you’re a Veteran applying for VA disability benefits years after service, pay close attention, because these tips might be the difference between winning and losing the VA disability benefits you deserve by law!
Brian Reese here from VA Claims Insider, and today, I’ll be covering my top 5 tips if you’re attempting to apply for VA benefits and you’ve already left the military.
But first, I want to examine the results of a recent study we conducted of 1,065 Veterans, which revealed some shocking statistics about VA disability benefits…
More than 70% of Veterans (752/1,065) cited that they either didn’t know about VA disability benefits until after they left active duty military service, or they lacked basic knowledge of the VA claim process. ?
For example, here were 4 of the top 5 most cited reasons why Veterans may be applying for VA disability benefits years after service (first-time filers):
#1. “I didn’t know I could file for a VA disability increase or add secondary claims, so I didn’t even try (wasn’t educated about the process).” 287/1,065 votes or 26.9%.
#2. “I wish I knew back then that I should have went to the clinic and documented my injuries. A lot easier to prove your case.” 205/1,065 votes or 19.2%.
#3. “I tried before and got denied so I quit (until I found you).” 161/1,065 votes or 15.1%.
#4. “I didn’t know VA disability compensation existed until after I left the military.” 99/1,065 votes or 9.3%.
If any of these resonated with you fellow Veterans, you’re not alone!
Stay tuned though, because it’s time to reveal and explain my Top 5 Tips so you can win, service connect, and get rated at the appropriate level under the law, even if you’re applying for VA disability benefits years after service.
Applying for VA Disability Benefits Years After Service – Top 5 Tips Explained
Tip #1: Get Your Butt to the Doctor!
Tip #2: Obtain Copies of Your Service Treatment Records
Tip #3: Write Strong Personal Statements Using 38 CFR Part 4 As Your “North Star”
Tip #4: Get a Buddy Letter to Help Prove That Your Disability Originated in the Military
Tip #5: Ask Your Doctor to Write a Medical Nexus Letter to Help Prove the “Nexus” for Service Connection
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