Easiest VA Disability Claims to Get Approved: A Simple Guide for Veterans
For disabled veterans, the VA’s approval rate is not stellar. Estimates are that the VA initially denies between six and seven out of every ten VA disability claims. This number means that a typical, unassuming disability claim submitted by a veteran has a better than even chance of receiving a denial, making an appeal necessary.
However, not all disabling conditions are the same. As a result, some veterans with similar conditions may find that, as a group, their claims are routinely approved while veterans with other conditions face a more difficult time. This post will identify five of the most commonly approved conditions for VA disability claims.
For quality legal representation, reach out to the VA-accredited team at WHG to schedule a free consultation. You can call us at (800) 320-HELP or reach out to us online to request a free case evaluation. Our team can help you access the VA disability benefits you deserve.
Why Knowing Which Conditions Get Approved Matters
Knowing the conditions for which the VA will likely approve claims has more value than simple trivia. If you submit a claim based on one of these convictions, you can be reasonably certain that you should receive prompt approval with a well-prepared application.
This knowledge can help you gather evidence and prepare a stronger claim from the beginning. Additionally, knowing commonly approved conditions can help veterans manage expectations about processing timelines.
We highly recommend consulting with a VA-accredited attorney throughout the claims process. An attorney can ensure your disability claim is properly filed according to VA guidelines. Additionally, they can increase your chances of approval from the outset and guide you through the appeals process if necessary.
Five Commonly Approved Conditions
Some of the conditions listed in VA disability claims that routinely get approved include:
- Tinnitus: A “ringing in the ears” caused by exposure to gunfire, explosions, and other loud noises. To qualify for benefits, tinnitus must be service-connected. Additionally, tinnitus must cause a hearing impairment or ringing that negatively impacts your daily life. The severity of tinnitus symptoms can vary greatly, so veterans should submit evidence documenting their experience.
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A diagnosis from a qualified medical professional, such as a VA doctor or licensed therapist, is essential for these claims. The VA considers the severity of symptoms and how they impact your daily life when determining a disability rating.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system: These disorders often include a reduction in the range of motion of hands, feet, arms, legs, shoulders, and hips. While the VA commonly approves these disorders, the specific rating depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on mobility.
- Scars: VA disability claims for scars usually result in some benefits. However, to gain a high disability rating, scarring will almost always have to result in reduced mobility or another condition. The VA will consider the size, location, and depth of scars when determining a rating.
- Presumptive disorders: These are conditions the VA automatically assumes are service-connected based on exposure to hazards during military service. Examples include conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange in Blue Water Zones or toxic burn pits.
If the VA denies your claim listing one or more of these conditions, chances are good that you made some mistake in your initial claim. Alternatively, the VA may issue a denial because you didn’t adequately identify records to support your claim. An experienced VA attorney can help identify errors and submit relevant evidence with your appeal.
How Long Should it Take the VA to Approve My Disability Claim?
According to the VA, the average time it took to complete disability related claims in August 2024 was 151.7 days. Generally, it is difficult to accurately determine how long the VA will take to review and approve your claim since timelines often vary. Therefore, some claims will take a shorter or longer time than others.
Some of the factors that affect how long the VA disability claims process takes include:
- The type of claim you filed: Claims involving complex medical conditions or those that require extensive medical documentation often take longer to process. If your initial claim is denied or your rating is reduced and you choose to appeal, this can significantly extend the processing time.
- The number of disabilities you claimed: Generally, if your injuries are numerous and complex, the VA might take longer to review your claim and make a decision.
- What evidence the VA still needs: Even after filing your evidence in the initial application, the VA might request for additional information. This mostly occurs when you have not included all the necessary evidence, and the back-and-forth often slows down the VA review process.
A VA disability attorney will help you file all necessary documentation in your application to reduce the likelihood of having to supply the VA with additional information.
Next Steps Following Denial of a Claim for Commonly Approved Conditions
Veterans who have their VA disability claims denied by the Administration have several ways of appealing that denial. Each method has its pros and cons and each method takes a varying amount of time to get a decision from the VA.
For these and other commonly approved conditions, you and your attorney may decide to supplement your claim with additional documentation. Not only is this a simple process, but it is one of the quicker appeal methods available to veterans.
How Can a VA Disability Lawyer Help?
Navigating the process of pursuing your VA disability benefits can be daunting, whether you are pursuing a veteran disability claim in California, Alabama, New York, Colorado, Ohio, or any other state. This is because the VA disability claims process involves several steps, which require thorough compliance and a lot of paperwork.
To increase your chances of getting an approval, hiring an experienced VA-accredited attorney will come in handy. A skilled VA disability lawyer will help you every step of the way by providing necessary legal advice and representation throughout the process.
Gathering Evidence
To strengthen your chances of getting an approval, you need all the necessary evidence you can gather. A VA disability attorney can help you compile medical records, witness statements, and other documentation to support your claim.
This may involve contacting medical providers, obtaining test results, and interviewing witnesses. A VA disability lawyer will also review your medical and service records to ascertain the conditions that are eligible for compensation.
Completing and Filing Forms
The VA disability claims process requires completing numerous forms and poorly filled documentation may hinder you from getting an approval in the first instance. A VA disability lawyer can assist you in completing these forms accurately and efficiently, ensuring that all necessary information is provided.
Issuing Prompt Responses to VA Requests
When reviewing your claim to decide whether to approve or deny it, the VA may require additional information from you. Sometimes, having to gather more evidence may be a challenging task.
Your lawyer will help you comply with all VA requests in good time to avoid chances of denial because of insufficient information.
Offering Legal Expertise in VA Laws and Processes
A skilled attorney has a comprehensive grasp of the VA legal procedures, VA benefits terminology, and the system in general. They will therefore offer invaluable help with complying with the strict requirements and deadlines involved in filing your claim. Your VA attorney will also help you avoid common mistakes that could result in a denial or long delays.
Representing You at VA Hearings
Navigating the VA claims process is often stressful and difficult when you are on your own. When your claim goes to a hearing, a lawyer with expertise will help you present evidence required for approval of a claim.
Your lawyer will represent you by questioning witnesses, presenting the necessary evidence, and arguing your case to secure your deserved VA disability benefits. A VA disability attorney will also ensure you receive a fair hearing and that all relevant evidence is considered.
Managing Appeals of Denied Claims
In the unfortunate event that your claim is denied, a VA disability lawyer can help you file an appeal and build a strong case. They will identify why your claim was denied, collect additional evidence and craft a persuasive appeal.
VA Appeal processes can be time-consuming and tricky to navigate, but an experienced lawyer who understands the ins and outs of the system will help you choose the most appropriate review option for your case. With their legal skills and understanding of the VA system, a VA disability benefits attorney will help you navigate the complexity of appeals with ease.
Contact WHG for Assistance in Securing VA Disability Benefits
If you have applied for VA disability benefits and have had your claim denied, you don’t have to go through the appeals process alone. Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia offers free consultations to discuss your specific situation and explore your appeal options.
Call WHG at (800) 320-HELP or reach out to us online as soon as possible. Our experienced team is available to help clients throughout the nation, including California, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina veterans, claim benefits by appealing wrongful denials of claims. We will work tirelessly to get you the disability benefits you deserve for your service-related injuries.
