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 a 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 condition that results in “ringing in the ears” and caused by exposure to gunfire, explosions, and other loud noises. To qualify for benefits, the tinnitus must be service-connected. Additionally, the tinnitus must cause a hearing impairment or ringing that negatively impacts your daily life. The severity of tinnitus 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 will depend on the severity of the condition and its impact on your mobility.
- Scars: VA disability claims for scars will 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 completing your initial claim. Alternatively, a denial may have issued because you did not adequately identify records that would support your claim. An experienced VA attorney can help you identify any errors and submit relevant evidence with your appeal.
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.
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 veterans throughout the nation appeal wrongful denials of claims. We will work tirelessly to get you the disability benefits you deserve for your service-related injuries.
