You may have many questions when it comes to military disability pay. You may be wondering how much you are entitled to, and whether or not you will get more depending on your disability. There are also a lot of myths surrounding VA disability claims and benefits. Many veterans choose not to file a claim for various reasons after being discharged from the military. This guide will provide you with some of the most common myths related to VA benefits and why you should consider filing a claim following your honorable discharge.
Myths About Military Disability Claims
Here are some of the most common reasons why veterans choose not to file a VA disability claim.
Myth: I am not disabled.
This is probably one of the most commonly heard reasons as to why veterans choose not to file disability claims. However, most people define disability as being physically disabled. The truth is, you may have a medical condition that occurred while you were in service. On the flip side, you can think about disability benefits like insurance policies, but with those for medical conditions. Disability claims that are approved will give you benefits, including medical care for veterans and monthly pay, for ratings of 10% more.
Myth: If I have a VA disability rating, it will have an impact on my employment in the future.
Most jobs do require employees to be in tip-top shape. These careers include firefighters, police officers, federal agents, and more. You may even need to undergo a physical fitness test and various medical screenings.
However, if you do have a VA disability rating, you should not be discouraged. Typically, it won’t affect your ability to find employment in the future. Contrary to belief, having a VA disability rating may actually provide you with additional points for federal employment.
Myth: I will be unable to join the Reserves or Guard if I have a VA disability rating.
The only way to know for certain whether you will be able to join the Reserves or Guard if you have a VA disability rating is to apply. If you are healthy enough to work for either, you shouldn’t run into any problems.
It may even be possible for you to transfer directly from the military to the Reserves or Guard without having to pass any additional medical screenings.
Myth: VA disability benefits will decrease my retirement pay.
This may have a partial truth to it. Retirees that do have a VA disability rating of 40% or lower will have reduced military retirement pay. However, VA disability pay is tax-free, so you will be rewarded with a net gain.
If you are a retired VA and have a disability rating of 50% or more, you may qualify to receive Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments. This provides veterans with their entire military retirement benefits on top of their entire disability benefits.
Myth: I don’t qualify for VA disability benefits.
There are many reasons why veterans believe they do not qualify for disability benefits. Some of these reasons may include their discharge rating, time in service, and not having served in a war.
However, veterans may still be eligible to receive benefits no matter how long they have been in service. VA benefits are open to veterans that have a certain discharge rating. As far as time in service, veterans typically need to be active duty service beyond their basic training.
Myth: The VA will never get my claim because they are so backed up.
VA claims do take a long time to be entirely processed. However, this doesn’t mean that you should skip out on filing a claim. The best way to speed up the review process is by double-checking your claim before you submit it for mistakes and accuracy.
