29 December 2014
 Categories: Law, Blog

The Veterans Affairs claims system isn't the easiest to navigate, especially if your injury happens a bit too close to your end of active duty service. The burden of proof may seem heavy, and if you departed from the military with injuries on your own rather than receiving a medical discharge, you may have to deal with a lot of confusing paperwork and requirements. A few ideas about managing your claim and surviving as best you can in an injured lifestyle can keep your claim well managed without bringing more health-wrecking stress into your life.

Never Accept A Claim Rejection

To many claim filers in many compensation systems, it may seem that a rejection is a guarantee if you're not obviously in physical pain or disability. While this isn't necessarily true, there may be a lack of evidence for your first claim if you weren't medically discharged.

An honorable discharge or other than medical discharge assumes a certain health status. Unless you specifically state that you have medical problems and receive treatment for those problems, it can be difficult to link future claims to military service--even a claim made just a day after becoming a civilian.

Mistakes happen, and the Veterans Affairs claim system understands that. If you have a medical condition that you believe is related to military service and feel that your previous duty station's medical center didn't document it properly, you need to begin fact finding and looking for specific medical support--but don't accept a rejection.

The compensation system has an organized appeal system designed for situations where some evidence could have been overlooked. Veterans Affairs doesn't expect a military service member with little to no civilian experience to create a perfect disability claim package, and neither should you. Appeal any decision that you feel is unfair.

Seeking Medical Attention Before Claim Approval

As your claim is examined, it may be frustrating to afford medical care and make it to appointments on time. Especially in rural areas, there may be a lack of free or low cost medical care available. 

Be aware that the Department of Veterans Affairs does offer transportation to and from medical facilities. If you're unable to get to an emergency care hospital in the area, you can usually get a ride from a shuttle bus at a smaller Veterans Affairs clinic or contact your local Department of Social Services office to receive help from a case worker.

The biggest hurdle for many veterans is asking for help. You've earned the assistance through your service, and if anything you owe the public a chance to help you stay healthy and away from terrible conditions that many injured veterans suffer. If you need help pushing a claim through faster or would like legal assistance, get in contact with a personal injury lawyer, like those at Smith, Dickey, Dempster.