Securing approval of a VA disability benefits claim means you will receive financial compensation for a disabling condition caused by your military service. However, in certain circumstances, you may also receive back pay after the VA approves your disability benefits. Back pay ensures that veterans receive compensation for the time they had to wait for…
When a veteran applies for disability benefits for a service-connected condition, the VA may assign a disability rating based on the condition’s severity and symptoms. However, does the VA ever reevaluate a veteran’s disability benefits, and if it does, will a veteran ever see an increase in their disability rating? Certain factors may lead the…
Many military veterans have service-connected medical conditions that affect their daily living, entitling them to financial compensation from the VA. However, veterans who receive VA disability benefits may want to continue working despite their condition. But can you work if you receive VA disability benefits? Understanding when you can and cannot work as a recipient…
Various events or stressors experienced during military service may lead to the development of sleep apnea during or after service. However, to obtain VA benefits for sleep apnea, you must prove that the condition has a connection to your military service. Understanding what veterans need to do to establish a service connection for their sleep…
During military service or after a service member leaves the military, they may develop recurring, severe migraines that affect their ability to perform their duties or work in civilian employment after discharge. Chronic migraines may result from various service-connected conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries. As a result, a veteran who develops migraines due to…
Most years, the VA adjusts disability benefit rates to reflect inflation. This adjustment, known as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), can help VA benefits keep pace with rising living costs. As a result, veterans who receive VA disability benefits should know what increases in benefit rates they can expect in 2026. What Is the 2026 COLA…
Some veterans may submit VA disability claims with 50-50 evidence, meaning the VA could decide the claim either way. However, the “benefit of the doubt” doctrine can help you avoid a denial of your VA disability benefits claim. The doctrine gives veterans a slight advantage that recognizes the goals of supporting them. Understanding the Benefit…
Veterans who file claims for VA disability benefits will face a waiting period while the VA processes and investigates their claim. However, you might expedite the processing of your VA disability claim by submitting all the evidence for your claim with your application to create a “fully developed” claim. But what makes a claim “fully…
When you apply for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will need to submit various forms and documents to establish that you have a qualifying disability. One of the documents you may need to submit with your VA disability application includes a disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) form. But what is a DBQ?…
Sometimes, the VA may defer a veteran’s claim for disability benefits. A deferred claim does not mean that the VA has denied the claim; instead, it means that the VA requires additional information to assess the claim. When the VA defers your disability benefits claim, you may need to provide further information to establish your…