Each veteran with a service-related injury is entitled to receive VA disability benefits to help them improve their lifestyle. Here at Just4Veterans, it is our objective to help every eligible veteran file a VA claim or process their VA benefits claim assistance, as we understand that the VA procedure can be challenging.
However, there are some easy VA disability claims that are not that difficult to navigate. These claims are simple to prove as long as you provide the necessary proof, and they can grant you a VA disability benefit or a military medical retirement benefit.
Here are 10 of the easiest VA claims to get approved, or the easiest VA disability to claim.
Top 10 Easiest Claims for Veteran Disability
The simplest VA disability claims require proper documentation and proof that you have indeed inflicted some injuries that have left you unable to continue your service. This list is composed of the top 10 VA disability claims extracted from the most recent Veterans Benefits Administration reports.
Tinnitus
Otherwise known as “Ringing in the Ear Syndrome,” it is most categorized as a secondary or underlying condition. Conditions such as hearing loss, which is mostly associated with age-related illness, ear injuries, or other circulatory system disorders.
Tinnitus includes the sensation of hearing a buzzing, humming, clicking, or hissing sound even in the absence of external sounds. Tinnitus is considered a “gateway claim” as it helps connect with other service-related conditions, making it one of the easiest VA claims to win.
Tinnitus is a low-value claim and is associated with one VA rating, which is often rated at 10% or even 0%.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions are one of the easiest claims for VA disability since they are prevalent for many veterans and are often the result of the trauma they encountered during their service. There are various mental health conditions, according to the law, that are ratable, but there are five that are common for veterans.
- PTSD
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Sever Anxiety
- Somatic Symptom Disorders
- Adjustment Disorder
Mental health conditions have a high probability of getting a rating of 30% or higher, even without secondary conditions. It can reach a rating of 0% to 100%. It is also important to consider that many service-connected physical conditions aggravate or even cause mental health conditions. Which means that if you already received a rating for another condition, you can also be eligible to file a claim for mental health conditions if you obtain a Nexus letter and receive a recommendation from your physician who believes that they are connected.
Scars
Scars are considered one of the easiest VA claims since they are visible. Scars are the body’s natural healing process; they build up tissues to repair damaged skin. It can either be the result of an accident, surgery, or illness. Although it has an average rating of 10%, some conditions allow it to be rated at 80%, especially if there is an evident or severe distortion on the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, chin, forehead, or cheeks.
Knee Pains, or Flexion Limitation
Knee pains are a common complaint among veterans of every age range. It can either be the outcome of an injury during service, with common causes such as arthritis, gout, or other infections. Its disability rating ranges from 0% to 30%. In compliance with the “Painful Motion” principle, if you are experiencing pain in the extension of your knee or your flexion, you should be entitled to a minimum compensable rating of up to 10%.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is different from Tinnitus; since Tinnitus’ symptoms involve ringing in the ears, hearing loss is the complete absence of hearing. It is common for veterans to have exposure to loud noises, such as aircraft flight lines, heavy machinery, and gun ranges, which often injures the outer or middle ear (conductive), inner ear (sensorineural), or a combination of the two. It has a rating that ranges from 0% to 100%.
Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
Neck pains, or lumbosacral injuries in the cervical spine, are common amongst veterans. They can be the result of poor posture, which is a direct result of carrying heavy equipment and deployments. Knee pains and neck pains fall under the “Painful Motion” principle, which requires the VA to provide you with at least a 10% VA rating if you are experiencing these symptoms. It ranges from a VA rating of 10% to 100%, with 100% meaning that your entire spine sustained heavy injuries, leaving it frozen in an incredible, unfavorable position.
Sciatica
It refers to the paralysis of the sciatic nerves, which branch from the lower back through the hips and buttocks down to each leg. Veterans often experience injuries during their service that have demands; one of them is joining the infantry. Its rating ranges from 10% to 80%, with 80% presenting complete paralysis with no active movement of muscles, especially below the knee.
Limited Range of Motion in the Ankle
Ankles are an important part of your body, bearing your body weight and giving you the ability to move freely. Many veterans, during their active duties, are prone to injuries and pain in the ankle, making it one of the easiest VA disability claims. Just like neck and knee injuries, the limited range of motion of the ankle falls under the painful motion principle, requiring the VA to provide at least 10% of the disability rating for these types of injuries.
Limited Arm Motions
Frozen shoulders and arms stiffen and cause pain in the joints of your shoulders. It is also counted in the Painful Motion Principle, which means that you are eligible for at least 10% of your VA disability rating if it is proven that you have limitations of motion of the arm. The highest VA rating for this type of condition ranges from up to 40%, meaning that your dominant arm is restricted in its movements or has an abduction at 25 degrees to the side.
Migraines
Migraine is a severe throbbing or pulsing sensation in the head. It is the type of headache that lasts for hours or even days. The pain can be so extreme that it causes interference with your activities. A significant number of veterans experience headaches with various other conditions. Its VA rating can range between 0% and 50%. Patients who have migraines often experience nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
We are here to help
Although the following injuries are easy to claim, the entire VA process can still be confusing. Our veteran coaches are always ready to help you achieve your maximum VA rating. You may check out our VA assistance page to learn more about how we can guide you in filing your VA disability claims. You may also book a FREE strategy call to directly reach our veteran coaches by clicking this link.
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