Common Disabilities are claimed as service-connected disability. These links will take you to relevant articles and posts on the subject. Tinnitus | PTS(D) | Lumbosacral Cervical Strain | Scars | Limitation of flexion, knee | Diabetes | Paralysis of Sciatic Nerve | Limitation of motion, ankle | Degenerative Arthritis Spine | TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
Proposed Changes to VA Disability Ratings for Neurological
VA proposed updates to the Schedule for Rating Disabilities: neurological conditions and convulsive disorders. Understand how these changes impact veterans.
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Project 2025: A Ticking Time Bomb for Veterans’
We've got a serious situation brewing, and it's time to sound the alarm. This "Project 2025" isn't just another bureaucratic...
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Veterans Day 2024 Poster
Each year the Veterans Day National Committee publishes a commemorative Veterans Day poster. The Committee selects a poster from artwork...
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7 Takeaways: The State of Veterans Affairs Address
VA Secretary Speaks In the recent press conference held by VA Secretary Denis McDonough, significant updates were shared regarding hurricane...
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Knowledge Is Power
and brothers and sisters we’ve been gathering knowledge since 1997. We may be one of the oldest veterans disability claims communities. What we have collected is a great and active membership and decades of veterans’ experiences in getting their VA disability claims approved.
Welcome to the HadIt.com Veterans Community
Where We’ve Got Your Six!
Ever felt lost in the maze of VA claims and disability processes? You’re not alone, and that’s exactly why we’re here! HadIt.com is your go-to hub for all things veteran-related, and here’s how our awesome community works:
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Got a burning question about your claim or disability? Fire away! Our community of battle-tested veterans and savvy researchers is ready to jump in and help. Whether you need answers, guidance, or just a virtual pat on the back, we’ve got you covered.
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Utilize our site to research VA Disability Claims procedures for compensation and other benefits. Join our active discussion forum and post questions to other veterans.
VA Disability Claims Articles
The VA Disability Calculator page will open in a new window. When the VA page opens, scroll down to locate the calculator. Summary: The VA Disability Calculator uses a unique “VA Math” method to compute combined impairment ratings for veterans with multiple service-connected conditions. Instead of simply adding up the percentages of each condition, the VA uses a combined rating table and a concept of “Whole Person Remaining.” Each subsequent rating is a reduction of the whole person remaining. For instance, if a veteran has a 30% rating for one condition and a 40% rating for another, the total rating is not 70%…
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An Examiners’ perspective relating to psychiatric compensation and pension exams. It is still a good guideline for all exams. A Guideline for your VA compensation and pension examA VA Compensation and Pension Examiners’ perspective relating to psychiatric exams. It is a good guideline for all exams, but they only did psych exams. The VA has examined me for multiple problems, and this is my format when I go to be examined. A little common sense and clarity of thinking will go a long way toward getting you what you are entitled to. Written by: Steve A. Neff MSW Do not talk about alcohol or drug-related issues. You are not there to be assessed for those problems. You are there to be…
Common Disabilities are claimed as service-connected disability. These links will take you to relevant articles and posts on the subject. Tinnitus | PTS(D) | Lumbosacral Cervical Strain | Scars | Limitation of flexion, knee | Diabetes | Paralysis of Siatic Nerve | Limitation of motion, ankle | Degenerative Arthritis Spine | TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury Tinnitus/Hearing Loss | Limitation of flexion, knee | PTS(D) | Lumbosacral Cervical Strain | Paralysis of Sciatic Nerve | Scars | Limitation of motion, ankle | Limitation of motion of the arm
How to Get Your VA C-FileVeterans can obtain their VA C-File by requesting a copy from their local VA Regional Office. Veterans submit VA Form 3288. This is a fillable form, Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Individual Records.If you’re a veteran seeking your VA C-File, you can request it at your local VA Regional Office. You’ll need to fill out the VA Form 3288, which authorizes information release from individual records.Bear in mind that it could take some time for the file to arrive – if months go by and you still haven’t received yours, consider submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request. This allows individuals or groups to request documents from…
Not every veteran is eligible for VA Dental care. VA does offer dental insurance…Dental for Veterans – Eligibility and BenefitsVA offers comprehensive dental care benefits to specific qualifying Veterans. What VA dental care benefits do I qualify for? If eligible but not yet enrolled in VA health care, you can apply online using the Apply for Health Care Benefits webpage. If not eligible, Veterans enrolled in VA health care can purchase dental insurance at a reduced cost through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). Read More HereVA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)…
VA Compensation and Pension Exam Tips That Stand the Test of TimeVA Compensation and Pension Exam tips to help you prepare for your exam. Claimants must attend at least one compensation and pension examination when filing a VA disability claim. A VA Compensation and Pension Exam isn’t like a normal medical exam. The provider won’t treat you for any illness or injury…
Question Posed: What does compensation issue mean?Answer: Compensation issue means your claim is for disability compensation instead of some other kind of claim. Maybe upgrade for discharge, for example. Most claims that are submitted are designated compensation issues. Nothing to worry about.
Your claim can go from any step to back a step depending on the specifics of the claim so that you may go from Pending Decision Approval back to Review of Evidence. VA.gov status is helpful but not definitive. VA Claims StatusYour VA claim status indicates the current stage of your claim in the review process. It allows you to stay informed and updated on the progress of your claim. Below are the VA claims status messages you may see and their definition.Source: VA.gov…
Won Your VA Claim? This reference will help you calculate your retroactive pay. VA Disability rates listed below are for calculating your retroactive pay once you win your claim. For example, if you were awarded 50% from 1997 to the present, you will be paid at the 50% rate for the corresponding years. VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veteran’s disability benefits you’ve earned. Source of Data: Veterans Affairs Compensation and…
VA Claims Folders, the infamous C-File We can not stress enough how important it is to View your VA Claims Folder at the Veterans Affairs regional office (find your Regional VA Office here). Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request an appointment to view your C-File (VA Claims Folder).Ensure that all the records in your VA Claims Folder or C-File are yours. Check that everything you have sent to the VA is included in your VA Claims Folder. After viewing your VA claims folder (c-file) and correcting any mistakes you may find, you should request a hard copy of your C-File. Suppose you need help obtaining your VA Claims Folder from your Regional VA Office. You can file a written Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request in that case. See below for more information on FOIA requests….
VA 100 Percent (Totally Disabled) and Employment
You will find these articles helpful in understanding employment when you are rated 100% and wondering If you can work100% VA Disability Benefits and Employment: Your Guide to Success – Hill & PontonAs a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating, you have earned the highest level of disability compensation for your service-connected disabilities. However, it’s important to understand the impact of this rating on your employment options. In this article, we will explore the different ways to achieve a 100% VA disability rating, discuss the challenges and considerations veterans may face when seeking employment with a 100% disability rating, and highlight the need for veterans…
USCAVC No. 17-0781 Ray v. Wilkie “Substantially Gainful Occupation” or “Substantial Gainful Activity”
Summary: This document analyzes the interpretation of “substantially gainful employment” within VA regulations. It highlights the need for a clear definition, the role of the Court in interpreting regulations, and the inconsistencies in the VA’s interpretation. The document argues that the VA’s current interpretation is inconsistent and absurd, as it fails to consider essential factors outlined in the regulations.USCAVC NO. 17-0781 RAY v. WILKIE (PDF)UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMSNo. 17-0781…
VACP TREAS 310 is a Compensation Payment. Retro? You May Have Won Your VA Disability Claim
A TREAS 310 unexpected deposit into your checking account may be puzzling, usually, it is good news. Perhaps your VA disability compensation claim was granted, and the deposit made it to the bank before your letter arrived. It happens. To be on the safe side, wait for the letter confirming it. You can also call the VA at 800-827-1000. Or check e-Benefits. Once you log into e-Benefits, you can check your letters and see what percentage is listed. A few of the codes labeled 310 on your US Government Check: VACP is for VA disability compensation or pension payment. VAED is for GI Bill payments. IRS is from Internal Revenue Service Log Into e-Benefits to View Your Payment History You Must File A Claim Before You See That VACP TREAS 310…
Additional 100% Disabled Veteran Benefits
If you reach 100% – Permanent and Total, more benefits are available to you. This is by no means an extensive list. Be sure to check your state benefits.BenefitsCheck your state’s veterans benefits here. Dental treatment for 100% disabled veterans benefits. Educational Assistance for Dependents: (under chapter 35) Must be rated a 100% disabled veteran by the VA. Civilian health and medical program for dependents/survivors (CHAMPVA). Must be rated a 100% disabled veteran by the VA. Specially Adapted Homes Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance: Decreasing term mortgage insurance up to $90,000 for veterans who have received a Specially…
10 Tips to Help You Keep the VA C and P Exam in Perspective
Every C&P Exam has 2 Goals.The first goal is to have the doctor confirm that your injury, disability, or limitations are related to your military service – to prove the Nexus Pillar – and/or to establish the degree you are disabled – the Impairment Pillar.The second goal is to draw out the “evidentiary gap” in your claim through a C&P exam. The evidentiary gap is the difference between what is IN the record and how the VA SEES what is in the record. If you are denied service connection, it is almost always because of an evidentiary gap. Rather than throwing a haystack at the RO and then yelling at the VA for not finding the…
Disabled Veterans State Benefits Including Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions
Looking for information on property tax exemptions for disabled veterans by state? We’ve got you covered. Click on any state below to find out whether or not they offer tax exemptions, and if not, you’ll be redirected to the veteran’s benefits page for that state. You can also view veteran statistics from the Census Bureau by clicking on the image next to the state name. Alabama…
More Likely Than Not: What You Need to Know About Reasonable Doubt Rule
The Reasonable Doubt rule is one of the most important liberalizing rules that the VA uses to grant veterans benefits and is defined under 38 CFR, §3.102. The Reasonable Doubt rule means that when there is an equal balance of evidence for and against the claimant, the claimant is awarded their claim. This is like in baseball, as the “tie goes to the runner.” Keep in mind this doesn’t mean that just because there are ten pieces of evidence for your claim and ten against that, you will be granted your claim. It means that after consideration by the decision maker at VA, they have weighed the evidence, and there is an equal balance in their judgment. They must resolve reasonable doubt in the claimant’s favor. It also doesn’t mean that if, for example, there are five pieces of evidence in favor of a claim and only one against it, a claim will automatically be granted because there…
How Long Before VA.gov Updates My VA Claim Status?
Average Time to Complete VA Disability Claim 114.1 Days The average number of days to complete disability-related claims in November 2023 (The latest wait times here) How long before I see an update on my VA Claim Status? The timeline for how long it takes to update VA.gov after a VA claim is closed will vary depending on the types of claims and processes involved. If you win your VA claim, retroactive pay can sometimes appear in your account before you receive a decision letter…
The VA disability claims process can often be complex and overwhelming for veterans. However, understanding this process is crucial for veterans to access the compensation they deserve. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of VA disability benefits, including the types of compensation available, the importance of legal representation, and insights into the claims process. By the end of this post, you will have gained valuable knowledge to navigate the complexities of VA disability claims and maximize your entitled benefits.VA Disability Claims ProcessThe VA disability claims process can be broken down into several key steps. Each step plays a crucial role in determining the…
Eligibility for VA Health CareYou may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981. Unless any of the descriptions below are true, you must have served 24 continuous months or the entire period the government called you to active duty. This minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true: You were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service or You were discharged for a hardship or “early out” or You served before September 7, 1980. Read…
The 5, 10, 20-year rules… Five-Year Rule The five-year rule states that the VA can’t reduce a veteran’s disability that’s been in place for five years unless the condition improves over time on a sustained basis. The veteran will likely need to present medical evidence to prove the material improvement of their condition. Hill and Ponton The VA Disability Five-Year Rule: What Veterans Need to KnowThe VA Disability Five-Year Rule, which requires the VA to periodically re-evaluate veterans with certain types of disabilities, can have several effects on veterans. One potential effect of the Five-Year Rule is that a veteran’s disability rating may be adjusted based on the results of the re-evaluation. If the VA determines that a veteran’s condition has improved, their disability rating…
Reviewing your service medical records. Whether your records are PDF or paper this system will work. The information below is written as if the service medical records were paper, however, you can just substitute the electric version for any suggestions I make below.This work and it is work, can produce a lot of anxiety. Take Breaks. Below is my system for going through service medical records. I hope you find it helpful.The first thing I do after receiving a service medical record is number each page when I get to the end I go back and add 1 of 100 and so on. Second I then make a copy of the service medical records on a different color paper, yellow or buff something…