Whether you have one or more medical conditions, filing a claim for all of them can be complex but rewarding. Veterans experience specific medical conditions at a higher rate than the general population. Of all the disabilities you can file a claim for, some are easier than others for approval, making it helpful to know what disabilities are easy to claim with the VA.
Some of the easiest are also the most common. Here, we’ll discuss what disabilities are easy to claim with the VA, including so-called “presumptive conditions” that are almost automatically approved.
The List—Easy VA Claims To Get Approved
Certain medical conditions occur more often in veterans than in the general population, including:
- Anxiety and Depression impact a veteran’s everyday activities
- Back Pain, i.e., Lumbosacral and Cervical Straining, is rated according to the veteran’s available range of motion tested in a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam.
- Cancer resulting from Agent Orange or other toxic exposures.
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, a presumptive condition linked to Agent Orange exposures
- Flat Feet, aka “Pes Planus,” where the arch flattens, leading to pain in the heels and arches, leg and back pain, swelling, and difficulty with some movements.
- Hearing Loss affects some 30% of veterans, leading to social withdrawal and other issues, and is sometimes accompanied by Tinnitus.
- Limited Ankle Motion resulting from an improperly healed sprain or break is usually rated from 10% to 20%
- Limited Arm Motion: resulting from an improperly healed injury, lifting heavy objects, scar tissues in muscles, or an accident, this may be rated from 20% to 40%, depending on the severity and whether it affects the veteran’s dominant arm.
- Limited Flexion of the Knee, rated on range of motion rather than pain, usually rated at 10% but can go as high as 30%
- Migraine Headaches, which include a range of symptoms and can be debilitating.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from one or more traumatic events and rated according to its impact on a veteran’s life.
- Respiratory Conditions such as COPD and cancers from burn pits, Agent Orange, or other chemical exposure.
- Scars are rated from 0 to 80% depending on their location, their impact on the veteran, including pain and disability, and the amount of disfigurement.
- Sciatica/Sciatic Nerve Paralysis, leading to back and neck pain, tingling and numbness, and other issues
- Sleep Apnea
- Tinnitus, ringing or other noises in the ears, may indicate hearing loss or other underlying disorders.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from combat, vehicular accidents, and other violent incidents during military service. Rated from 0 to 100%, depending on severity.
Veterans can include two or more of these conditions in their initial claim. All conditions must be substantiated with medical and other evidence.
Secondary Conditions
These are additional medical conditions that may not be approved for disability on their own. Secondary conditions develop or worsen as a direct result of an existing service-connected condition.
For example, migraine headaches that develop from tinnitus would be a secondary condition if you’ve been rated for the primary condition of tinnitus. However, you’ll be required to prove the connection between the two conditions to be rated for that secondary condition.
These additional conditions can be added to primary conditions to increase a veteran’s rating and their monthly benefits.
Presumptive Conditions That Automatically Qualify For VA Disability
Several specific medical conditions are presumed to be service-related based on a veteran’s service record. Therefore, the process is simplified, and it does not require the same degree of proof for approval. Presumptive conditions have an automatic service connection based on their service. The veteran must prove that they were stationed where they would be exposed.
If a veteran has an illness and/or injury that the VA presumes resulted from their military service. These are known as presumptive conditions. The VA doesn’t need a direct medical link or a nexus letter to prove a condition is service-related, and the veteran does not need to prove causation. The veteran will only need to show that they were in the service stationed at a location during the correct time frame to qualify.
These conditions include:
- Illnesses that resulted from Agent Orange exposure in veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
- Conditions covered under the PACT Act include illnesses stemming from burn pits and the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Knowing what disabilities are easy to claim with the VA can make it easier to file and complete your claim. Getting help from a veterans disability attorney can make the process easier and increase your chances of approval for your initial application.
Veterans Disability Claims Help With Herren Law
Filing a claim with the VA for veterans’ disability benefits is a difficult process that requires patience and understanding of the law. Start the process now, and you’ll receive benefits sooner instead of later.
William Herren is an attorney who helps with veterans’ disability claims. Mr. Herren has helped more than 4,000 Houstonians get the benefits they deserve, including veterans. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take your case on a contingency fee basis, with no up-front charges. You don’t owe a fee until we win your case.
