Common VA Disability Claims

Most Common VA Disability Claims

VA Claims
November 13, 2024•3 min read

VA disability compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible Veterans. If you can prove a service-connected condition, you may qualify for benefits. 

The compensation amount depends on the combined VA disability rating, ranging from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. A 100% rating denotes a condition that is completely disabling, leaving no expectation of gainful employment. 

For example: In 2024, a Veteran with a spouse and no children, rated 100% disabled, would receive a tax-free monthly payment of $3,932.96. (Dollar amounts change annually.) 

While no service can guarantee approval or a specific rating, VetVantage can streamline the process, helping Veterans manage and strengthen their claims for the best possible outcomes. 

 

Eligibility for VA Disability Compensation 

You may qualify for VA disability benefits if: 

  • You have a current condition affecting your mind or body, and 

  • You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. 

Additionally, at least one of these must be true: 

  • You were injured or became ill during service (in-service claim). 

  • A pre-existing condition was worsened by your service (pre-service claim). 

  • A disability related to your service appeared after you left (post-service claim). 

For some conditions, the VA assumes service connection—these are called presumptive conditions. If you meet the service requirements for a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove the connection between your service and your condition. 

 

Presumptive Conditions Include: 

  • Chronic illnesses within one year of discharge. 

  • Illnesses caused by contaminants or hazardous materials. 

  • Conditions related to POW status. 

Categories of presumptive conditions include: 

  • Vietnam Veterans 

  • Atomic Veterans 

  • Gulf War Veterans (including burn pit exposure) 

Presumptive claims often have higher chances of approval when supported by deployment records and medical evidence. 

 

Common VA Disability Claims 

The 10 most common claims include: 

  1. Tinnitus 

  1. Hearing Loss 

  1. Limitation of Flexion, Knee 

  1. PTSD 

  1. Back Pain 

  1. Scars 

  1. Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve 

  1. Limitation of Motion of the Ankle 

  1. Migraines 

  1. Limitation of Motion of the Arm 

These conditions range from simple physical impairments to more complex cases involving secondary disabilities. VetVantage simplifies the process by guiding you through documentation and medical evidence requirements. 

 

Mental Health VA Claims 

The VA recognizes 31 mental health conditions, with these being the most common: 

  • PTSD (Combat, Non-Combat, MST) 

  • Depression 

  • Anxiety 

  • Adjustment Disorder 

  • Somatic Symptom Disorder 

Mental health ratings range from 0% to 100%, with most Veterans receiving at least a 30% rating. VetVantage supports your claim by helping you clearly connect mental and physical conditions to improve your overall rating. 

 

Secondary Service-Connected Disabilities 

Secondary claims involve conditions aggravated by an existing service-connected condition. For example, migraines or GERD linked to PTSD. With medical evidence and proper documentation, these claims can significantly improve your total disability rating. 

 

Increase Your Chances with VetVantage 

VA claim approvals aren’t guaranteed, and the process can be overwhelming. VetVantage helps Veterans navigate this system by: 

  • Simplifying paperwork. 

  • Providing tools to manage claims efficiently. 

  • Connecting you with medical professionals who understand VA evaluations. 

Veterans who use our platform often see faster approvals and higher ratings compared to those filing on their own. 

Take control of your benefits. Let VetVantage help you claim smarter, not harder. 

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