Veteran Benefits Attorney Booneville Mississippi
Veterans have sacrificed for our country and deserve the benefits they have earned. Unfortunately, the VA claims process can be complex, leading to delays, denials, and frustration. At Gregory D. Keenum, PA, we help Mississippi veterans navigate the system and secure the compensation they deserve.
Understanding VA Disability Benefits
VA disability benefits provide financial and medical support to veterans suffering from service-related injuries and illnesses. To qualify, a veteran must demonstrate that their condition is connected to their military service and that it impacts their ability to work or perform daily activities. Some conditions are automatically presumed to be service-connected, while others require extensive medical evidence and legal advocacy to establish a link.
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of a veteran’s condition, which determines the level of compensation they receive. A higher rating provides greater financial support and access to additional VA healthcare services. Veterans have the right to appeal their rating if they believe it does not accurately reflect their level of disability.
Common Service-Connected Conditions
Many veterans suffer from physical and mental health conditions related to their military service. Some of the most common VA disability claims include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries caused by explosions, combat, or accidents can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to combat, military sexual trauma, or other traumatic events can result in severe psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.
- Back and Joint Injuries: The physical demands of military service, including carrying heavy equipment and repetitive stress, can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Exposure to loud machinery, gunfire, and explosions can result in permanent hearing damage.
- Burn Pit Exposure: Veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during deployments may develop respiratory diseases, cancers, and other serious health conditions.
- Camp Lejeune Contamination: Veterans and their families who lived or served at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible for compensation due to toxic water exposure.
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Veterans who experienced sexual assault or harassment during service may develop PTSD and other psychological conditions that qualify for benefits.
The VA Claims Process
Filing a VA disability claim involves submitting medical records, service records, and other supporting documentation to prove eligibility. The VA may require additional medical evaluations, and in many cases, initial claims are denied due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors. Veterans have the right to appeal a denied claim or request an increase in their disability rating if their condition worsens over time.
The appeals process can be lengthy and requires gathering additional evidence, attending hearings, and presenting a strong legal argument. An experienced veteran benefits attorney can assist in preparing appeals, securing expert medical opinions, and ensuring that all deadlines and procedural requirements are met.
Contact Us for Help with Your VA Benefits
Navigating the VA system can be frustrating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Gregory D. Keenum, PA is dedicated to helping Mississippi veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Whether you need to file a claim, appeal a denial, or prove a service-related condition, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.