For a veteran living with an injury, illness or other condition connected to military service, applying for disability benefits can raise questions: Where do I start? Does my condition qualify? What information do I need?
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit for eligible veterans with an injury or illness connected to their military service. In some circumstances, a preexisting condition aggravated by military service may also qualify.
San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs provides free assistance to help veterans answer those questions and navigate the claims process.
The department’s accredited Veterans Service Officers, or VSOs, work one-on-one with veterans to gather needed documents, prepare claims and identify evidence supporting a connection between their conditions and military service.
“The process can feel overwhelming,” said County Veterans Affairs Deputy Director Demarius Carmichael. “Veterans may not know which forms to complete, what evidence they need or how to connect their condition to their military service.”
Understanding disability compensation
A common misconception is that a veteran must have served in combat or suffered a combat-related injury to qualify. That is not necessarily the case.
Tinnitus, commonly described as ringing in the ears, is one example. Noise exposure during military service, such as working near aircraft or a firing range, may support a claim even if a veteran’s duties did not involve combat.
“An injury or illness may be connected to military service in a variety of ways,” Carmichael said.
Helping veterans get started
When filing a VA disability compensation claim, medical records, diagnoses, previous VA decision letters and information about when a condition began can help support a claim. A veteran’s DD Form 214, commonly called a DD214, is also an important record because it documents military service and discharge information.
Missing documents should not prevent veterans from reaching out. County staff can help identify what information is needed and assist veterans in requesting a DD214 if they do not have one.
Veterans Affairs provides this assistance at no cost through accredited VSOs, giving veterans an alternative to private businesses that may charge for similar services.
Veterans may still need to attend medical appointments, obtain records or provide other supporting information, but they do not have to navigate the process alone.
Veterans who believe a condition may be connected to their military service are encouraged to contact County Veterans Affairs — even if they are unsure whether they qualify or do not yet have all their records.
They do not need to have everything figured out before asking for help.
Veterans seeking assistance with filing VA disability compensation claims can visit va.sbcounty.gov or call 866-472-8387.
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