According to the New York Times, the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) is planning to cut its workforce by 80,000 employees. The secretary of Veterans Affairs claims this will not affect health care services and benefits, however, veterans are already experiencing delays in getting disability benefits, making it questionable that fewer employees can provide the necessary services.
There are eight steps to filing a VA disability claim, with the average claim taking from five to 11.5 months before it is resolved and a claimant receives his or her disability rating and benefits. Most claims are not simply due to physical disabilities, they are also the result of mental issues resulting from having been in a combat environment and dealing with the physical injury. As part of processing a claim, the VA requires evidence regarding both physical and mental conditions from the veteran, health care providers, and governmental agencies.
Gathering evidence to satisfy the needs of Ratings Veteran Service Representatives and later in the process, a Senior Ratings Veteran Service Representative, is not easy. This is why we recommend claimants hire a qualified Veterans Disability attorney to help get their case processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Attorneys who are knowledgeable about VA disability know what medical evidence, lay evidence (statements from people who know you and the effects of your disability), and expert opinion evidence, will help prove your case. It is especially critical for veterans who have mental health issues that may be difficult to prove are the result of their time in service.
If you or your loved one served in the military and cannot work full-time or part-time due to a mental or physical disability, we advise you to file a claim before the VA begins to downsize. Cuts in staffing can only make it more difficult to get through the eight steps you face before you get your benefits. We also encourage you to retain an attorney who is experienced in VA claims. We urge you to contact our offices for a free consultation, either in person or remotely. The right rating means the difference between receiving up to $1716.28 per month for a single person (no dependents) at 70 percent disability or $3787.85 per month for 100 percent disability. Those with dependents will receive more.
Source: NYT, https://www.hillandponton.com/va-disability-claim-timeline/#section_2; https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/past-rates-2024/