In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granted benefits to more than 1.1 million veterans and their survivors, which is an all-time record. There are many types of mental and physical ailments that may serve as grounds to apply for disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Let’s take a look at some of the most common VA claims disabilities identified by veterans in their disability benefit applications.
Most Common VA Claims Disabilities Identified by Veterans
Below is a list of some of the most common VA claims disabilities among veterans, according to VA data:.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus is, by far, one of the most common service-connected disabilities identified in VA disability claims. Tinnitus manifests itself as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or other noise in the ears, not caused by external sounds. Veterans often report it following exposure to loud noises during their military service. The baseline impairment rating for tinnitus is 10 percent, though certain medical conditions involving tinnitus can warrant a total disability rating.
- Loss of Hearing: Another hearing-related disability that is commonly identified is hearing loss. This disability covers an array of illnesses and injuries. The common element is that the service member no longer has access to their full range of hearing. The impairment rating for hearing loss varies widely depending on the specific type of injury and how much hearing the veteran still has left.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Approximately 90.7 percent of veterans applying for disability benefits based upon PTSD were rated at 30 percent or higher. Approximately 41.1 percent of veterans with PTSD seeking benefits received a rating of 70 percent or higher. This means mental health conditions, including PTSD, are one of the most common types of disabilities identified in VA disability claims. Veterans may develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing severe trauma or a life-threatening event, such as exposure to combat. Symptoms associated with PTSD include:
- Flashbacks
- Severe anxiety
- Uncontrollable thoughts about the event
- Avoidance behaviors
- Limitation of Flexion in the Knee: Limitation of flexion in the knee refers to difficulty or inability to fully bend the knee joint. This often results from injuries or strain during military service. Having limited flexion of your knee can adversely impact walking, climbing, and other everyday activities. The common disability rating for this type of impairment ranges between 10 percent and 30 percent.
- Limitation of Motion of the Ankle: Limitation of motion in the ankle refers to a reduced ability to move the ankle joint normally, often due to injury or wear from service-related activities. The impairment rating for this type of injury will depend on how the disability impacts your daily life. Nevertheless, a disability rating of 20 percent is relatively common.
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm: Limitation of motion in the arm can arise when you have difficulties in fully moving your arm due to stiffness, injury, and/or intense pain. The impairment rating for this disability will depend primarily on how much the disability impacts your daily life. Nevertheless, much like with an ankle condition, an arm-related disability will likely result in a 20-30 percent rating (though it may go as high as 80 percent depending on the severity of the disability).
- Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain: A lumbosacral or cervical strain involves pain and stiffness in the lower back or neck, often due to overuse or injury during military service. Spinal cord injuries have different impairment ratings depending on their severity, running from 10 percent to 100 percent.
- Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve: Paralysis of the sciatic nerve results in loss of movement or sensation in a veteran’s leg, typically caused by injury or pressure on the nerve during military service. This type of injury has an impairment rating of 10 to 80 percent.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: The VA determines the disability rating for scars and disfigurement based on the extent of scarring and functional impairment. Scars can result from various causes, including injury, surgery, burns, or medical conditions. When evaluating scars for disability benefits, the VA typically considers the following factors:
- Size and location of the scars. For example, scarring in highly visible or functionally-essential areas like your face, hands, or joints may receive a higher disability rating.
- Severity of the scar’s appearance, including color, texture, and contour. Scars that are highly disfiguring or cause significant cosmetic deformity may receive a higher disability rating.
- Extent to which the scar limits functional abilities. For example, scars that restrict your range of motion or cause pain with movement may receive a higher disability rating.
- Any pain, itching, or sensitivity in the scarred area may also be considered.
- Migraine: Based on 2023 VA data, migraines were commonly cited as the basis for VA disability claims. Migraines are a serious neurological condition rated between 0 percent and 50 percent. Common symptoms of Migraines include throbbing pain, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine is usually characterized by a pulsing sensation on the side of the head. In fact, pain could last hours or days depending on the severity of the pain.
Types of Veterans Disability Benefits
If you have one – or more – of the most common VA claims disabilities listed above, then you may be eligible to secure veterans disability benefits. The VA offers two primary types of disability benefits: (i) service-connected and (ii) non-service connected disability benefits.
The type of benefits that you may be eligible to receive will largely depend on your diagnosed disability, how the disability arose, and your income and asset level.
By way of background, service-connected disability benefits are generally available for veterans who have a medical or mental health condition that either was caused by military service or was made worse by service. Veterans and qualified defendants are eligible for this monthly compensation. The rate of compensation is based on a disability rating schedule, which expresses disability as a percentage from 0 to 100 percent.
In contrast, non-service connected pension benefits may be awarded to veterans who served during a period of war. To be eligible, a veteran must be aged 65 or older with limited or no income, or totally or permanently disabled, or a patient in a nursing facility, or receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. There is no requirement that the disability is connected to service for this type of benefit.
Need Assistance Applying for Veterans Disability Benefits? Contact Bross & Frankel Today
Hiring a veteran’s disability benefits attorney is not necessary for obtaining VA benefits, but for cases where a veteran has been denied or received a rating well below what they deserve, having an experienced and knowledgeable VA disability benefits lawyer by your side can make a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. Our team is well-versed in handling many of the most common VA claims disabilities that our veteran clients file on their claims.
At Bross & Frankel, we have a track record of success in helping veterans obtain needed disability benefits. In fact, many of our VA clients are referred by other veterans whom we have helped over the years. We know veterans disability benefits law and are dedicated to helping disabled veterans like you. Speak with a VA benefits advocate today by contacting our office to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Have questions regarding your veterans disability claim and prefer to speak with someone first? Call our office today at (856) 795-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.