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Military service members can experience loud noises that can permanently damage their hearing, whether from explosions, gunfire, or working around aircraft or heavy machinery. When you have hearing loss or tinnitus caused by exposures during your military service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. But what can you expect when you file a claim…

A veteran who applies for VA disability compensation may request that the department review a denial. However, many veterans who have their disability benefits applications denied on a second review make mistakes that can delay or preclude ultimately obtaining the benefits they need and deserve. Here are several of the most common mistakes veterans make…

Many veterans who apply for VA disability benefits disagree with some aspect of the VA’s decision on their claim, such as the denial of benefits, the disability rating, or the effective date. When you choose to challenge one or more aspects of the VA’s decision on your disability benefits claim, you have several avenues to…

A veteran with a disabling medical condition resulting from their military service might qualify for financial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, despite some veterans having medical conditions that significantly impair their daily lives, they may receive denials of their applications for VA disability benefits. But why does the VA deny some disability…

Over the past few months, the VA has proposed and adopted various rules that change how the department evaluates veterans’ disabilities. These changes can lead some veterans to see a reduction in their disability ratings following a reexamination, with a corresponding reduction in their VA benefits. How do disability rating reductions occur, and what can…

After the VA approves a veteran’s application for disability benefits, the veteran’s disability may worsen, or they may develop new or aggravated conditions as a result of that approved disability. Veterans have several avenues for maximizing their disability compensation, including requesting an increase in their VA disability rating. When your condition worsens or you develop…

When the VA denies your disability benefits claim, you have the right to appeal that decision. However, the VA offers veterans several avenues to appeal a denied disability claim, including filing a supplemental claim or requesting higher-level review. But how do you decide between pursuing a supplemental claim or higher-level review? Following the denial of…

Some veterans may qualify for both VA disability compensation and Social Security disability benefits. Veterans who apply for both types of benefits should understand the differences between the programs and how receiving one type of benefit can affect benefits from the other program. An understanding of how VA and Social Security disability intersect can help…

A veteran may have a “total” disability if they have a service-connected condition rated at 100 percent or qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). However, some veterans who have received a total disability rating may have their condition deemed a “permanent and total” disability by the VA. But what extra benefits can…