One of the greatest challenges for many veterans— besides navigating the complex systems of VA — is having your claims approved in an instant.
There are disabilities and injuries that will take an insurmountable time to get approved, which will make you wonder whether or not it will get approved in the first place.
However, there are some conditions that are widely recognized by the VA that makes them less challenging to prove and ultimately qualify for leads.
Understanding what are the easiest VA disability claims to get approved, along with the ability to present your evidence strongly can give you a higher chance of getting your VA claims approved.
For expert education and coaching guidance on how to navigate the VA claims process, visit our page and learn how a veteran coach or VA claims consultant can help with VA disability claims.
Criteria for VA Disability Approval
Before uncovering the easiest claims for VA disability, it is important to understand some of the key criteria that the VA utilizes to assess disability claims.
Service Connection
You need to establish the fact that your injuries are military service-connected. The VA will require this proof, in order to justify your VA claim.
Medical Diagnosis
A formal medical diagnosis from a healthcare provider. You can also seek medical diagnosis from a VA affiliated clinic to make it an easier process.
Impact on Daily Life
You can ask someone who witnessed how your injuries are affecting your daily life from your family member, close acquaintances or a friend to supply a lay statement. These lay statements can detail the severity of your condition from first hand witness accounts.
You must also supply substantial medical evidence, nexus letters, and sometimes buddy letters from fellow service members to warrant your claims. Having a comprehensive documentation of your condition will increase your chance of getting your VA claim approved no matter the complexity of the condition.
Top 5 Easiest VA Disability Claims
There are top 5 conditions considered as the easiest VA disability claims due to their frequency among veterans.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus — or persistent ringing, or buzzing in the ears — is perhaps one of the most common VA disability claims, and easiest VA disability to claim.
Many veterans may experience hearing damage since they are regularly exposed to loud noises during their active service. These loud noises can either be from, gunfire, explosions or heavy machineries which can affect your hearing
- Approval Likelihood: High
- Required Evidence: Service-connection; Documented diagnosis from a VA affiliated clinic, or a private physician
- Typical Disability Rating: 10%
It is relatively easy to claim since it would not necessitate advanced diagnostic tests. A simple evaluation will be conducted by an audiologist — a healthcare professional with a specialty on diagnosing and treating hearing disabilities — that can confirm tinnitus.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
One of the most frequently approved claims for veterans is the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is a mental health condition that most veterans experienced, especially if they were exposed to service-related traumatic events.
- Approval Likelihood: High, with proper documentation
- Required Evidence: A diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, service records showing traumatic experiences, and personal statements or buddy letters
- Typical Disability Rating: 30%-100%, depending on severity
Seek treatment from psychiatrists and keep records of ongoing therapy and medications. Consult the help of your friends, and family to supply a lay statement on how your PTSD is affecting your daily life.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries can vary from joint pains, arthritis, knee injuries, or back problems. Exposure to repetitive stress from various military activities can affect the muscles and bones of a veteran. Activities, such as, heavy lifting, marching, or carrying heavy equipment can be the result of this injury. Many veterans perform these activities, which can cause musculoskeletal injuries
- Approval Likelihood: Moderate to High
- Required Evidence: Medical records detailing the injury, VA or private medical evaluations, and service records documenting physical strain
- Typical Disability Rating: 10%-50%, depending on the affected area and severity
One of the things that you also need to consider is that chronic musculoskeletal pain has the potential for aggravation. It is critical to document the progression of these symptoms and obtain continuous medical treatment.
In some cases, these conditions can lead to mobility issues, or other secondary conditions that can give you a better chance of acquiring a higher rating.
Skin Conditions
Exposure to harsh environments, toxic chemicals, and contaminated water can gravely affect your skin conditions. During active service, veterans can be frequently exposed to chemicals, which can result from Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Chloracne, or Porphyria cutanea tarda.
- Approval Likelihood: Moderate to High
- Required Evidence: Diagnosis from a dermatologist, service records indicating exposure to environmental hazards, and photos documenting the condition
- Typical Disability Rating: 10%-60%, depending on the severity and affected body area
Chronic Back Pain
Conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal injuries, or nerve damage are also common for many veterans due to the physical demands required for active service members.
- Approval Likelihood: Moderate
- Required Evidence: Medical imaging (X-rays, MRIs), medical records detailing the pain’s impact on daily life, and service records supporting physical strain
- Typical Disability Rating: 10%-50%, based on mobility limitations and pain levels
Chronic back pains have the potential of limiting your movements, hindering your ability to work effectively or perform other daily activities. Providing substantial medical evidence, physician statements, and evidence of treatments will likely improve your claim.
Remember: Leveraging Medical Evidence for Easier Approval
There is no easiest way to get 100 VA disability, however, it doesn’t mean that it is impossible. Securing strong and substantial medical evidence is extremely vital for strengthening your case and getting a VA rating approval.
Here are key steps to strengthen your case:
- Get a thorough medical evaluation from a VA doctor or private physician.
- Secure detailed medical records, and detail the progression of your condition.
- Supply buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed your condition.
- Acquire and submit personal statements detailing how your condition impacts your daily life.
- Be present at all scheduled VA medical exams (C&P exams) to provide additional documentation.
In addition to these steps, veterans should ensure that their claims are complete and well-organized before submission. Incomplete claims or missing documentation can lead to delays or denials.
Working with VA Claims Consultants: Veterans Choice
Navigating the VA claims process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Veterans Choice can provide invaluable coaching and educational assistance.
We can help by:
- Comprehensive Claims Assistance
- Step-by-Step Support in Filing VA Claims Through Coaching and Education
- Continuous Follow-Up and Appeals
