Disability claims with the Veterans Affairs (VA) claim system can be difficult, especially while transitioning to an unfamiliar civilian life and suffering from a troublesome condition. You may not have all of the information necessary due to administrative issues in the military, or because you didn't know what information to submit. If you're confused about the system or believe that your denial was in error, a few characteristics of the VA claim system and ways to enhance your claim can bring you closer to a successful appeal.

Service Connection Is a Major Factor

VA disability is only available for veterans suffering a condition that was caused during their military career. Such conditions are called service-connected conditions, and are compensated based on how severe the condition may be.

In order to prove that the condition is service-connected, you need proof that the condition was caused during military service. Although every condition and claim is different, here are a few examples:

• Chronic pain due to back injury. A veteran suffering constant pain blames falling down stairs and injuring his back. To prove the connection, the veteran has medical reports of the incident that prove what happen along with the severity of the injury at the time. The veteran has a follow-up examination that shows continued, related problems after the military.
• Inability to walk properly after being shot. A veteran was wounded in combat by gunfire, but the bullet wasn't able to be extracted. Although there was no medical administrative center in his or her area of operations, the incident was listed in the service record and eventually discovered via X-ray.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A veteran's career relatively uneventful career was abruptly ended by an attack on his base. Even though the veteran was just a few months from ending his or her career, the veteran was mentally shaken up and unable to deal with sudden, loud noises as well as before the incident. No psychological evaluation was performed before leaving the military, but the service record includes the evidence.

Each scenario represents different levels of physical and circumstantial proof. Don't give up just because you don't think you have enough proof; if the VA isn't able to find the answer, a legal professional may be able to help.

Professional Help from a Legal Team

It isn't rare for a veteran to suffer from physical or psychological problems without medical record entries. Military service in general can lead to accelerated wear and tear of the body, which can be even worse if you were in a highly active, high-impact career field. Psychological issues are par the course for many types of veterans, ranging from combat veterans to support personnel who need to help other service members, refugees, and prisoners of war.

The connection may be difficult for you to make on your own, since all of the related pieces of information may not be in your possession. The most experienced attorneys can research similar veteran cases, look through your career and consult medical professionals to design an injury claim appeal that may be more successful.

Injury lawyers have access to medical professionals who know how to efficiently examine issues for claims. In addition to helping you recover, claim system-experience medical professionals can prepare organized reports with step-by-step analysis of your condition that can be followed easily by VA officials.

Don't frustrate yourself trying to appeal alone. Contact a team of the most experienced attorneys and begin working on a claim that can bring you to a faster, better disability rating with the VA.