Carbondale VA Benefits Lawyer

Update:

This post describes the VA disability appeals process for decisions issued prior to February 19, 2019. Decisions received after that date are subject to the new VA appeals process.

Carbondale VA Benefits Lawyer

It is critical for former service members who are seeking benefits, to speak with an experienced Carbondale VA benefits lawyer who can help them navigate the intricacies of the application and appeals process.

Disability Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability benefits to qualifying veterans based on the severity of their injury or illness, which will be rated on a scale from 10 to 100%. Aside from being able to collect benefits for disabilities that can be directly linked to an illness or injury suffered during active service, veterans may also be eligible for benefits if they can demonstrate that:

• Although their injury or illness existed prior to their active duty service, it was aggravated during the military service itself;
• They suffer from secondary injuries; or
• They suffer from a disability that did not manifest until after they were officially released from military service.

Once disabled veterans have established their eligibility, they can begin collecting benefits, which cover the costs of treatment and rehabilitation, as well as lost wages. Many qualifying veterans are also able to receive free job training. When a veteran has a disability rating of no less than 30%, he or she can also collect a monthly allowance for minor children and spouses.

Healthcare Benefits

In addition to disability benefits, qualifying veterans can take advantage of the healthcare benefits offered by the VA, which include coverage for:

• Primary care;
• Specialty care;
• Mental health care treatment;
• Inpatient and outpatient care;
• Medication;
• Readjustment counseling services; and
• Prosthetic and sensory aids.

Only veterans who actively served in the military and were not dishonorably discharged can claim these kinds of healthcare benefits. In fact, veterans who served after 1980 also need to prove that they were on active duty for at least 24 continuous months or for the full period for which they were called to duty unless they suffered a disability while on active duty.

Employment and Education Benefits

The Employment Benefits Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program helps qualifying veterans with service-connected disabilities obtain employment after discharge. Similarly, the Illinois Department of Employment Security provides help to eligible veterans who are seeking employment by providing job placement assistance and vocational training. Veterans seeking further education can also receive funding from the VA to pay for tuition and fees, monthly housing, and books and supplies if they qualify under the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Call an Experienced Carbondale VA Benefits Lawyer

As a VA accredited attorney, James R. Comerford is well-versed in the issues facing veterans who are seeking benefits in Illinois. For help filing your own claim for benefits, please call The Comerford Law Office, LLC at 312-863-8572 today.