Chicago VA Accredited Attorney

Chicago VA Accredited Attorney

Generally, disability compensation is provided on a monthly basis, although the exact amount varies depending on the degree of the veteran’s injury, which is rated on a scale of ten to 100 percent. Unfortunately, filing claims for benefits can be complicated, even for qualifying veterans, so it is critical for disabled service members to contact an experienced veterans benefits attorney before beginning the claim filing process.

As a Chicago VA accredited attorney, James R. Comerford is uniquely equipped to help disabled veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. In fact, those who are not accredited by the VA are legally prohibited from helping claimants prepare, present, or prosecute claims before the VA, so if you sustained a service-connected injury and are suffering from a disability as a result, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.

Federal Disability Benefits

Veterans who sustain service-connected injuries during active military service may qualify for a tax-free benefit provided by the federal government. This includes coverage for:

• Illnesses or injuries that become aggravated during service;
• Secondary injuries; and
• Disabilities that do not manifest until after release from service.

Like other veterans benefits, federal disability payments vary depending on the seriousness of the disability, with totally disabling injuries receiving 100 percent compensation. Benefits include coverage for medical treatment and rehabilitation, in addition to job training and lost wages.

Illinois Disability Benefits

Federal law only provides disability benefits to veterans who were injured while on active duty, which leaves many veterans without coverage. Fortunately, Illinois law steps in to cover residents who were injured while on active duty, while training for active or inactive duty, or while receiving VA healthcare. However, only those who can prove that they have a service-related disability and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable will be eligible for these payments.

Illinois also offers a disability pension to veterans who were not dishonorably discharged and:

• Served at least three months of active duty, at least one day of which was during a period of war;
• Have a family income that falls below the yearly threshold; and
• Are over the age of 65 years old or are permanently or totally disabled.

Veterans who can satisfy these elements are eligible to collect a monthly pension payment to help supplement their income.

Specific Wars

Service members who served in specific wars also automatically receive federal benefits. For instance, those who served during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975 are presumed to have been exposed to dangerous herbicides like Agent Orange, which have been linked to a number of deadly cancers. Gulf War veterans who suffer from chronic disabilities that have no medical explanation also qualify for benefits if they can prove that their symptoms appeared during the Gulf War or had begun to manifest by 2011. Finally, any service member who was imprisoned during military service can collect benefits if they suffer from heart disease, anxiety, psychosis, or stroke.

Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dedicated Chicago VA Accredited Attorney

To speak with an experienced VA accredited lawyer about your own claim for veterans benefits, please call The Comerford Law Office, LLC at 312-863-8572 today.