When (if at all) should my husband apply for VA disability?

Question

My husband just got out of the military a little over 2 months ago. He finally got in with the VA doctor earlier this week. From that visit she sent him to have a TBI evaluation, and to be seen by the PTSD doctors.

Well he had his TBI evaluation today and from todays appointment, they want him to see the neurologist, do PT, and see a hearing specialist. And this is on top of the PTSD people and phsycologist next week. All of these appointments (not to mention the injuries themselves) are effecting his working. He had a job for 8 years before he joined the military and now he has had 2 jobs in 2 months.

So when should he start applying for VA disability? Or do injuries such as these not qualify for that? None of the doctors have mentioned anything about it, only the unemployment office gave him a paper of who to contact for VA benefits. And that's why I am asking here. Thank you!

Answer 1

Apply as soon as possible!  Government agencies are notoriously slow as far as responding to the needs of their clients and seem to do everything possible to shuffle responsibility between any agency that they can.  Unfortunately, the VA and Social Security are among the worst.  I am on SSD myself and it took me almost 4 years to get it. (have PTSD myself, among other medical conditions) Some advice - these people will bury you in paperwork (and claim that they lost it as well) just to try and frustrate you to the point where you give up and rescind your claim.  Make copies of EVERYTHING!  Record the names of everyone you talk to both personally and over the phone.  If possible, have your husband visit MDs outside of the VA for a second opinion.  Do as much research as possible - there is a lot of help available that most people don't know about, and these agencies do everything possible to keep that information from the public.  One of the other unfortunate things about your situation is that there are a tremendous number of undeserving people who file claims that are unwarranted, and feed off of the system for as long as they can.  Don't give up.  You have a long road ahead of you and you will probably encounter a great degree of financial difficulty until your situation is resolved.  Sorry for the bleak outlook, but as someone who has gone through this myself, I'm just trying to give you an honest take on what you are up against.  Hope I could help and good luck!

Answer 2

Your husband needs to apply for VA benefits as least one year after he gets out of the military or he could lose allot of money. This is what you do, go to AMVETS.com and tell them your story or th American legion. Your husband will need his DD-214 Discharge Paper work his medical records if he has them an everything thats wrong with him from his doctor's. They will help him file for his disability. Do NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT listen or BELIEVE what the VA tells you. All they want is for you and your HUSBAND to go away and not FILE your paper work so they won't HAVE TO PAY YOU! Why do I know this becausee it happened to me and many of my military friends. What ever you do DON"T GIVE up figghting for your benefit's. You will lose allot if YOU DO NOT FILE WITH-IN 1 YEAR OF YOUR HUSBAND DEPARTURE FROM TH MILITARY. Good luck  

Answer 3

There should be a number on the paperwork the unemployment people gave you for the VA Benefits office, try giving that a call and see what they can tell you. I can only assume the sooner the better.

Answer 4

He should file a claim ASAP!!!  And not only for the disabilities you've mentioned here.  His service medical records should be checked for any injury or disease he may have incurred while in service and a claim should be filed for ALL of them.  He needs to at least file the claim WITHIN ONE YEAR of discharge from the military.  That way if VA grants his claim for service connection for the injuries and diseases they will have to pay him back pack to the day after he was released from the military.  I encourage you to contact your local Veterans Service Organization.  Paralyzed Veterans of America is a very good organization to contact.  A knowledgeable Service Officer will be able to help you with any questions you have regarding VA benefits.  I work for them as a Service Officer.  If you have questions please email me at [e-mail].