The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages two disability benefit plans that pay monthly income to qualified veterans:

Non-service connected pension (“pension”)

Service-connected disability compensation (“compensation”)

More than 90% of all monthly VA disability payments are for compensation or service-connected disabilities.

There are multiple ways to apply for veteran benefits. Some are more effective than others.

One option is going to your local VA regional office, which you can find here, and completing an application in person. Although it may seem straightforward how to apply for veteran benefits, that is not always the case. If the form seems complicated, you can ask for assistance.

An alternative option is to log onto www.ebenefits.va.gov. Applying online can be easier because you can do it at any time. Many working veterans prefer this method because it gives them the opportunity to file a claim when it is most convenient.

There is no time limit for most initial VA disability claims. However, you should file a claim as soon as possible because the filing date determines when your benefits begin. Disability applications can be more difficult to process if you wait a long time because you must prove that your condition is due to military service. Applying right away will help ensure that you receive all the benefits for which you’re eligible.

A service-connected benefit or veterans disability compensation pays you for injuries or illness you experienced while in service. The qualifications are:

a) You served in the active U.S. military, naval or air services, and

b) You were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, and

c) You sustained an original service-connected injury or illness, specific war-time service-connected disability, or substantially aggravated an existing injury during your time served. (See examples.)

Your current condition must be one that:

a) Is supported by a physician’s diagnosis and/or opinion, and

b) You can prove it is due to an event or incident that happened while you were in the service. This may include a duty or medical report that reflects your injury.

There is a significant backlog in the veterans disability system, so receiving veterans disability is usually a very long process. On average, it takes about one year for your application to be reviewed and for you to receive a rating decision and be approved for benefits.

Yes, you can receive a disability rating and compensation for PTSD. The VA provides compensation for veterans who are service-connected for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Generally, a veteran must meet 3 criteria:

• A current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder

• An in-service stressor

• A nexus or link between the current diagnosis and the in-service stressor.

The key is that the veteran be prepared to show that he has a current disability, that there was a stressor, and that there is a link or a nexus between the disability and the in-service stressor. In order to receive a sufficient rating, the disorder must have a disruptive impact in a veteran’s day-to-day life. This includes nightmares that keep you from sleeping, flashbacks that prevent you from working, or anxiety that impedes your ability to interact with other people. Occasional disturbing memories alone that stem from your service will most likely not be enough for you to qualify for disability compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder.

A Notice of Disagreement is;

After you file a claim with the VA, the VA will either grant or deny benefits in a document known as a rating decision. The rating decision is the VA’s response to your claim. If you disagree with a VA decision, you can file a VA Form 21-0958, commonly known as a Notice of Disagreement.