by T.J. Wolfe

Created on: April 16, 2009

Many veterans leave military service with mental or physical injuries. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a disability compensation program to address injuries received during active service. The veteran must apply for the benefits and there are three steps to the application process. Each step requires organization, documentation, and follow-up.

It may be useful to find assistance to ensure the right information is prepared and sent to the VA Regional Office. Veterans who have gone through the process or have experience in the process can help the disabled vet avoid common mistakes. It is always helpful to have more than one opinion.

Assistance can be found through a number of organizations. The first place to find assistance is the VA office and the Veteran's Representative. Other places to find assistance are veteran organizations. The American Legion or Veteran's of Foreign Wars are great places to find members who understand the process.

There are three main steps to apply for disability compensation. The steps are:

1. Gather evidence,

2. Complete the disability application form, and

3. Complete the Compensation and Pension Exam.

In addition to the three steps, the veteran must meet four eligibility requirements.

1. The veteran was released from service with something other than a dishonorable discharge.

2. The disability is service related or worsened due to military service.

3. The veteran has evidence that shows the disability was received during service.

4. The veteran has a current disability due to the service related injury.

The first step is to gather evidence. Some of the information that will be required include: Service Medical Records, current medical records, and military service records including discharge papers. Disability payments can be increased based on household size. The veteran will need documentation of dependants and marriage certificate. The veteran should make every attempt to secure these documents and keep them.

The veteran's Service Medical Records (SMR) are the best evidence to claim an injury was service related. An SMR will clearly document the injury and can show when the injury first occurred. Pre-existing conditions must have medical records showing the condition worsened during service. Again, SMRs will be the best source of evidence. There are some disabilities, such as PTSD, which have flexibility on medical evidence.

The veteran must have a current condition that is connected to the service related injury. The veteran will

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