Common Myths and Misconceptions About VA Benefits
Veterans have made the biggest sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Now, as you embark on a new journey, you gain access to a slew of benefits. Their intention is to help during this next phase of life. While these benefits and resources exist, many misconceptions exist about VA benefits. This confusion has led to many VA claim denials and underuse of resources. If you are a veteran who wants to access benefits and is unsure how or what is available, discuss your situation with the VA Claims Lawyer. We serve clients nationwide.
7 Myths About VA Benefits (Plus 1 Bonus Myth)
Myth 1: You Cannot Use Benefits if You Were Not in Combat
While VA benefits can help people who are injured, there is a misconception that the injury must have happened during combat. You do NOT have to be a combat veteran to access VA benefits. Veterans services include:
Education
Housing assistance
Healthcare
Disability compensation
Home loan
Life insurance
Pension
Vocational rehabilitation
Burial and memorial services
You can access these services regardless of whether injured during service or during combat. Benefits are available to anyone who is an active duty member. Whether combat was involved is not a requirement to access benefits. The process can differ if you have an injury, but the benefits exist.
Myth 2: Length of Service and Wartime Service
Some veterans feel they do not qualify for VA benefits because they did not serve long enough. Others think they are not considered veterans because they did not serve during a period of war. Both of these assumptions are wrong. Length of service is not an eligibility requirement. Additionally, even if you served during peace, you are still a veteran and can access VA benefits. One caveat is for the VA pension, which has additional requirements.
Myth 3: VA Benefits Cancel Out Other Benefits
Another common misconception is that veterans believe that by having health insurance through a different agency, they cannot get VA benefits. You can use VA healthcare benefits in conjunction with your other health insurance. This offers you added coverage options for your convenience. Co-pays and other fees may still apply depending on your health insurance plans. The same concept applies if you are receiving Social Security benefits. You can apply for and receive benefits from both programs.
Retirement benefits is a concern some veterans have who want to apply for benefits but fear their retirement will be lowered. The answer is more complex and could factor in your disability rating. If you have a 40% or less rating, you may see some changes in your pay. If your VA disability rating is 50% or higher, then you can receive CRDP, which gives you full retirement benefits and disability compensation. Discuss your options with a VA claims lawyer to protect your benefits and retirement.
Myth 4: Widows and Spouses Are Ineligible for VA Benefits
While income limits are lower for widows than veterans, benefits are available. Widows can apply for Aid and Attendance benefits. The essential eligibility requirement is the veteran was honorably discharged during wartime. There is also a documented need for assistance. In general, a veteran can qualify for aid and attendance if they meet the following criteria:
Totally and permanently disabled
Receives Supplemental Security Income
Is 65 or older with limited income
Is a patient in a nursing home
Is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance
These are generalizations, and they can be confusing for applicants. Since they are so vague, often, people who would qualify do not apply. They assume they do not have access to these benefits. Discuss your eligibility for VA benefits with a nationwide VA claims lawyer.
Myth 5: Using VA Benefits Uses Up Resources for Other Veterans
Some veterans are apprehensive about accessing VA benefits or filing VA claims because they fear it will take resources away from other veterans. Often, clients do not want to access these benefits because they want to save them for someone in greater need. The reality is that VA benefits do not have limits. You have earned these benefits as a veteran through your service and sacrifice. You do not take these benefits away from anyone else by accessing them.
Myth 6: VA Benefits Are Automatic Upon Service Discharge
It would be convenient to receive all your VA benefits automatically upon discharge from service. Unfortunately, that is not what happens. Instead, veterans must apply for each benefit program. There are also eligibility requirements that must be considered when applying.
Myth 7: Disability Rates Affect Employment Opportunities
There are several myths about VA disability claims. The first misconception is that it is too late to file a disability claim. Since some disabilities can take time to manifest, it can deter veterans from seeking these benefits. As a veteran, there are no deadlines to file a disability claim. You can file disability claims during service if you experience a disabling injury. You can also file a post-service claim, but it is best to take action when you notice your injury. The longer you wait, the more complex the process can get.
Another myth is that VA disability benefits are only for combat veterans. This is an overlapping myth for many of the benefits available to veterans. Non-combat veterans might not experience the same injuries as combat veterans, but they are still susceptible to debilitating injuries. Mental health disorders like PTSD, depression, and substance abuse are common.
On Final Myth
One final myth about VA disability benefits is that a disability rating will affect your future chances of employment. This is false, as you can work full-time even with a disability rating. The one complication is if you receive a Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). If you fall into this category, you cannot maintain gainful employment and receive compensation and benefits through the VA.
A VA Claims Lawyer Can Help
Sadly, myths and misconceptions about VA claims and benefits can deter veterans from applying for or accessing benefits. You worked hard and sacrificed yourself for these benefits. Do not let myths and misinformation confuse or deter you. We can help.
The VA Claims Lawyers serves clients in all 50 states. If you need help with a VA claim, or your VA claim has been denied, request a free VA case review by calling 850-542-7985 today. Our promise to you is:
No fee unless you win.