Denied Veterans Affairs Disability? These Reasons Might Be Why

Talk to any veterans and you'll hear about denied Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims. Some veterans receive quick appeals because of escalated paperwork directly from the military, while others may simply have excellent preparation (and a bit of help from the connections that come with rank). Regardless of rank, a VA claim denial can be like a rite of passage--a rejection that seems to happen as a matter of routine rather than a true filtering of fraudulent or fault claims. If you've been denied, take a look at a few reasons and how you can make your appeal more successful.

Lack of Service-Connection

Although this is one category of rejection, it encompasses so many different issues. Service-connection is a term that describes how your condition is connected to your military service.

To be eligible for VA disability benefits, you must prove that your condition was both caused by or started during your military service and that you're still suffering from the problem. Many claims are rejected because the veteran submitting the claim either didn't include their medical record information or because there's no proof of current suffering.

The VA sends veterans to a compensation and pension (C&P) examination, which evaluates the veteran's claims through medical and psychological examination. Many veterans make the mistake of waiting for the results, but results might not arrive until the denial letter arrives.

To combat lack of service-connection, make sure to get documentation from civilian medical professionals on your own time. Make sure that you have your own proof that can contest the VA's findings to keep the claim going.

Too Close To EAOS

One particularly infuriating denial is the Too Close to End of Active Duty Service (EAOS). For whatever reason, the VA decided to deny your claim because the events happened too close to your last days of service.

It isn't uncommon for veterans to start loading up on things to claim when they leave the military. Although dishonest, the temptation of monetary compensation for life can push veterans to claim every problem they have--and even some that they don't. It's important for veterans to document all problems they may have, but faking some issues or even intentionally injuring yourself is something that the VA fights against.

It also isn't uncommon for veterans to leave the military because of injuries or events. A servicemember who isn't close to retirement may have a close call that makes him or her rethink her service, or may think that it's better to take care of the issue as a civilian if military care isn't doing a good enough job. 

You don't need a reason in some cases. If you just happened to be injured or suffer through some kind of disabling situation a year or less before you leave the military, you shouldn't be punished because of the timing. Don't fight the EAOS denial reason on your own; a lawyer is necessary to get the respect and closer look that you need.

For any appeal, you may want a lawyer on your side to take a closer look. Contact a personal injury lawyer to get assistance from a professional with claim system experience and medical professionals who can work together for documentation that serves you. Click here for more information.