A medical discharge may arise from a single traumatic event, such as a combat injury, or a chronic issue aggravated over years of service, such as hearing loss from prolonged exposure to machinery. However, if the condition meets the Department of Veterans Affairs criteria, compensation may be available to support your transition to civilian life.
At Veterans Guide, we help those who have been medically discharged determine their eligibility for VA disability benefits. With the potential for monthly payments and health care coverage, VA disability benefits serve as support you’ve earned.
Can You Get VA Disability After a Medical Discharge?
You may be eligible for disability compensation if your medical condition meets the VA’s rating criteria. To qualify for VA disability benefits, you must establish the following:
- A diagnosed medical condition meeting the VA’s criteria: To receive benefits, you must have an officially diagnosed medical condition. The VA maintains a list of recognized conditions, including physical injuries, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses.
- A connection between your condition and military service: You must prove your condition is linked to your military service. This evidence could include service records and medical provider statements that explicitly connect your condition to your time in service.
The VA might also require you to undergo a Compensation and Pension exam, or C&P, to evaluate the severity of your condition and verify its connection to your service. The results can greatly influence your VA rating after medical discharge and determine your level of compensation.
Taking the right steps from the outset can improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your service-connected condition.
What Is a Medical Discharge?
A medical discharge and VA benefits go hand in hand, but not all discharges qualify for compensation. A medical discharge occurs when a service member is released from duty due to a condition that prevents them from fulfilling their responsibilities. However, a medical discharge differs from a medical retirement as follows:
- Medical discharge: Also referred to as medical separation, this typically applies to those who do not meet the service length requirements for retirement but cannot continue serving due to a medical condition.
- Medical retirement: This applies to service members with at least 20 years of service or those with a disability rating of 30 percent or higher from the Department of Defense, or DoD.
The DoD and the VA assess these circumstances separately. In practice, this may mean a service member discharged for chronic back pain might not receive DoD retirement pay if they haven’t served at least 20 years or received a 30 percent or higher DoD disability rating. However, if the condition is service-connected, they may still be eligible for VA disability compensation.
Medical retirement, on the other hand, can occur without a formal medical discharge, such as when a service member meets retirement criteria but later develops a disabling condition. In this case, they may receive DoD retirement benefits but not qualify for VA disability benefits. In other words, VA disability compensation is always contingent on proving a service connection, regardless of whether the veteran has medically retired.
How Does the VA Evaluate Disabilities for Medically Discharged Veterans?
Once a veteran is discharged, the VA conducts its own evaluation to determine eligibility for benefits. Here’s how it works for those seeking medical discharge and VA benefits:
- The VA rating schedule: The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your condition. Ratings range from 0 to 100 percent in 10 percent increments, impacting the amount of compensation you receive.
- DoD disability rating impact: A DoD disability rating is separate from the VA’s rating. While the DoD focuses on whether a condition prevents continued service, the VA assesses its impact on daily life. This means your VA rating could be higher or lower than your DoD rating.
- Key differences: The DoD focuses on fitness for duty, while the VA assesses how your condition affects your quality of life. This distinction can lead to different outcomes in your ratings.
A veteran discharged for vision loss might receive a low DoD rating. Yet, the VA can assign a higher VA rating after medical discharge based on available evidence.
Steps To Apply for VA Disability Benefits After a Medical Discharge
Knowing how to apply for VA disability after medical discharge can speed up the claims process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather medical and service records: Collect documentation from both military and civilian providers proving your condition and service connection, such as hospital reports or deployment logs. Service records documenting your injury or illness are important when proving service connection.
- Submit VA Form 21-526EZ: This form officially starts your VA disability claim and includes personal information, medical details, and evidence that supports your case. Download the VA Form 21-526EZ.
- Attend the C&P exam: The VA schedules this exam to assess your condition’s severity. Performed by a VA health care provider, the C&P exam is necessary if you want to receive an accurate disability rating.
- Provide additional evidence: If the VA requests more information, respond promptly and submit statements from peers, new medical tests, or expert opinions to support your claim.
What If Your VA Claim Is Denied?
If your VA claim is denied after a medical discharge, stay hopeful. Many veterans face denials but still have options for military medical discharge benefits. Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence, lack of a service connection, or errors in the application.
You can file a supplemental claim with new evidence, including updated medical records and testimonies from caregivers, to demonstrate the severity of your disability. Alternatively, formally appealing a VA disability denial after medical discharge may overturn the decision. You can also request a higher-level review or take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
The appeals process can feel draining for most veterans. With professional support from the experienced legal team at Veterans Guide, you can rest easy knowing your case is in safe hands. Our VA disability lawyers are ready to gather new evidence and request a higher-level review to overturn your denial.
Can You Increase Your VA Disability Rating After a Medical Discharge?
If you’ve received a VA disability rating after a medical discharge but believe it doesn’t accurately reflect the severity of your condition, it’s possible to increase your rating. Many veterans find that their initial rating is lower than expected, but the good news is that you have options.
To receive a rating increase, you must demonstrate that your condition has worsened or that the VA underestimated its impact on your daily life. This often involves gathering new medical evidence, such as updated treatment records, doctor’s statements, or diagnostic test results. Submitting this evidence can strengthen your case and show the VA why a higher rating is justified.
Additionally, you may develop secondary conditions linked to your primary service-connected disability. For instance, a knee injury may lead to chronic back pain or mobility issues, which could qualify as secondary disabilities and contribute to a higher overall rating. You can also include these secondary conditions in your claim.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, Veterans Guide can help. Our legal team will guide you through the process of filing for a rating increase and make sure you have the strongest possible case. Contact us today.
