Although recent news from the Department of Veterans Affairs has not been all too positive, there may be some good changes coming. A recent story in the Los Angeles Times said counselors with VA are encouraging veterans to apply for as much disability benefits as possible.
In fact, the Times reported that enrollment has climbed from 2.3 million to 3.7 million in the last 12 years. While this has likely contributed to the backlog which VA is suffering through, there are many success stories, including one veteran interviewed by the Times who receives a monthly $1,792 tax free check for the rest of his life due to being approved for disabilities including post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines and sleep apnea.
These payments to veterans in need can save their lives. However, VA will need to keep cleaning up its act to ensure they can stay on top of awarding veterans with the benefits they need. Disability payments are now up to $49 billion, about three-times as much as VA spends on medical care. Continued reform will be needed to support veterans in need.
Veterans who suffer from injuries related to their service are entitled to be properly compensated. The Law Office of Harold W. Conick & Associates is ready, willing and able to be advocates for veteran clients seeking VA benefits.