To receive disability benefits, a Veteran must demonstrate through medical evidence that an injury or illness was incurred or aggravated during their active duty service. Many claims are denied for this very reason. The following are some of the most common disability claims that require legal support.

Spinal Cord Injury

Navigating the process of VA disability claims can be complex and overwhelming. Veterans often encounter challenges in receiving the benefits they rightfully deserve, particularly with certain claims. That is why you need to get a veterans lawyer by your side to ensure a smooth and successful experience when dealing with these intricate claims. One of the most common claims is spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious and complex disabilities that veterans suffer. It happens when a traumatic event like a car accident or gunshot wound damages cells in the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down it. Injuries to the spinal cord cause weakness or paralysis below the site of injury, depending on how bad it is. Patients experience a loss of muscle control and sensation, including feeling heat, touch, and pain. They may have difficulty walking, and they are at risk of developing blood clots, pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canals through which your nerves and spinal cord pass. This condition develops due to aging and trauma, which causes the intervertebral discs to lose their water content. As they get thinner, the discs restrict the space through which nerves pass, leading to pain and muscle weakness. If these symptoms become chronic, your doctor may recommend surgery to open the canals. Cancer is a devastating disease that can affect all body tissues. It can cause pain, fatigue, and even loss of limbs. Most veterans with cancer who are service-connected receive a 100 percent disability rating.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of disability among veterans. It occurs when a sudden violent blow or jolt damages brain tissue and skull bones. This causes bruising, tearing of nerve fibers, and bleeding inside the skull. It can cause various problems,s including memory loss, headaches, and personality changes. Some people may go into a coma after an accident and never wake up again.

Knee injuries are another common claim for disability benefits. They are easy to observe and validate, making them easier for the VA to approve.

Tinnitus, also known as ringing-in-the-ears syndrome, is one of the most popular disability claims and rates at 10%. This symptom occurs when you experience phantom sounds, such as roaring, buzzing, and hissing.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes chronic pain in muscles and tendons. The pain is often felt in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and arms. It can also cause fatigue, stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and headaches.

Depending on how severe the condition is, it can result in a VA disability rating of 10% to 40%—usually, the more severe the symptoms, the higher the rating.

It can be difficult to prove that fibromyalgia is service-related. However, a qualified attorney can help you establish that fibromyalgia developed during or in the aftermath of your military service. This is possible by linking your fibromyalgia to a physical trauma, psychological stressor, or emotional events in your life during your time on active duty. This could be the key to receiving an individual unemployability (TDIU) rating.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The most common claim among veterans is for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The condition results from repeated flexing and extending of the wrists, often occurring while working at computers or other repetitive tasks. This can damage the median nerve and cause hand and finger pain.

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is the second most common disability claim. It can be caused by aging, but often, it is linked to in-service exposure to loud noises (e.g., aircraft flight lines, gun ranges, heavy equipment).

Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine is another of the most common VA disability claims. It occurs when the protective cartilage between bones wears down over time. It can affect any joint, but it is most common in the knees, hips, and spine.