Easiest VA Disability to Claim

If you have a condition with a transparent service connection, it is likely to be an easy disability claim to get from the VA. Moreover, factors like presumptive conditions come into play when discussing the ease of claim. 

Lastly, clear criteria for disability ratings can make some conditions easier to get a higher rating on compared to vague ones.

Here are the easiest VA disability claims with the least hassle, and if you need help getting your VA compensation, VA Disability Coach is here to help!

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a hearing condition where you experience buzzing, ringing, clicking, whistling, or hissing in your ears. These symptoms may be more prominent at night, and the condition is usually caused by exposure to loud noises.

Most veterans have experienced loud sounds during active duty, meaning building a nexus connection to tinnitus is easier than for other disabilities. In fact, it is the most commonly claimed disability among veterans.

Proving that you have a service-connected tinnitus issue will result in a 10% rating from the VA. However, you may be entitled to more rating if the tinnitus is a result of another service-connected hearing condition.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma are highly likely to be rated 30% compared to many physical disorders. Moreover, nearly half of the veterans claiming their disability benefits for mental health disorders receive a 70% rating. 

Therefore, if you are suffering from poor mental health that has resulted from your time in service, you will have an easier time getting more ratings than other conditions. 

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Disorders like arthritis, strains, and muscle conditions in your neck, back, arms, or legs can fall under musculoskeletal conditions. However, even though getting your VA disability benefits for these conditions is easier than others, veterans will likely receive a 20% rating for such disorders. 

Presumptive Conditions

Thanks to the PACT Act, there are many disorders that the VA considers to be under presumptive condition. Therefore, even if there is no direct connection between the condition and your service, or any evidence of it, you may still receive VA disability benefits.

Here are some of the presumptive conditions –

• Respiratory cancers
• Type 2 diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Ischemic heart disease
• Prostate cancer

However, you can only apply for benefits on these conditions if you have served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975.

Moreover, there are more presumptive conditions for veterans who served in places like Paducah, Amchitka Island, Gulf War, etc.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

When your stomach acid repeatedly flows back to the esophagus tube, the lining inside the tube gets damaged due to the acid, causing heartburn or acid reflux. This condition is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. 

You can be entitled to ratings of 10%, 30% or 60% for VA disability benefits on GERD. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a condition that affects your large intestine and causes stomach pain, cramping, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. 

Depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of your IBS symptoms, you may receive any rating from 0% to 30% for the condition. Moreover, IBS can be a secondary condition to disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, meaning you may be able to get more VA ratings.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are headaches with throbbing pain in one side of your head. Sometimes migraine attacks may leave you unable to do anything except rest in a dark room.

Even though there are vague descriptions by the VA of migraine claims, it is still a much easier condition to get VA disability benefits for. 

The hardest part of receiving VA benefits for migraines is proving the nexus connection. Once you are able to do it, you may receive anywhere from 0% to 50% rating based on your headaches’ severity, and how it affects your ability to work and live a normal life.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a condition of your spine with symptoms like weakness in your legs and arms, sharp pain, and numbness. Some veterans may not experience any of the symptoms and just face periodic flare-ups.

You may receive a VA rating of up to 80% for radiculopathy, depending on the severity of the condition. 

Conclusion

If you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned above, get a proper diagnosis, establish a nexus connection by getting a Nexus letter, and apply for your disability claim. Even though these are much easier to claim compared to other conditions, you may still fail to get the right rating. In that case, appealing VA’s decision should be your next step.