Hello everyone, Allen Gumpenberger here from Gumps VA Compensation! Today, I want to talk about an important topic that many veterans often wonder about: Does age play a role in the VA claims process? As someone who’s been helping veterans navigate the VA system for years, I can tell you that the answer is both straightforward and a bit nuanced. Let’s dive into it!
Does Age Affect Your VA Disability Claim?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that the VA disability claims process is primarily focused on the connection between your service and your disability. The VA looks at your service records, medical evidence, and the severity of your condition to determine your disability rating and compensation. Age, in itself, is not a direct factor in this process. However, there are some indirect ways in which age can influence your claim.
Increased Likelihood of Conditions Worsening
As we age, our bodies naturally undergo changes, and conditions that might have been manageable or less severe in younger years can become more problematic. For veterans, this can mean that service-connected conditions worsen over time. For example, joint issues, back problems, or hearing loss that began during service can deteriorate, leading to a higher disability rating. It’s crucial to document these changes and provide updated medical evidence to the VA.
Secondary Conditions and Age
One significant way age impacts VA disability claims is through secondary conditions. A secondary condition is a disability that is a result of a service-connected condition. As veterans get older, they might develop secondary conditions that are linked to their original service-connected disabilities. For instance, a veteran with a service-connected knee injury might develop arthritis in that knee as they age. This secondary condition can be claimed for additional compensation.
The Importance of Regular Medical Check-Ups
Given the potential for conditions to worsen or new secondary conditions to develop, regular medical check-ups are vital. Staying on top of your health allows you to catch these changes early and ensure they are documented. When it comes time to file a claim or an increase, having a robust medical history showing the progression of your conditions can be incredibly beneficial.
The Role of Age in the VA’s Evaluation
While the VA does not use age as a criterion for granting disability compensation, they do consider the typical progression of conditions over time. This means that if a condition generally worsens with age, and there is medical evidence to support that your condition has worsened, the VA will take this into account. However, it is the medical evidence and its connection to your service that are the primary factors in their evaluation.
Tips for Older Veterans Filing VA Claims
Keep Detailed Medical Records: Ensure that all your medical visits and the progression of your conditions are well-documented. This will make it easier to show the worsening of conditions or the development of secondary conditions.
Regularly Update Your Claim: If your condition has worsened or you develop a new secondary condition, don’t hesitate to file for an increase or a new claim. The VA needs the most current information to provide the correct rating.
Seek Help from a VSO: Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the claims process. They can help ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
Be Proactive: Don’t wait for your condition to become unbearable before seeking an increase in your disability rating. Early action can prevent more severe issues down the line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while age itself is not a factor in the VA disability claims process, the changes that come with aging can certainly impact your claim. Worsening conditions and the development of secondary conditions are common as we get older, and it’s essential to stay proactive in managing and documenting these changes. By doing so, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your service-connected disabilities.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your VA claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Gumps VA Compensation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Take care, and thank you for your service!
Best regards,
Allen Gumpenberger