Noteboom The Law Firm

77,000 Post-9/11 U.S. Veterans Found Eligible for Benefits Increase

According to an article in The Fowler Tribune, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), have agreed to work in tandem to begin sending notices to veterans with disabilities of any benefit reviews they are entitled to through the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR).

There are approximately 77,000 post-9/11 veterans that could be eligible to have their disability compensation benefits increased if they successfully appeal the disability rating they were given when they separated from the military. A successful PDBR review could not only mean higher benefits, but full medical retirement.

The Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act of 2008 first established the PDBR specifically for Afghanistan and Iraq War veterans to have a place in which to appeal their “service-assigned disability ratings.” So far, 56% of veterans who have appealed their initial disability ratings have been granted higher combined ratings, meaning more benefits.

The PDBR is not able to lower already established ratings, which is important to note for those who have not yet applied for their review and who plan to appeal their claims.

Veterans deserve accurate ratings and the corresponding level of retirement benefits. Aside from not receiving the benefits to which they are entitled, veterans with inaccurate disability ratings could be barred from receiving the proper level of care for their disability.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.