Noteboom The Law Firm

Soldiers Waiting Years For VA Disability Evaluations Prior To Separation

Leaving the military is not as simple as getting your clearing papers together and processing out. For some injured soldiers separating from the service and determining veterans' disability rates is a bureaucratic battle, and one that is not welcomed at such a stressful time in their lives.

The one thing soldiers do know about separating from the service is that it is going to take some time. For many, they cannot accept civilian jobs because they don't know when they will be discharged. Further, most do not know how much they will be given in VA disability compensation, so constructing a budget is impossible.

The new disability evaluation system was supposed to eliminate this "limbo," but instead thousands of soldiers find themselves waiting an average of 2 years to clear their paperwork. The effect is being seen on the military readiness front end as well as new enlistees cannot start their service until discharges are complete.

The new system was implemented in 2007 and will be fully in place at every military base next month. Under this new system, soldiers have their disabilities evaluated for benefits for both the military and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the same time; before they leave the military service. In theory, soldiers would not have to wait for the VA to process their claim to get money they needed to live.

Instead, the new process is taking years and cases are handed off between the VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) multiple times. The average time to complete the evaluation is currently 400 days.

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 veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.