Unemployability Benefits: What All Veterans Should Know

After returning home from active military duty, many veterans find difficulty acclimating back into civilian life. There are many struggles to contend with, including blending back in with family, sleeping, or even going shopping. Going back to work can also be difficult, as adjusting to the workplace can take some time. In some cases, veterans are not able to go back to work for an extended period of time, or even at all.

Veterans returning from active duty could suffer from any type of debilitating problems that can be limiting when attempting to work a traditional job. Problems can range from physical difficulty in manipulating different parts of the body to psychological issues that cause severe anxiety or panic attacks. Because of this, veterans do have options for disability coverage that is provided by the military. However, it can be difficult to obtain. The following is information veterans need to know when it comes to unemployability and veteran's disability benefits:

The Individual Unemployability Program

The Individual Unemployability Program was created by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide certain veterans that are not completely disabled with some compensation if they are unable to work due to military physical or psychological injury. This is not a program for a veteran that is disabled 100 percent, as there are other programs for those who qualify.

This program will provide a qualified veteran with 100 percent compensation. To apply, you will have to provide that your role in an active duty situation is directly correlated to the disabilities that now suffer and that those disabilities prevent you from being able to work. The program will rank your disability on a percentage scale and use that number to determine whether or not you will qualify.

To qualify for Individual Unemployability benefits, you must have at least one disability that is rated highly by the program. You will also need to prove why your disability does not meet the criteria to qualify for regular VA disability benefits.

Obtaining Individual Unemployability Coverage

Much like SSDI is for civilians, Individual Unemployability benefits are often initially denied to veterans. If this happens, you need to collect evidence that demonstrates your inability to work. This can be medical documents, reports from a vocational specialist or an instructor that show that you cannot meet the demands of a job you previously trained for or non-medical evidence. This evidence can include your past employment records and statements from former supervisors.

If, after providing this proof, you may want to consult a veteran rights attorney. He or she will work with you on an appeal so that you may qualify for benefits that have been made available to you. Contact a law office like The Law Office of Zachary J. Ellis for more information and assistance. 


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