It is most important that a veteran file a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs to service connect those disabilities, diseases, or injuries or residuals thereof, which were incurred in or aggravated by military service. Although there is no time limit for filing a VA claim, it should be done at the time of separation or as soon thereafter as possible. VA compensation is not subject to Federal or State taxes.
Many states have special programs and benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Filing a disability claim establishes a VA file, which will help expedite other claims and applications, that may be filed at a later date. VA will consider a rating for all disabilities diagnosed and treated during military service, when such disabilities are included within the claim. If a service-connected disability worsens, VA will reconsider the rating upon receipt of medical evidence showing an increase in severity. Certain chronic and tropical diseases have presumptive periods ranging from 1 to 40 years. Certain severely disability conditions, e.g., blindness, paraplegia, loss of limbs, carry special VA ratings and payments.