In some cases, simply not providing enough information on supporting documentation could lead to your claim being denied. Other factors that could delay or deny your claim include:
Your Disability or Condition is not Considered Service-Related
To receive disability benefits, you have to prove that your disability is connected to your military service. After an exam by a qualified doctor, the VA may decide that your condition is not related to serving. However, you can appeal against this decision.
You Do Not Have a Specific Diagnosis
To qualify for benefits, you must receive a specific diagnosis for a disabling medical condition, for example, post-traumatic stress disorder or spinal cord damage. Symptoms such as general back pain or breathing difficulties typically do not qualify a veteran for disability benefits.
Your Disability Rating is too Low
Even if you have a diagnosis for a service-connected condition, you could struggle to receive benefits if the VA assigned you a low disability rating. A rating of less than 10 percent does not qualify for disability benefits.
You Are Lacking Professional Legal Representation
While veterans can file claims on their own, having a lawyer in your corner can be advantageous, particularly after receiving a denial letter. An experienced veterans’ attorney knows how to gather and present evidence that could help get a claim approved.