🎖️ VALOR

Trying to reach that elusive 100% VA rating?

In this video, we break down three critical strategies to help you achieve a 100% VA disability rating. From uncovering overlooked conditions related to your main disability to understanding bilateral factors and avoiding the pitfalls of pyramiding, these tips are essential for maximizing your benefits. Plus, learn why applying for TDIU could be the game-changer you need. Click below for expert advice and step-by-step guidance to strengthen your claim!

⚖️ EXPERTS

Top State Benefits for Veterans Across the U.S.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a broad range of benefits designed to support veterans who have served our country, especially those with disabilities.

Here’s some of the typical benefits that veterans can receive:

• VA Disability Compensation: Want to know how the VA calculates your disability rating? Check out our 2024 VA Disability Rating Calculator here. VA disability compensation is a tax-free, monthly benefit that depends on the severity of the service-connected condition. Veterans with dependents may receive additional compensation.

• Medical Care The VA offers comprehensive healthcare through its vast network of medical centers and clinics. Disabled active-duty members may also receive care via TRICARE. The VA provides specialized services for PTSD, physical rehabilitation, and more.

• Transition and Employment Services Programs like the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) prepare veterans for life post-service, ensuring they understand their benefits and have access to vocational resources.

• Home and Car Adaptation Grants To assist veterans with severe service-connected disabilities, the VA provides grants such as:

• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH): For building or modifying homes for better accessibility.

• Automobile Grant: Financial aid for purchasing a vehicle or adaptive equipment.

• Education and Training Benefits Through programs like the Montgomery GI Bill® and Post-9/11 GI Bill®, veterans can receive support for educational expenses. In some cases, benefits can be transferred to spouses or children.

• Clothing Allowance: For veterans using prosthetics or medication that affects clothing.

• Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): Protects families by covering the mortgage if the veteran passes away.

• Presumptive Conditions: Certain conditions are assumed to be service-connected, simplifying the claims process for eligible veterans.

However, state governments also offer additional benefits tailored to their veteran populations. Below, we've compiled a condensed overview of the most popular state benefits for veterans in each U.S. state (info obtained from va.gov).

Top State Benefits Across Each State

• Alabama: State Veterans Homes offer skilled care with a community-focused atmosphere for veterans. More at va.alabama.gov.

• Alaska: Property Tax Exemption on the first $150,000 of home value for veterans with at least a 50% disability rating. Visit Alaska Veterans Affairs.

• Arizona: Special License Plates recognizing military service, with proceeds funding veteran support programs. Learn more at azdot.gov.

• Arkansas: State Tax Exemption on military retirement pay is a key benefit. More information at veterans.arkansas.gov.

• California: The Home Loan Program offers flexible financing for veterans. Details at CalVet.

• Colorado: Disabled Veteran License Plates waive vehicle license tax for veterans with a 50% or higher disability. Visit Colorado Veterans.

• Connecticut: Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses helps veterans access benefits and discounts. Find more at portal.ct.gov.

• Delaware: Various Veterans License Plates are available for veterans of different service backgrounds. Explore at vets.delaware.gov.

• Florida: Property Tax Exemptions for veterans with at least a 10% service-connected disability, with full exemptions for those with permanent and total disabilities. Visit Florida Vets.

• Georgia: Free License Plates for veterans and a free driver’s license for eligible veterans and their spouses. Details at veterans.georgia.gov.

• Hawaii: Property Tax Exemption for totally disabled veterans varies by island. Learn more at dod.hawaii.gov.

• Idaho: Reduced hunting and fishing license fees for veterans with a 40% or greater disability. Visit idfg.idaho.gov.

• Illinois: The Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses is highly popular, along with the Illinois Veterans Grant. More at Illinois Veterans.

• Indiana: Tuition and Fee Exemption for children of disabled veterans at state-supported universities. More at in.gov/dva.

• Iowa: The Homeownership Assistance Program provides $5,000 for first-time veteran homebuyers. Details at va.iowa.gov.

• Kansas: Discounts on hunting and fishing licenses. Visit ksoutdoors.com for details.

• Kentucky: Tuition Waiver at state colleges for dependents of certain disabled or deceased veterans. Visit Kentucky Veterans.

• Louisiana: A statewide network of Veteran Assistance Counselors offers comprehensive support. Details at vetaffairs.la.gov.

• Maine: Lifetime State Park and Museum Pass for resident veterans. More at Maine Veterans.

• Maryland: Property Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Visit veterans.maryland.gov.

• Massachusetts: Visit mass.gov.

• Michigan: The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) provides emergency financial assistance. Learn more at michiganveterans.com.

• Minnesota: VA Claims Representation and the State Soldiers Assistance Program. Details at mn.gov/mdva.

• Mississippi: Homestead Property Tax Exemption for totally disabled veterans. Visit msva.ms.gov.

• Missouri: Accredited Service Officers offer counseling and assistance with benefits. More at mvc.dps.mo.gov.

• Montana: Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses for a small fee. Details at doj.mt.gov.

• Nebraska: Veterans Registry for accessing benefits and discounts. Apply at nebraska.gov.

• Nevada: State Income Tax Exemption for all residents, including veterans. Visit veterans.nv.gov.

• New Hampshire: Property Tax Credits up to $750 annually for veterans; up to $4,000 for those 100% disabled. Visit nh.gov.

• New Jersey: $6,000 Income Tax Exemption for honorably discharged veterans. More at nj.us.

• New Mexico: Property Tax Exemption and a waiver for 100% disabled veterans. Visit nmdvs.org.

• New York: FreshConnect Checks Program for use at farmers markets. Details at agriculture.ny.gov.

• North Carolina: Veteran License Plates and tax exclusions for 100% disabled veterans. Learn more at milvets.nc.gov.

• North Dakota: Hardship Assistance Grant for veterans in need. Visit nd.gov.

• Ohio: Veterans Service Commissions provide a variety of assistance. Visit dvs.ohio.gov.

• Oklahoma: Visit odva.ok.gov.

• Oregon: Veteran Recognition License Plates support veteran services. More at oregon.gov.

• Pennsylvania: Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Learn more at dmva.pa.gov.

• Rhode Island: Free Tuition for National Guard Members. Visit vets.ri.gov.

• South Carolina: Homestead Exemption for 100% disabled veterans. More at va.sc.gov.

• South Dakota: Bonus Program for qualifying veterans. Learn more at vetaffairs.sd.gov.

• Tennessee: Property Tax Relief for 100% disabled veterans. Details at comptroller.tn.gov.

• Texas: The Texas Veterans Commission Claims Program has helped secure millions in retroactive payments for veterans. Visit tvc.texas.gov.

• Utah: Veterans Property Tax Abatement based on disability rating. Learn more at veterans.utah.gov.

• Vermont: Property Tax Reduction Program for veterans with at least 50% disability. Visit vermont.gov.

• Virginia: Comprehensive VA Claims Assistance Program with dedicated appeals teams. Visit dvs.virginia.gov.

• Washington: Free License Plates and Camping for veterans with 30% or greater disability. More at dva.wa.gov.

• West Virginia: Education and Training Fund for non-VA covered programs. Learn more at veterans.wv.gov.

• Wisconsin: The MyWisVets Online Portal offers easy benefit access and assistance. Visit MyWisVets.com.

• Wyoming: Property Tax Exemption for veterans. Visit wyomilitary.wyo.gov.

Do you know of a state benefit that wasn’t mentioned but you believe is better than what we had? Click ‘yes’ on our survey below and let us know so we can have an even more comprehensive list for the future! Thank you!

Attention: Were You or a Loved One Impacted by Depo-Provera?

If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera and were diagnosed with a meningioma or benign brain tumor, you may be entitled to compensation. This hormonal contraceptive has been linked to serious health risks, and countless patients are seeking justice against the pharmaceutical company.

Don’t wait—your health and rights matter. Contact our legal team to learn more about your options for compensation and get the help you deserve.

Call us at (855) 494-1298 to learn more.

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us today at 1400 hours EST for a new livestream with our legal team!

Join us to get your questions about VA disability law and the claims process answered by our legal team. Comments open 30 minutes prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

🗺️ TACTICS

One Veteran’s Journey in Obtaining a Higher Rating for Migraine Headaches

Note: All identifying info has been changed to protect the identity of the client. These cases are pulled from the BVA Database and utilized to explain various aspects of claims. If the case was represented by Hill & Ponton, it will be indicated.

Summary of Claim

A veteran who served on active duty from January 1979 to July 2001 faced significant challenges while seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected migraine headaches. This case highlights the complexities of the VA disability rating system and the rigorous process veterans must navigate to secure appropriate compensation for their service-connected disabilities. 

The Outcome

In this case, the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) granted the veteran a 50% disability rating for his migraine headaches, recognizing the severe impact these headaches had on his daily life. The BVA decision was based on the veteran’s detailed medical history, ongoing treatment struggles, and the debilitating nature of his condition. 

A 50% disability rating for migraine headaches, acknowledging the veteran’s frequent and completely prostrating attacks that limited his ability to function. 

Why Was This Decision Made?

The decision in this case was influenced by several key factors: 

• Severity and Frequency of Headaches: The veteran’s migraine headaches were documented as being completely prostrating, occurring approximately three times per week, and lasting for most of the day. These headaches were characterized by intense symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and stabbing pain in the eye and neck. The veteran’s condition met the criteria for a 50% disability rating under the VA’s schedule for rating disabilities, as his headaches were frequent, prolonged, and caused severe economic inadaptability. 

• Impact on Daily Life: The evidence showed that the veteran’s headaches severely limited his ability to work and concentrate. Despite various treatments and medications, including Imitrex and Axert, the veteran continued to experience debilitating headaches. The BVA recognized that the veteran’s condition left him bedridden several times a week and unable to function effectively on other days. 

• Ineffectiveness of Medication: The veteran’s ongoing battle with finding effective medication played a crucial role in the BVA’s decision. Although the veteran initially found some relief with Imitrex, over time, the medication became less effective. The veteran’s treatment history indicated that other medications either did not work or caused significant side effects, leaving him with few options for managing his condition. 

Tips from the Legal Team

This case underscores the importance of comprehensive medical documentation and persistence in pursuing a higher disability rating. The veteran’s ability to detail the frequency, severity, and impact of his headaches was pivotal in securing the increased rating. 

For veterans pursuing higher disability ratings, this case provides valuable lessons: 

• Document Symptoms and Impact: Ensure that all symptoms, their frequency, and their impact on daily life are thoroughly documented in medical records. 

• Persistence in Treatment: Continue to seek medical treatment and report any changes or worsening of symptoms to your healthcare provider. 

• Challenge Inadequate Ratings: If you believe your current rating does not accurately reflect the severity of your condition, consider appealing the decision and providing additional evidence. 

If you're facing challenges in securing the VA benefits you deserve, or if you believe your current disability rating does not accurately reflect your condition, we're here to help. Call us at (855) 494-1298.