Chronic pain is very common among veterans and is often a result of an injury sustained during their military service. It can be difficult to diagnose a veteran with “chronic pain” but if it affects the veteran’s daily activities, it can be defined as a service-connected disability. One of the most important aspects needed to file a VA disability claim for chronic pain is detailed evidence. With chronic pain being difficult to diagnose, the veteran must be able to prove a clear service connection, which can be hard without sufficient evidence. In this blog, we will be going over what evidence is needed in order to file a VA disability claim for chronic pain to ensure veterans have everything they need for a successful claim.
Understanding Chronic Pain in VA Claims
The VA defines chronic pain as persistent pain that lasts for more than six months. It can be continuous or random and is usually associated with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or past injuries.
Common causes of chronic pain in veterans include:
- Service-related injuries: Injuries from combat, training accidents, or other military-related activities.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like degenerative disc disease, neuropathy, or post-traumatic stress disorder can contribute to chronic pain.
The main items a veteran should be sure to have in their VA disability claim are clear service connection, detailed medical evidence, and evidence of impacts on daily life.
Read More: 5 Common VA Disability Rules That You Need to Know
Types of Evidence Required
While medical evidence is the most important type of evidence to have in a VA disability claim for chronic pain, there are other types of evidence that veterans should also be sure to include.
Here is a breakdown of the key types of evidence veterans will need:
- Medical Evidence: Any documentation that can establish the severity of the pain can be helpful in a VA claim. Some examples include notes from healthcare providers, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans. A diagnosis that states the condition causing the chronic pain and its relation to any service-related issues is also very valuable to have.
- Service Records: Veterans will need to provide service records that link their chronic pain to specific incidents or injuries sustained during their military service. This can include discharge papers, reports of medical evaluations conducted during or after service, and records of in-service injuries.
- Personal Statements: Written statements from the veteran discussing how their chronic pain affects their life can be very helpful. Additionally, statements from friends and family who witness how this condition affects the veteran on a daily basis can significantly strengthen the claim.
- Nexus Letters: A nexus letter is a medical piece of evidence linking a veteran’s chronic pain to their military service. It is typically written by a medical professional who has reviewed the veteran’s records and can provide an expert opinion on the connection between chronic pain and service-related incidents.
VA Disability Rating for Chronic Pain
The VA rates chronic pain not by the pain itself, but by the condition that is causing the pain. This is why it is essential to show evidence of the service-related incident that is the root cause of the chronic pain. Depending on how much this condition is affecting you daily determines how high the VA rates the condition. The VA will give you a rating based on how severe they believe your condition is, ranging from 1 to 100%, with 100% being completely disabling. The VA looks for evidence of lost time at work or decreased quality of life due to pain for higher ratings.
Learn More: How to Apply for a VA Benefits Rating Increase
Seek Help Securing VA Benefits for Chronic Pain
Having strong and sufficient evidence for your claim is key to receiving a favorable rating. From medical evidence to personal statements, they all significantly strengthen your case. With chronic pain, it is essential for the claim to demonstrate a clear connection between military service and the pain experienced.
If you are a veteran dealing with chronic pain and need assistance navigating the complex VA disability claims process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Tabak Law today for expert guidance and support in filing your claim. We are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Nothing posted on this website is intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice. Blog postings and site content are available for general education purposes only.