Veteran (VA) Disability Lawyer Serving Tacoma, Washington
Are you a veteran in Tacoma, Washington dealing with a disabling medical condition? If your condition is connected to an event, illness, or injury that occurred during your time in the service, you may be eligible for disability compensation from VA.
However, not all applications for benefits are approved. You may receive an initial denial of VA benefits. In this case, a veteran (VA) disability lawyer serving Tacoma, Washington from Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you. We use our knowledge and experience to appeal wrongful benefit denials.
To learn more about our services, call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD today at (844) 549-4500.
Tacoma VA Benefit Resources
The Tacoma area has many VA clinics and even a major medical center. Veterans living in Tacoma can also access the Seattle Regional Benefit Office, which provides services to veterans throughout the state.
Washington VA Regional Benefit Office
Tacoma Area VA Medical Centers
- Federal Way VA Clinic
- Puget Sound VA Mobile Clinic
- American Lake VA Medical Center
- Seattle VA Medical Center
- Bellevue VA Clinic
- Silverdale VA Clinic
- North Seattle VA Clinic
- South Sound VA Clinic
Tacoma VA Statistics
There are many veterans living in Tacoma, WA. Tacoma is located in Pierce County, which had one of the largest veteran populations in the state as of 2017.
More than 30 percent of the 91,000 veterans living in Pierce County received VA benefits in 2017, per the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
Seeking Legal Assistance After a VA Benefits Denial in Tacoma
Many applicants for VA benefits receive a denial. A denial could be issued for many reasons. In general, your claim may be denied if you do not demonstrate:
A Current Health Condition
You may only receive VA benefits if you are dealing with a current medical condition that impacts your daily life. Generally, disability benefits are only offered if you are unable to work, earn a living, or complete tasks of daily living. You may require a medical diagnosis from a doctor in order to demonstrate that you are dealing with a health condition at the present time.
Your In-Service Event, Illness, or Injury
A current medical condition is typically not enough to guarantee you VA benefits in Tacoma. You must also be able to demonstrate that there was an event, illness, or injury during your military service that led to your current disability. An example of am in-service event could exposure to dangerous chemical herbicides.
The “Nexus” Between Your Condition and the In-Service Event
Finally, in order to qualify for VA benefits in Tacoma, there must be a connection – or “nexus” – between your current health condition and an in-service event, illness, or injury. A medical professional who understands your medical and military history may be able to provide you with a professional opinion that this “nexus” exists.
A veteran (VA) disability lawyer serving Tacoma, Washington from Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to assist. We can investigate the reason for your denial and gather evidence to support your appeal.
To learn more, call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD at (800) 544-9144 today.
Current Combined Disability Rating Compensation Schedule
The amount of benefits you may be eligible to receive is based on your combined disability rating. Individuals who are only mildly impacted by a medical condition may have a relatively low combined disability rating. If you are unable to work at all, your combined disability rating may be very high, meaning you will receive a higher amount of compensation.
As of December 1st, 2023 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10 percent disability rating: $171.23 per month
- 20 percent disability rating: $338.49 per month
- 30 percent disability rating: $524.31 per month
- 40 percent disability rating: $755.28 per month
- 50 percent disability rating: $1,075.16 per month
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,361.88 per month
- 70 percent disability rating: $1,716.28 per month
- 80 percent disability rating: $1,995.01 per month
- 90 percent disability rating: $2,241.91 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $3,737.85 per month
Note that, in some situations, you may be eligible to receive additional compensation for dependents, such as children, a spouse, or dependent parents. However, you may only receive VA benefits for your dependents if your combined disability rating is at least 30 percent or higher.
Getting Benefits for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDUI)
If you cannot work at all, you may be eligible for special compensation through the Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) program.
TDIU benefits may be available if you are unable to find gainful employment because of a service-related condition. TDIU benefits mean you will be compensated at the 100 percent rating level, even if your combined disability rating does not equal 100 percent.
Reach Out to Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD Today
If you receive a wrongful denial of benefits in Tacoma, you do not have to face the appeals process alone. A veteran (VA) disability lawyer serving Tacoma, Washington from Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to work on your appeal.
You may contact a member of our team at (800) 544-9144 for a free consultation to see if we can help.
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