If you are a Minnesota veteran living with a disability you believe is due to your military service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Unfortunately, veterans often receive denials on their initial applications for service-connected compensation. A veterans lawyer at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help.
To speak with a member of our team, call our office at 800-544-9144.
Minnesota VA Benefit Resources
Minnesota offers several resources for veterans including the Regional Benefit Office in St. Paul and VA Medical Centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud.
Minnesota VA Regional Benefit Offices
- St. Paul: St. Paul Regional Benefit Office
Minnesota VA Medical Centers
- Minneapolis: Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- St. Cloud: St. Cloud VA Health Care System
Minnesota Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
- Albert Lea: Albert Lea VA Clinic
- Alexandria: Alexandria Community Based Outpatient Clinic
- Bemidji: Bemidji VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
- Brainerd: Brainerd VA Clinic
- Ely: Ely VA Clinic
- Fergus Falls: Fergus Falls VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
- Hibbing: Hibbing VA Clinic
- Mankato: Lyle C. Pearson VA Clinic
- Maplewood: Maplewood VA Clinic
- Montevideo: Montevideo VA Clinic
- Ramsey: Northwest Metro VA Clinic
- Rochester: Rochester VA Clinic
- Shakopee: Shakopee VA Clinic
- James: South Central VA Clinic
Minnesota VA Statistics
More than 337,000 veterans live in Minnesota, making up more than 8 percent of the state’s population. Around 94,000 Minnesota veterans receive VA disability compensation, of which 163,000 are enrolled in VA’s health care system. Additionally, more than 118,000 veterans have received treatment at a VA health care facility in Minnesota.
Almost 53 percent of Minnesota’s veterans are 65 years or older, and more than 5 percent are military retirees.
How to Receive VA Disability Benefits in Minnesota
In order to receive VA disability benefits, you must demonstrate three things. First, you must demonstrate that you have a current, diagnosed condition. Second, you must show that an event, injury, or illness occurred during your military service. Third, you must establish a “nexus” between the two.
If you have previously applied for service-connected compensation but were denied, our team may be able to help you appeal your denied VA claim.
You Have a Current, Diagnosed Condition
To receive disability benefits from VA, you must have a current, diagnosed condition. Unlike the Social Security Administration’s SSDI benefits, VA does not require you to be totally disabled to receive benefits. You may receive VA disability benefits for a disability that is partially disabling.
An Event, Injury, or Illness Occurred During Your Military Service
You must provide evidence that you experienced an event, injury, or illness during your service. This event could be a training exercise, a combat mission, a motor vehicle accident, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
Establishing a “Nexus”
A “nexus” is the link between your military service and your current, diagnosed condition. A qualified medical professional may provide a positive “nexus” opinion by stating it is “at least as likely as not” that your condition is due to your military service. Nexus opinions could come from your treatment provider at a VA facility or a private facility.
VA Disability Compensation Levels
Your combined VA disability rating determines the amount of monthly compensation you receive. When VA grants service-connected compensation for a condition, it will assign a disability rating. The ratings range from 0 to 100 percent.
As of 2018, the monthly compensation levels are:
- 10 percent disability rating: $136.24
- 20 percent: disability rating: $269.30
- 30 percent disability rating: $417.15
- 40 percent disability rating: $600.90
- 50 percent disability rating: $855.41
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,083.52
- 70 percent disability rating: $1,365.48
- 80 percent disability rating: $1,587.25
- 90 percent disability rating: $1,783.68
- 100 percent disability rating: $2,973.86
What is TDIU?
If your service-connected conditions prevent you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may be eligible for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). With TDIU, you will receive monthly compensation at the maximum schedular level even if your combined disability rating is not 100 percent.
Call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD at 800-544-9144
If you were denied VA disability compensation, the veterans lawyers at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you file an appeal and continue your fight for benefits.
To speak with a member of our team, call our office today at 800-544-9144.
