3 common reasons that veterans receive denials for their VA disability benefits claims

The VA denies VA disability benefit claims from veterans for a wide range of different reasons – but some are more common than others. Many times, we see the same simple mistakes made by veterans over and over again, leading to denials that could have been easily avoided.

When veterans properly prepare for their claims, there is far less of a chance that the VA will deny them right off the bat. Educating yourself on what the VA actually needs and looks for can make a world of difference when it comes to outcomes.

Here are 3 common reasons that veterans receive denials for their VA disability benefits claims:

Common reason #1: You don't have a diagnosis

As we've covered in previous blogs, it is possible to get rated for pain without a diagnosis. However, if you have a diagnosable condition and show up without a documented diagnosis, you're leaving a lot of chance up to the VA rater – and they're not obligated to agree with you. Expecting the VA to provide you with a diagnosis is not a good plan.

Instead, go to your doctor regularly and get your condition documented. Submit your evidence with your VA claim in order to provide a compelling case that carries a lot more weight.The bottom line is that you need documentation. It doesn't matter what you are filing for – a diagnosed condition or pain without a diagnosis… Showing up without any documentation for something is bothering you is a sure fire way to get denied. Documentation is still required – but you don't necessarily need a diagnosed condition (confusing, we know).

Common reason #2: You have gaps in medical care history

As veterans ourselves, we get it: Most of us are used to roughing it through pain and dealing with the day-to-day realities of symptoms from service-connected injuries and conditions. We brush it off, rub some dirt in it – and don't always call our doctors. Or maybe we were busy with our careers and didn't want to get in the way of our growth – either way, a lack of medical records can be damaging for a veteran's claim. This is called a gap in care.

If you've only been seen once or twice during service, but then 20 years go by, it's really difficult to prove to the VA that everything is still connected throughout all of that time that has gone medically undocumented.

If you've recently gotten out of service, make sure to get checked regularly and have your medical practitioner provide detailed notes on your condition. If you've been out of service for a long time already and have gaps in care, you'll need to get creative and find other ways to close that gap without medical records since they don't exist.

This is where a good VA buddy letter can really shine – it can be from someone who…

• You served with who witnessed the pain and difficulty you had

• A former boss who remembered you called off frequently because of your condition

• Other military colleagues who were witnesses to your experience.

Common reason #3: You don't have a chronic disability

If you had a service event that caused an injury or condition, but it resolved from surgery, treatment or medication, then it is not a chronic disability. If a condition doesn't persist on, then it cannot be service-connected.

Sometimes we see this with certain cancers – it started in service, but has since resolved. Since the claim was filed after it was resolved, they won't award you service-connection. They may agree on the service-connection being the cause, but unless it comes back – they won't award benefits.

There are many reasons the VA denies claims, but…

Getting prepared with medical documentation and reading up on the VA's rules and regulations is the surest way to avoid simple mistakes. As veterans ourselves, we help other veterans prove their conditions to the VA through Nexus Letters, DBQs, and more.

To work with us, start by scheduling a Medical Evidence Assessment. This is where every veteran begins. You can view the rest of our services here.