Debunking the myth of "easy" VA service-connected conditions: Why every veteran's experience is different

Most of us veterans have heard of or seen articles about "the easiest conditions to get service-connection for". While it's true that some service-connected conditions that veterans face are more common than others, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's easy for each veteran to earn VA disability benefits for it. Many folks claim otherwise, but we never will.

We see blogs like this all the time in our industry, but the thing is – it's more of a marketing gimmick, and simply too good to be true.

Here's why:

Every veteran's medical history and records are different

Each veteran has a unique medical history, with different physical strains during their time in the military, different service events, and various other factors such as personal statements or buddy letters. The VA isn't simply handing out service-connection based on the fact that a veteran got a diagnosis – they want to know how your condition is directly a result of time spent in military service.

What is easy to prove for one veteran is not necessarily the same for another – and that's exactly why calling a certain condition "easy to get" is simply gimmicky and inaccurate.

Here's an example: Two different veterans both trying to get service-connection 

We'll discuss an example to illustrate this point. Let's imagine that two different veterans are trying to earn VA disability benefits by getting service-connection for tinnitus. Here's some quick background on each of them:Veteran 1:

• Has a tinnitus diagnosis

• Served with a job duty that the VA acknowledges as high probability to noise exposure

• Services dates are about 20 years ago

• Has had symptoms for a long time, but only recently began documenting them

• As a result of the last point, has significant gaps in care without any explanation for how his civilian life and work is not contributing to or causing his tinnitus

Veteran 2:

• Also has a tinnitus diagnosis

• Also served with a job duty that the VA acknowledges as high probability to noise exposure

• Also has service dates about 20 years ago

• Has written a compelling and detailed personal statement about their condition

• Has documentation dating back to their time during service

Both veterans are trying to earn service-connection for the same condition, but veteran 2 has much more compelling evidence. This is what really makes a claim "easy" – not the simple presence of a condition.

Simply changing one of many factors in a veterans case can make or break how likely a condition is service connected for someone. 

An "easy" claim comes from thorough documentation, not just a diagnosis

Are you preparing to prove your condition to the VA? It's the documentation that makes a difference, not just the diagnosis. At MRPY Professional Services, we help veterans prove their conditions to the VA through Nexus Letters, DBQs, and other additional services to boost your claim.

Get started by signing up for a Medical Evidence Assessment (every veteran starts with this step). You can view other services here. We're also available to answer any questions you might have by phone or email. Contact us here.