Veterans Benefits for Asbestos related illness or disability

Veterans Benefit for Asbestos related illness or diability

Military veterans who have any asbestos related illness or disability during their service time are eligible to apply for VA healthcare and VA disability benefits. If they can prove their illness is connected to their time in the military, it’s extremely like that they will get approved for VA benefits. Yet, the process can be time-consuming and confusing if they don’t know where to start. While their attorney will help them through the process, it’s a good idea to understand what’s going on during the process.

To start, a military veteran willl need to ensure that he/she meets the following qualifications:

• Honorable discharge only
• Exposed to asbestos while serving in the military
• His / Her illness or disability is in direct connection to his / her asbestos exposure

The second step is to fill out an “eClaim” using the VA’s eBenefits website. Prior to filing for medical benefits, it is crucial that you have a proof of your medical condition via copies of medical records, a copy of your DD-214, and proof of when and how your asbestos exposure occurred during your services in force. Filing electronically is a very easiest and quickest way to cut through the red tape and get your claim faster, which can help you get it processed faster than traditional claims.

There are some steps when you are going to file an eClaim, and it’s important that you go through each step thoroughly before submitting your application. The steps include:

• Log into the website eBenefits. If you don’t have an account, sign-up for an account on the main page.
• Click “Apply for Benefits” once you’ve logged in.
• Fill up your personal information in form.
• Click “Apply Now” under the tab of Compensation Benefits, and click “Agree” on the Privacy Act statement
• Enter your VA file number. If you don’t have a file number, check the option “I don’t have a VA File Number” box, and your social security number will be considered as your VA file number.
• Read over the and click “Save and Continue.”
• Verify your service history under the “Service Information” tab. Click “Save and Continue.”
• Under the "Disability Records” tab, choose your claim type. Choose “New Disability Claim”.
• Submit your military records and any proof of asbestos exposures.
• Click on “Treatment Records” page to upload your medical records on website.
• On the “Direct Deposit” tab, click there to enter your bank information where you want to send your compensation.

This seems to be confusing at first, but you shall rest assured that your attorney will help you with the entire process. Keep this thing in your mind that you have only one year from the date you open your claim to get all of your proof/paperwork in.