Over the past year, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been looking into its disability rating system, identifying areas where that system might be out of date.
One such area is in the approval and rating of VA mental health disability claims, which has been found to be very behind in terms of diagnostic methods and disability ratings.
In bringing these shortcomings to light through 2022 with an official proposal to adjust VA mental health disability claims ratings to be more accurate, those adjustments could be made this year in 2023.
What Changes Are Being Considered?
The VA is modernizing the rating schedule associated with mental health disability ratings, bringing them onto the same level as physical claims and ratings.
With a better understanding of many current mental health disorders and more accurate diagnostic tools, the argument is that VA mental health disability claims can now be handled the same as those made for physical claims, with a rating schedule that more fairly applies to veterans with mental health conditions.
Overall, if these changes are made official this year, it should be a big win for veterans with primary and secondary VA mental health disability claims, as they will earn ratings similar to other disabilities.
What Are The Proposed Changes To Va Mental Health Ratings?
It increases the minimum VA mental health disability rating from 0 to 10% and then the rule stating that a veteran cannot have a 100% mental health disability rating if they are employed will be removed, as there is no such rating for physical disabilities.
The goal is to make it so that veterans do not have to choose between their job and their disability benefits, whether their disability is physical or mental health related.
In addition, the new rating schedule for VA mental health disability claims is also being adjusted to lessen the requirements veterans must meet to obtain a 100% mental health disability rating.
What Does All This Mean For Veterans?
What does this mean for disabled veterans receiving benefits for mental health disabilities or even those that have had their VA mental health disability claims rejected?
If these changes are put into effect by the VA in 2023 as expected, getting the disability benefits that veterans deserve for service-connected primary or secondary mental health disabilities will be easier and provide greater benefits.
Veterans in need of assistance getting their claim approved or in having their disability rating increased should seek VA mental health disability claims help from an experienced claims representative.