A recent change to the VA disability claims process is the ability to claim chronic pain as a disability.
Today, VA constant pain disability claims are acceptable, as the VA began acknowledging chronic pain as a disability in 2018.
Depending on the severity of service-connected pain, chronic pain can be rated up to 100% over time depending on the degree of disability it causes.
Claims For Service-Related Constant Pain
Getting a claim accepted for chronic pain is important for more than just the obvious reasons.
Not only will it help them in the present, but it might help them in the future as well.
Those experiencing chronic pain due to their time in the service or who may have had claims rejected in the past should seek disability claims help to assist with getting their chronic pain claim accepted and their degree of pain and disability rated.
Why Should These Constant Pain Claims Be Accepted?
Why is it so important to have a VA constant pain disability claim accepted?
There is a definite connection between chronic pain and secondary conditions like insomnia, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Frequently, those suffering from chronic pain may experience an elevation in their disability due to a secondary mental health disorder.
Secondary mental health or other disabilities may also be approved as secondary disability claims when connected to chronic pain since this connection is well recognized.
Relationship Between Primary Disability Rating and Secondary Disability Claim
Noting the relationship between the two, it is important for veterans to first seek a primary disability rating by submitting their claim for chronic pain, as this makes it easier to get the secondary claim approved afterward.
The more challenging approval that might require VA constant pain disability claims help is proving the service connection for chronic pain.
The connection to insomnia or mental health issues that were caused or exacerbated by chronic pain is easier to prove and have accepted.
Together, a veteran is entitled to an increased disability rating that reflects both conditions.
Constant Pain Disability Claims Can Now Be Submitted to the VA
The takeaway from this is relatively simple.
Veterans dealing with service-connected chronic pain can now submit a VA constant pain disability claim that, with a correct application and the right evidence, should be accepted.
Those experiencing difficulties getting their claim approved should seek VA constant pain disability claims help so their pain can be rated and be in a better position to submit a secondary claim in the future.
If insomnia, depression, or another mental health disorder develops or worsens due to the primary chronic pain condition, veterans can submit a secondary claim based on their chronic pain claim, which should also be approved.
Summary
When experiencing challenges getting chronic pain or secondary disability claims through, veterans should seek VA constant pain disability claims help from experienced representatives who can assist them and get their claims approved.