When veterans were asked when they learned about VA disability benefits, 70% claimed they didn’t know until after discharge. Do you have a physical or mental condition? You may be eligible for VA benefits years after service if you meet the following requirements:

• Retain a VA disability rating; and
• Served on active duty or inactive duty training, and either
• Was sick or injured while serving that links to your current condition; or
• Had a condition before you joined the service, and it worsened while you served; or
• Have a disability because of your service that did not appear until after your service.

Even years after your discharge, you can seek VA benefits in several different ways.

Presumptive Conditions That Could Appear Years After Service

Some chronic conditions qualify for presumptive service connection even if they appear more than one year after being separated from service. 

If you are diagnosed with one of these Presumptive Conditions, seek benefits immediately.

• Hansen’s disease, if it appears within three years after discharge
• Tuberculosis, if it appears within three years after discharge
• Multiple sclerosis if it appears within seven years after discharge
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), anytime after discharge

These are specific examples of presumptive conditions; however, veterans can file for service connection at any point following discharge. There is no time limit on when you have to claim a condition related to your service.

Increase Your VA Benefits Years After Service

If you or anyone you know served in the military, you may need help obtaining a fair disability rating and compensation—contact Veteran Ratings. Veteran Ratings has a 95% chance of success in acquiring the rating and benefits you deserve.

Have a question? On the fence? Then contact us for more information. We are here for you — we proudly serve those who served. Veterans are our only priority because they made this the land of the free through their bravery and sacrifice.