Certain conditions can automatically qualify a veteran for VA disability benefits. These conditions are typically categorized as “presumptive conditions” because the VA presumes that they are service-connected based on specific criteria. Here are some key categories and conditions:
1. Presumptive Conditions Based on Specific Exposure
- Agent Orange Exposure (primarily Vietnam War veterans)
- AL Amyloidosis
- Chronic B-cell Leukemias
- Chloracne
- Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Hodgkin’s Disease
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Cancers
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas (excluding osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and mesothelioma)
- Gulf War Exposure
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (including IBS)
- Undiagnosed Illnesses with symptoms like fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems
- Radiation Exposure
- Various cancers, including but not limited to:
- Leukemia (except chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
- Cancers of the thyroid, breast, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, liver (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated), gallbladder, salivary gland, urinary tract (including kidneys, ureter, and bladder), brain, colon, lung, and ovary
- Various cancers, including but not limited to:
2. Presumptive Conditions Based on Time of Service
- Prisoners of War (POWs)
- Psychosis
- Any of the anxiety states
- Dysthymic disorder (or depressive neurosis)
- Organic residuals of frostbite
- Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Residuals of stroke and heart disease if POW for at least 30 days
3. Specific Time Frames and Conditions
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Veterans with 90 days or more of continuous active service are eligible for presumptive service connection for ALS.
- Hansen’s Disease
- Hansen’s disease (leprosy) diagnosed within three years of discharge from service is considered presumptive.
4. Conditions Appearing Within Specific Time Frames Post-Service
- Chronic Diseases
- Diseases like arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension that manifest to a compensable degree within one year of discharge.
5. Former POWs and Specific Conditions
- Former POWs held for at least 30 days are presumed to be service-connected for conditions like malnutrition, pellagra, avitaminosis, and many more diseases if these conditions manifest to a compensable degree at any time after service.
How Coskrey Law Can Help
At Coskrey Law, we specialize in assisting veterans with their VA disability claims. Our Attorney Ryan Coskrey can help you gather and present the necessary medical evidence to support your claim. We understand the intricacies of the VA system and are committed to ensuring that your claim is as strong as possible.
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of a successful VA disability claim. By ensuring that your medical records are thorough, consistent, and detailed, you significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome. If you need assistance with your claim or gathering the right medical evidence, Coskrey Law is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you through the VA disability claims process.
Feel free to reach out to us at Coskrey Law for a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of VA disability claims with confidence and expertise.