Are you being tested for prostate cancer? Have you already been diagnosed with this serious illness? Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among US veterans. If you are a veteran of the Armed Services, you may be eligible for VA benefits related to prostate cancer. In this blog, we explore what a VA disability rating is and how your prostate cancer diagnosis may qualify you for VA benefits.
What is a VA Disability Rating?
A VA (US Department of Veterans Affairs) disability rating is the way the federal government decides the severity of a veteran’s disability. The individual who applies for disability benefits receives a percentage rating. This rating matches an appropriate level of financial, healthcare and other kinds of compensation.
This disability rating–60 or 100 percent as examples–represents how much assistance a veteran may receive for service-related injuries, diseases or conditions. It also determines the individual’s access to other veterans’ benefits such as housing and education.
How Does Prostate Cancer Affect the VA Disability Rating?
A prostate cancer diagnosis can be life-changing and frightening. It impacts an individual’s physical and mental well-being. As such, all prostate cancer diagnoses are treated by the VA as service-connected disabilities.
Active prostate cancer qualifies a veteran for a 100 percent disability rating. After a service member receives treatment for his prostate cancer, and/or is in remission, he receives a lower rating (up to 60 percent).
The severity of prostate cancer can vary from patient to patient. So, it is important for the veteran applying for benefits to provide the VA with all pertinent medical documentation and evidence.
If you are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer or have been diagnosed in the past, you may be eligible for a higher VA disability rating. A higher rating can give you more financial support and access to necessary medical treatment.
You also should know that your VA disability rating can change. The disability rating can go up if your prostate cancer worsens. Also, it can go up if you develop other health conditions related to your prostate cancer.
Be sure to regularly update the VA about any changes in your overall health and your cancer. Changes do affect your level of compensation.
Additionally, veterans who have been exposed to Agent Orange when they served may be presumed to have a service-connected disability for prostate cancer. This means they do not need to prove there is a direct link between their military service and their prostate cancer in order to receive benefits.
Sadly, prostate cancer can impact a veteran’s quality of life and ability to earn a living. As previously stated, regularly monitor your health and update the VA with any changes in your condition. Look for support and resources available to veterans who have prostate cancer.
How National Cancer Benefits Center Can Help Veterans
Our experts at the National Cancer Benefits Center assist countless veterans in applying for and receiving financial compensation, healthcare and other important benefits. We help veterans document their medical conditions and work through the complex VA claims process.
Our caring team at National Cancer Benefits Center also provides resources for managing the physical, emotional and financial challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis. We are dedicated to being a valuable partner in your fight against this disease.
The team at the National Cancer Benefits Center has a success rate of more than 90 percent. Veterans who have acquired illnesses, such as prostate cancer, or disabilities related to their military service, receive the resources necessary to live their best lives now.
Our research capabilities on behalf of veterans are top-notch. Our counselors know what documentation you need to apply for compensation and benefits. Documentation includes service and medical records and other details as needed. We will give the VA the necessary information to determine the highest possible disability rating.
We are proud to have over 25 years of experience in assisting veterans and their loved ones. We know we can help you, too.
Call the National Cancer Benefits Center at (800) 714-4328 to speak with a trained counselor. We will begin the benefits process for you right away.
We are available to take your phone call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Also, you may request information here.
Our offices are located in Florida, Arizona and Montana. Contact the National Cancer Benefits Center today. We will be honored to serve you and your loved ones.
