Covid Information

Covid Information

COVID-19 Extension

As of March 13, 2022, the President declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was made effective March 1, 2022. The VA recognizes that this pandemic may have an effect on veterans’ and claimants’ ability to file forms, documents, and other responses in regards to VA claims and appeals in a timely manner; because of this, the VA is providing options for veterans and claimants to request extensions on filing dates and requested evidence dates, as well as rescheduling examinations and hearings. This ability to request an extension due to COVID-19 will remain in effect until 60 days from the date that the President ends the national state of emergency. This state of emergency has been renewed every 90 days since January of 2020 and was renewed once again on January 11, 2023. The Department of Health and Human Services has stated that they will be giving state governments and health care providers 60 days notice before lifting the national emergency.

How do I request an extension due to COVID-19?

Requesting an extension for claims and appeals due to Coronavirus does not require the claimant to fill out a specific form; simply note the request on the late-filed application or attach the request on a separate document and specifically state that the request for an exemption of timely-filing is due to the national pandemic. No supporting evidence is required.

Claimants who have already filed a claim can continue to submit requests for extensions related to evidence submissions; a note will be placed in the claimants’ file stating that no final action should be taken until evidence is submitted or the extension period concludes. If the claimant is unable to attend an examination or hearing, and virtual options are not possible a request for an extension may be submitted; a note will be placed in the claimants’ record stating that no final action should be taken until a hearing or exam is completed.

What to Claim if Infected With COVID-19

COVID-19 is not a rateable condition in itself due to its acute nature. However, it is possible to file a claim for any residuals that may have been caused by it. Therefore, the condition being claimed would not be Covid, it would be the long term effect that it had on the veteran. These effects could range from respiratory issues, to mental health symptoms, to loss of taste or smell, and anything in between.

If a veteran was infected while on active duty and their long term symptoms have caused them to be deemed unfit for service, they may qualify for DoD Disability. If the veteran is rated between 0% and 20% they will receive one lump sum of severance pay. If the veteran was given a rating of 30% or higher they will receive a monthly disability payment for the remainder of their life.

If the veteran was not on active duty, but a service connected disability caused further Covid residuals that would not have been caused had that disability not been present, it is possible to file for a condition as secondary to their service connected disability. For example: Nick is service connected for sleep apnea, if Nick were to be infected with Covid and subsequently need to use an oxygen tank because his sleep apnea caused his Covid to have severe long term symptoms, he may be able to claim a different respiratory condition as secondary to his sleep apnea.

When filing for Covid residuals, it is important to articulate exactly what symptoms you are experiencing, how frequently, and how severely. Below are some of the common long term symptoms of Covid that may be claimed:

  • Fatigue or sleep problems
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Brain fog
  • Heart palpitations

Separated from Service – No Vaccine

If you were involuntarily separated from service due to not getting vaccinated, you may be eligible for disability based on mental health. If being separated from service in this manner has caused you to experience any symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress disorder (see symptoms listed below) you may qualify for VA benefits.

Common symptoms of anxiety:

  • Feeling nervous or restless
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • A sense of impending danger

Common symptoms of depression:

  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness
  • Loss of interest in most or all activities
  • Sleeping too much or not enough
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Reduced appetite

Common symptoms of PTSD:

  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Nightmares
  • Distress at reminders of a trauma
  • Becoming upset or angry easily

Vaccine Injury

In some cases, the Covid vaccine has caused symptoms similar to that of long-Covid. If you were required to get vaccinated for Covid during your time in service and are experiencing any of the below symptoms, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits based on vaccine injury.

  • Fatigue or sleep problems
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Brain fog
  • Heart palpitations