Covid Claims Information

Covid Claims Information

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
  • Vascular Conditions