How Are Veterans Affected by COVID-19

How Are Veterans Affected by COVID-19

As a veteran, you may be feeling a lot of uncertainty right now about your VA disability benefits. But we want to assure you that our lawyers remain dedicated to serving veterans. Whether you have questions or need to file an appeal, you can trust our accredited VA attorneys to stand by you.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is also doing everything they can to support veterans. Please check out our list of questions below to learn how COVID-19 may impact you.

Can I Still File My VA Disability Claim or Appeal?

Yes, you may still file a claim online or by mail. You may also file appeals during this time. But you won’t be able to visit a VA location to file your claim in person during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s how you can still submit claims, appeals, and evidence:

  • Upload documents electronically into the VA’s eBenefits system
  • Fax documents to the Evidence Intake Center
  • Fax documents to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
  • Send documents by mail

We highly recommend that you hire one of our VA disability attorneys to help with your claim. That way, you’ll have the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.

Here are some blog posts to help you on your path:

  • How Do I File a VA Disability Appeal?
  • Understanding the VA Disability Claim Process
  • 3 Documents That Support Your VA Disability Claim

How Can I Check the Status of My Claim or Appeal?

The VA has an online claim/appeal status tool. You can check it out here.

Can I Still Schedule My C&P Exam?

Yes, but instead of an in-person exam, you may be able to get your exam via a phone call or video conference. The VA is temporarily shifting away from in-person exams. This is to keep you and your family as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keep in mind that not all conditions are eligible for telehealth exams. If this is the case for you, the VA will contact you to reschedule your in-person exam for a later date. Please make sure that your contact information with the VA is up to date so they can reach you. You can change your address on file with the VA here.

The VA is also using Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) exams. In this situation, the VA would review your current medical records. They would then contact you if they required more information.

If you’re getting your C&P exam from a contracted provider, you may still be able to receive an in-person exam. But if you feel unsafe getting an in-person exam you can reschedule it without penalty from the VA at this time.

Once you’ve completed your C&P exam, you can check the status of your claim online.

Will My COVID-19 Stimulus Check Affect My Payments?

No, your payments from the VA will stay the same.

Your COVID-19 stimulus check does NOT count toward your income for:

  • VA Disability Benefits
  • Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
  • VA Pension
  • Parent Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) beneficiaries

Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Delay My VA Disability Benefits?

No. If you’re already receiving VA disability benefits, you’ll continue to receive your benefit payments as normal.

Request a Free Case Evaluation

Now more than ever, our VA disability attorneys remain committed to serving veterans. To request a free case evaluation, call the VA Disability Group at (844) VET-LAWS. We’d be more than happy to help you get the compensation you deserve.

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