To begin with, let me say that I can sense that you are going through a lot, and getting a hang on this kind of issue is not a walk in the park, particularly when those closest to you do not get you. It is especially difficult when the people that are meant to support you are doing the complete opposite – going against you and thinking you are doing too much. Even so, you have every reason to vent out your anger. You are not the only one here. Many veterans who have been through a lot find themselves fighting both the burden of their current condition and the ignorance of other people around them.
Why are your friends and family misunderstanding your disability claim?
There’s a high chance your friends and family may not fully understand what it means to live with a service connected disability like your own and so they may come off as not being supportive of you sometimes. It is possible that a lot of people around you think that because you did not serve in combat, you are not going through a lot of pain. However, even though you did not experience combat personally, losing five friends, including a best friend can leave you with a life long traumatic experience. Emotional trauma can be just as real and excruciatingly painful as physical wounds.
For your friends and family, they are probably thinking the only goal you have is to reach a 100% disability so that you can gain more financial benefits. They fail to realize that your primary focus is on your mental health and how you can access better health care services. Reaching 100% can be of immense help to you. For starters, it can help you to find financial peace. You will also be able to access more resources for your health to make your recovery journey a lot less harder. The goal is not just about the rating, it is about getting the support you need.
What would a 100% disability rating mean for you?
The difference between a 70% and a 100% disability rating is very significant, not only financially but also in the kind of support you can access not just for you but for your family. At 70%, you receive compensation and a few benefits, but at 100%, there are several more benefits that you will be given, including healthcare, housing allowances, and more. Here are the differences:
- Monthly Compensation: A veteran rated at 70% disability can receive approximately $1,759.19 per month if they have no dependents. At 100%, that compensation rises to about $3,831.30 monthly, which can greatly improve your financial stability, especially if you are facing ongoing medical and therapy costs.
- Healthcare: If you succeed with being rated at a 100%, you will enjoy better healthcare services from the VA. These services may be in the form of reduced, less or no out – of – your – pocket costs for treatment and medications.
- Housing and Education: With a 100% disability rating, you can get a housing assistance option where you will be provided with funds to cover your rent expenses.
Why should you continue to pursue a higher rating?
You do not need to feel bad about going after what you truly deserve. First of all, the disability rating benefits are offered to veterans who have served America. It is meant to help you adjust to your new condition and function normally again. Here are reasons you should continue fighting for a 100% rating:
Your health comes first: This is not about “just” wanting to gain money. It is about you and how well you can take care of yourself. Getting a higher rating should enable you to have the treatment that you need, be it in the form of better therapies, medications, or just by achieving the peace of mind needed to heal without worrying about finances.
Desire for financial security should not carry any sort of shame: It is perfectly natural to desire financial security and most people would not deny that one of the reasons why they file for a higher rating is to achieve that. The problem of having a mental health issue while at the same time having a concern for financial resources makes the situation even worse. On the other hand, achieving a 100% rating would help lift that concern, thus allowing you to pay more attention to your recovery.
How can you talk to your friends and family about this?
Your friends and family may not fully understand the details of your situation. Here are a few suggestions on how you can have a constructive dialogue with them:
Disclose your mental status: Let your loved ones know how you feel about the entire situation – your sickness, the death of your friends and the exact reason you are going the extra mile to be rated 100% by the Veteran Affairs Department (VA).
Give them a little bit of history of the procedure: It is possible that your family or friends may not have an idea about how the VA Disability benefits works. You may find it helpful to explain the way the ratings are set and the benefits associated with each rating so that they realize there is more to it than simply wanting to be compensated. What you are attempting is just the proper care that you need.
Reach an understanding: Understanding can help rid any kind of judgements from your friends. So, work on being understood by your friends. Let them know how you feel with regards to their doubts on your true intentions. A simple heart to heart talk can dispel the tension.
