Veterans Disability Benefits in Missouri

Missouri is a proud home to a great number of veterans who have honorably served our nation.

In recognition of their admirable service and dedication, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) extends a wide array of benefits to veterans living in Missouri. These benefits span from health services and educational opportunities to financial support and housing assistance.

One of the primary benefits available to veterans is the VA Disability program. This program offers monthly financial compensation to veterans with service-related disabilities.

Understanding VA Disability Ratings

If you're a Missouri veteran interested in VA disability benefits, you should understand how your disability linked to service will be assessed. The VA uses a rating system, assigning a percentage between 10% and 100% to your disability.

The more severe your condition, the higher the rating you'll get. This rating then helps to determine the monthly financial assistance you qualify for.

If you have more than one disability, each will be rated separately. These individual ratings are then combined and tweaked to create a single overall rating.

There may be times when you'll need to undergo a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This is a medical checkup conducted by the VA to better understand the type and severity of the disability related to your service.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Disability Benefits

To qualify for VA benefits, Missouri veterans must meet several guidelines.

Both of these must be true:

• You have an existing condition, either physical or mental, that impacts your health, and
• Your service history includes active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.

And, at least one of the following must be true:

• You incurred an injury or sickness during your military service that can be connected to your current condition. This is known as an in-service disability claim.
  
  or
  
• An existing injury or illness from before your military service worsened due to your service — called a pre-service disability claim, or
• You have a disability that is associated with your active-duty service but it only manifested after your service ended. This is known as a post-service disability claim.

Missouri veterans aiming for VA disability benefits must show a link between their disability and their military service. You should maintain thorough medical records to track your disability over time.

Maintaining a good standing upon separation from the military is essential as it can significantly impact access to veteran benefits. Veterans who have received an honorable or general discharge are typically eligible for a wider range of benefits, including education, healthcare, and housing services, which can greatly aid in the transition to civilian life.

How to Apply for VA Disability in Missouri

For Missouri residents seeking to apply for VA disability benefits, the process begins with gathering all necessary documentation. This includes your military records, medical evidence demonstrating a direct link between your disability and your military service, and your DD214 form or other service separation documents.

Click here to file a VA Disability claim.

Need help? Call the VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000

Once your documentation is ready, you can proceed with your application. The most convenient and efficient way to apply is online through VA.gov. Simply click on the "Sign in to start your application" link and follow the step-by-step instructions provided.

However, if you prefer, you can also apply by mail or in person.

To apply by mail, download and fill out the Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension (VA Form 21-526EZ), and then mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

If you would prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local VA office. Missouri has several VA offices where you can submit your application and any supporting documentation. Remember to make copies of everything you submit for your personal records.

The VA processing time can vary, often taking between 3-6 months or longer depending on the claim.

Appeal a Denial

If you receive a denial for your VA disability claim, you have the right to challenge the decision by filling out and submitting a Notice of Disagreement form. This form needs to be filed within a year of receiving the denial notice.

The success of an appeal largely depends on the quality of the medical evidence presented. Gather all relevant medical records, documents, and expert opinions that clearly show the link between the disability and your military service. The more thorough and persuasive this evidence is, the greater the chance of a successful appeal.

VA Benefits Available to Missouri Veterans

In addition to disability benefits, the VA offers many other benefits to support and enrich the lives of veterans and their families.

Missouri veterans can take advantage of the following VA benefits:

• VA Loans
• VA Pension
• Dependents and Survivor Benefits
• Health Care
• Education and Training
• VA Burial Benefits
• VetSuccess on Campus
• Veterans Readiness and Employment
• VA Life Insurance

VA benefits provide support to those who have honorably served in the U.S. military. These benefits seek to ensure a smoother transition from military to civilian life, offering resources for healthcare, education, housing, and financial stability. These benefits exist to honor the service of veterans and help improve their quality of life after their military service.

If you're a Missouri veteran facing health issues that are connected to your time in the military, apply for Veterans Disability benefits today. These benefits can significantly enhance your quality of life and provide much-needed support for you and your loved ones.

Missouri — VA Office Locations

Veterans Benefits Administration

National Cemetery Administration

Veterans Health Administration