Get the Benefits You Deserve: Pennsylvania VA Disability Attorneys
Important Things to Know About Pennsylvania VA Disability Benefits
We know that many veterans may have questions about their VA disability benefits and we want to help you get the answers you need. Have you filed your VA disability claim yet? Are you unsure what injuries, medical conditions or illnesses qualify for monthly disability compensation? Maybe you have had your disability claim denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs? VABenefits Attorneys has the experience you need when faced with these questions and we can help you navigate the legal obstacles.
What VA Benefits Are Available to Pennsylvania Veterans?
Disability benefits are not the only benefits available to Pennsylvania veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs works to provide care and support for veterans on multiple fronts – including medical and healthcare benefits. Veterans may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, preferred employment, burial services and educational benefits via the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
Are You Eligible for VA Benefits in Pennsylvania?
Not sure if you qualify for VA disability benefits and compensations? To qualify for disability, veterans must meet two primary criteria – you must be an active duty, active duty in training or inactive duty training veteran and must have a current injury or illness that impacts your physical or mental health. Veterans must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You became sick or injured while in the military and can link your condition to your military service OR
- You had the illness or injury prior to your service and the condition was made worse due to your service OR
- You have a disability related to your service that did not appear until after your time in service – known as a postservice disability claim.
Which Medical Conditions and Injuries Qualify for VA Disability?
Not all wounds are visible and VA disability compensation covers a wide range of service-related physical injuries, medical conditions, illnesses and mental health conditions – as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Here is a list of a few injuries, illnesses and conditions that may qualify Pennsylvania veterans for disability compensation.
- Chronic Back and Knee Pain
- Breathing Issues – Lung Conditions and Lung Disease
- Severe Hearing Loss
- Ulcers
- Select Types of Cancer
- Scar Tissue
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Mental Disorders – Depression and Anxiety
How Do You File for VA Disability Benefits in Pennsylvania?
Are you eligible for VA disability benefits? You may be asking – how do I file for disability in Pennsylvania? We can help with the process at VABenefits Attorneys. The simplest way to file a disability claim is by completing the online claim form at www.va.gov/disability. Veterans who prefer a more personal process can download and print the application and turn it in at a VA Regional Office in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. VABenefits Attorneys can help you file your claim and complete the process.
What Should I Do if My VA Claim is Denied?
Do you know what happens if your VA claim is denied? We know that VA claims can be denied and we know how to help when it does happen. VABenefits Attorneys is happy to help you dispute your claim and navigate the legal process. When your claim is denied, you have four ways to dispute your claim – file a Notice of Disagreement, request a Higher Level Review, file a Supplemental Claim or present your claim to a Veterans Law Judge. No matter what the status of your claim may be – VABenefits Attorneys can help ensure you receive your benefits.
What Are Pennsylvania State Veterans Benefits?
While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an impressive list of benefits for veterans across the country, the State of Pennsylvania builds on that foundation with a list of exclusive state-run veterans programs and benefits designed to supplement federal benefits and provide additional support for local veterans.
Here is a better look at state veterans benefits and programs available in Pennsylvania:
Educational Gratuity
Pennsylvania veterans programs provide educational assistance for the children of veterans who have a 100% disability rating.
Real Estate Tax Exemptions
Honorably discharged veterans with a 100% disability rating and a financial need may be exempt from property taxes on their primary home.
Hiring Preference
Veterans receive an additional 10 points on passing civil service exam scores for state and city government positions.
Pension Programs
Pennsylvania offers specialized monthly pensions for blind or paralyzed veterans who meet state residency and service requirements.
Outdoor License Discounts
Reduced fees for hunting and fishing licenses and free registration for specific disabled veteran vehicle plates.
These Pennsylvania state veterans programs may have specific eligibility rules and requirements and veterans can contact state veterans representatives to start the application process.
Where To Find County Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) in Pennsylvania
For local veteran assistance, every county in Pennsylvania has a dedicated Director of Veterans Affairs or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) that can help veterans get the disability benefits they have earned in a variety of ways.
These accredited experts provide free support to help veterans with:
Helping families and dependents apply for pensions and burial benefits.
Provide support services for veterans, like transportation to appointments, crisis intervention, and housing referrals.
Pennsylvania VA Regional Offices and Medical Centers
Pennsylvania veterans have access to a broad state network of facilities for healthcare and administrative support:
Philadelphia VA Regional Office – Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh VA Regional Office – Pittsburgh, PA
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System – Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center – Philadelphia, PA
The regional offices and medical centers in Pennsylvania provide state veterans with basic healthcare, specialized medical care, mental health support, and access to rehabilitation. Veterans who receive care at these veterans medical facilities can receive support for future claims.
Common VA Disability Claims for Pennsylvania Veterans
Veterans across the State of Pennsylvania have filed many claims for injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions related to their unique service histories. The most common claims include:
Orthopedic Injuries: Common disability claims include chronic joint and back issues from physical strain.
Orthopedic Injuries: Common disability claims include chronic joint and back issues from physical strain.
Traumatic Brain Injury: TBIs resulting from training accidents, explosive blasts, or head injuries.
Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Tinnitus and hearing loss resulting from exposure to heavy machinery or combat noise are common claims.
PTSD and Mental Health Disorders: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression are common claims for military veterans.
These are just a few of the injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions that impact veterans, and these claims require careful documentation and medical evidence to prove a service connection.
What to Do if Your VA Claim Is Denied in Pennsylvania
Denied VA disability claims are common, and when a Pennsylvania veteran’s claim is rejected, they have several legal options to challenge the Department of Veterans Affairs’ decision.
Higher-Level Review
A senior VA examiner reviews your existing claim to identify potential errors without examining new evidence.
Supplemental Claim
Veterans can submit new and relevant evidence, such as updated medical records or statements, to strengthen their case.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
You can request a formal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge in person or via video conference.
With the help of an experienced VA benefits attorney, Pennsylvania veterans can identify potential gaps in their claim and effectively argue their case.
State Tax and Financial Benefits for Pennsylvania Veterans
Pennsylvania provides a long list of tax and financial benefits that provide key assistance for veterans in need of financial help. Here is a better look at Pennsylvania’s veteran-friendly tax policies:
Income Tax Exemptions
Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are not taxed by the State of Pennsylvania.
Vehicle Registration
Free vehicle registration is available for eligible disabled veterans and former POWs.
Emergency Assistance
The Veterans Temporary Assistance program provides short-term financial grants for necessities like food and shelter.
Real Estate Tax Exemption
Veterans with a 100% disability rating and an honorable discharge that have demonstrated financial need may be exempt from property taxes on their primary home.
Pennsylvania veterans in need of financial assistance can apply to the state for tax and financial benefits that can reduce the cost of living for veterans.
Veteran Education, Retraining, and Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania
The transition from military to civilian life can be a challenge, and the State of Pennsylvania provides veterans with educational, career training, and employment opportunities for veterans who want to take the next step.
PA CareerLink
This employment program provides specialized veteran employment representatives to assist with job searches and resume building.
Military Family Education Program (MFEP)
This program provides tuition assistance for dependents of PA National Guard members.
Veterans Preference Points
Qualified veterans receive a 10-point preference on state and city civil service exams, and priority in appointments and promotions.
Educational, training, and employment opportunities available to Pennsylvania veterans can help ease the transition from military to civilian life.
Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
The State of Pennsylvania operates six veteran care centers that provide skilled nursing and memory care for the veterans in the state:
These veteran care facilities provide veterans with a broad range of care that includes skilled healthcare, memory care, mental health support, and rehabilitation for veterans, their families, and Gold Star parents.
Pennsylvania State Veterans Cemeteries and Burial Benefits
Honored final resting places are available to veterans and their families via three major national cemeteries in Pennsylvania — Indiantown Gap, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, and Washington Crossing. Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents receive burial at no cost, including a gravesite, perpetual care, and a headstone.
Beyond the burial plot, families can coordinate with their County Director of Veterans Affairs to access burial allowances and obtain a free burial flag. In addition, the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Cemetery in Erie is available for residents of state-run long-term care facilities.
Local Pennsylvania Veterans Organizations and Support Services
Pennsylvania supports veterans with a vast network of organizations that provide essential boots-on-the-ground support to veterans and their families. These local groups work alongside state and federal agencies to ensure that no Pennsylvania veteran has to navigate the transition to civilian life alone.
Real-Life Success: Securing a 100% Rating in Pittsburgh
Case Study: Pittsburgh, PA
An Army veteran in Pittsburgh, who served during the Gulf War, was initially granted a low disability rating for a severe knee injury. After battling with worsening symptoms and being unable to maintain his job, he worked with a veteran disability attorney to file for an increased disability rating. By presenting comprehensive medical evidence regarding his secondary conditions and functional loss, he successfully achieved a 100% P&T rating, which provided him with the financial stability and property tax relief he needed.
Stories like this are not uncommon — persistence and evidence matter. Whether you’re located in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, legal help is available to ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned via your military service.
The case study above is a representative example based on typical VA claim outcomes and is provided for illustrative purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future results.
FAQs for Pennsylvania Veterans
Next Steps for Pennsylvania Veterans
If you are a veteran in Pennsylvania, do not try to take on the Department of Veterans Affairs alone.
Start by:
Gather: Secure your DD-214 and all current medical records.
Contact: Speak with your local VSO to check state eligibility.
Advocate: Engage a VA-certified attorney to assist with appeals or underrated claims.
Reach out to VA Benefits Attorneys today for a free case review.
