Illinois VA Disability Attorneys
It can be a challenge to file a VA disability claim – paperwork can be difficult to understand, denied claims happen and the process can be confusing. VABenefits Attorneys is a team of experienced Illinois VA disability attorneys that can help you file your claim and receive the benefits that you have earned.
FAQs About Illinois VA Benefits
Who Qualifies for VA Disability Benefits in Illinois?
If you are a veteran who has sustained an injury or illness while in service, you may ask – am I eligible for VA disability benefits? To be eligible for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you must meet specific criteria.
You must meet BOTH of the following:
- You have an injury or illness that impacts your mind or body AND
- You served on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training.
And you must meet at least ONE of the below criteria:
- You became sick or injured while in the armed forces and can link your condition to your military service OR
- You had an injury or illness prior to service that was made worse by your time in the military OR
- You have a disability that is service related and did not appear until after your military service.
What VA Benefits Are You Eligible for in Illinois?
For those who have fought for and served the United States in our military – thanks is not enough – and that is why those individuals are eligible for VA benefits. Available benefits for Illinois veterans include disability compensation, a military pension for select veterans, educational benefits, health care at VA medical facilities, home loans, military burial services, employment assistance and elderly care.
What Injuries and Medical Conditions Qualify for VA Compensation?
The wounds and scars of military service can be both visible and invisible – and VA disability benefits can help veterans support themselves and their families despite service-related medical conditions and injuries.
Here is a short list of some injuries, illnesses and medical conditions that may qualify you for VA disability compensation.
- Chronic Back Pain, Knee Pain and Disability
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Cancer Caused by Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Conditions
- Depression and Anxiety
- Severe Hearing Loss
- Lung Conditions and Lung Disease
How Do I File for VA Disability in Illinois?
Where do you start the disability claim process? Illinois veterans can file their VA disability claims online at www.va.gov/disability or download and print a physical application that can be turned in at the Chicago VA Regional Office. Veterans who have questions about the application process can contact VABenefits Attorneys to get the answers they need.
What Should I Do When a VA Disability Claim is Denied?
The application process for VA disability compensation can be complicated – and your claim may be denied and you may need help. The legal team at VABenefits Attorneys specializes in denied claims and can help you file an official Notice of Disagreement appeal, file a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher Level Review or present your case in front of a Veterans Law Judge to help you get the benefits you deserve.
What Are Illinois State Veterans Benefits?
- Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve and Retired Pay Benefits are Tax Free
- $100 Bonus for Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Global War on Terror Veterans
- $1,000 Vietnam Veteran Survivors Compensation
- Specially Adapted Housing Tax Exemption
- Returning Veterans Homestead Exemption
- Veteran Employment Preference
- Waived Testing and Fees for State Licenses and Credentials
- Veteran Education Scholarships and Grants
Contact VABenefits Attorneys to learn more about Illinois veteran disability claims and benefits with a FREE consultation!
Comprehensive Benefits for Illinois Veterans
Illinois veterans are eligible for extensive benefits at both the federal and state levels — including tax exemptions, education programs, employment support, and healthcare services. These programs are designed to honor your service and provide lasting financial security.
But understanding eligibility rules and navigating the VA process can be challenging. Many veterans turn to VA-accredited attorneys for help securing the benefits and compensation they’ve earned. A skilled attorney can guide you through complex regulations, gather critical evidence, and appeal denied claims effectively.
Key Illinois State Veterans Programs
Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 30 % and 50 % receive a $2,500 reduction in the equalized assessed value (EAV) of their primary residence. Those rated between 50 % and 70 % qualify for a $5,000 reduction, while those rated at 70 % or greater — or deemed unemployable, may receive a complete property-tax exemption. Surviving spouses of qualified veterans can continue this benefit.
Specially Adapted Housing Tax Exemption
Veterans who receive a federal grant for specially adapted housing can qualify for a $100,000 reduction in their home’s EAV, dramatically lowering property taxes.
Illinois Veterans’ Grant (IVG)
The IVG covers full tuition and mandatory fees at all Illinois public colleges and universities. Veterans can use this benefit for undergraduate or graduate study, even after exhausting federal GI Bill eligibility.
MIA/POW Scholarship
Dependents of veterans who were prisoners of war, missing in action, killed in service, or permanently disabled receive full tuition and fees at any state-supported college or university.
Veterans’ Preference in Employment
Illinois grants preference points to veterans on civil-service exams and additional priority to disabled veterans. Many agencies also have veteran-focused hiring initiatives.
Veterans’ Assistance Fund (VAF)
The VAF provides one-time emergency financial assistance for veterans facing hardship — covering necessities like rent, food, or utilities.
A VA-accredited attorney can help determine which programs you qualify for, ensure applications are accurate, and coordinate benefits between state and federal systems.
Illinois Veterans Homes & Long-Term Care
Illinois operates several state-run veterans homes that offer skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory-care services.
Locations include:
County Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs)
Every Illinois county has a Veterans Assistance Commission, or VAC, providing hands-on help with benefits and emergency relief. VAC officers:
Help veterans apply for disability and pension benefits
File property-tax exemptions
Connect families with local housing, transportation, or education resources
While VACs provide valuable service, they cannot offer legal representation. If your claim is denied or you’re pursuing an appeal, a VA benefits attorney can represent you before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or federal court, ensuring no procedural errors derail your case.
Common VA Disability Claims in Illinois
Illinois veterans file for a range of service-connected disabilities. Common examples include:
PTSD and other mental-health conditions
Hearing loss and tinnitus from machinery, weapons, or flight exposure
Orthopedic injuries (back, neck, shoulder, or knee problems)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from training or deployment incidents
Agent Orange and toxic-exposure illnesses
Respiratory or burn-pit conditions among post-9/11 veterans
Many claims are initially denied because evidence is incomplete or the VA misinterprets medical findings. A VA attorney can help gather medical nexus opinions, ensure your records meet evidentiary standards, and build a legally sound argument for service connection.
The VA Disability Claim Process in Richmond
Many veterans file claims through the VA Regional Office in Richmond. Unfortunately, being close to the RO doesn’t guarantee faster results. The process includes:
Higher-Level Review
A senior reviewer reevaluates your case for factual or legal errors.
Supplemental Claim
You may submit new and relevant evidence, including private medical evaluations.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
A Veterans Law Judge reviews your case and may hold a hearing.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
A federal court reviews legal or procedural errors made by the VA.
A VA-accredited attorney manages the entire process, ensuring correct filings, identifying missed evidence, and representing you directly before the VA or the Board. Most work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay only if you win.
Why Work with a VA Attorney
Many veterans start their claims alone, only to feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, timelines, and appeals. A VA-accredited attorney can:
Analyze VA decisions for legal or factual mistakes
Obtain expert medical opinions linking your conditions to service
File timely appeals with complete supporting documentation
Represent you during Board or court hearings
Pursue the highest rating and backpay available under law
Attorneys understand both the legal and medical sides of VA claims, allowing them to transform weak cases into well-supported ones.
Financial & Tax Benefits for Illinois Veterans
Once your disability rating is properly established, Illinois offers significant tax relief and financial programs:
Property Tax Exemptions based on your disability rating
Income Tax Exemption on VA disability pay and military retirement income
Reduced Vehicle Registration Fees for disabled veterans
Veteran Business Program (VBP) offering contract preference to veteran-owned businesses
An attorney can help ensure your VA rating accurately reflects your service-connected disabilities, which directly impacts eligibility for these state tax benefits.
Education & Career Opportunities
Illinois supports veterans through programs that ease the transition to civilian life:
Illinois Veterans’ Grant (IVG)
Full tuition and fees at public colleges and universities
MIA/POW Scholarship
Education support for qualifying dependents
State Employment Preference
Extra points on civil-service exams for veterans
Apprenticeship & Trade Initiatives
Training programs for in-demand trades
Your attorney can help coordinate these education or retraining benefits once your appeal succeeds, ensuring your compensation and opportunities align.
Healthcare, Housing & Mental-Health Support
Illinois offers robust healthcare and housing resources for veterans:
Major VA medical centers in Chicago (Hines), Danville, Marion, and North Chicago
Transitional and permanent housing through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)
Emergency grants through the Veterans Cash program
Counseling and family support via Illinois Joining Forces and local nonprofits
An attorney can help verify eligibility, appeal denied medical reimbursements, and guide you through the VA healthcare enrollment process.
Success Stories: How Legal Representation Changes Outcomes
Case Study – Peoria, Illinois: From 40 % to 80 % Disability
John, a Marine veteran, filed for PTSD and back injuries on his own and was awarded only 40 %. After hiring a VA attorney, his case was reassessed, missing evidence was located, and a private psychiatric evaluation was added. Within six months, his rating rose to 80 %, unlocking a full property-tax exemption and significant backpay.
“My attorney found mistakes in the VA’s evaluation and turned my partial award into full benefits.”
Case Study – Springfield, Illinois: Denial Overturned on Appeal
Maria, an Army veteran, was denied benefits for migraines and anxiety. Her VA attorney filed a Higher-Level Review, showing that the VA examiner failed to follow required diagnostic standards. The attorney secured a new medical opinion and legal brief. The Board reversed the denial, granting a 70 % rating and backpay for 18 months.
Case Study – Chicago, Illinois: Rating Reduction Reversed
David, a Navy veteran, had his rating cut from 60 % to 30 % after a VA re-evaluation. His attorney demonstrated procedural errors and improper comparison of exams. The Board reinstated the 60 % rating and awarded over $10,000 in backpay.
These examples show how legal advocacy can uncover VA errors, strengthen evidence, and turn frustrating denials into successful outcomes.
The above case studies are representative examples based on typical VA claim outcomes and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future results.
Frequently Asked Questions – Illinois Veterans
Next Steps for Illinois Veterans
Collect your DD-214, medical records, and any VA decisions.
Contact your county Veterans Assistance Commission for basic support.
Review your eligibility for state programs like property-tax exemptions or education grants.
If your VA disability claim was denied or rated too low, reach out to a VA-accredited attorney.
Your attorney will evaluate your claim, identify legal and medical gaps, and manage your appeal from start to finish — often on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless you win.
With strong representation, Illinois veterans can secure the full compensation and peace of mind their service has earned.
