Minnesota VA Disability Attorneys
Are you a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan or another armed conflict? Do you have a service-related disability? You may be eligible for disability benefits and compensation via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA Benefits Attorneys is here to help and we want to serve as your Minnesota VA disability attorneys.
Contact us today for a FREE case review!
FAQs About Minnesota VA Disability Benefits
Do you have questions about your veteran disability benefits? Are you tired of all the red tape? VA Benefits Attorneys can answer your veterans benefits questions and help you get the benefits that you deserve.
Veterans want to know – how do I apply for VA disability benefits? Minnesota veterans want to know – am I eligible for VA disability compensation? Veterans have questions about the injuries, illnesses and medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits. Veterans need to know how to appeal a denied disability claim. VA Benefits Attorneys can help answer any questions you have.
Call VA Benefits Attorneys today for a FREE case review!
Am I Eligible for VA Disability Benefits in Minnesota?
Almost 5 million veterans receive disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the most common question we get asked by veterans who do not is – am I eligible for VA disability benefits? Here is a breakdown of the Department of Veterans Affairs criteria for disability compensation.
To qualify for disability benefits – veterans must meet TWO standard criteria. Minnesota veterans must have a service-connected injury, illness or medical condition that affects the body or mind AND veterans must have served on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty for training.
Disabled veterans must also meet ONE of the additional requirements in the list below.
- Eligible veteran has a service-related injury, illness or medical condition that was suffered and diagnosed while in the military – known as an In-Service Disability Claim.
- Eligible veteran had an injury, illness or medical condition prior to military service that was made worse while in the military – known as a Pre-Service Disability Claim.
- Eligible veteran has a service-related injury, illness or medical condition that was not diagnosed until after military service – known as a Post-Service Disability Claim.
Are There Additional VA Benefits for Minnesota Veterans?
Did you know that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides more than just disability benefits to qualified veterans? VA Home Loans are available to help veterans and their families purchase their dream home – and only 6% of veterans apply. The G.I. Bill provides veterans with tuition assistance for continued education – and only 40% of veterans use these benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides additional benefits to veterans that include medical care at VA facilities, affordable insurance, employment assistance and more.
Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for additional information on veterans benefits!
What Injuries, Illnesses and Conditions Are Eligible for VA Disability?
Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and any number of armed conflicts have served, sacrificed and have the scars to prove it – both visible and invisible. Veteran disability covers a wide range of service-connected injuries, illnesses and medical conditions and many Minnesota veterans need to know if they are eligible.
Here is a short list of injuries, illnesses and conditions that may qualify veterans for VA disability benefits and compensation.
- Select Cancers
- Select Lung Diseases
- Chronic Back, Neck and Knee Pain
- Migraines
- Tinnitus
- Hearing Loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD
- MORE…
How Can Veterans Apply for VA Disability Benefits?
Do you meet the criteria above and have a qualifying service-related disability? We know that applying for disability may be a daunting task for some – but we want to help at VA Benefits Attorneys. Veterans can apply for disability online at www.va.gov/disability when they complete the online form and submit necessary medical documents. Minnesota veterans who prefer to apply in person can download, print and complete the online form and submit it to the VA Regional Office in St. Paul with your medical documents.
Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today if you need help with your disability benefits application!
How Do I Appeal a Denied VA Disability Claim in Minnesota?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans with excellent support – but it will deny veteran disability claims for a variety of reasons that include incomplete paperwork and insufficient medical documentation. When a disability claim is denied, veterans have four courses of action to choose from – file a Supplemental Claim, file a Notice of Disagreement, ask for a Higher Level Review or appeal your claim in front of a Veterans Law Judge.
Let us help you appeal your denied claim at VA Benefits Attorneys and get the benefits you deserve!
What Are the Minnesota State Veterans Benefits?
The Gopher State is home to more than 290,000 veterans and while the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a strong foundation for veteran support – VA benefits are not the only support that Minnesota veterans will receive. Minnesota provides state benefits for veterans that include educational assistance, tax exemptions, state veterans homes, medical care, employment benefits and much more.
Veterans who call the Land of 10,000 Lakes home may be eligible for state veterans benefits and can contact state representatives for more information. Here is a better look at state veterans benefits available to Minnesota veterans.
- Minnesota Veterans Homes – Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Silver Bay, Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston
- Income Tax Exemptions for Military Pay
- Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptions
- Short-Term Financial Assistance Program
- Special Needs Grant Program
- Dental and Vision Care Assistance
- Minnesota Veterans Preference Act for State Employment
- Minnesota G.I. Bill for Educational Benefits
- Minnesota Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education Benefits
- Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries – Duluth, Little Falls, Preston and Redwood Falls
Do you need the help of a Minnesota VA disability attorney? VA Benefits Attorneys has the legal knowledge and experience that you need on your side and we cannot wait to help you receive the benefits you have earned.
Contact the VA Benefits Attorneys Team today for more information on your VA disability benefits!
Minnesota Veterans Programs: State & Local Benefits
Minnesota provides one of the most comprehensive networks of veterans benefits in the country, combining federal VA programs with unique state-funded support. Whether you’re seeking tax relief, education funding, or help with a disability claim, there are valuable resources available specifically for Minnesota veterans and their families.
Key Minnesota state benefits include:
Minnesota Homestead Market Value Exclusion for Disabled Veterans
Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions may qualify for a significant reduction in the taxable market value of their home. Depending on disability rating, up to $300,000 of the home’s market value can be excluded, reducing or eliminating property taxes. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also continue to receive this benefit.
Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund (MVAF)
The MVAF provides short-term financial assistance to veterans and their families who are experiencing hardship. These grants can cover emergency expenses such as housing, utilities, food, or medical costs.
State Veterans Homes
Minnesota operates a network of veterans homes offering skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitative services in multiple locations across the state. Admission is open to eligible veterans and, in some cases, their spouses or Gold Star parents.
Minnesota GI Bill
This education benefit helps pay for college, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training for Minnesota veterans, National Guard members, and eligible spouses and dependents. It can be used in conjunction with the federal GI Bill or after federal benefits are exhausted.
Veterans Preference in Public Employment
Minnesota law provides qualified veterans with preference points when applying for state and local government jobs. Disabled veterans and spouses of certain veterans may receive additional hiring consideration.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Outreach Programs
The MDVA offers specialized outreach, including the Higher Education Veterans Program, Minnesota Military Family Assistance Centers, and the Veterans Linkage Line for crisis and benefits support.
Minnesota Veterans Homes and Long-Term Care
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs operates several state-run veterans homes that provide long-term, rehabilitative, and memory care services.
Locations include:
County Veterans Service Officers in Minnesota
Every county in Minnesota has a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) dedicated to helping veterans navigate both state and federal benefits. These officers play a vital role in preparing claims, gathering records, and assisting with appeals.
Common services include:
Preparing VA disability and pension applications
Applying for Minnesota GI Bill or Veterans Assistance Fund grants
Coordinating medical care and transportation to VA facilities
Assisting surviving spouses and dependents with benefit claims
Providing outreach and referrals to community support programs
Your local CVSO is one of the best starting points for any veteran seeking help with VA or state benefits. Services are always provided at no cost to veterans or their families.
Common VA Disability Claims in Minnesota
Veterans in Minnesota experience a wide range of service-related conditions. Understanding the most common types of claims can help ensure that evidence and documentation are prepared correctly.
Frequent claims among Minnesota veterans include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions
Hearing loss and tinnitus, particularly among veterans exposed to gunfire, aircraft, or machinery
Back, neck, and joint injuries resulting from military training or service duties
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) related to vehicle accidents or training impacts
Exposure-related conditions, including Agent Orange and burn pit exposure
Chronic pain and mobility issues affecting long-term employability
Each claim must demonstrate a clear connection between the veteran’s service and current medical condition. Veterans are encouraged to work with a CVSO or accredited VA benefits attorney to ensure that all medical and service evidence is properly submitted.
Appealing a Denied VA Claim in Minnesota
Many Minnesota veterans receive denials or lower-than-deserved ratings when they first apply for VA disability benefits. Fortunately, several appeal options are available:
Higher-Level Review
A senior VA reviewer re-examines your case for possible errors without new evidence.
Supplemental Claim
You can submit new medical records, statements, or expert opinions that weren’t included in your original application.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
Veterans can request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge, in person or virtually.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
If the BVA decision remains unfavorable, you can appeal to the CAVC for a review of legal errors.
Having experienced legal representation can significantly improve your odds of success by ensuring deadlines are met, evidence is comprehensive, and arguments are properly framed.
Tax and Financial Benefits for Minnesota Veterans
Minnesota offers several valuable tax and financial incentives for veterans:
Property Tax Relief
Through the Market Value Exclusion, disabled veterans can save thousands annually by reducing taxable home value.
Income Tax Exemption
Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are exempt from Minnesota state income tax.
Business Assistance
Veteran-owned businesses may qualify for state procurement preferences and small business certifications.
Financial Assistance Programs
The Minnesota Veterans Assistance Fund can help cover basic living expenses during emergencies or hardship periods.
These programs can make a significant difference in maintaining financial stability for veterans and their families.
Education, Career, and Retraining Opportunities
Minnesota veterans have access to several education and employment programs designed to support long-term career development:
Minnesota GI Bill
Available for eligible veterans, National Guard members, and dependents to cover education, training, or apprenticeships.
Higher Education Veterans Program
Provides on-campus support for veterans enrolled at Minnesota colleges and universities.
Minnesota Veterans Employment Program
Offers resume help, job placement services, and veteran-focused hiring fairs across the state.
Apprenticeships and Skilled Trades
Many Minnesota employers in manufacturing, construction, and transportation partner with veteran organizations to provide on-the-job training opportunities.
These initiatives make Minnesota one of the best states in the country for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
Healthcare, Mental Health, and Housing Support
Minnesota is home to multiple VA Medical Centers and community-based clinics, ensuring veterans receive the healthcare they deserve. Major facilities include VA centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, along with outpatient clinics throughout the state.
In addition to healthcare, Minnesota has robust support networks for housing and mental health:
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)
Provides housing, employment, and legal support for veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs LinkVet Program
Offers 24/7 crisis support and referrals via the Veterans Linkage Line.
County-level partnerships
Many counties partner with nonprofits to fund emergency housing and counseling services.
These programs ensure that Minnesota veterans and their families never have to face housing instability or mental health challenges alone.
Minnesota Veteran Success Story
Case Study – Duluth, Minnesota
A Marine Corps veteran from Duluth was initially denied service connection for knee injuries sustained during training exercises. After working with a VA benefits professional, he obtained new medical evaluations and submitted a Supplemental Claim. Within six months, his claim was approved with a 40 percent rating, providing monthly compensation and eligibility for VA healthcare.
Later, with legal representation, he successfully appealed for an increased rating due to worsening mobility, securing a total disability rating and the Minnesota homestead tax exclusion benefit. This case demonstrates how persistence and proper documentation can make a life-changing difference.
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 – Minnesota Veterans
Next Steps for Minnesota Veterans
If you’re a veteran living in Minnesota, take these steps to secure the benefits you’ve earned:
Gather your DD-214, medical documentation, and prior VA decisions.
Contact your County Veterans Service Officer for free guidance on filing or appealing a claim.
Review your eligibility for state programs like the Minnesota GI Bill, Market Value Exclusion, and MVAF.
If your VA claim has been denied or underrated, reach out to an accredited veterans attorney for assistance with your appeal.
Minnesota’s strong network of veteran support programs ensures that no service member or family is left behind. With the right evidence and advocacy, you can access every benefit you’ve earned through your service.
