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Time and again, military veterans often face more unique legal challenges relating to their service, especially when it comes to health-related claims and exposure to harmful substances.
While knowing their rights is crucial, helping them through these issues, especially as many of them may not realize they are entitled to compensation and other benefits, can be the law’s expression of gratitude for their valuable service.
This article might just be what you need to traverse the adversities you face as a veteran and help you understand how the law can provide you the relief or assistance you need.
Some Health Hazards Veterans Commonly Face
Throughout their active duty while serving their motherland, veterans all too often, face and are exposed to dangerous chemicals, hazardous substances and environments, and physically grueling duties. Some of these health issues are often passed up, sadly tolerated, and accepted as “hazards of the job.”
Toxic Chemicals Exposure: The Right to File Class Action or Personal Injury Lawsuits
Many veterans, especially those who served in specific locations or roles, might have been exposed to dangerous substances like Agent Orange, asbestos, or burn pits.
One of the most recent concerns is exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). Any exposure to this fire-fighting foam is found and linked to cancers and other serious health problems.
It’s never too late if you think you or your loved one was exposed to this hazardous compound. Many organizations and legal experts today can capably assist you, especially in filing claims for an AFFF lawsuit, and avail of the compensation and other legal benefits that you may rightfully deserve. You’re a former serviceman whom the law needs to protect, so let the legal devices today work for you.
Mental Health Challenges: The Right to Access VA Benefits for Mental Health Services
All throughout your active duty, the experiences you’ve had might have affected you to some extent, and you’re now struggling with some issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It’s one too common challenge that servicemen like you suffer after your retirement from service.
Often, problems like depression and anxiety plague veterans, but many have been struggling to get the mental health support they need. The legal battle may start from the moment you file your claim, but because the law is on your side, an experienced VA counsel or officer can help you sort them out.
Service-Related Injuries: The Right to Medical Benefits and Disability Compensation
Some veterans deal with lifelong physical disabilities from injuries or even illnesses sustained during their time in service. However, not all of those sickness-stricken servicemen were able to reach out for proper medical or financial assistance.
As routine requirements would have it, especially with these personal injury claims, the veterans need to prove that their health issues were directly related to military service, which can be difficult without sufficient documents or legal representation.
So, it’s best to let them know that their documented service-related injuries or illnesses can be reason enough to apply for monthly disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nearest to them.
The Veteran’s Legal Standing
Right to Legal Representation and Special Legal Protections
All veterans have the right to counsel or be represented by a VA-accredited attorney, agent, or veterans service officer (VSO) so they can efficiently pursue their claims, appeals, and other legal actions and matters that involve the VA.
Also, ex-service personnel are entitled to protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It’s a law that provides financial and legal protections (like lower interest rates and postponed civil court actions) while the military personnel is on active duty and immediately after.
Right to Appeal Denied Claims
When their claims are denied, veterans have every right to file an appeal. However, the process may need a thorough understanding of your legal and medical evidence.
That’s why working with a VA-accredited attorney may just be what you need to increase the chances of your appeal being granted, especially as it may involve going up to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) and possibly the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Right to Protection from Employment Discrimination
Today’s ex-armed personnel have the right to be free from employment discrimination, especially as outlined under the USERRA or the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. It’s a legal protection that stems from their military service or veteran status.
Right to Educational and Housing Benefits
Some veterans aren't really aware of their benefits under the GI Bill, especially education, housing grants, and vocational training. It’s crafted by the legal minds so they (the veterans) can easily reintegrate into civilian life after valuable military service.
All these are rights established by law for every ex-military personnel. Each of them, therefore, has every right to invoke these benefits; denial by any agency or entity allows the veteran to file a legal action, so any breach of their right can be dealt with legally.
Knowing your rights as a veteran may not be all, but it’s a start so you can seek assistance and file your legal actions competently, knowing whom to ask for legal help.
There’s also no guarantee that there won’t be legal battles along the way, but there’s a higher chance that you’ll receive the benefits you are lawfully entitled to as you face them head-on.
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