Voice Matters: VA Ratings Demystified for Aphonia
Veterans with service-related health issues receive compensation ratings based on VA disability ratings. One condition that may impact a veteran's life is aphonia, or the inability to make a sound.
This article will assist veterans and their families in understanding VA aphonia ratings and apply them to the claims process.
What is Aphonia?
Loss of voice, or aphonia, is a medical condition that makes it difficult to communicate verbally. Damage to the vocal cords, neurological disorders, or trauma are only a few possible causes. Veterans with service-related aphonia may be eligible for VA benefits.
Understanding VA Ratings for Aphonia
Compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities is tied to their VA disability rating. The VA has a rating system for aphonia that determines how severely the condition hinders a veteran's ability to function in everyday life. Several degrees of aphonia are associated with a distinct disability rating percentage.
Determining Disability Ratings
The VA uses a comprehensive examination procedure to provide a disability rating for aphonia. In doing so, it is essential to know how severe the vocal impairment is, whether or not any auxiliary aids are needed, and the overall effect on communication.
Aphonia may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, with associated disability ratings:
- Mild Aphonia (0-30% Disability Rating)
Mild aphonia affects a small percentage of veterans and may cause periodic problems with their voices, but it does not seriously hinder their ability to speak. In this range, the effects of disability rating on everyday life and activities are limited.
- Moderate Aphonia (40-70% Disability Rating)
Communication is more challenging for veterans with moderate aphonia. They need help maintaining the conversation regularly for a long time. Communication in social situations and on the job may be more difficult. A disability rating in this range has a moderate impact on everyday life.
- Severe Aphonia (80-100% Disability Rating)
Veterans with severe aphonia lose all or almost all of their speech abilities. The inability to communicate effectively harms interpersonal relationships and the capacity to find gainful employment. A higher disability rating here indicates a more severe impact on one's daily life and the potential for gainful employment.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
Providing thorough evidence of the severity of your aphonia and its connection to military service is vital to earning a fair and accurate VA rating. Medical records, expert opinions, and testimonials from colleagues and supervisors can bolster your claim.
Navigating the VA Claims Process
To file a VA claim for aphonia, you must first apply (VA Form 21-526EZ) with the necessary documentation. The VA will consider your claim and may set up a Compensation and Pension (C&P) test to determine the severity of your aphonia. You must show up for this examination so that your condition may be appropriately recorded.
Appeals and Reassessments
You can appeal the VA disability rating decision if you disagree. Working with a veteran’s service agency or legal counsel might be helpful when filing an appeal. Ratings from the VA may also change. If your health status changes, for better or worse, you may ask for a reassessment of your VA disability benefits.
