Florida's Department of Veterans Affairs: What You Need to Know

The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) was formed in 1989 and is headquartered in Tallahassee. The FDVA provides veterans with vital services, including benefits such as healthcare, disability allowance, pension, housing, and others. However, accessing the help they need and deserve can be a time-consuming and challenging undertaking for the 1.5 million veterans currently living in the state. 

Completing stacks of paperwork only to have your legitimate claim for VA benefits denied, delayed, or reduced, can be frustrating. At Morgan & Morgan, we believe it is wrong that veterans who gave so much to this country now struggle to get their rightful benefits. We want to help. If you have trouble getting what you deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tavares, FL, our veterans benefit attorneys can fight in your best interests. Get started today and contact us for free advice.

Benefits Available for Florida Veterans

Veterans in Florida can qualify for numerous benefits such as healthcare, employment services, property tax exemptions, dedicated home loans, education benefits, access to military cemeteries, and many others. Benefits are generally awarded to those honorably discharged and, in some circumstances, to their family members. Some veterans could also be entitled to monthly payments such as disability benefits or a pension. You can find out more about the various benefits you are entitled to and how to apply for them on the VA website. 

Disability Benefits for Veterans 

If you suffer from a service-connected condition or aggravated a pre-existing condition due to serving, you could be entitled to VA disability benefits. Disability benefits are generally paid out as a monthly tax-free payment.

Qualifying Injuries  

A range of illnesses could qualify a veteran for VA disability benefits, provided the conditions are connected to serving. Examples of injuries include: 

• Mental conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Head and brain injuries
• Nerve damage
• Illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances
• Back injuries and chronic back pain
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Loss of mobility and function
• Lung conditions
• Loss of limbs
• Loss of hearing or sight
• Shrapnel wounds

Despite suffering from an eligible condition, getting VA disability benefits can be a challenging and lengthy process. One of our veterans’ affairs attorneys can help you navigate the claims process. 

Application Process for Disability Benefits

According to the VA, you can file a claim online, by mail, and in person at your regional Department of Veterans Affairs near Tavares, FL. Make sure your claim includes all the supporting documentation and evidence, such as the relevant medical reports, military records, and others.  Depending on the current VA workload, getting a decision could take three months or longer. In some cases, the VA will ask for more information or schedule a medical exam. Cooperating fully with the VA will work to your advantage.

Florida Veterans’ Disability Ratings 

The VA assigns veterans with a disability rating, expressed as a percentage and based on the severity of the disability. This rating determines the amount of your monthly benefit and eligibility for other potential benefits from the VA. The rating is generally based on:

• The evidence you provide, such as medical reports
• The results of your VA medical exam, if applicable (C&P exam)
• Other supplemental information requested by the VA

Appealing Against Your Rating

If the VA issues a low disability rating, you may not be eligible for any disability benefits or only receive reduced benefits. However, you can launch an appeal against your rating by filing a supplemental claim accompanied by new evidence of your condition within one year of the rating.  

Getting your disability rating adjusted can be tricky and require a considerable amount of supporting evidence. One of our veterans’ affairs lawyers can help you appeal against the VA’s decision and fight for r right to an adequate disability rating and benefits.

Pension Benefits for Florida Veterans

Some Florida veterans qualify for pension benefits from the VA. You could be eligible if you did not receive a dishonorable discharge and your yearly family income is below a certain threshold set by Congress. Specific qualifying criteria regarding your length and dates of service also apply. Further, at least one of the following must describe your circumstances:

• You are at least 65 years old
• You are permanently totally disabled
• You are receiving long-term care in a nursing home due to a disability
• You are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security income

Which Benefits Are Available for the Families of Florida Veterans?

Families of veterans could be entitled to a range of benefits, depending on their circumstances, including:

• Life insurance
• Healthcare
• Education and training benefits
• Housing benefits and home loans

Benefits for the Survivors of a Deceased Veteran

The spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of a deceased veteran could receive benefits such as:

• Burial expenses
• A survivors’ pension
• VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

If You Care for a Disabled or Elderly Veteran 

Family members providing daily care and assistance to a veteran are generally entitled to VA benefits, which can include a monthly stipend (payment), healthcare benefits, training for caregivers, respite care, and others. 

A Veteran Benefits Attorney Can Help Families of Veterans

If you are a family member of a deceased or disabled veteran and cannot recover the benefits you need, consider contacting us for help and advice. Our attorneys feel honored to be able to help our veterans and their families. 

Appealing Denied Veterans Benefits in Florida

If your claim for veterans’ benefits is denied, you have one year to appeal. It is important to note that the time starts ticking down on the date the denial letter was sent out, not from the date you received it. According to the VA, an appeal should include the following documentation:

• The appeal form
• A statement that you disagree with the decisions contained in the VA denial letter
• A statement that you intend to appeal against the decision
• The date of your denial letter and rating decision

You may also have to include other information, depending on your specific circumstances.

A Denial Is Never Final

It is natural to feel frustrated when you receive a denial letter. However, denials of VA benefits happen frequently. You could still receive benefits after an appeal. A veterans attorney can support you at every stage of your appeal, prepare you for hearings and ensure that your paperwork is completed correctly.