Disability Benefits for Iraq War Veterans
From 2003 to 2011, millions of Americans served during the Iraq War in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. These men and women faced combat, dangerous environments, and exposure to toxins that left lasting impacts. Many continue to live with physical injuries, invisible wounds like PTSD, and long-term health conditions from burn pits and other hazards.
For too many veterans, the claims process for benefits brings delays, denials, or under-ratings. Those who served in the Iraq War, many of whom are still young or middle-aged with families relying on them, deserve full access to the benefits for disabled Iraq War veterans.
The veterans disability lawyers with Rob Levine Law are here to help. With over 25 years of experience, $2 billion recovered in benefits and compensation for our clients, and our Fee Free Guarantee®, our team is always available to guide veterans through the VA disability system with compassion and strength.
Find out what your case is worth.
Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
October 10, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Afghanistan War Veterans?
- Eligibility for Afghanistan War Veteran Disability Benefits
- How Afghanistan War Veterans Can Apply for Disability Benefits
- Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Afghanistan War Veterans
- Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Afghanistan War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
- Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
- Afghanistan War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Iraq War Veterans?
All U.S. veterans may qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including disability compensation, pensions, education, home loans, and health care. The following programs are most relevant to Iraq War veterans:
- VA Disability Compensation: Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic injuries, hearing loss, or chronic pain.
- Presumptive Conditions Linked to Burn Pits: Many Iraq veterans were exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits. Conditions connected to hazardous exposures may qualify as presumptives under the PACT Act, including respiratory illnesses, cancers, chronic multisymptom illness, and some overlap with Gulf War Syndrome.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation: Education and training opportunities to help Iraq veterans transition to civilian careers.
- VA Health Care Priority Groups: Combat veterans qualify for enhanced access to VA health care after discharge.
- Special Monthly Compensation, or SMC: Extra benefits for severe injuries or loss of function, such as amputations or the need for aid and attendance.
Speak with one of our Veterans Disability Lawyers to see if you qualify for VA Disability Compensation.
Eligibility for Iraq War Veteran Disability Benefits
Iraq War veterans must meet certain requirements to qualify for VA disability benefits. To qualify, veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Service Requirements: To qualify for benefits, you must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. For Iraq War-specific benefits, you must have served between 2003 and 2011 in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn.
- Service-Connected Conditions: Illnesses or injuries tied directly to service, including PTSD, TBI, hearing loss, and orthopedic conditions.
- Presumptive Conditions: The VA recognizes certain illnesses, such as respiratory diseases, cancers, and chronic multisymptom illness, as connected to burn pit exposure. Presumptive conditions are those that the VA presumes are linked to military service, so veterans do not have to prove a service connection.
The VA assesses your condition and issues a Disability Rating from 0% to 100% based on the severity and how it impacts your daily functioning. In determining the rating, the VA reviews your medical evidence and uses its rating guidelines, known as diagnostic codes, which list the qualifying criteria for qualifying conditions. Your monthly compensation and access to other benefits depend on this rating.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Iraq War Veterans
The VA allows applications through its website, VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. For many Iraq veterans, though, the process can feel overwhelming. A VA-accredited attorney from Rob Levine Law can guide you through filing the proper paperwork and gathering all the important evidence you’ll need, helping you get a quick turnaround and giving you the best shot at the highest possible VA rating.
Veterans can also find support and additional resources through trusted organizations that provide guidance on the many types of VA claims and beyond. Groups like Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the American Legion, VFW, Wounded Warrior Project, and Disabled American Veterans offer peer networks, advocacy, and assistance with paperwork.
Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Iraq War Veterans
Applying for VA disability benefits can be complex, and Iraq veterans often face added challenges tied to their service. Learning how to win your VA claim is an important first step in overcoming these obstacles.
Common challenges for Iraq War veterans include the following:
- Burn Pit Exposure Illnesses: These conditions often take years to surface and are difficult to prove without presumptive status.
- PTSD and TBI Overlap: The symptoms of these conditions often overlap, making diagnosis and disability ratings more complex.
- Incomplete Medical Records: Many deployments lacked consistent record-keeping, leaving gaps in documentation.
- Denials for Lack of Nexus: The VA rejects many claims for lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.
- VA Delays and Backlogs: Processing times and appeals can drag on for years.
- Complex Rules for Presumptives: Iraq War presumptives continue to evolve under the PACT Act and other laws.
Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Iraq War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
Rob Levine is a U.S. Army veteran, a retired Central Falls police officer, and a former paramedic. His lifelong commitment to protecting others continues through advocacy for veterans seeking disability benefits.
Our team has helped over 50,000 clients secure the compensation and benefits they deserve. We represent veterans nationwide and are available 24/7. With our Fee Free Guarantee®, win or no fee™, you never pay unless we recover benefits on your behalf.
If you are an Iraq War veteran or a family member helping with a claim, we can help. Call 800-742-3920 or contact us online today to speak with an experienced Iraq War veteran benefits lawyer.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Veterans nationwide have turned to Rob Levine Law for help with disability claims, and the testimonials clients have shared highlight the compassion and dedication behind our work.
Make the call now!
If I had only made the call to Rob Lavine Law early in my quest to receive the benefits I earned. If you are a veteran, make the call now to this law group. You will be treated with respect, and they will do the fighting for you. I will actively seek out vets and recommend this group.
Kvin Q.
I have had the absolute best experience with Rob Levine Law!!!
I want to especially thank Tory and Kelsey for their hard work and dedication to my case!! I’m forever grateful and would recommend this law firm to anyone, especially veterans like me who are looking to get the benefits they deserve and earn! Thank you! 🙏
Michael Jr.
Nothing but love for y'all.
You have helped me and my family tremendously with getting my VA benefits. Started out at 0% but service-related, now 10% service-related. You have changed our life and getting the help I needed.
Thomas S.
Iraq War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Conditions Are Considered Presumptive for Iraq War Veterans Exposed To Burn Pits?
Under the PACT Act, the VA expanded the list of presumptive conditions tied to burn pits. These include respiratory illnesses, cancers such as lung and brain cancer, and chronic multisymptom illness.
How Does the VA Rate PTSD Claims for Iraq War Veterans?
PTSD claims are rated from 0% to 100% depending on severity and impact on work and daily functioning. When assigning a rating, the VA considers medical evidence, service records, and Compensation and Pension, or C&P, exams.
Iraq War veterans may also qualify for additional mental health-related disability benefits if conditions such as depression or anxiety are connected to service.
Can Iraq War Veterans With Both PTSD and TBI Receive Separate Disability Ratings?
Yes. The VA may grant separate ratings if symptoms from PTSD and TBI are distinct. However, overlapping symptoms can complicate ratings, making strong evidence critical.
In some cases, veterans explore alternative PTSD therapies as part of their treatment while pursuing benefits.
What Evidence Is Needed To Prove a Disability Claim Related To Burn Pits?
Evidence may include service records showing deployment near burn pits, medical records, and statements from fellow service members. The PACT Act reduces the burden of proof for many conditions, but documentation still strengthens a claim.
Are Iraq War Veterans Eligible for VA Caregiver Support Programs?
Yes. Iraq veterans with severe service-connected disabilities may qualify for the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, which provides financial aid, training, and respite care.
How Does Combat Service in Iraq Affect Priority Access to VA Health Care?
Combat veterans receive enhanced eligibility for VA health care, including free care for certain conditions related to their service, typically for five years.
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Notable Case Results
$1,005,000
Veterans livining in Providence after years of serving in the US Air Force in the early 1980s she suffered from PTSD and was a sexual misconduct victim in the service. Our firm won over a million dollars in back benefits for the vet.
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Veteran living in Portsmouth RI had suffered hearing loss, PTSD and HTN from his time in the Army we were able to get him nearly $200,000 in back benefits.
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Veteran of the Army living in Exeter RI, suffered injries during the time as a demolition specialist. In the 1960s the veteran was exposed to things that left him with permanent hearing and vision loss, headaches, arthritis and a TBI. We earned the veteran over $140,000 in back benenfits.
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Navy veteran living in Quincy MA served in the 1960s was exposed to chemicals that caused prostate cancer. He suffered from a TBI as well and was granted TDIU. We earned the client $110,000 in back benefits.
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