Workers’ Comp for Veterans: What You Need to Know After Military Service
Veterans Face a Unique Set of Challenges After Injury
When you’ve served in the military, you learn to push through pain, follow orders, and finish the mission, no matter what. But that same mindset can work against you when you’re injured on the job as a civilian and need to file a workers' comp claim.
Too many veterans delay treatment, underreport symptoms, or avoid filing claims altogether because they don’t want to make waves. At Brady Law, we understand that instinct, because we’ve lived it.
We don’t just represent veterans—we are veterans. Our owners, Jim and Steve Brady, served in the military, and that experience shapes how they work with clients who’ve put duty before self their whole lives. They know how tough it can be to speak up when something’s wrong. That’s why when they take on veteran workers' compensation cases, you’re not just a file—you’re one of their own.
Understanding Workers’ Comp vs. VA Benefits: What’s the Difference?
One thing we hear a lot from veterans is, 'How does workers’ comp fit in if I already have VA benefits?' The short answer? They’re completely different systems—and you can qualify for both, depending on the situation.
VA benefits are tied to your military service. They compensate you for injuries or health conditions that were caused or worsened during active duty. These benefits are federally administered and often involve disability ratings, long wait times, and medical evaluations through the VA system.
Workers’ compensation, on the other hand, is a state-run insurance system that applies when you’re injured doing civilian work—whether that’s at a factory, a construction site, or a security post. It’s designed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses when you’re hurt doing your job, regardless of whose fault it was.
A lot of veterans assume that if they have a VA rating, they don’t need workers’ comp—or believe they can’t qualify. That’s simply not true. If you’re hurt in a completely separate, post-service incident, you are entitled to workers’ comp even if you already receive VA disability benefits. We’ve helped many veterans navigate this overlap, making sure they don’t miss out on benefits they’ve earned—twice.
The “Push Through It” Mentality Can Hurt Your Claim
At Brady Law, we often see veterans who waited too long to report an injury, hoping it would go away on its own. That instinct to “tough it out” can seriously harm your chances of receiving full workers’ comp benefits.
But here’s the more likely reality. Delays in reporting and treatment lead to weaker evidence and a greater risk of denial. The system doesn’t reward grit—it rewards documentation.
Here’s how you protect yourself:
Report your injury immediately to your supervisor
Seek medical care right away, even if it seems minor
Be honest about all symptoms, including emotional or psychological impacts
Don’t assume you’re supposed to handle this alone
We know that most Veterans pride themselves on independence. But this isn’t about your pride—it’s about getting the resources you need to heal and move forward.
Common Civilian Injuries Veterans Face
Whether you’re doing warehouse work, driving a delivery truck, managing security, or working construction, many jobs carry physical and mental risk. Some of the most common post-military civilian injuries we’ve seen include:
Back, shoulder, and joint injuries from heavy lifting or repetitive tasks
Concussions or traumatic brain injuries from vehicle crashes or falls
PTSD triggered or worsened by high-stress environments
Hearing loss from loud workspaces like shipping yards or airports
Crush injuries and equipment-related trauma
Many injuries build up gradually or flare up after years of strain—you don’t have to be “laid out” to qualify for help.
Your Rights as a Veteran in the Massachusetts Workforce
If you're working a civilian job and get hurt, you are entitled to the same rights and protections as any other worker in the state. These include:
The right to file a claim regardless of fault
The right to medical treatment at no cost to you
The right to weekly wage replacement if you miss work
The right to appeal any denial or underpayment
The right to protection from retaliation by your employer
And remember: You don’t have to prove your employer caused the injury. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, as long as the injury happened on the job.
How Brady Law Supports Injured Veterans
At Brady Law, we do more than file paperwork—we advocate for veterans like you with the respect and understanding that comes from having worn the uniform ourselves.
Jim and Steve know what it means to serve. They understand that many veterans come from a culture where pain is ignored and problems are handled quietly. But when you’ve been hurt at work in a civilian job, you deserve the same support and protection you once offered your country—and we’re here to make sure you get it.
We start by listening. Whether you’ve been injured on a job site, in a vehicle accident, or after years of physical strain, we want to understand your story before we talk about strategy. From there, we guide you through the entire workers’ comp process—from filing the claim, to securing medical documentation, to pushing back when insurance companies try to minimize your injury or deny your benefits.
In one recent case, we helped a veteran whose back injury had worsened over years of heavy lifting in a shipping yard. He thought he wasn’t eligible because the pain “just crept up.” We showed him how cumulative injuries count, helped him get the medical evaluations he needed, and made sure the insurance company paid out every dollar he was owed. He didn’t think he had a case. He did. Many veterans do—and they often don't know it until someone helps them take that first step.
When you work with us, you’ll never feel like a case number. You’ll feel like a fellow veteran—because you are.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured on the Job
If you're a veteran now working in a civilian role and you’ve been injured, here's what we recommend:
Report the injury as soon as possible—don’t tough it out.
Get medical care immediately, and tell your provider it happened at work.
Document everything—even small symptoms, time off, and expenses.
Contact Brady Law to get legal guidance before speaking with insurance adjusters.
The earlier you involve us, the better we can protect your claim—and your long-term financial stability.
You Protected Us—Now Let Us Protect You
You signed up to serve, not to ask for help. But if you’ve been hurt at work, you deserve the same level of commitment you gave others. At Brady Law, we never forget what it means to serve—and we don’t take it lightly when a veteran trusts us with their case.
You’ve carried the weight. Let us carry this part for you.
Call Brady Law today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss how we can help you move forward.
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Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for formal legal advice from Attorneys Jim and Steve Brady and Associates P.C. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice tailored to your needs.