VA disability benefits provide monthly, tax-free compensation to eligible veterans who have disabilities connected to their military service. A disability may result from an illness or injury that happened during service, or a condition that existed before service and was made worse by service. Certain conditions that develop after service may also qualify when they are connected to military service.
The amount of compensation depends on your VA disability rating and other factors, including whether you have qualifying dependents. VA publishes current compensation rates based on these factors.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify for VA disability compensation if you are a veteran and have a qualifying condition connected to your military service. Potentially qualifying conditions can include:
- Physical injuries
- Chronic illnesses
- Mental health conditions
- Conditions caused or aggravated by military service
- Conditions secondary to an already service-connected disability
- Certain conditions presumed by VA to be related to military service
Your specific eligibility depends on your service history, medical evidence, and the facts of your claim.
Check What You May Qualify For
Understanding VA benefits can be complicated, especially when you may qualify for more than one type of assistance. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate assistance programs that may match your situation.
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Programs vary based on your eligibility, location, service history, and household.
Types of VA Disability Benefits
Monthly Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for qualifying service-connected disabilities. Your payment amount is generally based on your disability rating and qualifying dependents.
Increased Disability Compensation
If a service-connected condition has become worse, you may be able to request an increased disability rating. VA requires current evidence showing that the disability has worsened.
Special Monthly Compensation
Some veterans with particularly severe disabilities or specific needs may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, which provides additional compensation in qualifying circumstances.
Disability Housing Assistance
Certain veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities may be eligible for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grants to modify a home for greater accessibility and independence.
Automobile and Clothing Allowances
Some veterans with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible for automobile or clothing allowances under specific VA programs.
How VA Disability Claims Typically Work
- Identify the condition. Determine what illness, injury, or disability you believe is connected to your military service.
- Gather evidence. Medical records, service records, medical opinions, and certain statements from people who know about your condition may support your claim.
- File your claim. VA allows veterans to apply online or submit the appropriate claim form.
- VA reviews the evidence. VA may request additional information or schedule a compensation and pension examination when needed.
- VA assigns a rating. If the claim is approved, VA determines the disability rating based on the severity of the service-connected condition.
- Receive a decision. Your decision letter explains your rating, payment amount, and effective date when applicable.