Do you qualify for Compensation benefits? If you are a Veteran who was honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability then you probably do and you’ll want to keep reading to learn what you need to do to apply.
So, what is disability compensation? It’s a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans who have a service-connected disease or disability. This can be anything that is a physical condition (chronic illness and pain) or a mental health condition (PTSD). You might also qualify if you have a post-service disability that can be directly tied to an injury or illness that you sustained while you were in service.
Are there any other types of disability compensation? Yes, there are also disability compensation benefits available to surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who passed away during active duty or as a result of their service-connected disability. This is called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Also, in some cases you might qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). This is an additional tax-free benefit that is provided for Veterans who require additional care or aid. An example of this might be a Veteran who lost a limb during service and requires a prosthetic limb.
How do you apply for disability compensation? You will want to start the application process as soon as you can, even before you are discharged from the military. You can apply online using your VA eBenefits account. A copy of your DD-214, medical evidence from your doctor, and records for your dependents will be required for processing your claim. You also have the option of mailing your application form directly into the VA.
How much compensation will I receive? This will be determined by your disability rating. The current 2021 rate for a Veteran with a 20 percent disability rating is $284 per month. If you have a 10 or 20 percent rating then your compensation doesn’t increase based on having dependents. If you have a 30 percent or higher rating your compensation level will vary depending on the number of dependents that you have living with you. There is a detailed breakdown of these compensation rates on the VA.gov website.
Are there any other benefits? As part of your VA compensation benefits, you might also be eligible for additional housing and insurance benefits. These include adapted housing grants, service-disabled Veteran’s insurance, and Veterans mortgage life insurance. All of these additional benefits will vary from Veteran to Veteran and will depend on your disability rating.
Disability compensation is a valuable VA benefit that every eligible Veteran should know about and utilize, so don’t wait, start your application today.
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