Disability Benefits

The VA offers two disability programs. Disability compensation is available only for veterans with service-connected disabilities, while the disability pension benefit is available to anyone who served during wartime and has a disability. The disability does not have to be related to military service.

Disability Compensation

If you have an injury or disease that happened while on active duty or if active duty made an existing injury or disease worse, you may be eligible for disability compensation. The amount of compensation you get depends on how disabled you are and whether you have children or other dependents. Check the VA's website for the current compensation rates. Additional funds may be available if you have severe disabilities, such as loss of limbs, or a seriously disabled spouse.

Disability Pension Benefit

The VA pays a pension to disabled veterans who are not able to work. The pension is also available for surviving spouses and children. This pension is available whether or not your disability is service-connected, but to be eligible you must meet the following requirements:

You must not have been discharged under dishonorable conditions.
If you enlisted before September 7, 1980, you must have served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one day during a period of war. Anyone who enlisted after September 7, 1980, however, must serve at least 24 months or the full period for which that person was called to serve.
You must be permanently and totally disabled, or age 65 or older.You will need a letter from your doctor to prove that you are disabled.
In addition, your income must be below the yearly limit set by law; called the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). The current MAPR for 2009 - 2010 is below:

• Veteran with no dependents $11,830

• Veteran with a spouse or a child $15,493

• Housebound veteran with no dependents $14,457

• Housebound veteran with one dependent $18,120

• Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents $19,736

• Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent $23,396

• Additional children $2,020 for each child

Your pension depends on your income. The VA pays the difference between your income and the MAPR. The pension is usually paid in 12 equal payments.
The VA excludes welfare benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income from countable income. Also, unreimbursed medical expenses actually paid by the veteran or a family member that exceed 5% of MAPR may be deductible. This can include Medicare, Medigap, and long-term care insurance premiums; over-the-counter medications taken at a doctor's recommendation; long-term care costs, such as nursing home fees; the cost of in home care; and the cost of an assisted living facility.