FAQ

A Disability Compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. This can be anything from a physical injury, like lower back pain or knee pain that developed during military training, or chronic conditions, such as Diabetes or Parkinson’s that are the result of exposure due to toxins such as Agent Orange.

Veterans who were injured or became ill while on active duty, or as a result of something they were exposed to during their military service, or a condition was made worse by active military service. The VA defines a Veteran as someone who served on active duty in the uniformed services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and even Public Health Service) and had discharge of “other than dishonorable.”

You can apply online through the VA’s website, by mail using VA Form 21-526EZ, or by visiting your nearest VA regional office.

To get started, all you need is your DD214, but it’s a good idea to gather some medical records related to your current disability. The VA will collect your service records and your service medical records, along with any medical records from clinics or hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It can also sometimes be helpful gathering lay statements, also known as “buddy letters,” to help document a condition that might not be well documented in medical records.

This is a difficult question to answer, because it can vary. Depending on what was claimed, it could be anywhere from three to six months, but sometimes, it can be even longer. Quite often, Veterans have to appeal incorrect decisions, and depending one which “lane” they choose (Supplemental Claim, Request for Higher Level Review, Appeal to the Board of Veterans Claims), the process can take years.

This is why it is so important to be intentional, methodical, and thorough in your plan.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can submit additional evidence or request a review by a higher authority within the VA.

Compensation is based on the severity of your disability or disabilities as determined by the VA’s rating schedule. Disabilities are assigned a percentage rating from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%. Some Veterans might be entitled to Special Monthly Compensation, which is money above and beyond a 100% rating.

Yes, you can work and receive VA Disability Compensation, but your earnings may affect the amount of compensation you receive, especially if you’re receiving Individual Unemployability (IU) benefits.

Yes, you can typically receive VA Disability Compensation along with other disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but there may be some offset or coordination of benefits.

Yes, there are additional benefits available, such as vocational rehabilitation, special monthly compensation for certain severe disabilities, and healthcare benefits through the VA