Do I Qualify for VA Disability Compensation?
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Elder law attorney Jim Koewler talked with Suzanne recently about qualifying for the federal program known as VA Disability Compensation.
VA compensation is a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military. It’s also available to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. A disability or death must have been service-connected to qualify for any compensation, but not necessarily during wartime. VA disability benefits are available for physical conditions, like a chronic illness or injury, and mental health conditions, like PTSD, that developed before, during, or after a Veteran’s service.
There is also a compensation program for surviving family members left behind when a Veteran has died during active service or training.
When qualifications are met, the Department of Veterans Affairs rates the level of disability, from 0 to 100 in increments of 10. If the rating is 0, it was still established to be related to a service-related injury, and if the disability worsens later in life, you have to demonstrate that it’s worse, and the level could be raised.
Who is Dependent and Indemnity Compensation for?
Dependent and indemnity compensation is for surviving spouses, children, or parents if:
- The Veteran’s death was connected to service.
- The serviceman or servicewoman died during active duty or training.
Who is Special Monthly Compensation for?
Special monthly compensation is for a Veteran who:
- Needs help from another person with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes eating, ambulating, bathing, transporting, toileting, grooming, or dressing.
- Has specific disabilities (e.g. loss of limb).
Special monthly compensation is also for surviving spouses, children, or parents who need help from another person with ADLs.
More Help With Qualifying for VA Disability Compensation
Visit https://www.va.gov/disability/ for more help!
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Originally published November 10, 2022