The VA, or Department of Veterans Affairs, offers a range of benefits to active military service members and veterans. Former members who got sick or injured while serving in the military also have access to certain benefits, from education, housing, and healthcare assistance to monthly payments. That said, it is important to know the extent of assistance the government offers and meet the eligibility criteria to get the support one needs from these benefits.
Benefits for veterans with disabilities
Disability benefits are meant to help veterans who have new or worsened health issues, both mental and physical, as a result of their service. These benefits come in various forms.
1. Monthly tax-free payments
A key benefit the VA offers is tax-free monthly payments to veterans who have qualifying disabilities. Those eligible will receive a disability rating, which reflects the severity of their condition. Based on this rating, the monthly payments will be disbursed to eligible veterans individually. For example, veterans with a 10% disability rating can expect to receive around $160 per month. The payout can vary depending on location and other factors.
2. Healthcare benefits
A disability typically increases healthcare expenses. So, a veteran with a disability can benefit from financial aid and comfortably afford healthcare services. That said, one does not automatically get enrolled for the healthcare benefits as a disabled veteran; one has to undergo an elaborate application process to get the aid. The amount of aid is again dependent on the extent of damage. For example, a 10% disability rating can give veterans access to VA Healthcare. Here, all healthcare related to their service connection would be free. One must contact their nearest VA facility to know what is included in their healthcare package.
3. Travel allowance
The VA also covers all travel-related expenses, from fuel costs to en route travel needs, for veterans with disabilities. There are certain rules here. For instance, monetary compensation is only available for those who schedule health-related appointments and travel for medical reasons. Additionally, the appointments need to be scheduled at a VA facility or at any civilian medical facility that has been referred by the VA.
4. Waivers for VA home loan funding fees
This benefit allows veterans to save money on upfront costs when purchasing or refinancing a home, making homeownership more accessible and affordable.
5. Access to DoD facilities
A DoD facility refers to any property, building, or installation owned, operated, or used by the country’s Department of Defense. Disabled veterans have full access to these facilities, including hospitals, commissaries (grocery stores for military personnel), exchanges or retail stores, and welfare and recreation (MWR) centers.
6. Hiring preference when applying for federal jobs
Disabled veterans can also access the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program, which helps them explore different employment opportunities that can accommodate their condition. The jobs also provide veterans with necessary education and training, which is covered under the compensation. That said, this benefit is valid for those with service-connected disability. Additionally, candidates must prove their physical limitations. In some cases, the VA may also extend the benefit to veterans’ family members.
7. Benefits for dependents
In addition to benefits for veterans with disabilities, the VA offers tax-free compensation to dependents, but this may be approved on a case-by-case basis. It is typically granted to surviving unmarried children, parents, or spouses of veterans.
Eligibility rules
There are several eligibility criteria one may have to meet to be able to claim disabled veteran benefits.
- One must have a current physical or mental illness diagnosis.
- One must prove that the injury that led to disability was caused by their active service or related training. If dealing with a pre-existing condition, one must prove it worsened due to the service.
- One must be able to establish that the current condition affects their mind and body.
- Veterans with a presumptive condition, i.e., a chronic condition that develops within one year after discharge, don’t have to prove their military service led to the health concern. They only need to meet the service requirements for the condition to be considered service-connected.
- One must be dealing with a presumptive condition, an illness caused by toxic chemicals, or a health concern that is a result of being a prisoner of war.
- Some conditions that are eligible for veteran benefits include chronic back pain, hearing loss, scar tissue, loss of motion, ulcers, breathing issues, lung diseases, cancers, and brain injury.
Filing a claim
The claim can be filed online or offline with the help of a trained professional. The online process is pretty straightforward. One must fill out and submit a form, attach required documents (health reports and service proof), print the application form for future reference, and wait for the application to be reviewed by the VA. Once the claim is sanctioned, one may apply for benefits.
