Different Aspects Of VA Disability Benefits

VA disability benefits differ with the degree of VA disability and the number of dependents. It is paid monthly to all eligible veterans. These benefits are not subject to state or federal income tax. The payment of disability severance pay and separation incentive payments known as SSB(Special Separation Benefits) and VSI (Voluntary Separation Incentives) also impacts the compensation paid.

You should apply for VA disability benefits as soon as possible, but even if you haven't served on active duty in a long time, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Non-Service Connected Pension

Veterans having low incomes who are totally and permanently disabled can be eligible for monetary assistance if they’ve 90 days or more of active military service and at least one day during a period of war. The discharge from their active service must have been under conditions other than dishonorable. The total and permanent disabilities should be for reasons other than a veteran’s own misconduct. These payments are made to eligible veterans to bring their full income, including social security and retirement income, to a level defined by Congress.

Do Working Veterans Get Disability Benefits?

Yes. Many veterans getting disability benefits continue to work, as they’ve no prohibitions on having or maintaining employment. Only those veterans who obtain a higher VA rating because they’re considered “Unemployable” would face problems by working. Some veterans getting disability benefits can continue their military duty, although they can’t get military payments and disability payments at the same time.

Veterans obtaining non-service connected pensions can also work part-time until their income exceeds the income cap for their program. If they can work full-time, they won't meet the 100% disability requirement for these benefits.

How To Apply For VA Disability Compensation?

There are various ways to apply for disability compensation.

• The Veterans On-Line Application allows you to apply for veterans' disability benefits online (VONAPP).
• To apply by mail, complete the Veterans Compensation and Pension application from the VA Forms Website and mail it to your local VA office.

When To Apply For VA Disability Benefits?

Apply as soon as you discover you're disabled to ensure your benefits start as soon as possible. Even if you don't have all of the required papers, submit your application. It's always possible to submit it later. You can get help from your state's veterans service office. A veteran's organization or a disability lawyer can also assist you in preparing your application form.

Listing Your Medical Conditions

You will be required to detail your diseases or injuries for which you seek disability compensation as part of the application. Be as precise as possible. Give an estimate of when your symptoms started. Keep in mind that the length of time it takes to process your VA claim grows with each additional handicap you list. Only include limitations for which you experience symptoms and have obtained a medical diagnosis. It will aid in the processing of your VA claim.

Submit Your Medical Records

If you have medical records to back up your disability claim, you can include them with your application. However, if you don't have any or all of your medical documents, don't worry. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) can request them on your behalf.

What If You Have A New Medical Condition?

After filing it, you can revise your application if you discover that you omitted to specify a sickness or injury or if you develop a new handicap connected to your service. It is done by filling out and submitting a Statement in Support of Claim, which you may find on the VA Forms Website.

What If Your Disability Benefits Claim Is Denied?

You may file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA office that denied your claim to appeal the denial. The NOD form can be found on the VA Forms website. Read our article on submitting an appeal for further information, or schedule a consultation with a disability lawyer.

Getting Social Security Benefits

Remember that if you are disabled, you can apply for Social Security payments in addition to veterans' disability compensation. Both VA benefits and Social Security disability benefits can be received at the same time. Social Security has a different application process, and while it can take months or even a year to receive benefits, it is normally far faster than collecting benefits from the VA.