What Is Veterans Disability Compensation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives compensation based upon the degree of your service-connected disability or disabilities. VA Regional Offices review the results of records from treatment and medical records, and other relevant information. Certain serious injuries, such as losing a leg, becoming blind in both eyes, or being sick, should be compensated more. These are referred to as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). Eligibility VA disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit that is paid to eligible Veterans and their spouses or children. The benefit is determined by the condition of the veteran's body and the severity of their disability based on a schedule approved by Congress. A person can receive benefits if they have an injury, illness or an event that has led to or aggravated an illness that is service-connected. You can get disability compensation when you have a pre-existing medical condition, but it must be proven that the illness, injury or event took place in service. The severity of a patient's condition is assigned a percentage that is used to calculate the amount they will receive in monthly benefits. The rating is based on an internal review of treatment records and VA records as well as private medical records that pertain to the condition. The rating system also takes into account whether or not a person is unable to perform "substantially profitable" employment. It is important that you remain in contact with the VA regarding any tests they require, and make sure you attend them in time. Failure to do so could negatively impact your case. Benefits Typically those who are connected to the military to conditions that impact their daily functioning are eligible for compensation payments to offset their losses. These are tax-free financial aids. The amount of compensation you receive will be based on your disability. You can get compensation for only one or more disabilities. If you suffer from multiple disabilities your rates are grouped according to a formula which takes into account each condition. You may be entitled to additional benefits, such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Special Monthly Compensation. DIC is given to children, spouses, or parents of deceased veterans who have died on active duty or in training or as a result of a service-connected disability. SMC is paid based on the need for assistance and attendance for disabled veterans, their spouses, and children. The SHA grant program provides financial aid to disabled veterans who want to alter their homes to continue treatment and ensure accessibility. Modifying their existing home or purchasing a new home that is specifically designed to accommodate a disability, are all possibilities. This is a federally-funded program that does not require an VA or SSI/SSDI decision. Rates Depending on the severity of your illness or injury depending on the severity of your injury or illness, the VA could give you between 0% and 100% disability compensation. This compensation is meant to provide you with a financial benefit during the period of time your disability prevents you working. It is not inclusive of dependent's allowance or other benefits. The VA will evaluate your current medical condition and any evidence of an association between your illness or injury sustained in service and your current situation. The VA uses a scale for rating disabilities. Each one is assigned a percentage of how healthy you would be if you didn't have the disabling condition. For instance, if your medical condition is judged to be 10 percent disabled, your total rating would be 10 percent of 100% (the "healthy" percentage). Compensation rates are reviewed annually. The VA increases its payments each year to reflect the rise in Social Security cost of living adjustments. These annual adjustments are linked to the amount of compensation veterans receive in a specific service-connected disability, and they are tax-free. The 2023 Disability Rate Chart provides the monthly compensation based on the severity of your disability and the size of your household. It also includes a breakdown of dependents. Requirements If you've suffered injuries or became sick during active duty, you may be eligible for disability benefits. This includes conditions such as tinnitus which resulted from exposure to gunfire or loss of a limb as a result of an IED explosion. Spouses and children of veterans could also receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) when they die due to service-related causes. To qualify for these benefits, you must satisfy the medical nexus requirement. For instance, if suffered a ankle injury during boot camp and it has afflicted your ankle ever since, then you may be suffering from a condition that has the medical nexus requirements. You must be a former veteran with an official discharge. It cannot be unhonorable. A discharge that included intentional misconduct will not allow you from receiving benefits, but the majority of kinds of discharges will allow you to be eligible for veterans compensation. You must also have a condition which affects your ability to remain in a high-paying job. Timeframe In order for a claimant to be eligible for an income-based compensation benefit, the VA must determine that their medical condition is in line with the criteria for disability that is connected to service compensation. The process takes time, as the VA reviews and compiles evidence from a variety of sources. This includes statements from friends and family regarding the impact of the disability on a claimant's life and ability to work as well as the opinions of medical experts. Depending on the severity of a medical condition and the severity of the medical condition, it can take VA months to establish a definite connection between the disability and military service. It can also take longer to schedule and conduct a physical examination, or Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam when the claim is complex. It is crucial that claimants present all evidence requested as fast as possible. This helps to speed the process of deciding. If the VA determines that a claimant is able to receive disability benefits then they will receive a Rating Decision listing their service-connected disabilities along with a rating and effective date. Veterans are not eligible for monthly disability payments for a number of months.