Disability Benefits For Veterans

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces with issues connected to, or exacerbated by, active service can be qualified to receive veterans disability benefits. After the veteran has sent applications for benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assesses the medical evidence and determines whether the veteran is eligible for benefits. The VA then assigns the disability a rating level, which determines the quantity of monetary compensation the veteran will receive because of his handicap or disease.

Disability Ratings

To be able to be eligible for veterans disability benefits, specific criteria must be met. If the VA determines that a the veteran qualifies for disability benefits, it assigns the disability a rating to indicate the degree of the disability or disease. The disability rating represents the "average detriment to earning capacity" as a result of the disability or disease.

The ratings are assigned in 10% increments, starting from 10% to 100% handicapped. A higher disability rating indicates the veteran has a more severe disability, and subsequently receives a greater monthly compensation payment. For example, under the current rates for veterans without dependents, a 10% handicapped veteran is entitled to $123 monthly, a 50% disabled veteran is eligible for $770 per month, and a 100% (or entirely) disabled veteran is eligible for $2,673 every month. Usually, the compensation rates are subject to a yearly cost of living increase.

The law also provides for special compensation rates for many enumerated, more serious disabilities or injuries. Injuries like loss of a single hand or foot, blindness or severe injury to one eye, loss of ability to talk, and deafness, to name a few examples, are eligible for an increase of $96 every month per injury (maximum $4,667 per month) over the base compensation rate. Loss of both hands, both feet, blindness in both eyes, or a permanent bedridden state entitles the veteran to $3,327 compensation each month. The law also lists other disabilities that may merit higher, specific payments. Additionally, the statute enables the Secretary of the VA to approve higher payments for more serious disabilities if necessary, with a maximum of $4,667 per month.

If you are a veteran and you feel that you are entitled to disability benefits, call Kassin and Carrow today for a consultation.