An Introduction to Benefits for Disabled Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers two important benefits for disabled veterans:

• Disability compensation benefits are available to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
• Pension benefits are available to anyone who served during wartime and has a disability. The disability does not need to be related to military service.

Disability Compensation

If you have an injury or disease that happened while on active duty, you may qualify for disability compensation. (If active duty made an existing injury or disease worse, you also may be eligible.) The amount of compensation you get depends on your disability “rating” and whether you have children or other dependents. The VA provides current benefit rates and information on disability ratings. Additional funds may be available if you have severe disabilities, such as loss of limbs, or a seriously disabled spouse.

Pension Benefits for Disabled Veterans

The VA pays a pension to disabled veterans who are not able to work. The pension is also available for surviving spouses and children. This pension is available whether or not your disability is service-connected, but to be eligible you must meet the following requirements:

• You must not have been discharged under dishonorable conditions.
• If you enlisted before September 7, 1980, you must have served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one day during a period of war. Anyone who enlisted after September 7, 1980, however, must serve at least 24 months or the full period for which that person was called to serve.
• You must be permanently and totally disabled. You will need a letter from your doctor to prove that you are disabled.

In addition, your income must be below the yearly limit set by law. This limit is the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR). The MAPR for 2024 is below:

• Veteran with no dependents – $16,551
• Veteran with a spouse or a child – $21,674
• Housebound veteran with no dependents – $20,226
• Housebound veteran with one dependent – $25,348
• Additional children – $2,831 for each child

Your pension depends on your income. The VA pays the difference between your income and the MAPR. The pension is usually paid in 12 equal payments.

Example: John is a single veteran and has a yearly income of $8,015. His pension benefit would total $8,536 ($16,551 – $8,015).

Your income does not include welfare benefits or Supplemental Security Income. It also does not include unreimbursed medical expenses actually paid by the veteran or a member of their family. This can include Medicare, Medigap, and long-term care insurance premiums; over-the-counter medications taken at a doctor’s recommendation; long-term care costs, such as nursing home fees; the cost of an in-home attendant that provides some medical or nursing services; and the cost of an assisted living facility.

These expenses must be unreimbursed. This means that insurance must not pay the expenses. The expenses should also be recurring every month.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

A disabled veteran who gets a VA pension and needs physical assistance to meet their basic needs may qualify for additional financial help on top of their disability pension benefit. Depending on how their disability affects their ability to care for themselves, they may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits or Housebound benefits. A disabled veteran cannot receive both at the same time.

How to Apply

Disabled veterans can apply for disability benefits by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s Application for Compensation or Pension. If available, you should attach copies of dependency records (marriage and children’s birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports). You can file a VA disability claim online.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.