If you suffer from a service-connected disability, you can receive VA disability benefits, whether you are only partially disabled and are still able to work or 100% disabled and unable to earn a living. Surviving dependents of a disabled vet who has passed away are sometimes eligible for benefits as well. Claiming your benefits can be a difficult and tedious process with many hurdles, hurdles that are made even more difficult because of your disability. If you have been denied veterans disability benefits or a disability rating, an experienced VA disability lawyer can help you get through the process as quickly as possible and make sure you get the maximum benefits you are entitled to.
Who Can Receive Veterans’ Disability Benefits?
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marines
- Coast Guard
Those who can also receive disability benefits if they meet certain active duty requirements include:
- Reserves who have performed fulltime active duty
- National Guard who have performed federal active duty, state active duty does not qualify
- U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commission Corps
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commission Corps
- Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) Corps
- United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) Corps
Additionally. Surviving spouses, children, and parents of deceased veterans are sometimes eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and other benefits.
How Much Does VA Disability Compensation Pay?
VA disability compensation rates change over time. When they increase, the amount of the increase is determined by Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
In 2016, the monthly payment for a veteran with no dependents can range from $133.57 to $2,915.55, depending on the disability rating. For veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher, the amount is increased when there are dependents.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is available to veterans who have lost or lost the use of certain organs or extremities. SMC is paid in addition to disability compensation and can be as high as $8,343.91 for a veteran with no dependents, and increases according to the number and type of dependents.
To learn more about veterans’ disability benefits, please talk to an experienced VA disability attorney right away.
