VA Disability Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does VA pay in compensation?
Monthly tax-free benefits range from $112 for 10% disability to $2,393 for 100% disability. For 30% or more disability, an additional amount is added for each dependent. Additional amounts are also paid for severe disabilities such as the loss of use of a limb or an organ. Please go to http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm for current compensation rates.
How long will it take to receive a decision on my compensation claim?
The length of time it takes to receive a decision depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. Currently most claims are being processed within six months, but can take longer in complex claims.
What should I do if I think an error was made on a previous disability decision?
If it has not yet been a year since that decision was issued, you are still within the time frame to appeal the decision, and you should file a Notice of Disagreement. This must be submitted in writing and specify exactly your disagreement with the decision you received. You should refer to your decision notification letter and the attached VA form 4107, Your Rights To Appeal Our Decision, for further guidance on filing a Notice of Disagreement. You may download a copy of VA Form 4107 at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/4107.PDF .
If you do not have a copy of your decision notification letter, VA can send that information to you. You may contact the VA regional office to make that request by going to VA's web messaging site, https://iris.va.gov .
If it has been more than a year since VA made the decision that you believe is incorrect, that decision is now final. If you wish to have that decision reviewed, you will need to specifically identify the error you believe was made, such as the determination of service connection, the effective date, or evaluation for a claimed disability. You will also need to identify the factor(s) that resulted in an incorrect outcome, such as the incorrect application of the law.
It may be best to discuss your personal situation with a VA or Veterans Service Organization representative who can advise and assist you with your claim. VA offers a web site list of most National, State and local veterans service organizations at: http://www1.va.gov/vso/ .
What is the difference between VA disability compensation and VA pension?
VA compensation and a VA pension are not the same thing. The simplest explanation is that VA compensation is a benefit paid on the basis of the kind and severity of a disability that happened as a result of your active duty in military service. VA pension is a benefit paid on the basis of a disability that was not a result of active service in the military, or because of age. Pension is also based on income. There are other criteria that may apply to deciding eligibility for VA pension. That's why it is a good idea to contact a representative at VA regional office to discuss your situation, or go to a national, state, or local veterans service organization for help.
The VA regional office may be contacted via:
Telephone at: 1-800-827-1000.
Internet web messaging at: https://iris.va.gov .
In person or mail at an address you can locate at: http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?isFlash=1&dnum=3
A list of veterans services officers may be found at: http://www1.va.gov/vso
Can I get back compensation payments?
Generally, VA can only pay benefits based on the date of claim. This applies in the case of an original claim, a claim for an increased evaluation, or a claim to add a new disability.
If VA finds a clear error was made in an earlier decision, you may receive additional back pay based on that prior claim.
What if I have another disability not previously claimed?
If you have another disability that you feel is related to your military service, but you have not previously filed a claim for that disability, you may file a new claim by submitting a written request. VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, may also be used for this purpose.
You can find VA Form 21-4138 at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-4138.pdf .
To establish a new condition as service-connected, we will need any information you can provide that will help us link that condition to your military service. You should also submit current medical evidence. Be sure to include your VA claim number or Social Security number on all correspondence. Mail the completed form or other written request and any evidence you have to your VA regional office.
You may find the address for a VA regional office at:
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3
If VA increases my disability rating or adds another disability, when will my increased benefits be effective?
The effective date for your increased benefits will be the date VA receives your claim for an increase or a new disability.
NOTE: VA may award an earlier effective date for an individual evaluation of a current service-connected disability if the medical evidence reveals that there is an increase in the veteran's disability and a claim is received within one year.
For example, if there is medical evidence to show that the veteran's service-connected left knee arthritis was worse on June 13, 2005, and we receive a claim for an increased evaluation for the veteran's left knee arthritis on December 6, 2005, then the effective date for the increased evaluation will be June 13, 2005.
What is the Individual Unemployability benefit?
The Individual Unemployability (IU) benefit is payable when a veteran cannot secure or retain employment as a result of his/her service-connected disabilities.
If you are unable to maintain employment as a result of your service-connected disabilities, complete VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability and submit current medical evidence on the extent your service-connected disabilities. The form may be found at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-8940.pdf . The evidence should reflect your condition within the past 12 months and include any hospital reports and outpatient treatment records. If you do not have the evidence, be sure to provide information telling VA where the evidence can be obtained.
What are the Veteran Non-Service Connected Pension Rates ?
Please go to the VA non-service related disability pension rate tables at: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/pen01.htm .
Note: Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income).
https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=924
How much does VA pay in compensation?
Monthly tax-free benefits range from $112 for 10% disability to $2,393 for 100% disability. For 30% or more disability, an additional amount is added for each dependent. Additional amounts are also paid for severe disabilities such as the loss of use of a limb or an organ. Please go to http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm for current compensation rates.
How long will it take to receive a decision on my compensation claim?
The length of time it takes to receive a decision depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. Currently most claims are being processed within six months, but can take longer in complex claims.
What should I do if I think an error was made on a previous disability decision?
If it has not yet been a year since that decision was issued, you are still within the time frame to appeal the decision, and you should file a Notice of Disagreement. This must be submitted in writing and specify exactly your disagreement with the decision you received. You should refer to your decision notification letter and the attached VA form 4107, Your Rights To Appeal Our Decision, for further guidance on filing a Notice of Disagreement. You may download a copy of VA Form 4107 at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/4107.PDF .
If you do not have a copy of your decision notification letter, VA can send that information to you. You may contact the VA regional office to make that request by going to VA's web messaging site, https://iris.va.gov .
If it has been more than a year since VA made the decision that you believe is incorrect, that decision is now final. If you wish to have that decision reviewed, you will need to specifically identify the error you believe was made, such as the determination of service connection, the effective date, or evaluation for a claimed disability. You will also need to identify the factor(s) that resulted in an incorrect outcome, such as the incorrect application of the law.
It may be best to discuss your personal situation with a VA or Veterans Service Organization representative who can advise and assist you with your claim. VA offers a web site list of most National, State and local veterans service organizations at: http://www1.va.gov/vso/ .
What is the difference between VA disability compensation and VA pension?
VA compensation and a VA pension are not the same thing. The simplest explanation is that VA compensation is a benefit paid on the basis of the kind and severity of a disability that happened as a result of your active duty in military service. VA pension is a benefit paid on the basis of a disability that was not a result of active service in the military, or because of age. Pension is also based on income. There are other criteria that may apply to deciding eligibility for VA pension. That's why it is a good idea to contact a representative at VA regional office to discuss your situation, or go to a national, state, or local veterans service organization for help.
The VA regional office may be contacted via:
Telephone at: 1-800-827-1000.
Internet web messaging at: https://iris.va.gov .
In person or mail at an address you can locate at: http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?isFlash=1&dnum=3
A list of veterans services officers may be found at: http://www1.va.gov/vso
Can I get back compensation payments?
Generally, VA can only pay benefits based on the date of claim. This applies in the case of an original claim, a claim for an increased evaluation, or a claim to add a new disability.
If VA finds a clear error was made in an earlier decision, you may receive additional back pay based on that prior claim.
What if I have another disability not previously claimed?
If you have another disability that you feel is related to your military service, but you have not previously filed a claim for that disability, you may file a new claim by submitting a written request. VA Form 21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim, may also be used for this purpose.
You can find VA Form 21-4138 at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-4138.pdf .
To establish a new condition as service-connected, we will need any information you can provide that will help us link that condition to your military service. You should also submit current medical evidence. Be sure to include your VA claim number or Social Security number on all correspondence. Mail the completed form or other written request and any evidence you have to your VA regional office.
You may find the address for a VA regional office at:
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3
If VA increases my disability rating or adds another disability, when will my increased benefits be effective?
The effective date for your increased benefits will be the date VA receives your claim for an increase or a new disability.
NOTE: VA may award an earlier effective date for an individual evaluation of a current service-connected disability if the medical evidence reveals that there is an increase in the veteran's disability and a claim is received within one year.
For example, if there is medical evidence to show that the veteran's service-connected left knee arthritis was worse on June 13, 2005, and we receive a claim for an increased evaluation for the veteran's left knee arthritis on December 6, 2005, then the effective date for the increased evaluation will be June 13, 2005.
What is the Individual Unemployability benefit?
The Individual Unemployability (IU) benefit is payable when a veteran cannot secure or retain employment as a result of his/her service-connected disabilities.
If you are unable to maintain employment as a result of your service-connected disabilities, complete VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability and submit current medical evidence on the extent your service-connected disabilities. The form may be found at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-8940.pdf . The evidence should reflect your condition within the past 12 months and include any hospital reports and outpatient treatment records. If you do not have the evidence, be sure to provide information telling VA where the evidence can be obtained.
What are the Veteran Non-Service Connected Pension Rates ?
Please go to the VA non-service related disability pension rate tables at: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/pen01.htm .
Note: Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income).
Last modified: Friday, 17 October 2008, 07:10 AM