Veteran Disability Compensation

If you are military veteran with a service-related disability you may qualify for over $3,100 in monthly benefits. These benefits are paid to veterans who have injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care. These benefits are tax-free. The following is a summary of VA Disability Compensation:

• VA Disability Compensation Eligibility
• VA Disability Compensation Pays
• VA Disability Compensation Application Process
• VA Travel Reimbursement
• Disability Compensation Tables
• Special Monthly Compensation for Severe Disabilities

VA Disability Compensation Eligibility:

You may be eligible for Disability Compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

VA Disability Compensation Pays:

The amount of basic benefit paid ranges from $127 to over $3,100 per month, depending on your level of disability and number of dependents.

Note: You may be paid additional amounts if:

• you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
• you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
• you have a seriously disabled spouse

Click here to check out the current Veteran Disability Compensation rates.

VA Disability Compensation Application Process:

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation Or Pension. If you have any of the following material, attach it to your application:

• Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
• Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)

You can also apply on line through the VONAPP website.

For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000.

VA Travel Reimbursement

Reimbursement for mileage or public transportation may be paid to the following:

1. Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 30% or more;
2. Veterans traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition;
3. Veterans receiving a VA pension;
4. Veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension examinations;
5. Veterans whose income does not exceed the maximum VA pension rate;

Mileage Rate Update: Mileage reimbursement has increased from 28 cents per mile to 41.5 cents. While increasing the payment, the current deductible amounts applied to certain mileage reimbursements will remain frozen at $7.77 for a one way trip, $15.54 for a round trip, and capped at a maximum of $46.62 per calendar month. On January 9, 2009, these deductibles will decrease to $3 for a one way trip, $6 for a round trip, with a maximum of $18 per calendar month. Deductibles can be waived if they cause a financial hardship to the veteran.

The deductibles are also waived for veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension examinations.