VA BENEFITS FAQ'S

---

VA disability compensation provides monthly benefits to Veterans in recognition of the effects of disabilities, diseases, or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service. The program also provides monthly payments to surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents in recognition of the economic loss caused by a Veteran's death during military service or, after discharge from military service, as a result of a service-connected disability. A summary of VA's disability compensation programs is below.

Disability Compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses. Learn More

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities. DIC for parents is an income based benefit. Learn More

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg. For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person. Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates

Other Benefits: VA provides additional housing and insurance benefits to Veterans with disabilities, including Adapted Housing grants, Service-Disable Veterans' Insurance, and Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance.VA disability compensation provides monthly benefits to Veterans in recognition of the effects of disabilities, diseases, or injuries incurred or aggravated during active military service. The program also provides monthly payments to surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents in recognition of the economic loss caused by a Veteran's death during military service or, after discharge from military service, as a result of a service-connected disability. A summary of VA's disability compensation programs is below.

Compensation benefits require that your disability be service-connected. You must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.

Disability Compensation Your disability must be the result of an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training; or from injury, heart attack, or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn More

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Surviving spouses of a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training may be eligible for DIC. Children may be eligible for DIC if not included in the surviving spouse's DIC benefit. Learn More

Special Monthly Compensation Disability compensation recipients may be eligible for this additional tax-free benefit due to the special circumstances of your disability, if you are housebound, or need help performing daily living functions. Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates

VA encourages individuals who are applying for disability compensation to work with an accredited representative or agent to assist them in completing Fully Developed Claim for submission through eBenefits. Being accredited means organizations and individuals must have VA permission to represent Veterans before the Department in their claims for VA benefits. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that Veterans have qualified and competent representation. These individuals receive specialized training in VA benefits law and procedure. You may search for an accredited representative in eBenefits on the Manage Your Representative for VA Claims page.

The best way to apply for disability compensation is by obtaining an eBenefits account and applying online. When applying for compensation benefits, you must have access to the following information:

• Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
• Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports)
• Dependency records (marriage and children's birth certificates)

Alternatively, you may print and mail-in VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits or call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to have the form mailed to you.

Service members may be able to receive disability compensation benefits sooner if you apply prior to your discharge from service through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) or Quick Start pre-discharge programs.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) VA Form 21-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits and mail it to your nearest VA regional office. Learn More

Special Monthly Compensation VA will automatically award special monthly compensation if your disability qualifies. To apply for SMC if you are housebound or required the aid and attendance of someone to perform daily living functions complete VA Form 21-2680 and mail it to your nearest VA regional office. Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates

Filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) allows Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors the option to participate more fully in the claims process. When Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors provide all required evidence at the same time they submit a claim AND certify that they have no more evidence, VA can issue a decision faster.

Veterans may file the following types of FDC claims electronically:

• An injury, disability, or condition you believe occurred or was aggravated by your service
• A condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-related condition

File an Electronic FDC Today

• Go to eBenefits.va.gov to find a Veterans Service Officer who can provide free, expert assistance.
• Gather supporting documents, including your DD-214, service and private medical records, and buddy statements.
• Initiate your claim at eBenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.

Four Steps to File a Fully Developed Claim Online

• Step 1: Log on to eBenefits.va.gov
• Step 2: Identify federal records
• Step 3: Gather records (as applicable)
• Step 4: Upload the documents

Fully Developed Claims for Servicemembers

Servicemembers use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program at eBenefits.va.gov to submit a Fully Developed Claim before discharge. The BDD program is available nationwide to all Servicemembers on full-time active duty, including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.

Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) are downloadable forms for Veterans to use in the disability evaluation process. DBQs can help speed the processing of compensation and pension claims.

DBQs allow Veterans and Servicemembers to have more control over their disability claims process by giving them the option of completing an examination with their own healthcare provider instead of at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility.

DBQs enable private healthcare providers to capture important information needed by VA to accurately evaluate and promptly decide Veterans' claims for benefits.

More than 70 DBQs are available that use check boxes and standardized language to streamline the process. DBQs average about five pages in length. Veterans are responsible for any fees their private provider may charge for completing a DBQ.

How to Find and Submit a DBQ:

The DBQ process involves four steps:

1. Access the form online and download it;
2. Have your healthcare provider complete the form;
3. Save a copy for your records; and
4. Submit the form to VA.

The DBQ forms are available on our "List by DBQ Form Name" page.

VBA Transformation: 

DBQs are an important example of the initiatives the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is implementing under its Transformation Plan. The goals of VBA's Transformation are:

• eliminate the backlog in disability claims;
• increase access to services and benefits; and
• end Veteran homelessness

VBA is committed to providing world-class service by transforming the way it does business. People, process, and technology changes will help VBA reach its goal of increasing efficiency and engaging Veterans, Servicemembers, their families, and survivors' when, where, and how they desire.

Veterans Benefit Administration: 

VBA serves as a leading advocate for Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. VBA's mission is to deliver with excellence benefits and services that honors their military service, assist them in their readjustment, enhance their lives, and engender their full trust.

VBA is responsible for:

• compensation and pension programs for Veterans and their survivors;
• education programs for Veterans, Servicemembers, and certain Veterans' dependents, and survivors;
• the home loan guaranty program for Veterans, certain spouses, and Servicemembers;
• life insurance programs for Servicemembers and Veterans; and
• the vocational rehabilitation and employment programs for Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected disabilities who want help preparing for, finding, and keeping suitable jobs.

When VA makes a determination that a compensation award is to be paid based on a claim, an effective date is also assigned. The effective date determines when benefits are payable. Effective dates can vary based on the type of benefit and the circumstances of the claim.

How Effective Dates are Assigned: 

Listed below are the most common types of claims and generally how effective dates are assigned for each type.

Generally, an effective date for service-connection for a disability that is directly linked to an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated by military service is the date VA receives a claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later. The date entitlement arose means the date the condition was shown to exist by medical evidence.

There is an exception in cases where the claim is filed within one year of separation from active military service. For these claims, the effective date will be the day following separation.

Generally, an effective date for service-connection for a disability that is presumed to be related to military service is the date entitlement arose if the claim is received by VA within one year of release from active duty. If the claim is received by VA after one year of release from active duty, the effective date is the date of receipt of the claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.

Normally, the effective date for a reopened claim is the date of receipt of claim or date entitlement arose, whichever is later.

If there is a change in law or VA regulation that allows for VA to pay disability compensation, the effective date may be assigned in the following ways:

• If a claim is reviewed on the initiative of VA within 1 year from the effective date of the law or VA regulation, or the request of a claimant is received within 1 year from the date of the new law or regulation, the effective date may be the date of the change in law or regulation.
• If more than one year has elapsed since the change in law or regulation, an effective date of one year prior to either VA's own review or one year prior to the claimant's request for review may be assigned as the effective date.

For claims based on death in service, the effective will be the first day of the month in which the death actually or was presumed to have occurred.

• If the death occurred after service and the claim is received within one year of the Veteran's death, the effective date will be the first day of the month in which the Veterans died.
• If the death occurred after service and the claim is received after one year of the Veteran's death, the effective date is the date of receipt of claim.

If VA finds an error in a previous decision, the effective date of the new decision will be the date from which benefits would have been payable had there not been an error.

A decision that is based on a difference of opinion will have an effective date of the original decision had it been favorable.

The earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred if claim is received within 1 year from such date, otherwise, the date the claim was received.

• Disability - Date the injury or aggravation was suffered if claim is received within 1 year after that date; otherwise, the date the claim was received.
• Death - First day of month in which the Veteran's death occurred, if a claim is received within 1 year following the date of death; otherwise, the date the claim was received.

Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The benefit amount is graduated according to the degree of the Veteran's disability on a scale from 10 percent to 100 percent (in increments of 10 percent). Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.

If you have dependents, an additional allowance may be added if your combined disability is rated 30% or greater. Your compensation may be offset if you receive military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive payments.More information about disability compensation benefit amounts can be found on the Compensation Rates page.

• Service in the Uniformed Services on active duty, OR
• Active duty for training, OR
• Inactive duty training, AND
• You were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
• You are at least 10% disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training, or inactive duty training

Note: If you were on inactive duty for training, the disability must have resulted from injury, heart attack, or stroke.

• Medical evidence of a current physical or mental disability, AND
• Evidence of a relationship between your disability and an injury, disease, or event in military service. Medical records or medical opinions are required to establish this relationship.

Note: Under certain circumstances, VA may conclude that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific evidence proving this in your particular claim. The cause of a disability is presumed for the following Veterans who have certain diseases.

• Former prisoners of war
• Veterans who have certain chronic or tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge from service
• Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas, or Lewisite while in service
• Veterans who were exposed to certain herbicides, such as by serving in Vietnam
• Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War

During a weekend drill, an Army Reservist injures her knee while participating in a physical training class. She is eligible for compensation for residuals of the knee injury.

An individual enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 10, 1988, and served for a period of 3 years. He was honorably discharged on June 9, 1991. During his active duty, he fell from a bunk and injured his back. Based on his active service, he is entitled to service-connected benefits for the residuals of his back injury.

VA encourages individuals who are applying for disability compensation to work with an accredited representative or agent to assist them in completing Fully Developed Claim for submission through eBenefits. Being accredited means organizations and individuals must have VA permission to represent Veterans before the Department in their claims for VA benefits. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that Veterans have qualified and competent representation. These individuals receive specialized training in VA benefits law and procedure. You may search for an accredited representative in eBenefits on the Manage Your Representative for VA Claims page.

• Apply online using eBenefits, OR
• Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
• Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page

For more information on how to apply and for tips on making sure your claim is ready to be processed by VA, visit our How to Apply page.

Benefit Rates

Access Current Rates:

Select the compensation program below to view current rates. Historical rates are linked from the current rates page, as well.

• Veterans Compensation Benefits Current Rates
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)Current Rates
• Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Current Rates
• Parents DIC Current Rates
• Automobile Allowance, Clothing Allowance and Medal of Honor Rates
• Birth Defects (Spina Bifida, Children of Women Vietnam Veterans) Rates

• How VA Calculates Compensation Rates
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
• Combined Ratings

The amount of basic benefit paid ranges, depending on how disabled you are. VA makes a determination about the severity of your disability based on the evidence you submit as part of your claim, or that VA obtains from your military records. VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. 10%, 20%, 30% etc.). See the Combined Ratings section below for information about how VA calculates disability percentage for multiple disabilities.

You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, 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

Periodically, VA makes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to VA compensation and pension benefits to ensure that the purchasing power of VA benefits is not eroded by inflation. Under federal law, the cost-of-living adjustments to VA's compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as for Social Security benefits. You can learn more about COLA's on the Social Security Administration's COLA webpage.

If VA finds that a Veteran has multiple disabilities, VA uses the Combined Ratings Table below to calculate a combined disability rating. Disability ratings are not additive, meaning that if a Veteran has one disability rated 60% and a second disability 20%, the combined rating is not 80%. This is because subsequent disability ratings are applied to an already disabled Veteran, so the 20% disability is applied to a Veteran who is already 60% disabled. Below you will find the steps VA takes to combine ratings for more than one disability and examples using the Combined Ratings Table to illustrate how combined ratings are calculated.

1. The disabilities are first arranged in the exact order of their severity, beginning with the greatest disability and then combined with use of Combined Ratings Table below
2. The degree of one disability will be read in the left column and the degree of the other in the top row, whichever is appropriate
3. The figures appearing in the space where the column and row intersect will represent the combined value of the two
4. This combined value is rounded to the nearest 10%
5. If there are more than two disabilities, the combined value for the first two will be found as previously described for two disabilities
6. The exact combined value (without rounding yet), is combined with the degree of the third disability
7. This process continues for subsequent disabilities and the final number is rounded to the nerest 10%

If a Veteran has a 50 percent disability and a 30 percent disability, the combined value will be found to be 65 percent, but the 65 percent must be converted to 70 percent to represent the final degree of disability.

Similarly, with a disability of 40 percent, and another disability of 20 percent, the combined value is found to be 52 percent, but the 52 percent must be converted to the nearest degree divisible by 10, which is 50 percent.

If there are three disabilities ratable at 60 percent, 40 percent, and 20 percent, respectively, the combined value for the first two will be found opposite 60 and under 40 and is 76 percent. This 76 will be found in the left column, then the 20 rating in the top row. The intersection of these two ratings is 81. Thus, the final rating will be rounded to 80%.