VA Disability is designed for veterans who become disabled, due to injury or disease, during active military duty. Compensation is tax-free.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be at least 10 percent disabled because of an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during active military duty, or active or inactive duty training. A dishonorable discharge disqualifies you for benefits. The compensation you receive depends on the severity of the injury or disease. On top of that, an additional allowance is added if your disability is 30 percent or higher and you have dependents. However, your compensation will be offset if you are receiving military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive pay. There is also special monthly compensation that may be payable to you if you meet certain criteria.
Auto Allowance
Along with disability compensation, the VA offers an auto allowance to certain individuals. It is financial assistance to help purchase a vehicle or adapt a vehicle so that it accommodates your disability. This is a one-time allowance for a new or used car that will accommodate your disability. The seller receives the funds directly. In order to be eligible to receive this benefit, you must have one of the following:
- Loss of, or permanent loss of use of one or both feet OR both hands.
- Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes that makes driving impossible even with corrective lenses.
- Certain severe burns.
You are eligible to purchase equipment that would safely adapt your current vehicle to your disability instead of purchasing a whole new vehicle.
Clothing Allowance
Another benefit that could be payable to you is a clothing allowance. This benefit provides unique clothing needs because of an injury or disease. You could be eligible to receive one or more annual payments if:
- A prosthetic or orthopedic device is required. And/or,
- You have a service-connected skin condition and you use a medication that causes irreversible damage to your outer clothes.
In order to receive this benefit, you must establish eligibility for this benefit by August 1st of the year you wish to claim payments.
Additional Benefits
- Special Home Adaptation Grants—provides money to adapt or obtain suitable housing
- Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI)—provides life insurance to veterans who have incurred a disability in the previous two years
- Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)—provides mortgage life insurance. This is a supplement to those receiving SHA grants.
- Vocation Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)—provides education and training to those who have sustained a disability so they can prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment
- Education Assistance—provides assistance for veterans furthering their education
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)—provides assistance to veterans’ survivors or dependents to pursue education or training
Documenting everything is extremely important! Make sure to always be in contact with your doctor and document everything related to your injury or disease. It is best to submit a VA Disability claim within one year of separation from the military. Doing this makes you eligible to receive VA Disability back pay. However, waiting longer than a year means you will have to meet the burden of proof for your disability.
If you think you may qualify, or think someone else may, please don’t hesitate to call Harris Federal Law Firm. Our number is 877-226-2723 or fill out this inquiry form. You have done a great service to our country and we want to help you get the benefits you deserve.
For more information on VA Disability benefits, click here.
