The Department of Veterans Affairs handles service-connected disability claims for veterans and reservists. A veteran’s VA Disability Rating determines the amount of tax-free, monthly monetary disability compensation they receive. So, who is eligible For VA Disability? An individual must meet the VA’s eligibility requirements in order to receive compensation from the government.
VA Disability Compensation Eligibility and VA Ratings
To meet eligibility requirements for veterans’ disability benefits, you must be a veteran of U.S. military service, an active service member with an impending discharge between 180 and 60 days through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, or an active service member within 60 days of impending discharge through the BDD Quick Start claim process.
Specific criteria base the eligibility for compensation:
- Active duty service in the Uniformed Services OR active duty for training OR inactive duty training
- Going through discharge under other than dishonorable conditions
- At least 10% disabled by an injury or disease (which may include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD) suffered in the course of active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training
Those who meet this criteria must provide all of the following information:
- Active Duty Medical Evidence
- Post-service medical evidence that the condition still exists and is problematic/worsening
- Evidence linking the disability to an injury or disease incurred during military service (also known as a medical nexus)
In addition, you may receive disability benefits based on presumptive disabilities. The VA presumes that certain disabilities were in relation to military service.
A claims-handler for the Department of Veterans Affairs determines the validity of a claim. If the claim is granted, a service-connected rating is issued.
What is a “Service Connected Rating?”
A VA Disability Rating is a percentage that the VA’s Rating Authorities assign a veteran with disabilities. The VA rounds each rating to the nearest 10th percentage scale. For example, a veteran with a rating of 44% will have a final rating of 40%. Whereas, a veteran with a rating of 85% will have a final rating of 90%. Click here for more on VA Math. The Disability Rating determines the amount of VA Disability Benefits a veteran receives for their conditions due to their time serving.
The severity of the condition reflects the percentage of the Disability Rating. For example, the VA that rates a veteran at 0% considers that veteran as having a condition that does not really negatively affect their daily lives. On the other hand, a 100% VA Disability Rating implies that the condition(s) during service severely impact the veteran’s quality of life.
Am I eligible?
Do you have questions about your VA Disability eligibility? Contact Veterans Guardian to see if you qualify for VA Disability benefits. Our team will provide a free strategy session to explain your options.
