VA Disability Compensation
Eligibility requirements, how disabilities are rated and how to apply for VA disability compensation benefits.
2008 Wounded, Ill & Injured Compensation & Benefits Handbook - Handbook that helps service members who are wounded, ill or injured, as well as the family members who are taking care of them, navigate through the military and veteran disability, evaluation, compensation and benefits programs that are designed to help them.
ALS - A Presumptive Compensable Illness - Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, may receive support for themselves and their families after the VA announced that ALS will become a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1583
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) News: Chapter 61 Updates-
Provides updates about CRSC eligibility. CRSC provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible retired veterans with combat-related injuries.
Disability Compensation Benefits - Fact sheet on VA disability compensation, a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service.
http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/Compeg_0107.doc
Disability Compensation for Sexual or Personal Trauma - Fact sheet on VA compensation for disability from a sexual or personal trauma resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/Traumaeg_0406.doc
Federal Benefits for Veterans & Dependents - Information on VA health care, disability compensation, education and training, home loan guaranty, financial assistance, life insurance and more.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Benefits & Compensation - Provides answers to questions regarding VA compensation and pension benefits, including how long it takes to receive a decision on a claim, pension rates, surviving spouse's benefits and more.
https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/std_alp.php
Handbook for Injured Service Members & Their Families - Handbook published by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that outlines benefits, rights and resources available to service members and their families to help with financial, medical, educational, employment, legal and other needs.
http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/common/Wc10a1445b0c9a.htm
House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs - Compensating Disabled Veterans - Committee reviews and provides information on veterans' programs, examines current laws and reports bills and amendments to strengthen existing laws concerning veterans and the VA.
http://veterans.house.gov/benefits/disabilcomp.shtml
Increased Compensation Possible for Some Veterans - The VA has announced changes in the way it will evaluate traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and burn scars for purposes of determining the appropriate level of compensation veterans receive for these injuries.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1582
Minority Veterans Programs Coordinators (MVPC) - Works to increase local awareness of minority veteran related issues, and develop strategies for increasing their participation in existing VA benefit programs. MVPC's are located at Regional Offices, Health Care Facilities and National Cemeteries. View the slideshow about MVPCs.
http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/page.cfm?pg=13
New DoD Retired Benefits Programs - DoD has two programs designed to reduce the reduction in retired pay due to receipt of Veteran Administration compensation, for certain disabled retirees. Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) provides a 10-year phase-out of the offset to military retired pay due to receipt of VA disability compensation for members whose combined disability rating is 50% or greater. Members retired under disability provisions must have 20 years of service. Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) pays added benefits to retirees who receive VA disability compensation for combat-related disabilities and have 20 years of service.
http://www.defenselink.mil/prhome/mppcrsc.html
VA Benefits - Apply Online - Allows service members and veterans to apply online for VA benefits, including Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance, My HealtheVet, compensation and pension applications, education and health benefits and vocational rehabilitation and employment services.
http://www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm
VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) - Schedule of ratings used by the VA in evaluating service-connected disabilities.
http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/38cfr4_03.html
Veterans On Line Applications (VONAPP) Web Site - Allows service members and veterans to apply for VA benefits online, including compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation and education.