Veterans who have service-connected conditions may qualify for VA disability compensation, a tax-free monthly payment designed to support those whose health has been impacted by military service.
These conditions can range from physical injuries to mental health disorders, and with the expansion of benefits under the PACT Act, more veterans, especially those revealed to toxic substances, can now access the care they deserve.
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Eligibility
To qualify for VA disability benefits, veterans must have a current physical or mental health condition that affects their daily life and have served in active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
Additionally, the condition must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- in-service disability claim – the condition developed during military service
- pre-service disability claim – the condition existed before service but worsened due to military duty
- post-service disability claim – the condition emerged after service due to military reveal
For some illnesses, the VA presumes they are service-related, meaning veterans don’t have to prove their condition was caused by their service.
Mental health conditions
Military service, particularly combat exposure, can have lasting psychological effects. The VA provides disability benefits for various mental health conditions, including:
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- depression and anxiety disorders
- bipolar disorder
- schizophrenia
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- eating disorders
Physical conditions
Veterans may experience long-term physical ailments due to injuries or exposure during service. Some of the most common conditions eligible for VA disability compensation include:
Cardiovascular issues
- hypertension
- ischemic heart disease
- heart arrhythmia
Musculoskeletal disorders
- chronic back pain
- fibromyalgia
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- knee and hip pain
- shoulder rotator cuff tears
Nerve Conditions
- migraines
- traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- sciatica
- peripheral neuropathy
Respiratory conditions
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- sleep apnea
- sinusitis
Other covered conditions
- various cancers
- diabetes and hypothyroidism
- skin conditions like eczema and scars
- insomnia and other sleep disorders
disability ratings
The VA assigns a disability rating based on how much a condition affects a veteran’s daily life. The rating, expressed as a percentage from 0% to 100%, determines the monthly compensation amount and eligibility for additional benefits.
If a veteran has multiple conditions, the VA uses a special formula to calculate a combined disability rating, but the total rating cannot exceed 100%.
If you have a service-related condition that affects your quality of life, you may be eligible for VA benefits. To look into your options and begin the claims process, consult a local Veterans Affairs representative for guidance.
FAQs
How does the VA calculate my disability rating?
The VA assigns a percentage based on the severity of your condition and its impact on daily life.
Can I receive VA disability for mental health conditions?
Yes, conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety are covered under VA disability benefits.
What is the maximum VA disability rating?
The highest possible rating is 100%, which provides the maximum compensation and benefits.
Do I need to prove my condition is service-related?
For some conditions, yes. However, the VA presumes certain illnesses are service-related.
Can I receive disability for multiple conditions?
Yes, but the VA uses a special formula to calculate a combined disability rating.
