The 2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates are effective as of Dec. 1, 2020. If you receive VA disability pay, you will notice the increased amount in your first check, which you should receive in January 2021. There was a 1.3% increase from 2020, following a 1.6% increase from 2019. The government uses the same COLA rates for military retiree pay and several other government benefits.
While 1.3% may not seem like much on the surface, it adds up over time!
Table of Contents
2021 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Here are the 2021 VA disability compensation rates.
They are divided into three major sections:
- 10% – 20% (Having dependents doesn’t impact these compensation rates)
- Without Children
- With Children
Having dependents on your VA Disability Claim increases compensation rates for veterans with a disability rating of 30% or greater. There is no change to your disability compensation payment if you have a disability rating of 10%-20%.
VA Disability Compensation Rates – 10% – 20% (No Dependents)
| Percentage | Rate |
|---|---|
| 10% | $144.14 |
| 20% | $284.93 |
VA Disability Compensation Rates – 30% – 60% Without Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $441.35 | $635.77 | $905.04 | $1,146.39 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $493.35 | $705.77 | $992.04 | $1,251.39 |
| Veteran with Spouse & One Parent | $535.35 | $761.77 | $1,062.04 | $1,335.39 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $577.35 | $817.77 | $1,132.04 | $1,419.39 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $483.35 | $691.77 | $975.04 | $1,230.39 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $525.35 | $747.77 | $1,045.04 | $1,314.39 |
| Spouse Receiving Aid and Attendance (see footnote b) | $48.00 | $64.00 | $81.00 | $96.00 |
VA Disability Compensation Rates – 70% – 100% Without Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,444.71 | $1,679.35 | $1,887.18 | $3,146.42 |
| Veteran with Spouse Only | $1,566.71 | $1,819.35 | $2,044.18 | $3,321.85 |
| Veteran with Spouse and One Parent | $1,664.71 | $1,931.35 | $2,170.18 | $3,462.64 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents | $1,762.71 | $2,043.45 | $2,296.18 | $3,603.43 |
| Veteran with One Parent | $1,542.71 | $1,791.35 | $2,013.18 | $3,287.21 |
| Veteran with Two Parents | $1,640.71 | $1,903.35 | $2,139.18 | $3,428.00 |
| Spouse Receiving Aid and Attendance (see footnote b) | $113.00 | $129.00 | $145.00 | $160.89 |
VA Disability Compensation Rates – 30% – 60% With Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Child Only | $476.35 | $681.77 | $963.04 | $1,216.39 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $532.35 | $756.77 | $1,056.04 | $1,328.39 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $574.35 | $812.77 | $1,126.04 | $1,412.39 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $616.35 | $868.77 | $1,196.04 | $1,496.39 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $518.35 | $737.77 | $1,033.04 | $1,300.39 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $560.35 | $793.77 | $1,103.04 | $1,384.39 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $26.00 | $34.00 | $43.00 | $52.00 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (see footnote a) | $84.00 | $112.00 | $140.00 | $168.00 |
| Spouse Receiving Aid and Attendance (see footnote b) | $48.00 | $64.00 | $81.00 | $96.00 |
VA Disability Compensation Rates – 70% – 100% With Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran with Child Only | $1,526.71 | $1,772.35 | $1,992.18 | $3,263.74 |
| Veteran with Spouse and Child | $1,656.71 | $1,922.35 | $2,160.18 | $3,450.32 |
| Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child | $1,754.71 | $2,034.35 | $2,286.18 | $3,591.11 |
| Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child | $1,852.71 | $2,146.35 | $2,412.18 | $3,731.90 |
| Veteran with One Parent and Child | $1,624.71 | $1,884.35 | $2,118.18 | $3,404.53 |
| Veteran with Two Parents and Child | $1,722.71 | $1,996.35 | $2,244.18 | $3,545.32 |
| Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 | $61.00 | $69.00 | $78.00 | $87.17 |
| Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 (see footnote a) | $197.00 | $225.00 | $253.00 | $281.57 |
| Spouse Receiving Aid and Attendance (see footnote b) | $113.00 | $129.00 | $145.00 | $160.89 |
FOOTNOTES:
a.) Rates for each school child are shown separately. They are not included with any other compensation rates. All other entries on this chart reflecting a rate for children show the rate payable for children under 18 or helpless. To find the amount payable to a 70% disabled veteran with a spouse and four children, one of whom is over 18 and attending school, take the 70% rate for a veteran with a spouse and 3 children, ($1,656.71 + $122 = $1,778.71), and add the rate for one school child, $197.00. The total amount payable is $1,975.71.
b.) Where the veteran has a spouse who is determined to require Aid and Attendance (A/A), add the figure shown as “additional for A/A spouse” to the amount shown for the proper dependency code. For example, the veteran has an A/A spouse and 2 minor children and is 70% disabled. Add $113.00, additional for A/A spouse, to the rate for a 70% veteran with dependency code 12, $1,717.71. The total amount payable is $1,830.71.
About VA Service-Connected Disability Ratings
VA Service-Connected Disability Ratings are awarded to veterans on a case by case basis, based upon illnesses or injuries that occurred or were made worse while the member was performing active duty military service. A disability rating can also be awarded to a veteran who was injured or became disabled after receiving VA health care.
VA Service Connected Disability Compensation is Tax-Free
VA Service Connected Disability Compensation is a tax-free benefit which is paid directly to the veteran on a monthly basis. This income does not need to be reported on federal tax returns. Please check with your individual state tax office to determine if this is reportable at the state level.
How VA Disability Compensation Impacts Retirement Pay
Retired military members who are awarded a service-connected disability rating are entitled to receive their disability compensation from the VA. However, military retirees may experience some differences from non-retired veterans.
VA Disability Offset for Military Retirees
There is a federal law on the books which requires military retirees to waive part of their military retirement pay in order to receive VA disability compensation benefits. Military retirees with a disability rating of 40% or less may have their military retirement pay offset by the amount of disability compensation they receive from the VA. In other words, their retirement pay from DFAS will be decreased by the exact amount of money they receive from the VA.
The end result is the same gross payment. However, the VA compensation is tax-free, resulting in a larger overall net payment.
Concurrent Receipt
Military retirees with a disability rating of 50% or greater may be eligible to receive both their full disability income and the full military retirement pay with no offset. This is called Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay (CRDP), or concurrent receipt.
Combat Related Special Compensation
There is another program called Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), or CRSC (10 U.S. Code § 1413a).
CRSC Benefits replace the VA disability offset for military retirees with combat-related disabilities, allowing military retirees to receive both their full disability compensation and retirement pay, without any offset. This can be applied even at a VA disability rating of less than 50%.
CRSC is only awarded to military members who have a combat-related disability rating. Members must apply through their branch of service to be awarded CRSC.
Note: Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay and Combat Related Special Compensation are often a source of confusion and contention among many veterans. We recommend working directly with the VA, DFAS, or your branch of service to handle any specific questions or issues you may have with either of these programs.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to answer any specific questions regarding an individual VA disability claim or compensation.
Having Dependents May Impact Your Disability Compensation Payments
Veterans who have a disability rating of 30% or higher may receive increased disability compensation payments from the VA. This does not apply to veterans with a disability rating of 20% or lower.
Veterans must add their dependents to their VA disability claim and inform the VA of any changes to dependency status. This is important any time there is a change such as a marriage, divorce, birth, legal adoption, death, minor entering into the majority, a parent becoming a dependent, or other qualifying changes to dependency status.
Children are no longer eligible to be claimed as a dependent once they reach age 18 unless they are still attending school. To continue receiving benefits for your dependent after they reach age 18, the VA requires the veteran to submit supporting documentation proving the child is attending a qualified school.
Promptly Inform the VA of Changes to Dependents’ Status
The VA will provide back pay from the time you file the paperwork to add a dependent to your claim. However, they may also claw back overpayments you received should you fail to inform the VA that your status has changed. This is important when there is an event that may decrease your compensation, such as a child no longer being eligible for benefits, a divorce, or a death.
You can find historical rates here.
Related Content:
- Why You File Your Veterans Disability Claim (Not Just How)
- How NOT to do it: Applying for VA disability years after military separation
- What Happens After Your VA Disability Claim Has Been Approved
- What The VA Really Does With Your Disability Claim
- IRS denies military retirement “net disability exclusion”
My son recently graduated high school. I’m rated at 100% disability. Just recently they lowered my pay. Called to have it reinstated because he will be attending college full time. They said if he’s using the G.I.Bill they wouldn’t include him in the disability pay any longer. That it would be double dipping. Is this true?
I don’t know the answer, Chris, but here’s some background and suggestions.
There is a section of federal dual compensation law from the 1960s that affects military pay and benefits:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/part-III/subpart-D/chapter-55/subchapter-IV
However over the last 25 years, parts of it have been repealed and other military laws have created many exemptions to this situation.
You earned your GI Bill and you’ve already paid for that as well as been rated for your VA disability compensation, so it seems that you’d merit both.
I’d talk with a Veteran Service Officer to see if they can quote you a specific policy (from the VA website or a handbook) or a more specific federal law. If the VSO isn’t sure then I’d consult a lawyer about the federal laws for the VA benefits in Chapters 35 and 38.
You could also talk with the VSO about whether your son should be using your GI Bill or your Chapter 35 benefits (Dependents Educational Assistance).
https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
Finally, the solution might be as simple as documenting that your son is attending college. You could upload his university’s attendance letter to your eBenefits account
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-674-are.pdf
https://www.va.gov/disability/add-remove-dependent/
Not sure where you’re from but if you’re having trouble finding your VSO, you can always contact your patient advocate at your VA medical center, they are a great resource. If is a smaller one, they will get you in contact with the “main hub” to find your local or nearest VSO to help you get this matter straightened out and get you the help all the way through that you need.
Good luck!
i have a 70% with a100% permanent and total unemployability for 8 years what benefits is my wife entitle to
Champ VA healthcare benefits and I think there are some education benefits too. I’m newly P&T and trying to figure out all my benefits.
I am in the Reserves, and I am currently 20% rated. During my PHA, I told them I was having lower back pain and they blew me off. I went to a civilian doctor, and X-Rays came back showing moderate degeneration of my lower spine. How can I upgrade my rating and does anyone know typically what percent that would be?
Godwin, the best recommendation I have is to work with a Veteran Service Officer, who’s probably helped file dozens of updated claims
You could find a VSO with your local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Disabled American Vets, or the American Legion, or even MOAA. You can learn more about VSOs at the VA’s website:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/
and use their directory to search their Regional Benefit Offices:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vso/varo.asp
Your state government’s Veterans Affairs branch may also be able to help find a VSO or claims lawyer in your area.
We don’t have the resources, knowledge, or experience to estimate how your VA disability rating would change. A VSO might be able to discuss their experience.
Thank you very much Doug, appreciate it!
30% disability rating awarded in 2016, almost 8 years after I retired. A process indeed, and far smarter people than I have written books on the VA disability process. Two takeaways though.
If your VSO or case worker cares more about your package than you, expect a certain result. You need to own your case and process to that end. “No” or “Denied” is never the final answer if you do not want it to be. It took eight years to change a “No” to a “Yes.” Other cases took far shorter, other cases far longer. And I think most of us assume we present a very strong case for the maximum awards, but at the end of the day there are other things in our power to control that we can change money wise. Because at the end of the day its a matter of how much money you have in your pocket at the end of every month.
In the last few years I have done the following to yield far more after tax income than the $500 or so 30% with spouse I get every month.
-Refi the house
-Cut the cable, in the NE anyone with Comcast knows that story
-Renegotiate both Auto and Life insurance with USAA. Yes what they charge you for both is never a closed book, pick up the phone and call.
-Change your electric/utility provider. In a state like PA you have about 30 options any given year.
-And the big one for military retirees before Medicare: What are you paying for health care?
These changes over the last 3 years have increased what we keep about $600/month year over year— independent from any VA award process.
Thanks, Peter, good points!
I am 100% service connected and so is my husband. Our children are all grown and I’m wondering why his amount is 3,600/month and mine is 3,200/month?
That’s a very good question, Aj. If you’re asking about the compensation tables, they’re gender-neutral. If you haven’t already checked them, they’re listed here:
https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
More details of the calculations are here:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp#howcalc
It might be possible that he’s receiving more disability compensation from the VA’s statement that:
“You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:
[…]
[…]
… you have a seriously disabled spouse.”
If you haven’t already, I’d check both of your most recent VA disability ratings letters to ensure that the factors are the same.
I understand that your family is all grown, but I’d also check each of your eBenefits profiles for errors in the “spouse, parents, and children” data. If any of your childrens’ birth dates are incorrect then the VA might think they’re still under 18 years old.
After many years working with my VSO and other DAV Personnel I finely received my Letter stating I have a combined evaluation of 100% and I am receiving service-connected disability compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs, (I had been appealing a denial of benefits due to denial of a link to Agent Orange). These was implemented March 01, 2020, and had become effective on December 06, 2011. I had originally filed under myself only. I just recently filed to have my spouse covered as we were married in ’76. This was awarded along the same line. It was brought to my attention that, out of my 4 kids, Two of them were under the age of 23, in college after my effective date , one for 11 months in that period of time and the other for 35 months during the time I became elegable and they turned 23,respectfully. Do I have an opportunity to request benefits based on these months of plausible coverage?
That’s correct, Robert, your VA benefits are adjusted for eligible children– up to the age of 18 or (if they’re unmarried full-time college students) the age of 23.
Your VSO can help you add your children to your eBenefits account with their dates of birth and their college dates. You’d have to document their full-time college with an attendance letter from their admissions office certifying that they were full-time students during those dates.
Then your VSO would be able to help you research the compensation that you were due for those months and adjust the total amount of your retroactive benefits.
I have just been awarded 40%. What can I receive per month
Johnie, in 2020 your compensation will vary from $627.61 to $783.61 per month depending on whether your family is just you or a spouse, one child, and dependent parents. Additional compensation is included for additional children.
If you’re receiving a military pension then you’re required to waive that amount of your (taxable) pension for the (tax-free) VA disability compensation.
How/where do I find a VA compensation rate table for effective dates 01/01/1990 through 10/31/2011? Pre-12/01/1999 are not on the VA website in historical rate tables.
Good question, Reighn9, I haven’t been able to find anything online either.
My apologies if you’ve already thought of these three suggestions:
1. Check with a Veteran Service Officer or your local VA clinic/regional office. That compensation information might not be on a search-indexed server but it may be in a database or a PDF which could be sent to you.
2. Talk with your local chapters of the VFW, DAV, and American Legion. They might have files or newsletters going back that far.
3. (Most painful.) Look up the legislation. The annual appropriations acts will either provide a compensation table or an inflation adjustment for you to derive your own tables.
what is the 100% disability rate for each year from 2013 to to days rates
Hello Terry,
The historical rates are at the bottom of this page on the VA website. Best wishes.
My daughter is 15 and was born with Cerebral Palsy. She can not walk independently and relies on her wheel chair or walker. I am currently 70 percent disabled. When she turns 18, will I still receive benefits for her and what is the best way to start the process of notifying ebenefits and the VA now, to avoid any problems when she turns 18?
Hello John, The best thing to do is to contact the VA and have them walk you through the paperwork to ensure the VA will continue to recognize your child as a dependent. You may need to recertify or reverify every so often, but I am not positive how that process works. The VA can provide more information.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service.
DIANE PEDERSON
December 4, 2019 at 5:57 PM
We just lost my mother so I was looking online to see what my fathers new rate of pay will be. He is 100% disabled. He was just recently declared legally blind. Will that make difference in his disability pay?
Hi Diane,
I will say since your mother passed away your dad’s disability pay will decrease by $150 or so and also since he has been declared legally blind he should qualify for AID AND ATTENDANCE but you got to take him along with the medical write up showing he is legally blind to a VA rep nearest you and then they fill out the application and submit it to the VA along with your dad’s doctor’s write up and that is like $2300 additional to what he is getting for being 100% disabled through the VA, dont wait for take him to see a local VA rep asap and get it done..
LINDA SWARNY
August 6, 2019 at 5:11 PM
I have a student loan from prior to my military service. Im a disabled vet with 90% rating. Is there a way to decrease or dismiss this student loan?
Hi Linda if you have a student loan and want it to be forgiven then you must be at 100% disability rating and then fill out the federal student loan forgivness form and then send those docs in and then not only will your loan be forgiven all the payments you made will be refunded back to you as well…
RANDY CROUCH
October 2, 2019 at 8:35 PM
I was just awarded a 70% rating for PTSD am I eligible for unemployable disability also
Hi Randy here is what you need to do and get- If you have or intending to get a rating for PTSD here is the magical thing you need to do!!! You need a letter written up by either a VA Mental Health Psychiatrist or a civilian Psychiatrist and within that letter he/she needs to have in it (magical words) Chronic Severe PTSD and Totally Unemployable!!!!!!! When the Psychiatrist writes up this type of letter for you and signs it then you submit it to VA for a disability rating and you will be rated at 100% hands down!!! If you are at lets say at a 30% rating for PTSD you then submit for an appeal and send that letter with the appeal to the VA rating board and you will be getting a new rating of 100% and totally unemployable!!! after that you be able to get many benefits like no more property taxes that you file at your county township and if you wear some sort of a brace but it must have metal in it then you will be eligible for clothing allowance as well which is paid to you once a year but you need to go to prostetics dept and get with the person in charge of that to fill out the clothing allowance for you and submit it for you, then you be on static status for life to where you no longer have to fill out the clothing allowance form each year because it will be automatically be EFT into your checking account, I for one went years fighting for and increase for PTSD and when you go for the C&P exam the mental health doctor will come out and try to trick you by saying- Hi i am doctor so and so how are you doing today- and being off guard you going to say i am doing ok and you made eye contact and then as soon as you walk into his little office he writes down- the veteran shook my hand, made eye contact, and said he is doing ok now when he/she does that you just as well might stop get up and walk out because the VA will look at that and say he said he is doing ok and he made eye contact-you get what I am saying to my fellow vets?
If you have or intending to get a rating for PTSD here is the magical thing you need to do!!! You need a letter written up by either a VA Mental Health Psychiatrist or a civilian Psychiatrist and within that letter he/she needs to have in it (magical words) Chronic Severe PTSD and Totally Unemployable!!!!!!! When the Psychiatrist writes up this type of letter for you and signs it then you submit it to VA for a disability rating and you will be rated at 100% hands down!!! If you are at lets say at a 30% rating for PTSD you then submit for an appeal and send that letter with the appeal to the VA rating board and you will be getting a new rating of 100% and totally unemployable!!! after that you be able to get many benefits like no more property taxes that you file at your county township and if you wear some sort of a brace but it must have metal in it then you will be eligible for clothing allowance as well which is paid to you once a year but you need to go to prostetics dept and get with the person in charge of that to fill out the clothing allowance for you and submit it for you, then you be on static status for life to where you no longer have to fill out the clothing allowance form each year because it will be automatically be EFT into your checking account, I for one went years fighting for and increase for PTSD and when you go for the C&P exam the mental health doctor will come out and try to trick you by saying- Hi i am doctor so and so how are you doing today- and being off guard you going to say i am doing ok and you made eye contact and then as soon as you walk into his little office he writes down- the veteran shook my hand, made eye contact, and said he is doing ok now when he/she does that you just as well might stop get up and walk out because the VA will look at that and say he said he is doing ok and he made eye contact-you get what I am saying to my fellow vets?
We just lost my mother so I was looking online to see what my fathers new rate of pay will be. He is 100% disabled. He was just recently declared legally blind. Will that make difference in his disability pay?
I retired in dec 93 with 30% disability from the Marines and 20% from the VA, In April 2019 I submitted a request for reevaluation of disability from the VA it just came back with a rating of 80%. ($1631.69) I was receiving ($276.84) which was deducted from my retired pay. Will the new amount also be deducted from my retired pay or does CRDP or CRSC apply? Thanks for the info in advance
Hello Joseph, Based on the provided information, you should be eligible for Concurrent Receipt, meaning you would receive both your full military retirement pay and your VA disability pay without offset. You can read more about this here.
I wish you the best, and thank you for your service.
V.A said I owe 30k because they took my dependents off going all the way back to 2007, they wanted address and dates that due to the nature of my disability I can not remember. Me and my wife have been separated going on 6/7 years she isnt cooperative in helping recall the information I need. Plus I have a 9 yr old that I never added to my deers… I grew frustrated with the process and just let them take the 30k over 3yrs. At first I just dropped all my dependents and they said fine. But a year later is when they came back and said we’re going back to 2007..
I’ve heard that once they start taking a large portion of your benefits that its next to impossible to stop it.
I dont have the energy to fight the Gov, they always win anyways..
I’m sorry to read about that, Mel.
I’d suggest that you work with a local Veteran Service Officer or your state Veterans Administration office. You can find a VSO through your local chapters of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, or even MOAA. Their services are free to you, and so are the services from your state vet’s office.
They’ll help you gather the documentation for straightening out your family benefits, and then help you recoup the money that you’ve already earned and paid for.
Hi I’m receiving va compensation. I would like to know if I can still claim my 19 year old son? He is in prep military college since august of 2019. what do I need to do? Thank you.
Good question, Leo! When he’s a full-time student then you can claim him for your VA disability compensation eligibility up through age 23. Here’s the requirement from the VA’s website at:
https://benefits.va.gov/compensation/add-dependents.asp
Children (including biological children, step children, and adopted children) who are unmarried and either:
– Under the age of 18
– Between the ages of 18-23 and attending school full-time, or
– Who were seriously disabled before the age of 18
I strongly recommend using eBenefits to update your claim info. Here’s an in-depth video on adding your son through eBenefits, including supplying information about the school and his program:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vsn-LB9Nrec
You could also submit a stack of paper forms or use a local Veteran Service Officer, but eBenefits is generally worth the occasional hassle & frustration.
My Dad receives VA disability compensation at the married rate. My Mom argues with him that the VA gives him the extra amount for her, and that he is supposed to give it to her each month. The VA originally and mistakenly approved his claim at the single rate. After sending the VA proof of marriage, they updated his disability compensation to the married rate. They also sent a letter explaining the correction, and the increased amount of disability for being married, which my Mom interprets as “her money” that my Dad should give to her each month. I had found an internet article some time ago, stating the reasons why the extra “married amount” is not money the VA is giving to the spouse, but money for the veteran because they are married. They are elderly and I’m trying to put this to rest to stop the bickering. I would sincerely appreciate it if you could offer an explanation, a link from the VA, or any type of justification I can show to my Mom to prove the VA did not send that letter to tell my Dad he has to give the the “married portion” of his disability each month. Sincerely, Matt
Matt, the VA only says that the additional disability compensation is “to help support your family”.
https://benefits.va.gov/compensation/add-dependents.asp
Veterans have earned (and paid for) the compensation. I’m not aware of any legal requirements on how a married veteran is expected to use their compensation. Your parents might be able to gain more insight by consulting a Veteran Service Officer in their community from the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, or MOAA.
can you claim foster children as dependents?
It doesn’t look like it, Amber, but you’d want to verify that with your state Veterans Affairs office or your foster agency. The state may offer additional benefits that the federal VA does not.
The VA’s website says:
“You can add a dependent if: You have or adopt a child.”
Foster children aren’t mentioned on this page.
https://www.va.gov/disability/add-remove-dependent/
You could also consult a VSO in your community from a local chapter of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the VFW, or even MOAA.
https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/
If my husband was in the military and married with one child when he was discharged and originally awarded his disability but has since divorced her and their child is now over 18 but we have married and had a child of our own, can he still claim the married with one child? He’s been receiving single pay for over 10 years while we’ve been married.
Hello Shannon, veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher can add dependents to their claim. It is the veteran’s responsibility to contact the VA to inform them of changes to their status, including adding or removing dependents. Your husband should contact the VA to ensure his claim is correct, and add or remove any dependents as necessary. This can be done with VA Form 21-686c. You can learn more here.
I wish you and your family the best!
I have a student loan from prior to my military service. Im a disabled vet with 90% rating. Is there a way to decrease or dismiss this student loan?
Good question, Linda, with complicated answers.
If you have federal student loans and you’re working for a government or not-for-profit organization, then you’re eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The definition of that type of organization is very broad. Here’s a fact sheet:
https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Content/Documents/Print/LoanForgivenessv4.pdf
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Part of that process might include Income-Based Repayment with forgiveness after 25 years.
If you’re working in veteran healthcare then there’s a loan repayment program for that education:
https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Content/Documents/Print/edrp_va_vha_flyer_FINAL.pdf
I think the VA also offers its employees a Student Loan Repayment Program. That might require you to actually be employed at the VA.
https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Benefits/EducationSupport
https://www.va.gov/finance/docs/VA-FinancialPolicyVolumeIIIChapter04.pdf
Finally I’d encourage you to talk with a Veteran Service Officer (at a VA clinic), a Veterans Affairs rep at your local university, and your state’s Veterans Affairs office.
VSOs mainly help process disability compensation claims, but they may also have more detailed information on student loans and can refer you to the right people. The veteran’s reps at university campuses are also connected to the right resources to help you review your loans and figure out your options. And finally, your state Veterans Affairs office can help you with individual state, county, city, or other local programs.
So, I was just informed there is a different payment rate for single, and married with child. I’m currently receiving disability at the single status, when I’ve been married, with children since before I joined the military. Who do I contact to have my status changed, and to get back pay initiated?
Jesse, the simplest method would be logging in to your eBenefits account and adding your family members.
Since you may be eligible for back pay, you might want to visit your local Veteran Service Officer and figure out how far back the VA will go. They can also add your family members, and they may want to see marriage certificates & birth certificates.
You will not get back pay to the time that you got out unless you just got out and its within your 1 year of getting your Notification letter. It states in that letter you are being paid at a single rate, so if your passed that 1 year mark, unfortunately you lost that back pay. You can go onto benefits or call 1800827100 and they can be added over the phone and know right then if you need to upload documents. Again if your are past that 1 year mark, it will take effect the day you contact the VA.
if i die will my wife still get any compensation? 90%, out for 16 years, married 10 years.
No. She will have to apply for her benefit, but there a qualifications to have before shes eligible. Her benefit would alot less than yours.
I am a disabled veteran. I got hurt in 1974 and 1975 and I received a disability rating of 10%.
How can I improve my disability rating? Can you point me in the right direction and the right person?
Hector, I’d start by visiting a Veteran Service Officer for a review of what’s been done and what needs to be done. You could start with a copy of your VA claim file (if you have your C-file) and your DD-214 discharge paper, and later add your service & medical records.
You can find a VSO at a local VA clinic or local chapters of the American Legion, the DAV, the VFW, or even MOAA. You might also be able to get help from your state’s veterans benefits agency– state benefits as well as the VA’s federal benefits.
The “Related Content” links up in that post have more information about submitting a claim and updating it.
For starters you need to do an Intent to file. Then you will have 1 year from that date to get th VA Regional office the correct paperwork and then they will start working on your claim for increase.
You can go to the Regional office, any service organization, or your local VAMC to start both. At the VAMC you will talk to a service organization there. Hope this helps
What qualifies as a dependent parent? My wife’s mother is now living with us.
That’s a tough question, Tom, and I can’t find a straightforward answer. You’ll need to consult a Veteran Service Officer, a JAG, or a lawyer who’s familiar with veteran’s benefits.
Your parent is a dependent when you’re supporting them, but the financial qualifications for additional disability compensation are based on both income and assets. In addition, there’s a separate program of Dependents and Indemnity Compensation for the parents of a deceased veteran. Both are mentioned in the Code of Federal Regulations for Title 38 of U.S. Code:
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=60a4d32d8dc1ba66fef8e80bb5903c04&node=pt38.1.3&rgn=div5#_top
but it’s hard to tell which sections apply to veteran’s disability compensation (with dependent parents) or the surviving parents’ DIC of a deceased veteran.
The basic definition is on the VA’s website:
https://benefits.va.gov/compensation/add-dependents.asp
“Parents, who are in your direct care and whose income and net worth are below the limit set by law.”
A parent’s application is not handled by eBenefits but rather has to be filed with VA Form 21P-509.
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21P-509-ARE.pdf
Before you spend the time filling out the form, it’s possible that a VSO (or the lawyers) will have the latest guidelines on accounting for the parent’s income & assets.
If you support your parent with the majority of there income, then they can be added.
I didnt see an increase in the 2019 chart. It has the same amount From 2018. Am I missing something
Jorge, what 2018 chart are you comparing the rates to? The rates on this post’s 2019 tables are at least 2.8% higher than the 2018 rates.
In 2018 my VA disability compensation (30% rating, no kids) was $466.15. In 2019 it’s going up to $479.83.
What disability rate are you searching for? How much was your last compensation deposit?
Great roll-up on the 2019 VA compensation and a good over all explanation of how disability works with military retirement. I’m not quite there yet but know some guys who are. I’ll pass it on.
Tyler
Thanks, Tyler!
My son just got an increase for mental health, many issues they balled together, and went from 30% to 70% that was the only change. He was at 80% disability overall, somehow hes at 90% now????
He also put in a claim for IU? Dont know decision, will it show on ebenefits? Hes still waiting on his ‘package ‘ of paperwork to come in mail. But it’s only been 3 months n he got a decision, he was also told he would be receiving a monthly SMC due to his high mental health issues.
But amt he got in acct today leaves us baffled. ( I help him with finances, Bill’s, medication, appts, etc.)
Any info you can offer???
Hello Lori, Thank you for your comment. This sounds like a situation that warrants individual attention beyond what can be provided via email.
I recommend speaking with someone who can review his specific situation and offer personalized assistance (this is not something we are qualified to provide).
The best thing to do is to contact a veterans benefits counselor at the VA or county VA office, or with a Veterans Service Organization such as the DAV, AMVETS, American Legion, VFW, etc. They have counselors who offer free, individualized claims assistance.
I wish you and your son the best!
I was just awarded a 70% rating for PTSD am I eligible for unemployable disability also