VA disability compensation

​VA disability compensation

​www.va.gov/disability/

VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you've earned.

​On this page:

• Get VA disability compensation (pay)
  
• Manage your Veterans disability benefits
  
• More information and resources
  
• Other VA benefits and services
  

​Get VA disability compensation (pay)

• Eligibility ​
  
  • Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability benefits for a presumptive disability or other service-connected condition.
    
• How to file a claim 
  
  • Find out how to prepare and file a claim for disability compensation online or by phone or mail.
    
• File a claim online (VA Form 21-526EZ) 
  
  • Start your application for disability compensation now.
    
• After you file your claim 
  
  • Find out what happens after you file for VA disability compensation, how long it takes us to make a decision, and what to do if you disagree.
    
• Compensation benefits for a surviving spouse and dependents (VA DIC) 
  
  • Learn about getting VA disability benefits as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent.
    

Manage your Veterans disability benefits.

• Check your VA claim or appeal status 

Track the status of your disability claim or appeal.

• View your disability rating 

View your VA disability ratings and which of your ratings are service-connected.

• File for a VA disability increase 

If your service-connected disability has gotten worse, find out how to file a claim to increase your disability rating.

• Request a decision review or manage a legacy appeal 

If you disagree with a decision on your disability claim, you can request a decision review. You can also manage any review requests or appeals you already filed.
​

• Add or remove a dependent Find out how and when to add a dependent spouse, child, or parent to your VA disability benefits. Also learn how to remove a dependent from your benefits.
• Upload evidence to support your disability claim Send us evidence (like doctor's reports, medical test results, or service records) to help support your open disability claim.
• File additional forms for your disability claim Find out if you'll need to turn in any additional forms to support your disability claim.
• Change your VA direct deposit information Find out how to change your direct deposit information online.
• Share your VA medical records Set up your personal health record and download reports to share with your VA and non-VA doctors.
• Download your VA benefit letters Download a copy of letters like your eligibility or award letter for certain benefits.

• View your VA disability payments history Check the status of your VA disability and pension payments. You can also see certain survivor benefits.
  

​More information and resources

• About VA disability ratings Learn how we assign disability ratings and effective dates, and what to do after you get your rating.
• Disability compensation effective dates The effective date is the day you can start getting your disability benefits. Learn how we decide effective dates in different cases.
• Review VA disability compensation rates Check the Veterans compensation benefits rates tables to find your rate based on your disability rating and dependents.
• DIC benefit rates for surviving spouses and children Learn the current DIC benefit rates for spouses and children.
• DIC benefit rates for surviving parents Learn the current DIC benefit rates for surviving parents.
• VA claim exam (C&P exam) Find out why you might need a claim exam, how to schedule and prepare for your appointment, and what to expect during and after the exam.
• Get help from an accredited representative Connect with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for help applying for benefits.
  

NOTICE TO VETERAN/SERVICE MEMBER OF EVIDENCE NECESSARY TO SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM FOR VETERANS DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND RELATED COMPENSATION BENEFITS

CLICK HERE FOR "VA FORM 21-526EZ" - MAKE SURE TO PRINT THE FORM OUT & THAN FILL IT OUT.

Benefit Description

​Disability Compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.

​Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.

Learn More about Disability Compensation

​Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities. DIC for parents is an income based benefit.

Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

​Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg.

For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person.

Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Other Benefits: VA provides additional housing and insurance benefits to Veterans with disabilities, including Adapted Housing grants, Service-Disable Veterans' Insurance, and Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance.

​Veterans Benefits Administration

​Regional Offices Websites

​Current VA Regional Office StatusAll VBA regional offices are open and offering in-person public facing services for Veterans and their families. In addition to in-person services, VBA continues to offer both online and phone services for your convenience.
Visit each of the website below to learn more about their operating hours and services.
Veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim for benefits by visiting our website at www.va.gov. Veterans with claims specific or other questions may request information via Ask.VA.gov | Veteran Affairs or telephone at 1-800-827-1000.
Please continue to check www.va.gov for updates. You also may follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

​Virginia

• Roanoke Regional Office
• Additional VA facilities in Virginia