Qualifying for VA Disability Benefits- Eligibility Criteria, Benefits and Advantages

04 Mar Qualifying for VA Disability Benefits- Eligibility Criteria, Benefits and Advantages

One of the trickiest questions applicants might come across is, “Are you qualified for a VA loan if you have any disability?”

The VA guidelines clearly state that an active military member, a Veteran and their family member can avail VA loan and health benefits, given they meet the eligibility criteria. So, a disability or an ailment will not stop you from reaping the benefits of VA mortgages. Rather, a Veteran who has a service-related disability is open to avail VA disability benefits provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Eligibility Criteria For Disability Benefits

To avail of VA disability benefits, the following statements must be true-

1. You are a current/former military member
2. You suffer from a disability. (service-related or non-service related)

Along with meeting the above-stated requirement, you must meet any one of the following condition-

1. You got sick or disabled while rendering your services to the US military, OR
2. You were already suffering from an illness, which got worse on-duty, OR
3. May diagnosed with a service-related disability/illness after your retirement.

What Conditions Are Covered By Va Disability Benefits?

You are eligible to get VA disability benefits if you suffer from one or more of the following-

1. PTSD
2. Depression or anxiety
3. Brain injury that resulted in trauma
4. Cancer caused by exposure to any chemicals while on-duty
5. Lung disease or breathing problems
6. Hearing loss
7. Chronic pain
8. Severe/Total disability
9. Ulcers
10. Scar tissue

List Of VA Disability Benefits

VA loans come with several benefits like no down payment facility, lower interest rates and easier refinance options. However, a current/former military member who suffers or died from any service-related disability is open to additional benefits too.

1. No Funding Fees Required- VA loans come with a variety of benefits like no down payment options, lower interest rates and flexible guidelines. However, one of the downsides applicants have to endure is the funding fee. This fee can range up to 2.3% of the borrowed amount. But, if you meet the requirements for VA disability benefits, your funding fee will be exempted, which can count up to some major savings. All you need to do is submit the documentation for COE and apply for the appraisal.
2. Disability compensation- Military disability compensation is a tax-free compensation one gets from the VA if they can meet the requirements for VA disability benefits. The rates depend upon the various factors and can reach up to $5000 and even $10000 in some cases.
3. Disability compensation can be counted as your income- To qualify for a VA mortgage, you need to have a credit score of at least 600 and have sufficient residual income to support other expenses. But in the case of a qualified disabled, the compensation he/she receives can be counted as a stable income, helping veterans meet these unique requirements.
4. Property tax exemption- If you are eligible to avail of VA disability benefits, you may also qualify for property tax exemption. This benefit can account for some major savings but might vary depending upon the state you live in and other factors.