17 Jul Overview on Different Types of VA Disability Benefits
Serving in the military comes with a long list of benefits. If you are a Veteran with a service-related or non-service-related disability, you might be eligible for some VA disability benefits.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides several benefits for Veterans with disabilities or any illness.
Here’s a guide to the different types of VA disability benefits and basic eligibility criteria.
ELIGIBILITY FOR VA BENEFITS
While the eligibility criteria might differ from program to program, here’s an overview of the basic requirements you must satisfy to qualify for either of the benefits.
The following must be true-
- You have served active duty for a specific amount of time, AND
- You were discharged other than dishonor.
The VA provides benefits for the following military services-
- Full-time service in US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guards.
- Services in the Reserves or Air/Army National Guard.
- Midshipmen at US Naval Academy or cadets at Air Force or Coast Guard Academies.
In some cases, the following services might be included as a part of active duty-
- Service in National Organization other than the Armed Forces
- Services rendered for the training for the Armed Forces
- Enrollment in preparatory schools of military academies.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VA DISABILITY BENEFITS
From healthcare to monthly pension, the VA provides numerous benefits to Veterans who got sick/injured while on duty. Besides, some monetary and health benefits might also be available to family members, dependents or caregivers.
Service-Connected Disability Compensation
To ensure that most VA benefits are available to those in dire need, the VA follows a percentage system to rank the Veterans for their disability.
A person with 100%, i.e., unable to get out of bed due to their disabilities, will be eligible for the most benefits.
Service-Connected Disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit that provides a specific amount of compensation according to the disability percentage. The amount hugely depends upon the income, number of dependants and the severity of the condition.
VA Pension
Like other VA disability benefits, VA pension is also a tax-=free monetary benefit that provides pension to those suffering from a service-related condition.
To qualify for this benefit, the following must be true-
- You have low income and assets.
- You served at least 90 days on duty with at least one day during wartime.
- You are 65 or above OR suffer from a total and permanent disability.
Note- Always remember that one can qualify for either compensation or pension. You can qualify for both VA disability benefits.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP)
This special benefit allows you to receive VA disability benefits and retirement benefits at the same time. To qualify for this benefit, you must meet the following conditions-
- You have served active duty for 20 years or more.
- You have a disability rating of 50% or more.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSP)
This program provides VA disability benefits to combat Veterans.
To qualify for this program, the following must be true-
- You have served for at least 20 years OR had a medical retirement.
- You suffer from a combat-related disability or ailment.
- Your disability rating is 10% or higher.
VA HealthCare
In some cases where Veterans might not stand eligible for compensation or pension, this benefit provides healthcare facilities to veterans with a service-related disability.
VA Nursing Home Care
The VA provides nursing care facilities to veterans with 60% or higher ratings for their disability and can meet certain eligibility criteria.
In addition to these VA disability benefits, you might also qualify for additional benefits, including educational benefits and a home loan guarantee.
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