Veterans who have sustained injuries or illnesses during their active military service may be eligible for a range of benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits, designed to support veterans and their families, include disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and special monthly compensation. This guide breaks down each type of benefit, outlining eligibility requirements and the application process.
Types of VA Compensation Benefits
The VA offers several key compensation benefits to support veterans. Here are the main types:
Disability Compensation
Disability Compensation is a tax-free financial benefit for veterans with disabilities resulting from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. This can also include conditions that arose after service but are related to service-connected disabilities, or certain disabilities presumed to be linked to service circumstances. This compensation recognizes the impact of service-related health issues on a veteran’s life and potential loss of working time due to these conditions.
Learn More about Disability Compensation
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is another tax-free benefit, generally provided to surviving spouses, children, or parents of servicemembers who died while on duty, or veterans who passed away due to service-connected disabilities. DIC for parents is income-based and offers crucial financial support to families who have lost a loved one due to military service.
Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit available to veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents. For veterans, SMC provides a higher rate of compensation in specific situations. This includes instances where a veteran requires aid and attendance from another person or has specific disabilities, such as the loss of use of a limb. For spouses and surviving spouses, SMC, often referred to as aid and attendance, is provided based on the need for assistance with daily living.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Other benefits provided by the VA include housing and insurance assistance for disabled veterans, such as Adapted Housing grants, Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance.
Eligibility for Compensation Benefits
To be eligible for VA compensation benefits, the key requirement is that your disability must be service-connected. Additionally, veterans must have been separated from service under conditions other than dishonorable. Specific eligibility criteria vary by benefit type:
Disability Compensation: The disability must stem from an injury or disease that occurred or worsened during active duty or active duty for training, or from a heart attack, stroke, or injury during inactive duty training. Disabilities can be physical, such as conditions like Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or mental health conditions, like PTSD.
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Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Surviving spouses of servicemembers who died during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training may qualify for DIC. Children may also be eligible if they are not included in a surviving spouse’s DIC benefits.
Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Special Monthly Compensation: Veterans already receiving disability compensation may be eligible for SMC if their disability has resulted in specific circumstances such as being housebound or needing daily assistance with living functions.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Applying for VA Compensation Benefits
The most efficient way to apply for compensation benefits is through the eBenefits portal online. To begin the application, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Medical evidence, including doctor and hospital reports
- Dependency records, such as marriage and children’s birth certificates
Alternatively, you can download and mail in the application form or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to request the form be mailed to you.
VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
Servicemembers can potentially receive disability compensation benefits sooner by applying before discharge through programs like Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) or Quick Start.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): To apply for DIC, complete VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
Learn more about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Special Monthly Compensation: In many cases, the VA will automatically award SMC if a veteran’s disability qualifies. To apply specifically for SMC due to being housebound or needing aid and attendance, complete VA Form 21-2680 and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Fully Developed Claims for Faster Processing
For veterans, servicemembers, and survivors seeking a quicker decision on their claim, the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) process is available. By submitting all required evidence at the time of filing and certifying that no further evidence will be provided, the VA can process the claim more rapidly.
Veterans can file FDC claims electronically for:
- Service-connected injuries, disabilities, or conditions
- Conditions aggravated by an existing service-related condition
Steps to File a Fully Developed Claim Online:
- Visit eBenefits.va.gov
- Identify relevant federal records
- Gather necessary records (if applicable)
- Upload all documents
For assistance with filing, you can find a Veterans Service Officer through eBenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
Fully Developed Claims for Servicemembers: Servicemembers can use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program via eBenefits.va.gov to submit an FDC before leaving service. The BDD program is accessible to all active-duty servicemembers nationwide, including those in the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.
Understanding and applying for VA compensation benefits is a crucial step for veterans seeking support for service-related health issues. By utilizing the resources and programs available, veterans can access the benefits they are entitled to.
