from the Department of Veterans Affairs

What Is VA Disability Compensation?

Disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a veteran for disabilities that are a result of or made worse by injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Disability compensation is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

How Much Does VA Pay?

The amount of basic benefit paid ranges from $123 to $2,673 per month, depending on how disabled you are.

Note: You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:

• you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
• you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
• you have a seriously disabled spouse

How Can You Apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. If you have any of the following material, please attach it to your application:

• Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
• Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
• Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)

You can also apply online through our web site at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

Related Benefits

Priority Medical Care

Vocational Rehabilitation

Clothing Allowance

Grants for Specially Adapted Housing

Automobile Grant & Adaptive Equipment

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance

Federal Employment Preference

State/Local Veterans Benefits

Military Exchange & Commissary Privileges

For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000

or Visit Our Web Site at http://www.va.gov.

Compensation and Pension Service – December 2008

This article is meant to give you general information and not specific legal advice.
Prepared by Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. Updated April, 2012. CE-77-F242-VA