Disabled veteran benefits are awarded to veterans who are injured or incur a disease during active military service. Veterans must meet certain criteria and undergo medical examinations and massive amounts of paperwork throughout the process. Although the process of being approved for benefits can seem daunting, compensation could make the process well worth it in the end.
What are VA Disability Rates?
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans disability benefits to former service members with qualifying service-related medical conditions. These benefits are designed to ensure you can make a living if you are partially or entirely unable to work. According to benefits.va.gov, The current VA disability compensation rates range from $136 to $2,973 monthly for a single veteran with no dependents. So, if you are considering applying for disabled veteran benefits, chances are, its worth a try!
What are the 2018 VA disability rates?
The VA issued the latest benefit rates in December of 2017, which is what the 2018 VA disability rates are based on. According to their rate chart, the monthly benefit amounts for a single veteran with no children and a disability rating of 10 to 100 percent are the following:
- 10 percent disability rating: $136.24 per month
- 20 percent disability rating: $269.30 per month
- 30 percent disability rating: $417.15 per month
- 40 percent disability rating: $600.90 per month
- 50 percent disability rating: $855.41 per month
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,083.52 per month
- 70 percent disability rating: $1,365.48 per month
- 80 percent disability rating: $1,587.25 per month
- 90 percent disability rating: $1,783.68 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $2,973.86 per month
How can I get disability benefits?
When you apply for and get approved for VA service-connected disability benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs assigns you a disability rating. Your rating is based on how severe the VA believes your condition is. The more compelling the evidence you have that your condition keeps you from working, the higher your rating will probably be. A higher rating means a greater monthly benefit amount.
What does my VA disability rating mean?
VA disability ratings range from 0 to 100 percent and are assigned in increments of 10 percent. Although a rating of 0 percent may not entitle you to monthly compensation, it does make you eligible for other benefits, such as healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ratings assigned from 10 to 100 percent qualify for monthly compensation as well as healthcare.
Do I get more benefits if I have dependents?
Individuals with a disability rating of 30 percent or higher are eligible to receive additional benefits for dependents. It will increase incrementally for every additional dependent child that lives with you full time and is under the age of 18. Dependents between the ages of 18 and 23 who are in school may qualify for a higher incremental amount.
Can I appeal my disability rating if I disagree with it?
Disability ratings can be appealed. However, it is highly recommended that you be sure to speak with a doctor and seek legal advice before deciding to appeal a disability rating.
