Whether you’re new to seeking veterans disability benefits, trying to get benefits, or seeking an increase, you may have encountered difficulties navigating the VA’s system. You’re not alone—many people who have tried to apply for and receive the benefits they earned have been frustrated by the lack of help from the VA. Even the VA’s caseworkers and staff don’t have all the answers and frequently give out incorrect information to veterans.
We’ve assembled this veterans disability guide to help demystify the process. Getting a VA disability isn’t impossible. It helps to have vital information so that you aren’t flying blind through the process.
2024 VA Disability Compensation Rates
Veterans receive benefits from their ratings set by the VA, based on their level of disability. As of December 1, 2023, this is the monthly benefit rate for veterans without dependents:
- 10%: $171.23
- 20%: $338.49
- 30%: $524.31
- 40%: $755.28
- 50%: $1,075.16
- 60%: $1,361.88
- 70%: $1,716.28
- 80%: $1,995.01
- 90%: $2,241.91
- 100%: $3,737.85
Veterans with living spouses, children, and/or parents receive additional monetary benefits.
How The VA Decides Disability Ratings
Some veterans are rated on a single condition and are awarded a percentage for the condition. Most veterans are rated for multiple conditions and are given a “combined rating” that determines their disability and the amount they receive monthly.
Many people incorrectly believe that the “combined” rating is the sum of the percentages, but this is not the case. Multiple percentages that might total over 100% are not simply added together. The VA’s combined rating table takes the person’s most disabling or highest-rated condition, subtracts it from 100%, and then rates the lesser conditions by severity. Other conditions are rated from the number left from the original 100%, with percentages rounded up to the nearest 10. Someone who is rated at 65% would be rounded up to 70% for benefits purposes.
Applying For Benefits
Veterans disability benefits are not automatic and must be applied for to receive. The process is a long-term endeavor for most veterans. Processing the documents can take a few months to over a year, and receiving the financial benefits may take even longer.
Veterans who served in active-duty military, National Guard, or were a cadet at a United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard academy or as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy are qualified if their illnesses or injuries are service-related. The exceptions are individuals who received a dishonorable discharge or became disabled by wilful misconduct. Any medical conditions you request disability for must be either service-connected or exacerbated by military service.
You can apply by:
- Submitting your application in person at your local VA office
- Going online and filing your electronic Form 21-526 on the VA’s website
- Download and print a copy of Form 21-526EZ, and either
- Fax it to 844-531-7818 (inside the US) or 248-524-4260 (outside the US)
- Mail it to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
You can file your initial application even if you don’t have all of your medical and other needed documentation, as those can be added later.
Help is available for veterans who are unfamiliar with the VA and its application process. Working with an attorney who understands veterans’ disability benefits can make the process much easier for you as well as ensure that the application is completed and submitted correctly. The attorney can assist you in obtaining needed records and filing any appeals if necessary.
Herren Law Helps Houston Veterans
This veterans disability guide is a brief overview of what you need to apply. Getting veterans disability benefits and back pay is a long, arduous process that takes patience as well as understanding the law. William Herren is a disability attorney who has helped more than 4,000 Houstonians get the benefits they deserve, including veterans. Call The Herren Law Firm today at 713-682-8194 (or use our online contact form) to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take your case on a contingency fee basis, with no up-front charges. You don’t owe a fee until we win your case.
