Getting Started - An Overview of VA Disability Benefits
If you are confused and a bit bewildered after researching VA benefits, you are certainly not alone. Much of the information on the Internet, for example, is simply wrong, misleading or both. One of our goals at EVLAG is to ensure you have absolutely accurate information when you investigate your entitlement to VA benefits so you can make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. So, let’s get started!
Title 38 of the United States Code authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer two disability programs for Veterans, their surviving spouses and other family members: Compensation and Pension.
Compensation is awarded to veterans whose disability is a direct result of an event that occurred while on active duty military service. The concept is that the disability has impaired the veterans from earning a living at the same wage rate as a totally healthy person. The VA therefore “compensates” the veteran for loss of earning caused by the disability. Compensation is awarded on a scale from 0% impairment to 100% impairment. The percentages are based on a "schedule" of diagnostic descriptions found in 38 C.F.R. Part 4.
Pension furnishes a guaranteed monthly income to veterans who served during a wartime period and meet other important eligibility requirements. The veteran does not have to have seen active combat; you simply must have served a minimum time during the period and have other than a dishonorable discharge. This important program is often (mistakenly) called “Aid and Attendance.” Here is a list of the recognized wartime periods:
Title 38 of the United States Code authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer two disability programs for Veterans, their surviving spouses and other family members: Compensation and Pension.
Compensation is awarded to veterans whose disability is a direct result of an event that occurred while on active duty military service. The concept is that the disability has impaired the veterans from earning a living at the same wage rate as a totally healthy person. The VA therefore “compensates” the veteran for loss of earning caused by the disability. Compensation is awarded on a scale from 0% impairment to 100% impairment. The percentages are based on a "schedule" of diagnostic descriptions found in 38 C.F.R. Part 4.
Pension furnishes a guaranteed monthly income to veterans who served during a wartime period and meet other important eligibility requirements. The veteran does not have to have seen active combat; you simply must have served a minimum time during the period and have other than a dishonorable discharge. This important program is often (mistakenly) called “Aid and Attendance.” Here is a list of the recognized wartime periods:
- World War I April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918
- World War II December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Era February 28, 1961 - August 4, 1964 (in-country only)
- Vietnam Era August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (all veterans)
- Gulf War Era August 2, 1990 – to be set by law or proclamation