If you served in the military and suffered an injury or developed a medical condition because of your service, you may be entitled to VA disability compensation. This monthly, tax-free payment is designed to recognize the sacrifices veterans made and compensate them for service-connected conditions. Understanding how VA disability works is the first step toward getting the benefits you’ve earned.
What is VA Disability Compensation?
VA disability compensation is a monthly cash benefit paid to veterans who have a disability that is service-connected—meaning the condition was incurred or aggravated during active military service. Unlike other government benefits, this compensation is tax-free and can last throughout your lifetime.
The program recognizes that military service can result in both physical and mental health conditions. Whether it’s a traumatic brain injury from an IED blast, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hearing loss from combat exposure, or a chronic condition like arthritis that developed during service, the VA can provide compensation.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for VA disability compensation, you must meet three basic criteria:
First, you must have separated from military service under conditions other than dishonorable discharge. This means you received an honorable, general, or other than dishonorable discharge. Second, you must have a current disability or medical condition. Third, and most importantly, there must be a connection between your disability and your military service. This is called “service connection.”
The VA recognizes several types of service connection. Direct service connection means your condition resulted directly from an event or injury during service. Presumptive service connection applies to specific conditions the VA has determined are presumed to be service-connected for certain veteran groups, such as those exposed to Agent Orange or burn pits. Secondary service connection is granted when one service-connected condition causes or aggravates another condition.
Disability Ratings and Payment Amounts
The VA doesn’t pay the same amount to all disabled veterans. Instead, each veteran receives a disability rating ranging from 0% to 100%, typically in increments of 10%. Your rating is based on how severely your condition impacts your ability to work and function.
A 0% rating means you have a service-connected condition but it’s not currently causing work impairment—though you still receive some benefits. At 10%, 20%, or 30%, your condition causes mild to moderate functional impairment. At 50% or 60%, the condition significantly limits your ability to work. At 70%, 80%, or 90%, your condition severely limits your employment capacity. A 100% rating means your condition prevents you from pursuing gainful employment.
In 2025, a veteran with a 100% rating receives approximately $4,000 per month, though this varies based on dependent status and cost-of-living adjustments. A 50% rating provides roughly $1,100 monthly. These are tax-free payments that increase annually with cost-of-living adjustments.
The Claims Process
Filing for VA disability begins with submitting an application, officially called a claim for compensation. You can apply online through VA.gov, by mail, by phone, or in person at your local VA regional office. Many veterans work with a VA-accredited representative, attorney, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to help with their claim at no cost.
When you file your claim, you’ll need to submit medical evidence supporting your disability. This can include military medical records, current medical treatment records, and statements from physicians. The VA may also schedule you for a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, where a VA-contracted healthcare provider will evaluate your condition.
After the VA receives your claim, they review all available evidence and make a decision. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your case. Once approved, your effective date—the date you start receiving benefits—is typically the date you filed your claim or the date your condition became service-connected.
Common Service-Connected Conditions
Veterans receive disability compensation for a wide range of conditions. Combat-related injuries like traumatic brain injury, loss of limbs, and hearing loss are common among recent combat veterans. Mental health conditions, particularly PTSD and depression, account for a significant portion of disability claims. Chronic pain, back injuries, and musculoskeletal conditions from the physical demands of military service are also prevalent.
In addition, the VA recognizes presumptive conditions for specific veteran populations. Gulf War veterans may receive compensation for undiagnosed illnesses. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange may be compensated for conditions like Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Veterans who served in Southwest Asia may receive benefits for conditions related to burn pit exposure.
Why Your Claim Might Be Denied
Not every claim is approved on the first attempt. Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence linking your condition to military service, gaps in medical documentation, or a claim filed after discharge without medical evidence of the condition during service.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Many veterans successfully overturn denials by submitting additional medical evidence or working with a representative who understands VA regulations and appeal procedures.
Beyond Cash Payments
VA disability compensation provides more than just monthly payments. Veterans with service-connected disabilities also qualify for free or reduced-cost healthcare through the VA medical system. Additionally, veterans with certain disabilities may qualify for housing grants to modify their homes, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, or educational benefits.
Conclusion
VA disability compensation exists because our nation recognizes that service members sacrifice their health and wellbeing for our country. If you have a service-connected disability, this benefit is yours to claim. The process can seem complicated, but numerous resources and representatives are available to help you navigate it. Your military service matters, and your disability benefits are a reflection of that service and sacrifice.
