Overview
Disability compensation is available to Veterans injured during active duty military service or who have a pre-existing disability that worsened during their active duty service.
Common examples include:
- Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears) after exposure to loud noises without adequate hearing protection
- Chronic pain and/or loss of range of motion in your back, shoulders, hips, arms, legs, feet or hands because of marching long distances while carrying heavy packs or weighted items
- Nightmares, flashbacks to your time in service, challenges in crowded places or frequent fears from exposure to stressful environments or situations
For those eligible and approved, you receive a tax-free monthly disability compensation payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Eligibility
There is no time limit to file a claim for disability compensation. It does not matter how many years have passed since your date of discharge from the military.
If you already have a disability compensation rating from the VA, but your medical condition has worsened, you may file another claim for a higher monthly payout based on the worsening of your medical condition.
Special Circumstances
Special rules apply for certain medical conditions for
- Veterans who served in the Gulf War
- Veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes from burn pits
- Veterans who served in Vietnam and certain other areas of Southeast Asia
- Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation
- Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune
- Veterans who now suffer from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“Lou Gehrig’s Disease”)
Contact Assistance
If you need assistance, or just want to learn more about the benefits and services you may be eligible for, schedule an appointment with one of our Veterans Benefits Advisors, all Veterans themselves.
- Call 1-888-838-7697 to speak to an advisor.
- Schedule a phone or video consultation online.
- Use our search to find a Services Office near you.