It is often difficult for Armed Forces Veterans to reintegrate and survive as civilians after spending time in active service. Thankfully, U.S. laws provide many compensations and benefits for Veterans to support them.
These benefits are readily and easily accessible, but you must be eligible and apply to obtain them. This article discusses some of the most common compensations and benefits you can access.
Disability Benefits
Disability benefits are tax-free compensation paid to Veterans with disabilities resulting from injuries or diseases incurred or escalated during active service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also pays compensation for secondary or related disabilities occurring during active military service.
This benefit is also available for veterans with disabilities related to their service circumstances, even if the disability arises after active military service. The benefit amount varies according to the degree of the Veteran’s disability, rated on a scale of 10% to 100%.
To apply for this benefit, you only need service treatment records or other evidence connecting your disability with your military service and medical evidence of your disability. You also need your discharge or separation papers because dishonorably discharged veterans do not qualify for this benefit.
Health Care Benefits
Veterans enjoy free and inexpensive healthcare services at VA medical facilities. The U.S. mandates that the VA provide “needed” hospital and outpatient care to all eligible veterans.
Veterans’ medical care under this provision is not limited to treatment for service-related
injuries and diseases; it covers all health needs of the veterans. Beyond regular healthcare, veterans even receive drug dependency treatment, blindness rehabilitation, and HIV/AIDS treatment provided by the VA. You are eligible for this benefit if you:
● Are a current or former Reserve or National Guard member
● Served in specific locations and periods during the Vietnam War era
● Met the basic service and discharge requirements
● Were exposed to toxins during active military service, at home or abroad
Special Circumstances Benefits
You can claim special benefit compensation for specific disabilities that are service- related. For example, Mesothelioma Veterans exposed to asbestos during military service, which caused this cancer, can file a claim under the VA’s special disability compensation program. The most common claims under this program include hospitalization, birth defects, convalescence, and individual unemployability.
Pension Benefits
The VA’s pension program provides needs-based benefits to Veterans who cannot work, have limited ability to work, or have a permanent disability. However, not all Veterans with these conditions qualify for pension benefits. There are some extra requirements for eligibility under this benefit compensation. To qualify, the Veteran must:
● Be 65 years or older
● Have been discharged after at least 90 days of active duty service
● Be receiving Social Security disability insurance
● Have an annual family income below the threshold set by Congress
● Be receiving Supplemental Security income
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free financial benefit paid to the surviving family members of service members who died on active duty, training (active or inactive duty), or who died due to service-related disabilities. This compensation is usually paid to surviving children or spouses. Sometimes, DIC can be paid to parents if they are financially dependent on the deceased service member or Veteran.
Endnote
To appreciate and support Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, the law provides many benefits and compensation programs to help them through civilian life after active duty. If you’re a Veteran, check if you’re eligible for disability, health care, or pension benefits. Families of deceased veterans can also benefit from the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program.
