Service Connected Disability
Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training.
A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
BENEFIT
The benefit amount is graduated according to the degree of the Veteran’s disability on a scale from 10 percent to 100 percent (in increments of 10 percent).
Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.
Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.
If you have dependents, an additional allowance may be added if your combined disability is rated 30% or greater.
Your compensation may be offset if you receive military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive payments. Once you are 50% service connected, you will receive your military retirement and VA compensation in full.
ELIGIBILITY
Service in the Uniformed Services on active duty
OR
Active duty for training
OR
Inactive duty training
AND
You were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions
AND
You are at least 10% disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training, or inactive duty training
Note: If you were on inactive duty for training, the disability must have resulted from injury, heart attack, or stroke.
EVIDENCE REQUIRED
Medical evidence of a current physical or mental disability
AND
Evidence of a relationship between your disability and an injury, disease, or event in military service.
Medical records or medical opinions are required to establish this relationship.
Note: Under certain circumstances, VA may conclude that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific evidence proving this in your particular claim. The cause of a disability is presumed for the following Veterans who have certain diseases.
PRESUMED DISABILITY
- Former prisoners of war
- Veterans who have certain chronic or tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge from service
- Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas, or Lewisite while in service
- Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune, NC from August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987 who are diagnosed with certain medical conditions and diseases.
- Veterans who were exposed to certain herbicides, such as by serving in Vietnam who are diagnosed with certain medical conditions and diseases
- Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War
Example 1
During a weekend drill, an Army Reservist injures her knee while participating in unit physical training. She is eligible for compensation for residuals of the knee injury.
Example 2
An individual enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 10, 1988, and served for a period of 3 years. He was honorably discharged on June 9, 1991. During his active duty, he fell from a bunk and injured his back. Based on his active service, he is entitled to service-connected benefits for the residuals of his back injury.
Beware of PACT Act Scams
Scammers are taking advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud. There’s been an increase in PACT Act-related phishing (email), vishing (phone), and social media scams targeting Veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf.
Veterans should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a lucrative financial benefit or service. Click here to download tips to avoid PACT Act scams.
Application Process
The best way to apply for disability compensation is by contacting the Clark County Veterans Office and scheduling an appointment today. When applying for compensation benefits /pension, you must have access to the following information:
- Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
- Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports)
- Dependency records (marriage and children’s birth certificates)
- Bank Information (Account & Routing Numbers)