Eligibility for Disability Pension
Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled, or are age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war. (Veterans who entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or officers who entered active duty on or after Oct. 16, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum period of active duty). The veteran’s discharge must have been under conditions other than dishonorable and the disability must be for reasons other than the veteran’s own willful misconduct.
Payments are made to bring the veteran’s total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Un-reimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income for VA purposes.
Improved Disability Pension
Congress establishes the maximum annual improved disability pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable income of the veteran, spouse or dependent children. When a veteran without a spouse or a child is furnished nursing home or domiciliary care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed $90 per month after three calendar months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursing-home care is being continued to provide the veteran with rehabilitation services.
2008 VA Improved Disability Pension Rates
service-connected. Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of veteran’s dependents, and is paid monthly. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation. The benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.
The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and separation incentive payments known as SSB (Special Separation Benefits) and VSI (Voluntary Separation Incentives) affects the amount of VA compensation paid to disabled veterans.
To be eligible, the service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. For additional details, visit the Web site at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/.
Disability Compensation Rates for Veterans
| Veteran’s Family Situation and Caretaking Needs |
Maximum Annual Rate |
|---|---|
| Veteran without dependents | $11,181 |
| Veteran with one dependent | $14,643 |
| Veteran permanently housebound, no dependents |
$13,644 |
| Veteran permanently housebound, one dependent |
$17,126 |
| Veteran needing regular aid and attendance, no dependents |
$18,654 |
| Veteran needing regular aid and attendance, one dependent |
$22,113 |
| Two veterans married to one another | $14,643 |
| Increase for each additional dependent child | $1,909 |
Additional information can be found in the Compensation and Pension Benefits section of VA’s Internet pages at www.vba.va.gov.
Protected Pension Programs
Pension beneficiaries who were receiving a VA pension on Dec. 31, 1978, and do not wish to elect the Improved Pension will continue to receive the pension rate they were receiving on that date. This rate generally continues as long as the beneficiary’s income remains within established limits, his or her net worth does not bar payment, and the beneficiary does not lose any dependents.
These beneficiaries must continue to meet basic eligibility factors, such as permanent and total disability for veterans, or status as a surviving spouse or child. VA must adjust rates for other reasons, such as a veteran’s hospitalization in a VA facility.
Medal of Honor Pension
VA administers pensions to recipients of the Medal of Honor. Congress set the monthly pension at $1,129 effective Dec. 1, 2007.