by Shelly Barclay

Created on: April 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

It is not uncommon for veterans to come home from combat with injuries or diseases that result in long term mental and physical disabilities. For many of these heroes it is difficult to maintain a job after they have been discharged. Luckily the Department of Veteran's Affairs, or the VA for short, can provide Disability Compensation for qualified veterans.

Disability Compensation is a tax-free benefit available to certain disabled veterans. Disability Compensation payouts range between $123-$2,763 USD per month. The VA will rate the veteran's disability on a scale from10% to 100% in 10% increments. The payouts are determined by the veteran's rating. Veterans may be eligible for additional amounts for loss of limbs, spouse, children, dependent parents or for a severely disabled spouse.

In order to be eligible for Disability Compensation from the VA a veteran must have a disability that has occurred or been exacerbated while on active duty or during active duty training. Veterans that have been disabled as a direct result of VA health care may also be eligible for compensation. A veteran will not be considered eligible for compensation if he or she has been discharged under less than honorable circumstances.

A veteran applying for compensation will need a few documents to support his/her claim. All birth certificates of dependent children, marriage certificates (if married), DD214 (discharge papers), and any medical documents that support the disability claim will be required. The VA will also ask for written statements from soldiers that served with the veteran and/or family members. If the veteran does not have medical documents to support the claim the VA will have them evaluated, they will probably do so regardless.

Veterans can apply for Disability Compensation online at http://vabenefits.vba.gov/vonapp/main.aspor in person at any VA facility. To locate a VA health center or clinic go to www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp. If a veteran needs help filling out the claim forms, they may have a family member assist them as long is that is specified in the correct place in the paperwork. A veteran may also get help with forms at a VA facility. If the veteran is in need of emergency services he or she should go to any VA facilities emergency room or try to contact their town's Veteran's Agent. The Vet Agent's office is in the Town Hall where available.

A Veteran's Agent can help the veteran with anything from providing information about benefits to seeking shelter, food and clothing for the veteran and the veteran's family. A Vet Agent acts as an advocate for the veteran, they can help file and process claims as well as obtaining emergency services.

Veterans whose claims have been processed and have been giving a disability rating may also be eligible for other benefits including but not limited to:

-Priority medical care

-Vocational rehabilitation

-Clothing allowance

-Federal employment preference

-Special exemptions on taxes

Once a veteran has been processed, they will receive benefits that go retroactive to the day they filed their claim. If the veteran does not agree with the rating given to them, they have the right to an appeal. If a veteran's disability increases, the veteran has the right to be re-evaluated and possibly receive increased benefits accordingly.

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