by T.J. Wolfe

Created on: April 17, 2009

Many veterans leave active military service with service related injuries. The process to apply for VA disability compensation may seem confusing. The following information is to help the veteran start in the right direction.

The first thing to understand is the VA has more than one type of disability compensation program. Disability ratings start with the VA disability compensation benefit. In addition to the VA disability compensation benefit are other disability compensation benefits.

Some of the other benefits include Individual Unemployability and Special Monthly Compensation. The Individual Unemployability benefit pays the veteran at 100% when the vet is unable to obtain gainful employment. The VA also has a Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) allowance. The SMC pays additional compensation for loss of use or loss of body part.

Each program has different rules and restrictions. Yet, all the programs start with the application for VA disability compensation. There are four eligibility requirements for VA disability compensation. The application process has three main steps.

The four eligibility requirements the veteran must meet are:
1. The veteran was released from service with something other than a dishonorable discharge,
2. The disability is service related or worsened due to military service,
3. The veteran has evidence that shows the disability was received during service, and
4. The veteran has a current disability due to the service related injury.

After meeting the four eligibility requirements, the veteran will need to complete three steps in the application process for VA disability compensation. The steps are:
1. Gather evidence,
2. Complete the disability application form, and
3. Complete the Compensation and Pension Exam.

The first step is to gather evidence. Some of the information that will be required include: Service Medical Records, current medical records, and military service records including discharge papers. As records have a tendency to get lost over time, the veteran should keep an active file of all medical and military reports.

Disability payments can be increased based on household size. The veteran will need a marriage certificate to claim a wife as a dependant. The veteran will also need documentation on dependants to claim other dependants. The veteran should make every attempt to secure these documents and keep them.

The veteran must have a current condition that is connected to the service related injury. The veteran will need medical

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