VA DISABILITY
Who are Disabled Veterans?
Some disabled veterans will never be able to work again. Some disabled veterans run in marathons; some disabled veterans need help performing daily life functions, like eating or bathing. In other words, disabled veterans come in all ranges of abilities. Many disabled veterans do not consider themselves disabled, nor do they meet our society’s definition of disabled. The stereotype of someone in a wheelchair or missing a limb isn’t an accurate description of the vast majority of our nation’s disabled veterans.
Specifically, a disabled veteran is someone who has applied for disability benefits from the VA and had their application approved. A veteran can have obvious disabilities, be receiving VA healthcare for those disabilities, and still not be a “Disabled Veteran” unless they go through the steps necessary to have their conditions officially recognized by the VA.
What Disability Programs Does the VA Provide?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has two disability programs, which are described below. At the bottom of the page is a chart comparing the two.
Disability Compensation
Disability Compensation is for veterans who have conditions that were caused or aggravated by their service in the military. These conditions cover the full range of human physical and emotional experiences. Has your ankle bothered you ever since you twisted it at boot camp? Have your ears rung ever since you spent a year driving a tank in a combat zone? Have you felt anxious ever since going on patrol in hostile territory? The bottom line: If you have a current physical or mental condition, and it is related to your military service, then apply for Disability Compensation.
Even if the condition seems minor now, don’t wait to apply. When you’re 25, that “bum” left knee may just be a minor inconvenience; when you’re 55, the early onset arthritis you developed in that knee because of your service may mean you can barely walk. You should apply regardless of your income and regardless of your ability to find work. In short: if the military broke it, the VA owns it.
Non-Service Connected Pension (Also Called Improved Pension)
Pension is for low-income veterans who are disabled because of conditions that came about after their military service. It is only for veterans with severe disabilities, and veterans must have served during a federally recognized period of war to receive it. Veterans must also have very little income, as the income cap for eligibility is not very high.
Who Processes VA Disability Applications?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is the second largest federal department, with only the Department of Defense larger. Like DoD, the VA is also broken into different branches, each with its role in serving veterans
Veterans Health Administration
Healthcare is provided by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The doctors you visit at the White River Junction VA Medical Center or its various clinics work for VHA, and their purpose is to provide medical care to you. They do not process applications for benefits, including VA disability benefits.
Veterans Benefits Administration
Benefits are provided by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and they process applications for VA disability benefits. The only VBA location in Vermont is at the White River Junction VA Regional Office, which is located on the same campus as the hospital. White River Junction is one of only four locations across the nation where VBA and VHA work in the same complex. Usually, they maintain completely separate facilities.
Don’t let their geographic proximity fool you. They are separate and distinct operations, each with its mission and chain of command. This is why a veteran can see a VHA doctor for their service-connected conditions, but not be a “Disabled Veteran” unless VBA approved their disability application.
What Processes Can Improve Workplace Security?
In addition to the systems that can improve workplace security, many processes that can improve it too. Improve your security from the top and relay it down to all your employees. Keep reading to discover the best processes to improve your workplace security.
How Does Having my Disabilities Recognized by the VA Help Me and My Family?
Below are the reasons you should take the time to apply, even if you don’t want to deal with the “red tape” involved or don’t feel like you are disabled.
Most veterans who have their applications approved receive additional monthly income. For Disability Compensation, this income is tax free. Even if a veteran is rated at only 10%, that is still an extra $115 every month, probably for life. If they live another 50 years, that’s an extra $69,000 to help pay the mortgage, buy a car, or put kids through school.
Just as importantly, the VA provides free care for every service connected condition. If the veteran with a bad knee above needs to have knee replacement surgery, the VA pays for it. In many cases veterans receiving either Disability Compensation or Non-Service Connected Pension can also use the VA to receive care for conditions not related to their military service. This may not seem like a big benefit to a veteran who is currently working and has health insurance, but it can be a more significant benefit when they are between jobs or after they retire.
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation to retrain into a new career
- Using the VA Guaranteed Home Loan without having to pay the normal funding fee
- Increased options for long term care
- Possible property tax exemption
- Preference in government hiring
- Additional support in starting a business
- For business owners, preference in obtaining government contracts
