Department of Veterans Affairs
Disability Compensation Benefits

What Is VA Disability Compensation ?
Disability Compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active
duty, were made worse by active military service, or a result of combat experiences.
It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care.  The benefits are tax-free.

Who Is Eligible ?
You may be eligible for Disability Compensation if you have a service-related disability and you were discharged
Under other than dishonorable conditions.

How Much Does VA Pay ?
The amount of basic benefit paid ranges from $117 to $2,527 per month (single, no dependents), depending on your disability rating.

All ratings may be appealed if you consider them insufficient.

Note:  You may be paid additional amounts, in certain instances, if:
1   you have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s)
2   you have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)
3   you have a seriously disabled spouse

How Can You Apply ?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veterans Application for Compensation Or Pension. 
If you have any of the following material, attach it to your application:
1   Dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates)
2   Medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports)
3   Corroborative letters from fellow veterans who can give substantiating information.

You can also apply online at: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp
Note:  This is a very large application and takes hours to complete:
For the full tables, go to:  http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
         
Veterans Compensation Benefits Rate Tables - Effective 12/1/07
 
Basic Rates - 10%-100% Combined Degree Only
 
10% - 20% (No Dependents)
 
Percentage Rate
10% $117
20% $230
 
30% - 60% Without Children
 
Dependent Status 30% 40% 50% 60%
Veteran Alone $356 $512 $728 $921
Veteran with Spouse Only $398 $568 $799 $1,006
Veteran with Spouse & One Parent $432 $613 $856 $1,074
Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents $466 $658 $913 $1,142
Veteran with One Parent $390 $557 $785 $989
Veteran with Two Parents $424 $602 $842 $1,057
Additional for A/A spouse * $39 $52 $64 $77
 
70% - 100% Without Children
 
Dependent Status 70% 80% 90% 100%
Veteran Alone $1,161 $1,349 $1,517 $2,527
Veteran with Spouse Only $1,260 $1,462 $1,644 $2,669
Veteran with Spouse & One Parent $1,339 $1,553 $1,746 $2,783
Veteran with Spouse and Two Parents $1,418 $1,644 $1,848 $2,897
Veteran with One Parent $1,240 $1,440 $1,619 $2,641
Veteran with Two Parents $1,319 $1,531 $1,721 $2,755
Additional for A/A spouse * $90 $103 $116 $129
 
30% - 60% With Children
 
Dependent Status 30% 40% 50% 60%
Veteran with Spouse & Child $429 $610 $850 $1,068
Veteran with Child Only $384 $550 $776 $978
Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child $463 $655 $907 $1,136
Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child $497 $700 $964 $1,204
Veteran with One Parent and Child $418 $595 $833 $1,046
Veteran with Two Parents and Child $452 $640 $890 $1,114
Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 $21 $28 $35 $42
Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 * $68 $90 $113 $136
Additional for A/A spouse * $39 $52 $64 $77
 
70% - 100% With Children
 
Dependent Status 70% 80% 90% 100%
Veteran with Spouse & Child $1,332 $1,545 $1,737 $2,772
Veteran with Child Only $1,228 $1,425 $1,603 $2,623
Veteran with Spouse, One Parent and Child $1,411 $1,636 $1,839 $2,886
Veteran with Spouse, Two Parents and Child $1,490 $1,727 $1,941 $3,000
Veteran with One Parent and Child $1,307 $1,516 $1,705 $2,737
Veteran with Two Parents and Child $1,386 $1,607 $1,807 $2,851
Add for Each Additional Child Under Age 18 $49 $56 $63 $71
Each Additional Schoolchild Over Age 18 * $158 $181 $204 $227
Additional for A/A spouse * $90 $103 $116 $129