Disability Pension Benefits -- What Is VA Disability Pension?

Since 01-20-06

From: Waspscpo@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 5:25 AM
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Subject: Disability Pension Benefits -- What Is VA Disability Pension ?

I have been asked to republish this as many had missed it.

www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Milsvc/Docs/Pensoneg.doc

Department of Veterans Affairs

Disability Pension Benefits

What Is VA Disability Pension ?

Disability Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income who are no longer able to work.

Who Is Eligible ?

You may be eligible if:

you were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions,  AND
you served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time.  However, 38 CFR 3.12a requires that anyone who enlists after 9/7/80 generally has to serve at least 24 months or the full period for which a person was called or ordered to active duty in order to receive any benefits based on that period of service. 

With the advent of the Gulf War on 8/2/90 (and still not ended by Congress to this day), veterans can now serve after 9/7/80 during a period of war time.  When they do, they generally now must serve 24 months to be eligible for pension or any other benefit.  But note the exclusions in 38 CFR 3.12(d),  AND you are permanently and totally disabled, or are age 65 or older,  AND your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law

Family Income Limits ( effective December 1, 2005 )   
If you are a... Your yearly income must be less than...  

• Veteran with no dependents $10,579
• Veteran with a spouse or a child $13,855   
• (Veterans with additional children:  add $1,806 to the limit for each child)   
• Housebound veteran with no dependents $12,929   
• Housebound veteran with one dependent $16,205   
• Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has no dependents $17,651
• Veteran who needs aid and attendance and has one dependent $20,924   
• Note:  Some income is not counted toward the yearly limit (for example, welfare benefits, some wages earned by dependent children, and Supplemental Security Income)
   

How Much Does VA Pay ?

VA pays you the difference between your countable family income and the yearly income limit which describes your situation (see chart above).  This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar.  Call the toll-free number below for details.

How Can You Apply ?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation Or Pension.  If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates) and current medical evidence (doctor & hospital reports).  You can also apply on line through our website at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.

Related Benefits

Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Medical Care

For More Information Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
Or Visit Our Web Site At http://www.va.gov

Compensation and Pension Service – December 2005

If you are a widow of a veteran, go here:

www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Milsvc/Docs/Dpeneg.doc