Disability Compensation
VA Disability Compensation: How the Program Works
A plain-language overview of VA disability compensation — what it is, who may be eligible, and how ratings generally work. Educational overview only.
Overview
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on your disability rating, which the VA determines through a claims process that includes medical evidence and, in many cases, a Compensation & Pension exam. This resource explains the general shape of the program — how claims are filed, what a rating decision looks like, and where to find current forms — without restating specific compensation figures, which change annually and are set by the VA, not by Veteran Millionaire. This is educational information, not a benefits determination. Confirm your specific eligibility and current rates directly at va.gov.
Getting Started
- 1Gather service treatment records and any relevant medical evidence.
- 2File a claim through VA.gov or with help from an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
- 3Attend any scheduled Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
- 4Review your rating decision letter carefully and note appeal deadlines if you disagree.