
How many veterans receive disability benefits?
There has been a marked surge in the number of veterans receiving benefits in recent years. In 2016, the number of veterans receiving disability benefits rose to 4.6 million. Enrollment in the VA benefit system has climbed steadily over the past 15 years.
Does the VA provide health care benefits to active duty veterans?
The VA also provides health care benefits to current and former members of the Reserves and National Guard who have been called or ordered to active duty by a federal order and completed the entire period. Are All Veterans Eligible for VA Benefits?
How much do veterans with dependents receive in VA benefits?
Of course, veterans with dependents receive much more. A veteran with a 100 percent disability rating who has a spouse and child would receive $3,450.32/month. Each additional child under the age of 18 adds $87.18 to the benefit. To calculate the benefit payment amount based on rating percentage and family size, use our VA Disability Calculator.
What benefits can I get as a veteran?
As a veteran you may be eligible for: VA Disability Compensation; VA Medical Benefits ; VA Home Loan; VA Education Benefits; VA Pension; Readjustment Counseling ; Educational and Career Counseling

How many veterans are receiving benefits?
Also note how dependent the overall veteran population is on the Social Security program—of the 24.2 million veterans, 9.3 million (or 39 percent) receive Social Security benefits.
How many veterans are on VA disability?
In 2019 about 1.66 million veterans had a service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or higher....Number of veterans in the United States in 2019, by service-connected disability status.Service-connected disability ratingNumber of veterans0 percent182,6946 more rows•Jan 27, 2022
What percentage of veterans use the VA?
Under current policy, about 60 percent of U.S. veterans are eligible for VA care, based on length of service, service-connected injuries, service in designated combat theaters, and income. Fewer than half of eligible veterans use VA health benefits.
How many veterans use the VA system?
9 million U.S.More than 9 million U.S. veterans are currently enrolled in the VA and eligible to receive health care from the VA's medical centers and outpatient clinics.
Why are there so many disabled veterans?
Less restrictive and more liberal laws have led to the explosion of disability claims by veterans. During the Revolutionary War, disability payments came only when a service man lost a limb, but now, problems stemming from diabetes and sleep apnea, just to list two examples, are basis for disabled veterans claims.
What is the average veteran disability?
The average combined VA disability rating for all veterans, across all demographics, is currently 10%, which equates to $140.05/month in 2019.
Why do veterans not like the VA?
Of the veteran and active service members who reported to the annual Wounded Warrior Project Survey that they have never used VA health care services, the most common reasons given included preferring to use other health care coverage and too much trouble or red tape....CharacteristicPercentage of respondents--9 more rows•Mar 10, 2022
What do veterans think of the VA?
The survey, which asked Veterans about their experience with VA health care since the MISSION Act was implemented, found that more than 80% were satisfied with their VA health care. Nearly 75% of Veteran respondents reported improvements at their local VA, and more than 90% would recommend VA care to fellow Veterans.
Why do doctors not want to work for the VA?
Working for VA as a licensed physician does not pay the kind of money that licensed physicians are content to earn. Medicine is supposed to be high-paying… especially in light of how indebted most medical students are when they graduate.
How many people have VA?
There are 17.4 million veterans in the United States, according to the most recent statistics from the US Census. More than nine million veterans are served each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Do all veterans get VA benefits?
All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.
Which VA serves the most veterans?
Share this postRankHospital Name# of Staffed Beds1Biloxi VA Medical Center7162Southern Oregon VA Rehabilitation Center (AKA White City VA Medical Center)6003Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center5864West Los Angeles VA Medical Center50046 more rows
How many veterans are not on service connected VA?
According to Veteran Statistics, a total of 13,789,286 Veterans out of an eligible 19,349,382 Veterans or 71.3% of Veterans do NOT have any type of service connected VA rating, meaning they either haven’t applied for VA disability benefits or were denied in the past and gave up.
What is the population of veterans in 2045?
Overall, the Veteran population is slowly declining, and will reach a low of 12.0 million by 2045. Total Veteran Population Set to Decline to 12 Million by 2045. California was the #1 state for veterans in 2020, but Texas will overtake California for the top spot by 2027.
Where do veterans live in 2020?
In 2020, the Top 10 States where Veterans live are California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Illinois. Roughly 50% of all Veterans live in one of the Top 10 Most Veteran Friendly States, mainly in the Southwestern and Eastern regions of the United States.
Detailed Claims Data
We want you to know how VBA is performing on behalf of our nation's Veterans, their families, and their survivors. Weekly reports from our 56 regional offices let you see our progress in processing Compensation, Pension, and Education benefits. You can also download a spreadsheet to see the most recent week's worth of performance data
Status Reports
The reports below contain data covering claims inventory, claims backlog, claims accuracy, and Fully Developed Claims. We can see that VBA employees are completing more compensation claims than ever before. More than three million claims were processed in the past three fiscal years, three times the amount completed in 2000.
Claims Inventory
Includes rating bundle disability compensation and pension claims that have been received by VBA that normally require development and a decision by a VBA claims processor.
Claims Backlog
A subset of the VBA Claims Inventory, the backlog number represents rating bundle claims that normally require a rating decision and have been pending for more than 125 days since receipt.
3 Month Issue-Level Accuracy
Measures accuracy of individual medical issues contained within a Compensation claim, based on a three-month average.
12 Month Issue-Level Accuracy
Measures accuracy of individual medical issues contained within a Compensation claim, based on a twelve-month average.
3 Month Claim-Based Accuracy
VBA's national claim-level accuracy rate is determined by dividing the total number of cases that are error-free by the total number of cases reviewed from the prior three months.
How many veterans received disability in 2000?
In the year 2000, only approximately 2.3 million veterans received Disability Compensation for which the government spent approximately $20 billion. By 2013, the number of veterans receiving disability increased to 3.5 million, for which the VA spent $54 billion.
What is VA disability compensation?
Disability Compensation is a tax-free cash benefit program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for veterans with disabilities resulting from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Millions of veterans across the country depend on Disability Compensation benefits to meet their basic needs.
What are the types of disability claims?
For what types of Disability Compensation claims can veterans file? 1 Pre-Discharge Claims: A servicemember can file a pre-discharge Disability Compensation claim when she is within 180 days of separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard duty. 2 Pre-Service Disability Claims: Veterans who entered service with known disabilities can file a pre-service Disability Compensation claim if their military service aggravated their condition. (The VA will only pay for the “level of aggravation,” not the total disability. For example, if a veteran entered service with a 10 percent disability rating and his condition worsened to a 30 percent rating, the VA will only pay compensation for the 20 percent aggravation.) 3 In-Service Disability Claims: Veterans can file an in-service disability claim for disabilities that result from an injury or disease that occurred during active service. 4 Post-Service Disability Claims: Veterans can file for Disability Compensation after they have been discharged for secondary disabilities that arose later which are connected to a service-related disability.
How much does a veteran with no spouse get in 2020?
Effective December 1, 2020, a veteran with no spouse and no children would receive the following amounts: 10 percent disability rating: $144.14. 100 percent disability rating: $3,263.74. Of course, veterans with dependents receive much more. A veteran with a 100 percent disability rating who has a spouse and child would receive $3,450.32/month.
What is expanded eligibility for VA benefits?
The expanded eligibility for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other common afflictions. The federal government has increased its incentives and campaigns to encourage veterans to apply for VA benefits.
When can a veteran file a pre discharge claim?
The type of claim a veteran should file depends on when his/her condition arose: Pre-Discharge Claims: A servicemember can file a pre-discharge Disability Compensation claim when she is within 180 days of separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard duty.
Can a veteran file for disability after discharge?
Post-Service Disability Claims: Veterans can file for Disability Compensation after they have been discharged for secondary disabilities that arose later which are connected to a service-related disability .
How many veterans are there in the US in 2020?
In 2019, the total US military veteran population in the US was 19.2M. By the end of 2020, there will be an estimated 18.8M veterans in the US. By 2037, there will be an estimated 13.6M veterans in the US.
Which state has the most veterans?
California was the #1 state for veterans in 2017, but Texas will overtake California for the top spot by 2027. The top 4 states where most veterans live are Texas, California, Florida, and North Carolina. 50% of all veterans live in one of the top 10 states, mainly in the Southern and Western parts of the US.
What is the average VA disability rating for PTSD?
Tinnitus or “ringing in the ear syndrome” is the #1 most commonly claimed and service connected disability. The average VA disability rating for PTSD is 70%. The average mental health rating for any one of 31 ratable conditions under the law is 70%.
What is the population of the veteran population in 2045?
The veteran population is slowly declining and will reach a low of 12.0M by 2045. Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964) are the largest veteran demographic, but will be overtaken by Millennials (Born 1977-1995) in 2037.
What is the most common service connected disability?
What Are the Most Common Service Connected VA Disabilities? Tinnitus or “ringing in the ear syndrome” is the #1 most commonly claimed and service connected disability. 7.8% of veterans with a disability rating are service connected for Tinnitus with a 10% VA rating.
What do veterans get for their rehabilitation?
While enrolled in a rehabilitation program, veterans receive a monthly subsistence allowance in addition to compensation or retirement pay.
What are the benefits of a VA national cemetery?
Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the grave site, opening and closing of the grave and perpetual care. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or special grave sites for cremated remains. Headstones, markers and their placement are provided at government expense.
What is the DVA for alcohol?
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment. Eligible veterans are admitted to any of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical centers for the treatment of alcohol or drug dependence or associated medical conditions.
Why are veterans hospitalized?
They are hospitalized in a military hospital for a condition likely to be compensable; They were discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions; The VA determines they need vocational rehabilitation services to achieve suitable employment because of an employment handicap.
How much is the Federal Benefits booklet?
It is sold for $5.50 a copy through the U.S. Government Printing Office.
How many cemeteries does the VA have?
Veterans, service members and family members are eligible for burial in one of the VA’s 114 national cemeteries. An eligible veteran must have been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service.
What is a military retirement home?
Military Retirement Homes. A wide range of services and benefits are available to help veteran-eligible military members who leave the service after retirement or after their military obligations have been met. This is part of what you earn when you serve your country.
How many disabled veterans received cash benefits in 2013?
A new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that in 2013, nearly 60,000 disabled veterans received cash benefits from three different federal programs simultaneously. [1] . More than 2,300 veterans received $100,000 or more in annual benefits each, and the highest annual benefit amounted to more than $200,000.
Is it illegal to collect retirement pay from veterans?
Concurrent Receipt. It is not illegal for veterans with a disability rating of at least 50 percent, or those receiving combat-related disability compensation, to collect retirement pay from the Department of Defense, disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) ...
Is it illegal to collect disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
It is not illegal for veterans with a disability rating of at least 50 percent, or those receiving combat-related disability compensation, to collect retirement pay from the Department of Defense, disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) all at the same time. Receiving concurrent benefits from three different federal programs is leading to excessive amounts for some recipients, warranting congressional action to streamline duplicative benefits.
Should Congress review the VA's disability decision-making process?
Congress should also review the VA’s disability decision-making process to rein in unnecessary benefit awards and focus VA disability benefits on veterans who suffer from a disability that was either caused or aggravated by military service.
Can veterans receive Social Security?
Eligible veterans who receive military retirement pay and VA disability compensation may further supplement their income with Social Security disability benefits. Ideally, veterans would be covered by the VA disability system for service-connected impairments and by SSDI for non-service-related disability. In practice, SSDI considers all impairments when assessing benefit eligibility, whether service-connected or not, which is why some veterans may receive benefits for the same impairment from both systems.
Is SSDI reduced for veterans?
SSDI benefits for veterans are not reduced, no matter how much they receive from VA disability payments and military retirement. This creates a curious policy discrepancy between the treatment of worker’s disability compensation and VA disability compensation.
What are the benefits of being a veteran?
Other benefits you may not be familiar with include: 1 Particular loans accessible to open small businesses 2 Free or low-priced medical care 3 Programs enabling veterans in getting a university degree or vocational training 4 Job placement programs 5 Programs that can help during retirement in finding a place to live 6 Shopping and travel advantages 7 Free headstones as well as memorial and burial benefits 8 Services pertinent to surviving family members
What is the definition of benefits for veterans?
The definition of benefit is simply something that is advantageous or good.
Why are veterans unaware of their benefits?
A major reason for this is because, after completion of their time in the military, they’re not sent home with guidelines on what they’re authorized to receive and how to get it. Instead, it is up to each veteran to understand the different benefits and eligibility criteria, what materials they need to collect to apply for the benefits, and finally what government agency to contact regarding the benefits.
What is the VA's health care program?
Fortunately, the VA’s health care program is aimed at meeting and exceeding basic medical needs for veterans, regardless of whether or not they have sustained an injury during service. With the health care program provided by the VA, veterans are entitled to preventative care such as: Examinations. Vaccinations.
Can veterans get free hearing aids?
Surgeries. Mental health care. Counseling services. Additionally, some veterans could be eligible for free eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental services. With the VA health care program, the government is obligated to pay travel expenses to receive medical care in some situations.
Do veterans get direct deposit?
Millions of veterans qualify for a direct deposit payment each month, while those who have a disability or medical condition caused or exacerbated by their military service may qualify for a special payment, called disability compensation.
Can a veteran receive a VA pension if they have only one day of service?
Veterans with only one day of service who are conclusively disabled or veterans with no service-related disabilities may still qualify for compensation. In fact, one day of service for a veteran who is disabled or over the age of 65 with a low income can result in a VA pension.
How long did you serve in the military in 1980?
And at least one of these must be true about your service. You: Started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or. Started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called ...
When did the Vietnam War end?
Vietnam War era (February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)

Detailed Claims Data
Status Reports
STATE | TOTAL VETERAN PO… | PERCENTAGE OF VE… | NUMBER OF VETERANS WITH … |
---|---|---|---|
TOTAL | 19,349,382 | 7.5% | 5,560,085 |
California | 1,693,602 | 7.7% | 474,209 |
Texas | 1,496,724 | 6.5% | 426,566 |
Florida | 1,461,722 | 7.6% | 425,361 |
Pennsylvania | 821,624 | 6.8% | 232,520 |
New York | 773,063 | 6.6% | 221,869 |
Ohio | 759,737 | 7.1% | 218,804 |
Virginia | 690,427 | 5.5% | 146,371 |
VBA Quality Assurance Sampling Methodology
Get The Weekly Reports
- The reports below contain data covering claims inventory, claims backlog, claims accuracy, and Fully Developed Claims. We can see that VBA employees are completing more compensation claims than ever before. More than three million claims were processed in the past three fiscal years, three times the amount completed in 2000. Quality is also increas...
For More Information
- During fiscal year 2015, VBA revised its quality assurance program to reflect industry-standard best practices in statistical sampling and estimation. VBA’s quality assurance program is designed to provide quality estimates within a 5% margin of error with a 95% confidence level for every 12 months of reviews. For more information on VBA’s quality assurance program and clai…