VA Disability Benefits
Recent laws passed by Congress have made several changes in veterans’ eligibility for VA
medical care. Basically, these laws ensure that VA care will be continued for disabled
veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Veterans with non-service-connected disabilities will also continue to receive VA medical
care, but on a space-available basis and a co-payment may be charged. Laws are subject to
change, and there are many applicable details. Contact the VA for the latest information on
disability benefits.
Classifying Disabled Veterans
The VA makes an important distinction among veterans based on the nature of their
disability. This distinction determines the cost and availability of VA medical
services.
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Service-connected disability: Any veteran who was disabled by injury or disease
incurred or aggravated during active military service in the line of duty will receive VA medical
care on a mandatory basis. In general, this means that service will be provided as needed, at
no cost to the veteran.
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Non-service-connected disability: Any veteran whose disability originated outside
of active service will receive VA medical care on a discretionary basis. Examples of such
disabilities might include disabling arthritis, loss of the use of your legs after a fall during a
ski vacation, contracting malaria, etc. The VA generally provides medical care to those in the
discretionary category on a space-available basis, so long as the veteran agrees to make a
co-payment. VA pension benefits may be payable to a veteran if the following requirements are
met:
1. Veteran had to serve a minimum of 90 days
of active military service and at least one day of that service had to occur during a period of
war. Veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8, 1980, or officers who entered
active duty on or after October 16, 1981, may have to meet a longer period of active duty.
2. Veteran has to be considered totally
disabled for pension purposes or 65 years of age or older.
3. Veteran and his or her dependents must meet
income and net worth limits since this is a need-based program.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities
If your disability is service connected, your benefits fall within the mandatory
category.
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Outpatient care: If you have a single disability or a combined disability rating
of 50 percent or more, the VA will furnish outpatient care without limitation. If your
disability rating is less than 50 percent, the VA will treat at no cost only those conditions that
are service connected.
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Hospital care: The VA is required to provide hospital care at no cost. All
medical services are covered while you are hospitalized. This coverage also may include
transportation under certain circumstances.
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Nursing home care: The VA may or may not provide nursing home or domiciliary care,
depending on your income and disability. For more information, call the VA.
Veterans with Non-service-Connected Disabilities
If your disability is not service connected, the benefits you can receive are in the
discretionary category.
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Outpatient care: Outpatient care may or may not be provided to veterans in the
discretionary category, depending on whether space and resources are available. Contact you
local VA health care office for details at 1-877-222-8387 or go to
http://www1.va.gov/health/.
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Hospital care: Hospital care in VA facilities may or may not be provided to
veterans in the discretionary category, depending on whether space and resources are
available. However, you must agree to pay a deductible of what you would pay under
Medicare.
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Nursing home care: The VA may or may not provide nursing home care, depending on
whether space and resources are available. However, you must pay a co-payment. Contact
you local VA health care office for details at 1-877-222-8387 or go to
http://www1.va.gov/health/.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009
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