VA disability compensation provides monthly tax-free payments to eligible Veterans with physical or mental health conditions caused or worsened by qualifying military service.
Veteran with a current service-connected or presumptive disability
Entitlement facts
Benefit type
Government benefit. A government-funded or administered benefit, service, coverage program, assistance program, or public access route. Taxonomy definition →
What it unlocks
A tax-free monthly payment based on the combined service-connected disability rating, with possible additional amounts for qualifying dependents, severe disabilities, or special circumstances and access to related benefits.
Who qualifies
Veteran with a current service-connected or presumptive disability
Requirements
The claimant generally must have current disability, qualifying active duty or training service, and evidence connecting the condition to service or meet a statutory presumption. Character of discharge, evidence, examinations, effective-date rules, offsets, and the VA rating decision affect entitlement and amount.
How to activate
Start a claim online or submit VA Form 21-526EZ, identify every claimed condition, provide service and medical evidence or authorize VA to obtain it, attend required examinations, and review the rating decision and appeal options.
Cost basis
No-cost access. The core benefit has no required payment, purchase, deposit, paid membership, or pre-existing paid-product relationship under the captured terms.
Cost and fees
VA does not charge to file a claim, and accredited Veterans Service Organization representatives provide free help. Private medical evidence or paid attorney or claims-agent representation can cost money; regulated representative fees generally apply only under allowed conditions.
Geography
US, Eligible Veterans living abroad
Personalization
Published eligibility is not described as individually targeted.
EVIDENCE / 1 SOURCE
Eligibility is conditional, not guaranteed.
Check the provider's final terms immediately before applying, depositing funds, spending, or changing a paid relationship.
Local federally funded community learning centers provide before-school, after-school, weekend, and summer academic enrichment, youth development, and family education, particularly for students at high-poverty and low-performing schools.
Condition
Variable by provider or eligibility
Personalized
No
002Verified
SU
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration · Government benefit
Free, confidential crisis support by call, text, or chat for people in suicidal, mental-health, or substance-use crisis and for people worried about someone else.
Condition
No-cost access
Personalized
No
003Verified
CI
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