Can Two Married Disabled Veterans BOTH Receive VA Disability Benefits?

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If you and your spouse are both disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, you might be wondering whether you’re both eligible to receive VA disability benefits.

The short answer is yes—each veteran can receive their own VA disability benefits, regardless of marital status.

The VA considers each veteran’s disability claim separately, meaning two married disabled veterans can each qualify for compensation if they meet the eligibility criteria.

In this article, we’ll explore VA disability benefits eligibility for married disabled veterans, including how to add each other and their children as dependents.

We’ll also cover the additional VA benefits that both spouses may qualify for to maximize their entitlements.

Summary of Key Points

• Both Married Disabled Veterans Can Receive VA Benefits: Each veteran is independently eligible for VA disability compensation based on their own service-connected conditions. Marital status does not limit or reduce the benefits for either spouse.

• When Dependents Can Be Claimed by Both Disabled Veterans: If both veterans have a disability rating of 30% or higher, they can claim each other and any children as dependents, potentially increasing monthly compensation. However, the process may take longer due to additional verification.

• Numerous Additional VA Benefits Are Available: Beyond disability compensation, married disabled veterans can access other benefits, including VA health care, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services, and educational benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

• Maximizing VA and Veteran Benefits as a Married Couple: Married veterans can maximize their benefits by ensuring all dependents are accurately claimed, staying informed about state-specific programs, and applying for increased compensation if their service-connected conditions worsen.

Can Two Married Disabled Veterans Each Receive VA Disability Compensation?

Absolutely! If two veterans are married, each can receive VA disability compensation based on their own service-connected conditions.

The VA does not limit or reduce the disability benefits for one veteran just because their spouse is also receiving disability compensation.

Each veteran is evaluated independently based on their service-connected disabilities and corresponding VA disability rating.

Are Married Disabled Veterans Allowed to Claim Each Other and Their Children as Dependents?

Yes, if both spouses are disabled veterans with a 30% or higher disability rating, each can claim the other as a dependent, along with any children.

This can increase the monthly VA disability compensation for both veterans.

However, it’s important to note that claiming a spouse who is also a veteran with a disability rating may take longer for the VA to process.

The process involves more detailed verification, so expect potential delays.

Pro Tip: Disabled veterans with a VA disability rating of 0%, 10%, or 20% are not eligible for additional compensation for dependents.

What VA Benefits Do Two Married Disabled Veterans Qualify For?

When both spouses are disabled veterans, they can qualify for various VA benefits beyond just disability compensation.

Here’s a list of additional VA and veteran benefits that two married disabled veterans may be eligible for:

VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

VA SMC is an additional tax-free benefit for veterans with specific disabilities, such as loss of limbs or the need for aid and attendance. It provides extra financial support based on the severity of the veteran’s condition. Both spouses can receive SMC if they meet the criteria independently.

VA Health Care Benefits

Both veterans may qualify for VA health care based on their service-connected disabilities. Eligibility and priority group assignment will depend on their disability ratings and other factors, such as income level and combat veteran status.

VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Services

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services. The program used to be called Voc Rehab. These services help veterans prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment. Both spouses can independently receive VR&E services if eligible.

VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits

This benefit provides additional financial assistance to veterans who require help with daily activities or are housebound. It is especially valuable for covering in-home care or nursing home costs. Both veterans can receive these benefits independently if they meet the criteria.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)

The Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) program allows eligible veterans to receive both VA disability compensation and military retirement pay without any offsets.

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

Veterans who have combat-related disabilities and receive military retirement pay may qualify for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC), which provides tax-free monthly compensation in addition to their retirement pay.

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Surviving Spouses

The VA DIC program provides tax-free monetary support to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of a service member who died in the line of duty or from service-related injuries.

Post-9/11 GI Bill and Transfer of Education Benefits

Both spouses may be eligible for education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides tuition and fee coverage, a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. Veterans who have unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits may be able to transfer those benefits to their spouse.

VA Home Loan Benefits

Married veterans can use their VA home loan benefits to purchase a home together or refinance an existing mortgage. This benefit includes favorable loan terms such as no down payment and lower interest rates.

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

Both spouses may qualify for Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife), which is a guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance program designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities. This program offers coverage options ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 in increments of $10,000. Importantly, there are no health questions or medical exams required to qualify, making it accessible to all eligible veterans. However, there is a two-year waiting period before the full coverage amount takes effect, during which time only the premiums paid plus interest would be returned to the beneficiary if the insured passes away. Once in effect, the policy offers lifelong coverage with fixed premiums that do not increase over time​.

VA Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

If one spouse has a permanent and total service-connected disability, their dependents may qualify for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), which offers education and training opportunities.

VA Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment Grants

As of 2024, the VA offers a one-time grant of up to $25,603.02 to help disabled veterans purchase a specially equipped vehicle. This grant is specifically for veterans with service-connected disabilities that severely impact their ability to drive. Additionally, the VA provides adaptive equipment grants, which can be used multiple times, to modify vehicles to accommodate the veteran’s disability, including features like power steering, lifts, and specialized controls.

VA Clothing Allowance

Veterans who use prosthetics or orthopedic devices that damage clothing, or who have skin conditions requiring medication, receive an annual VA clothing allowance. For 2024, the VA Clothing Allowance for eligible veterans is set at $999.51 annually. If you have multiple qualifying conditions, such as more than one prosthetic device or a combination of a prosthetic and skin medication, you may be eligible to receive more than one clothing allowance per year​

State-Specific Benefits for Disabled Veterans

Many states offer additional benefits for disabled veterans, such as property tax exemptions, state park access, educational assistance, and employment benefits. These state-specific programs may also apply to both spouses if they are disabled veterans.

VA Burial and Memorial Benefits

The VA provides financial assistance for the burial and funeral expenses of veterans who die of a service-connected condition, including burial flags, headstones, and Presidential Memorial Certificates. For veterans who die of a service-connected condition, the VA provides up to $2,000 for burial and funeral expenses if the death occurred on or after September 11, 2001, and $1,500 if the death occurred before that date; additional costs for transporting the remains may be covered if the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery. Non-service connected deaths have lower amounts.

Combining VA Benefits as a Married Couple

Being married as two disabled veterans allows each spouse to receive their own VA disability compensation and access to additional benefits.

To maximize your VA benefits as a married couple, make sure to:

• Apply for increased compensation for dependents if one spouse has a disability rating of 30% or higher.

• Explore eligibility for other benefits like VA health care, educational benefits transfer, and VA home loan programs.

• Keep your disability ratings updated and apply for an increase if your conditions worsen to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How to Add and Remove Dependents From Your VA Disability

You have two primary options to add and remove dependents from a VA disability award although we recommend doing it all online:

#1. Online Application

• Visit VA.gov – View – Change – Dependents

• Sign in using your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account.

• Navigate to the section for “Add or Remove Dependents” and follow the prompts to add your dependent’s information.

• You will need to upload any required documentation, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers.

Pro Tip: The VA is updating its sign-in process. After January 31, 2025, My HealtheVet will no longer be a sign-in option, and DS Logon will be phased out by September 30, 2025.

#2. Paper Application

• Fill out VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, which is used to declare dependents and any changes in dependent status.

• Submit the form to your local VA regional office either by mail or in person.

Supporting Documentation

• For a spouse, include a copy of your marriage certificate.

• For children, include copies of birth certificates, adoption papers, or school enrollment verification for children aged 18-23.

• For dependent parents, submit VA Form 21P-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent(s), and provide documentation of their financial dependency.

What Forms Do I Need to Submit for VA Dependents?

If This Describes You…	Then You Need to Submit…
You are seeking additional benefits for a child or children who are between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school	VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School Attendance. Note: Submit VA Form 21-686c in addition to VA Form 21-674 only if you have never received additional benefits for the child or children.
You are entitled to Veterans Pension (instead of disability compensation based on service-connected disabilities), and you are seeking additional benefits for a spouse only	VA Form 21P-0516-1, Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran With No Children), in addition to VA Form 21-686c.
You are entitled to Veterans Pension, you are seeking additional benefits for a child or children (with or without a spouse), and the child or children are under the age of 23 or permanently incapable of self-support	VA Form 21P-0517-1, Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Veteran With Children), in addition to VA Form 21-686c.
You are entitled to Survivors Pension (instead of DIC based on a veteran’s service-connected death) and you are seeking additional benefits for a child or children that are either under the age of 23 or permanently incapable of self-support	VA Form 21P-0519s-1, Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse With Children), in addition to VA Form 21-686c.
You are a veteran entitled to disability compensation (based on service-connected disabilities), and you are seeking additional benefits for a dependent parent or parents	VA Form 21P-509, Statement of Dependency of Parent(s). Note: There is no need to submit VA Form 21-686c when filing a claim for additional benefits for a dependent parent or parents.
You are a veteran entitled to disability compensation, and you are seeking additional benefits for a spouse who requires aid and attendance	VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance, or if your spouse resides in a nursing home, use VA Form 21-0779, Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance. Note: Submit VA Form 21-686c in addition to one of the forms referenced above only if you have never received additional benefits for your spouse.
You are a veteran seeking additional benefits for a spouse based on common-law marriage	VA Form 21-4170, Statement of Marital Relationship, and VA Form 21P-4171, Supporting Statement Regarding Marriage. Note: The above referenced forms must be submitted in addition to VA Form 21-686c.

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