Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Help?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
Can I work and still get VA disability? Is VA disability taxable? What’s a VA secondary condition?
A growing list of questions can add time and confusion to an already confusing process.
That’s exactly why we’ve rounded up our TOP 25 most common VA disability questions and answered them all in this Veterans Benefits Guide!
Whether you’re just starting your VA claim, or you’ve been navigating the process for a while, this guide will help you easily understand the answers to some of the most common questions surrounding VA disability benefits.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Top VA Disability Questions Answered: Get clear answers to the most common questions about VA disability benefits, from eligibility to compensation.
- Navigating VA Claims: Learn the ins and outs of filing a VA disability claim, including how to appeal a denied claim.
- Maximizing Your VA Disability Benefits: Discover how to get a higher VA disability rating if your condition worsens.
Common VA Disability Benefits Questions
Who qualifies for VA disability benefits?
Veterans with a current diagnosed condition linked to their military service may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
The VA requires evidence of a current diagnosed condition, an in-service event or injury, and a medical link (nexus) between the two.
Some conditions are also presumptively service-connected, meaning the VA automatically assumes they resulted from military service.
See Also: VA Benefits Eligibility by Discharge Status
How do I apply for VA disability benefits?
You can file a VA claim online at VA.gov, by mail, via fax, or in person at a VA regional office.
Read More: How to File a VA Claim Online
What is a veteran file number?
Your veteran’s file number is a unique identifier assigned to you when you submit a claim for VA benefits.
It helps the VA track your claims and link documents to your file within their electronic database.
See More: How to Request Your VA Claims File (VA C-File) Online
How do you find your VA file number?
You can find your VA file number in mail correspondence from the VA. Generally, the VA file number is in the upper right-hand corner.
Your VA file number may be your social security number without dashes unless you filed your VA claim a while ago.
Can I split my VA disability direct deposit?
No, the VA doesn’t allow you to split your VA disability direct deposit. The VA requires you to have all VA benefit payments deposited into a single bank account.
Looking to change your VA disability direct deposit? See HERE.
Can you work and get VA disability?
Yes, you can work and get VA disability if you’re receiving standard disability compensation.
If you’re receiving TDIU benefits, which compensate you at the 100% disability rate because your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful employment, there are strict income limits. With TDIU, you can only work in a limited capacity (e.g., part-time, or marginal employment).
See Also:
Can a veteran receive disability after being discharged?
Yes, a veteran can receive disability benefits after being discharged if they have a condition that is connected to their military service.
The VA provides disability compensation for injuries, illnesses, or conditions:
- That occurred during service: The condition must have started or been aggravated while the veteran was on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.
- That are service-connected: The veteran must establish a link between their current condition and their military service.
- That meet VA criteria: The veteran must file a claim and provide evidence, such as service records, medical records, and, if necessary, a medical opinion linking the condition to service.
Do you pay taxes on VA disability benefits?
No, you don’t pay taxes on VA disability benefits and don’t need to include them as income on your tax return.
See More: Are Veteran Benefits Taxable?
What is the most approved disability?
Tinnitus is one of the most common conditions veterans claim, especially those who served in combat or around loud equipment.
See More: Our 7 BEST Tinnitus VA Rating Tips!
How does the VA assign disability ratings?
The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your service-connected condition and how it impacts your ability to function in daily life and work. In general, the more severe the symptoms the higher rating.
VA disability ratings are expressed as percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%. However, the way the VA calculates multiple disabilities, often referred to as “VA Math,” can be confusing.
See More:
You DESERVE a HIGHER VA rating.
We CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
Questions About Common VA Terms
What is a service-connected disability?
A service-connected disability is a health condition or injury that was caused or made worse by your military service.
This can include physical injuries, mental health conditions, or illnesses that arise during active duty, training, or because of exposure to certain environments or substances during service.
Read More: 5 Types of VA Service Connection
What is a non-service-connected disability?
A non-service-connected disability is an injury or illness that prevents veterans from working but is unrelated to their military service.
Read More: What is a Non-Service-Connected Disability?
What does non-compensable mean?
Non-compensable refers to a condition or disability that is recognized by the VA as service-connected but does not qualify for monthly disability compensation because its severity is rated at 0%.
What is an intent to file?
An intent to file is a formal notification to the VA that you plan to submit a claim for benefits.
Filing an intent to file allows you to establish an effective date for your claim, which is important because the VA pays retroactive benefits starting from the effective date if your claim is approved.
Read More: Why the VA Intent to File is Super Important
What is a direct service connection?
A direct service connection is the process by which a veteran demonstrates that a specific injury or disease was directly caused or made worse by their time in military service.
Read More: What is Direct Service Connection for VA Disability?
What is a VA secondary condition?
A VA secondary condition is a disability or health issue that develops because of an existing service-connected condition.
Secondary conditions are also eligible for VA disability compensation if they can be medically linked to the primary service-connected disability.
Read More: What are VA Secondary Conditions?
What is a VA presumptive condition?
A VA presumptive condition is a disability or illness that the VA assumes (or “presumes”) to be connected to a veteran’s military service, even without direct evidence linking the condition to their time in service.
Read More:
What is substantially gainful employment?
Substantially gainful employment is a term used by the VA to describe a veteran’s ability to maintain regular, competitive employment that provides earnings above the federal poverty level.
If you can’t keep substantially gainful employment because of your service-connected disability, you might be eligible for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
Read More: What is Substantially Gainful Employment?
Questions About the VA Claims Process
How long does it take to process a VA disability claim?
As of December 2024, the average timeline for processing VA disability claims is approximately 140.8 days, but it can vary based on case complexity and the VA’s workload.
What evidence do I need to support my VA claim?
Examples of evidence to include in your VA claim:
- VA medical and/or hospital records that relate to your claimed condition or that show your rated disability has gotten worse.
- Private medical and/or hospital records that relate to your claimed condition or that show your rated disability has gotten worse.
- Supporting statements from family, friends, coworkers, clergy, or law enforcement personnel with knowledge about how and when your disability happened or how it got worse.
Read More: Why the Probative Value of Evidence Matters for Your VA Disability Claim
What is the VA’s “duty to assist”?
The VA is obligated to help gather the evidence needed to support your claim. They will make a “reasonable effort” to obtain your:
- VA medical records
- Other types of federal records
- Private medical records, like reports from a non-VA hospital or from your private healthcare providers
Read More: The “VA Duty to Assist” Explained!
What does compensation issue mean on a VA claim?
A compensation issue on a VA claim refers to any aspect of a claim directly related to disability compensation.
This may include submitting new evidence to establish service connection, requesting a higher disability rating, or seeking back pay for benefits owed since the original claim date.
Read More: What Does VA Supplemental Claim Compensation Issue Mean?
What is a C&P exam, and do I need one?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam is a medical evaluation by a VA doctor to assess your condition. Not all VA claims require one, but if scheduled, attending the exam is crucial.
Read More: How Do I Know if My C&P Exam Went Well?
Can I increase my VA disability rating?
Yes! You can file a new VA claim. You can also request a VA disability rating increase if your condition has worsened. You can file a claim online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.
You can submit new medical evidence (doctor’s statements, treatment records, or lay statements) and be prepared for a C&P exam. If your condition has led to secondary disabilities, you can file a separate claim.
Read More: 8 Ways to Increase Your VA Disability Rating
How do you appeal a VA claim decision?
You can appeal the VA’s decision on your claim by filing a Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or appealing directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
Read More: What is the SUCCESS RATE of VA Disability Appeals?
Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
- VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.
- Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you to VA claim victory.
- 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
- 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.
- 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
