If you’re a Veteran who has a disability, you may qualify for additional benefits and services that can enhance your independence and help you care for yourself and your family.
As a Veteran, you may qualify for benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can empower you to live your life to the fullest after service. If you’re a Veteran who lives with a disability, you may qualify for additional benefits and services that can enhance your independence and help you care for yourself and your family.
Check out the information and resources below to ensure you’re taking advantage of the benefits you deserve.
Health care
All Veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements qualify for health care through VA. With the recent adoption of the PACT Act, many more Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving are now eligible for health care. As a Veteran living with disabilities, you may receive a higher priority status for your health care and may qualify for additional benefits. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique, but VA health care covers a wide range of services and can include check-ups, immunizations, specialized care, intensive care, mental health care, surgeries, home health care, bloodwork, therapy and rehabilitation services, and more.
First, Veterans should find out if you’re eligible for VA health care. Secondly, they should learn how to apply for VA health care by mail, online, in person or with the help of a trained professional.
Long-term care
As a Veteran, you may be eligible for assisted living, residential or home health care through VA. Long-term services may include 24/7 nursing and medical care, physical therapy, help with daily tasks, comfort care, pain management care, support for your caregivers, and more.
Learn more about services, eligibility, specific programs and more.
Transportation
VA’s Veterans Transportation Program offers eligible Veterans many travel solutions to and from VA health care facilities at little or no cost. The program includes the following services:
- Veterans Transportation Service – This service provides safe and reliable transportation for Veterans who need assistance traveling to and from VA health care facilities and authorized non-VA health care appointments. Transportation availability and eligibility guidelines are set by local facilities.
- Highly Rural Transportation Grants – This grant-based program helps Veterans in highly rural areas travel to VA or VA-authorized health care facilities. Check the site to see if you live in an area where this program is available.
- Travel Pay Reimbursement – VA travel pay reimbursement allows eligible Veterans and caregivers to submit mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments. Reimbursement may include costs like road tolls, parking, taxi fares, public transportation tickets and more. Find out if you’re eligible and learn how to apply.
Disability compensation
VA disability compensation provides financial support for Veterans who live with service-related disabilities through monthly tax-free payments. This financial support program includes Veterans who became sick or injured while serving in the military or whose service made an existing condition worse. VA considers both physical and mental health conditions for disability benefits, including health issues like chronic back pain, severe hearing loss, lung conditions, cancers, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and more.
Find out if you’re eligible for disability compensation.
Learn how to file a claim online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.
Housing
VA offers three different disability housing grants for Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities – the Specially Adapted Housing Grant, the Special Housing Adaptations Grant, and the Temporary Residence Adaptation Grant. These grant programs help eligible Veterans buy, build or change an existing home to meet their needs and live more independently. This may include changes such as installing ramps, widening doorways, adding a roll-in shower, and more. A Guide for Specially Adapted Housing and Special Housing Adaptations Projects is a VA publication with a lot of helpful details about how each grant works.
Find out if you’re eligible and learn how to apply.
Employment
VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program can help Veterans living with a service-connected disabilities that limit their ability to work or prevents them from working. The program offers a wide range of employment services including helping Veterans return to former jobs, receive education or training, find and keep jobs, live independently or start their own business.
Find out if you’re eligible for the VR&E program.
Learn how to apply for VR&E benefits and services in person, by mail, online or with help from a trained professional.
Additional Monthly Payments
Veterans living with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, which are monthly payments added to the monthly VA pension amount of qualified Veterans and survivors. Veterans needing help with daily activities like bathing or feeding, or need to stay in bed for large portions of the day, have limited eyesight, or are housebound because of a disability, should find out about eligibility for additional benefits and learn how to apply.
Prosthetics and Sensory Aids
VA’s Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) provides a full range of equipment and services to Veterans, including items such as an artificial limb or hearing aid, ramps and vehicle modifications, a clothing allowance, durable medical equipment, eyeglasses, hearing aids, home oxygen, service dog insurance, and more.
Find out more about PSAS, your eligibility and how to apply.
Additional Information
- For additional resources and information, check out Don’t wait. Reach out. This VA site features several resources for Veterans with disability challenges listed all in one place.
- Disabled American Veterans offers free, professional assistance for Veterans and their families to receive many of the benefits listed above. Get help filing claims, understanding your benefits, managing your appeals, and more.