How Much Is Military Disability Pay

Is Veterans Affairs Canada Taking Anything Away From Survivors Through The Pension For Life

No, the Department is committed to supporting members, Veterans and their survivors. Through the Pension for Life, Veterans Affairs Canada is increasing survivors’ eligibility for financial benefits through the Income Replacement Benefit and is increasing the amount that is payable to them from 50 to 70% .

Tdiu Alternative Facts From Va Medical Examiner

Here, the VA examiner I spoke with made the following claims:

Why Will Vac No Longer Be Providing Support To Medically

Currently, all medically-released Veterans can access services through both the CAF LTD plan and Veterans Affairs Canada. CAF LTD is, and has always been, the first payer. The goal of the change is to simplify existing supports for Veterans to reduce confusion and duplication of the services being provided.

Support will continue for medically-released Veterans. This support is more generous than Public Service Health Care Plans and is specifically tailored to support the needs of releasing CAF members. All medically releasing members have access to other benefits such as the Education and Training Benefit and Career Transition Services. Nor will support be taken away from those Veterans who experience health problem after they have released that result primarily from their service and cause a barrier to re-establishment.

As the employer sponsored group disability plan, CAF LTD will continue as first payer for income support, and as the first provider of vocational rehabilitation and vocational assistance for all medically-releasing CAF members, as it has since the 1970s.

Additional benefits and services will continue to be available through Veterans Affairs Canada for those whose health problems result primarily from service.

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Concurrent Retirement And Disability Pay

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay is a program that provides certain military retirees a monthly restoration of some or all of their VA disability offset.;Qualified military retirees are those with 20 or more years of service who have a service-connected disability of 50% or more.;The VA disability compensation is automatically added to your regular retirement pay.

You may be entitled to CRDP if…

• you are a regular retiree with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.;;
• you are a reserve retiree with 20 qualifying years of service, who has a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater and who has reached retirement age. ;;
• you are retired under Temporary Early Retirement Act and have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater.;;
• you are a disability retiree who earned entitlement to retired pay under any provision of law other than solely by disability, and you have a VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. You might become eligible for CRDP at the time you would have become eligible for retired pay.

Your CRDP payment is a restoration of retired pay.;It is taxed and, if applicable, subject to collection actions for alimony, child support, community property, garnishment and government debt just as your retired pay.

Fortunately you do not need to apply, CRDP is automatic. If you qualify you will automatically see an increase in your monthly retirement check.

Receive Your Disability Check Faster

When you file your disability claim, be sure to give the VA the routing number to your bank so you can enroll in direct deposits. This is faster and more secure and a requirement as of March 1, 2013. I recommend using a high yield savings account so you can earn more money on any interest that your money earns.

If you have specific VA benefits-related questions, it is always best to call or visit your regional VA medical center, as they will be able to access your file and answer your specific questions.

You can view the current VA Disability rates here, but for your convenience, we have included them in this article as well.

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Getting Help With Filing And Tracking Va Disability Claims

You do not have to apply for VA medical benefits or compensation alone; there are many agencies known as Veterans Service Organizations or VSOs that are authorized to act on your behalf to file with the government. This may be especially important for those who have fears that their medical claims may be denied, or for those who have been denied and want to file an appeal.

Who are these VSOs? There are too many to list comprehensively but the most highly visible include AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars , DAV, and others. Help may also be available from your state government; check the state department of veterans affairs to see what services may be offered to veterans who need VA claims assistance.

The VA official site has a list of accredited Veteran Service Organizations you can use to find help filing your VA claim or appealing a VA decision to deny your claim.

Va Disability Compensation Pay Rates Chart

Veterans with a 30% rating or higher can receive payments for eligible dependents.

As of December 1st, 2019, the 2020 VA Disability Pay Rates are in effect. Therefore, if you receive VA disability pay, you will notice the increased amount in your check automatically. Since last year, there was an increase of 1.6%. This is slightly below the expected such cost-of-living adjustment . The government addresses rates for military retiree pay, as well as, several other government benefits by adjusting this measurement every year. The next COLA will be announced on October 2020.

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Who Is Entitled To Va Compensation For Medical Issues

Veterans who apply for VA disability compensation must have medical conditions that are the result of an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training; or from injury, heart attack, or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training.

VA guidelines state that such disabilities may apply to medical conditions such as Lou Gherigs Disease, mental health issues including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and more. All medical claims submitted to the VA will be reviewed for determining the nature and severity of the condition as well as whether the condition is deemed by the VA to be service connected.

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Calculating Multiple Va Disability Ratings

Multiple disability ratings are a little tricky to calculate and are beyond the scope of this article. But well give a brief overview. In short, the VA uses a special method for calculating multiple disabilities.

Here is a simplified example:

Example: If you have a 30% disability rating, the VA would multiply that against;100%, which is assumed to be good health. This gives you 30%. Subtract that from 100% which leaves you with 70% . Then;subtract 70%;from 100% and you are left with 30%. If that is your only disability, then your final VA Service-Connected Disability Rating is 30%.

If you have multiple ratings, you continue with the process, using your final number each time as your starting point. Continuing with our example, if your next rating is 10%, you would multiply 10% against 70%, which is 7%. You subtract that from 70%, which leaves you with 63%. Subtract 63% from 100% and you get 37%. Your disability rating is 37%, which rounds up to 40%.

It can get complicated quickly, so I have an in-depth article and podcast that explain how the VA calculates combined disability ratings. I highly recommend reading and/or listening to get a good idea of how the process works!

When To Opt For Military Retirement Pay

In some circumstances, you might actually receive more money by opting out of VA disability compensation and taking retirement pay. This could happen if the military has given you a higher disability rating than the VA has. It can also be true if you are eligible for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay or Combat Related Special Compensation .

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Va Disability Pay Chart With Dependents

In todays video, Im going to reveal and explain the *NEW* 2022 VA Disability Pay Chart, to include the MASSIVE 2022 COLA increase projection of 6.1% for 2022.

Ill also share 5 SECRET VA Disability Claim Tips to get you the VA disability benefits youve earned for your service to our country.

Finally, youll learn how to increase your VA disability pay with the SEM Method, Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Disability Rating You Deserve.

VA Claims Insider YouTube: 2022 VA Pay Chart with Dependents!

Are There Additional Amounts For Veteran Dependants Such A Spouse Or Dependent Child In The Case Of The Death Of A Veteran

If a Veteran dies of a service-related death before age 65, the survivor and orphan would receive the same Income Replacement Benefit amount as the Veteran until the Veteran would have been 65 and then 70% of the benefit to which the Veteran would have been entitled to after age 65 for life.

If a Veteran dies of a non-service related death before age 65, the survivor and orphan would receive a lump-sum payment equal to 24 times the amount the Veteran received in the month he died with no offsets.

If the Veteran dies of a non-service-related death after age 65, the survivor and orphan would receive the Income Replacement benefit at the same rate as survivors and orphans of Veterans who die of a service related death.

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What Other Factors Does The Va Take Into Account For Disability

There are other factors that make the ratings change too.; For example, if a veteran has a rating on each leg or each arm then those ratings are combined together and give the overall combined rating an extra boost.; Also, if a veteran has too many ratings on one arm or leg then VA stops counting those ratings.; Further, a veteran can step up to 100% through total disability due to individual unemployability.; That veteran must show that he cannot work and that he meets a certain rating.

The only help the VA offers veterans is to provide a chart and a couple dozen rules and exceptions.; Ironically, the VA does not even use this chart.; Instead the VA has its own combined rating calculator.; VA employees actually call it the Combinator.

How Va Rates Hearing Loss

When assigning disability ratings for hearing loss, VA takes the results of your pure tone threshold test and averages it for each ear.; To do so, VA uses a grid chart with different frequencies and lines up the thresholds.; This tells the VA rater what the rating should be based on what level of hearing loss they decided you have.; Hearing loss involves a very literal application of the rating schedule.; Please note that VA rates both ears together, resulting in only one rating for hearing loss.

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How Does Va Determine Disability Rating

The VA assigns you a disability rating based on the severity of your disability. This rating is expressed as a percentage, representing how much your disability decreases your overall health and ability to function.

Your disability rating is then used to determine your disability compensation rate, which is how much money youll receive from the VA each month in disability benefits.

Your disability rating is also used to determine your eligibility for other benefits, like VA health care.

Who Should I Contact If I Have Questions About My Disability Rating

There are many organizations that specialize in helping veterans with their benefits and claims.

The first place to start is with the VA. They will have access to your records and other information. This is the best source for current and up to date information.

However, the VA isnt always the best place to get assistance with your claim, especially if you are filing an appeal after the VA denied your claim.

In that instance, I recommend;contacting a veterans benefits counselor at your county VA office, or an organization such as the DAV, AMVETS, VFW, American Legion, or similar Veteran Service Organizations.

These organizations have trained benefits counselors who should be able to review your personal and medical situation and provide a better answer to your question than I can provide.

Alternatively, if you prefer to use the anonymity of the Internet, you can use the Physical Evaluation Board Forum, which offers an excellent community that offers advice on VA disabilities, ratings, and the military medical board process.

Please note that while I have a solid understanding of how the VA disability system works, I am unable to answer specific questions regarding ones VA disability claims or specific medical conditions. These questions should be addressed by the VA, your medical professionals, or a veterans benefits counselor.

Thank you for understanding, and thank you for your service!

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Standard Va Disability Claims

With standard VA disability claims, the VA gathers evidence and compiles all supporting documents.

If the VA is unable to obtain a needed document, they may require your help. When help is required, it typically applies to documents not held by a federal agency, such as private medical records, employer information, and documents from state or local governments.

As with all claims programs, be prepared to provide your DD214 , service treatment records, VA medical records, and private medical records about your claim. Those needing help applying for their VA disability claim may also work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer .

Fully Developed Disability Claims

The next fasted option is the Fully Developed Disability Claims program.

The primary difference between the FDDC program and filing a standard claim is the Veteran must provide all evidence upfront and certify there’s no additional evidence needed to make a claim decision.

At a minimum, the Veteran should provide:

• All military personnel records on the condition, and
• All service treatment records on the condition, and
• All private medical records on the condition, and
• All VA health records or supplementary information about related VA health records that the VA can request on your behalf

If the VA requires additional information, the claim typically gets removed from the FDDC program and is processed as a standard claim.

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Secondary Basis Medical Conditions

Fortunately, there are several medical conditions that service members may cite on a secondary basis like:

• Asthma
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Tinnitus

It is recommended that you meet with a medical professional if you have symptoms of sleep apnea.

The medical condition is serious and you may be entitled to VA disability benefits as a result.

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Special Monthly Compensation Rates For Veterans With Dependents Including Children

Effective December 1, 2020

Levels L through O cover specific disabilities and situations.;Learn how we assign SMC levels L through O

Level R may apply if you need daily help from another person for basic needs .

Level S may apply if you cant leave the house because of your service-connected disabilities.

Start with the Basic SMC rates table. Find the dependent status in the left column that best describes you. Then look for your SMC letter designation in the top row. Your monthly basic rate is where your dependent status and SMC letter meet.

If you have more than one child or your spouse receives;Aid and Attendance benefits,;be sure to also look at the;Added amounts;table,;and add these to your amount from the;Basic SMC rates;table.

Start with the Basic SMC rates table. Find the dependent status in the left column that best describes you. Then look for your SMC letter designation in the top row. Your monthly basic rate is where your dependent status and SMC letter meet.

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What Is The Income Replacement Benefit

If a Veteran experiences health problem that are resulting primarily from their service, seeks rehabilitation and needs income support during that rehabilitation, the Income Replacement Benefit will provide financial support to them during that specific period of time.

For those who have a permanent physical or mental health problem that results in a diminished earning capacity, the Income Replacement Benefit will continue after the completion of the rehabilitation plan and will reduce at age 65 to 70% of the pre-age 65 amount .

Calculation of benefit: The benefit will be determined based on the higher of 90% of a Veteran’s salary at release, indexed forward to current day, OR based on a minimum threshold , indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The minimum threshold is comparable to the middle-class tax bracket . The benefit will be offset by other income sources, such as benefits payable under the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act, colloquially known as the CAF military pension.

Long term and lost career progression: For those who have a permanent physical or mental health problem that results in a diminished earning capacity, their military salary at release will be adjusted annually by a career progression factor of 1% until the earlier of what would have been 20 years of service had they not released or age 60. So, a Veteran with 5 years of military service would be eligible to receive career progression for 15 years.