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DIC and Survivors Pension Claims Now Paid Faster Survivors’ benefits can be a lifeline for spouses, children, and even parents of a deceased veteran. Unfortunately, survivors have often had to wait months for benefits–sometimes even a year or more. One reason for the delay is that, until recently, claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) …
What Heart Conditions Qualify for VA Disability? Any heart condition can qualify a veteran for VA disability if the condition is service-connected and is sufficiently serious. The VA uses a general rating schedule for many heart conditions, but also has separate schedules for other heart conditions. And, some heart conditions are presumed service-connected for certain …
VA Dependent Compensation Explained: How to Increase Your VA Disability Compensation A disabled veteran with a VA disability rating of 30% or higher can get extra monthly compensation for qualifying dependents. These dependent benefits aren’t paid directly to the dependent, but are added to the veteran’s monthly VA disability payment. Ideally, dependents are listed and …
VA Ratings for Rhinitis Veterans, particularly those who served in certain areas, are at greater risk for rhinitis. Overall, servicemembers who have been deployed are 41% more likely than the general population to develop chronic rhinitis. The increased risk is especially notable among veterans who served in Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Since the PACT …
How to Get a VA Rating for Insomnia Obtaining a VA disability rating for insomnia requires the same basic steps as securing any VA disability rating: Demonstrate that you suffer from the condition Establish that it is more likely than not that your condition is service-connected Provide evidence to support the maximum appropriate VA disability …
VA Back Pay and Accrued Benefits: Who Qualifies and How to Claim What You’re Owed VA back pay and accrued benefits are the same core benefits. The difference is in who receives them and when. Here’s what you need to know, as a VA disability claimant or a surviving family member. What is VA Back …
VA Extends PCAFC Benefits for Legacy Caregivers Through 2028: Here’s What It Means for You If you or someone you love has been part of the VA’s Family Caregiver Program for a while, there’s some genuinely good news out of Washington. On November 20, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a final rule that …
DIC Appeals Roadmap Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) can provide an important safety net for dependents of servicemembers who die in the line of duty or of certain VA disability recipients. But the qualifications are complex, and claims can be wrongly denied simply because you didn’t understand exactly what the VA was looking for with …
Does Suicide Affect Survivor Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Benefits? Losing a loved one is heartbreaking. Losing a veteran who carried invisible wounds from service can feel especially devastating and confusing. Many families are left wondering not only how to cope emotionally, but also how they’ll manage financially. One of the most common questions surviving …
2026 Guide to 90% VA Disability Benefits VA disability ratings are awarded in increments of 10%, ranging from 0% to 100%. The type and amount of benefits a veteran receives depend on the VA disability rating assigned. Here’s what you need to know about 90% VA disability ratings, the benefits you’ll qualify for at that …
2026 Guide to VA Benefits for Terminally Ill Veterans and Survivors: Hospice, Expedited Claims, DIC, and A & A When a veteran is dealing with a terminal illness, the VA offers a wide range of supporting programs. While some of these services are associated with VA disability for service-connected conditions, others are available to qualifying …
VA DIC for Spouses, Dependents, and Parents in 2026 Surviving family members of some deceased service members and disabled veterans may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Like VA disability and other veterans benefits, DIC rates are adjusted annually based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Rates for …
VA Disabilities Secondary to Mental Health Conditions: A Guide for Veterans Mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are some of the most common service-connected disabilities among veterans. While many veterans know that these conditions themselves are eligible for VA disability compensation, fewer realize that they can also receive benefits for other health …
What is the VA Disability Payment Scheduled for 2025? (UPDATED FOR 2026) You depend on your monthly VA disability benefits, so it’s important to know what to expect in 2026. Normally, VA disability benefits are paid on the first of the month following the benefit month. Occasionally, this schedule changes. If the first day of …
VA Disability Rates and Payment Schedule 2026 v 2025 Each year, the VA adjusts VA disability rates to keep up with inflation. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on a percentage determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and is the same percent increase Social Security recipients get. It’s determined using the year-over-year increase in …
VA Compensation for Sleep Apnea More than 500,000 U.S.military veterans are receiving VA disability benefits for sleep apnea. It’s the most common respiratory condition people receive VA compensation. Many other veterans are believed to suffer from undiagnosed sleep apnea, which can significantly increase the risk of certain cardiac issues. A veteran may receive VA disability …
Will a Government Shutdown Affect My VA Disability? If you rely on VA disability benefits for your monthly income or medical care, the possibility of a government shutdown can feel overwhelming. The good news is that, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, your disability payments and access to VA health care remain protected …
2026 VA Disability COLA Increase The VA has confirmed a 2.8% cost-of-living increase for 2026, raising disability compensation, TDIU payments, SMC, DIC, and most other monthly VA benefits starting December 1, 2025. For millions of veterans and their surviving families, this annual adjustment is crucial in keeping compensation in line with rising living costs. Below …
Understanding VA Benefits for Veterans’ Grown Children The vast majority of VA benefits, including VA disability benefits, go straight to the veteran. That’s even true when a veteran gets additional VA disability benefits for dependents–the veteran’s monthly benefit is increased, rather than any money going directly to the dependents. However, there are some benefits that …
Are Reservists Being Left Behind in the VA Disability Process? Reservists–those who served in the Reserves or National Guard–who are partly or completely disabled due to a service-connected medical condition are entitled to VA disability benefits, just like any other military veteran. Unfortunately, an in-depth study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reveals that reservists …
