Blog: Veterans 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 …

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 …

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 …

Understanding Your Deferred VA Claim VA disability benefits can be a lifeline if your ability to earn a living is limited due to a service-connected disability. So, it’s not unusual for veterans who have submitted a disability claim to be anxiously on the lookout for the decision letter. Approval is great. A denial probably means …

Ways TDIU Could Change in 2025 Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) provides an important safety net for veterans with VA disability ratings below 100% who are unable to work. TDIU classification allows a veteran with a disability rating as low as 60% to receive benefits at the 100% level.  If you’re a veteran …

VA Disability for Asthma Asthma is a common medical condition in the United States, but it’s even more common among combat veterans. One study determined that service members who served in combat were 24-30% more likely to develop asthma than those who had not been deployed. Veterans with this service-connected condition may qualify for VA …

VA Disability Ratings for IBS According to the most recent report from the VA, more than 230,000 veterans are receiving VA disability benefits for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you suffer from IBS and believe that your condition may be service-connected, here’s what you need to know about how the VA rates IBS.  Of course, …