Veterans are an important class of our population and as such, it is important to know about the various benefits available to them. Many of the benefits are based on the type of service by the veteran, the health of the veteran, or a combination of these factors. A Veterans Affairs attorney can help you determine what kind of benefits are available to you.
How a Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Attorney Can Help You
Disability benefits are available for military veterans who were disabled during their service or as a result of their service. To qualify, veterans must have a service-related disability rating of 10 percent or more, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans must also have been discharged under circumstances other than a dishonorable discharge. Typically, these benefits range from $127 to $3,000 per month and you may be eligible for increased benefits if your disability is “very severe.”
If you are a veteran or a widow of a veteran, you may be able to obtain tax-free income from the VA to help pay for the cost of health care, assisted living care, and nursing home care. This benefit is called “Improved Pension.” In addition to the pension, a person who is housebound or in need of the assistance of another person with activities of daily living may receive additional pay called Housebound Benefits or Aid and Attendance Benefits, which is a supplement to the pension. Basic eligibility for the Improved Pension is that the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active service with one day being in wartime. In general, wartime is:
- World War I
- World War II: December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Conflict: August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975 (serving anywhere). However, February 28, 1961, through May 7, 1975, for a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period.
- Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law.
The veteran’s discharge must be other than dishonorable to be eligible for pension benefits, as well as meet specific income, asset, and health requirements.
Benefit amounts for the Improved Pension and supplements vary based on several factors and are set by law, but can be more than $20,000 annually, tax-free.
Contact a Mississippi Veterans’ Affairs Disability Lawyer Today
The Veterans Administration recognizes that veterans require a wide range of services, especially when transitioning home and as they age. If you or someone you know may be eligible for VA benefits, contact us today.
Palmer & Slay, PLLC, is dedicated to assisting clients with their veterans affairs needs in Mississippi, including Scott County, Rankin County, Brandon, and beyond.