Compensation
Source: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:36
Compensation
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VA
»
Veterans Benefits Administration
»
Compensation
Compensation
Automobile Allowance
If you are a
disabled Veteran
you may be eligible for a grant to purchase or adapt an automobile.
Learn More »
Compensation 101
Disability Compensation
is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.
See the Video »
What is Service Connection?
Compensation benefits are paid for disabilities that are service-connected, which means the injury or disease resulted in a disability linked to military service.
See the Video »
How did I get this rating?
VA rates disability from 0% to 100% using the Combined Ratings Table to determine a Veteran’s disability rating.
See the Video »
Automobile Allowance
What is Disability Compensation?
What is Service Connection?
How did I get this rating?
Benefits
Eligibility
How to Apply
Filing an FDC
Disability Compensation
is a tax free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.
Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.
Learn More about Disability Compensation
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
is a tax free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities.
DIC for parents
is an income based benefit.
Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg.
For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Other Benefits:
VA provides additional housing and insurance benefits to Veterans with disabilities, including
Adapted Housing grants
,
Service-Disable Veterans' Insurance
, and
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance
.
Compensation benefits require that your disability be service-connected. You must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
Disability Compensation
Your disability must be 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. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Learn More about Disability Compensation
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouses of a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training may be eligible for DIC. Children may be eligible for DIC if not included in the surviving spouse's DIC benefit.
Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Special Monthly Compensation
Disability compensation recipients may be eligible for this additional tax-free benefit due to the special circumstances of your disability, if you are housebound, or need help performing daily living functions.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
The best way to apply for disability compensation is by obtaining an eBenefits account and applying
online
. When applying for compensation benefits, you must have access to the following information:
Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports)
Dependency records (marriage and children's birth certificates)
Alternatively, you may print and mail-in or call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to have the form mailed to you.
VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
Service members may be able to receive disability compensation benefits sooner if you apply prior to your discharge from service through the
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
or
Quick Start
pre-discharge programs.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits
and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
Learn more about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Special Monthly Compensation
VA will automatically award special monthly compensation if your disability qualifies. To apply for SMC if you are housebound or required the aid and attendance of someone to perform daily living functions complete
VA Form 21-2680
and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Filing a
Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
allows Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors the option to participate more fully in the claims process. When Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors provide all required evidence at the same time they submit a claim AND certify that they have no more evidence, VA can issue a decision faster.
Veterans may file the following types of FDC claims electronically:
An injury, disability, or condition you believe occurred or was aggravated by your service
A condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-related condition
File an Electronic FDC Today
Go to
eBenefits.va.gov
to find a Veterans Service Officer who can provide free, expert assistance.
Gather supporting documents, including your DD-214, service and private medical records, and buddy statements.
Initiate your claim at
eBenefits.va.gov
or call
1-800-827-1000
for assistance.
Four Steps to File a Fully Developed Claim Online
Step 1: Log on to
eBenefits.va.gov
Step 2: Identify federal records
Step 3: Gather records (as applicable)
Step 4: Upload the documents
Fully Developed Claims for Servicemembers
Servicemembers use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program at
eBenefits.va.gov
to submit a Fully Developed Claim before discharge. The BDD program is available nationwide to all Servicemembers on full-time active duty, including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.
Resources
Appeals Modernization
Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators
Agent and Attorney Fee Coordinators
Appeals
Benefits A-Z
Federal Benefits Guide
Benefit Rates
VA Code of Federal Regulations
New/Update Military ID Card
Claims Adjudication Procedures Manual/Live Manual
Link to subscribe to receive email notice of changes to the Live Manual
5103 Notice Acknowledgement
CONNECT
Veterans Crisis Line:
Call: 988 and
(Select 1)
Social Media
Complete Directory
EMAIL UPDATES
VA HOME
Notices
Privacy
Regulations
Web Policies
No FEAR Act
Site Index
USA.gov
White House
Inspector General
QUICK LIST
Apply for Benefits
Apply for Health Care
My Health
e
Vet
Life Insurance Online Applications
VA Forms
State and Local Resources
VA Plans, Budget, & Performance
VA Claims Representation
RESOURCES
Careers at VA
Employment Center
Veteran Readiness & Employment
Homeless Veterans
Women Veterans
Minority Veterans
Plain Language
Surviving Spouses & Dependents
Adaptive Sports Program
ADMINISTRATION
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Benefits Administration
National Cemetery Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420
Last updated June 21, 2025
Get help from Veterans Crisis Line
Call
988 (Press 1)
Text to
838255
Chat
confidentially now
Call TTY if you
have hearing loss
1-800-799-4889
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide,
visit
VeteransCrisisLine.net
for more resources.
skip to page content
Menu
Menu
Outreach and Transition Programs
Outreach and Transition Programs Home
Outreach
Elderly Veterans
Gulf War Veterans
Homeless Veterans
Incarcerated Veterans
Korean War Veterans
Minority Veterans
Native American Veterans
Women Veterans
Former Prisoners of War
Veterans Living Overseas
World War II Veterans
Indigent Veterans and Unclaimed Remains
Transition
Transition Home
VA TAP Course Catalog
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
SkillBridge
Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC)
Pre-Discharge Claims
VA Solid Start
FAQs
Economic Development
Economic Development Home
Benefits and Employment Fairs
Compensation
Compensation Home
Types of Compensation
Types of Claims
Types of Claims Page
Post-Service
Pre-Discharge
Special
How to File a Claim
Evidence Requirements
Evidence Needed
Private Medical Evidence
Compensation & Pension Exam
Effective Dates
Fully Developed Claims
Benefit Rates
Add a Dependent
Education & Training
Education & Training Home
For Students
Get Started
Get Started Home
Apply for Benefits
Payment Rates
School Locator
Principles of Excellence
Education Programs
Education Programs Home
Post-9/11 GI Bill
VET TEC 2.0
Montgomery GI Bill
Survivors & Dependent Assistance
Accelerated Payments
Co-Op Training
Correspondence Training
Entrepreneurship Training
Flight Training
Institutions of Higher Learning
National Call to Service Program
Licensing, Certification Tests, Prep Courses
National Tests
Non-College Degree Programs
On-The-Job and Apprenticeship
Tuition Assistance Top Up
Tutorial Assistance
Workstudy
For School Administrators
About GI Bill
Social Media
Non-VA Resources
Contact Us
General Contact Information
Regional Processing Offices
Veteran Readiness & Employment
Veteran Readiness Home
Transitioning to Civilian Employment
Veteran Readiness Employment Tracks
Veteran Employment Resources
VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)
Independent Living
Eligibility and Entitlement
Subsistence Allowance Rates
Program Definitions
Links and Resources
Home Loans
VA Home Loans
Mortgage Assistance
Foreclosure Avoidance
Purchase & Cash-Out Refinance Loan
Purchase & Cash-Out Refinance Loan Page
Eligibility
Buying Process
Certificate of Eligibility
Loan Fee
Loan Limits
Escape Clause
Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan
Temporary Buydown
Native American Direct Loan
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
SAH Assistive Technology Grant
SAH Builder Registration Information
Appraisers/SARs
Appraisers/SARs Page
Fee Appraiser Application
Appraisal Fees and Timeliness
Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) Information
SAR Application: LAPP Program
Construction and Valuation
Lenders
Lenders Page
Lenders Sample Documents
How to Apply for Nonsupervised Automatic Authority
Loan Guaranty Monitoring Unit
Real Estate Professionals
Real Estate Professionals Page
Property Management
Servicers
Servicers Page
VALERI (VA Loan Electronic Reporting Interface)
VALERI Servicer Newsflash
Training
Technology Knowledge Center
Life Insurance
Life Insurance Home
Access My Policy Online
SGLI: Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance
SGLI Program Page
SGLI Disability Extension
SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES)
VGLI: Veterans' Group Life Insurance
VGLI Program Page
How Does VGLI Compare to Other Insurance Programs?
How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need?
VGLI Premium Rates
FSGLI: Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
TSGLI: SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection Program
TSGLI Program Page
Schedule of Payments for Traumatic Losses
S-DVI: Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance
VALife: Veterans Affairs Life Insurance
VMLI: Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance
Beneficiary Financial Counseling and Online Will
Accelerated Benefits Option
Other VA Life Insurance
Other VA Life Insurance Page
Plans of Insurance
Veterans' Reopened Insurance
Veterans' Special Life Insurance
National Service Life Insurance WWII
Dividend Payment Options Available
Special Dividend Rumor
Search for Unclaimed Funds
Pension
Appeals Modernization
Services
Services Home Page
Beneficiary Financial Counseling
Careers and Employment
Educational and Vocational Counseling
Fiduciary Program
Fiduciary Program Home
Beneficiary Overview
Fiduciary Overview
Independent Living
Mortgage Delinquency Assistance
Private Providers Information
Applying for Benefits
Applying for Benefits Home
Character of Discharge
Regional Offices
VBA Performance
VBA Performance Home
Characteristics of Claims
Monday Morning Workload Report
Appeals Modernization Reporting
Annual Benefits Report
Attorney Fee Report
Media and Publications
About VBA
SUBSCRIBE TO VA'S MONTHLY BENEFITS NEWSLETTER
VA
»
Veterans Benefits Administration
»
Compensation
Compensation
Automobile Allowance
If you are a
disabled Veteran
you may be eligible for a grant to purchase or adapt an automobile.
Learn More »
Compensation 101
Disability Compensation
is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.
See the Video »
What is Service Connection?
Compensation benefits are paid for disabilities that are service-connected, which means the injury or disease resulted in a disability linked to military service.
See the Video »
How did I get this rating?
VA rates disability from 0% to 100% using the Combined Ratings Table to determine a Veteran’s disability rating.
See the Video »
Automobile Allowance
What is Disability Compensation?
What is Service Connection?
How did I get this rating?
Benefits
Eligibility
How to Apply
Filing an FDC
Disability Compensation
is a tax free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.
Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.
Learn More about Disability Compensation
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
is a tax free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities.
DIC for parents
is an income based benefit.
Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg.
For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Other Benefits:
VA provides additional housing and insurance benefits to Veterans with disabilities, including
Adapted Housing grants
,
Service-Disable Veterans' Insurance
, and
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance
.
Compensation benefits require that your disability be service-connected. You must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions.
Disability Compensation
Your disability must be 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. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's Disease, as well as mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Learn More about Disability Compensation
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouses of a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training may be eligible for DIC. Children may be eligible for DIC if not included in the surviving spouse's DIC benefit.
Learn More about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Special Monthly Compensation
Disability compensation recipients may be eligible for this additional tax-free benefit due to the special circumstances of your disability, if you are housebound, or need help performing daily living functions.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
The best way to apply for disability compensation is by obtaining an eBenefits account and applying
online
. When applying for compensation benefits, you must have access to the following information:
Discharge or separation papers (DD214 or equivalent)
Medical evidence (doctor and hospital reports)
Dependency records (marriage and children's birth certificates)
Alternatively, you may print and mail-in or call VA at 1-800-827-1000 to have the form mailed to you.
VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
Service members may be able to receive disability compensation benefits sooner if you apply prior to your discharge from service through the
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
or
Quick Start
pre-discharge programs.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits
and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
Learn more about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Special Monthly Compensation
VA will automatically award special monthly compensation if your disability qualifies. To apply for SMC if you are housebound or required the aid and attendance of someone to perform daily living functions complete
VA Form 21-2680
and mail it to your nearest VA regional office.
Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Filing a
Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
allows Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors the option to participate more fully in the claims process. When Veterans, Servicemembers and survivors provide all required evidence at the same time they submit a claim AND certify that they have no more evidence, VA can issue a decision faster.
Veterans may file the following types of FDC claims electronically:
An injury, disability, or condition you believe occurred or was aggravated by your service
A condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-related condition
File an Electronic FDC Today
Go to
eBenefits.va.gov
to find a Veterans Service Officer who can provide free, expert assistance.
Gather supporting documents, including your DD-214, service and private medical records, and buddy statements.
Initiate your claim at
eBenefits.va.gov
or call
1-800-827-1000
for assistance.
Four Steps to File a Fully Developed Claim Online
Step 1: Log on to
eBenefits.va.gov
Step 2: Identify federal records
Step 3: Gather records (as applicable)
Step 4: Upload the documents
Fully Developed Claims for Servicemembers
Servicemembers use the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program at
eBenefits.va.gov
to submit a Fully Developed Claim before discharge. The BDD program is available nationwide to all Servicemembers on full-time active duty, including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.
Resources
Appeals Modernization
Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators
Agent and Attorney Fee Coordinators
Appeals
Benefits A-Z
Federal Benefits Guide
Benefit Rates
VA Code of Federal Regulations
New/Update Military ID Card
Claims Adjudication Procedures Manual/Live Manual
Link to subscribe to receive email notice of changes to the Live Manual
5103 Notice Acknowledgement
CONNECT
Veterans Crisis Line:
Call: 988 and
(Select 1)
Social Media
Complete Directory
EMAIL UPDATES
VA HOME
Notices
Privacy
Regulations
Web Policies
No FEAR Act
Site Index
USA.gov
White House
Inspector General
QUICK LIST
Apply for Benefits
Apply for Health Care
My Health
e
Vet
Life Insurance Online Applications
VA Forms
State and Local Resources
VA Plans, Budget, & Performance
VA Claims Representation
RESOURCES
Careers at VA
Employment Center
Veteran Readiness & Employment
Homeless Veterans
Women Veterans
Minority Veterans
Plain Language
Surviving Spouses & Dependents
Adaptive Sports Program
ADMINISTRATION
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Benefits Administration
National Cemetery Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420
Last updated June 21, 2025
Get help from Veterans Crisis Line
Call
988 (Press 1)
Text to
838255
Chat
confidentially now
Call TTY if you
have hearing loss
1-800-799-4889
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide,
visit
VeteransCrisisLine.net
for more resources.