VA Disability Benefits

VA disability benefits are available for war-time1. ran with no dependents $11,181
veterans or their surviving spouse whether or not2. ran with a spouse or a child $14,643
your disability is service-connected. There are many3. If you are housebound, which basically means you
veterans and surviving spouses of deceasedcan no longer safely drive.
veterans from World War II and Korea that don'tThe Housebound MAPR for 2008 are:
even know they qualify!1. Housebound veteran with no dependents =
It is a shame that this is one of the VA's best kept$13,664
secret.2. Housebound veteran with one dependent =
Of the two VA disability benefits, the one discussed$17,126
here is the non-service connected disability pension.3. Add, for each additional dependent = $1,909
This benefit has a three tier payment level dependingAid And Attendance Entitlement
on your particular situation.If the veteran needs help with the basic activities of
Disability Pensiondaily living (dressing, bathing, grooming, hygiene,
To be eligible you must meet the followingtoileting, etc.) they may qualify for additional disability
requirements:pension benefits. The veteran will need to show that
1. You must have been discharged under other thanhe or she needs home care on a regular and
dishonorable conditions.permanent basis, or lives in an assisted living facility.
2. If you enlisted before September 7, 1980, youThe Aid and Attendance benefit MAPR for 2008 are:
must have served 90 days or more of active duty1. Veteran who needs aid and attendance with no
with at least one day during a period of war. Anyonedependents =$18,654
who enlisted after September 7, 1980, however,2. Veteran who needs aid and attendance with one
must serve at least 24 months or the full period fordependent = $22,113
which that person was called to serve.VA Disability Benefits Payment
3. You must be permanently and totally disabled, orThe actual amount of your disability pension will
age 65 or older. The Veterans Administration nodepend on your "countable" income. Countable
longer requires those over age 65 to submit evidenceincome is your gross income minus qualified health
they have a disability that prevents them fromcare expenses. The VA will pay you the difference
working.between your "countable" income and the MAPR that
4. In addition, your "countable" income must be belowmatches your personal situation. The VA disability
the yearly limit set by law; called the Maximumpension will be paid directly to you in 12 equal
Annual Pension Rate (MAPR).payments.
The Base MAPR for 2008 are: