Veteran disability benefits

Get an overview of how VA disability compensation works.

Eligibility for VA disability benefits

You must have a current physical or mental illness or an injury that was caused or made worse by your active duty service or training to qualify for benefits. Review the VA's eligibility rules for receiving disability benefits.

If you are eligible, the VA will assign you a disability rating based on the severity of your condition. This rating determines how much disability pay you can get each month. 

• Learn more about VA disability ratings.
• See the current VA disability compensation rates.

VA disability claim process

Evidence to support disability claim

Before you file, you will need to gather evidence to support your disability claim.

Visit the disability evidence page from the VA to find:

• What evidence the VA looks for to support your disability claim
• A list of documents you will need to prove your disability
• Special situations that will require additional evidence and documentation

How to file a VA disability claim

Learn how to prepare and file your claim for VA disability benefits. You can file your claim with the VA online, by phone, or in person.

If you need help, learn how to work with a trained professional to get your claim filed.

After you file for veterans disability benefits

The VA outlines what happens after you file for VA disability benefits. It can take up to six months for the VA to make a decision.

Check your claim status

Sign in to your VA.gov account to track the status of your disability claim.

Dispute a decision on your claim

If you disagree with a decision made after February 19, 2019, you can request a decision review. Choose from three decision review options.

Discover other disability benefits

Use USAGov's benefit finder tool to find other disability benefits that may help with bills, education, jobs, and more.