Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Understanding VA Benefits
The U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) was established in 1930, when Congress authorized President Herbert Hoover to "consolidate and coordinate government activities affecting war veterans." At that time, the VA health care system consisted of 54 hospitals. The services and benefits provided by the Veterans Administration expanded rapidly following World War II, when the veteran population surged.
Today, the Veterans Administration is recognized as the most extensive veterans benefits system in the world, with a network of 171 medical centers; over 350 outpatient, community, and outreach clinics; 126 nursing home care units; and 35 domiciliaries. The range of benefits provided by the VA includes disability, medical treatment, dependent and survivor benefits, home loan guaranty, education and training, vocational rehabilitation and employment, life insurance, and burial benefits.
VA Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma
In addition to filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the product manufacturer responsible for their asbestos exposure, veterans who develop mesothelioma are able to seek disability compensation and health care coverage through the VA.
VA disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to a veteran for a service-related disability. The disability must be a result of or made worse by an illness or injury that was sustained while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Furthermore, the veteran’s service must have been terminated through separation or discharge under conditions that were other than dishonorable.
If the VA approves the application of a veteran with mesothelioma, he or she is automatically qualified for disability benefits. Some veterans may also be entitled to receive VA health benefits, which allow them to obtain medical care and treatment at their choice of over 1,400 VA medical facilities across the United States.
In general, you may qualify for VA benefits if you are:
Call us at (800) 278-8675 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
- a veteran or a dependent of a veteran;
- a surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran; or
- a uniformed service member.
Certain veterans disabled from VA health care may also quality for disability benefits.
How Much Do VA Disability Benefits Pay?
The amount of disability benefits paid through the VA typically ranges from $123 to $2,673 per month. Compensation is paid according to the degree of a veteran’s disability as well as the number of dependents, and veterans with certain severe disabilities may be entitled to additional monthly sums. VA benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax.
How to Apply for Tax-Free VA Benefits
There are two ways to apply for VA benefits if you are a veteran affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma:
- Apply online. The VONAPP (Veterans Online Application) is an official Veterans Administration website that enables veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for benefits on the Web. Visit the VONAPP website to apply for VA benefits.
- Apply at your local regional office. The Veterans Administration has offices all around the country. Your local VA office can help you file the appropriate forms for VA benefits. Click here to find a VA regional office near you.
In addition, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the Veterans Assistance Foundation or the Navy Mutual Aid Association may be able to assist you with filing for VA benefits. Beyond answering your general questions about the process, they may even be willing to advocate on your behalf for the compensation and/or services you are seeking. Visit our directory of VSOs in the U.S.