Veterans who have served on behalf of their country often encounter many challenges in the course of their service and long after their service has ended. The U.S federal government is aware of these challenges and provides support to these heroes via the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some of the challenges experienced by veterans are service connected injuries prompting the VA to provide disability benefits. These benefits serve to support veterans and family members who manage the disability.
What is 20% disability rating
A 20% disability rating indicates a moderate level of disability, in other words, your disability is not considered severe as an 80% or 100% disability rating. The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs has a formula used to evaluate your disability based on the severity of your condition and the overall impact on your health and daily functionality. Therefore, if you are classified as having a 20% disability rating then it indicates that you sustained a noticeable impairment, however, you are still able to carry out a substantial day to day activity in contrast to other ratings which reflects a more severe medical condition.
How much can i receive for a 20% disability rating
The monthly payment made to veterans with a 20% disability rating is $338.49. This is unlike the payment given to other veterans with higher ratings such as 80% and 100% which is largely dependent on their dependent status. Fine the complete list provided by the veteran’s affair for different disability ratings here.
What other benefits can veterans with 20% disability receive
Veterans with a 20% disability rating can receive various benefits from the U.S Department of Veterans Affair. Such benefits include:
- No cost health care
- Prescription medications for service connected disabilities
- Travel allowance for scheduled appointments for care at a VA medical facility or VA authorized health care facility
- Waiver of VA funding fee for home loan
- 10 point Veteran preference in federal hiring
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
- Burial and plot allowance
- Commissary and Exchange Privileges
- Use of commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online.
How to apply for 20% disability rating
Here are the steps you need to follow to file for your disability claim:
- Prepare: Arrange necessary documents such as VA medical and hospital records to show the severity of your disability. You will also be required to present supporting statements from family, friends and coworkers.
- Apply: Complete and submit the disability compensation form. On submitting the form, you will get a confirmation message.
- VA review: The VA may take time to process your application depending on how many disabilities you claim to have and the time it takes to confirm your claim.
- Decision: You will get notified via an email concerning the VA’s decision on your claim.
Additionally, you can submit these documents through the VA official site or in person at a VA office. VA officers can also assist in your application process. Get the full details on how you can apply here.
