Lake County >> Veterans who are at least 10 percent disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training are entitled to monthly, tax-free disability compensation.
A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Benefit
The benefit amount is graduated according to the degree of the veteran’s disability on a scale from 10 to 100 percent (in increments of 10 percent). Compensation may also be paid for 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.
Those with dependents may receive an additional allowance if the combined disability is rated 30 percent or greater. Compensation may be offset if the veteran receives military retirement pay, disability severance pay or separation incentive payments. More information about disability compensation benefit amounts can be found on the www.benefits.va.gov Compensation Rates page.
Eligibility
• Service in the uniformed services on active duty, or
• Active duty for training, or
• Inactive duty training, and
• Discharged under conditions not dishonorable, and
• Must be at least 10% percent disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training, or inactive duty training
Note: For veterans on inactive duty for training, the disability must have resulted from injury, heart attack or stroke.
Evidence required
• Medical evidence of a current physical or mental disability, and
• Evidence of a relationship between disability and an injury, disease or event in military service. Medical records or medical opinions are required to establish this relationship.
Note: Under certain circumstances, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may conclude that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific evidence proving this in a particular claim. The cause of a disability is presumed for the following veterans who have certain diseases.
Presumed disability
• Former prisoners of war
• Veterans who have certain chronic or tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge from service
• Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas or Lewisite while in service
• Veterans who were exposed to certain herbicides, such as Agent Orange during Vietnam
Example 1
During a weekend drill, an army reservist injures her knee while participating in a physical training class. She is eligible for compensation for residuals of the knee injury.
Example 2
An individual enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 10, 1988, and served for a period of three years. He was honorably discharged on June 9, 1991. During his active duty, he fell from a bunk and injured his back. Based on his active service, he is entitled to service-connected benefits for the residuals of his back injury.
To apply for this or for information regarding other benefits please contact the Lake County Veterans Service Office at (707) 263-2384.
Saul Sanabria is Lake County Veteran Service officer. Reach him at Saul.Sanabria@lakecountyca.gov.
