As a Veteran, the benefits you’ve earned in service to your country are well-deserved; however, in order to claim benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may have to obtain a VA disability rating.
Why Is a VA Disability Rating So Important?
A VA Disability Rating: gives you priority in the VA healthcare system; proves you have a service connection if conditions worsen; provides tax-free VA disability compensation; and supports service-connected death claims, including VA burial allowance.
How to Obtain the VA Disability Rating
As a servicemember, when you transition from Active Duty, you may apply for VA disability compensation benefits between 190 to 90 days prior to your separation by submitting a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD). The BDD permits the VA to review your medical records, schedule needed exams and evaluate the claim before separation. Find out more on the VA website.
VA Survivor Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a VA survivor benefit to which your spouse or eligible child could be entitled. For DIC to be considered, you must have a disability rating from the VA for a condition related to the cause of death listed on your death certificate. Surviving dependent(s) are awarded DIC as a tax-free benefit starting at $1,612.75 per month (2024 DIC standard rate), COLA-adjusted. In addition, your dependents are entitled to an increased VA Burial reimbursement of up to $2,000. Surviving dependent(s) must file a claim to the VA to receive the benefits, and have their claims decided by the VA.
Often, Veterans are hesitant to file a disability claim, but you should be aware that your VA benefits are not transferable to someone else. If you do not use the benefits you have earned, you are limiting access to potential financial and medical support for you and your family.
AAFMAA Survivor Assistance Services
As part of your AAFMAA Membership, your survivors will have access to our Survivor Assistance Services (SAS) team. Upon your passing, our SAS team will help them obtain all the benefits they are entitled to because of your service. Download our Military Survivor Pre-Planning Checklist to ensure your family has all the information they will need to claim your benefits and handle your loss when you pass. If you are already a Member, you’ll find the Checklist the AAFMAA Member Center.
Preparing for Military Retirement
For more information on additional topics to consider in preparing for military retirement, please see the following:
If you have questions, please contact an AAFMAA Member Benefits Representative at 800-522-5221 select Option 2, then Option 2 again or [email protected].