The Difference Between VA Disability and Pension Benefits

The VA offers various financial benefits to veterans. Some of these benefits target veterans in need, such as disabled, older, or low-income veterans. Most commonly, veterans may apply for VA benefits such as disability benefits or pension benefits. But how do VA disability and pension benefits differ from one another?

Understanding VA Disability Compensation

VA disability benefits pay tax-free monthly compensation to veterans with a service-connected medical or mental health condition that adversely affects their occupational or social functioning. A veteran can qualify for disability benefits if they prove they have a diagnosed condition and can establish a causal link between their military service and their condition. VA disability benefits compensate veterans who have disabilities caused or aggravated by the events they experienced in military service. 

What Is a VA Pension?

The VA pension program provides monthly payments to veterans who served in combat theaters, meet age or disability requirements, and have limited income and assets. A veteran may become eligible for a VA pension if they did not receive a dishonorable discharge and their annual family income and net worth fall below specific thresholds set by Congress. Furthermore, a veteran must have qualifying military service, which may include:

• Starting on active duty before September 8, 1980, and serving at least 90 days on active duty with at least one day during wartime, or
• Starting on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and serving at least 24 months or the whole period for which they were called to active duty with at least one day during wartime, or
• Serving as an officer and starting on active duty after October 16, 1981, without having previously served on active duty for at least 24 months

Eligible periods of “wartime” include:

• Mexican border period (May 9, 1916, to April 5, 1917, for veterans serving in Mexico, on its border, or in adjacent water)
• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War era (November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, for veterans serving in the Republic of Vietnam, or August 6, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for veterans serving outside the Republic of Vietnam)
• Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or Presidential proclamation)

A veteran must also meet one of the following criteria to qualify for a VA pension: 

• At least 65 
• Having a permanent and total disability
• Residing in a nursing home for long-term care due to a disability
• Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

Key Differences Between VA Disability Benefits and VA Pensions

Some of the primary differences between VA disability and pension benefits include:

• Basis of eligibility: Disability benefits merely require a service-connected disability, whereas pension benefits require wartime service and disability or advanced age
• Age requirements: Veterans can obtain disability benefits at any age, while veterans 65 and older may qualify for a VA pension
• Financial consideration: Disability benefits have no financial eligibility conditions, whereas pension benefits require veterans and their families to have income or assets below specific thresholds

Some people confuse VA disability and pension benefits; however, pension benefits focus on providing financial assistance to lower-income veterans who have a disability (whether connected or not to military service) or older veterans.

Which Benefits Should You Apply For?

Veterans with a service-connected medical or mental health condition should apply for disability benefits. Disabled or older veterans with limited income and assets who served in wartime can apply for a VA pension. Some veterans may qualify for both programs; the VA will pay the benefit that offers greater financial support. 

Contact a VA Disability Attorney Today

As a veteran, you may qualify for various financial benefits from the VA. Understanding the differences between the VA’s benefit programs can help you get the resources or support you deserve. Contact Veterans Benefits Law Group today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a VA disability lawyer to learn more about VA benefits and how our firm can assist you when you face trouble getting approved.