The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows transitioning service members to file a VA disability compensation claim 180-90 days PRIOR to separation, which allows VA to grant benefits as soon as the day after discharge. This video describes the eligibility requirements and outlines how to file a BDD claim. For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/pre-discharge-claim

The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (PL 116-23) extended the presumption of herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange, to Veterans who served offshore of the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. Visit https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/blue-water-navy.asp for more information. Follow Veterans Benefits Administration on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits Twitter: https://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/VABenefits Sign up to our monthly newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVAVBA/subscribers/new Find out Blue Water Navy eligibility and file a claim: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/navy-coast-guard-ships-vietnam/ #BlueWaterNavy

VA uses the Combined Ratings Table to determine a Veteran’s disability rating. VA makes this determination about the severity of a disability based on the evidence submitted as part of a claim, or that VA obtains from military records. VA rates disability from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (e.g. 10%, 20%, 30% etc.). See the Combined Ratings section below for information about how VA calculates disability percentage for disabilities here by visiting http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/rates-index.asp#combined.

Compensation benefits are paid for disabilities that are service-connected. Service connection describes an injury or disease resulting in a disability linked to service in the military. A Veteran must also have separated or been discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions. VA may grant service connection when evidence shows a link between a claimed medical condition and military service. For more information about Service connection go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/.

Disability Compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service 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. For more information go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/

Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to pension. For more information about Aid and Attendance, go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp.

This short video shows five Veterans talking about why they have Service-Disabled Life Insurance and why other Servicemembers and Veterans should consider it. The video includes a list of the primary qualifications for applying. Learn more at http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/s-dvi.asp

The Under Secretary for Benefits, Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., held a live webcast on January 31 about the general health of the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for the first quarter in Fiscal Year 2019, including its performance and financial metrics, accomplishments, challenges, and collaborations. This was the second in a series of quarterly events in which we share VBA’s progress, challenges, and way forward for the administration. To download the agenda and presentation, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/stakeholder #VBAQ #VBAQ1 #Veterans