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VA offers compensation, pension

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Ferguson
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Military benefits don't cease to exist once the retirement or separation package is accepted. The government continues to offer compensation and pensions to veterans and retirees, often with no time limits on using the benefits.

VA can pay monthly compensation if you are at least 10 percent disabled due to military service. Military veterans can receive a monthly pension if you are a wartime veteran with limited income, are permanently and totally disabled, or are 65 years old.

The Department of Defense has two programs designed to reduce the reduction in retired pay due to receipt of Veteran Administration compensation, for certain disabled retirees, the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments and Combat-Related Special Compensation.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments provides a 10-year phase-out of the offset to military retired pay due to receipt of VA disability compensation for members whose combined disability rating is 50 percent or greater. Members retired under disability provisions must have 20 years of service.

Combat-Related Special Compensation pays added benefits to retirees who receive VA disability compensation for combat-related disabilities and have 20 years of service.

Veterans must apply to their own branch of Service for CRSC benefits. Applicants are urged to contact their own branch of service for additional information. There are no time limits to apply for compensation and pension benefits.

Other compensation and pension benefits available to dependents and survivors, including dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension, VA civilian health and medical program, dependents and survivors education and training, and home loans. These benefits do have time limits, depending on specific situations.

The Department of Veterans Affairs pride themselves on putting veterans first. The VA pledges to treat those who have formerly served with courtesy, compassion and respect at all times. They vow to communicate information accurately, completely and clearly; provide timely service ; make military services accessible as well as to fully answer all questions and concerns.

(This information was compiled from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. For more detailed information, visit http://www.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.)