Federal Benefits for Disabled Veterans

By Jennifer Hench

Veterans are pillars of the American community. Those who became disabled serving their country oftentimes find it difficult to maintain a quality standard of living.

Programs exist at the federal government level that can help disabled veterans in a variety of ways and with various aspects of their daily lives.

Medical care and ongoing medical issues plague disabled veterans mainly because of the disabilities they received while serving in the military. The most widely known and recognized benefit for disabled veterans is the VA (Veterans Administration) and the medical care and coverage that they provide. Services and benefits include routine medical care, inpatient care, outpatient therapy, medical supplies and medications.

Veterans who became disabled during duty can apply for compensation through the Veterans Administration. Disability Compensation is calculated on a sliding scale and is based on the level of disability received during active duty. For 2010, disability compensation ranges from $213 per month for veterans who are 10 percent disabled to $2,673 per month for 100 percent disability.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is a program, also known as VetSuccess, administered through the Veterans Administration that provides disabled veterans the opportunity to maintain their independence. The program helps to retrain veterans after injury or illness so that they may reenter the workforce and obtain and sustain gainful employment. The program also assists those who are more severely disabled in living independently.

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is specifically for disabled veterans who require modifications to their primary residences in order to survive and thrive. This includes service members who are wheelchair bound and need ramp access to their homes. The grant money helps veterans adapt their homes to suit their needs as they have changed due to disability.

The VA offers an Automobile Allowance of up to $11,000 to be used by a veteran towards the purchase of an automobile that is better suited to his disability. This could include specialized controls to replace lost limbs, wheelchair lifts and ramps and other specialized equipment that is now required by the veteran to remain active and mobile.

Specialized loans and grants exist to assist veterans start and operate a business. Though not specifically aimed at disabled veterans, they may qualify for these programs because they are open to all veterans, disabled or not. Low-interest loans and grants are available, along with business assistance services that help a veteran start and grow a business.

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