Top 5 Questions Veterans Have About Their VA Disability Benefits

Navigating the VA disability system can be confusing — even overwhelming — for many Veterans. Whether you're just getting started or have already filed a claim, it's normal to have questions. At Increase Your VA Benefits, we hear many of the same concerns from Veterans across the country.

In this article, we break down the top 5 most commonly searched questions Veterans have when it comes to disability benefits — and provide clear, actionable answers to help you move forward with confidence.

1. Am I Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?

This is one of the most important questions Veterans ask — and for good reason. The eligibility criteria can be confusing, especially if your condition didn’t appear until after your service ended.

To qualify for VA disability compensation, you must:

• Have a current physical or mental health condition,

• Have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, and

• Be able to establish a connection between your condition and your military service.

This connection is called a service connection, and it can be direct (something happened while you were in service), aggravated (a pre-existing condition got worse during service), or secondary (a new condition developed because of a service-connected one).

✅ Pro Tip: Even if your condition appeared after service, you may still qualify under a post-service disability claim if it can be medically linked to your service.

2. How Do I Apply for VA Disability Benefits?

Filing a claim can feel like a paperwork nightmare — but it doesn’t have to be. You have several options:

• Online: File directly at VA.gov.

• Mail or Fax: Submit a paper application (VA Form 21-526EZ).

• In Person: Visit your local VA regional office.

• With Help: Work with an accredited VA representative, Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or a team like ours that specializes in claim strategy.

The key is to gather strong evidence — medical records, service treatment records, and personal statements — that support your claim. The more organized and complete your application is, the better your chances of a fair and timely decision.

3. What Is a Service-Connected Disability?

This term comes up a lot in VA documents, but it’s not always clearly explained. A service-connected disability is any injury, illness, or condition that occurred or was aggravated during your time in the military.

It could include:

• Physical injuries like joint damage or hearing loss

• Mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression

• Exposure-related illnesses from toxic chemicals, burn pits, or Agent Orange

Even if your symptoms didn’t show up until years later, they may still be linked to your service. The VA will look for medical opinions and records that support that connection.

4. How Does the VA Assign Disability Ratings?

Once your claim is approved, the VA assigns a disability rating in 10% increments, from 0% to 100%. This rating reflects the severity of your condition and directly affects how much monthly compensation you receive.

The rating is based on:

• Medical evidence

• VA exams (also known as C&P exams)

• How much your condition affects your ability to function in work and daily life

If you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a complex formula (not simple addition) to calculate a combined rating.

🔎 Example: A Veteran with a 50% rating for PTSD and a 30% rating for knee damage won’t necessarily receive 80% total — more likely it would combine to around 65%, which rounds up to 70%.

5. Can I Work and Still Receive VA Disability Benefits?

Yes, in most cases you can work while receiving VA compensation. If your rating is less than 100%, there are no income restrictions. Many Veterans with ratings from 10% to 90% hold full-time jobs.

However, if you're receiving Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)—a special benefit for Veterans who can’t maintain gainful employment due to service-connected conditions—there are income limits. Working above a certain threshold could jeopardize your benefits.

Still, there are exceptions if your job is considered "marginal employment" or sheltered work. It’s best to get guidance before making changes to your employment status.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering about any of these questions, you’re not alone. Understanding how the VA system works is the first step to getting the benefits you’ve earned. Our team at Increase Your VA Benefits is here to help you cut through the confusion and build a strategy that gives you the best chance at success.

For more Veteran-friendly guidance and tools, visit our Resources page today.