U.S veterans with an 80% disability rating are entitled to monthly benefits which could amount up to $2,283 a month. These benefits are designed to help eligible veterans with their daily finances, medical needs, and retirement. The amount of compensation you receive is hinged on your dependent status. The 80% disability rating comes from the Veterans Affairs (VA) rating system.
The VA system assesses the veterans ability to work
VA rates veteran disabilities from a scale of 0% to 100%. The disability must have been a service-related condition. This rating system determines how much compensation you receive each month. The higher your rating, the higher your compensation as it assumes that a higher rating means a decreased ability to work. It also determines your eligibility for other VA benefits.
The rating is used to assess your overall health and ability to function. The rating is based on submitted evidence such as doctor and medical results; your VA claim exam; and additional information from sources such as federal agencies. If you have sustained multiple disabilities from service-related injuries, these are calculated into your combined disability rating. If you entered service with a disability and sustained a new one during service, your VA score is adjusted to account for how much worse your preservice disability became.
Over $2,000 payments for veterans with a VA score of 80%
Veterans you have obtained a VA score of 80% with a child but no spouse or parents receive monthly benefits amounting to $2,106.01. Veterans who have a spouse and one child, the payment amounts to to $2,283.01 a month. Additional compensation is added of the veteran has more than one child or if the spouse receives aid and attendance services. These payments are also tax-free.
Veterans with a VA score of 80% are entitled to free medical care and prescription drugs. They also receive a travel allowance for medical appointments at a VA medical facility. Additionally, veterans who have a VA score of more than 60% can apply for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). If you are approved, you will receive benefits which equate to a VA score of 100%. TDIU recipients are eligible for dependent education, civilian health-care, and dental care.
Vocational training for veterans with a VA score of 80%
Veterans who have a VA score of 80% are also entitled to educational and vocational support benefits. The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program offers veterans job training, career counseling, and assistance in finding employment. Veterans can also uitlize the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program for attractive home loan terms with reduced rates. For someone with an 80% VA score, they may also qualify for the Specially Adapted Housing fund which modifies homes for people with severe disabilities
As of 2023, there were a recorded 18 million veterans in the U.S. They represent 6% of the county’s population. The largest number of living veterans have served for more than 30 years. 11% of the current veteran population are women. 28% are younger than 50 years old and 26% account for people of color. 30% of the current veteran population receive disability benefits.
Next year, the VA projects that they will spend $12 billion in funding for veteran disability benefits. A quarter of this was funded by Congress this year due to the VA’s inability to keep up with disability benefit demands. While the number of veterans are decreasing, the population is aging which requires more benefits to rely on the medical benefits from the VA disability benefits. In 2022, the VA spent an average of $14,400 per year on each veteran.
Today, one third of veterans have a disability rating above 50%. This is partly due to expanding medical eligibility criteria and not necessarily due to increased injury in service.
