In certain circumstances, you may have questions about whether your disability qualifies as a service-connected condition. However, if your disability does not have a service connection, can you still obtain benefits from the VA? Although the VA reserves traditional disability benefits for service-connected conditions, disabled veterans with a non-service-connected condition may still qualify for other benefits.
The Difference Between Service-Connected and Non-Service-Connected Disabilities
The VA categorizes a veteran’s disability or disabilities as “service-connected” or non-service-connected. When a veteran’s disability has a service connection, it means the condition arises from an injury or illness caused or aggravated by the veteran’s military service. A disability may also qualify as a “secondary” service-connected when it arises or worsens due to another “primary” service-connected condition. Service-connected conditions qualify for VA disability benefits.
A “non-service-connected” condition refers to a veteran’s disability that arises due to normal aging, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use), illnesses unconnected to military service, or accidents that occur in civilian life. Non-service-connected conditions do not qualify for VA disability benefits. However, a veteran with a non-service-connected disability might qualify for other benefits.
VA Benefits for Non-Service-Connected Disabilities
The VA operates a pension program for qualifying wartime veterans with permanent and total disabilities. Veterans can qualify for a VA pension if they did not receive a dishonorable discharge, their annual family income and net worth (minus uncounted property like a primary residence, personal vehicle, and home furnishings) fall below certain thresholds, and they have eligible military service, which includes:
- Starting on active duty before September 8, 1980, and serving at least 90 days on active duty with at least one day during wartime
- Starting on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and serving at least 24 months or the full period to which one was called to active duty, with at least one day during wartime
- Serving as an officer on active duty after October 16, 1981, and having not previously served on active duty for at least 24 months
Other eligibility criteria include:
- Being at least 65
- Having a permanent and total disability
- Residing in a nursing home or long-term care facility due to a disability
- Receiving Social Security disability benefits
Veterans who receive a VA pension may also qualify for aid and attendance supplemental payments if they require assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, eating), are housebound, are vision-impaired, or reside in a nursing home.
Veterans with non-service-connected conditions can also qualify for healthcare from the VA if they meet eligibility criteria for military service, and may have enhanced eligibility if they receive a VA pension, were a prisoner of war, received a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, qualify for Medicaid, or served in locations that exposed them to specific hazardous chemicals.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make with Disabilities
Veterans with disabling medical conditions may commit various mistakes that make it more challenging for them to get the financial benefits they qualify for. Some of these mistakes include:
- Assuming that all disabilities qualify for VA disability benefits
- Assuming that non-service-connected disabilities do not qualify for benefits
- Overlooking enhanced benefits (including those for non-service-connected benefits
- Missing filing deadlines
- Failing to submit complete records and information to establish eligibility for VA benefits
- Overlooking the consequences of continued working while pursuing various VA benefits
Contact a VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Today
Contact Kinman Law Office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability benefits attorney to learn more about how the VA handles non-service-connected disabilities and the potential other benefits you might qualify for through your military service.
