a male patient in a red shirt smiling at his doctor blog title image regarding the use of Nexus Letters to increase your VA Disability Rating and CompensationThe purpose of a Nexus letter is to help a Veteran seek service-connected compensation in opposition to the Veterans Affairs’ rejection of a recently or previously submitted claim. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down what a Nexus letter is and share how REE Medical can help you obtain one.

What is a Nexus letter?

The word Nexus simply means “connection” or “link,” and that’s exactly what a VA Nexus letter is.  

Drafted by a neutral, third-party doctor, a Nexus letter is a detailed report that explicitly links a Veteran’s disability or current medical condition to one or more events that occurred during their military service. 

 A Nexus letter can be submitted to the VA in any of the following circumstances:

      1. If a claim was denied due to insufficient, inaccurate or lack of medical records with the initial application for a VA disability rating if a submitted claim was rejected by the VA
      2. While the VA is evaluating benefit eligibility
      3. After an unsuccessful Compensation and Pension exam, or C&P exam. 

While a Veteran isn’t required to submit a Nexus letter when applying for disability benefits, it can increase your chances of your application being approved.

What’s in a Nexus letter?

The Nexus letter should include:

      • A statement from the physician indicating that your entire VA and medical files, as well as DD214 forms, have been viewed and notes from any recent examinations. 
      • Supporting evidence, such as private medical records, that provides additional information about the disability. 
      • References to relevant medical research such as scientific studies and medical journal articles that support the author’s key points. 
      • A strong conclusion that definitively states the connection, such as “is due to” or  “at least as likely as not” due to the veteran’s military service. These conclusions support the medical findings from a credible source.

How to obtain a Nexus letter?

To be credible and acceptable as a legitimate part of a claim or appeal proceedings, a Nexus letter for VA disability such as sleep apnea, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and other conditions, must be written by a certified medical provider. 

Who can’t write a Nexus letter? 

      • A VA doctor, as that can present a conflict of interest
      • Yourself 

The REE Medical Nexus Letter Process

At REE Medical, we work with licensed medical practitioners who have the knowledge and experience necessary to write effective Nexus letters for Veterans that will help them obtain the benefits they deserve. There are a few simple steps we take to ensure that you are receiving the best services for your Nexus letter.

Action plan: We assess your prior claims and then develop an action plan that outlines the documentation we would need to provide a strong Nexus letter.

Nexus letter draft: After completing all action plan items, we will work with a licensed medical practitioner to prepare a Nexus letter and have it reviewed by a VA-licensed and accredited disability attorney.

Letter delivery: REE Medical will send the finalized Nexus letter to the veteran that they can then submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reach out to our team to see if REE Medical’s Nexus letter services are a fit for your claim.

Disabled veteran in a wheelchair fishing off a dock with companionsPost-traumatic stress disorder, often referred to as PTSD, is a condition in which a person has difficulty recovering from a traumatic incident or events. The symptoms of PTSD can be both mental and physical and may include insomnia, anxiety and/or depression, flashbacks, hallucinations, and panic attacks. These symptoms can impair relationships, hinder your ability to socialize, and interfere with employment. 

Serving in the military is one of the highest risk careers for PTSD and among Veterans, the condition affects 7 in every 100 people. Unfortunately, there remains a stigma around mental health in the military, with recent data showing that less than 50% of Veterans with a mental health condition do not get the services they need.

Accessibility to these important resources is sometimes a barrier, and a disability rating can make a difference in the level of benefits you may be qualified to receive. 

PTSD Disability Ratings 

A VA PTSD disability rating is rated at 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%. Let’s break down what each of these ratings mean and the compensation you may be qualified for:

      • 10% PTSD Disability Rating: The symptoms of PTSD are sporadic, and the use of medication may control or even eliminate them.
      • 30% PTSD Disability Rating: This is the most common PTSD rating. While the symptoms are more severe and may interfere with your ability to interact socially or work, you can perform these functions at a satisfactory level. 
      • 50% PTSD Disability Rating: Ratings of 50% or higher start to focus on specific symptoms and not just the overall effects of those symptoms. For example, you may receive a 50% disability rating if your symptoms include lethargy, speech impairment, regular panic attacks, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. 
      • 70% PTSD Disability Rating: This rating is given if you are unable to hold down a job. Symptoms associated with a 70% rating include suicidal thoughts, constant panic attacks, irrational anger and emotional outbursts, or intense obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s important to note that if you have a 70% disability rating and are unable to work, you may be able to claim a Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability. This still keeps you at a 70% disability rating, but you are paid at the 100% level due to the inability to work. 
      • 100% PTSD Disability Rating: If you are unable to leave your house or need around-the-clock supervision, you may be qualified for a 100% PTSD disability rating. These symptoms can include hallucinations, disorientation of your surroundings, being a danger to yourself and/or others, and near-complete memory loss. 

How to Increase Your Disability Rating 

If you feel that you received a low PTSD disability rating, it’s important to have documentation to prove how your condition has impacted various areas of your health and life, especially your ability to be employed. This documentation should also include statements from family and friends who can attest to the impact of your PTSD .

REE Medical is also able to help you navigate the PTSD disability rating process. Reach out to our team to see if REE Medical’s services are a fit for your case.

Understanding a VA Disability Rating blog title over Image of injured veteran adjusting prosthetic legA VA disability rating can significantly impact a Veteran’s financial situation, so it’s important to understand what a rating is, the metrics used to determine that rating, and what benefits you might be entitled to based on your VA disability rating.

REE Medical is dedicated to helping Veterans understand all areas of the disability claims process. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about a VA disability rating.

 

What is a VA Disability Rating

A VA disability rating is a determination made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that rates the severity of a Veteran’s service-related disability. That rating determines your disability benefits, including monthly compensation and access to healthcare and other VA programs.

The ratings scale, based on increments of 10%, starts at 0% as the least severe and goes to 100% as the most severe.

 

Combined Disability Rating

Under the VA’s disability calculations, ratings are not additive and cannot exceed a 100% total disability rating.

If it has been determined that a Veteran has more than one disability, the VA uses a Combined Ratings Table to calculate a combined disability rating.

 

How is a VA Disability Rating Determined

The following are used to determine a VA disability rating:

      • An in-service event that proves an injury, toxin exposure, or traumatic experience took place while serving. 
      • Medical evidence that details your disability, including those related to your symptoms, medical records, hospital records, and a medical diagnosis.
      • A medical diagnosis by a doctor.
      • A Compensation and Pension, or C&P, exam. This exam is performed by a VA physician to determine if there is a service-connected disability.

Without these critical documents, a VA disability claim can be denied, or you may not receive the most accurate rating. 

Compensations Based on Ratings

The 2023 Monthly VA Disability Payments are:

      • 10% disability: $165.92 per month
      • 20% disability: $327.99 per month
      • 30% disability: $508.05 per month
      • 40% disability: $731.86 per month
      • 50% disability: $1,041.82 per month
      • 60% disability: $1,319.65 per month
      • 70% disability: $1,663.06 per month
      • 80% disability: $1,933.15 per month
      • 90% disability: $2,172.39 per month
      • 100% disability: $3,621.95 per month

While Veterans with a 0% disability rating are not eligible for monthly compensation, they may be eligible to receive VA health care and other benefits. A veteran assigned a 0% rating can also file later claims for an increased rating.

 

Increasing a VA Disability Rating 

If you believe you may be eligible for an increased VA disability rating, you need to start by providing the VA with certain documentation to support your claim. These can include:

      • Medical records: You need to provide the VA with copies of your medical records, including treatment notes and test results. These records should be current and provide evidence of the worsening of your rated condition.
      • Nexus letters: Statements from your treating physician: It is helpful to have a statement from your treating physician explaining the current severity of your disability and how it impacts your daily life. This can provide valuable information to the VA when determining your service connection or in reviewing an assigned rating that may underrepresent how it affects your everyday living.
      • Military records: If your disability is related to your military service, you should provide the VA with copies of your military records, including any awards, performance evaluations, and separation papers.
      • Other supporting documentation: Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide other types of documentation to support your rating increase request. This could include statements from family members or friends, school records, or employment records.

 As a neutral third party, REE Medical connects Veterans with impartial third-party physicians for thorough medical exams and robust documentation to support their claims. 

 Contact our team to learn how REE Medical can help you with the appeal process.

As a Veteran in Oregon, you have access to benefits that can have a significant impact on your financial future. And the level of benefits in which you are entitled is directly related to your disability rating, with the higher the rating, the greater the benefit.  Let’s examine those benefits that could result in the greatest gains: 

  • Property Tax Exemption: Disabled veterans with a 40% or higher service-related disability rating can receive a property tax exemption of $29,753. That amount increases by 3% each year. Source: Veteran’s Tax Exemptions | Clackamas County
  • Veteran Home Loans: The OrVet Home Loan Program offers Oregon veterans home loans up to $726,200 for the purchase of owner-occupied, single-family residences. Eligible Oregon veterans can access this benefit up to four times during their lifetime and require a service-connected disability. Source: rate sheet flyer.pdf (oregon.gov)
  • Education Programs: Children and spouses of Oregon military veterans who have a 100% disability rating or were killed in the line of duty may be eligible for the Oregon Veterans Dependent Tuition Program. This program provides a full tuition waiver, except for fees, for a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an Oregon public university or college. The waiver is for the total number of attempted credit hours equal to four years of full-time attendance for a bachelor’s degree, or the total number of attempted credit hours equal to two years of full-time attendance for a master’s degree. Source: Oregon Military and Veterans Benefits | The Official Army Benefits Website

As a Veteran, you’ve already invested so much in our country. By partnering with REE Medical to obtain a Disability Benefits Questionnaire or Nexus Letter for your disability rating review claim, you can save valuable time and resources and focus on the things that matter most to you. 

Reach out to our team to see if REE Medical’s services are a fit for your case. 

VA disability benefit information for veterans in floridaFlorida is home to almost one and half million Veterans, and it’s a state that provides important benefits that extend beyond the national compensation and VA care available to disabled Veterans. Your VA disability rating can impact the extent of the benefits that you and your family can receive, which can have a direct and immediate impact on your financial health.

Let’s examine those Florida Veteran benefits that have a connection to a disability rating:

 

  • Education: The Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans, a program offered through the Florida Department of Education, provides higher education scholarship opportunities for dependent children and spouses of Veterans with a 100% disability rating. This scholarship may be received in addition to the VA’s Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance, which is also available to Veterans with a 100% disability rating. (Sources: FDVA-Benefits-Guide.pdf (floridavets.org) and VA Education Benefits For Survivors And Dependents | Veterans Affairs

 

 

 

At REE Medical, we specialize in providing Veterans with accurate and complete Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs). Our benefit consultants are ready to get you started on the path to obtaining the documentation you need to support your claim. Reach out to our team to see if REE Medical’s disability rating review services are a fit for your case. 

Texas is not only home to the highest number of Veterans in the country, but it also boasts a substantial list of financial benefits all Veterans deserve, especially those who were wounded or disabled as a result of their service to our country. A VA disability rating can greatly impact the extent of the benefits you can receive, which can have a direct and immediate impact on your financial health.

Taxes, housing, and education are some of our highest national expenses. If you have been injured while serving our country, you could be eligible for more extensive benefits within these areas. Let’s examine the benefits each of these provide to our Veterans and how a disability rating can impact your eligibility.

Property Tax Exemption: In Texas, there is a direct correlation between a Veteran’s disability rating and the amount of property tax exemption they can receive. Depending on the percentage of disability rating, the amount of exemption can vary.

For instance, Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive a total property tax exemption. Those with a rating of 70% and higher receive a $12,000 property tax exemption; from 10% to 69%, property tax exemptions range from $5,000 to $10,000. Source: Property tax breaks, disabled Veterans exemptions (traviscountytx.gov)

These dollar amounts significantly fluctuate based on disability rating and can have a tremendous impact on your financial future. .

Veteran Home Loans: With skyrocketing mortgage rates, improving your disability rating could help ease some of that financial burden.

Through the VA and Texas Veterans Loan Program, disabled Veterans can access low-interest home loans with little-to-no money down, and these benefits vary based on disability rating. For example, Veterans with a 10% or greater service-connected disability rating are exempt from the VA funding fee when the loan is underwritten as a VA loan. Veterans with a 30% or greater service connected-disability rating receive an interest rate discount of an additional 0.5%. Sources: https://s3.glo.texas.gov/vlb/loans/home-loans/ and Mortgage Loan Benefits for Disabled Texas Veterans (valoanstexas.com)

Education Programs: The average cost of a four-year Texas public college is estimated to be $8,600. Through the Spouse/Dependent Hazlewood Act, the spouse or child of a Veteran with a 100% disability rating, or one who is declared as Missing in Action (MIA), or Killed in Action (KIA), provides tuition exemption for up to 150 hours — or five years of higher education — at public colleges and universities in Texas. It does not cover living expenses, books, or supply fees. Source: Hazlewood and Education Services – Texas Veterans Commission

As a Veteran, you’ve already invested so much in our country. By partnering with REE Medical to obtain a Disability Benefits Questionnaire or Nexus Letter for your disability rating review claim, you can save valuable time and resources and focus on the things that matter most to you.

Reach out to our team to see if REE Medical’s disability rating review services are a fit for your case.

VA disability ratings can be a complicated topic for Veterans, particularly those that are unfamiliar with the VA system. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding VA claims and benefits, which can lead to disabled Veterans missing out on important benefits because they don’t have the right facts and information.

In this blog post, we look at the top 10 disability myths for Veterans and set the record straight on VA benefits.

Myth 1: VA benefits are only available to those who served in combat.

Disability benefits are available to eligible Veterans who served on active duty, regardless of whether they served in combat or not.

To be eligible for disability compensation, a Veteran must have served on active duty, been honorably discharged, and have a disability rating from the VA that is service-connected. A service-connected disability is an injury or illness directly caused by military service, sustained while in the military (both on-duty or off-duty), made worse by military service, or caused by conditions that are themselves service-connected. Thorough documentation must be provided that accurately reflects the Veteran’s medical condition(s), how it impacts their daily living, and how it is connected to their time in the service.

Some benefits, such as education and home loan benefits, are available to all eligible Veterans regardless of their disability rating. While others, such as compensation and medical benefits, are only available to Veterans with a service-connected disability rating.

In general, VA benefits are designed to provide support to Veterans who have served their country and to help them transition to civilian life.

Myth 2: VA disability claims are only granted for injuries or illnesses that occurred on active duty

Veterans can receive VA disability ratings for any medical condition that has a lasting effect on their life, regardless of whether it occurred while on active duty.

Beyond medical issues that arose while on active duty, a Veteran may be eligible for a VA disability rating for any injury or illness that was made worse during their military service or for any condition that was caused by their military service.

The key point here is it must be “service-connected.” The VA considers many factors when determining eligibility for a VA disability rating, including medical evidence and the Veteran’s service history. When thorough medical evidence is presented that clearly links a Veteran’s disability or ailment to some circumstance or event from their time on active duty, the VA will rule if the evidence upholds the claim that the condition is “service connected” or not and the degree to which it impedes their ability to function.

This can include “presumptive conditions” that affect health later in life but have been connected to in-service conditions such as hazard exposure (e.g., Agent Orange, Gulf War illnesses, and radiation) or time as a POW.

Additionally, in some circumstances, Veterans may be eligible for a VA disability rating for conditions that are not related to their military service, called “non-service-connected,” but have resulted in a permanent and total disability.

Myth 3: VA benefits are only for Veterans with severe disabilities.

This myth is also false. VA benefits are available to eligible Veterans who have a service-connected disability, and who file a claim, regardless of the severity of the disability.

The VA assigns a disability rating to each Veteran based on the extent to which their disability affects their ability to work and perform daily activities. A disability rating of 0% means that the VA has approved a disabled Veteran’s claim that their injury or illness is connected to their military service, but it does not impede their ability to work or perform their daily activities. While on the other end of the spectrum, a disability rating of 100% means that a Veteran has a severe disability that prevents them from working and performing daily activities.

VA benefits, such as compensation and medical benefits, are available to Veterans with a disability rating of 0% or higher. In general, the higher the disability rating, the greater the level of benefits a Veteran will receive. However, even Veterans with a low disability rating may still be eligible for certain benefits.

Myth 4: A Veteran’s disability rating determines the amount of VA benefits they will receive

A Veteran’s disability rating is only one component that determines the amount of VA benefits they will receive. A combination of factors, such as the type and severity of the disability, the Veteran’s income and financial situation, and their family status, can all impact the amount of benefits received from the government.

For instance, if a Veteran has a spouse, child, or dependent parent or if a Veteran’s spouse has a serious disability, additional compensation is available.

The VA evaluates each claim on a case-by-case basis and determines benefits based on the specific circumstances of the Veteran.

Myth 5: VA disability ratings are based on a Veteran’s level of pain or discomfort

No, this is a myth, as VA disability ratings are not solely based on a Veteran’s level of pain or discomfort. The VA also considers the extent and impact of their medical condition, their ability to work and perform daily activities, and any medical evidence that supports their health claims.

Pain and discomfort can certainly be a symptom of a condition and are taken into consideration, but the VA’s goal is to determine the overall effect that a Veteran’s condition has on their life and their ability to function and to assign a disability rating that reflects that impact.

Myth 6: Veterans benefits only cover medical expenses

VA benefits cover a wide range of services and expenses beyond just medical expenses. This can include financial assistance, education and training programs, home loans, life insurance, and more.

The VA website lists all the health care services available to disabled Veterans, including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology, and physical therapy as well as specialty services like vision care and plastic surgery. The Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) can get Veterans to and from their appointments.

The extent of benefits available to a Veteran can depend on factors such as their service history, disability rating, and financial situation. Even those without a service-connected disability can qualify for some VA benefits.

Myth 7: Getting disability compensation will prevent a Veteran from getting a job

No, getting VA benefits should not prevent a disabled Veteran from getting a job. VA benefits are meant to provide financial support, health care and assistance to eligible Veterans and do not impact career opportunities which are protected by law. Veterans may still work and earn income while receiving VA benefits.

There are several federal laws that provide important protections for Veterans with disabilities who are looking for jobs or are already in the workplace. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect Veterans from employment discrimination.

Myth 8: VA ratings are always permanent.

This is definitely not true. The VA reviews each Veteran’s VA disability rating regularly to ensure that it is still accurate and up-to-date. If a Veteran’s health improves or worsens, their VA disability rating may be adjusted accordingly.

For instance, a Veteran can request a government review of their disability rating if they believe it is incorrect or if their condition has worsened. A disability benefit questionnaire (DBQ) can be utilized by a physician when conducting a Veteran’s medical exam to ensure the VA is provided with all the information needed for a substantiated claim.

On the other side, a Veteran may be service connected for a medical condition that will likely improve with time and treatment. The VA will want to re-evaluate a Veteran at regular intervals to see if any adjustments need to be made.

Sometimes called the “55-year rule,” those that are over the age of 55 are no longer required to attend re-evaluation exams to prove that the condition has not improved.

The VA periodically also updates its policies and laws, which can impact a Veteran’s rating. In this case, if a new policy is introduced that provides more favorable treatment for a condition, a rating may change.

Myth 9: VA disability ratings are based on what the VA wants to give.

VA disability ratings are determined using a standardized set of criteria, and the VA does not have discretion in assigning VA disability ratings. The disability rating is based on the severity of a Veteran’s service-connected condition and this rating determines how much disability compensation a Veteran will receive each month, as well as eligibility for other VA benefits.

Veterans can appeal VA disability rating decisions if they feel that their VA benefits are inadequate. In this case, a Nexus letter is a key piece of documentation that is needed for an appeal.

Myth 10: Veterans must wait a long time to receive their disability benefits.

The waiting time for Veterans benefits can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the claim, the amount of evidence required to support the claim, and the workload of the VA regional office processing the claim.

On average, the wait time for a decision on a VA disability rating after you file a claim is about 3-4 months, but it can take longer in some cases. It is important for Veterans to be patient and provide the VA with substantial evidence to support their claims, as this can help speed up the process. Disability benefit questionnaires (DBQs), templated medical record documents created by the VA, are available for certain conditions in order to guide physicians’ medical exams and documentation to reflect the information the VA needs to make an accurate decision.

Those looking for support in obtaining the accurate and detailed documentation needed for a disability rating review can contact REE Medical’s benefit consultant team to learn more.

how do I find veterans benefit info for veterans in Ohio?

Welcome back to our series about VA benefits for veterans in each of America’s 50 states! This week, we break down the benefits available to the veterans currently living in Idaho, the Gem State!

Veterans Homes

There are currently four different veterans’ homes throughout the state of Idaho:

Each of these four homes provides skilled nursing care, though some other services may vary between the locations. Privacy, independence, and comfort are of the utmost priority for veterans at all locations as well. To see the admission requirements for each location, please visit the links above.

Veterans’ Cemeteries

Idaho is home to two state veterans’ cemeteries:

The eligibility requirements for interment at these state locations follow the same requirements as national veterans’ cemeteries.

There is also one national cemetery located in Idaho:

This national cemetery location is available for the interment of casketed remains, as well as cremated remains. For more information on this location, as well as the state cemeteries, please visit the associated links above.

Financial Benefits

Veterans in Idaho have several financial benefits that they can take advantage of as well:

  • Grocery Tax Credit
    Idaho veterans who are 65 and older or aged 62 and older, but also disabled are eligible to receive the state’s grocery tax credit, even if they’re not required to file a tax return as a result of disability being their only source of income.
  • Property Tax Exemption
    Any veteran who has a disability rating of 100% or who has received a rating of unemployable by the VA may be eligible to receive a tax exemption of up to $1,500 on their home and one acre of land. Those who have a disability rating of at least 10% may also be eligible for an exemption if they claim an income of $32,000 or less.
  • Emergency Relief Grant
    Under this benefit, wartime veterans are eligible to receive a grant of up to $1,500 for relief assistance in the event of an extreme emergency. Requirements include being an Idaho resident for at least five years, and the emergency must have occurred within 90 days of filing for the relief.
  • Income Tax Exemption
    In Idaho, retired military service members have the opportunity to deduct up to $37,776 of their income when filing alone or up to $56,664 when filing jointly. It’s important to note that this amount will vary from year to year.

Employment Benefits

The state of Idaho offers two important employment benefits for its veterans:

  • State Employment Preference for Veterans
    Veterans who are applying for government jobs within Idaho are given a five-point preference if honorably discharged, and a 10-point preference if disabled. These point preferences are also available to surviving spouses who are not remarried.
  • Occupational Licenses
    Any veteran and family members who require an occupational license are eligible for expedited processing. Military training and education may also be accepted and applied toward the qualifications for certain occupational licenses.

Recreation Benefits

Veterans who enjoy the outdoors can take advantage of a few related benefits, including:

  • Hunting & Fishing Licenses
    Idaho offers disabled veterans hunting and fishing licenses and tags for a reduced fee. Fees may differ depending on whether the veteran is a resident of Idaho or not.
  • Idaho State Parks Pass
    Veterans with a disability rating of 100% who are also Idaho residents are eligible to receive free admission and free camping at any of the state parks throughout the state.

veteran compensation rates for 2023

Understanding disability compensation rates can be confusing, but they don’t have to be. We’re taking a look at the revised rates for 2023!

Veteran’s Disability Rates & Monthly Payments for 2023

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determines a veteran’s monthly payment based on their disability rating, and certain details regarding dependent family members.

The new disability rating compensation rates for 2023 went into effect on December 1, 2022. As in years past, there are separate monthly payment amounts for ratings that are 10% to 20% and 30% to 100%.

A simple breakdown of each percentage rating and the associated monthly payment is below:

va disability rate increases

Veterans with a disability rating of 10% to 20% should note that they are not eligible to receive a higher payment amount even if they have a dependent spouse, parent, or children.

The compensation amounts for veterans with a disability rating of 30% to 60% can differ a bit depending on whether there is a dependent spouse or parent and no children or whether there is a dependent spouse or parent and children.

These ratings and corresponding monthly payment amounts are broken down below:

va disability rates 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%

Additional amounts that may be added to these totals based on further dependents in the family. These amounts would be as follows:

disability rates for veterans 2023 increase rates

As above, the compensation amounts for veterans with a disability rating of 70% to 100% can differ a bit depending on whether there is a dependent spouse or parent and no children or whether there is a dependent spouse or parent and children.

These ratings and corresponding monthly payment amounts are broken down below:

Additional amounts that may be added to these totals based on further dependents in the family. These amounts would be as follows:

Source: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

va benefits for veterans in Hawaii

Welcome back to our series about VA benefits for veterans in each of America’s 50 states! This week, we take a look at the benefits available to veterans living in Hawaii. Keeping reading to learn more about VA benefits in The Aloha State!

Veterans Homes

There is one veterans’ home located in Hawaii:

Any veteran who has been honorably discharged, is 55 years of age or older, and who requires skilled nursing care may be eligible for admission. Any costs left after VA or Medicare must be paid by the veteran. If space is available, spouses may also be eligible for care here.

There is also a special housing payment of up to $5,000 available to totally disabled veterans who are planning to purchase or remodel a home to improve its accessibility. You can learn more about this benefit here.

 State Veterans’ Cemeteries

Hawaii is home to seven state veterans’ cemeteries:

There is also one national veterans’ cemetery:

Veterans who hold an honorable discharge and who have satisfied the active-duty service requirement are eligible for burial. Burial space is limited, however, so it’s a good idea to check with each cemetery when the time comes. You can find more information at the links above.

Financial Benefits

Veterans in Hawaii can take advantage of several different financial benefits:

Any veteran who is totally and permanently disabled and owns a home is eligible for an exemption from all property taxes.

Retired pay and SBP payments are tax-free, as are Hawaii National Guard and Reserve drill pay.

Veterans who are permanently disabled are eligible to receive a $45 discount on Hawaii state registration fees. Proof of service-connected disability is required to obtain this benefit.

Employment Benefits

The state of Hawaii offers one employment benefit to its veterans:

Any veteran who applies for employment with the State of Hawaii is eligible to receive a five-point preference; if the veteran is disabled, a 10-point preference will be given. Under certain conditions, spouses may also be eligible to receive a 10-point preference. For more information, please visit the link above.