Disability Compensation compared with Disability Pension
What is the difference between Disability Compensation (service
connected) and Disability Pension (non service connected)?
Compensation - The VA compensation program provides you
monthly benefits if you are disabled because of an injury or disease incurred in
or aggravated during your military service and for certain conditions which may
develop after your release from active duty. These are considered
"service-connected (SC) disabilities". Benefits are authorized based upon the
severity of your claimed disability(ies). If your service-connected disabilities
are evaluated as 30 percent or more, you are entitled to additional allowances
for your dependents. Detailed information about
disability compensation.
Pension - Disability pension is a program that provides
financial support to wartime veterans who suffer from a disability and who have
limited income. The disability does not have to have been incurred while the
veteran was in the service; therefore, it is known as "non service-connected
(NSC) disability" pension. The amount the VA will pay you under this program
depends on the type and amount of income you and your family members receive
from other sources. Payments are made to you to bring your total annual income,
including other retirement and Social Security income, to an established support
level. Countable income may be reduced by unreimbursed medical expenses.
Detailed information about disability pension.