Disability Pension

General Information About Pension

Eligibility - Generally, you must have 90 days or more of service of which at least 1 day must have occurred during a period of war, and you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. You must have a disability(ies) that VA evaluates as permanent and total. For VA pension purposes, permanent and total means it is not likely that you will be able to maintain a substantially gainful job. Unemployability and age are factors also considered in VA's eligibility decision.

How to Apply For Pension

Complete a VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation or Pension. The following supporting evidence and/or documents should be submitted with your application:

Medical Records - Medical records to provide a diagnosis and prognosis of your current medical condition and to substantiate any and all treatment by private doctors and hospitals.

Dependency Documents - Original or copies of birth and marriage certificates and copies of divorce/death record terminating your prior and those of your spouse.

Military Discharge/DD Form 214 - If you have a copy of your DD 214, please provide it with the application as this will expedite processing. Otherwise, VA will attempt to obtain verification of your military service from the service department. You can also request a certified copy of your DD 214/discharge from the archives in St. Louis, Missouri by completing SF 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records.

Your CVSO can assist you in obtaining relevant documents and submitting your claim to the appropriate VA regional office. Please contact us so that we may offer our assistance and guidance.