Disabled veterans can soon look forward to a new round of benefit payments for November.
Why It Matters
As of 2024, roughly 6.5 million veterans receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These payments, which are tax-free, are intended for veterans whose disabilities are connected to illnesses, injuries, or events that developed or were aggravated during active duty. The program also extends financial assistance to eligible surviving family members, including spouses, dependent children, and parents.
When Are November VA Disability Payments Coming?
VA Disability are usually paid at the end of each month. But as the usual payment date, which would be November 30, falls on a weekend, November payments will be made on December 1, according to Military.com.
Payments are still going out regardless of the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1.
A spokesperson for the VA clarified to Newsweek that “VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits.”
How Much Are VA Disability Benefits?
The exact amount each veteran receives depends primarily on two factors: their assigned disability rating and whether they have dependents, such as a spouse, children, or parents.
Disability ratings are issued in 10 percent increments—starting at 10 percent and increasing through higher levels—and reflect the severity of the veteran’s condition. A higher rating results in a larger monthly payment. For those with more than one service-related condition, the VA calculates a combined rating to determine overall compensation.
All veterans who qualify receive a base payment, with amounts ranging from $175.51 per month for a 10 percent rating to $346.95 for a 20 percent rating.
The maximum base benefit is $4,544.23 per month, which applies to veterans rated at 100 percent who also have a spouse, one child, and two dependent parents. Those with more than two children or additional qualifying dependents may receive even more.
Who Qualifies?
A wide range of health issues can qualify a veteran for disability compensation. Physical conditions that may be covered include chronic back pain linked to a diagnosed spinal issue, breathing problems related to lung disease or respiratory conditions, significant hearing loss, scar tissue resulting from injuries or surgeries, limited mobility or range of motion, ulcers, and cancers or other illnesses connected to toxic exposure or hazardous military environments.
Mental health conditions can also make a veteran eligible for benefits. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), traumatic brain injury, and any mental or physical conditions that stem from military sexual trauma (MST).
