DETAILED VA DISABILITY INFORMATION
Below are several lists of statistics about VA disability benefits that help illustrate aspects of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes and cases. It is important to note that no two VA disability case are alike. No one can be certain of their situation regarding VA benefits simply by comparing their situation to any of the statistics provided below. No two veteran cases are the same, so be sure to get professional counsel and assistance as you pursue VA benefits in order to maximize your award.
TRENDS IN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES
- The number of veterans in the U.S. has dropped from just around 29 million to approximately 22 million from 1986 – 2011; however, the number of service-connected disabled veterans has risen from around 2.25 million to around 3.4 million.
- Approximately 1,200 disabled veterans have a disability rating of 0% – 20%, but the fastest growth of veterans is concentrated in veterans with a disability of 50% or higher.
- The initial disability ratings for veterans have continued to increase in recent years, especially compared to veterans who received their initial ratings in the late 1980s.
- The growth of cash payments for disabled veterans is outpacing the growth in the number of disabled veterans.
ENROLLMENT & USAGE OF VA BENEFITS & SERVICES IN 2010
- 21.3% have ever applied for disability compensation
- 14.8% have ever used VA vocational rehabilitation
- 26.8% have ever enrolled in VA healthcare
- 28.4% have ever used VA healthcare
- 36.9% have ever used VA education and training
- 66.7% have ever used a VA home guarantee loan
- 8.3% are covered by life insurance
- 13.4% plan to be buried in a VA national or state cemetery
MAIN REASON FOR NOT APPLYING IN 2010
- 66.2% don’t have a service-connected disability
- 32.3% don’t know how to apply for vocational rehab
- 42.3% are not aware of their healthcare benefits
- 36.6% didn’t know about the home loan guarantee program
- 65.8% are not aware of their life insurance benefits
- 43.5% have already made other arrangements for burial besides in a VA cemetery
LEARN MORE ABOUT VA BENEFITS & SERVICES
The VA provides numerous services for military members and their families, particularly in the area of compensation for debilitating injury. If you are a military service member or a veteran and you need additional advice, a lawyer or representative from the VA can help you understand your case and take the steps you need in order to recover compensation.
Statistics shown are from the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (NCVAS)