Are you a veteran of the U.S. military with a service-related disability? If so, you deserve monetary benefits and financial security in return for the sacrifices you made for our country. Many disabled veterans apply for disability benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Regrettably, countless veterans and families are left confused, frustrated, and uncompensated when the VA denies their valid benefits claims.
At the Disability Law Group, we sincerely appreciate the service of our men and women in uniform. Our team is here to ensure local veterans have the resources they need to retire with dignity. We can help you pursue the VA disability benefits you are owed for your service. Contact our firm for your free initial case review.
Types of VA Disability Benefits
As a disabled veteran in Michigan, you could be eligible for compensation in the form of the following types of VA disability benefits:
- Standard disability compensation – Tax-free monthly benefits for veterans with disabilities they incurred or aggravated during active military service
- Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) – Tax-free benefits that go to surviving spouses, children, or parents of servicemembers who died during active duty or training or due to service-related disabilities
- Special monthly compensation (SMC) – Additional tax-free benefits that go to veterans and dependents due to special circumstances, such as the need for home aides or attendants or the loss of use of a body part
- Compensation from special programs – Other benefits from special programs, such as those for unemployability or housing assistance
VA Disability Compensation Levels
When you receive disability benefits from the VA, the level of compensation you get is usually based on your disability rating and your number of dependent family members. The following VA disability compensation rates are effective as of Dec. 1, 2022.
If your disability rating is between 10 and 20 percent, your compensation level does not change with your number of dependents. If you have a disability rating of 10 percent, you can expect to receive $165.92 per month in benefits. If your disability rating is 20 percent, you can receive up to $327.99 per month.
If your disability rating is 30 percent or higher, the type and number of dependents you have will affect your benefit amount. For instance, with a disability rating of 30 percent, you can expect to receive the following based on the dependents you have:
- No dependents – $508.05 per month
- Spouse only – $568.05 per month
- Spouse and one parent – $616.05 per month
- Spouse and two parents – $664.05 per month
- One parent only – $556.05 per month
- Two parents – $604.05 per month
- One child only – $548.05 per month
- One child and spouse – $612.05 per month
- One child, spouse, and one parent – $666.05 per month
- One child, spouse, and two parents – $708.05 per month
- One child and one parent – $596.05 per month
- One child and two parents – $644.05 per month
- Each additional child under 18 – $30.00 per month
- Each additional child over 18 and in school – $97.00 per month
If your disability rating exceeds 30 percent, then your monthly benefit rates will range from the following low-end levels if you have no dependents, to the following higher-end levels if you support a child, spouse, and two parents:
- 40 percent disability rating – $731.86 to $998.86 per month
- 50 percent disability rating – $1,041.82 to $1,377.82 per month
- 60 percent disability rating – $1,319.65 to $1,722.65 per month
- 70 percent disability rating – $1,663.06 to $2,133.06 per month
- 80 percent disability rating – $1,933.15 to $2,470.15 per month
- 90 percent disability rating – $2,172.39 to $2,776.39 per month
- 100 percent disability rating – $3,621.95 to $4,295.92 per month
What Do Veterans’ Disability Lawyers Do?
Your VA disability claim lawyer can help you by:
- Providing personalized legal advice and guidance
- Developing an intelligent strategy for your unique situation
- Explaining how VA laws and regulations apply to your case
- Saving you time and money throughout the process
- Locating physicians for independent medical exams (IMEs)
- Communicating with the VA and other parties on your behalf
- Preparing paperwork and navigating the claims process
Why Hire a Veterans Disability Compensation Lawyer?
It’s up to you whether you hire a veterans’ disability lawyer for your case. You must follow specific rules and regulations when you submit your claim, and the VA will hold your claim to the same standards whether or not you get help from a lawyer. VA disability lawyers know the ins and outs of state and federal laws. They have extensive experience with similar cases, and when your financial future is at stake, you will likely be glad you hired a seasoned professional.
Types of VA Disability Claims Our Veterans Disability Benefits Lawyers Handle
No matter where you are in the VA disability claims process, the legal team at the Disability Law Group is here to help. Our attorneys are prepared to handle all types of VA disability claims, including:
- Initial claims – The first claim or claims you file requesting VA disability benefits
- Increased claims – Increased claims you file when your disability rating has increased or your financial needs have changed
- New claims – New claims you file when you need more financial support, special monthly benefits, or unemployability benefits
- Secondary service-connected claims – Secondary claims you file when you develop a new, service-related disability that’s linked to your existing disability
- Special claims – Claims you file for special needs, such as the need for vehicle accessibility modifications or temporarily increased payments while you recover from a surgery or other major medical procedure
- Supplemental claims – Appeals you file after the VA denies your initial claim to provide new and relevant evidence for consideration
Contact Disability Law Group
If you have questions about your legal rights as a U.S. military veteran or wish to discuss your case with an attentive and experienced legal professional, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Disability Law Group. Our VA disability lawyers can provide straightforward answers and compassionate guidance when you contact us for a free initial consultation.