Listed below are some common misconceptions that veterans have on VA Disability Compensation.

Misconception #1: VA Disability Compensation Is Based on Income VA disability compensation is not based on your income. It’s for any veteran who developed a disability primarily due to their military service. As a veteran, if your disability is linked to your military service, then you’re likely eligible for VA disability compensation.

Misconception #2: VA Benefits Are Reserved for Veterans Who Went to War VA benefits are for any veteran who developed a disability primarily due to their military service. It’s not restricted just for veterans who went to war, or engaged in military exercises overseas.

Misconception #3: VA Benefits Are the Same as VA Health Care VA benefits are not limited to VA health care. VA benefits include many methods to help veterans with a service-connected disability. VA health care encompasses one of those benefits — providing health coverage for veterans in need of treatment.

Misconception #4: Your Age Affects Your Eligibility for VA Benefits Your age does not affect your eligibility for VA benefits or compensation. Neither does your employment status. If you’re age 75, retired and drawing from Social Security, you can still file a VA disability claim for disability compensation. If you’re age 45 and unable to work full time due to your disability, you can also file for disability compensation.

Misconception #5: Receiving VA Benefits Means You Can’t Take Legal Action If you file a VA claim and get approval for VA compensation benefits, you still have legal rights. Your disability is not your fault — it’s the fault of the military and/or the contractors who produced and sold products and services to the military. For example, contracted companies knew asbestos was deadly, and they put you and many of your fellow brave Americans at risk. They should be legally disciplined for their actions. You can seek VA disability compensation through a lawsuit or a trust fund. That doesn’t change just because you receive monthly benefits from the VA. You’re entitled to your VA assistance and also deserving of retribution from the companies that endangered you at your military workplace.

Jerry Seiner, your Charles Mix-Douglas County Veterans Service Officer would be happy to visit with you and explain in detail your VA disability benefits. The CharlesMix County office is open from 8:00 to 4:30 on Monday and Tuesday and from 8:00 to 12:00 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday. The Douglas County office is open from 8:00 to 4:30 on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Call the Charles Mix County office at 605-4877691 or the Douglas County office at 605-724-2750. You may also reach him by cell phone at 605-481-1338.