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VA disability compensation
Tax-free monthly pay for disabilities connected to service. Often the largest monthly VA payment in this catalog.
Who it is for. Other-than-dishonorable discharge and a service-connected condition. Mild symptoms can still be claimed.
Bring. VA Form 21-526EZ (January 2026 revision), DD-214, intent to file if you need time, medical records, buddy letters (21-10210), and a statement tying each condition to service.
Timing. No hard filing deadline. Back pay usually starts when VA receives the intent to file or the claim, so earlier filing can preserve an earlier effective date.
Ratings 10–100% pay monthly tax-free. 0% is service-connected with no money but unlocks other doors. Secondary conditions (sleep apnea from PTSD, knees from a back injury) are claims too.
FortSource maps the official page. No claim filed on anyone’s behalf. Not VA, not DoD, and not legal advice. The issuing agency’s form wins.