VA Disability Conditions List
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides disability pensions to veterans and servicemembers who were injured or became ill during their service in the military. You may qualify for a monthly pension or other types of benefits depending on the type of condition you have and its severity.
What conditions are eligible for VA disability?
Here are some conditions that veterans can be compensated for if they meet the eligibility standards.
Mental Conditions
Military service, especially active duty in a combat zone, can be mentally and emotionally taxing for many servicemembers.
Some forms of mental disabilities can get better with care and therapy, while others may be semi-permanent or permanent, making it difficult for individuals to work, go to school, or maintain healthy relationships with others.
Common mental health conditions covered by VA disability benefits include:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chronic Adjustment Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
This isn’t an exhaustive list of disability-covered conditions, however. If you were diagnosed with a psychiatric condition during service, or if your condition was triggered by your time in service and symptoms only became evident after discharge, you may still qualify to receive military disability benefits.
Physical
Physical injuries are common for service members and veterans. Some veterans may suffer a diminished quality of life due to their injury. They may be unable to engage in activities, hobbies, or sports they enjoyed prior to their injury. Others may be unable to complete tasks of daily living independently due to their injury. This can make veterans unable to work or perform the roles that they could prior to their injury.
Here are some examples of the differing physical conditions that can receive VA benefits:
Cardiovascular Issues
Dental Conditions
Digestive Conditions
Eye, Ear, and Nose Conditions
- Ageusia and Anosmia (Loss of taste and smell)
- Glaucoma
- Meniere’s Disease
- Partial or severe hearing loss (tinnitus)
- Vertigo
Endocrine Disorders
Genitourinary Disorders
Gynecological Disorders
Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional Deficiencies
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Nerve and Neurological Conditions
Respiratory Issues
Skin Conditions
Sleep Disorders
Other Conditions
Secondary Conditions
It is common for veterans with one service-connected disability to develop other conditions as a result of that condition. For example, if you are suffering from depression as a result of your service, then you may also have migraines because of that depression. In these cases, you can increase your overall VA rating, by filing for a secondary VA conditions. Common secondary conditions include:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Chronic Adjustment Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Hearing Loss
- Nerve and Neurological Damage
- Skin Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Respiratory Conditions and Asthma
- Gastrointestinal Problems
- Heart Disease
- Genitourinary Conditions
- Eye Conditions
- Dental Conditions
- Endocrine Disorders
- Gynecological Conditions
- Hemic and Lymphatic Conditions
- Infectious Diseases and Autoimmune Disorders
How does the VA determine my monthly compensation?
The Veterans Administration classifies disabilities in terms of severity and a person’s ability to care for themselves independently. The VA will determine your rating on a scale from 0% to 100%. 0% disabled means that you are fully able-bodied, while a 100% disability rating means you are fully disabled.
The disability rating is used to determine the disability compensation you’ll receive and factor into whether you (and your dependents) may be eligible to obtain other benefits.
If you have multiple ratings for different disabilities, the VA will calculate a combined disability rating.
Who is eligible for VA disability benefits?
You may be eligible if you:
- Served on active duty, or served on active or inactive duty for training (including reserves)
- Have a current physical or mental illness or injury
Furthermore, veterans must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Became injured or sick during military service and are able to link the condition to their time in service
- Had a pre-existing physical or mental health condition that was exacerbated during their time in service
- Developed the condition during service, but the symptoms didn’t present or the condition wasn’t discovered until after their term of service ended (most common for toxic exposure)
If you meet these conditions, you may be eligible to receive VA disability benefits. The Veterans Administration will examine your medical records, term of service, and service records to determine whether you qualify.
