Disabled American Veterans Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs compensates American veterans who have served the United States internationally and domestically. Because service members are occasionally wounded while working on behalf of the U.S., the U.S. government and American public have found ways to offer assistance.
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History
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Disabled veterans have received special care in the U.S. since 1776, when the Continental Congress provided pensions to disabled soldiers. During World War I, Congress added disability compensation and vocational rehabilitation under its veterans benefits program. Three different federal agencies managed the benefits: the Veterans Bureau, the Bureau of Pensions of the Interior Department, and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. In 1989, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established as a Cabinet-level position. The House Committee on Veterans Affairs is responsible for compensating veterans with stipends, insurance, job opportunities, and other benefits.
Signifigance
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VA pays a monthly monetary benefit to veterans who are disabled because of an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during active military service. The amount of compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of dependents. Last year, more than 2.7 million veterans and dependents received disability compensation or survivors' benefits.
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Federal Benefits for Disabled Veterans
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Disabled veterans are eligible for a $115 monthly benefit for a 10 percent disability and a $2,471 monthly benefit for a 100 percent disability. All VA compensation is tax-free. Veterans may also be eligible for up to $11,000 toward buying a vehicle as well as life insurance options. Congress provides a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in disability and dependency compensation annually.
Non-governmental Services
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Listed are non-governmental service groups that help disabled veterans:
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit that represents more than 200,000 veterans and their dependents. Volunteers drive veterans to and from VA medical facilities for free, and improve care and morale for sick and disabled veterans.
The DAV represents 1.2 million members of grassroots advocacy and educated lawmakers and the public about important services and legislation to help disabled veterans.
The Association for Service Disabled Veterans (ASDV) has 2.2 million members who were previously wounded during active duty. It guarantees benefits for specific disabled veterans' groups and addresses business development, healthcare, and information access. The ASDV created the Service Disabled Veterans Comprehensive Rehabilitation Opportunities Program (SDV/CROP) to give disabled veterans employment skills and opportunities.
Nationwide Resources
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The National Veterans Training Institute maintains a way for veterans to find services through a resource locator, which connects veterans with the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP). The DVOP provides case management, vocational guidance and counseling to disabled veterans in the local employment office.
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