Key Factors That Determine the Duration of VA Disability Benefits

Permanent vs. Temporary Disability

• Permanent Disabilities: If a veteran is rated with a permanent disability, their benefits are typically lifetime benefits. These benefits will continue as long as the veteran is alive, and their disability remains rated as permanent and total. Disabilities that are severe, unchanging, and unlikely to improve are often considered permanent.
• Temporary Disabilities: In some cases, veterans may be rated with temporary disabilities that are expected to improve over time. For example, a veteran may receive benefits for a temporary condition caused by surgery or an injury that is expected to heal. These benefits may last until the condition is deemed to have improved or resolved, and the veteran may then undergo a disability reevaluation to determine if the benefits should continue.

Disability Redetermination and Reevaluations

The VA routinely reviews certain disabilities to see if the condition has improved. This process is known as disability redetermination or a re-evaluation. The frequency of these reviews depends on the nature of the condition:

• Severe, permanent conditions: Veterans with severe disabilities or conditions that are deemed permanent (such as amputations or blindness) are unlikely to undergo frequent redeterminations.
• Conditions that can improve: For conditions that may improve, such as certain mental health disorders or joint injuries, the VA may schedule regular reevaluations (typically every 2-5 years) to determine if the veteran’s disability rating should be changed.

Disability Ratings Changes

• If a veteran’s disability worsens over time, they may be eligible for a higher disability rating, which could increase their benefits. On the other hand, if a condition improves, the veteran’s rating might be reduced, which could result in a decrease in benefits.
• Unchanged Ratings: If the veteran’s condition remains stable, their disability rating and benefits will typically continue without significant change.

Age and Retirement

• Age Factor: Once a veteran reaches retirement age, they are generally still eligible for their VA disability benefits, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria for their condition. The VA disability rating is independent of the veteran’s retirement status.
• VA Benefits for Veterans Over 65: Veterans over the age of 65 can continue receiving disability compensation as long as they meet the necessary criteria for their disability rating.