For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
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Disability type determines VA benefits
Question:
What is the difference between VA disability compensation and VA pension?
Answer: The simplest explanation is that VA compensation is a benefit paid on the basis of the kind and severity of a disability that happened as a result of your active duty in military service. VA pension is a benefit paid on the basis of a disability that was not a result of active service in the military, or because of age. Pension is also based on income. There are other criteria that might apply to deciding eligibility for VA pension. Contact a representative at the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office to discuss your situation, go to the VA's Web site at www.va.gov, or ask a local veterans' service organization service officer for help. The VFW, DAV, American Legion, and state Office of Veterans Services are all located on the first floor of Tripler Army Medical Center's E-wing. The VA Honolulu Regional Office is located in Tripler's E-Wing. Call (800) 827-1000.
Q: What health benefits and services are not covered by VA?
A: Abortions and abortion counseling; in vitro fertilization; drugs, biological, and medical devices not approved by the Food and Drug Administration unless the treating medical facility is conducting formal clinical trials, or the drugs, biologicals, or medical devices are prescribed under a compassionate use exemption; gender alterations; hospital and outpatient care for a veteran who is either a patient or inmate in an institution of another government agency if that agency has a duty to give the care or services; and membership in spas and health clubs. Call the VA Medical Center at 433-0600 for additional information.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at
www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.