Will I lose my VA disability when I turn 65?
Asked by: Deja Bradtke | Last update: November 7, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)
At what age is your VA disability permanent?
There is no set age of when your VA disability becomes permanent. The VA rater will determine “permanence” of a VA disability if it is reasonably certain, based upon medical evidence, that the level of impairment will continue for the rest of your life. Translation: Whether you're 35 or 75 years old it does not matter.
Does VA disability end at 65?
No, VA disability does not stop at age 65; nor does it stop at age 67. VA disability benefits are for the life of the disabled veteran! And in some instances, the veteran's VA benefits can pass to the surviving spouse. At age 65, a disabled veteran may also become eligible for VA pension benefits.
Can you collect VA disability and social security retirement at the same time?
Veteran Eligibility for Disability Benefits
Veterans may be concurrently eligible for both SSA and VA benefits and may begin receiving SSA benefits while they are waiting on a VA benefit decision.
At what age does VA disability stop being reduced?
Once you turn 55, you are typically "protected" and will no longer have to attend an exam to prove that your condition has not changed unless there is reason to suspect fraud. This is sometimes called the 55-year-old rule.
Do Social Security Disability Benefits Switch to Retirement Benefits When You Turn 65?
What happens to VA disability at age 67?
Under this proposal, veterans who start receiving disability compensation payments in 2024 or later would have those payments reduced by 30% at age 67. It's crucial to understand that this is only a proposal and is not currently in effect. As of now, VA disability benefits continue unchanged at age 67 and beyond.
What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability?
If a veteran has two or more service-connected disabilities, at least one of those disabilities must be rated at 40% or higher. When these ratings are considered for the other disabilities, the veteran's combined disability rating must be 70% or higher. This is essentially how the 70-40 rule operates.
Can you get 100% VA disability and Social Security?
SSDI and VA disability compensations are not affected by each other, so you may be eligible to receive both. However, you must apply for them separately. It may be possible to also be eligible for SSI, depending on income and resources.
Can you receive 100% VA disability and military retirement pay?
The answer is yes, it is possible, but only under certain conditions. Retired veterans who have a disability rating of 50% or higher, or qualify for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), are eligible to receive both benefits in full.
What are the changes to VA disability in 2024?
The biggest change to VA disability benefits in 2024 is the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 3.2%. Last year, Presiden Biden signed the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide an increase to disability benefits.
Will my disability decrease when I turn 65?
For most people, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) does not change when they turn 65 years old, but it will change to retirement benefits when they turn 66 or 67.
Do I get my VA disability forever?
If VA has deemed your condition permanent and total, you are entitled to lifetime benefits. P&T ratings are protected from being reevaluated or reduced.
What is the 10 year VA disability rule?
The ten-year rule says that the VA cannot revoke a veteran's disability rating if they have had it for a decade or more. That means that the VA has to offer the vet some level of benefits, although there are limited exceptions. Also, the ten-year rule is a moot point for a subset of veterans' disability claims.
Do spouses of 100% disabled veterans get dental benefits?
Are dependents and spouses eligible for VA Dental Care? In short, yes, this program for veterans does provide dental care for the spouse and dependent children of most 100% service-connected disabled veterans.
Can I lose my 100% percent permanent and total VA disability?
If you have a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) rating, it's unlikely you'll be re-evaluated or have your rating reduced, unless you've done something to trigger a VA review of your case. This can occur when: The initial 100% P&T rating was found to be based on fraud.
Does the VA pay disability for life?
The VA does not place an arbitrary time limit on disability benefits. Veterans can continue to receive this compensation for as long as they meet the eligibility requirements, whether that's for several months or a lifetime.
Do you get VA disability on top of retirement?
Note: You can't get VA pension payments and disability compensation at the same time. If you apply for and are eligible for both, we'll pay you whichever benefit is the greater amount.
What is the largest VA back pay?
There is no limit to the amount of back pay a veteran can receive.
Can you be 100% VA disabled and still be in the military?
Yes, it may be possible to serve in the military with a VA disability rating, provided your underlying medical condition doesn't prevent you from meeting requirements.
Does the wife of a 100 disabled veteran get benefits?
The spouse of a veteran with a 100% disability rating is entitled to benefits, including healthcare and educational. The veteran is also entitled to additional monetary help for the spouse and for other eligible dependents.
Can you collect Social Security and VA disability at the same time?
Absolutely, Veterans who receive VA disability benefits may also receive SSA benefits, depending on the amount received from the VA and if they are approved for SSI or SSDI.
What disabilities can the VA not prove?
No, there aren't any VA disability claims that cannot be proven. In fact, all VA claims must be proven on an “at least as likely as not” basis. If you have no evidence (no proof), your VA claim will be denied. Also, you must first ensure you're even eligible for VA disability benefits under the law.
When my husband dies, will I get his VA disability?
It is unfortunate that after you pass away, your spouse will not be able to receive your VA disability compensation. However, after your passing your spouse may qualify for a monthly allowance also known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
What is the most common 100% VA disability?
- Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the most common disability among veterans, affecting over 2 million individuals. ...
- Hearing Loss. ...
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
- Clear Service Connection. ...
- Objective Diagnostic Tests. ...
- Streamlined Claims Process. ...
- Medical Documentation. ...
- Nexus Letter.
Can a 100 disabled veteran get food stamps?
Yes! According to a 2016 USDA memorandum, if you receive temporary or permanent VA disability compensation you are eligible for SNAP and the "time limit" will not apply to you...regardless of your disability rating.