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DISCRETIONARY CARE
For nonservice-connected
and/or 0% service-connected veterans, the VA makes an income assessment to
determine eligibility for medical health care. This is called the
Geographic Means Test. This means test became effective with
applications submitted on or after January 14, 2003. Each county has
a different maximum annual income for this test. In La Crosse
County, for 2005, a single veteran's maximum annual income is $31,450 and
a veteran with one dependent the maximum household income is $35,950.
Further details may be obtained by contacting this office.
NON SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY PENSION
Veterans may be eligible for financial support if they have limited
income when they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least
one day of which was during a period of war as defined by VA. They must be
permanently and totally disabled for reasons neither traceable to military
service nor to willful misconduct. Payments are made to qualified veterans
to bring their total income, including other retirement or social security
income, to an established support level. Countable income may be
reduced by unreimbursed medical expenses. Pension is not payable to those
who have assets that can be used to provide adequate maintenance.
Improved Pension Rates (2005)
For
current rates, go to
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/rates/index.htm#bm02
SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY COMPENSATION
Monetary benefits, called disability compensation, are paid to veterans
who are disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active
military service. The service of the veteran must have been terminated
through separation or discharge under conditions that were other than
dishonorable. Monetary benefits are related to the residual effects of the
injury or disease. The amounts of the benefits, which are not subject to
federal or state income tax, are set by Congress. Disability compensation
is paid monthly.
2005 COMPENSATION RATES
For
current rates, go to
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/rates/index.htm#bm01
Veterans rated 30% or more disabled receive additional amounts for
dependents, and there is additional special monthly compensation for many
severe injuries, diseases and conditions.
Although a disability claim may be filed at any time, it is very
important that recently discharged veterans file claims in a timely
manner. Please refer all recently discharged veterans to the Veterans
Service Office as soon as possible.
The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and
separation incentive payments may affect the amount of VA compensation
payable.
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