California receives more discharged members yearly than other states in the U.S. The state is prepared to provide quality assistance to those who have served the country through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet).
An OEF Veteran or OIF Veteran can access various benefits and services to help them transition to civilian life. California Veterans benefits include education, employment, healthcare, home loans, housing, advocacy, and VA claims. Veterans have dedicated their lives to military service, and California VA strives to provide the highest quality care and services for them and their families in return.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to disabled Veterans benefits in California:
What Are Disability Benefits for Veterans in California?
The California Veterans Disability Compensation is a monthly benefit for Veterans for injuries, conditions, and illnesses incurred while on active duty or during treatment in a VA healthcare facility.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits as a Veteran in California?
A Veteran may work with a Veterans Representative at a County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) or Veterans Service Organization (VSO). There are different locations to apply for California Disability Compensation, but not all services are available at each site.
What Is the Process for Getting Disability Benefits in California?
The process for getting disability benefits in California involves the following steps:
Step 1: File a Claim
An applicant files a claim with the help of a Veterans representative from the CVSO or VSO.
Step 2: Acquire Evidence
The disabled Veteran must submit evidence to support the claim. Evidence must be accurate and complete, and the Veterans Affairs (VA) may request more information.
Step 3: Complete a VA Physical Exam
The VA will request military medical records, and the applicant’s nearest VA Medical Center will schedule the requested exams.
Step 4: Get Complete Records Rated
The VA evaluates the records and evidence after completion. The VA pays the maximum benefits the law allows based on the received and rated records.
Step 5: Receive the VA Decision
The VA will notify the applicant of the decision and provide reasons for granting or denying the claim.
What Documentation Do I Need To Apply for Disability Benefits in California?
A California Veteran must submit verified service dates and medical records to the VA. The VA may also request more information, including detailed letters about service experiences, dependents, employment history, and income.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Disability Benefits in California?
An eligible Veteran must have a service-connected disability (S/C) or be discharged under other dishonorable conditions. An S/C is not just a combat injury. It could be any injury or illness aggravated while in uniform.
How Much Money Can I Receive for Disability Benefits in California?
Here are the monthly VA disability benefits compensation rates for Veterans:
- 10% Disability Rating: 165.92 USD
- 20% Disability Rating: 327.99 USD
Monthly benefits for compensation rates for Veterans with a 30% to 100% disability rating will depend on the Veteran’s dependent status. Generally, Veterans with no dependents receive the following Veterans benefits:
- 30% Disability Rating: 508.05 USD
- 40% Disability Rating: 731.86 USD
- 50% Disability Rating: 1,041.82 USD
- 60% Disability Rating: 1,319.65 USD
- 70% Disability Rating: 1,663.06 USD
- 80% Disability Rating: 1,933.15 USD
- 90% Disability Rating: 2,172.39 USD
- 100% Disability Rating: 3,621.95 USD
Can I Receive Both VA Disability Benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits in California?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and VA Disability Benefits are independent, so Veterans may apply and be eligible for both.
What Happens If My Disability Claim Is Denied in California?
The Veterans Administration will notify the claimant if the claim is denied. If the claimant has questions about their claims, they may call (800) 827-1000 toll-free.
Can I Appeal a Denied Disability Claim in California?
Yes, claimants may appeal a denied disability claim in California. An appeal will involve the following steps in strict time limits:
- Notice of Disagreement (NOD)
- Statement of the Case (SOC)
- Formal Appeal (VA Form 9 or equivalent)
- Hearings (Optional)
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
- United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
Remands at the BVA and Court of Veterans Appeals (COVA) levels may also be involved.
Can I Receive Education and Training Benefits as a Disabled Veteran in California?
Eligible service members, Veterans, and dependents can receive educational benefits for California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE)-approved education and training programs through the GI Bill® benefits.
The Montgomery GI Bill, for example, helps Veterans pay for education and training programs in California Community College, California State University, and other institutions as education benefits. The same applies to Santa Cruz, San Diego, San Francisco, and other cities.
Veterans can only use one VA benefit for education or training at a time.
Are Health Care Options Available to Disabled Veterans in California?
Disabled Veterans can compare affordable, quality health insurance options through Covered California™, a joint partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). It implements California’s federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, allowing applicants to qualify for financial aid to make health coverage more affordable.
How Does California Support Disabled Veterans With Home Loan Benefits?
Homeless Veterans can purchase or refinance a home through the California Veterans Home Loan. It protects homes and investment, allowing eligible Veterans to afford single-family homes, planned unit developments (PUD), condominiums, manufactured homes installed on a permanent foundation, mobile homes in mobile home parks or state parks, and farms.
What Are the Tax Benefits for Disabled Veterans in California?
Through the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, disabled Veterans get reduced property tax liability on the principal place of residence. There are two levels of the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption:
- Basic. Also referred to as the $100,000 exemption is an exemption amount compounded annually by an inflation factor.
- Low-Income. Also referred to as the $150,000 exemption is available to qualifying claimants with an annual household income that does not exceed a specified income limit, also compounded annually by an inflation factor.
Trajector Medical At Your Service
Trajector Medical is a Veteran-owned and operated company developing medical evidence to support pursuits of VA disability benefits. Are you ready to claim your Disabled Veterans benefits in California? We’re prepared to help. Contact us today!
