Only 21% of Michigan veterans receive disability benefits; VA hopes to increase distribution

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Incapacity compensation for veterans is underutilized within the state of Michigan, in line with the Division of Veteran Affairs.

In 2021, the VA distributed round $2.6 billion in incapacity compensation advantages to Michigan veterans, however that is comprised of about 21 % of veterans within the state.

The VA’s most up-to-date information exhibits that about $128 million is distributed to Kent County veterans.

Nevertheless, many extra who served aren’t taking benefit, and a few concern there are veterans on the market who suppose they do not deserve it.

“There’s plenty of people which are saying I do not, I do not deserve it, another person is extra deserving than me,” defined Well being and Welfare Analyst for the Michigan VA, Jonathan Garvey.

Garvey can be a fight veteran.

He explains that incapacity within the eyes of the VA can apply to psychological well being circumstances, like PTSD, and to bodily circumstances starting from arthritis to most cancers, in addition to respiratory sicknesses linked to burn pits, agent orange and different poisonous substances.

Funds can vary from $165 a month for a ten % incapacity to $4,000 a month for one hundred pc incapacity.

Largely, the out there compensation is not going anyplace.

Out of the 530,000 veterans in Michigan, greater than half, 315,000, should not related to VA incapacity advantages.

Nevertheless, these closest to our veterans might be able to assist.

“Members of the family ought to know, that is one thing that your partner, in the event that they had been a service member, could qualify for,” Garvey added. “As a result of typically, our spouses are our greatest advocates.”

The VA says the simplest approach for veterans or survivors to file a declare for any advantages by way of the VA is to work by way of an accredited Veteran Service Officer, which is a free service.

To seek out an workplace close to you, name 1-800-MICH-VET.

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