When you turn 65, your VA disability rating and the compensation you receive do not automatically change or stop. Your benefits are lifelong, provided your service-connected conditions continue.
Key Points About VA Disability at Age 65
Many veterans wonder if reaching a certain age impacts their service-connected disability benefits. The good news is that VA disability compensation is not age-dependent. It's based on the severity of your service-connected conditions and your disability rating.
- No Automatic Change: Unlike some other benefits, your VA disability compensation will not be reduced or terminated simply because you reach age 65. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) establishes your disability rating based on the impact of your service-connected conditions on your health and ability to function, not your age.
- Lifelong Benefits: Once a disability is deemed service-connected and a rating is assigned, the compensation typically continues for the veteran's lifetime, unless the condition significantly improves (which is less common for disabilities that have been rated for a long time) or if fraud is discovered.
- Concurrent Receipt: Reaching 65 also means you may be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. For most veterans, receiving VA disability compensation does not prevent them from receiving Social Security benefits simultaneously. This is often referred to as "concurrent receipt."
Potential Changes and Opportunities After 65
While your rating doesn't automatically change, there are situations where your benefits could be affected or where you might be able to receive more:
1. Applying for an Increased Disability Rating
Even after age 65, if your service-connected condition worsens, you have the right to apply for an increased disability rating. This could lead to higher monthly payments.
How to Apply for an Increase:
- Gather Evidence: Collect new medical evidence that shows your service-connected condition has deteriorated. This could include:
- Doctor's reports
- Test results
- Medication changes
- Statements from family or friends detailing the worsening impact on your daily life
- Submit a Claim: You can apply for an increased rating online through the VA's website, by mail, or with the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO).
- Online: VA.gov
- VA Form 21-526EZ: Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.
- Medical Examination (C&P Exam): The VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to assess your current condition. It's crucial to attend this exam and accurately describe the full extent of your symptoms and limitations.
2. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
SMC is an additional benefit paid to veterans who have specific severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities. While not directly tied to age 65, some conditions that qualify for SMC, such as the need for aid and attendance, may become more prevalent as veterans age. If your condition progresses to a point where you need assistance with daily living activities, you might become eligible for SMC.
3. Individual Unemployability (IU)
If your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you might be eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), even if your schedular rating is less than 100%. While reaching age 65 might align with traditional retirement age, if your inability to work prior to that age was due to your service-connected disabilities, you could still qualify.
Maintaining Your Benefits
To ensure your benefits continue smoothly, it's important to:
- Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Ensure the VA always has your current mailing address, phone number, and direct deposit information.
- Respond to VA Communications: Promptly respond to any requests for information or scheduled appointments from the VA.
- Understand Your Rating: Familiarize yourself with your current disability rating and the conditions it covers.
- Seek Assistance: If you have questions or need help navigating your benefits, reach out to a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion, or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). They offer free assistance to veterans.
In summary, turning 65 does not affect your VA disability benefits. They remain a constant source of support for your service-connected conditions throughout your life.
