Veterans Disability Benefits in Hawaii

Hawaii's veterans have dutifully served our country, protecting our freedom and democracy, and in recognition, they are rewarded with VA benefits.

One important benefits program is Veterans Disability, which offers financial assistance to veterans who were injured during active duty. This program is one of many VA benefits available to honor the service and sacrifices made by our veterans.

About Veterans Disability Benefits

The U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) manages the Veterans Disability program. The VA provides financial compensation to eligible veterans who became ill or were injured during their military service.

Understanding the Veterans Disability Program

Upon receiving a disability claim, the VA assesses the veteran's disability and assigns a disability rating. The level of monthly compensation is based on this rating, reflecting the severity of the condition.

For Hawaii veterans with multiple disabilities, each condition is reviewed and given a separate rating by the VA. These individual ratings are then combined per VA regulations into a final overall rating. This combined rating represents the overall severity of the veteran's disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements for Veterans Disability Benefits

To be eligible for VA benefits, veterans must meet several guidelines.

Both of these must be true:

• You have an existing condition, either physical or mental, that impacts your health, and
• Your service history includes active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.

And, at least one of the following must be true:

• You incurred an injury or sickness during your military service that can be connected to your current condition. This is known as an in-service disability claim.
  
  or
  
• An existing injury or illness from before your military service worsened due to your service — called a pre-service disability claim, or
• You have a disability that is associated with your active-duty service but it only manifested after your service ended. This is known as a post-service disability claim.

Hawaii veterans aspiring for VA disability benefits must have served on active duty and have a service-related disability. VA assigns disability ratings from 10% to 100%, with compensation based on the severity of all combined disabilities.

How to Apply for VA Disability in Hawaii

Applying for VA Disability benefits in Hawaii goes faster if you have all your military and medical records well-organized.

Prepare key documents such as your DD214 or other separation papers, medical evidence substantiating your disability, and any dependency records. Claims can be filed online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a regional VA office.

Click here to file a VA Disability claim.

Need help? Call the VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000

When submitting your claim, make sure to provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays.

What to Do If Your Hawaii VA Claim Is Denied

If your claim is denied, don't lose hope. You have the right to appeal the decision.

To begin your appeal, file a Notice of Disagreement with the VA. You must begin this process within one year from the date the VA mailed the decision.

The appeal process can take several months to a couple of years, depending on the complexity of the appeal, the type of appeal process chosen, and the amount of evidence required for your claim.

More VA Benefits Available to Hawaii Veterans

The VA offers more than just disability benefits to veterans. Comprehensive medical care and healthcare services are available to Hawaii's veterans at VA hospitals and clinics.

Veterans contemplating homeownership can benefit from the VA Home Loans program, helping secure a mortgage loan. And the VA encourages veterans to pursue higher education and career advancement with programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Additional VA Benefits include:

• VA Pension
• VetSuccess on Campus
• VA Loans
• Health Care
• VA Life Insurance
• Education and Training
• Dependents and Survivor Benefits
• Veterans Readiness and Employment
• VA Burial Benefits

If you're a Hawaii veteran dealing with health issues related to your service, don't delay applying for Veterans Disability benefits. Alongside other VA support programs, these benefits can greatly improve the lives of veterans and their families.

Eligible Hawaii veterans should maximize the use of all available programs and services offered by the VA.

Hawaii — VA Office Locations

Veterans Benefits Administration

National Cemetery Administration

Veterans Health Administration