Pension is not awarded in connection with service time injury or illness. It is awarded if the veteran can meet all of the following criteria:
· 90 days military service (or more), beginning, or ending during wartime.
· Permanently and totally disabled from work by an NSC medical condition not caused by willful misconduct,
· Income under set limits and an estate that cannot provide adequate maintenance.
· If discharged after 1980, you must have served 24 consecutive months of active duty. Or,
· If service is less than 24 months you must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
A full explanation of Character of Discharge is given in 38 CFR 3.12. It is recommended that anyone who did not complete 24 months of service serving after 1980 look at this reference and get assistance from Regional Office on their particular case.
Currently, New Law Pension is in effect. Some veterans may be on an older form of pension. It is possible to convert to New Law Pension. There are differences in income deductions. Veterans need to review this with Regional Office to choose what is most advantageous.
Pension is meant to add a very basic subsistence income. It provides a target level of income and provides money to bring the veteran to that level.
The following is an explanation of how VA NSC Pension works:
In this example we are setting single rate Pension at a given year at the 800 dollar per month level. If you made 799 dollars a month from non VA sources, the VA would contribute that last dollar to bring you to the 800 level. The VA is always to last contributor, and your income will not exceed the target.
There is additional money granted for dependents. Also, there is a raise in the target figure based on disability. There is a Housebound and Aid and Attendance level of Pension.
Visually impaired veterans with central acuity of 5/200 or less (both eyes, with best possible correction) or visual field constriction to 5 degrees or less concentrically, and who meets the other criteria for NSC Pension, are eligible for the higher A&A award.
There are other medical criteria that can be used to meet the HB and A&A level, get with your VIST Coordinator, a VBC, or a Service Officer for more information on this.
See Annex 3 for what is considered income, and what is not considered income, under New Law Pension. As always, for more information contact your nearest Regional Office at 1 800 827 1000.
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