Dale Davidson is an accredited Veterans Affairs attorney and will assist to determine what benefits are available to you. Whether you’re a veteran or surviving spouse, benefits are available to assist with medical and cost of living expenses. Depending on the situation, Veterans may be eligible for such as Disability Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Veteran Pension (Aid & Attendance). These two benefits are often confused for one another, so you’ll find each defined below.

Disability Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

This benefit is for those who have a service-connected injury as a result of their time in the military. This could be an injury that occurred during service. It could also be an injury that manifested itself after time in the service was finished, as long as the injury can be connected to something that happened during those service years.

Veteran Pension (Aid & Attendance)

This is a benefit that is designed to provide financial assistance to those who have served. This benefit is not connected to any form of disability or service-connected injury. Veteran Pensions are based on your needs and your financial eligibility. The Improved VA Pension provides financial assistance to qualified veterans and their surviving spouses. This pension is a benefit that eligible veterans and their spouse earn because of the veteran’s service to our country, but few are aware of it.

The criteria for Veteran Pensions are listed below: 

• Veteran must have served at least 1 day during a qualified wartime period.
• Veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty.
• Veteran received a better than dishonorable discharge.
• Claimant is over the age of 65 or permanently or totally disabled.
• Claimant is a surviving spouse of a qualified veteran and did not remarry.
• Claimant or spouse needs assistance with daily living requirements.
• Claimant’s monthly medical expenses equals or exceeds their monthly income.

• World War II – December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
• Korean Conflict – June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era – February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in country; otherwise, August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975
• Gulf War – August 2, 1990 – To Be Determined)

Dale and his staff will cut through the red tape and help you understand the eligibility rules. They’ll help obtain the maximum benefit possible for your situation so that you live comfortably in your retirement years. And as always, thank you for your service!

To learn more about VA benefits and qualifications, see our YouTube channel for videos on these topics.