As family member of veterans, it’s important to know their available benefits if something were to happen to them. Your family member is risking their lives, fighting for their country, and there is a possibility that they could become disabled. If that happens, you may take on the responsibility of caring for them. Caring for a disabled veteran can be a large task, but without someone there to assist, that veteran may end up in an even worse situation. Many times they can’t work, at least not right away, and may not be able to take care of their basic needs. It’s an unfortunate situation, and no one wants to think about their family being in that position, but it’s important your prepare for that possibility so you know how to best be there for them. As a caregiver, you may have a lot of responsibility placed on you, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Here are a list of resources for disabled veterans so you know can step up and assist them to the best of your ability.

VA Caregiver Program

The VA Caregiver Program is a program that assists the caregivers. This program provides assistance to caregivers who provide extreme support to veterans. These veterans are individuals who need help with one or more of their daily activities and caregivers can receive compensation for their services. In order to qualify for this program, caregivers would have to spend a majority of their time and will be categorized into a level one or level two depending on the disability of the veteran.

Level one caregivers assist veterans who can perform some daily functions so they do not need continuous monitoring. These are veterans who can take care of daily living activities, but may need assistance with other aspects of their day. Level two caregivers assist veterans who cannot perform any of their daily living activities and need continuous daily care. The compensation for this program depends on the state, but level one caregivers will receive 62.5% of the monthly stipend and level two caregivers will receive 100% of the monthly stipend.

In order to qualify for this program, the veteran had to have had a serious injury, like traumatic brain injury or serious mental health disorder, or be too incapacitated to take care of their daily needs. In addition to the financial compensation, caregivers will also receive travel and lodging stipends, insurance, caregiver training, and mental health services.

VA Disability Compensation

Veterans who have a condition that was made worse by serving, or that they developed while or after serving are eligible for disability compensation. These conditions can be physical and/or mental, including disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In order to be eligible, veterans must have served in an active duty situation and have an injury directly related to their service. Those who receive less than honorable, dishonorable, or bad conduct may not be eligible for disability compensation.

In order to find out, you can go to the VA website and apply for benefits. You may receive compensation for some of the following disorders:

• Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability
• Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease
• Severe hearing loss
• Scar tissue
• Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)
• Ulcers
• Cancers caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other dangers
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety

If you struggle with any of the above, then you may need to file a claim to see if you’re eligible. After filing a claim, it could take up to 130 days for the VA to make a decision. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you file as soon as possible so you don’t have a delay in your claim. After you apply, you won’t need to do anything unless you are asked to provide more information. They will review it and then gather all of your medical files to make a thorough evaluation. They will then make a decision and you have the ability to accept it or appeal it.

If your claim is accepted, then you’ll be able to manage it, add or remove dependents, ask for an increase, or manage a legacy appeal.

Disabled American Veterans

The DAV is a charity that assists and provides resources for disabled veterans. When you visit their website, they have plenty of links to resources, including those for caregivers, PTSD, women, claims and many other services that disabled veterans could use. The DAV also accepts charity donations so family members could support veterans by donating to this charity. The DAV is a great hub of information because it covers everything from service animals to death benefits. Take time to comb through this website and see which of their resources work best for you.

National Veterans Association

The National Veterans Association has taken steps to vet a list of resources for veterans. They believe the list of resources that they have provides is a great starting place for veterans and their caregivers. This list of resources provides well-rounded care from information for caregivers to mental health services. If you, or a veteran you know are in a crisis, here is a list of resources to use:

NVF Lifeline for Vets – 1-888-777-4443
VA Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Stop Soldier Suicide – 1-.800-273-8255 #1

The NVA has also come up with a list of housing resources, employment, health, addiction and social support. If you, or a veteran you know, need help with any of those areas, the NVA has created a list that links you to organizations and websites designed to help. Please visit the NVA and find the service that you need to get help.

Diverse Health Services

DHS is a company that specializes in providing health assistance for disabled veterans. If you are a caregiver, it can be hard to take on that responsibility all by yourself. Therefore, you can call DHS and we can assist with transportation, feeding, giving medicine, clearning, and any other services that you and your veteran may need. Please look at the list of services we offer and see if we are a good fit for your household.