Plain-English answers to the highest-volume veteran questions: how to file a VA disability claim, how long it takes, what TDIU means, is asthma PACT presumptive, how much 100% pays, and more. Each page has FAQPage Schema markup.
- How do I file a VA disability claim?
File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.
- How long does a VA disability claim take?
4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.
- What is a DD-214?
A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.
- What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.
- Are VA disability payments taxed?
No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).
- Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?
Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.
- Is hypertension a PACT Act presumptive condition?
Yes — hypertension was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list under the 2024 PACT Act expansion.
- How much is 100% VA disability pay?
$3,831.30/month tax-free for a veteran alone in 2025; up to $4,201.35/month with spouse and one child.
- How do I find a CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer)?
Every U.S. county has at least one CVSO — a state-employed claims expert who files VA disability and pension claims for free.
- How do I get my discharge upgraded?
File DD Form 293 (DRB) for upgrades within 15 years of discharge, or DD Form 149 (BCMR) for upgrades any time after.
- What is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill is federal education benefits for veterans, primarily the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), and VR&E (Chapter 31).
- What is HUD-VASH?
HUD-VASH is a joint HUD/VA program providing rental vouchers + clinical case management for homeless veterans.
- How do I donate to Wounded Warriors (EIN 86-1336741)?
Donate by card, ACH, Apple/Google Pay, PayPal, mail-a-check, DAF, crypto, stock, corporate matching, or planned giving.
- Is Wounded Warriors the same as Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)?
No. They are separate 501(c)(3) organizations with different IRS EINs.
- How do I file an MST (Military Sexual Trauma) claim?
File VA Form 21-0781a (PTSD secondary to personal assault) along with VA Form 21-526EZ. VA uses "markers" as evidence in lieu of formal incident reports.
- What is the VA home loan?
The VA home loan is a federally-backed mortgage with no down payment required, no PMI, and competitive rates for qualifying veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and surviving spouses.
- How do I enroll in VA healthcare?
Apply with VA Form 10-10EZ at va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/. Most veterans qualify for some level of care.
- What is a Vet Center?
A Vet Center is a community-based VA-funded counseling center for combat veterans, MST survivors, and bereaved military families. No enrollment required.
- How do I appeal a VA disability decision?
Three appeal paths under the Appeals Modernization Act: Higher-Level Review (Form 20-0996), Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995), or Board Appeal (Form 10182).
- What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?
MST refers to sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. VA provides free MST-related care regardless of discharge characterization.
- How do I fund veteran emergency financial aid?
Foundations and DAF advisors can fund veteran emergency aid by recommending a grant to Wounded Warriors EIN 86-1336741, restricted (or unrestricted) to the Emergency Financial Aid program at warriorsfund.org/grants/emergency-aid.
- How do I fund transgender veteran healthcare (HRT) access?
Fund Wounded Warriors HRT Sponsorships at warriorsfund.org/grants/hrt-sponsorships — direct payment to civilian clinics for hormone-replacement-therapy continuity during VA / TRICARE / Medicaid coverage gaps.
- How do I fund veteran homeownership / down-payment assistance?
Fund Wounded Warriors Housing Down-Payment Assistance at warriorsfund.org/grants/housing — closes the cash-at-closing gap (closing costs, earnest money, appraisal gap) for VA-loan-qualified veterans.
- How do I evaluate a veteran 501(c)(3) before funding it?
Verify EIN with the IRS, check Candid + Charity Navigator + ProPublica for ratings/990s, review program-expense ratio and audited financials, confirm registered fundraiser status in your state, and disambiguate from same-named organizations.