GITNUXREPORT 2025

Veteran Disability Statistics

Nearly 4.7 million veterans receive benefits; mental health, tinnitus, and hearing loss common.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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About 80% of veteran disability claims are approved on initial review

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The average processing time for disability claims at VA has decreased from over 125 days in 2019 to approximately 95 days in 2023

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The disability claims success rate for veterans has increased by 10% over the past five years, making the process more efficient

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The number of claims filed by veterans with traumatic brain injuries increased by approximately 25% over recent years

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The majority of veterans with service-connected disabilities reside in the southern United States, accounting for nearly 35% of total claims

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The percentage of veterans with disabilities rated at 70% or higher has increased slightly over recent years, reaching approximately 25%

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The number of veterans submitting appeals for disability claim denials has decreased by 8% over the past three years, indicating improvements in initial approval rates

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The rate of successful appeals among disabled veterans has increased to around 30% in recent years, up from 20% five years ago

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The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits who are also enrolled in the VA's National Cemetery Administration services is about 15%, reflecting end-of-life planning

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The percentage of veterans who have made claims for multiple disabilities has increased over the past decade, now averaging 2.4 disabilities per veteran

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The average wait time for initial VA disability claims has decreased from over 100 days in 2018 to about 90 days in 2023, indicating process improvements

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Approximately 4.7 million U.S. veterans were receiving disability compensation benefits in 2022

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The most common service-connected disabilities among veterans include tinnitus, hearing loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

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About 45% of all veterans receiving disability compensation have a service-connected mental health disability

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The average disability rating among veterans receiving benefits is approximately 70%

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Women veterans are more likely than men to receive disability ratings for conditions related to mental health

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The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits due to tinnitus is around 38%

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Approximately 60% of veterans with a service-related disability have a rating of 50% or higher

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Hearing loss and tinnitus are the two most common service-connected disabilities, accounting for over 50% of claims

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The prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans is estimated at 15%

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Veterans with service-connected mental health disabilities are more likely to have comorbid physical disabilities, such as chronic pain

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The percentage of veterans rated at 100% for total disability has remained relatively stable at around 3% over the past decade

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Anxiety and depression are among the most frequently rated mental health disabilities in veterans, together accounting for over 50% of mental health claims

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Approximately 30% of veterans with disabilities receive multiple service-connected disabilities, with an average of 2.3 disabilities per veteran

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The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits for musculoskeletal disabilities, such as knee and back injuries, is about 66%

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Veterans with multiple service-connected disabilities tend to have higher overall disability ratings, averaging above 80%

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The incidence of leg and foot disabilities among veterans is approximately 20%, often related to trauma or injuries sustained during service

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The percentage of veterans with service-related disabilities who are enrolled in VA healthcare is roughly 75%

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Veterans with disabilities related to burns and skin conditions make up about 10% of all claims, often due to combat situations

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The percentage of veterans with disabilities rated at 90% or higher is about 12%, reflecting severe disabilities

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Mental health disability claims are the fastest-growing segment of VA disability claims, increasing by over 15% in recent years

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Veterans with service-connected disabilities are more likely to participate in VA vocational rehabilitation programs, with participation rates around 60%

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The percentage of veterans receiving disability compensation for mental health conditions has increased by 20% over the last decade

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About 15% of all veterans receiving disability benefits have a service-connected cancer, often related to exposure to hazardous materials

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The Department of Veterans Affairs allocated approximately $31 billion in disability compensation in 2022

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The average monthly disability compensation for veterans is approximately $1,200, varying based on disability rating and number of dependents

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The federal budget for veterans’ disability benefits is projected to reach over $35 billion in 2024, reflecting increasing demand and benefit levels

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PTSD affects roughly 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom

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Post-traumatic stress disorder affects about 11-20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan

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The use of telehealth services for veterans with disabilities has increased by 40% from 2019 to 2023, improving access to care

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Veterans with service-related disabilities are more likely to participate in peer support programs, with participation rates around 50%

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The proportion of Veterans receiving disability benefits with comorbid substance use disorders is approximately 25%, often linked with mental health conditions

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The majority of veterans receiving disability benefits are aged 55 and older

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Veterans with service-connected disabilities are more likely to experience unemployment, with an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6% compared to 3.5% for the general population

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The number of veterans receiving disability benefits has increased by about 16% from 2010 to 2022

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Approximately 70% of veterans receiving disability benefits are from the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, with the remainder from the National Guard and reserve components

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The average age of veterans receiving disability benefits is approximately 63 years old

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Veterans with service-connected disabilities are twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to veterans without disabilities

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The top three branch contributors to veterans with disability ratings are Army, Marines, and the Navy

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The most common age group for new disability claims in recent years is veterans aged 25-34, reflecting recent conflicts

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The percentage of veterans in rural areas receiving disability benefits is slightly higher (around 24%) compared to urban veterans

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Veterans receiving disability compensation are more likely to have served multiple deployments, averaging over two deployments per veteran in the sample

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Veterans with disabilities are more likely to use community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), accounting for about 40% of outpatient visits

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Veterans who served in combat zones are twice as likely to qualify for disability benefits compared to non-combat veterans

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Key Highlights

Approximately 4.7 million U.S. veterans were receiving disability compensation benefits in 2022
The most common service-connected disabilities among veterans include tinnitus, hearing loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD affects roughly 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
About 45% of all veterans receiving disability compensation have a service-connected mental health disability
The average disability rating among veterans receiving benefits is approximately 70%
Women veterans are more likely than men to receive disability ratings for conditions related to mental health
The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits due to tinnitus is around 38%
The Department of Veterans Affairs allocated approximately $31 billion in disability compensation in 2022
The majority of veterans receiving disability benefits are aged 55 and older
Approximately 60% of veterans with a service-related disability have a rating of 50% or higher
Hearing loss and tinnitus are the two most common service-connected disabilities, accounting for over 50% of claims
The prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans is estimated at 15%
Veterans with service-connected disabilities are more likely to experience unemployment, with an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6% compared to 3.5% for the general population

With nearly 4.7 million veterans receiving disability benefits in 2022—covering conditions from tinnitus and hearing loss to PTSD and traumatic brain injury—it’s clear that understanding the evolving landscape of veteran disability is essential to recognizing the sacrifices and ongoing needs of those who served.

Disability Claims and Processing Data

About 80% of veteran disability claims are approved on initial review
The average processing time for disability claims at VA has decreased from over 125 days in 2019 to approximately 95 days in 2023
The disability claims success rate for veterans has increased by 10% over the past five years, making the process more efficient
The number of claims filed by veterans with traumatic brain injuries increased by approximately 25% over recent years
The majority of veterans with service-connected disabilities reside in the southern United States, accounting for nearly 35% of total claims
The percentage of veterans with disabilities rated at 70% or higher has increased slightly over recent years, reaching approximately 25%
The number of veterans submitting appeals for disability claim denials has decreased by 8% over the past three years, indicating improvements in initial approval rates
The rate of successful appeals among disabled veterans has increased to around 30% in recent years, up from 20% five years ago
The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits who are also enrolled in the VA's National Cemetery Administration services is about 15%, reflecting end-of-life planning
The percentage of veterans who have made claims for multiple disabilities has increased over the past decade, now averaging 2.4 disabilities per veteran
The average wait time for initial VA disability claims has decreased from over 100 days in 2018 to about 90 days in 2023, indicating process improvements

Disability Claims and Processing Data Interpretation

With an 80% initial approval rate, a shrinking 95-day wait time, and a rising success rate for appeals, the VA's disability claims process is steadily transforming into a more efficient, veteran-friendly system—though the increased claims from those with traumatic brain injuries and multiple disabilities remind us there's still work to do in addressing the complexities of veteran health.

Disability Types and Medical Conditions

Approximately 4.7 million U.S. veterans were receiving disability compensation benefits in 2022
The most common service-connected disabilities among veterans include tinnitus, hearing loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
About 45% of all veterans receiving disability compensation have a service-connected mental health disability
The average disability rating among veterans receiving benefits is approximately 70%
Women veterans are more likely than men to receive disability ratings for conditions related to mental health
The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits due to tinnitus is around 38%
Approximately 60% of veterans with a service-related disability have a rating of 50% or higher
Hearing loss and tinnitus are the two most common service-connected disabilities, accounting for over 50% of claims
The prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among veterans is estimated at 15%
Veterans with service-connected mental health disabilities are more likely to have comorbid physical disabilities, such as chronic pain
The percentage of veterans rated at 100% for total disability has remained relatively stable at around 3% over the past decade
Anxiety and depression are among the most frequently rated mental health disabilities in veterans, together accounting for over 50% of mental health claims
Approximately 30% of veterans with disabilities receive multiple service-connected disabilities, with an average of 2.3 disabilities per veteran
The percentage of veterans receiving disability benefits for musculoskeletal disabilities, such as knee and back injuries, is about 66%
Veterans with multiple service-connected disabilities tend to have higher overall disability ratings, averaging above 80%
The incidence of leg and foot disabilities among veterans is approximately 20%, often related to trauma or injuries sustained during service
The percentage of veterans with service-related disabilities who are enrolled in VA healthcare is roughly 75%
Veterans with disabilities related to burns and skin conditions make up about 10% of all claims, often due to combat situations
The percentage of veterans with disabilities rated at 90% or higher is about 12%, reflecting severe disabilities
Mental health disability claims are the fastest-growing segment of VA disability claims, increasing by over 15% in recent years
Veterans with service-connected disabilities are more likely to participate in VA vocational rehabilitation programs, with participation rates around 60%
The percentage of veterans receiving disability compensation for mental health conditions has increased by 20% over the last decade
About 15% of all veterans receiving disability benefits have a service-connected cancer, often related to exposure to hazardous materials

Disability Types and Medical Conditions Interpretation

With nearly 4.7 million veterans benefiting from disability compensation—most notably for tinnitus, hearing loss, and PTSD—it's clear that while service leaves enduring physical and psychological scars, a shared resilience persists, even as mental health claims surge and comorbidities complicate the path to recovery.

Financial Compensation and Budgeting

The Department of Veterans Affairs allocated approximately $31 billion in disability compensation in 2022
The average monthly disability compensation for veterans is approximately $1,200, varying based on disability rating and number of dependents
The federal budget for veterans’ disability benefits is projected to reach over $35 billion in 2024, reflecting increasing demand and benefit levels

Financial Compensation and Budgeting Interpretation

With over $31 billion allocated in 2022 and a projected $35 billion for 2024, veteran disability benefits stand as both a testament to our nation's gratitude and a stark reminder of the growing financial commitment necessary to honor those who served.

Mental Health and Support Services

PTSD affects roughly 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects about 11-20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan
The use of telehealth services for veterans with disabilities has increased by 40% from 2019 to 2023, improving access to care
Veterans with service-related disabilities are more likely to participate in peer support programs, with participation rates around 50%
The proportion of Veterans receiving disability benefits with comorbid substance use disorders is approximately 25%, often linked with mental health conditions

Mental Health and Support Services Interpretation

With nearly one-fifth of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans battling PTSD and a quarter facing dual struggles with substance use, the rising adoption of telehealth—up 40% since 2019—serves as both a lifeline and a reminder that accessible, comprehensive care is crucial for those who served.

Veteran Demographics and Service Characteristics

The majority of veterans receiving disability benefits are aged 55 and older
Veterans with service-connected disabilities are more likely to experience unemployment, with an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6% compared to 3.5% for the general population
The number of veterans receiving disability benefits has increased by about 16% from 2010 to 2022
Approximately 70% of veterans receiving disability benefits are from the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, with the remainder from the National Guard and reserve components
The average age of veterans receiving disability benefits is approximately 63 years old
Veterans with service-connected disabilities are twice as likely to experience homelessness compared to veterans without disabilities
The top three branch contributors to veterans with disability ratings are Army, Marines, and the Navy
The most common age group for new disability claims in recent years is veterans aged 25-34, reflecting recent conflicts
The percentage of veterans in rural areas receiving disability benefits is slightly higher (around 24%) compared to urban veterans
Veterans receiving disability compensation are more likely to have served multiple deployments, averaging over two deployments per veteran in the sample
Veterans with disabilities are more likely to use community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), accounting for about 40% of outpatient visits
Veterans who served in combat zones are twice as likely to qualify for disability benefits compared to non-combat veterans

Veteran Demographics and Service Characteristics Interpretation

While the aging veteran population increasingly relies on disability benefits—mostly Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines—recent conflicts have driven a surge in new claims from younger veterans, highlighting a complex landscape where deployment, combat exposure, and rural residence shape a narrative of resilience, challenge, and evolving support needs.