April 2008 

VA Benefits for Former Prisoners Of War 

Former American prisoners of war (POWs) are eligible for special veterans benefits, 

including enrollment in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care for treatment 

in VA hospitals and clinics without copayments as well as disability compensation for 

injuries and diseases that have been associated with internment. These benefits are in 

addition to regular veterans benefits and services to which they, as veterans, are entitled. 

Records show that 142,246 Americans were captured and interned during World War I, 

World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Somalia and Kosovo 

conflicts, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. There were no servicemembers reported missing 

in action from the Bosnia deployment or recent Afghanistan operations. Of the 125,214 

Americans surviving captivity, about 22,649 were estimated to be alive at the end of 2007. 

American Prisoners Of War at End of 2007 

Captured 

and Interned 

Died while 

POW 

Returned to U.S. 

Military Control 

 Refused 

 to Return 

Alive at end of 2007

GRAND TOTAL 142,246 17,009 125,214 21 22,649

WW I 4,120 147 3,973 -- -- 

WW II 130,201 14,072 116,129 -- 20,327

Korean 7,140 2,701 4,418 21 1,739

Vietnam 725 64 661 -- 550

Gulf War 47 25 21 -- 21 

Somalia 1 -- 1 -- 1

Kosovo 3 -- 3 -- 3

Iraq 9 -- 8 -- 8

Congress defined a prisoner of war as a person who, while serving on active duty, was 

forcibly detained by an enemy government or a hostile force, during a period of war or in 

situations comparable to war. 

With nine out of 10 former POWs having served in World War II, the estimated number 

of living POWs decreased from nearly 29,000 to 22,600 during 2007 due mainly to the 

death rates for World War II and Korean POWs. 

- More - 
Former POWs 2/2/2/2 

Compensation

As of November 2007, there were 15,367 former POWs receiving compensation benefits 

from VA. 

Studies have shown that the physical hardships and psychological stress endured by 

POWs have life-long effects on health and on social and vocational adjustment. These 

studies also indicate increased vulnerability to psychological stress. The laws on former 

POW benefits recognize that military medical records do not cover periods of captivity. 

For many diseases, unless there is evidence of some other cause, VA disability 

compensation can be paid on the basis of a presumption that a disease present today is 

associated with the veteran's captivity or internment. 

For POWs detained for 30 days or more, such eligibility covers any of the following 

illnesses that are found at a compensable level (at least 10 percent disabling): 

avitaminosis; beriberi; chronic dysentery; cirrhosis of the liver; helminthiasis; irritable 

bowel syndrome and malnutrition, including associated optic atrophy. Also covered are: 

pellagra and any other nutritional deficiency; peptic ulcer disease; and peripheral 

neuropathy, except where directly related to infectious causes. Several categories of 

diseases are presumptively associated with captivity without any 30-day limit: psychosis; 

any anxiety state; dysthymic disorders; cold injury; post-traumatic arthritis; strokes and 

common heart diseases. 

The rate of VA monthly compensation, according to degree of disability, ranges from 

$117 to $2,527 per month. Veterans rated as 30 percent or more disabled qualify for 

additional benefits based upon the number of dependents. Dependents of those rated 100 

percent disabled may qualify for educational assistance. 

Spouses of veterans who die as a result of service-connected disabilities are eligible for 

dependency and indemnity compensation. Spouses of former POWs who were rated 100 

percent disabled and who died of a condition unrelated to their service also may be 

eligible, depending on the date of death and how long the veteran held the 100 percent 

disability rating. Those non-service-connected deaths prior to October 1999 are covered if 

the former POW had been 100 percent disabled for at least 10 years. More recent nonservice-connected deaths are covered under a law that provides the benefit when the 

former POW was 100 percent disabled for a year or more. 

Medical Care

Former POWs receive special priority for VA health-care enrollment, even if their illness 

has not been formally associated with their service. Former POWs are exempt from 

making means test copayments for inpatient and outpatient medical care and medications, 

but they have the same copay rules as other veterans for extended care. They also are 

eligible for dental care without any length-of-interment requirement. 

- More - 
Former POWs 3/3/3/3 

VA periodically has provided training for its medical staff about former POWs, and an 

online curriculum is maintained at http://www1.va.gov/VHI/page.cfm?pg=9. 

Resources 

POW coordinators are assigned to each VA regional office and medical center and are 

available to provide more information. Former POWs may contact VA regional offices 

with general benefits questions at 800-827-1000. Medical eligibility questions may be 

directed to 877-222-8387. Additional information for former POWs also is available from 

VA's Web site at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/. 

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