Add dependents to your VA disability benefits 
Find out how to add a dependent spouse, child, and/or parent to your VA disability benefits for additional compensation. 

Am I eligible for additional VA disability compensation for my dependent(s)? 
You may be eligible for additional disability compensation for a spouse, child, and/or parent if you meet both of the requirements listed below. Both of these must be true. You: Are eligible for VA disability compensation , and Have a combined disability rating of at least 30 % Adding a dependent may make you eligible to receive a higher compensation payment also called a benefit rate. 

Who does VA consider a dependent? 
A dependent is : A spouse Note: we recognize same - sex and common - law marriages A parent , if you re directly caring for them and their income and net worth are below a certain amount who meets one of the eligibility requirements listed below An unmarried child including an adopted child or stepchild To be considered a dependent , one of these must be true of an unmarried child. They: Are under 18 years old , or Are between the ages of 18 and 23 years old and enrolled in school full time , or Became permanently disabled before they turned 18 

When should I add a dependent to my benefits? 
This depends on where you are in the process of filing for disability compensation. 

If you haven t yet filed a claim for disability compensation 
You can file a claim for additional compensation for a dependent at the same time as you file your original claim for disability compensation. If you receive a combined disability rating of at least 30% , we ll automatically consider your eligibility for additional compensation for your dependent. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation 

If you have one or more dependents, but you didn t claim them when you originally filed for disability compensation 
If you have a combined disability rating of at least 30% , you can file a claim for additional disabi

user: I want to know how to add my wife to my VA disability benefits

assistant: Okay, we can tell you how to add your wife to your VA disability benefits for additional compensation .

user: How many different things are there to qualify for benefits?

assistant: You may be eligible for additional disability compensation for a spouse , child , and/or parent if you meet both of the requirements

user: and I can get help with my claim?

assistant: Yes, you can work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer. We trust these professionals because they are trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals process. A VSO can answer any questions you have

user: what else can he do?

assistant: A VSO can even file your claim for you

user: what do I need to add my wife to my VA disability?

assistant: Have you received a combined disability rating of at least 30% at the time of the marriage ?

user: I did

assistant: Did you file your claim for additional disability compensation for your wife within a year of the marriage?

user: Yes, I did

assistant: Did you respond within a year to our request for any more information or evidence needed to confirm your claim?

user: I did that too

assistant: We may pay you back to the date of your marriage since you met all of the requirements