Disability Benefits

Selected Data on Military and VA Recipients Gao ID: HRD-92-106 August 13, 1992

This report provides information on the Defense Department's (DOD) military disability retirement and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation programs. GAO discusses (1) military retirements over time, (2) the ratio of officers to enlistees receiving military retirements benefits, (3) the number of years of service military personnel have when they begin disability retirement, and (4) the number of military disability retirees also receiving VA disability compensation.

GAO found that: (1) military disability retirees may also qualify for VA disability compensation, but their military disability retirement benefits are reduced by the amount of any VA disability benefits they receive; (2) military disability retirements increased from 1981 to 1986, then declined from 1986 to 1990; (3) in total numbers, more enlistees retired on disability than officers, and most retired earlier in their careers than officers; (4) a higher percentage of officers retired on disability than enlistees, and their numbers were spread evenly over 25 or more years of service; and (5) most retirees on military disability also receive VA disability compensation.



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