Veterans Pension Guidance For Nonservice-Connected Disabilities

Last updated on June 24, 2025

Veterans who served during wartime periods and face financial hardship due to age or nonmilitary disabilities may receive monthly nonservice-connected (NSC) pension payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you need assistance with your pension claim, the lawyers at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. Attorneys at Law, are here to guide you through this complex process.

Qualifying For VA Pension Benefits

Veterans must satisfy multiple conditions to receive nonservice-connected pension payments:

• Military service: Minimum 90 days active duty with at least one day during recognized wartime
• Current status: Must be 65 years or older, or totally disabled from nonmilitary causes
• Income limitations: Annual income and assets must fall below VA thresholds
• Military discharge: Must have received honorable or general discharge from service

These requirements work together to identify veterans who need financial assistance due to circumstances beyond their military service.

Family Member Pension Rights

When qualifying veterans pass away, their surviving family members may continue receiving pension benefits. Monthly payments help surviving spouses and unmarried children maintain basic living standards. Spouses must demonstrate financial need and meet age or disability criteria, while children must remain unmarried and meet educational or age requirements.

Filing Your Pension Claim

Successfully obtaining pension benefits requires thorough preparation and accurate documentation:

• Essential paperwork: Military discharge papers, current medical records and complete financial information
• Frequent errors: Failing to report all income sources, submitting incomplete medical evidence or missing documentation deadlines
• Filing strategy: Submit comprehensive applications with all supporting materials to prevent unnecessary delays

We help veterans avoid these pitfalls and present the strongest possible cases to the VA.

Overcoming Claim Rejections

Veterans have 12 months to challenge unfavorable pension decisions through the VA appeals process. Rejections typically occur due to income exceeding limits, insufficient disability evidence or incomplete military service verification. Our attorneys analyze rejection letters and develop targeted responses to address specific VA concerns.

 

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. Attorneys at Law Your military service earned you the right to seek financial assistance when needed. Call us at 251-243-7872 or use our online contact form to discuss your pension claim today. We work on contingency, meaning no fees unless we secure your benefits.