Much of the frustration, skepticism, and outright anger directed at VA disability compensation comes from misunderstanding what the program is—and what it is not. A recent Military.com article, “Why VA’s Disability System Is Really Workers’ Compensation” (published December 31, 2025), does a solid job reframing the conversation and cutting through common myths. This week’s article draws from that reporting while adding some local context.
VA disability compensation is often described as a “handout” or a form of welfare. That description is incorrect. As Military.com explains, VA disability compensation functions much more like workers’ compensation. It exists to compensate Veterans for injuries or illnesses that were caused or worsened by military service—just as civilian workers’ compensation exists to cover job-related injuries. It is not based on income, employment status, or whether a Veteran “needs” the money.
Another common misconception is that VA disability is tied to whether someone can work. In reality, many Veterans receiving VA compensation are working. The benefit is tied to the presence and severity of a service-connected condition, not employability. A Veteran can work full-time, earn a good living, and still receive compensation for a documented service-connected disability.
Misinformation also fuels the idea that VA disability ratings are subjective or arbitrary. While no system is perfect, VA relies on medical diagnoses, service records, and standardized rating schedules set by federal regulation. These ratings are not decided by a single person’s opinion, nor are they awarded casually. Claims require evidence, medical examinations, and review.
Perhaps the most damaging myth is the belief that seeking VA disability compensation is somehow fraudulent or unethical unless a Veteran was severely wounded in combat. The law does not require combat service. Training injuries, toxic exposures, wear-and-tear injuries, and service-related mental health conditions are all legitimate pathways to service connection. If a condition is linked to military service, compensation is appropriate—full stop.
The Military.com article makes an important point: VA disability compensation exists because military service is inherently risky, and the federal government has acknowledged responsibility for the long-term effects of that service. When Veterans avoid filing claims due to stigma or misinformation, they are not protecting the system—they are denying themselves earned benefits.
If you are a Veteran who has ever said, “I don’t qualify,” or “That program isn’t for people like me,” it may be worth taking a second look. The facts matter, and separating facts from opinions helps everyone.
Source: Military.com, “Why VA’s Disability System Is Really Workers’ Compensation,” by Haley Fuller, December 31, 2025. https://www.military.com/feature/2025/12/27/why-vasdisability-system-really-workers-compensation.Html
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
