VA Benefit Summary Letter (Letter of Disability)
What the Benefit Summary Letter shows
You can choose which pieces of information to include before generating the letter, so you do not have to disclose more than the requesting party actually needs.
- Your current combined VA (e.g., 70%, 100%).
- Whether you are receiving service-connected compensation.
- Your monthly compensation amount.
- Whether your disability is considered permanent.
- Whether you receive non-service-connected pension.
- Service dates and character of service.
How to download it (free)
The letter is generated on demand from your VA records, so it always reflects your current rating and compensation. Re-download a fresh copy any time the rating changes.
- Sign in at using your Login.gov or ID.me credentials (the same login you use for the claims status tool).
- Navigate to 'Records' → 'VA Benefit Letters.'
- Select 'Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter.'
- Choose which pieces of information to include using the checkboxes.
- Download as a PDF or have it mailed to your address of record.
Other VA letters you can download
- Civil Service Preference Letter — verifies eligibility for federal hiring preference.
- Commissary and Exchange Privileges Letter — confirms eligibility (typically 100% service-connected or ).
- Service Verification Letter — confirms service dates and .
- (Dependents' Educational Assistance) Letter — confirms eligibility for dependents.
- Proof of Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage Letter — for Medicare Part D coordination.
Common uses
- funding-fee exemption — lenders typically require the Benefit Summary Letter.
- Property-tax exemption applications — most states accept the letter as proof of rating.
- Federal hiring preference — paired with the Civil Service Preference Letter.
- State vehicle registration, hunting/fishing license, and recreational discounts.
- Mortgage and rental applications where verification of VA income is requested.
If you cannot log in
Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request the Benefit Summary Letter by mail. You can also request it in person at a VA or through an accredited representative who has a properly executed or 21-22a on file. Mail delivery typically takes 7–10 business days.
Where these claims break down
- ×Including more personal information than the requesting party needs — uncheck unnecessary fields before downloading.
- ×Using an outdated copy — the letter is generated on demand, so re-download whenever a rating changes.
- ×Confusing the Benefit Summary Letter with the Award Letter (the latter is a one-time decision document; the Benefit Summary is a re-generatable verification letter).
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Tools & Topics
Have questions about your specific case?
Every veteran's facts are different. A free initial consultation with a VA-Accredited Claims Agent can tell you whether your matter is a fit for representation — and what the right next step looks like either way.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No guarantees of outcomes are made. Each claim is decided on its individual facts.
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