Disability Benefits for Korean War Veterans
The Korean War is often called the “Forgotten War,” stuck between World War II and the Vietnam War in American consciousness. More than 5 million veterans served in the Korean War, many making the ultimate sacrifice, and none of them deserve to be forgotten.
Rob Levine Law is dedicated to getting Korean War veterans the VA benefits they deserve. Our skilled veterans disability lawyers can explain the benefits available to Korean War vets and help obtain them. If you or a loved one needs help navigating the complicated VA application process, contact us online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
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Legally Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
October 2, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Korean War Veterans?
- Who Qualifies for Korean War Veteran Disability Benefits?
- How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Korean War Veterans
- Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Korean War Veterans
- Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Korean War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
- Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
- Korean War Veterans Benefits FAQs
What Types of Disability Benefits Are Available for Korean War Veterans?
Benefits available to all U.S. military veterans include the following:
- Monetary compensation for service-related disabilities
- Pension plans
- Health care coverage
- Home loan assistance
- Life insurance benefits
- Education, training, and vocational assistance
- Burial costs
Severe winter weather caused 16% of the U.S. Army’s non-battle injuries in Korea, requiring more than 5,000 evacuations for cold injuries. Korean War veterans dealing with the lingering effects of cold injuries may be eligible for disability compensation.
Meanwhile, many Korean War veterans were involved in above-ground nuclear weapons testing during the war and are considered “atomic veterans,” making them eligible for disability compensation for conditions related to radiation exposure.
Who Qualifies for Korean War Veteran Disability Benefits?
To receive disability compensation, a Korean War veteran must have a diagnosed medical condition connected to their military service and must not have been dishonorably discharged.
Any disabling condition sufficiently tied to your service can qualify, including physical injuries or disfigurement, tinnitus or hearing loss, anxiety disorders, and more. Special monthly compensation, or SMC, is available for some vets with severe disabilities or those requiring assistance with daily living.
Some conditions are considered “presumptive” under certain circumstances, such as osteoporosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and certain conditions experienced by those who were held as prisoners of war.
Those with conditions from cold injuries or radiation exposure may have an easier time proving a service connection, but there are no presumptive conditions unique to Korean War veterans, so you will still need sufficient evidence.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for Korean War Veterans
You can submit your disability benefits application online, by mail, or in person. However, veterans can improve their chances of approval with legal representation from an experienced veterans disability lawyer. Representation can also minimize their stress when dealing with complex claims.
Meanwhile, some local veterans service organizations can also assist with your application, including:
Common Challenges in the Claims Process for Korean War Veterans
Korean War veterans may encounter several different problems while navigating the complicated veterans disability application process, including the following:
- Incomplete or lost records: A disastrous 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center destroyed service documents for many Army and Air Force veterans who served during the Korean War, making it more difficult to establish service connections.
- Lack of documented in-service events: In the chaos of war, the event that caused or led to your injury or illness could have never been formally documented.
- Outdated medical understanding: Some earlier medical records might not accurately describe or recognize long-term conditions that are now better understood.
- Cognitive decline and memory loss: Aging veterans may struggle with remembering certain details of their service.
- Mental health stigma: PTSD often went undiagnosed at the time of the Korean War, and some vets may still feel reluctant to seek help for it.
- Complex digital systems: Older veterans may have difficulties navigating online application systems without assistance.
Why Choose Rob Levine Law for Your Korean War Veteran Disability Benefits Case?
Rob Levine has been dedicated to helping veterans get the benefits they deserve for more than 25 years. Having proudly served in the National Guard, Rob understands and appreciates the sacrifices our Korean War veterans made.
With over 75 years of combined experience in veterans disability law, Rob Levine Law has helped more than 50,000 people recover over $2 billion in disability benefits and injury compensation. Our dedicated veterans benefits team is available 24/7 to take your call and answer your questions.
Win or no fees™, that’s the Fee Free Guarantee®. If you or a loved one needs help getting the Korean War veteran benefits you deserve, contact our experienced attorneys online or call (800) 742-3920 today for a free consultation.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
Truly, the Best Service!
I can’t even begin to express my gratitude towards Rob Levine Law. Especially much thanks to Simon Kelly, who never left my side. He was just fantastic, very professional, and informative. I couldn’t have reached my max VA benefits without his help, and I’m just so very thankful for what Simon was able to do for me and my family. For many years, I had self-represented myself (15 years to be exact), and the process of self-representation is just so exhausting. Simon and his team came into my life with so much confidence and enthusiasm. I can’t believe how quickly they were able to turn things around for me.
Joseph Ondrejka
I’m very grateful for all the help and guidance through this process.
I didn’t think we were going to win the case. We did! The legal team is phenomenal. They really work hard for their clients to aid with the financial hardships of not being able to work. Alexander Rojas, through hard work and determination, made it possible to receive disability/social security insurance. I highly respect and recommend Rob Levine Law for helping me and others receive much-needed benefits to ease financial, medical, and mental anguish from being unable to work. Thank you for everything you’ve done for myself and others in this situation. Take care.
Margaret S.
I highly recommend them and will continue to seek their services and advice.
Rob Levine Law have been very helpful in my request to receive Compensation Benefits for injuries I incurred while in service. I’ve suggested their services to a number of Veterans seeking legal services.
Sandyabdullah M.
Korean War Veterans Benefits FAQs
How Much Can Korean War Veterans Receive in Disability Compensation?
Depending on their disability rating, a Korean War veteran can make up to $4,387.79 a month in disability compensation with a dependent spouse and two dependent parents. Additional funds are available for each dependent child.
Can Surviving Spouses or Dependents Receive Benefits?
Yes, spouses and other surviving dependents of Korean War veterans may be eligible for monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments and other benefits.
What if I Don’t Have Complete Medical or Service Records?
Our trusted veterans disability lawyers can analyze your circumstances, explain your options, and help you establish a service connection without the missing records.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Disability Claim?
No, you can file a disability compensation claim at any point after your discharge. However, if you file a claim within a year of separating from the military, you may receive benefits earlier.
Do Korean War Veterans Receive Priority Access to VA Health Services?
Korean War veterans are not automatically eligible for a particular VA priority group, but may be assigned to one based on their individual circumstances.
Can Family Members Assist Korean War Veterans With the Benefits Application Process?
Yes, family members can help Korean War veterans apply for disability benefits and can file a “buddy statement” to support their claim.
What Types of Disabilities Are Considered Service-Connected for Korean War Veterans?
The VA acknowledges that cold injuries like frostbite and hypothermia were relatively common during the Korean War. Any other disabling condition, such as tinnitus, physical injuries, or PTSD, can qualify if you can prove a connection with your service.
How Do I Apply for Burial Benefits as a Korean War Veteran?
Families of Korean War veterans can apply for burial benefits online by following the VA’s instructions.
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Notable Case Results
$1,005,000
Veterans livining in Providence after years of serving in the US Air Force in the early 1980s she suffered from PTSD and was a sexual misconduct victim in the service. Our firm won over a million dollars in back benefits for the vet.
$180,000
Veteran living in Portsmouth RI had suffered hearing loss, PTSD and HTN from his time in the Army we were able to get him nearly $200,000 in back benefits.
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Veteran of the Army living in Exeter RI, suffered injries during the time as a demolition specialist. In the 1960s the veteran was exposed to things that left him with permanent hearing and vision loss, headaches, arthritis and a TBI. We earned the veteran over $140,000 in back benenfits.
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Navy veteran living in Quincy MA served in the 1960s was exposed to chemicals that caused prostate cancer. He suffered from a TBI as well and was granted TDIU. We earned the client $110,000 in back benefits.
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