What Is Medal of Honor Pension
The Medal of Honor pension is a monthly stipend paid by the VA to recipients of the Medal of Honor, regardless of service-connected disability status or age. As of 2024, this pension is $1,657.92 per month for Medal of Honor recipients. It stacks on top of any other VA benefits you receive, including service-connected disability compensation, VA pensions based on financial need, military retirement pay, or Social Security.
Unlike standard VA disability ratings that require a nexus between a condition and military service, the Medal of Honor pension is an entitlement benefit tied solely to receiving the Medal of Honor itself. You don't need to file a VA disability claim or pass a C&P exam to qualify. The VA processes these as a separate benefit category under 38 U.S.C. 1562.
Eligibility and Payment
You qualify for the Medal of Honor pension if you've been awarded the Medal of Honor by Congress. The VA maintains the official roster and verifies your status directly. Payments begin the month after the VA receives your application, though some recipients were automatically enrolled when the benefit expanded in recent years.
The monthly rate adjusts annually for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). In 2023, the increase was 8.7 percent, so the amount changes each January. If you're also receiving a VA disability rating, you typically receive whichever benefit is higher, not both. However, you can receive the Medal of Honor pension plus a military retirement check, plus VA disability compensation if you qualify separately through the VA rating system.
How It Differs From Disability Compensation
The Medal of Honor pension operates completely separately from the VA disability rating process. You don't need to file VA Form 21-526EZ, undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam, or submit a nexus letter. Your VSO or VA representative cannot appeal a Medal of Honor pension denial based on disability evidence because it's not a disability benefit.
By contrast, a VA disability rating requires proof of service connection. You'll submit medical evidence, get examined by a VA C&P examiner, possibly provide a nexus letter from a doctor, and can appeal through the VA's multi-level appeals process if denied or rated lower than expected.
The Medal of Honor pension exists on a parallel track. It's not subject to the same appeals process, rating tables, or examination requirements. Once verified as a Medal recipient, it's effectively guaranteed for life.
Common Questions
- Can I receive both the Medal of Honor pension and disability compensation? If you're rated service-connected disabled, you generally receive the benefit amount that's higher. You cannot stack them. However, you can receive the Medal of Honor pension plus military retirement and plus Social Security without any reduction. Talk to a VA representative or VSO to confirm your specific situation, as special circumstances exist.
- Will the Medal of Honor pension affect my other VA benefits or means-tested programs? It counts as income for VA pension applications (which are need-based) and can affect Medicaid, SSI, or other need-tested benefits. It does not reduce your disability rating or disability compensation if that's already higher than the Medal amount.
- What if I'm a Medal of Honor recipient but the VA says I'm not on record? Contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 or submit VA Form 21-0960 to request a records review. Bring your Medal documentation and discharge papers. You may need a VSO to help if the VA denies your claim initially.
Related Concepts
- Veterans Pension - A need-based benefit separate from disability compensation, often lower in monthly amount than the Medal of Honor pension.
- Disability Rating - The VA's assessment of service-connected conditions, which determines compensation amounts and is unrelated to Medal of Honor eligibility.