MAPR Increases for Mesothelioma Veterans Receiving Pension
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the new Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPR) for 2021. The rates increase from the previous year, providing an opportunity for a larger monthly payment to veterans with civilian-connected mesothelioma.
The VA releases new rates on or around December 1 of each year, and 2020 was no different. The new rates were released on that date and went into effect immediately. They’ll remain active until the VA makes new updates next December.
The VA usually adjusts the compensation benefits each year for cost-of-living increases. While the MAPR increases are only 1.3%, this still can help veterans with mesothelioma.
VA Pension is a benefit for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma that isn’t service-connected. Veterans with a service-connected disease can apply for VA Disability Compensation, which usually pays more per month.
Asbestos is the only verified cause of mesothelioma, and the mineral was an integral part of the U.S. military for decades. For this reason, many veterans qualify for VA Disability Compensation due to most of their exposures to asbestos occurring during their service.
However, asbestos was also a fixture of many civilian jobs, including construction, insulation, electrical work, automotive repair and more. VA Pension compensation requires the veteran to have served during a “wartime period” and be in good standing.
How Much Did the VA Increase the MAPR?
The lowest MAPR for veterans with mesothelioma is $13,931. This figure is for veterans with no dependents and no Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits.
This amount is nearly $200 more than the $13,752 instituted on December 1, 2019.
The other notable MAPRs for the new calendar year are:
- $17,024 (no dependents, qualify for Housebound benefits)
- $18,243 (one dependent, no extra benefits)
- $21,337 (one dependent, qualify for Housebound benefits)
- $23,238 (no dependents, qualify for Aid and Attendance)
- $27,549 (one dependent, qualify for Aid and Attendance)Additional dependents each add $2,382 to the MAPR.The MAPR is the starting point to determine a veteran’s VA mesothelioma compensation. The veteran’s annual income is then subtracted from the MAPR to determine the annual amount owed to the veteran. That amount is split into 12 monthly payments.Veterans can deduct medical expenses from their income, increasing their VA compensation.
Last year’s MAPRs were:
- $16,805 (no dependents, qualify for Housebound benefits)
- $18,008 (one dependent, no extra benefits)
- $21,063 (one dependent, qualify for Housebound benefits)
- $22,939 (no dependents, qualify for Aid and Attendance)
- $27,195 (one dependent, qualify for Aid and Attendance)
- $2,351 added on for each additional dependentIf you’re a veteran with mesothelioma, contact VA claims agent Carl Jewett. The 24-year Navy veteran can explain how VA Pension works and help you determine your payments based on your MAPR and income. Email him at cjewett@mesotheliomaguide.com or call 1-844-838-6376.
