This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Puerto Rico · Disability
Disability benefits in Puerto Rico
Based on Federal VA regulations and Puerto Rico state-published veteran benefits. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 · Next review: 2026-10-19
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4, Puerto Rico Public Advocate for Veterans Affairs (OPAV)
Federal VA disability compensation amounts are set by Congress and are the same in every state. Puerto Rico publishes additional programs that may supplement what eligible veterans receive from the federal government. Verify current rules with the Puerto Rico Public Advocate for Veterans Affairs (OPAV) before relying on this page for filing decisions.
Federal disability compensation (same in every state)
The VA may rate service-connected disabilities under 38 CFR Part 4 and pay monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1110 (wartime) or § 1131 (peacetime). The combined-rating estimator computes an estimated monthly amount under 38 CFR § 4.25 if you have one or more rated conditions.
- Combined Rating Estimator: estimate your overall rating under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 2026 VA Compensation Rates: current monthly rate tables.
- How to File a Disability Claim: federal claim walkthrough.
Puerto Rico disability-related programs
These programs are administered by Puerto Rico, not by the federal VA. Eligibility, application processes, and benefit amounts are set by the state and may change. Each item links to the authoritative source.
Other Puerto Rico-published programs
- Property Tax Exemption (CRIM). Puerto Rico exempts a portion of the assessed value of the principal residence from municipal property tax (CRIM) for honorably discharged veterans. Exemption amounts and eligibility are set by Puerto Rico statute; higher amounts may apply to veterans with a service-connected disability rating. Source.
- Puerto Rico Income Tax Exclusion for Veterans. Puerto Rico law provides a specific income tax exclusion for honorably discharged veterans, applied against Puerto Rico income tax (separate from federal income tax). Verify current thresholds with Hacienda before relying on the exclusion for planning. Source.
- San Juan VA Caribbean Healthcare System. Federal VA healthcare is delivered in Puerto Rico through the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, headquartered in San Juan, with outpatient clinics across the archipelago. Federal enrollment and priority-group rules apply identically to stateside VA care. Source.
- Puerto Rico State Veterans Home. Puerto Rico operates a state veterans home in Juana Díaz providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care to eligible veterans. Admission is based on availability and combined VA and Commonwealth eligibility rules. Source.
Where to get free, accredited help in Puerto Rico
Many Puerto Rico counties staff a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) who may file federal and state veteran claims at no cost. The Puerto Rico Public Advocate for Veterans Affairs (OPAV) typically maintains a current directory.
- VA OGC accredited representative search (PR): the official federal directory.
- Puerto Rico Public Advocate for Veterans Affairs (OPAV): state-level eligibility, application forms, and appeal procedures.