09/04/2026
The VA may recognize a veteran’s spouse, qualifying child, or dependent parent. Same-sex and common-law marriages may qualify, while a parent may qualify when the veteran provides direct care and applicable financial limits are met.
A qualifying child must be unmarried and be younger than 18, be between 18 and 23 and enrolled in school full time, or have become permanently incapable of self-support before age 18. Biological, adopted, and stepchildren may qualify.
Learn more about how adding or removing dependents can affect VA disability compensation:
https://southwestlawfirm.com/how-adding-or-removing-dependents-changes-va-disability-compensation/