Veteran Monthly Assistance Allowance
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee supports military veterans with physical and visual disabilities in their efforts to represent Team USA at the Paralympic Games and other international competitions. Wounded, ill and injured veterans who demonstrate exceptional sport skills and the commitment necessary to pursue elite-level competition are given guidance on securing the training, support and coaching needed to qualify for Team USA and achieve their Paralympic dreams.
About The Stipend
Through a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA National Veterans Sport Programs & Special Events Office helps to provide a monthly assistance allowance for disabled Veterans of the Armed Forces, as authorized by section 703 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
Through the program, the VA will provide a monthly allowance to a Veteran with a service-connected or non-service-connected disability if the veteran is classified in the sport and meets the minimum military standard or any higher standard (i.e. emerging, national team) in the athlete's respective sport at a recognized competition.
Stipend Eligibility
Learn More About the StipendTo be eligible for the VA monthly assistance allowance, an athlete must be a military veteran as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, hold a national or international classification in their sport, and meet the sport-specific standards.
Current Standards
Current VMAA Standards, opens in a new tabStandards vary across sports, with evaluation methods ranging from open or invitation-only tryouts to world rankings, performance benchmarks, or combinations of these approaches. Military standards for each sport are set by the respective National Governing Body (NGB), taking into account the sport itself, international competitive analysis, and the current athlete pipeline.
Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events
Explore More, opens in a new tabVA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events provides Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through adaptive sports and therapeutic art programs. These specialized rehabilitation events aim to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being, and quality of life. The programs are built on clinical expertise within VA, with essential support from Veteran Service Organizations, corporate sponsors, individual donors and community partners.
Previous VMAA Standards
Review the resources below to find historical standards.