WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released its 2008 state rankings for benefits, and Oregon is ranked first in the nation in veteran pension benefits and sixth in the nation for veteran disability compensation benefits.
 
The VA rankings are based on the average monthly benefit amount for service-connected disability compensation and non-service connected pension.
 
Oregon's veterans receive an average monthly pension payment of $1,017.  This is $266 more than the national average.  Additionally, Oregon veterans receive an average of $1,016 per month in service-connected disability compensation, or $161 more than the national average.
 
"I am very proud of the work done by our county veterans service officers, our state veterans service officers and our national service officer in providing excellent service to Oregon veterans," said Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Jim Willis.  "The partnership we have is obviously one of the best in the nation because we focus on our mission of serving veterans, their survivors and dependents."
 
Oregon has consistently been ranked among the top 10 states providing veterans benefits.  In 2007, Oregon ranked third in pension and sixth in compensation benefits.
 
For more information about veteran benefits, please contact the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 503-373-2386.