Military pension benefits do not refer to retirement benefits. Pension benefits are, in fact, more similar to Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They are needs-based benefits issued to veterans who have at least 90 days of wartime service (including stateside service during a time of war) and who are totally disabled.
The injury or disease causing the disability does not have to be a result of service.
A pension is paid in a flat amount that offsets any other income that the veteran is currently receiving (such as SSI). Disabled veterans whose income is below the poverty line will usually qualify for pension benefits.
Veterans’ Benefits do not offer pensions but do offer service connected benefits.