Drill Pay vs VA Pay

Double Dipping: Drill Pay vs. VA Pay (for those currently serving in the Army and Air National Guard)

"M21-1, Part VI, Subpart ii, Chapter 3, Section A - Adjusting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Based on a Veteran's Receipt of Drill Pay" is an article published on May 28, 2025 that details why servicemembers in the Army and Air National Guard may not "Double Dip" and receive both their VA disability pay and military pay (such as drill or active duty orders payment) at the same time. 

"Notice of Waiver of VA Compensation or Pension to Receive Military Pay and Allowances" VA Form 21-8951-2 allows for weekend warriors and those currently in the Army and Air National Guards to forgo a debt with the VA while serving on drill weekend. Otherwise, the servicemember WILL incur a debt as this is considered "double dipping" and that debt is a required to be paid back after they have been discharged from the uniformed services. 

Here is an article by RPM Law that provides a little more scope and translation on the "Double Dipping - Military Retirement Pay and VA Disability Pay" legalities.  It answers the question of what legal issues you may incur in regards to paying back a VA Compensation debt. 

Here is a PDF that details the "M21-1" in regards to VA Disability Pay vs Drill and Guard Pay for those currently serving in Army and Air National Guard Units.

"VA Disability Compensation VS. Drill Pay"  is a small information pack created by the California Veterans Service Office out of Santa Cruz for the Army National Guard (relevant to the Air National Guard as well).

"Should I take Drill Pay or VA Compensation?" was published on January 30, 2025 and gives some good fact-checked details on choosing between your VA disability or drill weekend pay. Which states, "What Happens If You Draw Drill Pay And VA Compensation At The Same Time?  If you don’t cancel one benefit for another as directed by federal law, you incur a debt to the federal government. Those who become indebted to the government will be contacted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Debt Management Center to arrange collection of the funds."

Cite this page (based on most recent updates):

(APA)
Raguso, M. C. (2025, October 17). Research. CCLT4Vets. https://www.cclt4vets.org/research 

(Chicago)

Raguso, MarieAnn C. Research. CCLT4Vets. October 17, 2025. https://www.cclt4vets.org/research

(MLA) 

Raguso, MarieAnn C. Research. CCLT4Vets, 17 October 2025, www.cclt4vets.org/research