While there are some notable differences in the types, designs and delivery of services for veterans in every country, they all fall under some common domains. These domains include health services, support for career transition, income support, compensation for disability, and rehabilitation services. The four major contestants among countries that provide the most benefits for their veterans include:The United States of America, Australia, Canada, and The United Kingdom. Let’s discuss what each country provides under every domain.
Rehabilitation
While all the countries in question provide rehabilitation and health services for veteran’s injuries, the delivery varies. For example, in Australia and Canada, the rehabilitation treatment is managed by the veterans’ departments; whereas, in the United States, there is only a single department that looks after the delivery of these services.
In the UK, however, the same services are managed by the department of health. There is, however, a difference between the services provided by all the countries in question. The difference is that the United States is the only country that provides training for living independently and also other specialized health benefits incorporated with rehabilitation services.
Disability Compensation
If a veteran becomes subject to any disabilities on duty, all four countries provide compensation for it. For example, in the United States, veterans either receive a monthly pension or a lump-sum award. This depends on the severity of their injuries. In the UK and Canada, veterans often get a lump-sum award, and in Australia, a veteran is free to choose whether they would like a monthly pension or a lump-sum.
Support for Career Transition
In the United States, veterans can enjoy the benefits of over 36 months of education. In one way or the other, all four countries provide their veterans with assistance related to finding jobs, employment services, and vocational training, etc.
Health Services
Each country has a different degree of health service coverage available for its citizens. In the UK, for instance, the citizens enjoy comprehensive health coverage, but there’s no extra coverage available for veterans. Australia and Canada also provide something to a similar extent. However, veterans with low income or disabilities can enjoy free coverage. In the United States, civilians do not enjoy the same health benefits as veterans do.
Income Support
If veterans cannot work due to any injuries they incurred on duty, all four countries provide income support. In Canada, veterans get an allowance as part of the permanent impairment allowance. They also give veterans the benefit of losing earnings while they are in rehabilitation. In the US and UK, the allowance is based on the type and severity of the disability. In Australia, the allowance veterans receive depends on their income before release. However, there is a minimum standard each veteran is supposed to meet. In conclusion, all the mentioned countries are known to provide assistance to veterans in several domains. However, there are minor differences in the delivery and depth of these services due to the differences in the laws of each country.