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Can U.S. veterans use VA disability compensation as income for a Thai DTV visa application?

Dec 12, 2025
5 months ago
Has any vets from US used their va disability as source of income for DTV? I told them I was medically retired and getting va disability compensation for life. And showed screenshot along with bank statement where it shows that money has been deposited every month for years.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the experiences of US veterans utilizing their VA disability compensation as a source of income for the DTV (Thailand's retirement visa) application. Various comments explore the nuances of income requirements, highlighting that certain embassies may prioritize showing substantial bank balances over specific income sources. It is noted that as long as veterans can demonstrate consistent deposits, their compensation is not taxed in Thailand, thanks to a DTA (Double Tax Agreement) with the US. Additionally, veterans are encouraged to explore the Foreign Medical Program for medical expenses related to service-connected disabilities.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Banks ********
Spoke with an agent and it was fine.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
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Anonymous *************
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Anonymous ******************
As others have said, the proof of income won’t matter. What is more beneficial is using FMP (foreign medical program) for direct billing to the VA. In this case, you’ll have no out of pocket expenses if you’re testing a service connected disability. This is normally only done at a few of the large private hospitals. There are 5-6 VFWs in Thailand. You should get in touch with the local one and they’ll help advise you on that.
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Peter ********
The embassy in Vietnam looked at my bank app and could see money being deposited every month. He didn't ask for the source of the money as I'm sure they don't care. They just want to make you you won't go broke here and can contribute to their economy.
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Anonymous ******************
Peter Jillen that's great, I've heard Vietnam is one of the easiest places to get the DTV. In Singapore they asked for much more documentation and did care about where the money was coming from and preferred third party employment contracts even if you're a free-lancer/self-employed. So I guess the moral of the story is apply in Vietnam or similar (Indonesia?) and avoid others.
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Anonymous *************
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Yeah I'm here in HCMC now, applied back on the 7th, still waiting
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Kim ***************************
My husband and I are both veterans I’m 100% and he is 50%. I will be doing the medical DTV due to some of my service connected conditions requiring ongoing medical treatment and monitoring. We also enrolled in the Foreign Medical Program.
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Anonymous ******************
I wanted to do this but they saying you need 15k in the bank is the only reason I didn’t.
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James ********
The US Thai Embassy or Consulate requires US $16,000 or more on 3 months of bank account statements in your name only
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James ********
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BronzePe*********
Fello vet following 😎
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Wayne *******
Would a Non-O not be a good choice? If the monthly amout is 65,000+ and you're over 50
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Anonymous *************
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It would but I'm 30
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Wayne *******
Anonymous participant I noticed you posted a requirement from an IO in reply to Wannikea but Ive never heard that before. Im no expert so dont take that as if its BS of course, it may well be a new requirement. But the 500,000 in the bank seasoned for as long as your embassy requires was al that has been needed up until now
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Wannikea *********
@Wayne ******
it's not really common that the "how will you support yourself" question comes, but it does happen and some embassies ask it more than others.
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Anonymous *************
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Well first time for everything.
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Wannikea *********
There is no income requirement, the only thing you have to show is 500,000+ baht in a regular bank account
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm just going of immigration officer asked me to submit
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Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant yes the embassy you applied to may ask for any additional information/documents beyond the standard limited requirements and they often do. This varies from embassy to embassy.
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James ********
Where did you apply using the Evisa online application system? Which Thai Embassy or Consulate?

I assume you are an American.

Which soft power activity course did you submit with your DTV application? For how long is the course you are going to attend ?
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James ********
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Andrew ********
It doesnt matter the source of the money as long as you can show bank statements of it and constant - im VA FnP as well - your compensation / pension will not be taxed by thailand as well - its exempt under the DTA with the US
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Kurt *************
Not americam but i used my disability pension as income for my application since my work contract was ahead in time. So not same but similar. Not all embassies will aprove pension. Embassy in norway dont but same paperwork on hanoi worked fine
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh okay, yeah yours is different. Mine isn't pension. It doesn't come from Social Security here in states, but I'm sure they treat everything as the same thing
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Kurt *************
Anonymous participant pension is pension for the embassy. They did not care at all in norway ;p even if its 70k bath pr month
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Anonymous *************
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They'll do care if it's 120K baht, goes up every year due to cola and permanent in nature 😜
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