Most disabled veterans don't work because they've been told — or have assumed — that earning income risks their benefits. In most cases, that assumption is wrong. And it's costing veterans real money.
Your VA Disability Compensation Is Protected.
VA disability compensation is not means-tested. The VA sets your rating based on the severity of your service-connected condition — not on your ability to earn income. You can work. You can earn. Your rating stays the same. Your monthly VA compensation does not change. This is federal law.
The one exception — TDIU: If you receive Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, different rules apply. Consult a VA-accredited attorney before committing to any contractor income. For all other disabled veterans: your benefits are not at risk.
Your Garage Is a Business Location. Treat It Like One.
When you build drones for the Aedes network, you are an independent contractor — a small business. The U.S. tax code encourages exactly this. The deductions available to a home-based manufacturing operation are substantial, legitimate, and routinely missed. Here is what to ask a qualified CPA about:
1. Home Workshop Deduction
A space used regularly and exclusively for business — a garage, spare room, basement — qualifies as a home business location (IRS Form 8829). A portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and repairs becomes deductible. The simplified method allows $5 per square foot, up to 300 sq ft — a straight $1,500 deduction, no receipts required.
2. Equipment — Deductible in Full, Year One
3D printers, soldering stations, multimeters, hand tools, workbenches, computers used for builds — all deductible. Under Section 179, you can deduct the full purchase price in the year of purchase rather than depreciating over time.
3. Materials and Supplies
Every spool of filament, component, and connector purchased to build Aedes systems is a deductible cost of goods sold. Keep receipts. Track purchases.
4. Vehicle Mileage
Trips to purchase supplies, deliver completed units to QA, or attend training are deductible business miles. Current IRS standard mileage rate: check irs.gov.
5. Internet and Phone
The business-use portion of your internet and cell phone is deductible. 40% business use = 40% of your monthly bill is a business expense.
6. The QBI Deduction
Under Section 199A, eligible self-employed individuals can deduct up to 20% of qualified business income from taxable income. Most Aedes builders qualify.
7. SEP-IRA Retirement Contributions
Contribute up to 25% of net self-employment income to a SEP-IRA — deducted from taxable income now, grows tax-deferred. A builder earning $20,000 net could contribute up to $5,000 before other deductions.
8. State-Level Considerations
Florida and Texas have no state income tax — all Aedes builder income is state-tax-free. Many states have disabled veteran property tax exemptions that reduce housing costs, favorably affecting home office calculations. Ask your tax professional what applies in your state.
Get the Right Help
For VA-specific questions: A VA-accredited attorney, your local VSO (VFW, American Legion, DAV), or the VA Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
For tax questions: A CPA or Enrolled Agent experienced with self-employment income. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) provides free IRS-sponsored tax prep for eligible veterans — find a location at irs.gov/vita.
The Bottom Line
Your VA disability compensation was earned through service. It is protected by law. A garage in the hands of a certified Aedes builder is a business location — with the legal protections, tax deductions, and income potential that any small business carries.
The question is not whether you can afford to build. It is whether you can afford not to.