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This list is a guide, it is not the final word.
Benefits often change quietly, off the radar so there may be significant changes to the data you'll find here. Always look further for up-to-date information before you rely on this general listing to make any plans or decisions.
You may feel free to copy and print this for your use or as a handout. Please give proper credit to VAWatchdog dot Org.
Checklist of Benefits for Disabled Veterans and Survivors
Note: Many of the listed benefits also have other eligibility requirements. Mention of a particular benefit is to establish the basic threshold level of disability required for eligibility (or possible eligibility) to that benefit.
Each higher level of disability also includes those benefits listed for previous levels.
Each state has varying levels of benefits for veterans. Click here to learn more.
1. VA fee basis outpatient medical card for SC condition(s) requiring treatment. (Variable from place to place and conditions)
2. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 5 (no co-payment for healthcare; pharmacy co-payments required for NSC medications), or Priority Group 7 or 8 (co-payments required for both healthcare and pharmacy), depending on veteran’s income and net worth.
3. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—for Purple Heart recipients and former POWs, without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
4. Eligibility for VA Nursing Home care for any (NSC) condition, provided income and assets are within specified limits.
5. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
6. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ (Read ED).
7. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
8. Possible eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment.
9. Eligibility for 10-point preference for State of California employment.
10. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
11. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
Rated SC — 10% overall
1. VA fee basis outpatient medical card for SC condition(s) requiring treatment. (Variable from place to place and conditions)
2. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 3 or Priority Group 6 (veterans with multiple 0% conditions receiving compensation at the 10% rate, 38 CFR § 3.324). No healthcare co-payments required for either group; both groups pay pharmacy co-payments for NSC medications, except for former POWs.
3. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
4. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
5. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ.
6. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
7. Possible eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation (showing of marked employment handicap required).
8. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
9. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment.
10. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
11. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
12. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
13. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
14. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — 20% overall
1. VA fee basis outpatient medical card for SC condition(s) requiring treatment. (Variable from place to place and conditions)
2. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 3 (no healthcare co-payments required; pharmacy co-payments required for NSC medications, except for former POWs).
3. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
4. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
5. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ.
6. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC
disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
7. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
8. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
9. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment.
10. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
11. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
12. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
13. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
14. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — 30% overall
1. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
2. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
3. VA fee basis outpatient medical card for SC condition(s) requiring treatment. (Variable from place to place and conditions)
4. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 2 (no healthcare co-payment required; pharmacy co-payments required for NSC medications, except for former POWs).
5. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
6. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
7. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; or, loss of use of one eye (blindness).
8. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
9. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
10. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
11. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis.
12. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
13. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
14. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
15. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
16. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — 40% overall
1. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
2. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
3. VA fee basis outpatient medical card for SC condition(s) requiring treatment. (Variable from place to place and conditions)
4. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 2 (no healthcare co-payment required; pharmacy co-payments required for NSC medications, except for former POWs).
5. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
6. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
7. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; or, loss or loss of use of one foot or one eye.
8. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
9. Possible eligibility for one-time assistance in purchase of specially-adapted automobile.
10. Possible eligibility for Automobile Adaptive Equipment Allowance.
11. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
12. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
13. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis.
14. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
15. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
16. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
17. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
18. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — 50% overall
1. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
2. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
3. VA fee basis outpatient medical card (all conditions requiring treatment, whether SC or not, except dental). (Variable from place to place and conditions)
4. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 1 (no co-payments required).
5. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
6. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
7. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; or, loss or loss of use of one foot or one eye.
8. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
9. Possible eligibility for one-time assistance in purchase of specially-adapted automobile.
10. Possible eligibility for Automobile Adaptive Equipment Allowance.
11. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
12. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
13. California State Park pass (requires SC wartime-incurred disability) ($3.50 one-time fee).
14. Reduced fee for hunting license.
15. Reduced fee for basic sport fishing license.
16. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis.
17. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
18. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
19. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
20. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
21. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — 60% overall
1. Eligibility for a rating of total disability because of individual unemployability. (With a single 60% rating...Click TDIU)
2. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
3. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
4. VA fee basis outpatient medical card (all conditions requiring treatment, whether SC or not, except dental). (Variable from place to place and conditions)
5. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 1 (no co-payments required).
6. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
7. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
8. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; or, loss or loss of use of one hand, one foot, or one eye.
9. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
10. Possible eligibility for one-time assistance in purchase of specially-adapted automobile.
11. Possible eligibility for Automobile Adaptive Equipment Allowance.
12. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
13. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
14. California State Park pass (requires SC wartime-incurred disability) ($3.50 one-time fee).
15. Reduced fee for hunting license.
16. Reduced fee for basic sport fishing license.
17. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis.
18. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
19. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
20. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
21. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B)
.
22. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — 70%, 80%, or 90% overall
1. Eligibility for a rating of total disability because of individual unemployability. (With at least one rating of 40%...Click TDIU)
2. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
3. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
4. VA fee basis outpatient medical card (all conditions requiring treatment, whether SC or not, except dental). (Variable from place to place and conditions)
5. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 1 (no co-payments required).
6. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
7. Eligibility for long-term VA Nursing Home care for any condition.
8. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH).
9. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; loss or loss of use of one hand, one foot, or one eye; or, loss of use of both buttocks (80%).
10. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
11. Possible eligibility for one-time assistance in purchase of specially-adapted automobile.
12. Possible eligibility for Automobile Adaptive Equipment Allowance.
13. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
14. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
15. California State Park pass (requires SC wartime-incurred disability) ($3.50 one-time fee).
16. Reduced fee for hunting license.
17. Reduced fee for basic sport fishing license.
18. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis.
19. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
20. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
21. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
22. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B).
23. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
Rated SC — Totally Disabled because of Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
1. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
2. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
3. VA fee basis outpatient medical card (all conditions requiring treatment, whether SC or not). (Variable from place to place and conditions)
4. Eligibility for any necessary dental care.
5. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 1 (no co-payments required).
6. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
7. Eligibility for long-term VA Nursing Home care for any condition.
8. Eligibility for health care coverage under CHAMPVA for spouse and children (unless they are also eligible for TRICARE).
9. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH), including up to $20,000 supplemental insurance beyond regular amount.
10. Waiver of VA life insurance premiums, if under age 65 (but not on additional amounts).
11. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; loss or loss of use of one hand, one foot, or one eye; or, loss of use of both buttocks.
12. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
13. Possible eligibility for one-time assistance in purchase of specially-adapted automobile.
14. Possible eligibility for Automobile Adaptive Equipment Allowance.
15. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
16. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
17. California State Park pass (requires SC wartime-incurred disability) ($3.50 one-time fee).
18. Reduced fee for hunting license.
19. Reduced fee for basic sport fishing license.
20. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
21. Possible eligibility for one-time Special Adapted Housing Assistance.
Individual Unemployability (continued)
22. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
23. Possible eligibility for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).
24. CAL-VET Home Loan Disability Insurance.
25. Eligibility for property tax exemption on principle residence.
26. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis. The 10-point preference is also applicable for the spouse and/or natural mother of a permanently totally service disabled veteran.
27. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment.
28. Eligibility for Dependents’ Education Assistance for spouse and children under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 35.
29. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for spouse and children (Plan A). Requires wartime service. May not be authorized concurrently with VA education assistance under Chapter 35.
30. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B). May be authorized concurrently with VA education assistance under Chapter 35.
31. Eligibility for son(s) and/or daughter(s) to compete for admission to military academies.
32. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
33. Withdrawal from SBP program participation (military retirees) after having been rated SC, totally disabled for 10 continuous years, or, if out of service less than 10 years, having been rated SC, totally disabled for at least 5 continuous years from date of last active duty.
Rated SC — 100% overall (Schedular)
1. Eligibility for additional allowance for dependents—spouse, children, dependent parent(s).
2. Eligibility for additional aid and attendance allowance for disabled spouse.
3. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 1 (no co-payments required).
4. VA fee basis outpatient medical card (all conditions requiring treatment, whether SC or not). (Variable from place to place and conditions)
5. Eligibility for necessary dental care.
6. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
7. Eligibility for long-term VA Nursing Home care for any condition.
8. Eligibility for health care coverage under CHAMPVA for spouse and children (unless they are also eligible for TRICARE).
9. Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (RH), including up to $20,000 supplemental insurance beyond regular amount.
10. Waiver of VA life insurance premiums, if under age 65 (but not on additional amounts).
11. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of a creative organ; loss of a female breast; loss or loss of use of one hand, one foot, or one eye; loss of use of both buttocks; complete deafness in both ears; or, complete organic aphonia (loss of ability to communicate by speech).
12. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use of both eyes, both hands, or both feet, or one hand and one foot. Includes paired extremities or organs (one SC, the other NSC, 38 CFR § 3.383) and combinations of losses.
13. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation because of being permanently housebound or having one disability rated 100% plus other conditions independently ratable at 60% or more.
14. Possible eligibility for special monthly compensation because of being so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
15. Possible eligibility for payment of annual clothing allowance for specified SC disorders resulting in need for prosthetic appliance or use of a wheelchair, or for certain skin conditions.
16. Possible eligibility for one-time assistance in purchase of specially-adapted automobile.
17. Possible eligibility for Automobile Adaptive Equipment Allowance.
18. Eligibility for education or training under VA Vocational Rehabilitation.
19. Possible eligibility for one-time Special Adapted Housing Assistance.
20. Possible eligibility for one-time Special Home Adaptation Grant.
21. Possible eligibility for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).
22. CAL-VET Home Loan Disability Insurance.
23. Eligibility for property tax exemption on principle residence.
24. Home loan guaranty funding fee exemption.
25. Possible eligibility for Home Improvement and Structural Alteration (HISA) home modification grant.
26. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
27. California State Park pass (requires SC wartime-incurred disability) ($3.50 one-time fee).
28. Reduced fee for hunting license.
29. Reduced fee for basic sport fishing license.
30. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment. Under certain circumstances, may be employed on a noncompetitive basis. The 10-point preference is also applicable for the spouse and/or natural mother of a permanently totally service disabled veteran.
31. Eligibility for 15-point preference for State of California employment. The spouse of a 100% disabled veteran is eligible for 10-point preference.
32. Eligibility for Dependents’ Education Assistance for spouse and children under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 35.
33. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for spouse and children (Plan A). Requires wartime service. May not be authorized concurrently with VA education assistance under Chapter 35.
34. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for children (Plan B). May be authorized concurrently with VA education assistance under Chapter
35. Eligibility for son(s) and/or daughter(s) to compete for admission to military academies.
36. Eligibility for military identification card.
37. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Veteran license plates.
38. Eligibility for exemption from vehicle license fees.
39. Withdrawal from SBP program participation (military retirees) after having been rated SC, totally disabled for 10 continuous years, or, if out of service less than 10 years, having been rated SC, totally disabled for at least 5 continuous years from date of last active duty.
Special Veterans’ Benefits
In addition to the regular benefits available to all disabled veterans, there are special benefits available only to two specific groups of veterans, namely former Prisoners of War and holders of the Congressional Medal of Honor. These special benefits are over and above (and in addition to) the regular benefits to which these veterans would be entitled based on level(s) of disability alone.
Former POWs:
1. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 3 (no healthcare co-payments required), unless disability rating warrants assignment to higher Priority Group 1 or 2.
2. Exemption from all pharmacy co-payments, including for NSC medications.
3. VA fee basis outpatient medical card (all conditions requiring treatment, whether SC or not).
4. Eligibility for any and all necessary dental treatment.
5. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—without regard to whether the condition producing need for such is service-connected.
6. Eligibility for exemption from vehicle license fees.
7. California State Parks pass ($3.50 one-time fee).
Medal of Honor holders:
1. Entitlement to payment of special Medal of Honor pension (currently $1,027 per month, as of December 2004) in addition to any compensation for SC or other disability, or in addition to NSC disability pension.
2. Eligibility for exemption from vehicle license fees.
3. Eligibility for CAL-VET College Tuition and Fee Waiver for veteran and children (Plan D), but not for spouse or surviving spouse. May be authorized concurrently with VA education assistance under Chapter 35.
Nonservice-connected Disability Pension Checklist
A. Claim Requirements:
1. Minimum of 90 consecutive days of active service or was discharged because of SC disability. If veteran entered service after 1980, the service requirement is 24 continuous months or the full period for which called to active duty, whichever is less, unless discharged sooner because of hardship, reduction-in-force, or SC disability. In any event, at least one day of service must have been during a wartime period.
2. If veteran is under age 65, evidence that veteran is in receipt of any disability benefit administered by the Social Security Administration (either SSA or SSI); or, is a long-term patient in a nursing home because of disability; or, medical evidence showing the veteran is unable to work because of disability.
3. Medical evidence to show that veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance or is housebound (if applicable).
4. Report projected family income—include income from all sources, including farm and/or business. Also list deductions/exclusions—unreimbursed medical expenses, children’s wages, etc.
5. Report net worth.
6. Dependency documents—marriage certificate, birth certificate(s), death certificate(s), divorce decree(s), VA Form(s) 21-674(as applicable). If an adult child is claimed as disabled (helpless), submit appropriate medical evidence in support.
B. Benefits:
1. Possible additional pension payable if housebound or if so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person (includes nursing home patients).
2. Additional pension payable if veteran served during World War I.
3. VA outpatient medical card if entitled to aid and attendance or housebound benefits, or if a World War I veteran.
4. Enrollment in VA Healthcare Priority Group 4 (no co-payments required) if entitled to aid and attendance or housebound benefits. Enrollment in Priority Group 5 (no co-payments required) if entitled to basic pension. Enrollment in Priority Group 6 (no co-payments required) if a World War I veteran.
5. Eligibility for sensorineural aids—hearing aids, eyeglasses, contact lenses—if housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance.
6. Waiver of VA insurance premiums, if under age 65 (but not on any supplemental RH insurance).
Disability Pension (continued)
7. CAL-VET Home Loan Disability Insurance.
8. Golden Access Passport for U.S. National Parks.
9. Possible eligibility for DMV Disabled Person Parking Placard.
10. Eligibility for 10-point preference for Federal Civil Service employment.
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