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A 60 percent VA disability rating can be a major milestone—but it’s often not the final stop for many veterans.
If you’ve reached a 60% VA rating, you may be wondering: What benefits do I get now? Can I work? What would it take to get to 100%?
In this guide, we’ll break down what 60% VA disability gets you, what programs you qualify for, and how to increase your VA rating through secondary conditions, increase claims, or TDIU.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating receive at least $1,395.93/month in tax-free compensation in 2025.
- 60% VA disability unlocks valuable benefits like health care, VR&E, property tax exemptions, and more.
- Many veterans at 60% feel stuck, but there are proven ways to increase your rating.
- Options to move toward 100% include filing for secondary conditions, requesting an increase, or applying for TDIU.
60 Percent VA Disability Pay
As of 2025, a veteran with a 60% VA disability rating receives $1,395.93 per month in tax-free compensation if single with no dependents. The amount increases based on the number of your dependents. See current VA disability rates here.
According to VBA data reported to Congress, 7.5% of disabled veterans, or 449,191 out of 5,992,967, currently have a 60 percent VA disability rating.
List of the Top 20 BEST 60 Percent VA Disability Benefits
If you’re rated at 60% by the VA, you are eligible for far more than monthly tax-free compensation. From health care and housing assistance to education benefits and caregiver support, these benefits can significantly improve your quality of life.
Here are the top 20 benefits available to veterans with a 60% VA disability rating—and how to make the most of them!
1. Monthly VA Disability Compensation
In 2025, a veteran with a 60% VA disability rating receives $1,395.93 per month. This amount increases with dependents, such as a spouse or children. For instance, a veteran with a spouse and one child receives $1,617.93 monthly.
See also: VA Disability Calculator
2. VA Health Benefits
Veterans with a 60% VA disability rating are eligible for comprehensive VA health care services, including preventive care, mental health services, and specialist consultations. This ensures access to necessary medical treatments without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
The VR&E program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining suitable employment. Services include job training, resume development, and career counseling. For example, a veteran retraining for a new career path can receive support through this program.
4. VA Home Loan Guaranty
Veterans can access VA-backed home loans with benefits like no down payment, competitive interest rates, and exemption from the VA funding fee, making homeownership more attainable.
5. Property Tax Exemptions
Many states offer property tax exemptions or reductions for disabled veterans, reducing your annual tax burden.
6. Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Eligible veterans can shop at military commissaries and exchanges, accessing discounted groceries and goods, which can lead to significant savings over time.
7. Travel Reimbursement for VA Appointments
The VA reimburses eligible veterans for travel expenses incurred while attending VA medical appointments, easing the financial burden of transportation costs.
8. Adaptive Housing Grants
Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities can receive grants to modify their homes for better accessibility, such as installing ramps or widening doorways.
9. VA Dental Care
Some veterans may qualify for comprehensive dental care, especially if their dental issues are service-connected or if they are enrolled in specific VA programs.
See also: Does the VA Cover Dental?
10. Vision and Hearing Services
Veterans may be eligible for routine vision and hearing exams, as well as corrective devices like glasses and hearing aids, enhancing quality of life.
11. Aid and Attendance Benefits
Veterans requiring assistance with daily activities may qualify for additional monthly payments to cover caregiving expenses, providing financial relief for in-home care services.
12. Dependent Education Assistance (DEA)
The DEA program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans, covering costs like tuition and fees, thus supporting their academic pursuits.
13. Federal Hiring Preference
Disabled veterans receive preference in federal hiring processes, increasing their chances of securing government employment opportunities.
14. State Veterans Benefits
Beyond federal benefits, states offer additional resources, such as educational assistance, employment services, and recreational licenses, tailored to veterans’ needs.
15. VA Life Insurance Options
Veterans can access life insurance programs like Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), ensuring financial security for their families in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
16. Burial and Memorial Benefits
The VA provides burial benefits, including gravesites in national cemeteries, headstones, and burial allowances, honoring veterans’ service and easing funeral expenses.
17. VA Caregiver Support Program
This program offers resources and training to veteran caregivers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to provide effective care.
18. CHAMPVA Health Insurance
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides health coverage to eligible spouses and dependents of veterans. To qualify, the veteran must be permanently and totally disabled (P&T) due to service-connected conditions or meet other specific criteria. CHAMPVA covers a range of medical services.
19. VA Pension Benefits
Low-income veterans with wartime service may qualify for VA pension benefits, offering monthly financial assistance to meet basic needs.
20. Social Security Disability Benefits
Veterans with disabilities may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), providing additional financial support alongside VA benefits.
Can You Work with a 60% VA Disability Rating?
Yes, you can work if you have a 60% VA rating — unless you are pursuing Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU is designed for veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from holding substantially gainful employment. Even if your rating is less than 100%, TDIU can allow you to receive compensation at the 100% rate.
To qualify for TDIU:
- You must have a single service-connected disability rated at least 60% or higher, or
- You must have two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at least 40% and a combined rating of 70% or more.
In addition to meeting the rating criteria, you must demonstrate that your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining regular employment. This doesn’t mean you can’t work at all — marginal employment, like part-time work or work in a sheltered environment, might still be possible.
Steps to apply for TDIU:
- Submit supporting documentation that proves your conditions prevent employment, such as: Medical records, vocational assessments, and employer statements.
- Be ready to attend a C&P exam to further verify your limitations.
Pursuing TDIU can be a powerful step toward receiving full compensation if your disabilities are severely affecting your ability to work.
How to Go From 60% to 100% VA Disability
Whether your condition has worsened or new symptoms have developed, there are proven ways to move from a 60 percent VA disability rating to a higher one—even up to 100%. Here are common paths to increase your combined VA rating.
File for a VA Increase Claim for an Existing Service-Connected Disability
With service-connected disabilities having the potential to worsen over time, a higher VA disability rating may be possible.
If your condition has worsened, you can request an increase by filing VA Form 21-526EZ online, by mail, by fax, or in person at a VA regional office.
Make sure to include:
- VA medical records and hospital records
- Private medical records and hospital records
- Up-to-date Medical Evidence (e.g., DBQ) and supporting statements
- Note: You’re aren’t required to submit evidence to support your claim, but the VA may require you to attend a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess the severity of your condition.
File a VA Claim for Primary Service Connection
You may qualify for a higher combined VA rating by filing a claim for a VA-ratable condition that began during (or was caused by) your military service.
File for Secondary Conditions
Many veterans qualify for a higher rating due to secondary conditions. For example:
- Sleep apnea caused by PTSD (medical evidence required)
- GERD caused by medications for service-connected conditions
- Depression secondary to chronic pain
Service connecting secondary conditions can push you past 60%.
Apply for TDIU
If your disability prevents you from working, apply for TDIU to receive compensation at the 100% VA disability pay level.
Final Thoughts
Reaching 60% is a major milestone, but it doesn’t have to be your final destination.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, sleepless nights, or worsening symptoms—you deserve all of the VA compensation and benefits that reflect the full impact of your service-connected conditions.
At VA Claims Insider, our Veteran Coaches understand the system inside and out. We provide the education, evidence support, and strategic coaching you need to take control of your claim and push for the rating you truly deserve.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 60% VA disability pay?
In 2025, the base rate for 60% VA disability is $1,395.93 per month for a single veteran with no dependents. The amount increases based on the number of your dependents.
Can I still work if I have a 60% VA rating?
Yes, unless you’re applying for TDIU. If your disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, TDIU may allow you to receive 100% compensation.
How do I increase my 60% VA disability rating?
You can increase your VA rating by:
- Filing a new claim for a service-related disability
- Filing a new claim for a secondary condition
- Filing a new claim for an increased rating if your service-connected condition has worsened (supported by new medical evidence)
What’s the best way to go from 60% to 100% VA disability?
The best way is to get educated on the claims process, gather strong medical evidence, and consider working with VA Claims Insider to learn the best strategy tailored to your unique situation.
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Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
