The 50 BEST 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits (2024 Update)

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You’ve earned that hard-fought 100% VA disability rating—congratulations!

It’s a significant achievement that reflects your service and sacrifice for our country.

Now, let’s ensure you’re maximizing the VA benefits available to you.

This definitive guide, created by VA benefits expert Brian Reese, covers the 50 BEST Benefits for 100% Disabled Veterans in 2024, offering clear, actionable information on compensation, healthcare, education, housing, and more.

Some of these benefits you might already know, but others are less well-known and can make a big difference for you and your family.

Don’t miss out on what you’ve earned—let’s begin.

Top 50 Benefits for Veterans with a 100 Percent VA Disability Rating [2024]

1. 100% VA Disability Compensation Pay

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the maximum monthly compensation, tax-free for life. This financial support is crucial for veterans whose service-connected disabilities prevent gainful employment. Compensation increases for veterans with dependents. In 2024, a 100% disabled veteran receives a minimum of $3,737.85 per month, with monthly compensation exceeding $4,000.00 per month for those with eligible dependents.

2. Free Comprehensive VA Health Care and Prescription Medications

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive full access to VA healthcare services at no cost. A 100 percent disabled veteran is placed in Priority Group 1 for VA healthcare. This is the highest priority group, which means these veterans receive the most comprehensive coverage and the highest level of access to VA healthcare services. This includes emergency care, preventive care, specialty care, and mental health services. The VA also covers home health care, prosthetics, essential medical devices like hearing aids and eyeglasses, as well as prescription medications related to service-connected conditions.

3. 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Many states offer significant property tax exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, reducing or eliminating taxes on their primary residence. The benefits vary by state and can result in substantial annual savings.

4. Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

The VA’s Chapter 35 program provides up to 45 months of education benefits for the dependents of 100% disabled veterans. These benefits can be used for college degrees, vocational training, apprenticeships, and other approved educational programs. The program also includes career counseling to help dependents make informed educational and career choices.

5. CHAMPVA Health Insurance for Dependents

CHAMPVA provides free civilian healthcare coverage for dependents of 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans. It covers essential services such as hospitalizations, outpatient care, and prescriptions, significantly reducing healthcare costs for the family.

6. Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge for Student Loans

Veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA can have their federal student loans discharged through the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge program, relieving them from repayment responsibilities, with no tax implications on the forgiven amounts.

7. Folds of Honor Scholarships

Dependents of disabled veterans can apply for scholarships through Folds of Honor, which can be used for K-12 education or post-secondary degrees. Scholarships are need-based, offering up to $5,000 per school year.

8. VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits

This benefit provides additional financial assistance to veterans who require help with daily activities or are housebound. It is especially valuable for covering in-home care or nursing home costs.

9. Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

Also known as “Voc Rehab,” this program helps disabled veterans prepare for and maintain suitable employment or achieve independent living through job training, education benefits, and other support services.

10. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

VA SMC is an additional tax-free benefit for veterans with specific disabilities, such as loss of limbs or the need for aid and attendance. It provides extra financial support based on the severity of the veteran’s condition.

11. Free VA Dental Care

Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for free comprehensive dental care through the VA, including routine cleanings, fillings, and more complex procedures like dentures and implants.

12. VA Home Loan Funding Fee Waiver

Veterans with a 10% or higher disability rating are exempt from the VA home loan funding fee, saving them thousands of dollars when purchasing a home.

13. VA Travel Pay and Reimbursement

Veterans receive reimbursement for travel expenses when traveling to VA medical appointments. This includes mileage reimbursement, tolls, and parking fees.

14. Additional VA Disability Compensation for Dependents

Veterans with a combined VA disability rating of 30% or higher can receive additional compensation for their dependents, helping to support their families financially.

15. Concurrent Receipt of VA Disability Pay and Military Retirement Pay

The Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) program allows eligible veterans to receive both VA disability compensation and military retirement pay without any offsets.

16. Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

TDIU, also known as Individual Unemployability (IU) allows veterans to receive compensation at the 100% rate if they cannot maintain gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, even if their combined rating is less than 100%.

17. Special Restorative and Vocational Training for Dependents

This benefit offers training for dependents of 100% disabled veterans to help them achieve educational or vocational goals, including special restorative training like physical therapy.

18. VA Burial and Plot Allowances

The VA provides financial assistance for the burial and funeral expenses of veterans who die of a service-connected condition, including burial flags, headstones, and Presidential Memorial Certificates. For veterans who die of a service-connected condition, the VA provides up to $2,000 for burial and funeral expenses if the death occurred on or after September 11, 2001, and $1,500 if the death occurred before that date; additional costs for transporting the remains may be covered if the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery. Non-service connected deaths have lower amounts.

19. Commissary and Exchange Privileges

Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible to shop at military commissaries and exchanges, which offer tax-free shopping and discounts on a wide range of goods. This benefit also includes access to online military commissaries and exchanges, allowing veterans to enjoy the same savings and benefits as active-duty service members, both in-person and online​

20. Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)

Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) is a guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance program designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities. This program offers coverage options ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 in increments of $10,000. Importantly, there are no health questions or medical exams required to qualify, making it accessible to all eligible veterans. However, there is a two-year waiting period before the full coverage amount takes effect, during which time only the premiums paid plus interest would be returned to the beneficiary if the insured passes away. Once in effect, the policy offers lifelong coverage with fixed premiums that do not increase over time​.

21. Free Tax Preparation Services

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services for veterans with low incomes, ensuring accurate and timely tax filing.

22. Space-Available Travel

100% disabled veterans are eligible to travel on military flights, also known as Space-A travel, within the continental U.S. and to certain international locations at no cost, subject to availability. This benefit offers significant travel savings opportunities, although it is important to note that Space-A travel is on a standby basis, meaning that seats are not guaranteed and are only available after all active-duty personnel and other priority travelers have been accommodated.

23. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Many states offer free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses to 100% disabled veterans, and some extend this to include access to state parks.

24. Free Vehicle Registration and DV License Plates

Some states waive vehicle registration fees and offer Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates to 100% disabled veterans, with additional perks like waived inspection fees.

25. Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)

The VBBP offers veterans access to financial services through participating banks and credit unions, including free checking accounts and low-interest loans.

26. Federal Employment Preference

Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive a 10-point preference in federal hiring, giving them an advantage in the competitive job market.

27. Direct Hire Authority for Federal Jobs

Direct Hire Authority allows federal agencies to expedite the hiring of veterans for hard-to-fill positions, bypassing the traditional competitive process.

28. Free National Park Access

Veterans with a 100% disability rating are eligible for a free lifetime access pass to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests. This pass, known as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, provides not only free entry but also discounts on certain amenities such as camping, guided tours, and other services within these federal lands

29. Expedited Social Security Disability Processing

Veterans with a 100% P&T disability rating receive expedited processing of their Social Security Disability claims, reducing wait times for benefits.

30. Everyday Military and Veteran Discounts

Veterans with a 100% disability rating qualify for numerous discounts offered by businesses across the country. These discounts apply to a wide range of products and services, including retail, dining, travel, entertainment, and more. To take advantage of these discounts, veterans often need to present proof of their VA disability rating or a government-issued veteran ID.

31. VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

The VA DIC program provides tax-free monetary support to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of a service member who died in the line of duty or from service-related injuries.

32. VA Automobile Grant

As of 2024, the VA offers a one-time grant of up to $25,603.02 to help disabled veterans purchase a specially equipped vehicle. This grant is specifically for veterans with service-connected disabilities that severely impact their ability to drive. Additionally, the VA provides adaptive equipment grants, which can be used multiple times, to modify vehicles to accommodate the veteran’s disability, including features like power steering, lifts, and specialized controls.

33. VA Housing Grants

The VA provides housing grants like the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants to help veterans with disabilities buy, build, or modify homes. If you qualify for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant in FY 2024, you can receive up to $117,014, which is the maximum allowable amount for this grant. For those who qualify for a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant, the maximum amount available in FY 2024 is $23,444.

34. VA Clothing Allowance

Veterans who use prosthetics or orthopedic devices that damage clothing, or who have skin conditions requiring medication, receive an annual VA clothing allowance. For 2024, the VA Clothing Allowance for eligible veterans is set at $999.51 annually. If you have multiple qualifying conditions, such as more than one prosthetic device or a combination of a prosthetic and skin medication, you may be eligible to receive more than one clothing allowance per year​

35. State Education Benefits

Many states offer free or reduced tuition for 100% disabled veterans and their dependents at state universities, making higher education more accessible.

36. VA Adaptive Equipment Grants

The VA provides grants for adaptive equipment needed by disabled veterans to modify their vehicles, ensuring they can drive safely and maintain mobility.

37. State Property Tax Refunds

Some states offer property tax refunds to 100% disabled veterans, providing additional financial relief, especially in states with high property taxes.

38. VA Long-Term Care Services

100% disabled veterans may qualify for free long-term care at VA nursing homes or other facilities, with options including assisted living and home-based care. Check long-term care coverage amounts here.

39. In-Home Care Services

The VA provides in-home care to help veterans with disabilities maintain their independence, offering assistance with daily activities and specialized medical care.

40. Caregiver Support Program

The VA’s caregiver support program offers resources, training, counseling, and financial assistance to those caring for 100% disabled veterans.

41. Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support for veterans experiencing a mental health crisis. Veterans can reach out by calling 988 and pressing 1 to connect with a responder, sending a text to 838255, or by starting an online chat. These services are available at any time to offer immediate assistance to veterans and their loved ones.

42. Comprehensive Mental Health Services

The VA offers free extensive mental health services, including therapy and treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety, available at no cost for 100% disabled veterans.

43. Family Support Services

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is designed to help very low-income veterans and their families who are either facing homelessness or are already homeless. The program provides case management and a range of supportive services to prevent the imminent loss of a veteran’s home or to help identify a new, more suitable housing situation. Additionally, SSVF aims to rapidly re-house veterans and their families who are currently homeless and at risk of remaining homeless without this assistance.

44. Community Care Program

Veterans unable to access timely VA care can use the Community Care Program to receive medical services from local providers, with the VA covering the cost.

45. Non-Profit Support Services

Non-profits like the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offer additional support, including financial assistance, housing aid, and employment services. Here’s a list of the 75 best charities for veterans.

46. State-Specific Benefits

Each state offers unique benefits to veterans with a 100% disability rating, including tax exemptions, free tuition, and more. Veterans should explore their state’s offerings.

47. Veteran Business Grants

Veterans can access various grants and loans designed for veteran entrepreneurs, with programs offering resources, mentorship, and financial support to help build successful businesses.

48. Free Legal Assistance

Veterans can receive free legal help through organizations that provide services for VA claims, housing issues, family law, and more, ensuring they have the support needed.

49. Housing Assistance Programs

Programs like HUD-VASH provide rental assistance to homeless veterans, and organizations like Habitat for Humanity offer support in building or renovating homes.

50. Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer free services to veterans and their families, including counseling and community engagement, helping veterans transition back to civilian life.

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