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List of Disability Benefits by Percentage
Over five million veterans receive disability compensation. We created this post to help veterans like you understand your VA benefits. If you’ve won a claim and received a rating for your service-connected disability or disabilities, the next step is to learn about and fully understand your benefits!
Throughout this article, we break down the VA’s list of benefits by percentage. We detail what’s covered under each disability percentage and what benefits you might be entitled to at that rating. Read on to learn about and make the most of the benefits afforded by your current disability rating!
Table of Contents
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A Note on VA ratings and VA healthcare
We mention specific VA healthcare benefits and qualifications at each disability rating percentage. Higher ratings may offer more benefits.
However, it’s important to note that as a veteran, you may have access to VA healthcare even if you don’t have a VA rating, depending on your income. Some services never require a copay. These include:
- Any care for a service-connected disability
- Registry examinations
- Care and counseling for military sexual trauma
- Compensation and Pension exams
- Care as part of a VA research project
- Readjustment counseling and related mental health services
- Care for cancer of the neck or head caused by nose or throat radium treatments during service
- Smoking cessation and weight-loss services
- Exams to determine your risk of health problems linked to your military service
- Care that may be related to combat service for veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs) to check for heart disease or other heart problems
- VA health fairs
- Hospice care
While we don’t go into detail about VA dental care in this post, at a minimum, you may be eligible for dental care to treat any issue that’s making your service-connected disability worse or harder to treat.
List of 0% VA rating benefits
At the 0% disability rating level, veterans with service-connected disabilities are eligible for these benefits:
- You’ll be assigned to VA healthcare as Priority Group 6
- Travel pay to VA healthcare locations for service-connected conditions
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
- Burial and plot allowance
Although this rating offers no monthly disability compensation, veterans at the 0% service-connected rating level are still qualified for VA healthcare. If you’re a veteran with a 0% disability rating, you may be assigned to Priority Group 6. Your healthcare benefits as part of this priority group include free inpatient care. Some of the services below are free if income limits are met. You’ll be charged a copay for:
- Prescription medications
- Primary care visits
- Specialty care visits
- Specialty tests
- Urgent care visits
(Note regarding VA Healthcare Priority Groups: The VA assigns you to one of 8 “Priority Groups” when you sign up for VA healthcare. Your priority group determines how soon you can receive health care benefits, and how much (if anything) you might have to pay toward the cost of your care. Your priority group is determined by a combination of factors, including your disability rating, income level, qualification for other healthcare programs, and other VA benefits you may be receiving. )
Travel pay disability benefits for veterans with a 0% rating
Starting at the 0% rating level, you’ll receive travel pay for care related to a service-connected disability at VA facilities and VA-approved care in your local community. The VA may pay for these travel costs:
- Mileage to and from your appointments (at 41.5 cents per mile)
- Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
- Parking
- Taxi and plane fees
- Ticket costs (including train, subway, bus, ferry, or light rail)
- Meals and lodging in some cases
You’re also eligible for special mode transportation in an ambulance or wheelchair van if your VA provider approves it in advance or if it’s required.
Learn how to submit a VA travel reimbursement claim. You can file a claim online using the Access VA travel portal.
List of 10% VA rating benefits
At the 10% disability rating level, veterans are eligible for all the benefits at the 0% level plus a few additional benefits, including:
- Monthly compensation for service-connected disabilities at more than $175 per month
- Expansion of healthcare coverage to Priority Group 3 (free outpatient care and up to three free urgent care visits per calendar year)
- VA-backed home loan fee waiver
- Possible Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) support with a serious employment handicap
Benefits that still apply from the 0% level include:
- Travel pay for VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
VA Compensation benefits at the 10% rating level
With a 10% VA disability rating, you’re now eligible for monthly compensation of just over $175 per month.
VA health benefits for veterans with a 10% VA disability rating
Veterans with a 10% disability rating are generally assigned to Priority Group 3. This group has the benefit of no copay for outpatient care—or free primary care, specialty care, and specialty testing. Priority Group 3 also offers 10% disabled veterans free urgent care visits for the first three visits per calendar year. Your healthcare benefits also include:
- Free inpatient VA care
- Prescription medications
VA funding fee
Using a VA-backed home loan is an excellent benefit for all veterans. The VA funding fee is designed to help lower the cost of loans for U.S. taxpayers since there’s no requirement for down payments with VA home loans. The VA waives your VA home loan funding fee once you receive compensation starting at the 10% rating level.
Learn more about the VA funding fee.
Burial and plot allowance
For deaths from a service-connected disability (or if a service-connected disability is listed on the death certificate as a contributing factor to the cause of death): VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths after September 11, 2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001.
For non-service-related deaths (from a non-service-connected disability): VA will pay up to $978 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2024, and a $978 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
You’ll find more eligibility requirements for burial benefits on the VA’s website.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits for disabled veterans
The VR&E program, also called Chapter 31 benefits, can help you find employment if you have a serious employment handicap. The program helps identify work that matches your abilities and helps you live independently if your disabilities prevent you from working right now.
List of 20% VA rating benefits
At the 20% disability rating level, veterans are eligible for all the benefits at the lower rating levels plus monthly disability compensation is just over $346.
Benefits that still apply from the 10% level include:
- An increase in healthcare to Priority Group 3 (free outpatient care and urgent-care visits)
- Possible Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) support
- Burial and plot allowance
- VA-backed home loan fee waiver
- Travel pay for VA healthcare for service-connected conditions
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
VA Compensation benefits at the 20% level
With a 20% disability rating, you’re eligible for monthly compensation of more than $346 per month.
VA health benefits veterans with a 20% VA disability rating
Veterans with a 20% rating are eligible for no-cost healthcare and prescription medications for service-connected disabilities. For everything else, veterans with a rating of 20% are typically placed in Priority Group 3.
Your VA healthcare benefits under this priority group include:
- Free inpatient care
- Free outpatient care (primary care, specialty care, and specialty testing)
- Your first three urgent care visits are free each calendar year
- A copay for prescription medications
List of 30% VA rating benefits
At the 30% disability rating level, veterans are eligible for all the benefits up to the 20% level plus a few additional benefits, including:
- Monthly disability compensation is more than $537 (and increases with eligible dependents)
- An increase in healthcare to Priority Group 2 for service-connected disabilities (no-cost VA healthcare)
- Travel pay for all VA healthcare (not just care for service-connected conditions) at 41.5 cents per mile
Benefits that apply from the 20% level include:
- Possible Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) support
- Burial and plot allowance
- VA-backed home loan fee waiver
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
VA Compensation benefits at the 30% level
Veterans with no dependents at the 30% rating level receive more than $537 per month. You receive extra monthly compensation for dependents starting at the 30% rating level and above. Learn more about adding an eligible dependent to your compensation benefits.
You could also receive additional compensation if your spouse receives Aid and Attendance benefits.
Healthcare benefits for veterans with a 30% VA disability rating
Veterans with a 20% rating are eligible for no-cost healthcare and prescription medications for service-connected disabilities. When it comes to any medical issues outside of your service-connected disabilities, veterans with a rating of 30% are typically placed in Priority Group 2.
Your VA healthcare benefits under this priority group include:
- Free inpatient care for service-connected disabilities
- Free outpatient care for service-connected disabilities
- Your first three urgent care visits are free
- A copay for prescription medications (˜$5-$33) unless the medication is for a service-connected disability (no cost)
Travel pay disability benefits
At the 30% rating level and higher, you’re eligible to receive travel pay for any care at VA facilities and VA-approved care in your local community (instead of just care for your service-connected disabilities).
The VA may pay for these travel costs:
- Mileage to and from your appointment (at 41.5 cents per mile)
- Bridge, road, and tunnel tolls
- Parking
- Taxi and plane fees
- Ticket costs (including train, subway, bus, ferry, or light rail)
- Meals and lodging when needed in some cases
The VA uses Bing Maps to calculate the “door to door” mileage—the mileage from your home to the closest VA or authorized non-VA facility that can give you the care you need.
You’re also eligible for special mode transportation in an ambulance or wheelchair van if your doctor approves in advance, or this is required.
Learn how to submit a VA travel reimbursement claim. You can file a claim online using the Access VA travel portal.
List of 40% VA rating benefits
At the 40% disability rating level, veterans are eligible for all the benefits at the 30% level plus monthly compensation::
- Monthly disability compensation is over $774 per month and increases with eligible dependents
Benefits that still apply from the 30% level include:
- An increase in healthcare to Priority Group 2 for service-connected disabilities (no cost VA healthcare)
- Travel pay for all VA healthcare at 41.5 cents per mile, not just care for service-connected conditions
- Possible Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) support
- Burial and plot allowance
- VA-backed home loan fee waiver
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
VA Compensation benefits at the 40% level
Veterans with no dependents at the 40% rating level receive more than $774 per month. If you have dependents, you’ll receive additional monthly compensation.
Healthcare benefits for veterans with a 40% VA disability rating
When it comes to VA healthcare, veterans with a rating of 40% are typically placed in Priority Group 2. Your VA healthcare benefits under this priority group include:
- Free inpatient care for service-connected disabilities
- Free outpatient care for service-connected disabilities
- Your first three urgent care visits are free (and $30 on the 4th visit)
- A copay for prescription medications ($5-$33) unless the medication is for a service-connected disability (no cost)
For more information on benefits at the 40% rating, see our post 40% VA Disability Benefits Explained.
List of 50% VA rating benefits
One of the most significant advantages of a 50% rating is that VA healthcare becomes totally free at this level. Additional 50% rating benefits include:
- Monthly disability compensation starts at more than $1,102 per month and increases with eligible dependents
- No-cost VA healthcare and prescription medications under Priority Group 1
- You could qualify for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) or Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) if you’re receiving military retirement pay and 60 years or older
Benefits that still apply from the 40% level include:
- Travel pay for all VA healthcare at 41.5 cents per mile, not just care for service-connected conditions
- Possible Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) support
- Burial and plot allowance
- VA-backed home loan fee waiver
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
VA Compensation benefits at the 50% level
Veterans with no dependents at the 50% rating level receive more than $1,100 per month. If you have dependents, you’ll receive additional monthly compensation.
Healthcare benefits for veterans with a 50% VA disability rating
With a 50% VA rating, the VA will assign you to Priority Group 1. As a 50% disabled veteran, you’re eligible for cost-free care and medications. You’re eligible for:
- No-cost prescription medications
- No-cost VA inpatient and outpatient care (hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, and tests)
- Free urgent care visits for the first three per calendar year
For more information on benefits at the 50% rating, see our post 50% VA Disability Benefits Explained.
List of 60% to 90% VA rating benefits
At the 60% to 90% disability rating level, veterans are eligible for all the benefits at the 50% level plus a few additional benefits, including:
- Monthly disability compensation starts at more than $1,395 for 60% and increases with eligible dependents
- You could qualify to be compensated at the 100% rating level if you’re unable to work and meet specific requirements (under the Total Disability Individual Unemployability TDIU program)
If rated unemployable at the 60% level or higher, you could also qualify for these benefits (some of these benefits require a permanent rating as well):
- Dependents Educational Assistance
- Special restorative training
- CHAMPVA – Civilian Health and Medical Program
- Dental care
Benefits that still apply from the 50% level include:
- No-cost VA healthcare and prescription medications
- Concurrent Retirement Disability Compensation pay and Combat-Related Special Compensation
- Travel pay for all VA healthcare at 41.5 cents per mile, not just care for service-connected conditions
- Possible Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) support
- Burial and plot allowance
- VA-backed home loan fee waiver
- 10-point veteran preference for federal jobs
- Use of base or post commissaries, exchanges, morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail facilities, in-person and online
VA Compensation benefits at the 60% level
Veterans with no dependents at the 60% rating level receive more than $1,395 per month. If you have dependents, you’ll receive additional monthly compensation.
Healthcare benefits for veterans with a 60% to 90% VA disability rating
As a disabled veteran with a 60% to 90% VA disability rating, the VA will assign you to Priority Group 1. You’re eligible for:
- No-cost prescription medications
- No-cost VA inpatient and outpatient care (hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, and tests)
- Free urgent care visits for the first three per calendar year
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits
Veterans who qualify at the 60% disability rate or higher are entitled to be paid at the 100% VA disability rate if they can show their service-connected disabilities prevent them from working in substantially gainful employment. Learn more about TDIU benefits and how to apply.
For more information on benefits at the 60% rating, see our post 60% VA Disability Benefits Explained.
VA Compensation benefits for veterans with a VA disability rating from 70% to 90%
In addition to all the benefits listed above for 60% disabled veterans, veterans with a 70% or above rating are eligible for increased monthly compensation.
VA Compensation benefits at the 70% level
Veterans with no dependents at the 70% VA rating level receive more than $1,759 per month. If you have dependents, you’ll receive additional monthly compensation.
VA Compensation benefits at the 80% level
Veterans with an 80% VA rating receive more than $2,044 per month. If you have dependents, you’ll receive additional monthly compensation.
For more information on benefits at the 80% rating, see our post Top 20 VA Benefits for Veterans with 80% VA Disability.
VA Compensation benefits at the 90% level
Veterans with no dependents at the 90% rating level receive more than $2,297 per month. If you have dependents, you’ll receive additional monthly compensation.
For more information on benefits at the 90% rating, see our post 90% VA Disability Benefits Revealed and Explained.
REMINDER: Adding Dependents at the 30-90% rating levels
Beginning at the 30% rating level, veterans begin receiving extra monthly compensation for any dependents. Make sure to add your eligible dependents to eBenefits to receive the maximum compensation you rightfully earned.
Learn more about adding an eligible dependent to your compensation benefits.
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About the Author
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.
