2024 List of Benefits for Veterans and Their Families
When you think about filing a VA disability claim, the main benefit on your mind is likely the monthly monetary benefit. There’s a monetary benefit associated with every VA disability rating except the 0% rating. In some cases, a veteran with multiple 0% ratings for different conditions may be deemed “compensable,” which entitles them to monetary benefits at the 10% level.
In 2024, the monetary benefits by disability rating are:
- 10% disability rating – $171.23/month
- 20% disability rating – $338.49/month
- 30% disability rating – $524.31/month
- 40% disability rating – $755.28/month
- 50% disability rating – $1,075.16/month
- 60% disability rating – $1,361.88/month
- 70% disability rating – $1,716.28/month
- 80% disability rating – $1,995.01/month
- 90% disability rating – $2,241.91/month
- 100% disability rating – $3,737.85/month
At the 30% disability rating and above, these amounts may be increased if the veteran has eligible dependents. There is also a classification, total disability due to individual unemployability, that allows a veteran to receive VA disability benefits at the 100% level even though their actual disability rating is lower.
These monetary benefits are important, but many people don’t realize that a monthly check is just one of many veterans disability benefits.
Other VA Disability Benefits
The VA offers a wide variety of other benefits to disabled veterans, some of which are dependent on disability rating. Some of these benefits are better known than others.
Healthcare Benefits for Disabled Veterans and Dependents
VA healthcare benefits depend on the veteran’s disability rating. At disability ratings from 0% to 40%, the veteran is entitled to healthcare services, but only for the service-connected condition or conditions.
Veterans with disability ratings of 50% or higher are entitled to more comprehensive healthcare services, including no-cost prescription medications.
If a veteran is rated permanently and totally disabled, dependents will also be entitled to healthcare coverage through CHAMPVA.
Travel Allowance for VA Medical Appointments
This benefit is available to a veteran with any disability rating, including a 0% rating, for appointments for care at a VA facility or VA authorized facility.
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Commissary and exchange privileges are available to all disabled veterans, and to some caregivers of disabled veterans. As a VA rated disabled veteran, you don’t need to apply or register for commissary and exchange privileges. But, you will need to show your Veteran Health Identification Card or your driver’s license or passport and another form of proof of your status.
Vocational and Employment Benefits
All disabled veterans from the 0% disability rating up are entitled to a 10 point preference for federal hiring.
Veterans with a 20% rating or higher and veterans with a 10% disability rating who have a serious employment handicap have access to vocational rehabilitation and employment services. These services are designed to help a veteran with service-connected disabilities explore employment opportunities and pursue education or training to prepare for a new type of work.
Waiver of Funding Fee for VA Home Loans
At every level except the non-compensable 0% disability rating, disabled veterans are entitled to a waiver of the VA funding fee when they take out a VA mortgage loan. The funding fee is based on a percentage of the home value, so this waiver can save a veteran thousands of dollars.
Burial and Plot Allowance
At every level except the non-compensable 0% disability rating, veterans disability benefits include burial and plot allowances. The exact amount of the allowance depends on a variety of factors, such as whether the deceased veteran was in a VA hospital when they passed away and whether they will be buried in a national cemetery.
Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
If the veteran has a permanent 100% disability rating or a permanent classification of total disability due to individual unemployability, dependent spouses and children may be eligible for education assistance in the form of a monthly payment to help with the costs of college, graduate school, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and even on-the-job training.
The number of months of benefits available and the age and timeline limits on eligibility for DEA vary depending on when you became qualified for benefits and when you began using your benefits.
Educate Yourself about Veterans Disability Benefits
As you can see, there’s much more to VA disability benefits than the monthly monetary benefit and VA medical care. To make sure you get the most out of your veterans disability benefits, you need a thorough understanding of what’s available to you. It’s also useful to know what is offered at higher disability rating levels, especially those close to your current rating. For example, increasing your disability rating from 40% to 50% could be significant, since it would entitle you to broader VA healthcare services. At the 50% disability rating level and above, a veteran who is qualified for both VA disability and military retired pay has a right to collect both concurrently.
Get the Help You Need Pursuing VA Disability Benefits
Just as there’s a lot to know about the range of veterans disability benefits and how your disability rating impacts the benefits you receive, there’s a lot to know about the VA disability claims process, what to do if you’re denied, and when you may be able to increase your disability rating or qualify for TDIU. You shouldn’t have to become an expert in VA disability law to get the benefits you deserve.
At Disabled Vets, our experienced VA disability advocates understand how the system works. They know the obstacles that sometimes delay benefits or lead to denials and how to avoid them. And, they’re dedicated to helping disabled veterans and their families secure benefits with as little stress as possible.
Whether you’re preparing to file a VA disability claim, have been denied and aren’t sure of your next steps, or believe your disability rating is too low, we’re here for you. To learn more, call us right now at (888) 373-4722, or contact us here now.
