Veteran Forward HQ Resources
VA Benefits Quick-Reference Guide
Key benefits, eligibility notes, and action steps for the veterans who earned them.
Section 1 — Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.
Ratings range from 0% to 100% in 10% increments. To file, gather your medical records and service treatment records. A nexus letter from a doctor connecting your condition to service is often the key to a successful claim.
Even a 0% rating is valuable—it establishes service connection, which can be increased later if the condition worsens, and it provides priority for VA healthcare.
| Rating | Veteran Alone (approx.) | Veteran + Spouse (approx.) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $171/mo | Same | Even 0% opens priority healthcare |
| 30% | $524/mo | $579/mo | Additional for dependents begins at 30% |
| 50% | $1,075/mo | $1,179/mo | No copays for VA healthcare at 50%+ |
| 70% | $1,716/mo | $1,861/mo | Priority Group 1 for VA healthcare |
| 90% | $2,241/mo | $2,428/mo | Nearing full benefit level |
| 100% | $3,737/mo | $3,946/mo | Full benefit + additional benefits (CHAMPVA, dental, etc.) |
| 100% P&T | $3,737+/mo | $3,946+/mo | Permanent & Total — additional state benefits, property tax exemptions, DIC for survivors |
Add approximately $100/mo for each additional child under 18, and $330/mo for a child over 18 in school. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) can add hundreds more for severe conditions.
- •File online at VA.gov or with a VSO (Veteran Service Officer) for free.
- •You don't need a lawyer to file a claim. VSOs are free and accredited.
- •Appeals can take 1-2 years. Be patient and keep your evidence organized.
Section 2 — VA Health Care
VA health care includes regular checkups with your primary care provider and specialists, as well as home health and geriatric (elder) care. You also have access to medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions.
Your eligibility for VA health care is based on several factors, including your service-connected disability rating, your income level, and when you served.
- •Priority Group 1: 50%+ service-connected, or unemployable due to SC conditions
- •Priority Group 2-3: 30-40% SC, Purple Heart, former POW, etc.
- •Priority Group 4-6: Lower SC ratings, catastrophically disabled, etc.
- •Priority Group 7-8: Income-based, no SC conditions
| Service | Coverage Notes | Copay? |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive care | Wellness exams, flu shots, cancer screenings | No |
| Primary/Specialty care | Doctor visits, specialists, surgery | Varies by Group |
| Mental health | Counseling, therapy, same-day access available | No |
| Prescriptions | Tiers by priority group | Varies ($0 - $11) |
| Dental | 50%+/100% or SC dental condition | No |
| Vision | Covered if SC condition or high rating | No |
- •Enroll even if you have private insurance. There's no downside.
- •VA healthcare satisfies ACA individual mandate requirements.
- •You can use VA + private insurance together — VA bills your insurance but doesn't charge you the remainder.
Section 3 — Education Benefits
The VA offers several education and training programs for veterans. The most common are the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements and benefit levels. VR&E is a powerful tool for those with service-connected disabilities who need help re-entering the workforce.
| Program | Who Qualifies | What It Covers | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-9/11 GI Bill | 90+ days active duty after 9/10/2001 | Tuition, housing (BAH), books stipend | Yellow Ribbon program for private schools |
| Montgomery GI Bill | 2+ years active duty, paid into program | Monthly payment directly to you | Can be combined with Post-9/11 in some cases |
| VR&E (Chapter 31) | 20%+ SC disability with employment handicap | Full tuition, supplies, BAH | Retraining for new career if SC prevents current work |
| VET TEC | Any veteran with 1+ day of GI Bill remaining | Tech bootcamps and training | No charge against GI Bill entitlement (pilot) |
- •Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits expire 15 years after separation (for those discharged before 2013). Forever GI Bill removed the expiration for those discharged after 1/1/2013.
- •You can transfer GI Bill to dependents with 6+ years of service and a 4-year commitment.
Section 4 — VA Home Loan Guaranty
The VA home loan is not a direct loan from the government, but a guaranty to private lenders. This makes it easier for you to get a mortgage with favorable terms.
This is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to veterans. It allows for high leverage with significantly lower costs than conventional loans.
- •No down payment required (in most cases)
- •No PMI (private mortgage insurance)
- •Competitive interest rates
- •Reusable benefit — you can use it multiple times
- •Available for purchase, refinance (IRRRL), and adapted housing
- •The funding fee is waived for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- •VA loans can be used for multi-unit properties (up to 4 units) — house hacking opportunity.
- •Check your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at eBenefits.va.gov.
Section 5 — Pension & Survivor Benefits
VA Pension is a needs-based benefit for low-income wartime veterans who are age 65 or older, or who have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability.
Survivor benefits provide financial support to the spouses and children of deceased veterans.
| Benefit | Who Qualifies | Monthly Amount (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Pension | Wartime veteran, 65+ or disabled, income/net worth limits | Up to $1,300/mo (single), ~$1,700 (married) | Income and net worth limits apply |
| Aid & Attendance | Above + need help with daily activities | Additional $1,200+/mo on top of pension | Can significantly increase benefit |
| Survivor's Pension | Surviving spouse of wartime veteran, income limits | Up to $900/mo | Spouse must not have remarried |
- •Aid & Attendance is underutilized — many veterans who qualify don't know about it.
- •The 3-year lookback for asset transfers applies. Plan ahead.
Section 6 — Other Key Benefits
Beyond the major pillars, there are several other benefits that can significantly impact your financial and personal well-being.
- •VA Life Insurance (VGLI, S-DVI, VALife) — Convert SGLI within 240 days of separation
- •VA Caregiver Support Program — Stipend and support for family caregivers of eligible veterans
- •Burial & Memorial Benefits — Headstone, burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, burial allowance
- •State Veterans Benefits — Every state offers additional benefits (property tax exemptions, free hunting/fishing licenses, tuition waivers, employment preference)
- •Veteran Crisis Line — Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255. 24/7.
Section 7 — Action Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you're accessing what you've earned. Check off each item as you complete it. Taking the first step is often the hardest part.
| ☐ | Action Item | Where to Start | Date Completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check your VA disability rating | VA.gov or eBenefits | ||
| File or update a disability claim | Work with a VSO (free) | ||
| Enroll in VA health care | VA.gov/health-care | ||
| Check GI Bill remaining entitlement | VA.gov/education | ||
| Request Certificate of Eligibility (home loan) | eBenefits.va.gov | ||
| Review state-specific veteran benefits | [Your state] Dept of Veterans Affairs | ||
| Convert SGLI to VGLI (within 240 days) | VA.gov/life-insurance | ||
| Save the Veterans Crisis Line in your phone | 988 then press 1 | ||
| Schedule annual VA primary care visit | Local VA medical center | ||
| Update your dependents with VA | VA.gov (spouse, children, parents) |