It’s not always crystal clear what benefits you have earned or can access at different service-connected levels and ratings. Many veterans aren’t utilizing the full spectrum of benefits simply because they aren’t aware of them, or it’s tricky to understand. A veteran qualifies for VA healthcare with any service-connected disability rating, including 0%. To help provide more clarity, let’s look at the standard benefits for different disability rating levels.
(If you haven’t already read our post on the 2022 Disability Compensation Pay Increase, read it now and make sure you’re up to speed on the biggest increase in a very long time!)
Standard Benefits by Rating Level
0% Non-Compensable Rating
Veterans at a non-compensable (not receiving monthly pay for their disability) 0% rating qualify for the following benefits:
- VA healthcare access and no-cost treatment for your service-connected disabilities or conditions (if income levels are met)
- Prescription drugs at no-cost for your service-connected disabilities or conditions (if income levels are met)
- Travel allowances for getting to your scheduled appointments at a VA healthcare or approved care facility
- 10 point preference in federal hiring process
- Access to virtual or in-person morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) facilities, exchanges, and commissaries
- Ability to apply for life insurance through the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance Program (S-DVI)
0% Compensable Rating
Veterans with 2 or more service-connected disability ratings at 0% are paid the minimum 10% rating amount, which is currently $152.64 monthly. This group has the same benefits as the 0% non-compensable, PLUS:
- Waiver of a VA funding fee when applying for a VA home loan
- Allowance based compensation (amount is based on if the death was service-related or not) for burial and cemetery plot
10% Rating
Veterans with a 10% disability rating are entitled to the monthly disability compensation of $152.64, all of the benefits listed in the 0% rating groups, PLUS:
- Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) services; with a serious employment handicap
- VA healthcare access and no-cost treatment for your service-connected disabilities or conditions (no income level consideration)
- Prescription drugs at no-cost for your service-connected disabilities or conditions (no income level consideration)
20% Rating
Veterans with a 20% disability rating are entitled to a monthly disability compensation of $301.74, all of the benefits listed in the 0% and 10% rating groups, PLUS:
- Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) services
*For 30-100% disability ratings, find your monthly compensation amount here.
30-40% Rating
Veterans with a 30-40% disability rating are entitled to a monthly disability compensation that is calculated based on status of dependents and/or children, receive all of the benefits listed in the 0-20% rating groups, PLUS:
- Direct hire authority in addition to the 10 point Veteran preference in Federal hiring
- Additional compensation for dependents who are eligible
50% Rating
Veterans with a 50% disability rating are entitled to a monthly disability compensation that is calculated based on status of dependents and/or children, receive all of the benefits listed in the 0-40% rating groups, PLUS:
- Receival of Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
60-90% Rating
Veterans with a 60-90% disability rating are entitled to a monthly disability compensation that is calculated based on status of dependents and/or children, receive all of the benefits listed in the 0-50% rating groups, PLUS:
- If unemployable due to injuries, disabilities or conditions that are service-connected, qualify for individual unemployability
- If unemployability is a permanent condition:
100% Rating
Veterans with a 100% disability rating are entitled to a monthly disability compensation that is calculated based on status of dependents and/or children, receive all of the benefits listed in the 0-90% rating groups, PLUS:
- Dental care at no cost
- Restorative training through the DEA program
- A Uniformed Services ID card, allowing the veteran and dependents to use certain military programs and receive benefits
Are You Rated Accurately?
Now that you have the knowledge, do you feel confident you are rated accurately? Getting service-connected is the first step. If you are service-connected, but not sure if you are receiving the maximum ratings and benefits you have earned, contact one of our team members for a free consult using the button below. We can help you find out if you are receiving the highest possible compensation and rating.
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