Federal Benefits List by VA Combined Disability Ratings
Overview
This resource outlines federal benefits available to veterans based on their combined VA disability rating.
Pro Tip: Your rating percentage unlocks different federal and state benefits at different thresholds. 30% gets you dependents. 100% gets you the whole menu. Know what you're entitled to at your current rating—and what you're missing at the next level.
Critical Note: Benefits are cumulative — a veteran rated at 50% receives all benefits from lower rating percentages plus new ones at that level.
For state-specific benefits, veterans should consult additional resources like myarmybenefits.us.army.mil.
0% Rating (Non-Compensable Service-Connected)
Business & Employment
- Service-disabled veteran-owned small business program eligibility
- 10-point disability preference on federal civil service exams
Financial & Healthcare
- VA clothing allowance for prosthetic/orthopedic device damage
- Beneficiary travel pay for approved appointments
- Veterans Affairs life insurance (VALife) availability
- Free treatment for rated service-connected conditions
- Priority Group 5 or 8 (based on income) for VA healthcare
- Foreign Medical Program access for care abroad
Other Benefits
- Free lifetime National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass
- $2,000 adoption reimbursement per child (fertility/biological inability cases)
- Veterans Health Identification Card with commissary/exchange access
0% (Paid at 10% Rate)
Two or more 0% conditions combined may qualify for 10% payment
Employment
- Compensable Disability Preference: 10 points on federal exams
- Eligibility for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) if serious employment handicap exists
Healthcare & Housing
- Priority Group 6 for VA healthcare
- Free hearing aids and associated components
- Free basic eyeglasses from VA
- VA loan funding fee exemption
10% Rating
Financial
- Monthly compensation payment (tax-free)
- Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC): Tax-free monthly payments for combat-related disabilities
Healthcare
- Priority Group 3 for VA healthcare
- FREE VA and community care for both service-connected AND non-service-connected conditions (within USA/territories)
Insurance Note: VA bills private insurance for non-service-connected care; veterans owe nothing to either entity. VA covers copay amounts, reducing out-of-pocket maximums.
20% Rating
Employment
- Eligibility for VR&E if employment handicap exists (non-dishonorable discharge required)
Financial
- Increased monthly compensation
30% Rating
Employment
- 30% Compensable Disability Preference (CPS): 10 points on federal exams
- Disabled Veteran Leave: Federal employees receive up to 104 free hours annually for disability-related treatment (1 year to use from hire date or rating establishment)
Financial
- Can add eligible dependents for increased compensation:
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Children 18-23 in school
- Dependent parents
Healthcare
- Priority Group 2 for VA healthcare
- Full beneficiary travel pay coverage
40% Rating
Benefits
- All previous benefits
- Increased monthly compensation
- Higher dependent rates
50% Rating
Financial
- Significant increase in monthly compensation
- Enhanced dependent allowances
Healthcare
- Access to additional VA programs
- Expanded caregiver support options
60% Rating
Benefits
- All previous benefits
- Substantially higher monthly payments
- May qualify for TDIU if unemployable due to disabilities
70% Rating
Benefits
- All previous benefits
- Major increase in compensation
- Strong consideration for TDIU eligibility
Healthcare
- Priority for specialized care programs
80% Rating
Benefits
- All previous benefits
- Near-maximum compensation levels
- Enhanced caregiver benefits if applicable
90% Rating
Benefits
- All previous benefits
- Very high compensation levels
- Priority for all VA programs
100% Schedular Rating
Financial
- Maximum VA disability compensation
- Chapter 35 DEA benefits for dependents (education assistance)
- CHAMPVA for dependents (healthcare)
Employment
- VR&E Independent Living track eligibility
Healthcare
- Priority Group 1 for VA healthcare
- Comprehensive dental care
- Access to all VA healthcare programs
Housing
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant eligibility
- Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant eligibility
100% TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)
Same as 100% Schedular PLUS:
- May not include all ancillary benefits unless also P&T
- Chapter 35 requires P&T status or 10 years at TDIU
100% P&T (Permanent and Total)
Additional Benefits
- Guaranteed Chapter 35 DEA for dependents
- Guaranteed CHAMPVA for dependents
- Property tax exemptions in many states
- Free vehicle registration in some states
- Commissary and exchange privileges for dependents
- Space-A travel for dependents
- No future re-examinations required
Key Takeaways
- Benefits stack progressively — higher ratings include all lower-tier benefits
- Healthcare Priority Groups determine access timing and cost-sharing
- Federal employees receive specialized disability leave provisions
- State benefits supplement federal offerings — check your state
- Dependents gain benefits starting at 30% rating
- 100% P&T provides the most comprehensive benefit package