At Chamber's Law Firm, P.A., we understand the sacrifices you have made in service to our country. As a veteran with a 100% VA disability rating, you are entitled to a variety of benefits designed to support your health, financial stability, and overall well-being. Our mission is to help you access and maximize these benefits so that you and your family receive the support you deserve.
Comprehensive Guide to VA Disability Benefits in 2025
Veterans with service-connected disabilities are entitled to a range of benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Below is an overview of key VA disability benefits available in 2025.
Benefits specific to veterans with a 100% disability rating are noted accordingly.
Top Benefit for 100% Disabled Veterans
Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive VA disability compensation at the highest rate available, providing essential financial support.
Additional VA Disability Benefits
Your eligibility for the following benefits depends on your disability rating
Healthcare Benefits
- Priority Group 1 Enrollment – Highest priority access to VA healthcare
- No-Cost Healthcare & Prescription Medications – Free medical care and prescriptions for service-connected conditions
- CHAMPVA – Health coverage for eligible dependents of certain disabled veterans
- Travel Reimbursement for Medical Appointments – Financial assistance for travel to VA medical facilities
- Dental, Vision, & Hearing Care – Access to dental services, vision care, and hearing aids for eligible veterans
Employment Benefits
- Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) – Compensation at the 100% disability rate for veterans unable to maintain substantial employment due to service-connected disabilities
- 10-Point Veteran Hiring Preference – Additional hiring preference for federal jobs
- Direct Hire Authority – Expedited federal hiring process for eligible veterans
Benefits for Dependents & Survivors
- Survivors Pension – Monthly financial support for eligible survivors of wartime veterans
- CHAMPVA for Dependents – Healthcare coverage for eligible spouses and children
- TRICARE Program – Health coverage for certain military retirees and their families
- Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) – Education benefits for spouses and children of disabled veterans
- Folds of Honor Scholarship – Up to $5,000 per year for dependents pursuing education
Education & Training Benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) – Career counseling, training, and employment assistance
- Special Restorative Training – Educational support for eligible dependents with disabilities
- Disabled Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness – Loan discharge for eligible veterans
Homeownership & Financial Benefits
- Home Loan & Financial Counseling – Assistance with VA home loans and financial planning
- Property Tax Exemptions – State-specific tax relief for disabled veterans
- VA Funding Fee Waiver – Exemption from VA home loan funding fees
Additional Benefits
- Burial & Plot Allowance – Financial assistance for burial costs
- Access to Commissaries, Exchanges, & MWR – Shopping privileges at military facilities
- Aid & Attendance Benefit – Additional compensation for veterans needing daily assistance
- Life Insurance for Disabled Veterans & Survivors – Coverage options for eligible veterans and their families
- Free Tax Preparation & Filing – Assistance with tax services
- Space-A Travel – Free travel on military flights when space is available
Specialized & Lesser-Known Benefits
- DoD/Uniformed Services Sponsor ID & Privilege Card – Access to certain military benefits and facilities
- Disability Housing Grants – Funding for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Home Adaptation (SHA)
- Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) – Home modification assistance for temporary housing
- Automobile Allowance & Adaptive Equipment – Financial aid for vehicle adaptations
- Clothing Allowance – Annual stipend for veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting clothing
- Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) – Financial assistance for certain severe injuries
- National Parks Pass – Free access to U.S. national parks
- Urgent & Emergency Care Coverage – VA-covered urgent and emergency medical services
- Shades of Green Resort (Walt Disney World, Florida) – Discounted lodging for eligible veterans and families
VA Health Care Priority Groups
When you apply for VA health care, you are assigned to one of eight priority groups based on specific eligibility criteria.
Factors that Determine Priority Group Placement:
- Military service history
- Income level
- VA disability rating
- Medicaid eligibility
- Other VA benefits (e.g., pension benefits)
Veterans with a 100% disability rating qualify for Health Care Priority Group 1—the highest priority level—ensuring access to extensive medical benefits.
Benefits of Priority Group 1:
- Preventative care
- Hospitalization and inpatient services
- Dependent health care
- Medically related travel benefits
- Dental care
- Vision care and hearing aids
Free VA Health Care & Prescription Coverage
Veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating receive free VA health care for service-connected conditions. Those rated 100% disabled receive completely free VA care for all medical needs.
Available Services:
- Emergency care
- Preventative care
- Primary and specialty care
- Mental health services
- Home health care
- Dental and vision care
- Geriatrics and extended care
- Medical equipment and prosthetics
- Nursing home placement
- Medically related travel benefits
- Hearing aids
CHAMPVA: Health Coverage for Eligible Dependents
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) offers comprehensive health coverage to eligible dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.
Who Qualifies?
- Dependents of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled
- Dependents of a veteran who died from a service-connected condition
- Dependents of a veteran who died on active duty (not eligible for TRICARE)
Important Eligibility Considerations:
- Spouses lose eligibility if they divorce or annul their marriage.
- Widows/widowers lose eligibility if they remarry before age 55.
- Children lose eligibility at age 18 (or 23 if enrolled in college). Stepchildren lose eligibility if they no longer live with the veteran.
CHAMPVA Cost-Sharing Details:
- $50 annual deductible per person ($100 per family)
- CHAMPVA covers 75% of allowable charges after the deductible
- Annual out-of-pocket costs are capped at $3,000
Key Benefits of CHAMPVA:
- Coverage for inpatient/outpatient services, mental health care, and medical equipment
- Meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage requirements
- Accepted by many TRICARE providers
Dental Coverage Options: CHAMPVA does not cover routine dental care, but beneficiaries can seek coverage through these providers:
- MetLife: 1-888-310-1681
- Delta Dental: 1-855-370-3303
How to Apply for CHAMPVA:
- Verify dependent status with the VA Regional Office.
- Complete and submit VA Form 10-10d and VA Form 10-7959c.
- Mail applications to: Department of Veterans Affairs, CHAMPVA Intake Center, PO Box 469063, Denver, CO 80246-9063
- Call 1-800-733-8387 for assistance.
CHAMPVA: Health Coverage for Dependents
Travel Reimbursement for Medical Appointments
The VA provides travel reimbursement for eligible veterans and dependents, covering:
- Mileage reimbursement
- Common carrier costs (e.g., plane, train, bus)
- Medically necessary transportation (e.g., ambulance)
- Travel for medical exams and treatments
Current reimbursement rate: 41.5 cents per mile for approved health related travel.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Dental Care: Veterans with a 100% disability rating or those receiving Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) qualify for free dental care under Class IV eligibility.
Vision Care: The VA covers routine eye exams, glasses, and preventive vision care for veterans who:
- Have a service-connected disability
- Are former POWs
- Received a Purple Heart
- Receive an increased pension due to housebound status
Hearing Aids: To receive hearing aids or assistive devices, veterans must qualify for VA health care. An audiologist will assess eligibility.
Veterans with a 100% permanent disability rating qualify for free dental, vision, and hearing aid services.
Employment and Training Opportunities for Disabled Veterans
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU): Veterans who cannot maintain gainful employment due to service-connected conditions may receive 100% disability compensation through TDIU, regardless of their official disability rating.
Federal Hiring Preferences:
- 10-point hiring preference for disabled veterans
- Non-competitive appointment eligibility
Direct Hire Authority: Veterans may qualify for expedited hiring for federal jobs in critical workforce areas.
Financial and Housing Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Home Loan Benefits:
- Disabled veterans do not pay the VA home loan funding fee.
- The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) helps veterans access financial services.
Property Tax Exemptions: Many states offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Contact your local tax assessor’s office for details.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Veterans with a 100% P&T disability rating or TDIU status qualify for full federal student loan discharge.
Adaptive Housing Grants:
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH): Up to $117,014 for home modifications
- Special Home Adaptation (SHA): Up to $23,444 for accessibility improvements
- Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Up to $47,130 for modifying a family member’s home
Additional Perks for 100% Disabled Veterans
Burial Assistance:
- Up to $2,000 for burial costs (if service-connected death occurred after 9/11/2001)
Base Access & Commissary Benefits:
- Eligible veterans and dependents have full access to military base stores.
Free Tax Preparation Services:
- Veterans earning under $56,000 annually can receive free tax preparation through VITA.
Space-A Travel:
- 100% disabled veterans can fly on Space Available military flights for free.
National Parks Pass:
- Free lifetime pass for federal recreation sites (requires a $10 handling fee).
Shades of Green Resort Discounts:
- Walt Disney World resort offers discounted stays for eligible veterans from January to September.
Understanding a 100% Disability Rating
A 100% disability rating is the highest level of VA compensation, granted to veterans whose service-connected conditions significantly impact daily life and employment.
How to Apply:
- Submit a service-connected disability claim.
- Consider applying for TDIU benefits by filing VA Form 21-8940.
Questions?