10 Can’t Miss 100% VA Disability Benefits
Fellow Veterans, achieving a 100% VA disability rating is a major accomplishment — you’ve reached the highest possible VA rating. But the benefits go far beyond just that monthly compensation check. Earning this rating opens the door to an array of additional perks that can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
From property tax exemptions to comprehensive healthcare for your dependents, educational support, and even travel opportunities — there are many powerful benefits that you and your family could be taking advantage of right now. In this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 Can’t Miss 100 Percent VA Disability Benefits that you need to know about.
#1. 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemptions
Many states offer property tax exemptions to veterans rated at 100% disability. 20 states provide full exemptions on the veteran’s primary residence, meaning no property taxes are owed. Other states, like California and Virginia, offer partial exemptions, which can significantly reduce tax liability. This benefit can lead to substantial savings on annual property taxes and is a significant financial relief for veterans with a 100% disability rating. Each state has different criteria and processes for applying, so it’s crucial for veterans to check local regulations to maximize their benefit.
#2. 100% VA Disability Compensation Pay
Veterans with a 100% disability rating receive the highest level of monthly compensation from the VA. As of 2024, the base monthly payment is $3,737.85 for a single veteran, and this amount increases if the veteran has dependents (spouse, children, or parents), potentially exceeding $4,000 per month. This compensation is tax-free, offering financial stability and helping veterans cover living expenses, medical costs, and other necessities. Veterans with special conditions, such as loss of limbs or severe injuries, may be eligible for additional Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
#3. CHAMPVA Health Insurance for Dependents
CHAMPVA provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to the dependents of veterans rated 100% P&T. This program covers hospitalizations, outpatient care, prescriptions, durable medical equipment, and mental health services. CHAMPVA can reduce healthcare costs significantly, as it acts as a secondary payer to other health insurance or Medicare, ensuring dependents get coverage for necessary treatments. This benefit can provide peace of mind for families, particularly in managing healthcare expenses that can become burdensome without insurance.
#4. Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Veterans with a 100% disability rating, along with their dependents, are eligible to shop at military commissaries and exchanges, both in-store and online. Commissaries provide discounted groceries and household items, while exchanges offer tax-free shopping on electronics, clothing, and other goods. Veterans can save significantly on purchases, and this benefit is particularly valuable for everyday essentials. Access to these facilities extends to a lifetime, providing a steady source of savings.
#5. Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
The DEA program under Chapter 35 offers educational benefits for the dependents (spouses and children) of veterans with a 100% disability rating. Eligible dependents receive up to 45 months of education benefits, which can be used for college degrees, vocational training, certification programs, and apprenticeships. In addition to tuition, DEA may cover books and supplies, helping dependents pursue career goals with reduced financial burden. Career counseling is also provided to help dependents plan their education paths effectively.
#6. Expedited Social Security Disability Processing
Veterans with a 100% P&T rating are eligible for expedited processing of Social Security Disability claims. This benefit significantly reduces the waiting time for veterans to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The VA shares disability rating information with the Social Security Administration (SSA), ensuring that veterans with a 100% rating are given priority. This can provide critical financial support during periods of unemployment or illness.
#7. Folds of Honor Scholarships
Dependents of 100% disabled veterans can apply for scholarships through Folds of Honor, which offers up to $5,000 per year for K-12 or post-secondary education. These need-based scholarships help cover tuition and related education expenses, ensuring that dependents have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals despite financial challenges. Folds of Honor prioritizes veterans’ families, recognizing the sacrifices made by both the veteran and their loved ones.
#8. Free National Park Access
Veterans with a 100% disability rating are entitled to a free lifetime access pass to over 2,000 federal recreational areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests. This pass, known as the America the Beautiful pass, provides free entry to parks and discounted fees for amenities like camping and guided tours. Veterans and their families can enjoy outdoor activities and explore national landmarks without the financial barrier of park entry fees.
#9. Free Space-A Travel
Veterans with a 100% disability rating can fly on military flights (Space-A) within the continental U.S. and internationally at no cost, subject to availability. Although travel is on a standby basis and active-duty personnel receive priority, Space-A flights can be an excellent way to travel affordably. Veterans can explore travel opportunities at a fraction of the cost of commercial flights, although flexibility is required due to the standby nature of this benefit.
#10. Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge for Student Loans
Veterans who are rated 100% P&T can have their federal student loans completely discharged through the TPD discharge program. This means they are no longer required to make payments on their federal loans, and the discharge does not result in taxable income. This is a significant financial relief for veterans burdened by educational debt, allowing them to focus on other priorities without worrying about repaying student loans.
About the Author
Brian Reese is one of the world’s leading VA disability benefits experts and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Frustrated with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans win their VA disability compensation faster. He has served over 10 million military members and veterans since 2013. A former Air Force officer, Brian deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. He is a Distinguished Graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University, where he was a National Honor Scholar.
