Many veterans do not know about the numerous other benefits available to a person the VA considers totally disabled. Benefits are available not only for the veteran but also for their family members as well. Below is part 1 of a 6 part series that lists the many little known other perks available to a veteran with a 100% rating.
#1. Tax-Free Compensation
For veterans at 100% disability, the top benefit is tax-free VA compensation for life. If your disability is linked to military service, you can prepare and file your own VA disability compensation claim for FREE by opening a Notice of Intent to File on the VA.gov website for a VA disability increase or initial claim filing. Starting with an “Intent to File” sets an effective date, potentially granting benefits while preparing your claim (Note: Limited to 12 months back pay, unless in an appeal situation).
#2. Free Healthcare and Prescriptions
Among the top benefits for 100% disabled veterans is complimentary VA healthcare. This includes free medical services for disability conditions related to military service, catering to veterans with a disability rating of at least 50% and those unable to afford care. Services encompass emergency, preventative, primary, and specialty care, mental health services, home health care, dental and vision care, geriatrics, extended care, medical equipment, prosthetics, nursing home placement, medically related travel benefits, and hearing aids. To understand healthcare costs and co-pays, veterans can explore more here.
#3. Property Tax Exemptions
An outstanding benefit for 100% disabled veterans is property tax exemptions. While numerous states provide such exemptions, did you know that 18 states grant full property tax exemptions for veterans at 100% disability? Criteria for qualification vary between states, and not all 50 states offer identical tax breaks. It’s advisable to check with your state county tax assessor’s office to determine eligibility. This could result in substantial yearly savings, thanks to reduced or zero property taxes on your primary residence.
#4. Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Benefits
The VA Chapter 35 benefits program, known as Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), offers education benefits and specialized restorative training for qualifying dependents (children and spouse) and survivors of certain veterans and service members. Eligible dependents can receive support for up to 36 or 45 months, equivalent to full-time education, covering a range of programs such as college degrees, technical or vocational courses, independent study, online learning, high school diploma or GED programs, educational and career counseling, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and career training certificate courses. Typically, a disabled veteran must be 100% permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability for dependents to qualify. Check HERE to determine your eligibility for this exceptional benefit for survivors and dependents of eligible disabled veterans.
#5. CHAMPVA Health Insurance for Dependents
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a health insurance benefits initiative where the VA shares in covering certain healthcare costs for eligible dependents. Typically, CHAMPVA covers the fees for most medically necessary healthcare services and supplies for those who qualify. Basically, if you’re a 100% disabled vet in the VA system,, your dependents are eligible for entirely FREE civilian healthcare. This is a remarkable benefit. The application process involves applying by mail, and it takes approximately 12-16 weeks for processing.
