Warrior Resources
VA Benefits & Programs

What You're Owed. How to Get It.

The VA administers hundreds of programs. Most veterans use fewer than five. This guide covers the ones that actually move the needle — including the ones they don't advertise.

9M+

Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare

$130B+

In benefits paid annually

40%

Of eligible veterans never file a claim

70%

Of first claims are initially denied

Most denials are overturned on appeal. Don't stop at the first no.

Core Benefit

Disability Compensation

Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected conditions. Ratings run from 0% to 100% in 10% increments — and combined ratings use a formula that often results in a lower number than veterans expect.

VA Disability Compensation

Most Claimed
Apply / Learn More1-800-827-1000

Tax-free monthly payment based on your combined disability rating. A 70% rating pays roughly $1,700/month; 100% P&T pays over $3,700/month.

Who Qualifies

Veterans with a service-connected disability. No minimum service length required.

How to Apply

  1. 1Get your service records and medical records
  2. 2File VA Form 21-526EZ online at VA.gov or with a VSO
  3. 3Attend your C&P exam — bring a buddy statement
  4. 4If denied, file a Supplemental Claim within 1 year

Get a free nexus letter review from a VSO before filing. It dramatically improves approval rates.

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)

UnderutilizedUnadvertised
Apply / Learn More1-800-827-1000

If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for 100% pay even with a lower rating.

Who Qualifies

Veterans rated at least 60% for one condition, or 70% combined with one condition at 40%+.

How to Apply

  1. 1File VA Form 21-8940 (Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation)
  2. 2Provide employment history and medical evidence
  3. 3Get a statement from your doctor about work limitations

Many veterans with 70–90% ratings qualify for TDIU and don't know it.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Hidden ProgramUnadvertised
Apply / Learn More1-800-827-1000

Additional compensation above the 100% rate for veterans with severe disabilities — loss of limb, blindness, need for regular aid and attendance, or housebound status.

Who Qualifies

Veterans with 100% rating plus additional qualifying conditions. Also available below 100% for specific losses.

How to Apply

  1. 1File VA Form 21-526EZ and check the SMC box
  2. 2Provide medical evidence of qualifying condition
  3. 3Request Aid & Attendance if you need help with daily activities

Aid & Attendance SMC can add $800–$2,000/month. Many caregivers don't know to apply.

Healthcare

VA Healthcare

VA healthcare covers far more than most veterans realize — from primary care to mental health, dental, vision, and long-term care. Enrollment is free for most veterans.

VA Healthcare Enrollment

Free to Enroll
Apply / Learn More1-877-222-8387

Comprehensive healthcare including primary care, mental health, specialty care, prescriptions, and preventive services. Priority groups determine copays — many veterans pay nothing.

Who Qualifies

Most veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

How to Apply

  1. 1Apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-8387
  2. 2Bring DD-214 and financial information
  3. 3You'll be assigned a priority group (1–8)
  4. 4Schedule your first appointment within 30 days

Priority Group 1–6 veterans often pay $0 for VA care. Don't assume you'll owe money.

VA Community Care (MISSION Act)

UnderutilizedUnadvertised
Apply / Learn More1-866-606-8198

See non-VA doctors, specialists, and facilities at VA expense when VA can't provide timely or geographically accessible care.

Who Qualifies

Enrolled VA healthcare recipients who meet wait time or distance criteria.

How to Apply

  1. 1Request a community care referral from your VA primary care provider
  2. 2Or call the VA Community Care line to check eligibility
  3. 3Choose from VA-approved community providers in your area

If your nearest VA facility is more than 30 minutes away, you likely qualify for community care.

VA Dental Care

Often MissedUnadvertised
Apply / Learn More1-800-827-1000

Free or low-cost dental care for veterans with service-connected dental conditions, 100% disability ratings, or who are former POWs.

Who Qualifies

Veterans with service-connected dental disability, 100% P&T rating, or former POW status. Also available through VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) for others.

How to Apply

  1. 1Check eligibility at VA.gov/dental-care
  2. 2If eligible, contact your nearest VA dental clinic
  3. 3If not fully eligible, enroll in VADIP for subsidized dental insurance

100% P&T veterans get comprehensive dental care at no cost. Many don't know to ask.

Financial

Financial & Survivor Benefits

Beyond disability pay, the VA administers pension programs, survivor benefits, and financial assistance programs that go largely unclaimed.

VA Pension (Non-Service-Connected)

UnderutilizedUnadvertised
Apply / Learn More1-800-827-1000

Need-based monthly payments for wartime veterans with limited income and net worth — even if your disability isn't service-connected.

Who Qualifies

Veterans who served during a wartime period, have limited income/net worth, and are permanently and totally disabled or age 65+.

How to Apply

  1. 1File VA Form 21P-527EZ
  2. 2Provide income, net worth, and medical documentation
  3. 3Work with a VSO — pension claims are complex

The Aid & Attendance pension add-on can pay an additional $800–$2,000/month for veterans needing help with daily activities.

Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA / Chapter 35)

Hidden ProgramUnadvertised
Apply / Learn More1-888-442-4551

Education benefits for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died in service.

Who Qualifies

Spouses and children of veterans rated 100% P&T or who died from a service-connected condition.

How to Apply

  1. 1Apply at VA.gov/education/survivor-dependent-education-benefit
  2. 2Provide veteran's disability rating or death documentation
  3. 3Benefits cover up to 45 months of education

This benefit is separate from the GI Bill transfer — families can use both.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

Survivor Benefit
Apply / Learn More1-800-827-1000

Monthly tax-free payments to surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition.

Who Qualifies

Surviving family members of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

How to Apply

  1. 1File VA Form 21P-534EZ
  2. 2Provide marriage/relationship documentation and veteran's death certificate
  3. 3Include medical evidence linking death to service

DIC pays over $1,500/month to surviving spouses and is not means-tested.

Free Help

Don't File Alone

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free claims assistance. They know the system, they know the forms, and they know how to build a winning claim. Using a VSO costs nothing and significantly improves outcomes.

DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Free claims assistance nationwide
VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
Local posts in every state
American Legion
Largest VSO in the country
AMVETS
Serves all eras and branches

Know a Program We Missed?

This list grows because veterans share what worked for them. If you found a benefit or program that helped you, submit it so other veterans can find it too.

Submit a Resource