VA Disability Benefits — Federal & State
A clean, mobile-friendly guide to federal VA disability compensation and the additional benefits available in every U.S. state and territory.
Federal VA Disability Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers disability compensation and a wide range of related programs for veterans with service-connected conditions. Benefits are tax-free and may include monthly compensation, health care, education, housing, vocational rehab, and survivor benefits.
Federal Programs (16)
VA Disability Compensation
Tax-free monthly payment to veterans with a service-connected condition. Rated 0%–100% in 10% increments based on severity.
Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
Pays at the 100% rate when service-connected conditions prevent substantially gainful employment, even if combined rating is below 100%.
VA Health Care
Comprehensive medical care through the Veterans Health Administration, including primary care, mental health, prosthetics, and prescriptions.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Up to 36 months of tuition, housing allowance, and books/supplies stipend for college, trade school, and certifications.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
Career counseling, training, education, and job placement services for veterans with a service-connected disability.
VA Home Loan Guaranty
$0 down, no PMI mortgages backed by the VA. Funding fee is waived for veterans receiving service-connected compensation.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH / SHA) Grants
Grants up to ~$117,014 (SAH) or ~$23,444 (SHA) to build or modify a home for a qualifying service-connected disability.
Automobile Allowance & Adaptive Equipment
One-time grant toward a vehicle plus adaptive equipment for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities.
CHAMPVA (Health Care for Dependents)
Health coverage for spouses and children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes.
Chapter 35 — Survivors' & Dependents' Education
Up to 36–45 months of education benefits for spouses and children of P&T or deceased service-connected veterans.
VA Life Insurance (VALife)
Guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance up to $40,000 for service-connected veterans under age 81.
Federal Hiring Preference (Veterans' Preference)
5- or 10-point preference in federal civilian hiring; 10-point for compensable disability or Purple Heart.
Property Tax Exemption (Federal Note)
VA disability compensation is fully exempt from federal income tax. Property tax exemptions are administered at the state level.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Federal contracting set-asides and sole-source awards for small businesses owned and controlled by service-connected veterans.
National Park Access Pass
Free lifetime pass to 2,000+ federal recreation sites including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
California Veteran Benefits
California offers a Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption, the CalVet College Fee Waiver for dependents, and DMV fee waivers.
California Programs (5)
Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
Basic exemption ~$169,769 of assessed value; low-income exemption ~$254,656 (amounts adjusted annually).
CalVet College Fee Waiver
Waives mandatory system-wide tuition/fees at any CSU, UC, or California Community College for eligible dependents.
DMV Fee Waiver & Disabled Veteran Plates
Waiver of registration, license, and ID fees; specialty plates available.
Free State Park Pass
Free admission to California state parks (Distinguished Veteran Pass).
Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE)
State contracting set-aside program with 3% participation goal.