A Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating of 90% signifies a veteran has a severe and substantial impact on their daily life. In the United States, veterans who have incurred injuries or health issues as a result of their service in the military may be eligible for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
These benefits are intended to provide financial compensation and support to veterans who suffer from disabilities that affect their ability to work and perform daily activities.
Let’ review some of the benefits a veteran with a 90% VA disability rating can receive.
Monthly Compensation at a 90% Disability Rating
Disability pay for 90% VA rating can vary based on number of dependents and marital status. See below or visit our monthly compensation chart.
Healthcare Benefits
Veterans rated as 90% disabled qualify for Health Care Priority Group 1, which offers a comprehensive range of benefits including:
- No Cost Healthcare: No cost primary care, preventative care, specialty care, hospitalization, emergency care at non-VA facility.
- Mental Health Services: Access to mental health services, including counseling and treatment for conditions such as PTSD.
- Prescription Medications: No cost prescription medications.
- Specialized Care: Access to specialized care and medical equipment such as prosthetics, dental care (under certain conditions), hearing, and vision care.
- Foreign Medical Program (FMP): Access to medical treatment for VA service connected disabilities while traveling or residing overseas.
- Long term care: Physical therapy, comfort care, nursing/assisted living placement and more.
Employment Benefits
Several programs and incentives are available to help veterans with a 90% disability rating secure and maintain employment:
- Veterans Preference: Points given as veteran preference, giving veterans an advantage in securing federal jobs.
- Federal Employment Initiatives: Programs such as the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program (DVAAP) aim to increase employment opportunities for veterans.
- Job Training and Placement Services: Assistance with job training, resume development, and job placement through various VA programs such as Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) and partnerships with other organizations.
Education Benefits
There are education benefits that veterans with a 90% disability rating can take advantage of, including:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers full tuition and fees for in-state public colleges and universities, or up to a certain amount for private or foreign schools. Additionally, it provides a monthly housing allowance and an annual stipend for books and supplies.
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Assistance with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching.
- Dependent Educational Assistance (DEA): Provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability.
Housing Benefits
Several housing benefits are available to veterans with a 90% disability rating:
- VA Home Loan Guaranty: Enables veterans to obtain home loans with favorable terms, such as no down payment and lower interest rates.
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: Provides funds to veterans with certain service-connected disabilities to help them buy, build, or modify a home to meet their needs.
- Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: Assists veterans in modifying their existing homes to accommodate their disabilities.
Travel and Transportation Benefits
- VA Travel Pay Reimbursement: Reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while traveling to and from VA medical appointments.
- Space-Available Travel: Access to military flights on a space-available basis, allowing veterans to travel to various locations at little to no cost.
- Adaptive Equipment for Vehicles: Financial assistance for the purchase of adaptive equipment to make vehicles accessible for veterans with disabilities.
Tax Benefits
Many states offer property tax exemptions or reductions to veterans with high disability ratings. These benefits vary by state but can significantly reduce the financial burden of homeownership. Some common forms of tax relief include:
- Full Property Tax Exemption: Complete exemption from property taxes for veterans with certain disability ratings.
- Partial Property Tax Exemption: Reduction in property taxes based on the percentage of the veteran’s disability rating.
- Income Tax Exemptions: Some states provide income tax exemptions on military retirement pay and disability compensation.
Legal and Financial Assistance
Various organizations provide legal and financial assistance to veterans with a 90% disability rating:
- Legal Aid: Access to free or low-cost legal services for issues such as disability claims, appeals, and other legal matters.
- Financial Counseling: Financial planning and counseling services to help veterans manage their benefits and plan for their financial future.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Numerous nonprofits offer support, including grants, emergency financial assistance, and other resources to help veterans in need.
Commissary and Exchange Benefits
Veterans with a 90% disability rating are eligible for commissary and exchange privileges, providing access to discounted groceries, household goods, and other products at military bases worldwide. These benefits include:
- Commissary: Discounted groceries and household items.
- Exchange: Access to department stores that offer a wide range of products, often at lower prices than civilian retailers.
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Access to recreational facilities and programs on military installations.
Travel and Transportation Benefits
Veterans with a 90% disability rating may be eligible for various travel and transportation benefits, including:
- VA Travel Pay Reimbursement: Reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while traveling to and from VA medical appointments.
- Space-Available Travel: Access to military flights on a space-available basis, allowing veterans to travel to various locations at little to no cost.
- Adaptive Equipment for Vehicles: Financial assistance for the purchase of adaptive equipment to make vehicles accessible for veterans with disabilities.
Burial and Plot Allowance
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers burial benefits to help cover the expenses associated with the death of a veteran. These benefits vary depending on whether the death is service-related or non-service-related.
Recreation Benefits
- National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: Free or discounted access to national parks and federal recreational lands through the America the Beautiful Pass program.
- State Park Passes: Many states offer free or discounted access to state parks for veterans with high disability ratings.
- Adaptive Sports Programs: Access to adaptive sports programs and events designed for veterans with disabilities.
Community Support: Various community support and networking
Veterans with a 90% disability rating can benefit from a strong sense of community and networking opportunities through:
- Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs): Membership in organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), which offer support, advocacy, and camaraderie.
- Support Groups: Access to support groups and peer counseling programs that provide emotional support and shared experiences.
- Events and Activities: Participation in events, activities, and programs designed specifically for veterans, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
Retired veterans with 90% VA disability may be eligible for CRDP if you have a disability rating over 50% and entitled to both disability and retirement pay. Read more in our blog on CRDP.
Social Security Disability Benefits
Veterans with a high disability rating may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI may be an option for veterans that are no longer able to work or have a disability that is causing them a lot of limits at work. Read more about SSDI and how to qualify on our blog.
Life Insurance
Veterans who are 90 percent disabled may be eligible for:
- Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
- Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
- Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
Increasing a 90% Rating to 100%
Many veterans with a 90% rating aim to achieve a 100% rating, which offers the highest level of benefits. This is where our veterans disability lawyers at Chad Barr Law can step in and help. Getting increased to a 100% disability rating can be accomplished in several ways:
- Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If a veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, they may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate even if their combined rating is less than 100%.
- Additional Claims: Filing for additional service-connected disabilities can increase the combined rating.
- Worsening Conditions: If existing service-connected disabilities worsen, veterans can request a re-evaluation to potentially increase their ratings.
Navigating the process of obtaining the VA disability rating you rightfully deserve can often feel overwhelming and complex. It involves understanding the intricacies of VA regulations, compiling extensive documentation of your medical history and conditions, and effectively advocating for your case.
Here at Chad Barr Law, Our team has significant experience in assisting veterans with disability appeals, guiding them through each step of the process to ensure they receive the appropriate rating for their service-connected disabilities. We understand the importance of obtaining a fair and accurate rating to secure the benefits and support you need to address your healthcare needs and improve your quality of life.
