First off, let me just say, your question is one that a lot of veterans are thinking about, and I get why. You are right to notice the huge jump in benefits between a 90% and 100% VA disability rating. That $1,496 difference per month is enough to make anyone wonder if they should keep pushing for 100%, even if they are already at 90%. But as you guessed, it is not just about the extra income. There are other benefits tied to reaching 100%, and some of them can serve as a huge relief for you and your family. Let me walk you through it step by step and try to clear up any uncertainties you might have.
Why push for 100%?
From your question, I understand you are presently at either 70%, 80%, or even 90% but you are mulling pushing for a 100% rating. Certainly, money is a major motivator so I do not blame you for it. VA disability compensation is meant to assist veterans like yourself. But when it comes to a 100% rating, there are even more benefits which may be of greater importance, especially with regards to the future needs of your family.
When you get to 100%, the financial increase is huge, plus you get the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are receiving every single benefit that you and your family are entitled to. And that includes health care, property tax waivers, and even educational benefits. Let me give you an example of benefits under various ratings to make it easier for you to understand.
Benefits at 70%, 80%, and 90%
At these ratings, you are already receiving a good amount of compensation from the VA. Here is a rough idea of the monthly payment you can receive as a veteran with a wife and one child at each level:
- 70%: $1,968.28
- 80%:$2,283.01
- 90%: $2,565.91
The difference between 70% and 80% is $314.73, and between 80% and 90% is $282.9. The increase, no matter how little, can definitely make a difference, but there is a huge leap between 90% and 100%. We will get into why that happens shortly.
But first, the benefits at 70% to 90% already include:
- VA Healthcare: You get access to VA medical care, but your co-pays may still be significant depending on your rating.
- Compensation: The monthly checks are obviously a big help, but keep in mind that this compensation is tax-free.
- Educational Assistance: Your dependents might already be eligible for some educational assistance through programs like the VA’s Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, but this depends on your rating and other factors.
- Property Tax Relief: Some states offer partial property tax exemptions for veterans at these ratings, but this is usually limited. The big exemptions tend to kick in at 100%.
Learn more about the different ratings by the VA here.
What changes at 100%?
The difference between a 90% rating and a 100% rating is not just about the money, although the increase to $4,098.87 per month is certainly a huge jump. It is the additional benefits that come with a 100% rating that make it a big deal.
Here are some of the key benefits you get at 100%:
- CHAMPVA for your spouse and dependents: This is a huge one. At 100%, your spouse and children become eligible for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This program covers most healthcare needs for your family, from routine care to hospitalization. If your spouse is not working or has limited healthcare options, CHAMPVA can be a life-saver.
- Property tax exemptions: In many states, a 100% disability rating means you could be completely exempt from paying property taxes. This can save you thousands of dollars every year, depending on where you live. Some states offer partial exemptions at lower disability ratings, but full exemptions are usually reserved for those at 100%.
- Commissary and exchange privileges: At 100%, you and your family get access to commissaries and base exchanges, which means savings on groceries and other household items.
- Educational benefits for your children: Your children can qualify for free or heavily discounted college education through programs like the Fry Scholarship or DEA. This could save your family tens of thousands of dollars in tuition fees.
- Student loan forgiveness: One-time student loan forgiveness is another benefit that kicks in at 100%. If you have outstanding student loans, they could be forgiven entirely if you are rated at 100%.
- Healthcare with no co-pays: When you reach 100%, most of your medical care through the VA is covered with no co-pays. This is a huge relief, especially if you require ongoing treatments or surgeries.
READ MORE: VA Disability chart: What are the current benefits for veterans with a 100% disability rating?
Is it the money or the benefits?
It is worth asking if it is the additional monetary compensation received every month or the other possible benefits that drives veterans to seek a 100% disability rating. For most, if not all people, the answer is both. The financial assistance is greatly appreciated especially in cases where a retiree or a disabled person cannot work due to his health condition or physical impairments. But for a lot of veterans, it is the long term security that comes with getting a 100% disability rating that is more desirable.
No doubt you are already considering how your family would cope in the future, and that is where those extra benefits in the 100% rating comes in. CHAMPVA and property tax exemptions and education benefits will provide significant aid to your family members. For some veterans, that protection and support is the goal, when the time comes for their family. There are veterans who are concerned with the issue of what happens when they are no longer here. They do not wish to deprive their spouse and children of critical support by not ensuring their service-connected conditions are properly documented and compensated.
How do you reach 100%?
To get from 90% to 100%, you will likely need to either appeal or file new claims for any conditions that have worsened. It can be a difficult process, but many veterans successfully make the leap. If you have multiple conditions, you might need a Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). This means that even if your combined rating is less than 100%, you could be rated as 100% if your disabilities make it impossible for you to work.
You could also submit new evidence showing that your condition has worsened or that new service-connected conditions have developed. Do not give up on fighting for what you deserve. The VA claims process can be tough, but with the right documentation and persistence, you can get there.
It is clear that pushing for 100% can open up a lot of doors for you and your family. Whether it is the extra monthly income or the additional benefits, reaching 100% can make a huge difference in your quality of life. You have already served your country, now it is time for you to get everything you are entitled to. So do not hesitate to go for what you deserve.
