Benefits are provided to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs on a graduated scale, depending on rating for disability. A rating is based on the extent to which a veteran is disabled due to service-related injury or illness, according to a scale starting at 0% and going up to 100%. Benefits at a 30% disability rating significantly change veterans’ quality of life. This article considers the benefits presently offered to veterans rated at 30 percent, such as monetary compensation, health care, education, and other support services.
Monetary compensation
Probably one of the major benefits for veterans at a rating of 30% is the monthly compensation. In 2024, veterans rated at 30% get around $615 per month. In fact, it is adjusted every year according to COLA, which is usually done to keep up with the rate of inflation.
Additional allowance is also awarded to veterans with dependents. The VA gives a higher rate for veterans who have spouses or children, or dependent parents. A veteran with a spouse and one child, for example, will be awarded an additional monthly compensation to increase the total amount of benefit. Veterans must inform the VA of changes in their dependent status to receive proper compensation.
Healthcare benefits
The VA provides full healthcare services to all veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or more. This allows them to benefit from the following services:
- VA medical centers and clinics: A veteran can get treatment at VA facilities, which offer an enormous array of services that reach into primary, specialty, mental health, and rehabilitation care.
- Prescription medications: The VA provides many types of prescription medications, and veterans can obtain them at a low or no cost. Many prescription drugs are available through the VA, especially those that treat service-connected conditions.
- Preventive care: Regular check-ups, screenings, and immunizations are made available to maintain good health and prevent further deterioration of various health complications due to their disability conditions.
Education benefits
Educational benefits are also offered to veterans with ratings at the 30% level of disability, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. This benefit will help pay for tuition and fees for veterans seeking to pursue higher education, vocational training, or an apprenticeship.
- Post-9/11 GI bill: Veterans who are rated at a 30% disability are entitled to the coverage of tuition for in-state public colleges and universities, a stipend per month for housing, and a stipend per month for books and supplies.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for services under VR&E. This is the case for those veterans whose goal is suitable employment in the world of work or, as the case may be, achieving independence in daily living. It also applies to some other training. The program provides counseling, education, training, and job placement.
Housing assistance
Some of the housing assistance programs available to veterans with a 30% rating include:
- Specially adapted housing grants: A benefit in monetary form, disbursed to the veterans to buy, build, or adapt a house to specially adapted housing needs. These are available for certain service-connected disabilities.
- Housing assistance through the VA: The VA has many different programs in place to provide veterans with affordable housing, ranging from rental assistance to home loan benefits. The VA Home Loan program allows veterans special loan advantages, such as purchasing a home without making a down payment and without PMI.
Additional support services
Besides monetary compensation and health care, veterans who are rated at 30% disability also have many other support services available to them, which include:
- Mental health services: These are provided by the VA for veterans and offer mental health care, counseling, and therapy for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These services give veterans an opportunity to cope with the psychological impacts that have resulted from their service.
- Support groups and community: Several VA facilities have support groups and community resources available for veterans and their families. These can be quite helpful in giving the veteran an opportunity to make contact with others who have experienced similar situations and create a sense of community.
