VA Benefits for Permanent and Total Disability

There are many VA disability benefits that veterans don’t know about. From VA health insurance for children to veteran spousal benefits and even access to recreation facilities, our veterans have access to much more than they think. Whether you are permanently and totally disabled through a 100% rating or through TDIU, here are some of the benefits you can expect.

1. Healthcare, Prescription Medication, and VA Co-pay Reimbursement
2. Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
3. CHAMPVA Health Insurance for Spouse and Dependent Children
4. VA Dental Coverage
5. Uniformed Services Identification Card (USID)
6. Free and Discounted Hunting Tags and Licenses
7. Property Tax Breaks

1. No Cost Healthcare and Prescription Medications and VA Co-Pay Reimbursement

Veterans are charged a copayment for nonservice-connected care provided directly by VA or through a community provider (doctor) outside of VA. The co-payment amount is based on the type of healthcare service you receive and your financial situation.

Some Veterans may be exempt from paying copayments and may qualify for free health care and/or prescriptions based on special eligibility factors. You can explore your eligibility for VA health care benefits using the online Health Benefits Explorer tool or by contacting VA at 877-222-VETS (8387).

Here’s a useful explainer link.

2. Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

If your disabilities are determined to be Permanent and Total, the DEA allows your spouse and children to be eligible for certain educational benefits.

A child is authorized 36 months of accredited schooling. VA presently pays a monthly stipend of around $1,401.00 for a full-time college student, subject to change. They can receive guidance counseling, tutors, etc. If a child has been in school and then the veteran receives a retroactive benefit that includes the school dates, then the student can file for reimbursement for the months that he/she qualified on the retroactive date.

A qualified student is usually 18-26 years of age, but we’ve seen some using the benefit up to age 32. Usually, the latter is based on a large retroactive benefit granted to the veteran.

A dependent spouse can also qualify for schooling. The dependent student or spouse must handle all the necessary paperwork. Learn more here.

3.CHAMPVA Health Insurance for Spouse and Dependent Children

Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) health insurance is an excellent benefit for the spouse and children of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled.

Veterans must receive their care at a VA medical center, but their dependents can receive care at private medical facilities.

Veterans rated at the 100 percent permanent and total level, which includes those in receipt of TDIU, must apply for CHAMPVA insurance benefits directly on behalf of their dependents:

VA Health Administration Center CHAMPVA
Phone: (800) 733-8387
Fax: (303) 331-7804
Email: hac.inq@med.va.gov

Unfortunately, CHAMPVA does NOT cover Dental or Optometry expenses. Read more about CHAMPVA here.

4. VA Dental Coverage

All permanently and totally disabled service-connected veterans are allowed free dental care. Veterans going through Vocational Rehabilitation are also eligible for dental care.

You can simply call the VA facility closest to you and make a dental appointment.

Here is the VA page for Dental Benefits.

5. Uniformed Services Identification Cards

Uniformed Services ID (USID) Cards are very similar to our old military I.D. cards. They are issued by the Department of Defense and allow you to access military facilities. The veteran, spouse and dependent children can apply for this card. You can click here to read more.

How to get your USID

If VA did not attach a letter/application, call your VA Regional Office and ask them to send you a Cover Letter stating simply that you are “Permanently and Totally disabled”. You can reach them at (800) 827-1000. You can also print out a Benefits Summary directly from your va.gov account.

Be sure they understand that the necessary wording is “permanent and total disability.” At the same time ask them for the “Uniformed Services I.D. Card Application”. Because the form is very complex, we suggest that you do not try filling out the application yourself. Just take it with you when you apply or ask for assistance from a Benefits Representative.

After you have the letter and application, call the administrative department at your nearest Military Base and ask when they do the I.D. cards. Again, we recommend not filling out the application that is provided. It is very complex.

Simply bring the application, your DD-214 (You), Marriage License (Spouse), and Birth Certificates (Dependent Children). They will make the I.D. cards.

What do “PERM”, “TEMP” and “MWR” mean?

The veteran’s ID is marked “PERM” and is for life. The spouse/children I.D.s are marked “TEMP” and must be renewed every five years.

These cards will say “MWR” on them. This means “Morale, Welfare and Recreation.” You can use facilities at military bases including Exchanges, Commissaries, and Recreation facilities. The latter can include tickets for concerts and more.

Other Perks

100 percent disabled veterans can fly “Space A” on USCG transportation!

You can also stay at “Bachelors Enlisted/Officer Quarters” (BEQ/BOQ) on military bases for $15-30 a night, or you can use their “Lodging” which can run $45-75. And even rent items like boats, BBQs, lawn mowers, rototillers, etc.!

6. Free and Discounted Hunting Tags and Fishing Licenses

Many states offer free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses. The cost will vary between the states, so you will want to check with your state’s fishing and wildlife department. This article provides a good place to start if you’re unsure where to look.

7. Property Tax Breaks

Most states have property tax breaks for disabled veterans. Typically, a veteran must own the home and it must be used as the primary residence. The easiest way to show the tax office that you are eligible is to print the benefits letter straight from your VA.gov account.

You can check disabled veteran benefits by state here.

Veterans have access to many benefits. However, there is no single repository that lists all of them. Many more benefits are available at the local level as well. Hopefully, this list will give you a good starting point.

Are You Getting the Benefits You Deserve?

If you have been denied benefits, set up a free consultation with the Cameron Firm, PC, to speak with an experienced VA attorney. Contact us today at (800) 861-7262 or fill out the contact box below. We are here to represent veterans nationwide.