Veterans Benefits: What You've Earned and How to Claim It
The VA benefits system is one of the most comprehensive in the world — and one of the most underutilized. Approximately 60% of eligible veterans never claim their full disability benefits. This page covers every major program, who qualifies, what the average benefit is, and exactly how to apply.
Key Veterans Benefits Programs
VA Disability CompensationU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What It Is
Monthly tax-free payment for veterans with disabilities or injuries connected to their military service.
Who Qualifies
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 0% or higher who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
What You Get
$180.42 to $3,938.58 a month depending on disability rating (10%–100%), for a veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025. Rates increase for dependents.
How to Apply
File online at va.gov, in person at a VA regional office, or through an accredited VSO (Veterans Service Organization).
VA HealthcareU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What It Is
Comprehensive medical care through the VA system, including primary care, mental health, and specialty care.
Who Qualifies
Most veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, generally must have served 24 continuous months or the full period they were called up. The requirement is waived if you were discharged for a disability caused or made worse by service, discharged for hardship or an early out, or served before September 7, 1980.
What You Get
Free or low-cost care depending on priority group. No cost for service-connected conditions.
How to Apply
Apply online at va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at your local VA medical center.
GI Bill (Post-9/11)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What It Is
Education and training benefits for veterans, including tuition, housing stipend, and book allowance.
Who Qualifies
Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001. Benefits scale by length of service.
What You Get
Up to 100% tuition at public schools, $1,769–$3,025/month housing allowance, $1,000/year book stipend.
How to Apply
Apply online through VA.gov/education. Notify your school that you are using VA benefits.
VA Home Loan GuaranteeU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What It Is
Guarantees a portion of your home loan, allowing you to buy with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.
Who Qualifies
Most veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. You must meet service length requirements.
What You Get
No down payment required. Competitive interest rates. No PMI. There is no VA loan limit for a veteran with full entitlement — only what you can afford and what the appraisal supports. County limits apply only where entitlement has already been partly used and not restored.
How to Apply
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at va.gov or through a VA-approved lender. Then apply for a loan with a participating lender.
VA Burial BenefitsU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What It Is
Burial and memorial benefits including burial in a national cemetery, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and in some cases a burial allowance.
Who Qualifies
Most veterans, including those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.
What You Get
Burial in a national cemetery at no cost. For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, a burial allowance of $1,032 plus $1,032 toward a plot; for a service-connected death, up to $2,000.
How to Apply
Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. File VA Form 21P-530EZ for the burial allowance.
VA Pension (Non-Service-Connected)U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What It Is
Monthly income benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and assets who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65+.
Who Qualifies
Veterans who served at least one day during a period of war, received an honorable discharge, and meet income and net worth limits.
What You Get
Up to $17,441 a year — about $1,453 a month — for a veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025. Aid and Attendance raises the maximum to $29,093 a year for veterans who need daily assistance.
How to Apply
File VA Form 21P-527EZ online at va.gov or through a VSO at no cost to you.
Indiana homeowners — action needed
Indiana's HEA 1210 raised the disabled veteran deduction to 100% of assessed value— but for the 2026 assessment date it does not carry over automatically. A totally disabled veteran who doesn't reapply by January 15 receives a $250 credit instead of a full exemption. What changed and how to file →
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
- ✕Not filing for all service-connected conditions — if a condition affects your functioning and is connected to service, it should be rated.
- ✕Accepting an initial denial without appealing — most denials can be overturned with additional evidence.
- ✕Missing secondary conditions — if your service-connected knee injury caused a back problem, the back can be rated too.
- ✕Not knowing about TDIU — Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower.
- ✕Using the VA as their only source of medical documentation — private DBQs from civilian doctors can be compelling evidence.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Insider
Coaching program specifically for veterans who are underrated or who have been denied. Evidence-based approach to rating increases.
Get started with VA Claims Insider →*VetComm
Step-by-step disability claim guides built by veterans, for veterans. Covers nexus letters, DBQs, and the appeals process.
Explore VetComm →*VA Claims Academy
Video-based education for veterans seeking rating increases, focusing on evidence preparation and common claim mistakes.
Visit VA Claims Academy →*The Veteran's Survival Guide to VA Benefits (Amazon)
Highly rated reference book covering the complete VA benefits system, claims process, and appeals.
View on Amazon →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
Own a home? A higher VA disability rating can also mean a larger — often total — veteran property tax exemption on your primary residence. See what your state offers.