Veteran Benefits by Service Tier

14 service statuses and disability ratings, each unlocking different benefits at the federal and state level. Find your tier and see what you qualify for.

All 14 service tiers

  1. Active Duty

    Currently serving, stationed or domiciled in the state. Access to full commissary/exchange, SCRA protections, combat pay exclusions.

  2. National Guard / Reserve

    When federally activated: SGLI, USERRA rights, 5-pt hiring preference, tuition assistance programs.

  3. Military Retiree

    20+ years of service. Full commissary/exchange access, TRICARE, CRDP at 50%+ SC, CRSC, SBP options.

  4. Veteran — No Rating

    Honorable discharge, no VA disability rating. 5-pt federal hiring preference, VA home loan, VGLI, Military Lifetime Pass.

  5. 0% SC

    Service-connected disability, non-compensable. Establishes connection; 10-pt federal hiring preference; VALife insurance.

  6. 10–20% SC

    10-pt CP preference; VA health care Pg 3 (no copay SC conditions); some state hunting/fishing discounts.

  7. 30–40% SC

    VA health care Pg 2 (zero copays); 10-pt CPS at 30%+; VRA non-competitive appointments; increased compensation with dependents.

  8. 50–60% SC

    VA health care Pg 1; CRDP unlocked for retirees; VA home loan funding fee EXEMPT; SAH/SHA housing grants.

  9. 70–90% SC

    TDIU potentially available; full Pg 1 VA health care; P&T possible; 30% Disabled Veteran appointment at 70%+.

  10. 100% Schedular

    $3,938.58/mo compensation; commissary/exchange/MWR; CHAMPVA for dependents if P&T; DEA for dependents if P&T.

  11. TDIU

    Compensation at 100% rate; same benefits as 100% schedular; CHAMPVA/DEA if P&T; expedited SSDI processing if P&T.

  12. P&T

    CHAMPVA; DEA 36 months; Space-A Cat VI; no future exam; SMC if additional conditions; national cemetery priority.

  13. SMC (Housebound / A&A)

    SMC-S through SMC-R.2/T — up to $11,271.67/mo; all Pg 1 VA health care; full commissary/exchange.

  14. Surviving Spouse / Dependents

    DIC $1,699.36/mo; Fry Scholarship; DEA Ch.35; CHAMPVA; Survivors Pension; accrued benefits; national cemetery.