VA Classes of Benefits
Definitions of each VA benefit class, including examples, services, and priority levels (1–8) for VA Health Care.
1) VA Health Care
The VA Health Care system provides medical services to eligible Veterans based on Priority Levels 1–8. These levels determine copay requirements and access to certain services.
Priority Levels Explained:
- Priority Group 1: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more, or deemed unemployable due to service-connected conditions. Receive the highest level of care and no copays.
- Priority Group 2: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40%.
- Priority Group 3: Former POWs, Purple Heart recipients, or Veterans with disabilities rated 10%–20%.
- Priority Group 4: Veterans receiving aid and attendance or housebound benefits, or those determined catastrophically disabled.
- Priority Group 5: Non-service-connected Veterans or those rated 0% with low income, qualifying for needs-based care.
- Priority Group 6: Veterans exposed to environmental hazards (e.g., Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune), served in combat after November 11, 1998, or in specific theaters such as the Gulf War.
- Priority Group 7: Veterans with incomes below the VA’s geographically adjusted income limits who agree to pay copays.
- Priority Group 8: Higher-income Veterans who agree to copays and meet specific enrollment conditions (some may be restricted).
Services Provided:
- Primary and specialty medical care
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Preventive care and immunizations
- Emergency and urgent care services
- Prescriptions, prosthetics, and rehabilitation
Example: A Marine Veteran rated 60% service-connected is in Priority Group 1 and receives all medical care and prescriptions without copays.
2) Disability Compensation
Provides monthly tax-free payments for disabilities related to military service. The level of payment depends on the combined disability rating and dependent status.
- Monthly tax-free payments based on disability percentage
- Additional compensation for dependents or severe disabilities
- Access to vocational rehabilitation and adaptive equipment
- Eligibility for other programs like auto, housing, or clothing allowances
Example: An Army Veteran with hearing loss rated at 10% receives a monthly payment and can later add secondary conditions like tinnitus if worsened by service.
3) Education & Training (GI Bill)
Helps Veterans, service members, and dependents pay for approved education and training programs.
- Tuition and fees for college or vocational school
- Monthly housing allowance while attending classes
- Book and supply stipends
- Apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs
Example: A Navy Veteran uses the Post-9/11 GI Bill to complete a bachelor’s degree and receives monthly housing payments and a book stipend.
4) Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
Helps Veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. If employment is not possible, VR&E supports independent living services.
- Career counseling and aptitude testing
- Education and vocational training
- Job placement and resume assistance
- Independent living services for severely disabled Veterans
Example: An Air Force Veteran with a back injury retrains in computer networking with VR&E support and receives job placement help after certification.
5) VA Home Loan Guaranty
Provides a loan guaranty benefit that helps Veterans buy, build, or refinance a home with favorable terms.
- No down payment required (in most cases)
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates and closing costs
- Refinancing options through VA programs
Example: A Coast Guard Veteran buys a first home using a VA loan with no down payment and a lower interest rate than a conventional loan.
6) VA Life Insurance
Provides financial protection for Veterans, service members, and their families through government-backed life insurance programs.
- SGLI and VGLI for service members transitioning to civilian life
- VALife for service-connected disabled Veterans
- TSGLI for traumatic injury coverage
- Options for spousal and dependent coverage
Example: A retired Soldier converts her SGLI policy to VGLI to maintain life insurance coverage after separation from service.