10% Disabled Veteran Benefits

There are a number of benefits available to 10% disabled veterans. These benefits can help with medical care, education, and monthly income. Additionally, 10% disabled veterans may be eligible for special programs and services offered by the Veterans Administration.

10% Disabled Veteran: Low Cost Health Care

One of the most important benefits for 10% disabled veterans is access to VA health care. The Veterans Administration provides a number of health care facilities and programs specifically for disabled veterans. These facilities and programs can help 10% disabled veterans get the treatment they need.

We frequently see YouTube comments where veterans believe they can only use the VA for their service connected conditions. However, that is not true. A 10% or higher rating gives you access to VA health care. Veterans with a 10%-40% rating can expect to pay some copays, but those 50% or higher will not. As a result, you can use the VA for medical, mental health, and even prescriptions.

10% Disabled Veteran: Education Benefits

In addition to health care, 10% disabled veterans may also be eligible for educational benefits. The Veterans Administration offers a number of programs designed to help disabled veterans pay for college or vocational training. These programs can make it easier for 10% disabled veterans to get the education they need.

The most common program is Vocational Rehab (VR&E). The VRE program functions much like the Post 9/11 GI Bill, but the VA will also pay for needed supplies to complete your coursework. Notably, we have seen laptops and tools paid for through VR&E.

VR&E can be used for traditional college courses, but it can also pay for a trade school or training toward self-employment. In addition, the VR&E program does not require you to be eligible for either GI Bill. This can be a help to veterans whose GI Bill expired.

10% Disabled Veteran: Let’s Talk Dollars

The medical care is probably the most valuable part of your 10% disability rating. However, 10% also means $152.64 a month in tax-free, inflation adjusted compensation for life. In a perfect world, we want you to achieve a 100% disability rating. However, a monthly check for 10% is a good starting point.

10% Disabled Veteran: Secondary Claims

Health care is probably the most valuable benefit, but secondary claims can change your 10% rating into a 100% rating. As a result, the first 10% rating can be vital.

Primary claims are injuries or illnesses you can prove started on active duty. I have a back injury from an incident on active duty. I can easily prove that my back is service connected. However, I also have radiculopathy (pinched nerves) as a result of that back injury.

I can’t prove the radiculopathy started on active duty, but I can prove it is caused or aggravated by my service-connected back injury. This makes the radiculopathy a secondary claim. Once your secondary claim is approved; you can also connect additional secondary claims to that secondary claims i.e. knee secondary to hip. Then ankle secondary to knee.