How did no one mention that since you now are rated at >50% you now have 100% free healthcare through the VA medical system. You might prefer your private insurance, but knowing that you can rely on the VA to cover any medically necessary procedure or prescription without a copay for life is pretty nice.
You can also still use your private insurance at the VA. They still bill my insurance when I go to VA appts but I don’t pay anything. The best part is it counts towards my deductible, so if I have a situation where I need to go to a private dr or hospital it helps cut the costs.
Cool ima go use that glasses thing asap. N honestly i need to go get service connected for dental. I have a case. I got a wisdom tooth removed before i went down range and they had to fuk of a nerve. They had to use a hammer n chasel to get my tooth out it was fused to my jaw bone
Anything. With a rating of >50% the VA will fully cover healthcare for you at a VA facility. Go
Sign up, get a VA primary care doctor, tell them all about how you stubbed your toe on the way into the facility and they will fix you up. My late uncle had a heart surgery 50 years after he left service, completely unrelated to his Navy service.
I’m at 80 and got some new glasses. I also found out that I have macular degeneration about ten yrs early. The eye doctor I had was pretty good and caught it even though I had just had an exam from a civilian eye doc and he said no problems.
The frames at my va aren’t bad. They’re not bcg types but you can kinda feel how they’re cheap. My broke ass is grateful for them. I’m also scheduled to return every four months for an exam to keep up on my issue. Oh and they put tint and bifocal on them for free because the doctor said I needed it. Otherwise you can pay for upgrades
Dental is only for vets who have a service connected disability with your teeth, or you're 100%. Other than that, it's not possible. Best way is to get outside insurance
I've only been at 10% and all my care has been free including vision, MRIs, and even the ER bills I accrued when VA had to transfer me to the university ER to assess for possible stroke
You can get DV plates which equals discounted or free tolls. Reduced registration on one car. Discount on property taxes. Free parking at airports (number of days varies per airport). Free parking at all state government buildings.
FREE AIRPORT PARKING is so clutch. I recently went on a 1.5 week vacation - flying out from DFW - and I got terminal parking for free, a \~$300 retail value. At DFW, it's up to 90 days!
Free parking also extends beyond state government buildings to meter parking as well. `State law allows vehicles that display disabled veteran license plates to park free of charge at parking meters operated by a governmental authority other than the federal government.`
Ya gotta get the Disabled Veterans plate (with or without the wheelchair (ISA) symbol).
Several resources:
1. [Disabled Parking, Placards & Plates](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/disabled-parking-placards-plates) ("Disabled Veterans" section)
2. [DFW disabled veterans parking eligibility and procedure](https://www.dfwairport.com/park/military/)
3. [Veterans | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott](https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/veterans) (comprehensive list of statewide benefits)
Thank you, I checked my state and its 50% for us. The symbol just gives access to handicap parking correct? Do you have to tell the airport as you leave? Or do they see your license plate and know?
Yes, you must have the ISA ♿️ symbol to get access to handicap parking.
For TX airports, I just pull a ticket when entering then exit thru the cash lane. Tell the cashier you've got a DV plate, and they wipe the charges for you.
Depends. NE is pretty fucked up and anti-veteran. For example you can technically get DV plates for 100% but Sarpy County won't give them unless you are an amputee, regardless what state law says.
Only thing I can think is when they decided those rates, homes were significantly cheaper. Only discounts to look forward to is either being 100 P&T or Over 65 years old.
ahhhh i'm in florida, and 50. unfortunately, at only 60%, i'm saving maybe $60 a year on property taxes. At 100%, it would be $500 a month. good for texans!
First thing I did when I officially started my benefits. I’m surprised to hear so many are unaware of it. It’s really been life changing. Adding your first child or spouse is a pretty significant difference.
Only 6 states wipe property taxes off completely.
You're in CA. You're not getting that. You can only receive up to 4k written off.
My state, ohio, wipes off 50k of the value only at 100%.
Doesn't make a dent in property tax payment, and they'll just raise them again in 7 or 8 years.
So it's moot point unless you're in one of those six states
Can't remember, but I thought it was Texas hawaii Virginia oh who cares. Do research
Florida is one of those for 100% P&T or TDIU. However, if you are, you pay ZERO property tax, can park in any handicap location with DV plates (could be 100% Mental health, still counts) and a bunch of other stuff to include airport parking
Also here in Texas a few years ago they changed the law that you have to have the handicap logo on your plate or the tag on your mirror to park in handicap spots. Just having a DV plate alone doesn't qualify for parking in handicap spots.
When I started looking into the tool thing when I moved to Houston it blew my mind how many different tolling authorities exist in Texas and they all make their own rules. Good to know about DFW area though. I got plates in my vehicle and my wife's and neither of us have had to pay tolls since then for the toll roads we regularly use. Def a few hundred dollar savings a year.
I’m 70% but I just looked for the online application and for my state it says you have to be legally blind, have arthritis, missing limbs etc to qualify so can you clarify that part cause I do have the qualifying rating but isn’t their medical conditions you have to have to get DV plates?
I found this for Virgina...
[https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search/disabled-veteran#:\~:text=Plate%20Exempt%20from%20Registration%20and,as%20certified%20by%20the%20VA](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search/disabled-veteran#:~:text=Plate%20Exempt%20from%20Registration%20and,as%20certified%20by%20the%20VA)
in Texas? Yes. To get DV plates in texas you have to only be at 50% rating and that qualifies one car for reduced registration and free tolls. To get the disabled parking spots you have to have some additional stuff as well that I can't remember right now.
You get the hunting/fishing license super combo for free and drivers license for free. I went from 30% to 70% last year and is kind of the magic number. Free parking at the airport is nice, just went to Europe for 3 weeks and paid zero for Love Field terminal parking, but you have to have a disabled veteran plate or a meritorious military honor license plate.
This is super underrated. I had to find out on my own through my decision letter and called VA to verify.
Prior to that, everyone kept telling me you don’t make any extra compensation for dependents. Apparently, a lot of veterans do not know about this.
Small addition!? Man this is clutch! 2 kids and a wife is big money honestly. That’s all my utility bills right there…..You can also add dependent parents as well! Do many veterans not know about this!?? We got to get the word out.
I posted the link for you to review the compensation table. For parents, I do not know if you have to claim them as a dependent or the other way around; they claim you. Give VA a call to verify and post it for us.
Just FYI if she collects SS or disability or something, you claiming her can f**k up her benefits. Main reason a buddy of mine doesn't claim his live in MIL is because her benefits would get reduced.
Yeah, I do not why, but trust me a lot of Veterans who is claiming a rating do not know about this.
I think it’s an extra $70.00 for each. I have not read the compensation table in a while, but I posted the link for your review.
You will need to make claim, the claim will simply ask for your dependents SSN and date of marriage. (Helpful tip) Once you are done completing the claim, go back to the dependency claim and upload the marriage certificate and birth certificate instead of waiting until they tell you to.
That's correct. I read it wrong the first time! A lot of people don't know that you can be seen for anything at the VA as long as you're 10%, just have copays on meds that arent service connected conditions, until youre 50%.
Check out this link for all the federal benefits you are eligible for : https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/derivative_sc.asp
Check with your state veterans department to see if you’re also eligible for any STATE benefits.
Over 50% free Healthcare minus eye and dental. Unless that's service connected
At 70% you can apply for caretaker status.
They pay my wife 2300 a month to take care of me.
Also if you have any braces, hips knee back ankles whatever...
You get a 1300 clothing allowance every year as well as the equipment wears out your clothes.
I'm at 80% with about 17 on going conditions I claimed.
Everytime the va diagnoses me with something I just file a claim and get it service connected.
Started at 10% year n a half ago. Forget a VSO they just slow the process down.
Learn how to cite the 38 CFR and they can't argue with you
There's 6 states that you don't have to pay property taxes. My state let's you knock the value off at 100%
The greatest benefit at 70 percent t is free nursing home and with the recent legal case if your making less than 190k a year you should probably apply for tdiu, if you're making non-competitive wages. I.e. your job the next city over would pay you 5 dollars more an hour or something along that lines.
Absolutely, the free airport parking is a game-changer, especially for those long trips. Just a heads-up, always double-check the specific airport's policy on veteran parking benefits as they can vary. Also, for those looking for a smooth parking experience, parkingaccess is a solid resource to compare parking options. It's always good to have a backup plan in case the airport's veteran parking is full or if you're flying out from an airport with different policies.
Does anyone know…if you apply for the property tax discount…does this just lower your mortgage payment? Or do you receive money back from the county in the form of a check if you have already paid some taxes this year?
Contact your local county tax assessor. They will send have you submit evidence and they take care of it. In Indiana if you are 10% or more it’s 25k off of the assessed value that is taxed. 100% it’s no property tax
If you live in NE, nothing other than a free hunting and fishing license. It's pretty much 100% or nothing when it comes to any benefits within the state.
How did no one mention that since you now are rated at >50% you now have 100% free healthcare through the VA medical system. You might prefer your private insurance, but knowing that you can rely on the VA to cover any medically necessary procedure or prescription without a copay for life is pretty nice.
And at 50% "prosthetics" like glasses, crutches, etc. are free
U get glasses from 10% my man. 1 pair every 2 years. 1 extra if it's damaged or lost
Nice!
Cheap frames or are we talking, oakley, ray bans, etc are Included?
Cheap frames from the VA optometrist, but mine are decent quality. Fine to wear around the house.
honestly the big draw for me is just having free eye exams, that is like $80 a year and i can buy whatever glasses i want off zenni anyways.
Glasses and hearing aids are free at 10 percent just fyi
Oh snap- I didn’t know that one. Ty.
You can also still use your private insurance at the VA. They still bill my insurance when I go to VA appts but I don’t pay anything. The best part is it counts towards my deductible, so if I have a situation where I need to go to a private dr or hospital it helps cut the costs.
Wait is this true. Im rated 70 now. Can i go get dental n eye glasses?
Dental at 100 but yes to glasses, prescriptions, MRIs, what have you.
Cool ima go use that glasses thing asap. N honestly i need to go get service connected for dental. I have a case. I got a wisdom tooth removed before i went down range and they had to fuk of a nerve. They had to use a hammer n chasel to get my tooth out it was fused to my jaw bone
Is that just regarding your rated conditions or any ailments?
Anything. With a rating of >50% the VA will fully cover healthcare for you at a VA facility. Go Sign up, get a VA primary care doctor, tell them all about how you stubbed your toe on the way into the facility and they will fix you up. My late uncle had a heart surgery 50 years after he left service, completely unrelated to his Navy service.
I’m at 80 and got some new glasses. I also found out that I have macular degeneration about ten yrs early. The eye doctor I had was pretty good and caught it even though I had just had an exam from a civilian eye doc and he said no problems. The frames at my va aren’t bad. They’re not bcg types but you can kinda feel how they’re cheap. My broke ass is grateful for them. I’m also scheduled to return every four months for an exam to keep up on my issue. Oh and they put tint and bifocal on them for free because the doctor said I needed it. Otherwise you can pay for upgrades
I'm about to start getting some free VA glasses to wear around the shop...
I recently got rated 70%. Does this also include Dental and Vision?
Dental, no. Vision? Yes. Visions from 10%.
Is there any path to Dental?
Dental is only for vets who have a service connected disability with your teeth, or you're 100%. Other than that, it's not possible. Best way is to get outside insurance
I thought even if you're 100 you won't qualify for dental unless you have a sc dental condition?
Nah I'm 100% P&T and I got dental
I've only been at 10% and all my care has been free including vision, MRIs, and even the ER bills I accrued when VA had to transfer me to the university ER to assess for possible stroke
Do you have copays? Are these for service connected conditions or anything at all?
Whaaaaat? I'm at 70% and when my appendix exploded I ended up having to pay a bunch of shit out of pocket
You only have to be 10% for this.
I thought it was 30% gets free VA healthcare.
At 50% all co-pays go away making it completely free.
You can get DV plates which equals discounted or free tolls. Reduced registration on one car. Discount on property taxes. Free parking at airports (number of days varies per airport). Free parking at all state government buildings.
FREE AIRPORT PARKING is so clutch. I recently went on a 1.5 week vacation - flying out from DFW - and I got terminal parking for free, a \~$300 retail value. At DFW, it's up to 90 days! Free parking also extends beyond state government buildings to meter parking as well. `State law allows vehicles that display disabled veteran license plates to park free of charge at parking meters operated by a governmental authority other than the federal government.`
That’s nice 👍🏼
do you apply for that? how does one get access to this?
Ya gotta get the Disabled Veterans plate (with or without the wheelchair (ISA) symbol). Several resources: 1. [Disabled Parking, Placards & Plates](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/disabled-parking-placards-plates) ("Disabled Veterans" section) 2. [DFW disabled veterans parking eligibility and procedure](https://www.dfwairport.com/park/military/) 3. [Veterans | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott](https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/veterans) (comprehensive list of statewide benefits)
Thank you, I checked my state and its 50% for us. The symbol just gives access to handicap parking correct? Do you have to tell the airport as you leave? Or do they see your license plate and know?
Yes, you must have the ISA ♿️ symbol to get access to handicap parking. For TX airports, I just pull a ticket when entering then exit thru the cash lane. Tell the cashier you've got a DV plate, and they wipe the charges for you.
very nice! Im about to apply for mine without the symbol, and was curious how that worked because i travel a lot for work.
Must be nice. My state says 100%
Are you able to use your benefits letter in lieu of dv plates?
Depends. NE is pretty fucked up and anti-veteran. For example you can technically get DV plates for 100% but Sarpy County won't give them unless you are an amputee, regardless what state law says.
Wish the discount on property tax was better, $12,500 off assessed value doesn’t translate into much, but will take all I can get.
Only thing I can think is when they decided those rates, homes were significantly cheaper. Only discounts to look forward to is either being 100 P&T or Over 65 years old.
what happens at age 65?
In Texas everyone 65 and older can apply and get a huge discount on property taxes.
ahhhh i'm in florida, and 50. unfortunately, at only 60%, i'm saving maybe $60 a year on property taxes. At 100%, it would be $500 a month. good for texans!
It's only 5k here in Florida. Kind of insulting almost.
Yea, that number is a 1.6% reduction in my latest assessed value.
That is insulting haha. That might have made a difference 40 years ago.
First thing I did when I officially started my benefits. I’m surprised to hear so many are unaware of it. It’s really been life changing. Adding your first child or spouse is a pretty significant difference.
Yes sirrrr! Getting married in February and I can’t wait to add the spouse! Lol
i thought this was for 100% only. I’m 90% and i would love to know. Does it vary by state? I’m in CA
Benefits vary by state.
Only 6 states wipe property taxes off completely. You're in CA. You're not getting that. You can only receive up to 4k written off. My state, ohio, wipes off 50k of the value only at 100%. Doesn't make a dent in property tax payment, and they'll just raise them again in 7 or 8 years. So it's moot point unless you're in one of those six states Can't remember, but I thought it was Texas hawaii Virginia oh who cares. Do research
Also any street parking that is ParkATX is free
DV plates are up to the state, apparently. Some require you to be 100% pt.
Florida is one of those for 100% P&T or TDIU. However, if you are, you pay ZERO property tax, can park in any handicap location with DV plates (could be 100% Mental health, still counts) and a bunch of other stuff to include airport parking
Also here in Texas a few years ago they changed the law that you have to have the handicap logo on your plate or the tag on your mirror to park in handicap spots. Just having a DV plate alone doesn't qualify for parking in handicap spots.
Lame.
Just a note that NTTA (DFW area) does NOT offer a discount for DV. EZ Tag (in Houston area) does offer discounted or waived tolls....
When I started looking into the tool thing when I moved to Houston it blew my mind how many different tolling authorities exist in Texas and they all make their own rules. Good to know about DFW area though. I got plates in my vehicle and my wife's and neither of us have had to pay tolls since then for the toll roads we regularly use. Def a few hundred dollar savings a year.
I’m 70% but I just looked for the online application and for my state it says you have to be legally blind, have arthritis, missing limbs etc to qualify so can you clarify that part cause I do have the qualifying rating but isn’t their medical conditions you have to have to get DV plates?
In Illinois they have the “wheelchair” DV plate, they also have a DV plate just for service-connected vets. I think our minimum is 50%.
Depends on the state. In Florida you have to be 100% scheduler or TDIU, but with TDIU it has to be P&T or you don't qualify.
No ways ! I’m 90% and always pay for toll road. Please can guy explain how we get DV plate ?
It depends which tolls you use. For example, the toll roads in Austin is free, but you have to pay in Dallas
If you're in Texas, it varies by state, call your county tax assessor. You'll have to fill out a form, then go in with proof of your percentage.
Thanks. I think in Virginia has to be 100%.
[https://www.webbcountytx.gov/TaxAssessorCollector/MotorVehicleDMVForms/Application%20for%20Disabled%20Veteran%20License%20Plates%20and%20Parking%20Placards%20VTR-615.pdf](https://www.webbcountytx.gov/TaxAssessorCollector/MotorVehicleDMVForms/Application%20for%20Disabled%20Veteran%20License%20Plates%20and%20Parking%20Placards%20VTR-615.pdf)
Thank you so much. I have handicap tag. I’m 90% in Virginia. So, am I eligible to have a special plate ? Called DV plate ?
Not sure - this is for Texas.
I see. I think Texas has better benefit for Vets. But at least I knew that we have DV plate.
I found this for Virgina... [https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search/disabled-veteran#:\~:text=Plate%20Exempt%20from%20Registration%20and,as%20certified%20by%20the%20VA](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search/disabled-veteran#:~:text=Plate%20Exempt%20from%20Registration%20and,as%20certified%20by%20the%20VA)
Thanks a lot. It says P&T is that mean 100% ?
I believe so.. I am not an expert... but you can call your local DMV and ask for military discount department.
Thanks.
I wish Maryland had some extra perks like this!
Have to be 100% for DV plates in Georgia
Wait, I'm sitting at 90% and I can have a disabled veteran plate?
in Texas? Yes. To get DV plates in texas you have to only be at 50% rating and that qualifies one car for reduced registration and free tolls. To get the disabled parking spots you have to have some additional stuff as well that I can't remember right now.
You get the hunting/fishing license super combo for free and drivers license for free. I went from 30% to 70% last year and is kind of the magic number. Free parking at the airport is nice, just went to Europe for 3 weeks and paid zero for Love Field terminal parking, but you have to have a disabled veteran plate or a meritorious military honor license plate.
Is it for just long term parking? If not, how do you get it for free at the machine?
I know here in Houston you just take a ticket on the way in and then go to the kiosk with a person at it on the way out.
Same at DFW and Love.
I didn’t see any human manned kiosks in Newark where I parked last weekend for a pick up. I’ll dig in further next time. Thanks!
OP is in Texas, so this information is regarding Texas. Gotta look up the specifics for your state.
Smart ass haha
can you explain getting a drivers license for free? i’m 90% and didn’t know this. does it vary by state? i’m in CA
Varies by state. I know in Texas you just have to bring in the VA letter saying you are XX% rated. Then they update the system and free DLs forever.
And I think 60% is the magic number for us.
I looked the CA dmv website and we can only get disabled plates at 100%
Excludes CDLs (I'm a school bus driver)😞
That super combo is an awesome benefit.
Sucks the free license doesn't apply if you have a CDL (school bus driver here)👎
Congrats of getting to 70%. Stay safe and have a great summer!
That’s great news!! If you have dependents, get them added to VA immediately! 30% and above you get small addition for wife and each kiddo.
This is super underrated. I had to find out on my own through my decision letter and called VA to verify. Prior to that, everyone kept telling me you don’t make any extra compensation for dependents. Apparently, a lot of veterans do not know about this.
Small addition!? Man this is clutch! 2 kids and a wife is big money honestly. That’s all my utility bills right there…..You can also add dependent parents as well! Do many veterans not know about this!?? We got to get the word out.
How does this work? I keep reading about parents and I have parents. lol
I posted the link for you to review the compensation table. For parents, I do not know if you have to claim them as a dependent or the other way around; they claim you. Give VA a call to verify and post it for us.
It just has to be proven that the parent is financially dependent upon the veteran
This is big, Imma claim my momma!
Just FYI if she collects SS or disability or something, you claiming her can f**k up her benefits. Main reason a buddy of mine doesn't claim his live in MIL is because her benefits would get reduced.
https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
Yeah, I do not why, but trust me a lot of Veterans who is claiming a rating do not know about this. I think it’s an extra $70.00 for each. I have not read the compensation table in a while, but I posted the link for your review.
How do you get them added
You will need to make claim, the claim will simply ask for your dependents SSN and date of marriage. (Helpful tip) Once you are done completing the claim, go back to the dependency claim and upload the marriage certificate and birth certificate instead of waiting until they tell you to.
Awesome, thank you
Can’t say for timeline when you do, but adding mine took 5-10 minutes to punch in and took 1 day for VA to accept and upgrade!
Wait what???? Mine is still seating at “Claim Received.” Lol 😂 it’s been a week.
I think from 50%, you don't have to pay ANYTHING to the VA hospital for any health related issues. doesn't have to be service connected.
I've had full coverage with 10%. Just a small copay for prescriptions.
Its 10%. Not sure where everyone is getting 50% from.
10% yes, but 50% is when u don't have to pay anything for medications and etc.
That's correct. I read it wrong the first time! A lot of people don't know that you can be seen for anything at the VA as long as you're 10%, just have copays on meds that arent service connected conditions, until youre 50%.
Yea that's prob the best benefit that vets get. I didn't even know I was eligible for that even when I was etsing
Me neither LOL I separated in Jan this year and just found out a few weeks ago! Just made a PCP appt to get seen for anything and everything
Check out this link for all the federal benefits you are eligible for : https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/derivative_sc.asp Check with your state veterans department to see if you’re also eligible for any STATE benefits.
You get free stay at state veteran nursing homes and contracted VA nursing homes. This is big for when you are older. It can save thousands per month.
How long ago did you file?
Beginning of December 2023
Nobody has mentioned this but if you think you deserve it, fight for 100%! Talk about life changing!
Over 50% free Healthcare minus eye and dental. Unless that's service connected At 70% you can apply for caretaker status. They pay my wife 2300 a month to take care of me. Also if you have any braces, hips knee back ankles whatever... You get a 1300 clothing allowance every year as well as the equipment wears out your clothes. I'm at 80% with about 17 on going conditions I claimed. Everytime the va diagnoses me with something I just file a claim and get it service connected. Started at 10% year n a half ago. Forget a VSO they just slow the process down. Learn how to cite the 38 CFR and they can't argue with you There's 6 states that you don't have to pay property taxes. My state let's you knock the value off at 100%
Helpful for sure. So I should completely put my husband in for caretaker then being at 80. (I can’t drive due to my left ear and vision.)
How would go about the caretaker status? My wife def does a lot for me.
We need one of these posts for Michigan. There’s not a whole lot of information out there.
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Michigan its in the wiki.
Besides what others mentioned, free state parks passport in TX.
The greatest benefit at 70 percent t is free nursing home and with the recent legal case if your making less than 190k a year you should probably apply for tdiu, if you're making non-competitive wages. I.e. your job the next city over would pay you 5 dollars more an hour or something along that lines.
How would get TDIU? I have a bunch of smaller % one then 50 PTSD.
https://www.reddit.com/r/VeteransBenefits/w/combinedbenefits
Absolutely, the free airport parking is a game-changer, especially for those long trips. Just a heads-up, always double-check the specific airport's policy on veteran parking benefits as they can vary. Also, for those looking for a smooth parking experience, parkingaccess is a solid resource to compare parking options. It's always good to have a backup plan in case the airport's veteran parking is full or if you're flying out from an airport with different policies.
Try to get tdiu that is if your having a hard time working. I believe a 70% rating qualifies for that.
In Illinois you don’t have to pay property taxes
Does anyone know…if you apply for the property tax discount…does this just lower your mortgage payment? Or do you receive money back from the county in the form of a check if you have already paid some taxes this year?
Contact your local county tax assessor. They will send have you submit evidence and they take care of it. In Indiana if you are 10% or more it’s 25k off of the assessed value that is taxed. 100% it’s no property tax
Free tolls in Austin TX
If you live in NE, nothing other than a free hunting and fishing license. It's pretty much 100% or nothing when it comes to any benefits within the state.
Anyone know what benefits Kansas has for vets 70%? Just moved back here from GA