Do most Veterans use the VA?

No, not most veterans use the VA for all their needs, but around half use at least one VA benefit or service, with healthcare being the most common, though many also use private care. Utilization varies, with younger veterans, lower-income vets, and those with service-connected conditions or no other insurance relying more heavily on VA healthcare, while many others blend VA and private services.

What percentage of Veterans use the VA?

Approximately 50% (9.2 out of 18.3 million) of all Veterans used at least one VA benefit or service in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, an increase of 12 percentage points (38% or 8.8 out of 23.1 million) since FY 2010 (1).

Do all Veterans get to use the VA?

Fact: VA healthcare is available to all eligible Veterans, not just those who served in combat. Eligibility is based on factors such as length of service, discharge status, and other considerations. Veterans are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for VA healthcare benefits.

Does the VA actually help Veterans?

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs oversees VA in its mission to provide health, education, disability, funerary, and financial benefits earned by Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Do Veterans trust the VA?

This new data builds on other encouraging recent surveys of Veterans about VA trust. Another recent survey revealed that Veteran trust in VA outpatient care increased to 91.8%, which is also an all-time high. As trust in VA has increased, so has the number of Veterans who use VA services.

VA and Medicare (what Veterans need to know)

Is the VA a broken system?

Despite its abundant funds, the Department of Veterans Affairs has consistently failed to provide adequate care for veterans. The VA's claims system is a bureaucratic disaster, often leaving veterans waiting months or even years for benefits.

What is the VA 60% rule?

Understanding the VA Disability Rating System

A 60% rating suggests a substantial disability that affects the Veteran's quality of life but is less severe than ratings of 70% or higher.

Why does VA deny so many claims?

The VA denies many claims primarily due to insufficient evidence, especially a lack of a clear service connection (nexus) linking the disability to military service, a missing or unclear current diagnosis, and errors or incomplete information on forms. Veterans often fail to provide enough detailed medical records, missing crucial documentation like nexus letters from doctors or failing to attend mandatory Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams, which are key reasons for initial rejections, even with the VA's duty to assist. 

Do veterans get free McDonald's?

McDonald's does not offer a national or blanket discount among all stores. However, they request veterans to inquire about special military discounts at their local McDonald's as franchisees often offer a Veterans Day discount.

How much does the CEO of the VA make?

How much does a Chief Executive Officer make at US Department of Veterans Affairs? The estimated average salary for a Chief Executive Officer at US Department of Veterans Affairs is $331,977 per year or $160 per hour, but some professionals have reported earning up to roughly $607,517 per year (90th percentile).

Why don't all Veterans get free healthcare?

Income Thresholds

The VA uses a system of priority groups. Veterans with higher incomes, or those without service-connected disabilities, may be denied if they fall outside the VA's eligibility limits.

Do Veterans get free iPads with the VA?

The VA program gives qualifying veterans cellular-enabled iPads to access telehealth services; it currently helps more than 50,000 vets across the country virtually connect to VA health care services. It has recently been expanded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can Veterans go outside the VA?

As a Veteran, you may be eligible to get care outside VA. This means we'll pay for the cost of your care from a health care provider in our community care network. Keep reading on this page to find out if you're eligible for community care. Note: You can still always choose to get care at a VA health facility.

What is the hardest VA claim to get?

Hearing loss is the #1 heartbreaker because VA rates strict audiogram numbers (not real-life struggle), and many other claims (aggravation of pre-service conditions, sleep apnea, chronic pain post-Saunders, PTSD/MST, Gulf War MUCMI, mild TBI, non-presumptive toxic exposures, dental compensation, and substance abuse ...

What is the veteran 70 40 rule?

The VA 70/40 rule is a guideline for veterans to qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% disability rate even if their combined rating is lower, allowing them to receive full benefits if their service-connected conditions prevent substantial work. To meet this rule, a veteran needs at least one condition rated 40% or higher, and a combined rating of 70% or more, with at least two service-connected disabilities. 

Is Chick-fil-A free for the military?

Ask if your nearest Chick-fil-A location offers a military discount. Participating locations usually offer active duty military and veterans a daily 10% discount and one free meal on Military Appreciation Days.

Does Ikea have a Veterans Day discount?

Active US military and veterans - get 15% OFF!!! #veteransday

IKEA Family offer 15%f off % Active U.S. military & veterans.

Can veterans get free money?

The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist with daily necessities in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required.

What is the hardest disability to prove?

Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove

• Mental Health Conditions. Mental illness stands as one of the most prevalent causes of disability, yet its impact is often underestimated or misunderstood. ...
• Chronic Pain Disorders. ...
• Fibromyalgia. ...
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ...
• Autoimmune Disorders.

What is the largest VA back pay ever?

While there's no official "largest ever" record, some of the biggest VA back pays involve hundreds of thousands of dollars for long-denied claims, with Korean War veteran Thomas Nielson receiving over $720,000 (including $663,000 in back pay) after appealing for decades, and other reported cases exceeding $500,000 for extended periods of delayed benefits. These massive sums result from high disability ratings combined with long delays, often spanning decades, before approval, with the effective date being crucial for calculating the large lump sum. 

What not to say VA claim?

Honesty is Crucial

Don't minimize your symptoms! During the exam, it's imperative not to downplay your symptoms. Saying you're “fine” or not detailing your struggles can lead to an inaccurate assessment of your condition. Be open and honest about the severity of your symptoms and provide detailed descriptions.

What is the VA 5-year rule?

The VA 5-Year Rule protects veterans' disability ratings, stating that if a rating stays the same for five years, the VA cannot lower it without clear evidence of sustained, significant improvement in the condition under normal conditions, not just a single exam. This rule makes ratings "stabilized," providing a crucial safeguard against arbitrary reductions, though the VA can still review the condition and order exams if they suspect material change, requiring strong medical proof to justify lowering benefits.
 

What is the VA 1 percent rule?

The VA 1% rule limits the VA lender's origination fee to a maximum of 1% of the loan amount, covering their processing, underwriting, and origination costs, and if they take that flat fee, they can't add separate non-allowable overhead charges; it's a safeguard to keep VA loans affordable, distinct from the separate VA Funding Fee or third-party costs like appraisals. 

What are the changes to VA disability in 2025?

VA disability changes for 2025 include a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increasing payments, with significant proposed changes to rating schedules for hearing, respiratory, mental health, and neurological conditions (like removing tinnitus as a standalone) potentially affecting future claims, plus the PACT Act continues to expand eligibility for toxic exposure benefits, while new legislation ties VA benefits more closely to Social Security COLA for automatic increases.