How many veterans have no benefits?

While millions of veterans use VA benefits, a significant number, potentially millions, do not receive benefits, with estimates suggesting around 9 million not enrolled in VA healthcare as of early 2025, and roughly half of all veterans using any VA service in FY 2023, meaning the other half receive none. Many factors contribute, including complex eligibility (especially for those with "other than honorable" discharges), application difficulty, and some veterans having sufficient private insurance or other resources.

What percentage of veterans receive benefits?

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).

How many veterans are 100% disabled?

While exact real-time numbers vary, roughly a quarter of rated veterans (around 1.5-2 million) receive 100% disability, but getting that rating is difficult, often requiring multiple conditions or unemployability, with tinnitus being the most common condition for any rating, according to Veterans Guide and DisabledVets.com, and Reddit users discussing the rarity of 100% ratings from single issues.
 

What percent of veterans struggle financially?

Among veteran families, 38.4% of respondents reported they have less than $500 in an emergency savings fund, or no fund at all. 80.7% of respondents indicated that their finances cause them at least some stress over the past 12 months.

Do all US veterans get benefits?

To be eligible for veterans benefits the applicant must meet the definition of a veteran, meet specified requirements for active duty and must have a discharge other than dishonorable. Reserve and Guard members are generally not eligible for benefits except under certain circumstances.

How Many US Veterans Have No Service Connected Benefits?

Why would a veteran not get VA benefits?

You're generally disqualified from VA benefits for a dishonorable discharge, injuries from your willful misconduct, being AWOL for extended periods, or lacking sufficient service connection or medical evidence, though "Other Than Honorable" (OTH) discharges get case-by-case reviews for potential access. Other factors include not meeting basic service requirements or failing to attend exams, with potential limitations from criminal convictions or felonies.
 

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 many veterans are jobless?

Veteran Unemployment Rate was 3.4% in November

In November 2025, the veteran unemployment rate was 3.4%, up from 2.7% the previous month and up from 2.8% the prior year. Also in November 2025, the comparable non-veteran unemployment rate was 4.5%, up from 4.4% the previous month and up from 4.2% the prior year.

Is $40,000 a year considered poverty?

Whether $40,000 a year is considered poverty depends heavily on your household size and location, but generally, it's well above the official poverty line for individuals and small families but can feel like poverty in high-cost areas or for larger families, as it's often considered lower-middle class, not poverty. For a single person in the contiguous U.S. in 2025, the poverty guideline is about $15,650; for a family of four, it's around $32,150, meaning $40k is above poverty, but proximity to the poverty line for larger families or high-cost states (AK/HI) makes it much tighter, with some federal programs using 130-200% of FPL to define "low income". 

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 ...

Can veterans get 200% disability?

No, you can't get 200 percent VA disability. Generally, the maximum VA disability benefit occurs with a 100 percent VA rating. However, VA SMC benefits can far exceed that depending on the unique circumstances of a veteran.

Can a millionaire get VA disability?

The law surrounding VA disability benefits remains the same, meaning your eligibility for benefits or the amount of benefits you will receive does not depend on how much money you make.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The VA 5-year rule protects veterans' disability ratings by preventing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) (VA) from reducing a rating that has been stable for five years or more, unless there's clear, convincing evidence of significant, sustained improvement in the condition, not just a single exam. This "stabilized rating" rule provides a safeguard, meaning the VA needs strong medical proof of lasting improvement, not just a routine re-evaluation, to lower benefits after this period, though changes due to fraud or complete recovery are exceptions. 

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. 

How much money do veterans get every month?

The amount of basic benefits paid ranges from $152.64 up to $3,332.86 per month for a single veteran with no dependents. You may be paid additional amounts in certain instances if: You have very severe disabilities or loss of limb(s) You have a spouse, child(ren), or dependent parent(s)

What is the $27.40 rule?

The $27.40 Rule is a personal finance strategy to save $10,000 in one year by consistently setting aside $27.40 every single day ($27.40 x 365 days = $10,001). It's a simple way to reach a large financial goal by breaking it down into small, manageable daily habits, making saving feel less intimidating and more achievable by cutting small, unnecessary expenses like daily coffees or lunches.
 

How many 60 year olds have no savings?

"New AARP Survey: 1 in 5 Americans Ages 50+ Have No Retirement Savings and Over Half Worry They Will Not Have Enough to Last in Retirement."

What is the 3 6 9 rule of money?

Those general saving targets are often called the “3-6-9 rule”: savings of 3, 6, or 9 months of take-home pay. Here are some guidelines to help you decide what total savings fits your needs.

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. 

What jobs do most veterans get?

Infantry veterans of the Army and Marine Corps primarily end up working in the administrative and support services, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors. Air Force veterans are primarily employed in professional services. Many Coast Guard veterans find employment in public administration.

What is the biggest problem for veterans?

Veterans struggle most with mental and physical health issues (PTSD, depression, TBI, chronic pain), transitioning to civilian life (loss of identity/purpose, finding meaningful work, lack of routine), and accessing support (benefits, care, community), often stemming from the traumatic experiences and structured environment of military service, leading to challenges in employment, relationships, and overall well-being. 

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 Walmart give discounts to veterans?

No, Walmart does not have a standing, nationwide discount for all veterans or military personnel; however, they support veterans through their hiring program, "Careers with a Mission," and offer special programs for employees and spouses, but the standard customer discount isn't available. Veterans can still save at Walmart through other means, like their Walmart+ membership or by taking advantage of regular rollbacks and sales. 

Does Target give veterans discount?

Yes, Target offers a 10% military discount twice a year, typically around Veterans Day (November) and the Fourth of July, for active-duty, veterans, National Guard, reserves, and their families, accessible through the Target Circle app by verifying military status for use on two separate transactions.