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).

What percentage of Veterans receive VA disability?

After accounting for the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of veterans, the chance of Post-9/11 veterans having a service-connected disability increased from about 18% in 2008 to 31% in 2022.

Do Veterans prefer the VA?

“We at VA work to earn the trust of Veterans every day, in every part of the country, every time they come to us for their care,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We're proud that more than 91% of Veterans now trust VA health care, but we still have work to do.

How many Veterans actually use the GI Bill?

More than half (54%) of eligible enlisted military veterans used PGIB benefits to pay for their higher education between 2009 and 2019. That increases to 62% when counting veterans who transferred their GI Bill to their spouse or dependent and benefit use outside of higher education.

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.

VA and Medicare (what Veterans need to know)

How many Veterans don't use the VA?

In 2023 there were an estimated 18 million veterans, of that, 9 million were eligible for VA care, and only 6 million were using it. This gap isn't just a statistic; it represents real people battling mental health challenges, PTSD, and substance misuse, often in isolation.

Can all Veterans use the commissary now?

Do I need to apply for commissary and exchange privileges? You don't need to apply, but you'll need to have the right kind of ID at checkout. You can show your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or a letter from VA along with your passport or driver's license.

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.

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).

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?

And one of these must be true: You have at least 1 service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling, or. You have 2 or more service-connected disabilities, with at least 1 rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.

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 72 hour rule?

During a medical emergency, VA encourages all Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay. It is, however, important for you to promptly notify VA within 72 hours of a Veteran presenting to the your emergency room.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

§ 3.344, provides important protections for veterans whose disability ratings have been in place for five years or more. This rule prevents the VA from reducing a veteran's rating without clear and convincing evidence that the veteran's condition has improved under normal living conditions.

What is the largest VA back pay ever?

The strategy was successful and the VA capitulated and awarded $663,000 in retroactive pay for 20 years of back pay. “It's the largest award I have ever seen,” says Gang.

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.

Who is the highest paid VA employee?

In 2023 the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported 115,903 employees making more than $100,000 per year; the average salary was $76,425. The highest reported pay for the federal agency was $235,600 for Nancy Ziomek, Nurse.

What CEO raised salary to $70,000?

Dan Price slashed his own $1.1 million CEO salary so that everyone at his company would earn a minimum of $70,000 a year. He made the change after learning one of his employees was working full-time but couldn't afford rent. Critics called him naive and said that his company Gravity Payments would go out of business.

Is the VA privately owned?

All VA hospitals, clinics and medical centers are owned by and operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (as opposed to private companies), and all of the staff employed in VA hospitals are federal employees.

Can the VA take away 100%?

The possibility of losing a TDIU or P&T determination is a financial nightmare for many disabled veterans. Though it does so only rarely, the VA can take away 100 percent permanent and total disability status under certain conditions.

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.

What is the VA age 55 rule?

This rule generally provides a level of security for veterans who have reached the age of 55, as it makes it less probable for the VA to initiate a re-evaluation of veteran disability status.

What changes are coming to VA disability in 2025?

Under legislation known as the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025, cost-of-living increases for disability and survivor benefits will now automatically match Social Security every year without separate votes. That change began Dec. 1 and stops benefits from lagging behind inflation.

Can 100% disabled veterans use base gym?

Yes, just flash your blue ID at the main gate and likely the front desk at the gym.

Is it cheaper to shop at a military commissary?

Commissaries typically offer lower prices on groceries and household items compared to civilian supermarkets. This can result in at least 25% in overall savings for service members and their families, helping you stretch your budget further. It's never been easier to shop at commissaries.