Choose your VA disability rating to see the federal and Colorado benefits it opens, and where to apply for each one.
Choose your rating to see the benefits it opens and where to apply for each one.
Rates effective December 1, 2025, for a Veteran with no dependents. Payments are tax-free. See every rate, with dependents (opens in a new tab)
Depends on service history and income
Many Veterans qualify for VA health care without a disability rating, based on service dates, combat service, exposures or income. Applying takes about 30 minutes.
Apply for VA health care (opens in a new tab)Any service-connected rating
Care for your service-connected conditions has no copay. Your priority group, which decides costs for other care, depends on your income and service history.
Apply for VA health care (opens in a new tab)10% or 20% rating
No copay for care of your service-connected conditions. Other care and prescriptions may have copays.
Apply for VA health care (opens in a new tab)30% or 40% rating
No copay for care of your service-connected conditions, and a higher place in line for enrollment than groups 3 through 8.
Apply for VA health care (opens in a new tab)50% or higher, or unemployability
No copays for any VA care or prescriptions, service-connected or not.
Apply for VA health care (opens in a new tab)30% or higher
VA reimburses mileage to and from VA health appointments and approved community care. Below 30%, trips for a service-connected condition still qualify.
File for travel pay (opens in a new tab)100% rating, or paid at 100% for unemployability
Full dental care through VA, not only for service-connected dental problems.
Dental care on VA.gov (opens in a new tab)70% or higher, or 60% with unemployability
VA must provide nursing home care to Veterans in this group who need it, in a VA community living center or a contracted home.
Long-term care on VA.gov (opens in a new tab)For Veterans without a rating yet
If an injury or illness started or got worse during service, a claim is how you get a rating. Submitting an intent to file first holds your start date for up to one year while you gather records, so back pay can reach back to that date.
How to file on VA.gov (opens in a new tab)Any rating below 100%
If a rated condition has gotten worse, or a new one is linked to your service, you can file for an increase. A free accredited representative can tell you whether the evidence supports it before you file.
File for an increase (opens in a new tab)30% or higher
Your monthly payment goes up for a spouse, children under 18 (or under 23 in school) and dependent parents. VA only pays it once they are added to your award.
Add a dependent (opens in a new tab)Usually 60% or higher
If your service-connected conditions keep you from holding a steady job, VA can pay you at the 100% rate. It usually takes one condition rated 60%, or 70% combined with one condition at 40%.
Unemployability on VA.gov (opens in a new tab)Any service-connected rating, age 80 or younger
Whole life insurance with guaranteed acceptance and no health questions, up to $40,000 in $10,000 steps. There is no deadline to apply after your rating.
Apply for VALife (opens in a new tab)Military retirees rated 50% or higher
Receive your full military retired pay and your VA compensation together, with no offset. DFAS applies it automatically, so check your retiree account if it is missing.
CRDP at DFAS (opens in a new tab)Military retirees with a combat-related rating of 10% or higher
A tax-free monthly payment for retirees whose rated conditions came from combat, hazardous duty or training that simulates war. You apply through your branch, not VA.
CRSC at DFAS (opens in a new tab)100% rating, or unemployability
Federal student loans can be discharged in full. The Department of Education usually finds eligible Veterans through a VA data match, so check your loan account before applying.
Disability discharge at StudentAid.gov (opens in a new tab)100% permanent and total
Social Security moves disability claims from Veterans rated 100% permanent and total to the front of the line. Tell them about your rating when you apply.
Social Security for Veterans (opens in a new tab)10% or higher
Help choosing a career, paying for school or training, finding a job, or starting a business, with a counselor assigned to you.
Apply for VR&E (opens in a new tab)10% or higher
Ten points added to your score when you apply for federal jobs, and protection in layoffs.
Hiring preference at FedsHireVets (opens in a new tab)30% or higher
Federal agencies can hire you directly, without the usual competitive process. Ask hiring managers about the 30% or more disabled Veteran authority.
Special hiring at FedsHireVets (opens in a new tab)70% or higher
If you need in-person help with daily care for at least six months, a family caregiver can get a monthly stipend, training, counseling and health coverage.
Caregiver support (opens in a new tab)100% permanent and total, including P&T unemployability
Health insurance for your spouse and children who are not eligible for TRICARE. VA shares the cost of most care and prescriptions.
Apply for CHAMPVA (opens in a new tab)100% permanent and total, including P&T unemployability
Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) pays a monthly amount toward college, training or an apprenticeship.
Apply for Chapter 35 (opens in a new tab)10% or higher
The VA funding fee, usually 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan, is waived. On a $350,000 loan that can be more than $7,000.
Funding fee on VA.gov (opens in a new tab)Any service-connected rating
Shop at military commissaries and exchanges and use on-base recreation, using your Veteran Health Identification Card. You get the card by enrolling in VA health care.
Get a Veteran ID card (opens in a new tab)100% permanent and total
Fly on military aircraft when seats are open, within the United States and its territories.
AMC travel (opens in a new tab)All Veterans
A free lifetime pass to national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. Show a VA ID, a Veteran ID card or your driver's license with a Veteran mark.
Veterans pass at NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)100% permanent and total, or unemployability, Colorado
Half of the first $200,000 of your home's actual value is exempt from property tax. You apply once, by July 1, and it carries forward while you own and live in the home.
Apply with your county assessor (opens in a new tab)50% or higher, Colorado
The first set is free of registration fees and ownership tax, and the plates give free entry to Colorado state parks.
Military plates at Colorado DMV (opens in a new tab)50% or higher, Colorado
Free year-round entry to every Colorado state park, for residents.
Apply with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (opens in a new tab)60% or higher, resident for six months, Colorado
A free lifetime fishing license, or fishing and small game combined. Hunter education is still required for small game.
Apply with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (opens in a new tab)We have not mapped benefits for yet. Your state veterans affairs office can tell you about property tax relief, license plates, parks and hunting and fishing licenses. Find your state office (opens in a new tab)
Accredited Veteran Service Officers file claims and appeals for free. You never have to pay anyone to apply for VA benefits.
General information, checked October 2026. VA and each agency decide eligibility, and rules change. Confirm with the agency before you rely on a benefit.
