60 Percent Disabled Veteran Benefits: A Quick Look

Veterans who have served our nation and have been impacted by service-related disabilities receive a range of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). One crucial aspect of these benefits is the VA disability rating system, which determines the level and type of benefits a veteran can receive.

This article offers an in-depth look into the 60% disabled veteran benefits, encompassing monthly compensation, medical care, housing adaptations, vocational services, educational and insurance benefits, and additional financial advantages. 

60% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Veterans with a 60% disability rating receive $1,361.88 per month, with increases for dependents. Beyond financial compensation, they also enjoy priority VA healthcare, vocational assistance, educational benefits for dependents, and potential access to special compensation, home loan benefits, property tax exemptions, and shopping privileges. Consult the VA or a veterans service organization for details and assistance filing claims. Here's a breakdown:

Monthly Compensation

For a veteran with a 60% disability rating and no dependents, the monthly VA disability benefit is $1,319.65. This amount can increase if the veteran has eligible dependents, such as a spouse, minor children, children over 18 in qualifying school programs, or the veteran’s parents. For instance, a veteran with a 60% rating and a dependent spouse receives $1,440.65 per month, and if they also have a dependent child, the amount goes up to $1,528.65 per month. These rates are adjusted annually to account for the cost of living​​.

Additionally, the VA provides detailed compensation rate tables for veterans with different dependent statuses and disability ratings, including those with a 60% rating. For example, a veteran with a 60% disability rating, one child, and a spouse would receive a monthly compensation of $1,677.88​​​​.

Medical Benefits

Veterans with a 60% disability rating are entitled to comprehensive medical benefits.^[1] This includes full-service health coverage with no copay for service-connected conditions. They also have access to free prescriptions and may receive a travel allowance for medical appointments​​.

Housing And Home Modification Benefits

60% disabled veterans have access to specialized housing grants through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These grants are designed to help veterans purchase, construct, or modify homes to suit their disability needs. The two primary grant programs are the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptation (SHA).^[2]

• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: This grant assists in building a specially adapted home on land to be acquired, remodeling an existing home, or applying the grant towards the unpaid mortgage balance of an adapted home. For the fiscal year 2024, the maximum amount available under the SAH grant is $117,014​​​​​​.

• Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant: This grant helps adapt an existing home, assists a veteran in purchasing an adapted home, or modifies a family member's home where the veteran resides. The maximum SHA grant amount for fiscal 2024 is $23,444​​​​​​.

• Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant: Available for veterans temporarily residing in a family member’s home that needs modifications. The TRA grant amounts for FY 2024 are up to $47,130 for those qualifying under SAH and up to $8,415 for those under SHA​​​​​​.

Employment And Vocational Benefits

60% disabled veterans have access to several employment benefits, including job training, career coaching, and resume preparation services. These are offered through VA's Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) services, aimed at helping veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. For veterans with severe disabilities impacting their ability to work, VR&E offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible​​.

Education And Insurance Benefits

60% disabled veteran benefits include Dependents Educational Assistance, which offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and disabled due to a service-related condition. CHAMPVA Medical Insurance is another crucial benefit that provides health care coverage to the spouse or child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability.

The Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) offers veterans and their beneficiaries safe, reliable, and inexpensive ways to receive and manage VA monetary benefits through financial services at participating banks and credit unions.

Additional Financial Benefits

Veterans with a 60% disability rating are also eligible for additional financial benefits. This includes increased compensation for dependents, such as a spouse, minor children, or a dependent parent. Veterans with disabilities may also be eligible for property tax exemptions, which vary by state and local regulations. These exemptions can significantly reduce the property tax a veteran pays for their primary residence.

The benefits for 60% disabled veterans are comprehensive and designed to improve their quality of life, offering substantial support in various aspects of daily living and long-term well-being. For more information and to apply for these benefits, veterans should contact their local VA office or visit the VA website.

Filing For 60% Disabled Veteran Benefits

Filing for disability benefits as a veteran with a 60% disability rating involves several important steps. The process can be initiated online, by mail, in person, or with the assistance of a trained professional.

1. Eligibility Check: Before starting your application, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for VA disability compensation. This typically involves having a service-connected disability that affects your daily life and ability to work.

2. Gathering Evidence: Collect all relevant supporting documents, including VA medical records, private medical records, and hospital reports that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries. Additionally, supporting statements from family members, friends, clergy members, law enforcement personnel, or fellow service members can be crucial. These should detail your claimed condition, how and when it happened, or how it worsened.

3. Filing The Claim: You can file a claim for disability compensation in the following ways:

   • Online: This is the fastest method and can be done by filling out VA Form 21-526EZ on the VA website.

   • By Mail: Send the completed VA Form 21-526EZ to the Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center in Janesville, WI.

   • In Person: Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.

   • By Fax: If in the U.S., fax your application to 844-531-7818. If outside the U.S., fax it to 248-524-4260.

   • With Accredited Representative: Work with a trained professional, such as an accredited representative, to get help filing your claim.

4. Submitting an Intent to File: If planning to file using a paper form, consider submitting an "intent to file" form first. This can protect your potential start date for benefits while you gather the necessary evidence. For online applications, the effective date is set automatically when you start filling out the form.

5. After Filing the Claim: Once your claim is filed, you don’t need to take any action unless requested by the VA. If exams are scheduled, ensure not to miss them. You can check your claim status online.

6. Decision Timeline: The average time for the VA to decide on a disability claim is around 148.76 days.

7. Need for a Fully Developed Claim (FDC): Submitting a Fully Developed Claim (FDC) can expedite the process. This involves submitting all supporting documents and evidence along with your claim.

8. Application Assistance: If you need assistance with your application or claim, you can find VA benefits offices, contact state Veterans Affairs Directors, or consult accredited Veterans Service Organizations for help.

9. Additional Information: For more detailed information and resources about VA disability compensation and the filing process, visit the official VA website.

Significance Of VA Disability Ratings

The VA disability rating system evaluates the extent of a veteran's service-connected injury or illness. Ratings are given in 10% increments, ranging from 0% to 100%. A 60% disability rating is assigned based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the veteran's ability to work. The determination is made after a thorough review of medical and military records.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VA determine a 60% disability rating?

The VA assigns a 60% disability rating based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the veteran's ability to work. This determination involves a thorough review of the veteran's medical and military records.

Can 60% disabled veterans access special monthly compensation?

Yes, veterans with specific severe disabilities may qualify for special monthly compensation in addition to their regular compensation.

What housing loan benefits are available for 60% disabled veterans?

These veterans may qualify for the VA home loan program, which offers benefits like no down payment, lower interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance.

Are there any educational benefits for the dependents of a 60% disabled veteran?

Yes, Dependents Educational Assistance provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition.

How do 60% disabled veterans apply for the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)?

Veterans can enroll in the VBBP through participating banks and credit unions, which offer services to manage VA monetary benefits safely and efficiently.

What are the steps involved in applying for housing grants like SAH and SHA?

Veterans need to fill out and submit VA Form 26-4555 for the SAH or SHA grant and can apply online through eBenefits, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office.

Availing 60% Disabled Veteran Benefits

The benefits for veterans with a 60% disability rating are extensive and vital, offering much-needed support in various life aspects. From financial assistance to healthcare, housing adaptations, and educational benefits, these provisions play a crucial role in enhancing our nation's heroes' quality of life and independence. Veterans seeking these benefits should engage with the VA, ensuring they leverage the full extent of support available to them. The commitment to serving our veterans reflects the nation's gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Veterans are encouraged to consult their local VA office or visit the VA website for detailed guidance and application processes.

Find out more about veteran benefits with our guide on how to file a VA claim for Disability Compensation. Visit Disability Help and explore our comprehensive resources to learn more.