A Quick Look At 70 Percent Disabled Veteran Benefits By State

Understanding the range of benefits available to 70% disabled veterans at the state level is crucial, as each state offers unique support beyond federal assistance. This comprehensive guide explores these benefits, providing vital information for veterans and their families.

70% Disabled Veteran Benefits By State

State benefits for disabled veterans vary by state. Each state offers different benefits to veterans and their families. The benefits available to veterans depend on the state in which they reside.^[1] The VA also provides disability compensation to eligible veterans who were disabled during or because of their military service. The compensation rates for veterans with a 70% disability rating range from $1,995.01 to $2,241.91 per month, depending on the number of dependents. Veterans with a 70% disability rating may also qualify for other benefits, including VA health care benefits.

Specifics Of 70% VA Disability Rating

A 70% VA Disability Rating brings with it a significant set of benefits and compensation for veterans. As of December 1, 2023, the monthly compensation rate for veterans with a 70% disability rating is $1,716.27. This rate reflects an 8.7% increase from the previous year, signifying the importance and value of these benefits for veterans. It's important to note that this compensation is tax-free at both federal and state levels, ensuring that veterans receive the full benefit​​.

In addition to the monthly compensation, veterans with a 70% disability rating are eligible for additional benefits. These include:

• VA Health Care Benefits: Veterans in this category are placed in VA Health Care Priority Group 1, the highest priority group, which entitles them to receive all their health care services through VA without copays. This includes a broad spectrum of services like preventive, inpatient, mental health care, medical equipment, medication supplies, dental care, and emergency care at non-VA facilities under certain conditions​​​​.

• Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E): This program offers career services and counseling, including training, resume development, and other work-readiness assistance, to help veterans transition back into civilian life​​.

• VA Home Loan Guarantee Benefits: This benefit facilitates veterans in obtaining more favorable terms on mortgages when buying, repairing, or maintaining a home​​.

• Additional Compensation for Dependents: Veterans with a 70% disability rating who have dependents are eligible for additional monthly compensation. Dependents can include a spouse, dependent parents, children under 18, and children between 18 and 23 who are in school​​.

• Concurrent Retired and Disability Pay (CRDP): This benefit restores a veteran's service pay by eliminating the VA waiver​​.

• Social Security Benefits: Veterans with a 70% disability rating may also qualify for Social Security benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), depending on certain conditions​​​​.

• Training Programs Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill: Eligible veterans may qualify for various training programs like entrepreneurship training, flight training, higher education, and vocational/technical training​​.

For veterans seeking to increase their disability rating from 70% to a higher percentage, several avenues are available. These include filing for an appeal within VA’s deadlines, filing a new claim for an increased rating, filing for secondary service connection, or applying for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if they are unable to work due to their service-connected conditions​​​​​​.

State-Specific Benefits

State-specific benefits for disabled veterans, including those with a 70% VA disability rating, vary widely across the United States, such as California, Texas and Florida.^[2] Each state offers unique benefits beyond the federal level, tailored to the needs of its veteran residents. Some of the common state-specific benefits include:

• Property Tax Exemptions: Many states offer property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. The exemption amount and eligibility criteria can vary, with some states providing complete exemptions for 100% disabled veterans.

• Education Benefits: Several states offer education benefits, which may include free or reduced tuition at state colleges and universities.

• Employment Assistance: Many states provide help with employment, including job training and placement services. Some states also offer employment preferences for state jobs.

• Recreational Benefits: Disabled veterans in some states may be eligible for free hunting and fishing licenses. Some states also offer discounts or free access to state parks.

• Income Tax Waivers and Cash Bonuses: Some states offer income tax waivers or even cash bonuses to veterans who served during times of war.

• Health Care and Insurance Benefits: Depending on the state, disabled veterans might have access to additional health care benefits or insurance options.

• Vehicle and Driver's License Benefits: This could include free driver's licenses and special vehicle license plates.

• Other Unique Benefits: Some states may offer unique benefits like home improvement grants, reduced fare for public transportation, or assistance with utility costs.

Benefits By State

California

In California, disabled veterans with a 70% VA disability rating have access to several benefits:

• Property Tax Exemptions: There are exemptions for real or personal property, with two levels - basic and low-income - based on annual household income and property value.

• California Military Family Relief Fund: Provides short-term financial assistance to California National Guard members and their families affected by deployment.

• Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Waived: Certain disabled veterans may qualify for waived registration fees and free license plates.

• Business License, Tax, and Fee Waiver: Eligible veterans can receive waivers for business licenses and other fees.

• Employment Preference: Veterans have top eligibility for state employment upon passing required tests.

• Disabled Veteran State Contract Preference: This program aids disabled veteran-owned businesses in obtaining state contracts.

• Commercial Driver's License: Service members with relevant military experience may be exempt from certain testing requirements for obtaining a commercial driver's license.

• College Fee Waiver: Various plans offer tuition and fee waivers at state educational institutions for children and spouses of disabled veterans.

• Recreational Benefits: Reduced fees for fishing and hunting licenses and state parks passes are available for veterans with a certain level of disability.

• Veterans Cemeteries: Veterans and eligible dependents can receive professional burial services at state veterans cemeteries.

Florida

• Property Tax Exemptions: Veterans with at least a 10% VA disability rating are eligible for a $5,000 deduction on their home's assessed value. Additionally, 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans, as well as certain other categories of disabled veterans, can be exempt from paying property tax on their residence.

• Veterans Homes: Florida operates several veterans' nursing homes and an assisted living facility, providing housing, supportive services, and medical care. Eligibility includes an honorable discharge, Florida residency, and a certification of need for nursing home care by a VA physician.

• Financial Benefits: There are several financial benefits, including homestead exemptions and driver's license fee waivers for permanently and totally disabled veterans.

• Employment Benefits: Florida offers hiring preferences for government jobs to disabled veterans, wartime veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans. There's also a Military Veterans Certification Pathway for teaching positions.

• Educational Benefits: These include tuition waivers at state universities, community colleges, and training facilities for certain categories of veterans and their dependents. The state also provides educational opportunities for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability or are 100% service-connected totally and permanently disabled.

• Recreational Benefits: Discounts are available for state park admissions, hunting, and fishing licenses for active-duty, retired military Florida residents, and veterans with certain levels of service-connected disabilities.

Texas

• Texas Disabled Veteran Land Loans Financing: This program offers financing on land purchases up to $150,000 with a minimum 5% down payment and a fixed-rate 30-year loan term for disabled veterans.

• Recreational Benefits: Disabled veterans with at least a 60% VA disability rating can get a free Texas driver’s license or ID card. Those with a 50% or greater disability rating, or who have lost the use of a foot or leg due to service, are eligible for a free Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License each year. Additionally, disabled veterans with a 60% or more service-connected disability or loss of lower extremity can get free entry to Texas state parks.

• Texas Disabled Veterans Educational Assistance Program (Hazlewood Act): This benefit offers up to 150 hours of tuition-free college at state schools for qualified veterans, their spouses, and dependent children. It does not cover living expenses, books, or supply fees.

• Texas State Veterans Homes: Texas operates nine veterans homes across the state, providing affordable long-term care with costs based on income.

• Veteran Employment Benefits: Texas offers various employment resources for veterans, including job coaching, resume writing services, and the Work in Texas Veteran Jobs website that helps translate military skills to civilian jobs.

• Texas Veterans DMV Benefits: Disabled veterans with at least a 60% VA disability rating can obtain a free driver’s license or ID card. They can also get a free Super Combo Hunting and Fishing License each year.

• Veterans Home Improvement Program (VHIP): The VLB offers home improvement loans up to $50,000 for alterations, repairs, and improvements to the veteran's home.

• Veterans Preference and Military Time Credit Towards State Retirement: Texas provides employment preference for wartime veterans and allows non-retired veterans who are state employees to claim their active duty military time toward retirement.

Understanding 70% Disabled Veteran

The 70% disabled veteran benefits by state underscore the commitment of individual states to honor and support their veteran residents. With each state providing tailored benefits, it's essential for veterans and their families to be well-informed about the specific support available in their region. This guide aims to illuminate the varied landscape of state benefits, ensuring that veterans can fully utilize the resources and support they rightfully deserve for their service and sacrifice.

Find out more about veteran benefits with our guide on using the VA paycheck calculator. Visit Disability Help and explore our comprehensive resources to learn more.