100 VA Disability Benefits Every Veteran Should Know in 2026

For millions of veterans across the United States, understanding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system is essential to accessing the financial, medical, and family support they’ve earned through service. In 2026, the VA continues to strengthen its network of disability entitlements, offering everything from tax-free monthly compensation to education, housing, and survivor benefits.

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This article serves as the most comprehensive 2026 guide to 100 VA disability entitlements available for veterans and their families. Whether you are a new applicant or already receiving benefits, these programs can dramatically improve your quality of life and financial security.

Overview of VA Disability Benefit Categories

Category	Type of Benefits	Examples
Financial & Compensation	Tax-free monthly payments	Disability pay, TDIU, SMC
Health & Medical	VA care, rehabilitation, equipment	Mental health, prosthetics
Housing & Grants	Home assistance	SAH, SHA, VMLI
Education & Career	Tuition, training	VR&E, DEA
Family & Survivors	Support for dependents	DIC, Caregiver benefits

A. Disability Compensation and Payments

1. Monthly service-connected disability compensation (10%–100%).
2. Additional pay for dependents (spouse, children, parents).
3. Retroactive back pay for approved claims.
4. Individual Unemployability (TDIU) at 100% rate.
5. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for severe conditions.
6. Aid and Attendance benefit for in-home care.
7. Housebound benefits for restricted mobility.
8. Temporary 100% rating for hospitalization over 21 days.
9. Temporary 100% rating for post-surgery recovery.
10. Compensation for secondary connected conditions.
11. Compensation for presumptive conditions (e.g., Agent Orange, burn pits).
12. 1151 Disability Compensation (VA medical negligence).
13. Clothing allowance for prosthetics or braces.

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B. VA Health Care Benefits

14. Comprehensive VA health care enrollment.
15. Priority access for 50–100% rated veterans.
16. Free medical care for service-connected conditions.
17. Mental health counseling (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
18. Substance use disorder treatment.
19. Home health care services.
20. Geriatric and long-term care.
21. Women veterans’ health services.
22. Specialty medical care (cardiology, neurology).
23. Telehealth and virtual VA appointments.
24. Prescription coverage for chronic conditions.
25. Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, CPAP machines).

C. Special Compensation and Allowances

26. Automobile allowance for disabled veterans.
27. Adaptive equipment for vehicles.
28. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant.
29. Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant.
30. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant.
31. Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).
32. Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI).
33. Burial allowance for funeral costs.
34. Headstone or marker provided at no cost.
35. Presidential Memorial Certificate.

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D. Education and Employment Programs

36. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program (Chapter 31).
37. Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35).
38. Post-9/11 GI Bill for higher education.
39. Montgomery GI Bill for reservists and active duty.
40. On-the-job training and apprenticeship programs.
41. Vocational counseling services.
42. Federal hiring preference for disabled veterans.
43. Job placement assistance through VA partners.
44. Certification and licensing exam reimbursement.
45. Education benefits transfer to dependents (certain ratings).

E. Insurance and Financial Protection

46. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).
47. Conversion from SGLI to VGLI coverage.
48. Premium waivers for totally disabled veterans.
49. TSGLI for traumatic injuries.
50. Mortgage protection through VMLI.
51. Financial counseling services.
52. Debt relief and hardship assistance programs.

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F. Housing and Adaptation Support

53. SAH Grant for new home construction or remodeling.
54. SHA Grant for accessibility modifications.
55. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) for family homes.
56. Property tax exemptions (varies by state).
57. Home improvement and structural alteration grants.
58. Rental assistance for disabled veterans (HUD-VASH).
59. Homeless veterans’ reintegration programs.
60. Home energy cost assistance (state programs).

G. Caregiver and Family Assistance

61. Comprehensive Family Caregiver Program (PCAFC).
62. Respite care for family caregivers.
63. Financial stipends for caregivers.
64. Peer support and caregiver training.
65. Counseling and family therapy support.
66. Health insurance for eligible caregivers.
67. Transportation reimbursement for medical appointments.

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H. Survivor and Dependent Benefits

68. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
69. Survivors Pension for low-income families.
70. Burial and funeral expense reimbursement.
71. Education benefits for children and spouses.
72. Health care through CHAMPVA.
73. Home loan guaranty for surviving spouses.
74. Commissary and Exchange privileges.
75. Gold Star Family recognition benefits.

I. Mental Health and Rehabilitation

76. PTSD treatment and counseling programs.
77. Substance abuse rehabilitation programs.
78. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation.
79. Chronic pain management therapy.
80. Sleep disorder treatment (including apnea).
81. Suicide prevention and crisis hotline access.
82. Peer support networks and group therapy.

J. Travel and Transportation

83. Travel reimbursement for VA appointments.
84. Disabled veteran vehicle registration benefits.
85. Parking permits and toll waivers.
86. Reduced public transportation fares.
87. Vehicle modification grants.
88. Free access to national parks and federal lands.

K. Recreation and Community Support

89. Adaptive sports programs (wheelchair games, Invictus).
90. Free or discounted hunting/fishing licenses.
91. Access to state and federal veteran recreation centers.
92. VA-sponsored wellness retreats.
93. National Veterans Creative Arts Festival participation.

L. State and Local Veteran Benefits

94. State-level tax breaks for veterans.
95. State tuition waivers for veterans and dependents.
96. Special veteran license plates.
97. Property tax deferrals for disabled veterans.
98. Local veterans assistance programs.
99. State housing and employment initiatives.
100. State-funded burial and memorial services.

Final Thoughts

The VA Disability Entitlements system in 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for veterans to receive support across financial, medical, educational, and family areas. Many of these programs overlap, meaning a single veteran could qualify for multiple benefits based on their rating, service years, and dependents.

Expert Perspective:

“Veterans often miss out on thousands of dollars in aid simply because they don’t know what’s available,” said Marcus Lee, Senior Veterans Claims Specialist. “The key to maximizing benefits is documentation and persistence.”

Frequently Asked Questions