If you’re a Veteran navigating the VA disability process and considering whether it’s worth pursuing a 70% disability rating, this guide is for you. Achieving this rating doesn’t just mean a higher monthly compensation, it opens the door to a range of additional benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life.
This blog will break down what a 70% VA disability rating means, the benefits you qualify for at this level (including those from lower ratings), and explain why, for many Veterans, it may be worth pursuing a higher rating if they feel their current rating doesn’t reflect their conditions.
What Does a 70% VA Disability Rating Mean?
The VA’s 70% disability rating signifies that the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes your service-connected disabilities significantly impact your ability to function. Compared to lower rankings, 70% provides substantial financial, healthcare, and other support.
If you believe your service-connected disability is making your life significantly harder, then it is absolutely worth putting in the time to get a higher rating.
Monthly Disability Compensation
At a 70% VA disability rating, your monthly monetary compensation increases dramatically compared to lower ratings. For 2025, this amount is approximately $1,759.19 for single Veterans, and it scales based on dependents you may have, such as a spouse, children, or parents.
These payments are tax-free and intended to provide financial relief for the ways your service-connected disabilities affect your life.
Access to Benefits for Lower Ratings
One of the significant advantages of achieving a 70% rating is retaining benefits offered at lower percentages, ensuring comprehensive support. These include, but are not limited to:
- Free Healthcare Through VA Facilities
Those with a 50% ranking qualify for VA Priority Group 1, and therefore receive free healthcare at VA hospitals and clinics, covering everything from primary care to specialist services. (Note: This includes vision care, but not all dental care is covered.)
- Free Medical Prescriptions
Those in VA Priority Group 1 also qualify for no copay on all medical prescriptions, not just ones relating to service-connected injuries. Feel confident that all your medicine, no matter what it’s treating, will be free.
- VA Home Loan Benefits
Use your VA loan benefits to purchase, refinance, or improve your home with favorable terms like no down payment and competitive interest rates.
- Education and Training Programs
Explore opportunities like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can help cover tuition, housing, and other education expenses for Veterans pursuing higher education or specialized training. Additionally, the VR&E program offers tailored support such as career counseling, job training, and skill-building designed to assist Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Enjoy continued access to commissaries and military exchanges, offering discounted goods and groceries.
Additional Benefits at 70% Disability Rating
When you cross the threshold of a 70% rating, new benefits and opportunities become available, many of which are exclusive or significantly expanded compared to lower ratings:
- Concurrent Receipt of Retirement Pay (CRDP)
If you’re receiving military retirement pay, achieving 70% unlocks eligibility for Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP). This allows you to receive both your full retirement pay and disability compensation without any offset. - Property Tax Exemptions
Several states provide property tax exemptions for Veterans with a 70% disability rating. The specifics depend on your location, but this benefit can bring significant financial relief. - Travel Allowance for Medical Appointments
To ensure that attending scheduled VA medical care or appointments with VA-authorized providers is affordable, the VA offers reimbursement for travel-related expenses. This benefit helps reduce the burden of managing transportation costs. - 10-Point Veteran Hiring Preference and Direct Hire Authority
When applying for federal jobs, a 70% disability rating grants you a 10-point hiring preference, giving you an edge in the competitive federal job market. Additionally, Direct Hire Authority expedites the hiring process, linking you directly with job opportunities that match your qualifications. - Additional Compensation for Dependents
Veterans with dependents, such as a spouse, child, or dependent parent, qualify for extra monthly compensation. If your spouse needs aid and attendance due to health limitations, you may also receive enhanced benefits. - Individual Unemployability (IU)
If your conditions prevent you from maintaining substantial employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability. This status provides compensation at the 100% disability rate, offering critical financial stability. - Dependents Educational Assistance Program
At the 70% rating, your dependents may qualify for the VA’s Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA), which offers substantial funding for schooling and training opportunities. - Clothing Allowance
If your disability requires prosthetics or mobility devices that regularly damage clothing, you may qualify for the VA’s annual clothing allowance.
Additional Benefits
While the benefits outlined here provide a broad overview, it’s important to note that VA benefits may change over time as policies are updated. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the VA Benefits Eligibility Matrix. This tool is a reliable resource that helps you stay informed about the latest benefits and eligibility requirements tailored to your specific situation. Checking it regularly can help you take full advantage of the support available to you and your family.
Is It Worth Pursuing a 70% Disability Rating?
For Veterans struggling with service-connected disabilities, taking the time to get a higher VA disability rating is worth it. The additional financial compensation, access to free healthcare, and expanded family benefits provide critical support and lay the foundation for a better quality of life.
The process of increasing your VA disability rating can be challenging. You’ll need to gather comprehensive evidence, secure medical opinions, and learn the proper filing process for the VA disability rating system. It can feel overwhelming, but remember, Veteran Ratings is here to help guide you through the process. We have been helping Veterans navigate the complex VA disability rating system for 8+ years now, and we are ready to make sure you have the best chance of success at your claim. Call us at (619) 916-4652, or fill out the form below for a no-obligation consultation.
