40% VA Disability Rating
Benefits & Compensation (2026)
A 40% VA disability rating represents a moderate, well-documented level of service-connected disability — and it carries a strategic importance most veterans don’t realize. Beyond paying more than 30% and including dependent compensation, a 40% rating is a critical building block for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): the rules require at least one disability rated 40% or higher as the anchor for the most common TDIU pathway. That makes 40% both a benefit in itself and a gateway.
2026 Monthly Compensation Rates
A 40% rating pays $795.84 per month ($9550.08 per year) for a veteran alone, tax-free, with additional amounts for a spouse, children, and dependent parents on top of that base. As with 30%, the figure shown is the starting point; the dependent table on this page shows what you receive with each family situation.
Rates effective December 2025 (2026 COLA adjustment). Additional amounts available for dependent children over 18 in school and Aid & Attendance for spouse.
See exactly what this adds up to for you.
Get StartedVA Healthcare at 40%
Priority Group 2 — High priority, most services with reduced copays
At 40% you remain in Priority Group 2 — High priority, most services with reduced copays, with reduced copays for most VA services and solid enrollment priority. Your rating continues to support VR&E, dependent compensation, and the full VA health system.
Key Benefits at 40% Disability
40% carries dependent compensation, Chapter 31 VR&E eligibility, VA health care, and state property-tax relief — but its quiet significance is as the TDIU anchor. If a single service-connected condition is rated 40% and, combined with others, you reach 70% overall while being unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, you may qualify to be paid at the 100% rate through TDIU without a 100% schedular rating.
What a 40% Rating Really Means
40% adds more compensation than 30% and keeps dependent pay, but its distinct role is as the anchor condition for the standard TDIU pathway — which requires one disability at 40% or higher plus a 70% combined rating.
A Real-World Example
Picture a veteran with a single 40% condition and two more at 20% and 10%. VA math: 40% combined with 20% of the remaining 60% (12%) = 52%, then 10% of the remaining 48% (about 5%) = roughly 57%, rounding to 60%. That’s not yet the 70% TDIU threshold — but the 40% anchor is already in place, so one more successful claim could open TDIU and payment at the 100% rate. This is why veterans near 40% track their anchor condition so closely.
Decisions You Face at 40%
- Whether you have (or can document) a single condition at 40%+ to anchor a future TDIU claim.
- Whether your combined rating can realistically reach 70%, the second half of the standard TDIU test.
- Whether VR&E or an increase claim better fits your situation before considering TDIU.
Edge Cases & Fine Print
- TDIU also has an alternate path (a single condition at 60%), but the 40%-anchor-plus-70%-combined route is the more common one 40% feeds into.
- Being paid at the 100% rate via TDIU is not always the same as a 100% schedular rating for every state benefit — check whether your state requires “P&T” specifically.
Federal Benefits You Qualify For (87 Programs)
Compensation (1)
Dependent Compensation Addition
Veterans rated 30% or higher receive additional monthly compensation for each qualifying dependent (spouse, children, dependent parents). This can add $50-$200+/month depending on rating and number of dependents. Many veterans don't realize they qualify or haven't added all dependents to their award.
Requires 30%+ ratingEducation (7)
Post-9/11 GI Bill — $100K+ in Education
Full tuition at public schools; up to $29,920.95/yr private (AY 2025–2026); BAH at E-5 with dependent rate; $1,000/yr books/supplies. Requires 90+ days active duty after 9/10/01. $100,000+ for full 36-month entitlement.
Yellow Ribbon — Private School Tuition Gap
VA and school split costs above public in-state tuition for private/out-of-state schools. Requires Post-9/11 GI Bill at 100% + school participation.
STEM Extension — 9 Extra Months
Up to 9 additional months of benefits for STEM degrees. Post-9/11 or Fry recipients in STEM programs. Up to ~$30,000 additional.
VA Work-Study — Earn While You Learn
Part-time work at VA facility — $15/hr minimum, up to 25 hrs/week. Available to any VA education benefit recipient.
Reservists Get In-State Tuition (Aug 2026)
Starting August 1, 2026, Reservists using the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) will qualify for in-state tuition rates at all public colleges and universities, regardless of their state of residence. Previously, only veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill and other programs received guaranteed in-state rates. Schools that refuse to offer in-state rates to MGIB-SR beneficiaries risk losing VA approval to accept any military education benefits. This establishes educational parity between reservists and active-duty veterans.
VR&E — Full Vocational Rehab + Job Placement
Full tuition + fees + books + supplies + monthly subsistence allowance (BAH E-5 rate) + job placement support. 20%+ SC with employment handicap OR 10% with serious employment handicap.
Requires 10%+ ratingMontgomery GI Bill — $2,518/mo
Monthly stipend for education — $2,518/mo full-time (Oct 2025–Sep 2026). Requires $1,200 contribution during service. $90,648 for 36 months at full rate.
Employment (6)
Federal Hiring — Top Preference Tier
Top federal hiring preference tier — 10 points + priority placement on certificate of eligibles. Automatic upgrade at 10%+.
Requires 10%+ ratingUSERRA — Job Protection After Service
Reemployment rights, no discrimination, continuation of benefits — federal law. Protects all veterans returning from military service.
104 Hours Paid Leave for VA Appointments
Federal employees: up to 104 hours paid leave in first 12 months for VA medical appointments. Applies at 30%+ SC disability.
Requires 30%+ ratingFederal Hiring — 10 Point Preference
10 points added to passing federal exam score. Eligible for ANY SC disability rating, even 0%.
Federal Hiring — Highest Preference
Highest federal hiring preference — 10 points + absolute preference in some cases. Available at 30%+ SC disability.
Requires 30%+ ratingSDVOSB — Federal Contracts for Vet Businesses
Federal contracts set aside for service-disabled vet businesses — sole source up to $4M (goods) / $7M (construction). Any SC disability (even 0%) qualifies.
Federal Va (1)
Money Toward a Car + Free Adaptive Equipment
One-time payment toward buying a vehicle ($27,074 for FY2026) plus ongoing adaptive equipment grants for veterans with qualifying disabilities (loss/loss of use of limbs, certain vision impairments).
Financial (16)
VALife — $40K Whole Life Insurance
Whole life coverage up to $40,000 — guaranteed acceptance regardless of health for SC vets. Must enroll before age 81.
Clothing Allowance — $1,053/yr per Condition
Annual allowance per SC condition requiring prosthetics/orthotics/skin medications that damage clothing. $1,053.19/year per qualifying condition (2026). Can receive multiple allowances for different garment types.
A&A — Enhanced Pension for Daily Living Help
Enhanced pension rate for vets needing help with activities of daily living. A&A MAPR is $29,093/yr single ($2,424/mo) vs $17,441 basic — additional ~$971/mo.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Rights
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (Section 804 of the PACT Act) allows veterans, survivors, and family members to file administrative claims with the Department of the Navy for harm caused by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. If a claim is not resolved within 6 months, individuals may file a lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina. IMPORTANT: Filing a lawsuit does NOT affect VA disability or healthcare benefits — they are completely independent. You can pursue both VA benefits and a lawsuit simultaneously.
Camp Lejeune Disability Compensation
The VA presumes service connection for 8 conditions related to Camp Lejeune water contamination: (1) Adult leukemia, (2) Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, (3) Bladder cancer, (4) Kidney cancer, (5) Liver cancer, (6) Multiple myeloma, (7) Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, (8) Parkinson's disease. If diagnosed with any of these after serving at Camp Lejeune for 30+ days during the qualifying period, the VA presumes service connection — no proof of causation required.
Housebound — Extra for Being Confined
Additional pension for veterans substantially confined to home. Housebound MAPR is $21,313/yr single ($1,776/mo) vs $17,441 basic — additional ~$323/mo.
VA Pension — Up to $1,453/mo
Needs-based pension for low-income wartime vets — up to $1,453/mo basic (single, 2026 MAPR $17,441/yr); $1,903/mo with spouse ($22,839/yr). Higher rates with A&A or Housebound. NOT service-connected required.
VA Disability COLA Now Automatic
The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 (Public Law 119-42) makes VA disability rate increases automatic. VA disability compensation, TDIU, Special Monthly Compensation, and DIC rates now automatically increase to match the Social Security COLA every December — without requiring a separate Congressional vote. The 2026 rates reflect a 2.8% increase effective December 1, 2025. This ensures veterans' benefits keep pace with inflation without legislative delays. No action required by veterans — the increase is applied automatically.
Requires 10%+ ratingLife Insurance Premiums Dropping (July 2025)
Effective July 1, 2025, SGLI premiums drop from 6 cents to 5 cents per $1,000 of coverage (maximum $500,000 coverage costs $25/mo, down from $30/mo). VGLI premiums decrease by an average of 11% (2-17% depending on age). FSGLI spouse premiums decrease by an average of 13%. Maximum coverage was increased from $400,000 to $500,000 in March 2023 — the first increase since 2005. Coverage amounts are now subject to periodic review and adjustment based on the consumer price index to prevent coverage from lagging inflation.
CRSC — Extra Tax-Free Pay for Combat Injuries
Tax-free monthly pay IN ADDITION to full retirement pay for combat-related SC disabilities. Eliminates the retirement pay offset. For military retirees only.
Requires 10%+ ratingDIC — Survivor Benefits
Tax-free monthly payment to surviving spouse/children if death is SC-related. $1,699.36/mo base (2026) + child additions.
VGLI — Convert SGLI to Civilian Coverage
Convert SGLI to civilian group life — up to $500,000, no health exam required. Must apply within 1 year + 120 days of separation.
DIC Monthly Payment Rates (2026)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses — 2026 rates effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA increase): Base monthly rate: $1,699.36 for veteran death on or after Jan 1, 1993. Additional amounts: +$421.00 per dependent child under 18, +$421.00 for Aid and Attendance, +$197.22 for Housebound, +$359.00 transitional benefit (first 2 years with children under 18), +$360.85 for 8-year provision (veteran was 100% disabled for 8+ continuous years before death and spouse was married for those 8 years). DIC is tax-exempt.
Travel Pay — Mileage to VA Appointments
Mileage/travel reimbursement to/from VA appointments for SC conditions. File within 30 days of appointment.
SBP + DIC Full Payment (No More Widow's Tax)
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset — known as the 'Widow's Tax' — was fully eliminated on January 1, 2023. Surviving spouses who receive both SBP and DIC used to have their SBP reduced dollar-for-dollar by their DIC amount. That offset is now completely gone. Surviving spouses now receive: full SBP annuity (up to 55% of veteran's retirement pay) PLUS full DIC ($1,699.36/mo base rate in 2026) with NO reduction. Many surviving spouses were never informed of this change and are still only receiving the reduced amount or just one of the two benefits.
S-DVI — $10K Life Insurance
Up to $10,000 life insurance; free premium waiver if totally disabled. Must apply within 2 years of SC disability rating.
Healthcare (28)
Camp Lejeune Benefits
From the 1950s through the 1980s, the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, North Carolina, was contaminated with industrial solvents including trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 may qualify for disability compensation and free healthcare. Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members are eligible, as well as family members who resided on base during the same period.
10-20% Disabled, Purple Heart, Former POW
Free care for your service-connected conditions. Copays may apply for other care. Includes Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and veterans discharged for a service-connected disability.
Requires 10%+ ratingCatastrophically Disabled or Housebound
Comprehensive coverage with reduced or no copays. This is for veterans receiving Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits, or determined catastrophically disabled by the VA.
30-40% Service-Connected Disability
Free healthcare for anything related to your service-connected conditions. You may have copays for treatment of conditions NOT related to your service.
Requires 30%+ ratingToxic Exposure, Combat Veterans, Special Service Periods
For veterans exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, radiation, or other toxins (PACT Act), combat veterans within 10 years of discharge, Camp Lejeune veterans, and those with a 0% compensable rating. Free care for exposure-related conditions.
Lower-Income Veterans (Below Geographic Threshold)
For veterans whose income is below the geographic means test (GMT) threshold for their area. You'll pay copays but they're manageable. This is income-based enrollment.
Higher-Income Veterans
For veterans whose income is above both the VA national and geographic thresholds. Enrollment depends on subpriority status. Copays apply for most services. Some subgroups (8e, 8g) are not eligible for full enrollment.
Burn Pit Cancer Benefits (Post-9/11)
Post-9/11 veterans with qualifying service are presumed service-connected for these cancers: brain cancer (glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, and others), gastrointestinal cancers (colon, esophageal, liver, pancreatic, stomach, others), head and neck cancers, kidney cancer, lymphoma of any type (Hodgkin's, non-Hodgkin's, and subtypes), melanoma, reproductive cancers (breast, prostate, testicular, ovarian, others), respiratory cancers (lung, laryngeal, trachea, others), bladder/ureter/genitourinary cancers, leukemias (acute and chronic), multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Free Toxic Exposure Screening
Every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare is entitled to a free toxic exposure screening under the PACT Act. This initial screening evaluates potential exposures during military service including burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, contaminated water, and other environmental hazards. Follow-up screenings are provided every 5 years. The screening can identify conditions that may qualify for presumptive service connection and expedite disability claims.
Low-Income Veterans / Medicaid Eligible
For veterans without a compensable disability who have low income (below VA limits) or receive Medicaid or VA pension. You'll get care at low or no cost based on your financial situation.
Burn Pit Exposure Benefits (Post-9/11)
Post-9/11 veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Djibouti, Egypt, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Somalia, or airspace above these locations on or after September 11, 2001 are covered. Presumptive respiratory conditions include: asthma (diagnosed after service), chronic bronchitis, COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, constrictive/obliterative bronchiolitis, emphysema, granulomatous disease, interstitial lung disease, pleuritis, pulmonary fibrosis, and sarcoidosis. No need to prove service connection — the VA presumes it.
Camp Lejeune Free Healthcare
Under the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, qualifying veterans receive cost-free healthcare (no copay) for 15 conditions: (1) Bladder cancer, (2) Breast cancer, (3) Esophageal cancer, (4) Female infertility, (5) Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), (6) Kidney cancer, (7) Leukemia, (8) Lung cancer, (9) Miscarriage, (10) Multiple myeloma, (11) Myelodysplastic syndromes, (12) Neurobehavioral effects, (13) Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, (14) Renal toxicity, (15) Scleroderma. No copayments for treatment of these specific conditions.
Camp Lejeune Family Benefits
Family members who resided at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 can receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the 15 covered conditions. This includes spouses, children, and those who were in utero during their mother's residency on base. Family members do not need to be veterans themselves.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Gulf War)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans. CFS is characterized by long-term severe fatigue not relieved by rest and not caused by other conditions. The VA rates CFS based on severity: 10% for symptoms controlled by continuous medication, 20% for symptoms waxing and waning with periods of incapacitation, 40% for debilitating fatigue restricting routine daily activities by less than 25%, up to 100% for nearly constant debilitating fatigue. No proof of service connection required — the VA presumes it for qualifying Gulf War veterans.
Fibromyalgia (Gulf War)
Fibromyalgia is a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans, characterized by widespread muscle pain, insomnia, morning stiffness, headaches, and memory problems. VA ratings: 10% for widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points requiring continuous medication, 20% for symptoms that are episodic with exacerbations precipitated by stress or weather, 40% for symptoms that are constant or nearly constant and refractory to therapy. The VA presumes service connection for Gulf War veterans diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Gulf War Infectious Disease Benefits
Certain infectious diseases are presumptive for Gulf War veterans. Conditions that must be diagnosed within 1 year of separation and rated at least 10% disabling: brucellosis, campylobacter jejuni, coxiella burnetii (Q fever), malaria, nontyphoid salmonella, shigella, and West Nile virus. Conditions presumptive at any time after separation: mycobacterium tuberculosis and visceral leishmaniasis. These are presumed service-connected for veterans who served in Southwest Asia theater of operations.
Agent Orange New Qualifying Locations
The VA has added new qualifying locations for Agent Orange exposure presumptive conditions: Thailand — any U.S. or Royal Thai military base from January 9, 1962 through June 30, 1976. Laos — December 1, 1965 through September 30, 1969. Cambodia — Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969 through April 30, 1969. Johnston Atoll — January 1, 1972 through September 30, 1977. Guam and American Samoa — January 9, 1962 through July 31, 1980. Vietnam veterans previously denied Agent Orange benefits because they served in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia during these periods should file a new or Supplemental Claim.
PACT Act Benefits
The PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act), signed August 10, 2022, is the largest expansion of VA healthcare and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans in history. It expands eligibility for VA healthcare and creates new presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Every veteran enrolled in VA healthcare is entitled to a free toxic exposure screening, with follow-up screenings every 5 years.
Agent Orange Hypertension & MGUS Added
New presumptive conditions added for Agent Orange-exposed veterans in January 2025: (1) Hypertension (high blood pressure) — now presumed service-connected for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides. This is significant because hypertension is extremely common among Vietnam-era veterans and was previously not presumptive. (2) Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) — a blood condition that can progress to multiple myeloma. Veterans previously denied for hypertension or MGUS related to Agent Orange exposure should file Supplemental Claims.
VA Pays for Treatment Abroad
VA pays for SC condition treatment abroad for veterans living or traveling outside the US.
Gulf War Illness Benefits
Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990 — including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Somalia, and surrounding waters — may qualify for presumptive service connection for undiagnosed illnesses and chronic multisymptom illnesses. These conditions do NOT require proof that the illness is related to service — the VA presumes it. Undiagnosed illness symptoms may include: abnormal weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular problems, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological issues, gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances.
Free VA Healthcare at 10%+
Free VA care for BOTH SC and non-SC conditions. Priority Group 3. VA pays your private insurance copay on non-SC care. Game-changing benefit most 10% vets don't know about.
Requires 10%+ ratingFree Hearing Aids + Components
Free hearing aids and all associated components for SC hearing conditions. No copay.
Requires 10%+ ratingFree Eyeglasses from VA
Free eyeglasses from VA for SC vision conditions. Request through VA optometry.
Gulf War Toxic Exposure Benefits
Gulf War era veterans who served in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, UAE, surrounding waters and airspace on or after August 2, 1990 are covered under the PACT Act for the same presumptive respiratory conditions and cancers as Post-9/11 veterans. This includes asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and all listed cancers. These conditions are presumed service-connected without requiring proof of causation.
2025 New Presumptives (Leukemias, Cancers, MGUS)
In January 2025, the VA added new presumptive conditions under the PACT Act: acute and chronic leukemias, genitourinary cancers (bladder, ureter, urethral), male breast cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for Agent Orange-exposed veterans, and hypertension for Agent Orange-exposed veterans. Veterans previously denied for these conditions should file a Supplemental Claim for reconsideration under the new presumptive rules.
IBS & GI Disorders (Gulf War)
Functional gastrointestinal disorders are presumptive for Gulf War veterans, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain syndrome. These are conditions with chronic or recurrent GI symptoms where there is abnormal organ function without structural tissue changes. VA IBS ratings: 10% for moderate symptoms with frequent episodes of bowel disturbance, 20% for alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress, 30% for severe symptoms with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with abdominal distress.
All Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
Full list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions (as of 2025): AL amyloidosis, bladder cancer, chronic B-cell leukemias, chloracne, diabetes mellitus type 2, Hodgkin's disease, hypertension (NEW 2025), ischemic heart disease, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance/MGUS (NEW 2025), multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Parkinsonism, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy (early-onset), porphyria cutanea tarda, prostate cancer, respiratory cancers, soft tissue sarcomas. The VA presumes these conditions are service-connected for veterans who served in qualifying locations.
Housing (9)
VA Loan: Active-Duty Purple Heart Recipient
Active-duty service members who have received the Purple Heart are exempt if evidence is provided on or before the loan closing date.
HISA Grant — Home Modifications
Up to $6,800 lifetime for SC conditions requiring home structural modifications (ramps, grab bars, etc.). $2,000 for non-SC conditions.
VA Home Loan — 0% Down, No PMI
0% down payment, no PMI, competitive rates, backed by VA. Can be used multiple times. Available to any honorably discharged vet with sufficient service. Saves $10,000–$50,000+ vs conventional loans over loan life.
NADL — VA Loan on Tribal Land
Direct VA loan on tribal trust land — no private lender needed. Competitive rates, VA direct. For Native American veterans on tribal trust land.
VA Cash-Out Refi — Access Equity
Refinance and take equity out — up to 90% LTV in most cases. Funding fee waived for SC disabled veterans.
IRRRL — Quick Rate Reduction
Streamlined refinance to lower your rate — minimal paperwork, no appraisal required. Funding fee waived for SC disabled vets. Available to existing VA loan holders.
Funding Fee Waiver — Save $3K–$15K
Exempt from the VA loan funding fee on ALL VA home loans and refinances. Any SC disability rating (even 0%) qualifies. Saves $3,000–$15,000+ depending on loan size and type.
VA Loan: Service-Connected Disability Compensation
Veterans receiving VA compensation for ANY service-connected disability are fully exempt from the funding fee. No minimum rating required.
Requires 10%+ ratingVA Loan: Surviving Spouse Receiving DIC
Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the VA are exempt from the funding fee.
Recreation (4)
Free Entry to Every National Park for Life
Free lifetime Access Pass to all national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal recreation areas for veterans with a permanent disability rating.
Requires 10%+ ratingFree National Parks — 2,000+ Sites
Free lifetime access to 2,000+ federal recreation lands + discounts on tours/campsites. Available to any SC disability rating, even 0%.
Adaptive Sports — Equipment & Programs
Grants for adaptive sports equipment and programs for disabled veterans.
Exchange Shopping — Tax-Free Retail
Access to commissary, exchange, MWR retail, golf, bowling, boating, lodging. Available to any SC disability rating with Veteran ID Card (VIC) or VHIC.
Retail (1)
Shop Tax-Free at Military Exchanges
All honorably discharged veterans can shop online at military exchanges (AAFES, NEX, MCX). Veterans with service-connected disabilities can also shop in-store.
Small Business (14)
EBV University Bootcamp
Free 10-day intensive entrepreneurship training at participating universities including UCLA, Purdue, and eight others. Covers business planning, financing, marketing, and operations. Highly competitive with limited slots — includes all travel, lodging, and materials. One of the most comprehensive free entrepreneurship programs available to veterans.
GSA Multiple Award Schedule
General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedule allows SDVOSB and VOSB certified businesses to sell directly to all 430+ federal agencies without competitive bidding on individual contracts. Annual federal procurement through GSA Schedule exceeds $45 billion. Once on schedule, any federal agency can purchase directly from your business.
VBOC Free Business Consulting
Free one-on-one business consulting, training, mentorship, and referral services for veteran entrepreneurs. 22 centers nationwide plus virtual services. Services include business plan development, financial projections, loan packaging, federal contracting assistance, and ongoing mentorship.
SDVOSB Federal Certification
Federal certification through SBA for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Unlocks 5% of all federal contracting dollars — approximately $31 billion annually set aside by law (increased from 3% by NDAA 2024). Sole source contracts up to $4 million for goods/supplies and $7 million for services/construction without competitive bidding. Requires service-connected disability at any rating including 0%.
HUBZone + SDVOSB Stack
Veterans whose business is located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) can stack HUBZone certification with SDVOSB for the highest level of federal contracting preference. This combination gives maximum advantage on federal contract bids. Check if your business address qualifies at sba.gov/hubzone.
VOSB Federal Certification
Federal certification for any honorably discharged veteran regardless of disability rating. Access to federal set-aside contracts across many agencies. VOSB certification opens doors to government procurement opportunities and positions your business for sole-source and competitive contracts.
SBA 7(a) Veteran Loan
Reduced and eliminated guarantee fees on SBA 7(a) loans for veteran-owned businesses. Loans up to $5 million. Fee waiver on loans under $150,000. Reduced fees on larger amounts. Apply through any SBA-approved lender.
VR&E Self-Employment Startup Funding
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program has a dedicated self-employment track for veterans who want to start a business rather than return to school. VR&E will fund business training, equipment, inventory, licenses, professional fees, and initial operating costs for an approved business plan. This is one of the most underutilized benefits in the VA — VR&E will literally fund your entire business startup. Requires service-connected disability. This is a separate application from VR&E education/training — veterans using Chapter 31 to fund a business startup rather than attending school.
Boots to Business Program
Free SBA entrepreneurship education program for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Two-day in-person course covering business fundamentals — business concepts, market research, feasibility analysis, and business plan development — plus follow-on eight-week online course. Offered at military installations and online.
SBA Express Loan
Faster SBA loan processing — 36-hour approval turnaround vs weeks for standard SBA loans. Up to $500,000. Reduced guarantee fees for veteran-owned businesses. Designed for businesses needing quick access to capital.
SBIC Growth Capital
SBA-licensed private investment funds that make equity investments and loans in small businesses including veteran-owned companies. Access to $3 billion+ in private capital through SBA-guaranteed debentures. SBICs provide growth-stage capital that is typically unavailable through traditional bank lending.
80% Patent Fee Reduction
Veteran entrepreneurs who qualify as micro-entities receive 80% reduction on all USPTO patent filing, search, examination, and maintenance fees. A standard utility patent costs $15,000-$20,000 in fees — micro-entity status reduces this to $3,000-$4,000. Qualify if gross income is below $239,754 (2026 threshold), have not been named as inventor on more than 4 previously filed patent applications, and have not assigned/licensed rights to a large entity.
SBA Microloan
Loans up to $50,000 for veteran-owned small businesses and startups. Average loan $13,000. Lower interest rates than conventional small business loans. Paired with free business training and technical assistance from nonprofit intermediary lenders.
Bunker Labs Accelerator
VA-partnered nonprofit accelerator for veteran entrepreneurs. Programs include Launch Lab Online (8-week course), CEOcircle mentorship with successful veteran entrepreneurs, and Veterans in Residence program at WeWork locations providing free co-working space. Access to investor networks, mentors, and veteran entrepreneur community.
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Explore Other Rating Levels
All VA Disability Rating Tiers
State-Specific Veteran Benefits
Your 40% rating also unlocks state-level benefits. Explore benefits by state: