Disability Happens ™

In 1996 Congress passed the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Reform Act, which was designed to simplify the process of determining benefit eligibility.

When applying for benefits, the first thing that happens is the eligibility of the Veteran. Next, a determination is made as to which of the 7 priority groups they will be assigned.

Priority Group 1:

A 50% or greater service related disability.

Priority Group 2:

A 30% to 40% service related disability.

Priority Group 3:

• Former POWs.
• A disability that incurred or was aggravated in the line of duty.
• Special eligibility under Title 38, U.S.C., Section 1151 (benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation).

Priority Group 4:

• Veterans receiving aid and attendance or housebound benefits.
• Veterans Administration has determined Veteran is Catastrophically Disabled (Individuals who have a severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease which permanently compromises their ability to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree that they require personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed or require constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.)

Priority Group 5:

Veterans with 0% disability whose annual income and net worth are below a specified amount.

Priority Group 6:

Veterans not required to make C0-payments for their care, including:

• WWI and Mexican Border War veterans.
• Veterans with disabilities resulting from exposure to toxic substances, radiation or for disorders associated with service in the Gulf War; or for any illness associated with service in combat in a war after the Gulf War or during a period of hostility after November 11, 1998.
• Compensable (A veteran who has been rated by VA as being service-connected and who receives monetary benefit.) 0% service-connected veterans

Priority Group 7:

Nonservice-connected veterans and Compensable (A veteran who has been rated by VA as being service-connected and who receives monetary benefit.) 0% service-connected veterans whose needed care cannot be provided by enrolling in any of the groups above and who agree to pay specified co-payment.

Category : Veterans