If you’re a veteran or an active duty service member transitioning to civilian life, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits and services for your healthcare needs.

In this veteran benefit guide, we’ll take a closer look at the VA priority groups, what they mean, and how they can affect your eligibility for VA benefits.

What Are Veteran Affairs Priority Groups?

VA Priority groups are a system the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to categorize and prioritize the healthcare services and benefits veterans are eligible for. 

A VA Priority Group is individually based on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disability, income level, and other VA disability rates. 

A veteran assigned to higher Priority Groups can access a wider range of VA benefits.

Why Does the VA Have Different Groupings?

Priority groups help determine which veterans most need the VA health care program and long-term care.

For example, veterans with service-connected disabilities are often given higher priority for VA health care as they may have ongoing medical needs related to their service-connected disabilities. 

Veterans and active duty members with higher disability ratings are often given priority over those with lower ratings.

Similarly, veterans experiencing financial hardship or limited access to other healthcare options may be given higher priority for VA healthcare services.

Who Is Counted as Priority One?

Priority Group 1 veterans and active duty members are given the highest priority. They are eligible for disability compensation, employment services, and housing assistance, depending on their income level. 

They may also receive priority access to certain medical benefits, such as prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation.

What Benefits Do Priority Disability Groups Receive?

The health care benefits and services available to priority disability groups depend on the disability’s severity, their income level, and their military service history. 

Some of the benefits that may be available to veterans in priority disability groups include:

Veterans members are encouraged to contact the VA directly to determine their eligibility and for benefits and services enrollment.

How Many Priority Groups Are There?

There are eight priority groups established by the Department of Veterans Affairs, namely:

Contact your local provider to identify which priority group you belong to.

What Is Different About Priority One Benefits?

Priority Group 1 is the highest priority group established by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans in this priority group receive the most comprehensive benefits and services, which may include:

It’s always best to seek professional advice to assess better the benefits you are eligible for.

Do You Need To Apply Differently If Your Disability Has a High Rating?

In most cases, you do not need to apply differently for benefits and services based on the severity of your disability rating and income level.

However, you may need to provide additional documentation to support your claim for eligibility, depending on the specific benefits and services you seek.

For instance, if you are applying for PTSD VA rating disability compensation, you must provide medical evidence of your mental disability and its relationship to your military service.

The VA will generally review your application as long as you fill out a VA form. If you are eligible, you will be assigned to the appropriate priority group based on the criteria presented by the VA.

Can Disability Rating Change?

Yes, disability ratings can change over time. 

If a veteran’s medical condition improves or worsens, the VA may adjust the veteran’s disability rating. This could result in an increase, decrease, or no change in the compensation and benefits the veteran is receiving.

Veterans can also request a review of their disability rating if they believe it is incorrect.

They can work with a VA representative or an accredited representative from a Veterans Service Organization to file an appeal.

How Can Trajector Help Me?

Trajector can support you as you navigate the complex process of obtaining disability benefits.

We will guide you through submitting your disability benefit application, ensuring that you provide all the necessary information and documentation required.

We can help you understand how to maximize your disability benefits, including accessing other programs and services available to you.