A 70% VA disability rating provides valuable benefits, including monthly tax-free compensation, priority VA healthcare, and access to vocational rehabilitation. However, upgrading to a 100% rating unlocks life-changing perks like free dental and vision care, caregiver benefits, mortgage assistance, and expanded state-level advantages. If you’re at 70%, it’s worth considering the potential benefits you get with a 70% rating while exploring ways to increase your rating for even greater support.
Quick Recap: What Is a 70% VA Disability Rating?
A 70% rating means the VA recognizes your condition is affecting your ability to work and live a full life. Maybe PTSD is wrecking your sleep. Maybe your back injury means you can’t lift heavy stuff anymore. Whatever the case, the VA agrees you’re dealing with major issues.
Here’s what you typically get with a 70% VA disability:
- Monthly Compensation: Around $1,716.28 (if you’re single with no dependents)
- Priority Group 1 VA Healthcare: You’re front of the line for appointments and no copays for most services
- VA Dental (Sometimes): If your dental needs are service-connected or you’re enrolled in certain rehabilitation programs, you might qualify
- Access to Voc Rehab: Post-9/11 GI Bill isn’t the only thing on the table—you could use VR&E (Veteran Readiness and Employment)
- State Level Perks: Depends on the state—but often includes reduced property taxes, hunting/fishing licenses, and vehicle registration fees
- 100% Temporary Through TDIU: If you can’t hold substantially gainful employment, you might qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (a side door to 100%)
Now that’s not nothing. But it’s also not the same as being rated 100%, and here’s where the real lifestyle differences start to show up.
Keyword Here Again 70% vs. 100% VA Disability
A lot of vets get stuck right here. You’re at 70%, the comp check helps, the health care coverage is solid, and you think, “Maybe I don’t need to mess with this anymore.”
But here’s the kicker: from 70% to 100%, you’re not just talking about an uptick in money. You’re looking at:
- Major mortgage assistance programs
- 100% free dental and vision through the VA
- Full-time caregiver benefits for family members
- State perks that straight-up multiply (free college for dependents in some states, huge property tax exemptions)
- Chance to qualify for federally-backed programs on housing, employment, and business grants
You can read more about how this applies to your finances and real estate options at realpha’s blog.
Okay, but let’s park it for a second and focus on everything you get at the 70% level first—because if you’re not squeezing all the benefits out of where you’re at now, you’re leaving money (and support) on the table.
VA Disability 70%: What’s in Your Toolbox?
Here’s what we’re really talking about with a 70% rating—the practical, real-life benefits you can tap into today:
1. Monthly Tax-Free Compensation
This is the most obvious perk. And it’s not small potatoes. If you’re at 70%, your monthly base is over $1,700 tax-free. That amount can go up if you’ve got a dependent spouse, kids, or parents. You can always check the updated pay rates on VA.gov, but here’s a 2024 snapshot for a quick look:
| Status | Monthly Rate (70%) |
|---|---|
| Veteran alone | $1,716.28 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,844.28 |
| Veteran + Spouse + 1 Child | $1,949.28 |
This money is guaranteed. Every month. Tax free. That’s like getting a $25K+ annual raise the second you hit 70% and lock it in.
2. Priority Group 1 VA Healthcare
If you’ve had a VA appointment recently, you know how much of a mess the system can be. But your 70% rating moves you into Priority Group 1. That means free health care with fewer hurdles and quicker access to specialists. And we’re not just talking about your primary care physician—this opens up full mental health support, substance abuse recovery, prosthetics, hearing aids, even orthopedic care at zero out-of-pocket cost.
3. Travel Pay Reimbursement
Most folks miss this one entirely. If you need to travel for VA health care, you can get that cost covered. It’s called the Beneficiary Travel program—and if distance has been keeping you from getting appointments, this makes it easier.
4. Vocational Rehab (VR&E)
Struggling with regular employment? Been let go more than once because your service-connected conditions flare up out of nowhere? Voc Rehab can literally rewire your future by funding:
- Tuition + living expenses
- Trade schools or certifications
- Education for a job that works around your conditions (remote, flexible)
Lots of vets ignore this one because they think it only applies when you want to go back to college—but it’s way bigger than that. Think PT certs, barber school, cybersecurity training, etc.
5. Home Loan Eligibility + Exemptions
You can unlock a VA-backed loan with much lower fees, plus in many states get the funding fee waived if you’re above 10% disability.
This easily saves you thousands on day one of buying a home—and can be a huge advantage in the current housing market.
More tips on financing and leveraging your disability status for real estate inside this post over at realpha.
6. State-Level Benefits with 70% Disability
This is where stuff varies wildly depending on where you live. But common state-level benefits at the 70% level include:
- Reduced property taxes or exemptions
- Free or discounted hunting/fishing licenses
- Free vehicle license plates
- Access to veterans-only job programs
Some states—like Texas, Florida, and California—offer bigger breaks the closer you are to 100%. So while you can get some big wins at 70%, upping that rating makes a difference on the state level too.
Can I Go From 70% to 100%?
Yep. And one way that’s often overlooked? TDIU (Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability).
If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from “substantially gainful employment”—you can get paid at the 100% level even if you’re technically rated under 100%. That opens the door to FULL 100% benefits without having your ratings add up that far. We’ll unbox those 100% benefits next…
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a 70% vs. 100% VA disability rating?
The jump from 70% to 100% VA disability means more than just higher monthly compensation—it unlocks life-changing benefits like full dental and vision, caregiver support, mortgage assistance, and major state-level perks such as free college for dependents and full property tax exemptions.
2. Can I increase my VA rating from 70% to 100%?
Yes. You can apply for a direct increase or qualify through TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) if your service-connected conditions prevent you from holding gainful employment—even if your combined rating is under 100%.
3. Is it worth seeking a 100% VA disability rating if I already have 70%?
Absolutely. While 70% offers strong support, moving to 100% significantly boosts financial stability and expands access to VA and state benefits that can transform your family’s quality of life.
Conclusion
A 70% VA disability rating offers crucial benefits like tax-free compensation, priority healthcare, and vocational rehab. However, moving to 100% unlocks even more significant perks, including free dental, caregiver support, and expanded state-level benefits. If you’re at 70%, it’s worth exploring the full potential of your rating and considering ways to increase it for even greater support.
Picking the right college town in Pennsylvania isn’t just about the school—safety matters too. No one wants to worry about crime stats while balancing midterms and social life. Parents want to know their kids are safe, and students want a community where they can walk home after a late study session without stressing.
Some towns go above and beyond when it comes to security, community support, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re a student looking for a safe space to call home or a family moving to a college Safe college towns in Pennsylvania
1. State College
State College isn’t just home to Penn State—it’s also one of the safest college towns in Pennsylvania. The town is packed with school pride, vibrant local businesses, and a police presence that keeps crime numbers low.
Why students and families love it:
- Low crime rate compared to national averages
- A strong community feel with active neighborhood groups
- Penn State’s own police department adds extra security
With late-night buses, well-lit streets, and a campus culture that encourages looking out for each other, safety is a top priority in this town.
2. Lewisburg
Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University, is another college town where safety stands out. This small-town vibe mixed with a tight-knit community means students and families feel secure.
What makes Lewisburg safe?
- Low crime rates, especially for a college town
- Strong police presence and community involvement
- Quiet residential areas perfect for families
Lewisburg is the type of town where people still know their neighbors, and that kind of environment creates a feeling of security that’s hard to match.
3. West Chester
West Chester has built a strong reputation, not just for West Chester University but also for its community-driven approach to safety. The town’s balance of college life and family-friendly areas makes it a solid choice.
Key safety features:
- Vibrant downtown with well-lit streets and active nightlife policing
- University security teams work with local law enforcement
- Suburban neighborhoods offer a peaceful environment for families
Between the walkable downtown, security efforts, and community participation, West Chester keeps students and residents feeling safe.
4. Villanova
When people hear Villanova, they think basketball. But beyond sports, this suburban town is one of the safest college areas in Pennsylvania. It’s a small, affluent community with a strong focus on safety.
Why Villanova stands out:
- Low crime rates in both violent and property crimes
- The university’s safety programs and alert systems
- Family-oriented community with quiet streets
It’s not just a great place for students—the surrounding community makes it ideal for families looking for a calm, secure place to live.
FAQs
What factors make a college town in Pennsylvania safe?
A mix of low crime rates, strong local law enforcement, university security programs, and a supportive community all contribute to making a college town safer.
Are Pennsylvania college towns safer than big cities?
Generally, yes. College towns tend to have more policing, a strong community presence, and lower overall crime rates compared to major cities.
How can students stay safe in college towns?
Some simple habits go a long way:
- Stick to well-lit areas at night
- Use campus security escorts when available
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Lock doors and secure valuables
