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Does my VA disability rating affect TRICARE benefits?
Verified by TRICARE.com Editorial Team
Updated 2024-12-01
AI-assisted (gemini)
Quick Answer
VA disability rating doesn't directly affect TRICARE benefits. However, it may qualify you for reduced costs and affects VA healthcare priority.
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Key Takeaways
- Doesn't change TRICARE benefits
- Affects VA healthcare priority
- Can use both systems
- Different benefit structures
Detailed Answer
VA disability rating has limited TRICARE impact.
TRICARE Benefits
- Not based on disability rating
- Based on military status
- Retirees get full TRICARE
- Not enhanced by rating
VA Healthcare
- Rating affects VA priority
- May reduce VA costs
- Service-connected care priority
- Higher ratings = higher priority
When Rating Helps
- CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation)
- Concurrent receipt of pay
- Medical retirement considerations
- VA prescription costs
Using Both
- TRICARE for family care
- VA for service-connected
- Compare costs and access
- Use each for its strengths
Important
- Apply for VA rating separately
- Doesn't automatically come with TRICARE
- Can use both systems
- Different benefit structures
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