Yes. Since January 1, 2020, under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act, all veterans with a service-connected disability rating, along with Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, and registered primary caregivers, have authorized access to commissaries, military exchanges, and MWR retail facilities on U.S. installations. You do not need to be a retiree, and you do not need a 100% rating. A veteran at 10% has the same access under this law as a veteran at 90%.
Getting through the gate is the practical hurdle. The standard credential for service-connected veterans is the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), which requires enrollment in VA health care. At the installation itself, expect a stop at the visitor center the first time, where they will typically run a basic background check and may require a REAL ID-compliant license alongside your VHIC. Policies on vehicle passes and escort rules vary by installation, so calling the visitor center before your first trip saves wasted drives.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →On what you can actually use: commissary shopping, Exchange shopping, and MWR revenue-generating activities such as ITT discount ticket offices, bowling centers, golf courses, and similar facilities are included. Base fitness centers are the common disappointment. Gyms are generally not part of the guaranteed access categories, and whether a non-retiree veteran can use the gym is up to the individual installation's policy. Some allow it, many do not, so ask the specific base rather than assuming.
Whether it is worth the hassle depends on proximity and habits. Discount tickets for major attractions through ITT and commissary savings on groceries add up fast for regular users.
The next step: if you are not enrolled in VA health care, start there, because the VHIC is the key that opens the gate.
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