Whether you pay anything at the VA for non-service-connected treatment depends on your VA healthcare priority group, not directly on your disability rating percentage alone. When you enroll in VA healthcare using VA Form 10-10EZ, the VA places you into one of eight priority groups based on factors like your service-connected disability rating, combat service, income, and other special eligibility categories (such as being a former POW or having a Purple Heart).
Veterans with a compensable service-connected rating (10% or higher) are generally not charged copays for care or medications related to any condition, service-connected or not, in many cases, though this can vary by specific circumstances. Veterans with a 0% service-connected rating (noncompensable) or no service connection at all may be subject to means testing, where the VA looks at your household income to decide whether copays apply and at what level.
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 →If you are required to pay copays, there are typically separate schedules for outpatient primary care visits, specialty care visits, inpatient care, and prescription medications. Medications for a condition the VA has rated as service-connected are usually copay-free even at 0%, while medications for unrelated conditions may carry a charge depending on your priority group and income test results. Some veterans qualify for full copay exemptions regardless of income, such as those with certain service-connected ratings, low-income thresholds, or specific statuses like being a recipient of a Medal of Honor or a former POW.
Yes, veterans with a 0% rating can and do use VA healthcare. Having any service-connected rating, even 0%, keeps you connected to the VA system and may qualify you for enrollment, though your specific priority group and cost-sharing will depend on the means test and other eligibility factors on file with the VA.
Because copay amounts, exemption categories, and priority group placement can change and vary by individual financial situation, it is not accurate to state a single dollar figure that applies to everyone.
The concrete next step is to contact your local VA enrollment coordinator or call the VA Health Benefits line to get your specific priority group determination and a current, personalized breakdown of what copays, if any, apply to your situation.
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