VA Disability Rating 70%: What It Means and What Unlocks
What this rating means
The 70% tier brings priority-group healthcare banding, Aid and Attendance eligibility begins (with qualifying dependency status), and commissary and exchange eligibility for qualified veterans and caregivers under current DoD policy.
What unlocks at this level
Priority Group 1-3 healthcare banding (source: VA.gov health care enrollment and priority groups)
Aid & Attendance eligibility begins with qualifying dependency status (source: VA.gov Aid and Attendance and Housebound program page)
Commissary and exchange eligibility for qualified veterans and caregivers (source: current DoD policy - verify against the official DoD exchange eligibility page)
Monthly compensation at the 70% tier - current amounts live in the 2026 VA Disability Pay Calculator (source: VA.gov current compensation rate tables)
Verification rider: every item cites its source page at VA.gov or the named official source; each row is re-verified quarterly.
What to check next
Read the TDIU explainer - if combined math can't reach 100% but conditions genuinely stop substantially gainful work, TDIU is a different door to the 100% rate.
Check the Combined Ratings Explainer - many 70% ratings are combined values; the worked example shows the math.
Route questions to a free accredited VSO; verify accreditation at the official VA accreditation search.
Bring it to a free accredited representative
Stand Easy Network teaches the process. A free, VA-accredited VSO (DAV, VFW, American Legion, county veterans service officers, and others) takes it from here. Never pay an unaccredited consultant for claims help - accredited representatives are free, and paid help is limited by law to specific accredited classes.
In crisis?
If you're a veteran in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line now: dial nine eight eight, then press one. Free, confidential, 24/7. Prefer to text? Message 838255. Or chat live at veteranscrisisline.net. For immediate danger, call 911.