Do 100% Disabled Veterans Qualify for Military ID Cards?

If you were once on active duty service, you’re probably aware that being in military service grants people certain privileges. You might also want to visit a nearby military base for whatever reason. To avoid the trouble of showing multiple identification cards to prove military service, the Department of Defense (DoD) issues military ID cards.

Military ID cards are given to various members of the military community. These include current service members, retired military members, and their dependents. Typically, only people released with honorable or general discharge are granted a military ID card. However, does this privilege extend to 100% disabled veterans? We’ll discuss all about veteran ID cards in the article.

Overview of Military ID Cards

Not all military ID cards are the same. The Department of Defense issues different identification cards, like the Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card (USID), the Common Access Card (CAC), the Dependent ID Card, the Retiree ID Card, and the Veteran ID Card.

Each military ID card has its purpose. For example, the veteran ID card can be used by veterans to get discounts from private restaurants and other businesses. However, this ID card cannot be used to grant access to military installations nationwide. Hence, it would be best to be careful about the ID card you bring to VA medical centers.

Eligibility Criteria for Military ID Cards

The eligibility criteria for military ID cards depend on the type of card. The Common Access Card is exclusively available to active duty service members, activated Reservists, National Guard members, Department of Defense civilian employees, and select qualified contractors.

Meanwhile, the Uniformed Services ID card extends to more members of the military community, including military dependents, retired military members, inactive National Guard members, individuals on the Temporary Disability Retired List and the Permanent Disability Retired List, and Retired reserve not yet drawing military retirement pay. This ID card is also available to 100% disabled veterans, former members in receipt of retired pay, select foreign military personnel, and retired DOD civilian employees.

For veteran ID cards, there are two categories for eligibility. You must have served on active duty in the Reserves or the National Guard (including the Coast Guard) to receive this card. You should also have received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions) in your records.

Do 100% Disabled Veterans Get Military ID Cards?

Yes, 100% disabled veterans are on the list of individuals qualified to apply for military ID cards. They are also qualified to obtain Veteran ID cards (VIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. As long as they were on active federal military service, they could receive the privileges granted to veterans.

The Benefits of a 100% Disabled Veteran ID Card

Under Federal law, 100% disabled veterans are entitled to various benefits. They are eligible to obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), which can be used to check in to VA medical centers, get retail or business discounts, healthcare reimbursements, and transportation reimbursements for VA medical center visits. They can also get dental coverage.

With a Uniformed Services Sponsor Identification and Privilege Card, disabled veterans can access many impressive benefits, like Tricare, education benefits, use of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities, commissaries, exchanges, legal assistance, and access to military bases nationwide.

One of the most vital privileges granted to disabled veterans is disability housing grants. They can buy, build, or change their permanent home if they meet the requirements. They may also apply for a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant.

Disabled veterans are entitled to automobile allowance and adaptive equipment; the one-time payment shouldn’t exceed $21,488.29.

Suppose their clothing has been damaged by a prosthetic or orthopedic device or the medicine they’re taking to treat a skin condition. In these particular situations, disabled veterans may be entitled to an annual clothing allowance.

In addition, 100% disabled veterans may receive educational assistance for their dependents. Their spouse or dependents can receive tuition grants that may be used for apprenticeships, college or graduate degree programs, career-training certificate courses, educational and career counseling, or on-the-job training. Veterans with Permanent and Total (P&T) ratings may also obtain student loan forgiveness.

Veterans’ spouses are granted Death Indemnity Compensation if they meet the required categories. In addition, you may be given low-cost life insurance if you meet all the military requirements. You may also receive TSGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection).

Disabled veterans are given a year-round National Park pass to enter any National Park for free. Moreover, veterans with a 100% P&T service disability rating can opt to travel in the space available on military aircraft for free.

To add to this comprehensive list of privileges, different states offer 100% disabled veterans additional benefits. It would be best if you conferred with the State Department for their list of veteran benefits.

Veteran ID Card for 100% Disabled Veterans

Because of the Veterans Identification Card Act of 2015, veterans may apply for an ID card directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you’re required an ID card to prove your veteran status, a VA identification card would suffice. However, this veteran ID card doesn’t grant your permission to obtain federal benefits and access to military installations. This ID card should suffice if you need ID for retail or business discounts.

As mentioned, 100% disabled veterans are qualified to apply for a veteran ID card. Only people with other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge are not eligible to receive veterans benefits.

You should note that as of September 2022, all new veteran ID cards are digital. However, you may still use the physical card to get discounts.

How To Get a Veteran ID Card

To apply for this particular ID card, you should have the following information ready:

• Your social security number
• A digital copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, or NGB22 (in pdf, .jpeg, or .png file format)
• A copy of a valid (and current) government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport
• A digital color photo of yourself for the ID card

You need to create an account here to apply for the card. You may sign in to the website using your Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet account. Otherwise, you can create a new account.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will then check your eligibility and verify if your character of discharge can get you access to the Veterans Benefits Resource Center, your ID card is valid, and your photo meets their requirements.

You’ll then receive an email containing your application status and whether you’re entitled to veteran designation. You’ll receive a digital copy via email if you’re eligible for a veteran ID card.

What Does a 100 Disabled Veteran ID Card Look Like?

Veteran ID cards contain less information than Common Access Cards. The ID the Department of Veterans Affairs issued contains your name and photo.

Expert Insights and Official Resources

Considering how vital veteran ID cards are to your life after active duty military service, you should always keep updated on the latest news regarding veterans. The official Department of Veterans Affairs website is your primary source for anything related to veterans’ benefits and privileges. You may also get updates on United Service organizations at the Department of Defense website.

Debunking Misconceptions

What are some common misconceptions about disabled veterans? You may think you’re not entitled to military benefits if you left active duty years ago. However, there’s no deadline for submitting a claim.

There’s also a misconception that VA disability compensation will reduce one’s retirement pay. However, this only applies to a retiree with a VA disability rating of 40% or lower.

Conclusion

100% disabled veterans deserve many privileges for their military service. Hence, it would be best to empower yourself by learning about your rights to VA health care, education, and beyond.

For more information about military life and military verification services, explore the Military Verification website further.

FAQs

What is a DD2765?

This refers to the Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. It’s a tan-colored card identifying specific categories of retired and active military members.

Can a disabled veteran apply for a VA permanent and total disability ID card?

Yes, you may apply for this card. This is provided that you have been affected by a service-connected disability that is both “total” and “permanent.”

Will a veteran ID card get you on base?

You can present a Department of Defense identification card to entire military bases. Your veteran identification card doesn’t suffice for this privilege.