100% Permanent & Total: Most Missed Benefits
VA’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy: What It Means for Veterans
Artificial intelligence is set to reshape how VA delivers health care, benefits, and support services
The Department of Veterans Affairs has outlined a comprehensive AI strategy focused on improving speed, accuracy, and Veteran experience across the enterprise. From AI-powered virtual assistants to faster claims processing and clinical documentation support, VA views AI as a mission enabling tool rather than a replacement for people. The strategy emphasizes early experimentation, strong governance, and transparency to ensure Veteran trust while scaling what works. When deployed responsibly, these tools are expected to reduce administrative burdens and help VA staff focus on complex, high impact Veteran needs.
- Faster access to benefits, appointments, and information.
- Reduced paperwork for clinicians and VA employees.
- AI tools already save employees hours each week in pilot programs.
- Claims processing aims to move closer to minutes rather than months.
Official references
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- VA Office of Information and Technology
Supporting article
- VA enterprise AI strategy overview
VFW Challenges VA Over GI Bill Benefits After Supreme Court Ruling
Veterans advocacy groups are pressing VA to fully honor earned education benefits.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Rudisill v. McDonough, veterans eligible for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill are entitled to use both benefits up to the 48 month cap. Despite this ruling, VA guidance issued through its education directives continues to limit access for some veterans and dependents. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has filed legal action to enforce the Court’s decision and is urging affected veterans to come forward. Education planning for veterans and families may be impacted until this issue is resolved.
Impact
- Some veterans may be receiving fewer education benefits than legally authorized.
- Dependents could face denied or delayed access to transferred benefits.
Benefit Highlights
- Supreme Court affirmed full use of both GI Bill programs.
- Advocacy efforts are ongoing to secure compliance.
Official references
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- VA Education Service
Supporting article
- VFW official release on GI Bill ruling
2026 VA Home Loan Limits Announced: What Borrowers Need to Know
New conforming loan limits take effect January 1, 2026.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has released updated conforming loan limits for 2026, which affect some VA home loan borrowers with partial entitlement. For veterans without full entitlement, the loan limit factors into how much VA guaranty is available, potentially influencing maximum loan amounts without a down payment. Veterans with full entitlement remain unaffected, and Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans are excluded from these limits. Understanding entitlement calculations is critical before entering the housing market.
Impact
- Partial entitlement borrowers may see borrowing caps change.
- Full entitlement veterans continue to have no loan limit.
Benefit Highlights
- Effective for loans closed on or after January 1, 2026.
- VA loans still typically require lower down payments than conventional loans.
Official references
- Veterans Benefits Administration
- Federal Housing Finance Agency
Supporting article
- VA Circular 26 25 10 summary
100% Permanent and Total: The Most Missed VA Benefits
Many veterans rated 100% Permanent and Total qualify for additional benefits they never use.
A 100% Permanent and Total disability rating opens the door to far more than monthly compensation, yet many veterans and families remain unaware of the full scope of benefits available. These benefits extend into health care, education, housing, taxes, and survivor protections. Because many of them require separate applications or state level action, they are often overlooked. Understanding and claiming these benefits can significantly improve long term financial stability and quality of life for veterans and their dependents.
Impact
- Veterans may be leaving thousands of dollars in annual benefits unclaimed.
- Families often miss education, health care, and survivor protections they are entitled to.
Benefit Highlights
- CHAMPVA health care for eligible spouses and dependents when no TRICARE eligibility exists.
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) providing monthly education stipends for spouses and children.
- Property tax exemptions in many states, often full or partial, based on P&T status.
- VA dental care eligibility with no additional enrollment required.
- Commissary and exchange privileges for veterans and dependents.
- VA funding fee exemption on future VA home loans.
- Expedited Social Security Disability Insurance processing for qualifying veterans.
- Survivor protections, including DIC eligibility when conditions are met.
Official references
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- VA CHAMPVA Program
- VA Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
- State Departments of Veterans Affairs
Supporting article
- VA 100% Permanent and Total disability benefits overview