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Commissary and exchange, travel pay, park passes, and faster Social Security
Four smaller benefits that add up. Three of them start at any service-connected rating.
Commissary, Exchange, and MWR (any service-connected rating)
Since Jan 1, 2020, veterans with any service-connected rating (0% to 90%), Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and PCAFC primary caregivers can shop at commissaries and exchanges and use MWR facilities on base. (100% and TDIU veterans already had this.) Dependents are not included.
- Easiest proof: a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that says "SERVICE CONNECTED," "PURPLE HEART," or "FORMER POW" under the photo. You get a VHIC by enrolling in VA health care.
- No VHIC? Since Nov 1, 2024 you can enroll for base access at the visitor center with a REAL ID driver's license, but you still need a VA service-connected letter (or Form H623A) at the commissary or exchange because they cannot verify you electronically.
- A DD-214 alone does not work for in-person access.
- Small card fee: commissaries charge veterans in this group a small surcharge on credit and debit purchases. Needs verification (percentage not stated on the pages we could reach).
- Online exchange shopping is open to all honorably discharged veterans, no rating needed. Verify once at VetVerify.org.
DoD's top 10 questions (VA News) · Commissary: expanding access · Online shopping benefit
VA travel pay (30%, or any rating for service-connected care)
VA reimburses mileage to VA appointments at 41.5 cents a mile if you are rated 30% or more, or traveling for care of a service-connected condition at any rating, or you get VA pension or have low income, or it is a C&P exam. A $3 one-way deductible applies ($18 a month max), waived for pension and low-income veterans.
- File within 30 days of the appointment.
- Online through the Beneficiary Travel Self Service System (BTSSS) on VA.gov, or on paper with VA Form 10-3542.
va.gov travel pay (page updated Jul 24, 2026)
America the Beautiful passes (free)
- Military Lifetime Pass: free for all veterans and Gold Star families. Covers entrance to national parks and federal recreation sites. Show a VHIC, the VA Veteran ID Card (digital), a DoD ID, or a state driver's license with a veteran designation. Free in person; $10 processing if ordered online.
- Access Pass: free lifetime pass for anyone with a permanent disability. A VA letter showing disability benefits counts as proof.
Social Security: faster processing at 100% P&T
If you are rated 100% P&T and apply for Social Security disability, SSA expedites the claim. Write "Veteran 100% P&T" in the remarks section of the online application and send your VA rating letter. It speeds up the decision; it does not change the rules or guarantee approval. Needs verification (SSA's site blocked automated reading; confirm on the page.)
Sources
- VA News: DoD answers top 10 questions on expanded access (Dec 31, 2019)
- VA and DoD updates to installation access (Nov 15, 2024)
- VA beneficiary travel (page updated Jul 24, 2026)
- VA mileage rate and deductible (page updated Jul 24, 2026)
- 38 CFR 70.10 beneficiary travel eligibility
- NPS Military Pass (page updated Feb 26, 2026)
- SSA: information for military and veterans (not fetched directly)
All links checked and content verified on Oct 16, 2026. Rules change; confirm on the official page before you act.