Thousands of veterans each year wonder, “Does the VA cover dental?” That’s because dental coverage is a valuable benefit for veterans and their families, and it’s important to know what’s covered under the VA healthcare system.
There are nine ways veterans like you can qualify for the VA’s dental program. Even if you don’t qualify under one of these criteria, you may still be eligible for excellent private dental insurance available through the VA at a reduced cost.
This article explains dental benefits for veterans, including who is eligible for dental coverage under the VA, what procedures are covered, and how to get dental care through the VA. We also discuss alternative options if you don’t qualify.
Table of Contents
- VA Dental Care Eligibility
- Does the VA cover dental for spouses?
- What dental procedures does the VA cover?
- Does the VA cover dental implants?
- How to Apply for VA Dental Care Benefits
- What if I don’t qualify for dental care at the VA?
- Does CHAMPVA cover dental?
- VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
- NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

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VA Dental Care Eligibility
1. You Have a 100% Service-Connected Rating
You qualify for VA dental care with a 100% service-connected VA rating. You also qualify if you’re unemployable due to your service-connected conditions and are paid at the 100% rate. This is also called Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
Veterans with a 100% VA or TDIU rating are eligible for all dental care through the VA free of cost. Temporary ratings of 100% are excluded (for example, if you are temporarily hospitalized).
2. You Have a Service-Connected VA Rating of 10% or Higher for a Dental Condition
If you have a 10% VA rating (or higher) for a dental condition, you can receive all dental care through the VA free of cost.
3. You’re a Former Prisoner of War
If you’re a former POW, you’re eligible to receive all dental care through the VA free of cost.
4. You Request Dental Care Within 180 Days of Military Discharge
If your DD-214 doesn’t show that you received an exam and treatment before you were discharged, you’re eligible for one-time VA dental care. You must apply within 180 days of discharge.
5. You Have a Combat-Related Service-Connected Dental Condition Rated at 0%
If you’re rated at 0% for a dental-related service-connected condition, the VA will provide (free of cost) any dental care necessary for you to keep your teeth functioning.
Note that your condition must result from combat or service trauma to qualify.
6. You Have a Dental Condition that is Aggravating a Service-Connected Condition
If a VA dentist determines you have a dental condition negatively impacting a service-connected condition, you’re eligible for no-cost VA dental care to treat that specific dental condition.
7. You’re Enrolled in the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program, and Your Dental Condition Prevents your Rehabilitation or Employment
Otherwise known as Chapter 31 benefits, the is an excellent resource for disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. The program provides job counseling, job search assistance, and on-the-job training to help veterans find employment.
If you need dental care to enter a rehabilitation program, achieve the goals of a program, or secure employment, you may be eligible for VA dental care.
8. You’re Receiving VA Care and Require Dental Care for a Dental Condition Complicating a Different Medical Condition the VA is Treating
If the VA is treating another condition and your dental status is impacting that condition, the VA will treat any oral condition free of cost only to remove the complication. This is true even if you aren’t receiving care for a service-connected condition.
9. You’re Enrolled in a VA-Sponsored Program Supporting Homeless Veterans
If you’re homeless and enrolled in a qualifying program for at least 60 days, you’re eligible for a no-cost one-time course of VA dental care.
The care must be medically necessary to relieve pain, assist you in finding and maintaining employment, or treat moderate, severe, or complicated and severe gingival and periodontal conditions.

Does the VA cover dental for spouses?
Currently, the VA does not cover dental procedures for spouses. However, the VA has partnered with private insurance companies to reduce the cost of insurance for eligible family members. Read more in our section on “What if I don’t qualify for dental care at the VA?”
What dental procedures does the VA cover?
If you qualify for VA dental care, you’re eligible for these VA dental services, as needed:
- Regularly scheduled cleaning and x-rays
- Restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and bridges
- Comfortable, well-fitting dentures
- Oral surgery, such as tooth extractions
- Dental implants
- Access to oral and facial reconstruction surgery resulting from trauma or serious illness
Does the VA cover dental implants?
The VA covers dental implants for veterans and offers no-cost implants for veterans who qualify for any dental care needed under the categories listed above.
If you’ve been discharged (and are within your 180-day window) and a VA dentist determines you need an implant, you’re eligible to receive the implant, but not eligible for ongoing maintenance for the implant.

How to Apply for VA Dental Care Benefits
You can apply for VA dental care benefits by filling out the VA health care application. There’s no special process to apply for dental care other than enrolling in VA health care and ensuring you meet one of the nine criteria listed above.
The VA maintains over 200 dental clinics across the nation. You can find one near you by visiting this page and entering your zip code, choosing “VA health” as the facility type and “Dental services” as the service type.

What if I don’t qualify for dental care at the VA?
You have several options if you don’t qualify for VA dental care. Your dependents may qualify for CHAMPVA. Otherwise, you might find the VA Dental Insurance Program to be an excellent option.
Does CHAMPVA cover dental?
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive healthcare program. The VA shares the cost of covered healthcare services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries.
It’s important to note that while CHAMPVA generally has good health coverage, dental coverage is minimal. In most circumstances, CHAMPVA does not cover dental procedures.
Unfortunately, CHAMPVA dental coverage is usually limited to treating conditions that impact another non-dental medical condition. Routine care, dentures, and braces are not covered.
If you qualify for one of the dental procedures covered, CHAMPVA currently has an outpatient deductible cost of $50 per calendar year. CHAMPVA will cover 25% of the allowed amount for your care up to the catastrophic cap, which is $3,000 per calendar year.
CHAMPVA provides coverage to the spouse or widow AND the children for veterans if you meet one of these criteria:
- You’re rated 100% due to a service-connected disability
- The veteran was rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition when they passed away
- The veteran died of a service-connected disability
- The veteran died on active duty, and the dependents are not otherwise eligible for TRICARE benefits
Effective October 1, 2001, CHAMPVA benefits were extended to those age 65 and older.
To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you must also meet the following conditions:
- If the beneficiary was 65 or older before June 5, 2001, and was otherwise eligible for CHAMPVA, and was entitled to Medicare Part A coverage, then the beneficiary will be eligible for CHAMPVA without having to have Medicare Part B coverage
- If the beneficiary turned 65 before June 5, 2001, and has Medicare Parts A and B, the beneficiary must keep both Medicare Parts A & B to be eligible for CHAMPVA
- If the beneficiary turned age 65 on or after June 5, 2001, the beneficiary must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to be eligible for CHAMPVA
If you’re looking for additional dental coverage, we recommend utilizing an alternative insurance program like VADIP.

VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
If you don’t have VA dental eligibility, you and your family may still qualify for discounted private insurance through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). VADIP plans cover most common dental procedures.
You must be enrolled in VA health care to qualify or be the spouse, widow, or child of a veteran enrolled in CHAMPVA.
To be eligible for VA health care benefits, you must have served 24 continuous months or the entire period you were called to active duty (if you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981). You can learn more about VA healthcare eligibility and how to enroll in our post on My VA Health.
How to apply for VADIP
The VA Dental Insurance Program offers discounted plans through Delta Dental coverage and MetLife coverage. You’ll still be required to pay insurance premiums and copays, but these are less than most dental insurance plans.
You can learn more about the VA Dental Insurance Program’s enrollment process on the VADIP website.
The VA understands that dental care is important to one’s overall health. They offer various dental coverage options for eligible veterans and their families.
Whether you qualify for VA dental care benefits or take advantage of VADIP discounted private insurance plans, it’s crucial to seek the necessary dental care to ensure your long-term health.
If you need help winning your VA claim or increasing your VA rating, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of expert coaches to help you get the VA rating you deserve.

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FAQs
What VA rating do you need to get dental? ›
Veterans with a 100% VA or TDIU rating are eligible for all dental care through the VA free of cost. Temporary ratings of 100% are excluded (for example, if you are temporarily hospitalized). If you have a 10% VA rating (or higher) for a dental condition, you can receive all dental care through the VA free of cost.
Will the VA help me with my teeth? ›Veterans Dental Benefits and Eligibility
VA offers comprehensive dental care benefits to certain qualifying Veterans. Over 600,000 Veterans were provided dental care in Fiscal Year 2022.
If you're a Veteran, you may be able to get VA dental care. Dental benefits are not the same as other VA medical benefits. We look at many factors to decide who qualifies for VA dental care—and which dental care benefits each Veteran may receive.
What does 100% VA disability entitle you to? ›Veterans with a 100 percent disability rating receive the maximum monthly, tax-free compensation available. Depending on the circumstances, a Veteran with a 100 percent disability rating receives monthly compensation of $3,106.04.
What is the VA rating for high blood pressure? ›The VA uses the following criteria to rate hypertension: 60% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 130 or higher. 40% rating is given if your diastolic pressure measures between 120 and 129. 20% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 110-119, or your systolic pressure is 200 or higher.
What are the VA disability rates for 2023? ›- $165.92 per month for 10% disability.
- $327.99 per month for 20% disability.
- $508.05 per month for 30% disability.
- $731.86 per month for 40% disability.
- $1,041.82 per month for 50% disability.
Traditional dentures usually cost between $1,000 to $3,000 per arch without insurance. Partial dentures may average around $1,400 to $1,800 for a set.
What does VA Priority Group 1 cover? ›We may assign you to priority group 1 if any of these descriptions are true: You have a service-connected disability that we've rated as 50% or more disabling, or. You have a service-connected disability that we've concluded makes you unable to work (also called unemployable), or. You received the Medal of Honor (MOH)
What is VA Class IV dental? ›Class IV – Veterans who have a service-connected condition rated at 100% disabling, or receive Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to their service-connected condition(s). Veterans who fall under this category can receive “any needed dental care.”
What are the best things to claim for VA disability? ›- Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability.
- Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease.
- Severe hearing loss.
- Scar tissue.
- Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)
- Ulcers.
Is loss of teeth a disability? ›
Therefore, an individual should be considered to have a dental disability if orofacial pain, infection, or pathological condition and/or lack of functional dentition affect nutritional intake, growth and development, or participation in life activities.
Will the VA pay for a root canal? ›Generally, the VA covers preventive and diagnostic services such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Additionally, some therapeutic services like fillings and root canals may be covered depending on the Veteran's circumstances. However, some dental services are not covered by VA dental benefits.
Can veterans fly for free? ›Service members and their families can use Space-A flights – formally known as Military Airlift Command or MAC flights – to travel around the country and world at a reduced cost or for free.
Does the wife of a 100 disabled veteran get benefits? ›As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training.
Will there be a VA disability increase in 2023? ›The adjustment for 2023 means a disabled veteran with a 10% VA rating can expect to see about $13.28 more each month, and a 100% disabled veteran with no dependents will receive $300 more per payment. Learn more online.
Is high cholesterol a VA disability? ›Is there a VA disability rating for high cholesterol? Unfortunately, there is not. The VA does not recognize high cholesterol as something that can be related to service. This is likely because high cholesterol is often a byproduct of a combination of genetics, age, a lack of exercise and unhealthy eating.
Is erectile dysfunction a VA disability? ›Many Veterans have erectile dysfunction as part of a service-connected disability. The VA gives various ratings for this condition in order to determine the amount of disability compensation you will be eligible to receive for this affliction.
Is sleep apnea a VA disability? ›Published January 12, 2022
Can veterans receive VA disability benefits for sleep apnea? Under direct or secondary connection to their military service, the answer is yes.
What is the 2024 VA Disability Pay Increase? 2024 VA disability rates are projected to increase by 3.1% next year. Disabled veterans with a 10% VA disablity rating or higher could see a 3.1% COLA increase on their monthly VA compensation payment beginning January 2024.
What happens to my VA disability when I turn 65? ›No, VA disability does not stop at age 65; nor does it stop at age 67. VA disability benefits are for the life of the disabled veteran! And in some instances, the veteran's VA benefits can pass to the surviving spouse. At age 65, a disabled veteran may also become eligible for VA pension benefits.
What does 80% VA disability get you? ›
According to the VA's 2022 disability compensation rates, if you have an 80% rating you will receive $1,778.43 per month if you have no dependents. However, with a 100% disability rating that number can increase to $3,332.06 per month.
How many teeth do you get with dentures? ›An implant is normally employed to support a denture when there are no teeth in the jaw, but there is sufficient bone mass that will be enough to hold the implants. Now for the number of implants, you'd need for your dentures let's consider the following; On average a denture has fourteen teeth on it.
How much does a top set of dentures cost? ›Price Range of Dentures
Low-cost dentures go for anywhere between $300 and $500 per plate, with a complete set of lower and upper dentures costing $600 to $1,000.
Regardless of the type of dentures you're using, wearing them in your sleep is a bad idea, and will cause you a number of health issues down the line. To keep your mouth bacteria-free, your gums healthy, and your bones unaltered and strong, make sure to remove your dentures every night before going to sleep.
Why are some veterans not eligible for VA health care? ›If you're a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard. You must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.
What is the income limit for VA copay? ›In 2021, the VA National Income Thresholds were as follows: $34,616 or less if you have no dependents. $41,539 or less if you have one dependent. $43,921 or less if you have two dependents.
Does Social Security count as income for VA health benefits? ›Your countable income is how much you earn, including your Social Security benefits, investment and retirement payments, and any income your dependents receive.
What does V mean in dental? ›Class IV: Cavity on proximal surfaces of incisors or canines that involve the incisal angle (Class IV lesion is the larger version of Class III that covers the incisal angle) Class V: Cavity on the cervical third of the facial or lingual surfaces of any tooth (Think of the neck of the tooth)
What is Chapter 31 dental coverage? ›chapter 31 are eligible for dental care necessary to: enter into a rehabilitation program, achieve the goals of the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation program; or prevent interruption of a rehabilitation program; or hasten the return to a rehabilitation program of a veteran in interrupted or leave status; or hasten ...
What is Class 1 dental VA? ›Class I dental care is available to veterans with service-connected (SC), compensable dental disabilities or conditions. Reference: Procedures for rating dental claims are discussed in M21-1MR, Part IX, Subpart ii, 2.2.
What is the hardest VA claim to get? ›
Pro Tip: If you've been out of the military for more than 12 months, Hearing Loss is one of the most difficult claims to get service connected and rated above 0%. Get a Medical Nexus Letter to improve your odds of service connected Hearing Loss.
What is the 5 year rule for VA disability? ›The VA disability 5 year rule allows the VA to ex-examine your VA disability rating within 5 years of your initial examination if your condition is expected to improve over time. However, the VA may still change your disability rating past the 5-year deadline if your condition has significantly improved.
What is the most approved disability? ›What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.
What is a dental disability? ›Therefore, an individual should be considered to have a dental disability if orofacial pain, infection, or pathological condition and/or lack of functional dentition affect nutritional intake, growth and development, or participation in life activities.
What medical condition affects teeth? ›Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.
What medical conditions break down teeth? ›Diabetes has perhaps the most significant cause and effect relationship with tooth decay. Whether you have type I or type II diabetes, your body's blood sugar is elevated because of lowered insulin levels. This impacts many parts of the body, and the mouth is a big part of that.
What percentage of VA disability is dental care? ›Veterans who have a service-connected condition rated at 100% disabling or receive TDIU due to their service-connected condition(s) can receive any needed dental care.
Can you get VA disability for receding gums? ›Can I get VA Disability for gum disease? Gum disease alone does not qualify for a rating. However, if the gum disease is so severe that it leads to the loss of teeth, then that could qualify.
Does surgery increase your VA disability rating? ›Recovery time from either a surgery or the immobilization of a joint by a cast without surgery requires a temporary 100% disability rating for a service-connected disability. The temporary 100% rating may continue for 1 to 3 months—depending on your unique case.
Can veterans use TSA? ›TSA PreCheck for Retired Military And Veterans
Military retirees and veterans are not eligible for free TSA PreCheck. However, if you have any of the premium travel rewards cards listed above, you can get an TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee waiver on most of the cards. That allows you to have free TSA PreCheck.
Does McDonald's give veterans discounts? ›
McDonald's does not have an official military discount. However, some franchise locations may offer a discount at the owner's discretion.
Does Walmart give discounts to veterans? ›Conclusion. Although there's no such thing as a Walmart military discount – or any other kind of specialized discount for that matter – there are still plenty of ways for shoppers to save money.
Do I get my husband's VA benefits if he dies? ›A VA Survivors Pension offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
How much will the VA pay my wife to be my caregiver? ›Spouses, unfortunately, cannot be paid to provide care, as their income is also considered when calculating a veteran's pension amount. However, other relatives, such as adult children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren, can be paid to be caregivers.
When a veteran dies who gets his benefits? ›The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays a benefit called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to your surviving spouse and dependent children if you die of service-connected causes.
How much does the widow of a 100 disabled veteran receive? ›If you're the surviving spouse of a Veteran, your monthly rate would start at $1,562.74. Then for each additional benefit you qualify for, you would add the amounts from the Added amounts table.
Is 70% PTSD a permanent VA disability? ›The veteran's total disability due to PTSD is permanent with no likelihood of improvement. The 100 percent rating for PTSD is total, permanent, and static in nature.
How much will my VA check increase in 2023? ›Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, Veterans and beneficiaries who receive VA compensation benefits will see an 8.7% increase in their monthly payments—the largest increase in over 30 years. The annual COLA increase is tied to the Social Security rate change and is based on the consumer price index (CPI).
What VA rating do you need for healthcare? ›We're committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for Veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%, as well as for those who can't afford to pay for care. Learn more about how we'll determine if you'll need to pay for any part of your care.
What is the 10 year rule for VA disability? ›If the Veteran's eligibility was due to a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling, they must have had this rating: For at least 10 years before their death, or. Since their release from active duty and for at least 5 years immediately before their death, or.
Is high blood pressure a VA disability? ›
Yes, a veteran can receive disability for high blood pressure, either as a primary disability or with a secondary connection to another medical issue that's service related.
What does Class 3 mean in dentistry? ›Class 3: Patient with an oral condition that, if not treated, is expected to result in dental emergencies within the next 12 months.
What does Class 2 mean in dentistry? ›Class II: Class II is where the lower first molar is posterior (or more towards the back of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the upper front teeth and jaw project further forward than the lower teeth and jaw.
What does Class 2 dental mean in the military? ›Class 2: SM has a current dental exam and requires non-urgent dental treatment or re-evaluation for oral conditions which are unlikely to result in a dental emergency within one year.
At what age does VA disability stop? ›VA disability does not stop because of a veterans age. VA disability compensation benefits are for the life of the disabled veteran.
What is the easiest VA claim to win? ›Tinnitus. Tinnitus, otherwise known as “Ringing-in-the-Ear-Syndrome” is by far the #1 easiest VA disability to claim. Tinnitus is when you experience ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other noises in one or both of your ears.
Is the VA getting a raise in 2023? ›The 2022 COLA hike was 5.9%. The adjustment for 2023 means a disabled veteran with a 10% VA rating can expect to see about $13.28 more each month, and a 100% disabled veteran with no dependents will receive $300 more per payment.