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5 VA Benefits Most Veterans Don’t Know About — But Should

At VETCOMM US, we understand that many veterans are hesitant to seek help due to the rise in scams targeting the military community. One of our core missions is to empower veterans with the knowledge and tools to recognize trusted services and access the benefits they’ve rightfully earned.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, military-connected consumers reported losing $584 million to fraud and scams in 2024 — a significant increase from $477 million in 2023. A lack of awareness about legitimate resources can leave veterans more vulnerable to misleading offers and fraudulent services.

While some offers may seem suspicious at first, there are real programs backed by the VA, trusted nonprofits, and state agencies that support veterans in ways many don’t know exist. From VA home financing and discounted properties to free Space‐A military flights and no-cost hospital housing with Fisher House, here are five benefits that aren’t scams — even if they sound too good to be true.

1. VA Home Financing and Discounted Properties

For veterans dreaming of homeownership, the VA home loan program is one of the most powerful and underrated benefits available.

Through VA-backed financing, qualified veterans can:
● Purchase a home with zero down payment
● Skip private mortgage insurance (PMI) entirely
● Access lower-than-average interest rates
● Avoid property taxes in certain states for veterans with a 100% disability rating (check with your state’s veterans benefits office for eligibility

But what many veterans don’t know is that the Department of Veterans Affairs also maintains a list of VA-foreclosed homes, often priced well below market value. These properties are eligible for the same financing perks, meaning veterans can secure a home with little to no out-of-pocket expense and build equity fast.

You can browse available properties through the VA’s Vendor Resource Management (VRM) site.
Military family standing proudly in front of their new home, symbolizing VA home loan benefits

2. Space-A Flights for 100% P&T Veterans

If you’re a veteran with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) VA disability rating, you may be eligible for Space-Available (Space-A) flights aboard Department of Defense aircraft. These flights are often used by active-duty members and their families but thanks to the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, certain disabled veterans now qualify as well.

Veterans fly in Category 6 priority, which means you’ll only be able to board if there are empty seats after higher-priority travelers, but for those with flexible schedules, it can be a powerful and nearly free travel benefit.

Where you can go:
● Across the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii
● U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam
● International destinations (subject to availability), including Europe or Asia

What you’ll need to fly Space-A as a veteran:
● A 100% permanent and total (P&T) VA disability rating
● A VA Health Identification Card (VHIC) showing “Service Connected”
● Flexibility with your travel plans (seats are first-come, first-serve)
● A willingness to cover minor fees, like international taxes or baggage

While not guaranteed, Space-A flights offer an incredible travel opportunity — especially for veterans looking to explore without the high cost of commercial airfare.

3.No‐Cost Hospital Housing with Fisher House

The Fisher House Foundation partners with VA and military medical centers to offer “comfort homes” near major hospitals. These homes allow families of hospitalized service members and veterans to stay free of charge.

Each Fisher House:
● Has multiple guest suites, full kitchens, laundry facilities and communal living areas.
● Welcomes families of active-duty service members, retirees, veterans and their dependents receiving medical care at an affiliated hospital—at no cost.
● Handles eligibility locally and usually requires a referral or documentation.
● Rooms are allocated based on availability and medical need.

To request a stay, contact the hospital’s case manager, social worker, or the Fisher House coordinator. There is no need to apply through the VA website. Reservations are arranged directly through hospital staff and typically require documentation such as a referral and proof that the veteran or service member is receiving care at the affiliated facility.

4. Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans

Two military veterans hunting in a forest, using their free veteran hunting and fishing licenses
Many states offer free or deeply discounted hunting and fishing licenses to veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating. Offering a great way to enjoy the outdoors, without the extra cost.

States Offering Free or Discounted Licenses:

● California: Veterans rated 50%+ pay just $9.98 for annual licenses.
● Texas: Free “Super Combo” (hunting + fishing) for veterans with 50%+ disability.
● New Hampshire: Lifetime free licenses for 100% disabled veterans.
● Pennsylvania: Free licenses for 100% rated wartime vets.
● Rhode Island: Free licenses for 100% disabled veterans.

What you’ll need:
● Proof of 100% VA disability rating
● State residency (varies by state)
● Apply online or at a local licensing office

Benefits vary, so check your state’s fish and wildlife department for details.

5. State Park Access & Camping Passes

Many states offer free or discounted access to parks, camping, and outdoor recreation for veterans with a service-connected disability. 

Eligible States:

● Florida – Free lifetime entrance pass for disabled veterans (up to 8 guests), plus 50% off camping for 100% P&T.
● Wisconsin – Free park admission, trail access, and fishing licenses for veterans with a 50–70% disability rating.
● California – Free lifetime Distinguished Veteran Pass (day use, camping, boating) for 50%+ disabled veterans.
● Oregon – Free day-use parking and 10 nights of camping per month for veterans with a service-connected disability.
● Washington – Lifetime pass for 30%+ disabled veterans, covering park access, camping, boat launches, and moorage.
● Alaska – Free annual camping pass for disabled veterans.
● Texas – Free Parklands Pass for veterans rated 60%+ disabled.
● North Carolina – Free annual pass for any veteran with a service-connected disability, includes park entry and equipment rentals.

Be sure to check your state’s eligibility and application process through their official parks or wildlife agency websites, as well as required identification and documentation.


Don’t let uncertainty or misinformation keep you from the benefits you’ve earned — help is out there, and it starts with knowing what’s available.

    VETCOMM offers a Money-Back Guarantee for veterans who follow the full process as outlined. When you sign up, you agree to allow us two attempts to help you secure at least a 10% VA rating. To remain eligible for a refund, you must attend all scheduled appointments with our team and complete your VA-requested C&P exams.

    If your first VETCOMM-assisted claim results in a total VA rating increase of 10% or more, the goal of the course has been achieved and the guarantee is fulfilled. No refund is issued.

    If your first claim does not lead to a 10% total increase, VETCOMM will assist you in filing a second claim.
    If the second claim results in a 10% or greater increase, the goal has been achieved and the guarantee is fulfilled.

    If your second claim also does not result in a 10% total increase, you have two options:

    1. Request a full refund

    2. Proceed with a third filing and waive your right to a refund

    Filing a third claim fulfills the guarantee obligation, regardless of outcome. Many veterans require multiple filings due to documentation challenges or individual circumstances that affect how the VA awards ratings. While we assist in the process, approval decisions are made solely by the VA.

    There are a few situations where the Guarantee Refund Policy does not apply:

    • Veterans with a 90% Total Disability Rating:
      Due to how the VA calculates ratings, increasing from 90% to 100% is very difficult. VETCOMM will still assist with up to three (3) VETCOMM-assisted claims, but no refund will be issued if a 10% total increase is not awarded.

    • Veterans with an Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge:
      Veterans with an OTH discharge can still file claims with VETCOMM. However, because of additional VA restrictions, we will assist with up to two (2) VETCOMM-assisted claims, and no refund will be issued if a 10% total increase is not awarded.