Getting your VA benefit summary letter

The benefit summary letter is a one-page letter from VA that states whether you have a service-connected disability, your combined rating, and your monthly payment if there is one. It is the document most benefits in this series ask for.

Where to get it

Sign in to VA.gov and open the VA letters page. Choose the benefit summary letter, tick the information you want it to include, and download the PDF. It takes about a minute, and you can download a fresh one any time.

If you would rather not sign in online, VA can mail one; call 800-827-1000.

What it shows

You choose what appears on it. For shopping and hiring preference you want the line that says you have a service-connected disability. You can leave the payment amount off if you would rather not share it.

If something on it is wrong

The letter reflects VA's record. If the rating or the dates are wrong, the letter is not the thing to fix; the record is, through a decision review or by contacting VA. After a decision explains the review lanes.

Where it is used

• At the register: Commissary shopping and exchange shopping.
• At the gate, with a REAL ID: Getting on base to shop.
• With a federal job application: 10-point preference.

Your Documents page here can hold a copy so it is always to hand. Back to A 0% VA rating still counts.