TRICARE and VA Disability Rating: Eligibility & Steps | TRICARE.com

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not a government agency. For official policy and the most current government updates, visit TRICARE.mil.*

A VA disability rating of 100% (Permanent and Total) is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that allows you to change TRICARE plans outside of Open Season. While any rating may qualify you for VA health care, only a **100% P&T (Permanent and Total)** rating from the VA triggers "ChampVA" eligibility for your dependents and specific TRICARE status updates for medically retired service members.

## What changes When you receive a disability rating from the VA, it does not automatically change your TRICARE plan, but it provides a 90-day window to switch coverage. If you are medically retired (Chapter 61), your disability rating determines your eligibility for TRICARE for Life (if Medicare-eligible) or TRICARE Select/Prime. For families, being rated 100% P&T often introduces a choice between staying on TRICARE or moving dependents to CHAMPVA (though you cannot typically use both).

## What to do — checklist 1. **Update DEERS immediately:** As soon as you receive your VA rating letter, ensure your status is updated in the Defense Enrolled Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) via **milConnect**. This is the trigger for all other benefits. (Deadline: Within 30 days). 2. **Evaluate TRICARE vs. CHAMPVA:** If you are rated 100% P&T, determine if your dependents should stay on TRICARE or move to CHAMPVA. You generally cannot be covered by both. (Deadline: Within 90 days). 3. **Confirm Medically Retired Status:** If your rating led to a medical retirement, verify your "Retiree" status in DEERS. This changes your 2026 enrollment fees and catastrophic caps. (Deadline: Within 90 days). 4. **Enroll or Switch Plans:** Use the QLE window to switch between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select if your new health needs require a different provider network. Do this via **Humana Military (East)** or **TriWest (West)**. (Deadline: Within 90 days of the rating date). 5. **Set up Allotments:** If you are now receiving retired pay or VA disability, update your payment method for TRICARE premiums to ensure no lapse in coverage. (Deadline: Next billing cycle). 6. **Review Medicare/TFL Status:** If your disability rating is based on a condition that qualifies you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must enroll in Medicare Part A and B to remain eligible for TRICARE for Life. (Deadline: Before the 25th month of SSDI).

## Timeline | Timeframe | Action Required | | :--- | :--- | | **Day 0** | VA Disability Rating Letter issued. QLE window begins. | | **Week 1-2** | Log into **milConnect** to verify DEERS reflects current status. | | **30 Days** | Deadline to submit any required paperwork to your regional contractor (Humana Military or TriWest) for plan changes. | | **90 Days** | **Final Deadline:** Your Qualifying Life Event (QLE) window closes. Changes after this date must wait until Open Season. | | **Ongoing** | Monitor VA and TRICARE coordination of benefits if receiving care at both facilities. |

## Common pitfalls * **Assuming VA Rating = TRICARE eligibility:** A VA disability rating (e.g., 50% or 70%) gives *you* access to VA health care, but it does not provide TRICARE to your family. Only a military retirement (medical or years of service) or 100% P&T status provides family health options. * **Missing the 90-day QLE Window:** If you wait more than 90 days after the date on your rating letter to change TRICARE plans, you may be locked into your current plan until the next annual Open Season. * **Dual-Coverage Confusion:** Trying to use TRICARE and CHAMPVA simultaneously. Generally, if you are eligible for TRICARE, you are ineligible for CHAMPVA. Always verify eligibility with the VA before canceling TRICARE coverage. * **Neglecting SSDI/Medicare:** If your disability is severe enough to receive SSDI, failing to sign up for Medicare Part B will cause you to lose TRICARE coverage entirely.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil - Qualifying Life Events:** [https://www.tricare.mil/lifeevents](https://www.tricare.mil/lifeevents) * **VA.gov - Disability Ratings:** [https://www.va.gov/disability/](https://www.va.gov/disability/) * **milConnect (DEERS):** [https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/](https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region):** [https://www.triwest.com/](https://www.triwest.com/)