Why do you have to be 100% disabled to be allowed on base?

A1C Aaron Johnson — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 02:39:12 -0400

Why do you have to be 100% disabled to be allowed on base? I think anyone who is at least 60 should be able to gain base access. Or am I wrong? If so tell me why or what percentage should it be?

Response by SGT John Punchard made Jul 26 at 2014 11:19 AM

SGT John Punchard — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 11:19:50 -0400

I think its because if your 100% disabled, then you are given a military ID card that says "disabled".

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 26 at 2014 6:46 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 18:46:04 -0400

If a veteran is 100% disabled (permanent and total), due to service connected conditions, they are eligible to obtain a DoD ID card which gives them access to military installations with Exchange and Commissary benefits only. The 100% also applies if their rating is due to a determination of individual unemployability for service connected conditions.

This has been in the law for decades. I, personally, see no reason why those rated less than 100% should receive these extra entitlements. As soon as it's set at, say, 70%, there will be an argument for 60%, then 50, then you'll have people complaining that they don't have a post/base near them and they should get more money since they can't get the perceived benefit.

There are several additional benefits that those rated at 100% receive, Exchange and Commissary is just one of them.

At risk of sounding cold (and I'm not, just curious) why do you feel that those with any rating other than 100% should be entitled to exchange and commissary privileges, and what level would you use (with your justification)?

And per your original question, lets keep this limited to disability ratings. Exchange and commissary for all veterans has been discussed in another thread.

Response by SPC George Adkins made Aug 16 at 2015 12:59 PM

SPC George Adkins — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 12:59:33 -0400

I know this is an old topic, but I have an additional question on the topic. I have a total of 100% through 2 separate disabilities. But, with the way the VA figures up for payment, I have a total combined rating of 70% disabled. Would I be eligible for a DoD ID card? I wouldn't likely use it for Exchange and Commissary, but would like to have easier access to get on base as my daughter is an AF dependent.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 16 at 2017 3:14 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 15:14:17 -0500

I suggest you write to your elected officials and the Armed Services Veterans Affairs Committee members and let them hear it. They are the one's that have the power to change Veterans Legislation.

Response by SSG Kimberly Hutchins made Sep 30 at 2023 2:54 PM

SSG Kimberly Hutchins — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 14:54:10 -0400

I've always been given access. Make sure your VA card is connected with Deers.