When most Veterans think about their VA benefits, they think about monthly compensation, healthcare, or education benefits.
But every so often, new programs and benefits become available that many Veterans never hear about.
One example is the Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act, which allows certain disabled Veterans to enroll in TSA PreCheck® at no cost.
If you travel frequently—or even just a few times a year—this benefit could make airport security screening faster and easier.
Here’s what Veterans should know.
TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveler program that allows approved travelers to move through airport security more efficiently.
Benefits can include:
For many travelers, TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce the stress and time associated with airport security.
The VETS Safe Travel Act was signed into law in January 2025.
The law created a pathway for certain Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities to receive TSA PreCheck enrollment without paying the standard enrollment fee.
The goal is simple: make travel easier for Veterans whose disabilities can make the screening process more challenging.
Not every Veteran with a VA disability rating automatically qualifies.
To be eligible, Veterans must:
Veterans must also meet TSA’s standard security and background check requirements.
This is an important distinction because many Veterans assume that any disability rating—or even a 100% rating—automatically qualifies them. That is not currently the case.
Veterans who meet the eligibility requirements can access a TSA PreCheck Application Fee Waiver Letter through their VA.gov account.
This letter serves as documentation of eligibility during the enrollment process.
The general process includes:
Eligible Veterans should follow the most current instructions provided by VA and TSA, as application procedures may change over time.
The TSA PreCheck benefit itself is valuable.
But there’s a bigger takeaway here.
Many Veterans are unaware of benefits, programs, eligibility changes, and resources that may become available over time.
New legislation is passed.
Programs expand.
Eligibility requirements change.
And sometimes a Veteran’s own health situation changes as well.
That’s why it’s important to periodically review your VA benefits and ensure you understand what may be available to you today—not just what was available when you first received your rating.
Many Veterans never take a second look at their VA decision after it arrives.
But your VA rating is more than a number on a decision letter.
It can impact access to healthcare, state-level benefits, federal programs, travel-related benefits, and other opportunities that many Veterans don’t realize exist.
Whether you’re reviewing your current rating, learning about new programs, or simply trying to better understand your options, staying informed is one of the most important things you can do.
Understanding your benefits doesn’t mean filing a claim.
Sometimes it simply means having a conversation and making sure you understand where you stand today.
If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed your VA rating—or if your health has changed since your last decision—our team is here to help you better understand your options.