Commissary, exchange and MWR access for veterans with a service-connected rating
Veterans with any service-connected rating may be eligible for in-person commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges with a VHIC, verify with VA/DoD installation access.
Any service-connected rating may be enough
Under 10 U.S.C. §1065, veterans with any VA-documented service-connected rating may be eligible for in-person commissary, exchange, and morale, welfare, and recreation privileges, on the same basis as military retirees. There is no minimum percentage in the statute.
The practical requirement is the access credential: a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) marked service-connected gets you through the installation gate. Since November 1, 2024, eligible veterans without a VHIC may enroll for installation access at the visitor center with a REAL ID-compliant license.
The 100% difference
Veterans rated 100% may be eligible for a DoD-issued ID with broader privileges, including exemption from the small card surcharge that applies to commissary purchases for veterans using the VHIC path. Ratings from 0% to 90% use the VHIC.
The VA and DoD installation access offices decide access; verify your own situation with them before making a trip to a base.
See it next to everything else your rating may open
The Benefits Explorer lists this program beside the rest of the federal set, and your state’s verified programs, keyed to your combined rating. Educational only. Every program is decided by the agency named on it.