Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits

Veterans

Veterans who served honorably may be entitled to various benefits administered through the Department of  Veterans Affairs.  Our accredited CVSOs will assist with the preparation of formal claims for benefits on behalf of veterans and eligible family members.

“Veteran”  is defined as an individual who served active duty in one of the military branches.  This includes members of the National Guard and Reserves who were activated under Title 10 of the United States Code.  To determine eligibility, the DD 214 is the official document.

Some of these benefits are:

Medical Care

Available to most veterans through the VA clinic and medical center system.
This is not an insurance plan – it is a medical system in which the veteran enrolls, and then receives treatment through VA clinics and hospitals.  

Service connected compensation

A monthly payment awarded to those veterans who have incurred injury or disease, with lasting effect, during their military service.  Ratings are determined based on the degree of disability, but only after the veteran has filed a formal claim for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Ratings can be from 0% to 100%, and ratings of 30% or higher entitle the veteran additional monthly payments for dependents.  In addition, other benefits may be obtained as the basic compensation rating goes higher.  Free medical care is provided by the VA for service connected disabilities regardless of the rating.

Non-service connected pension

An income based program available to wartime veterans.  The maximum rate is set by Congress, and all other income is considered when assessing the individual eligibility.  However, VA also will allow income reduction through the use of out of pocket medical expenses.  Additional amounts may be paid for eligible dependents.
 

Educational benefits

These benefits vary, depending upon the period and length of service.  There are numerous educational programs, including the Post-911 GI Bill,  the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Vocational Rehabilitation program.
 

Life Insurance benefits

Available to service connected veterans once a service connected rating has been determined.  Enrolling is authorized for two years immediately following a rating determination.
 

Burial benefits

Payable to veterans who are receiving VA compensation or pension payments at the time of death.  All veterans whose service was honorable are entitled to a VA grave marker and a burial flag, with military honors at their funeral or service.  If desired, a VA medallion that can be affixed to a monument may be issued rather than a standard grave marker.


Home loan

Guaranty certificates are available to most veterans.  This is not a loan.  This is a guarantee to the lender for a certain percentage of the mortgage loan if the veteran should default.  It is an incentive to to lenders.  Veterans still need to meet all application requirements to purchase a home with the lending institution.

There are numerous other benefits that may be available.