Federal Benefits for  
Veterans and Dependents 
 
1996 Edition 
 
Department of 
Veterans Affairs 
 
Office of Public Affairs (80D) 
810 Vermont Ave., N.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20420 
 
For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office 
Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP,  
Washington, DC 20402-9328 
 
Contents 
 
Introduction 1 
 
Introduction in Spanish 3 
 
1. Benefit Programs for Veterans 4 
Disability Compensation 4 
	1996 Compensation Rates 4 
	Allowances for Dependents 5 
	Prisoners of War 5 
Other Disability Benefits 5 
	Specially Adapted Homes 5 
	Automobile Assistance 6 
	Persian Gulf Veterans 6 
Pension 7 
	1996 Improved Pension Rates 7 
	Improved Pension 8 
	Reduction While in Nursing Home/Domiciliary 8 
	Protected Pension Programs 8 
	Vocational Training 8 
	Aid and Attendance or Housebound 8 
Education and Training  9 
	Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty) 9 
	Montgomery Gl Bill (Selected Reserve) 12 
	Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) 13 
	Vocational and Educational Counseling 15 
Vocational Rehabilitation 16 
	Program for Unemployable Veterans 17 
	Special Program for Pension Veterans 17 
	1996 Vocational Rehabilitation Training Rates 18 
Home Loan Guaranties 19 
	Loan Guaranty Entitlement 22 
	Required Occupancy 22 
	Closing Costs 22 
	Funding Fee 23 
	Financing, Interest Rates and Terms 23 
	Release of Liability 24 
	Loans for Native Americans 24 
	Repossessed Houses 25 
	Safeguards for Veterans 25 
Life Insurance 26 
	Status of Insurance Programs 26 
	Borrowing on Policies 28 
	Insurance for Disabled Veterans 28 
	Open Insurance Programs 29 
Burial Benefits 30 
	Burial in National Cemeteries 30 
	Headstones and Markers 31 
	Headstones or Markers for Memorial Plots 32 
	Presidential Memorial Certificates 32 
	Burial Flags 33 
	Reimbursement of Burial Expenses 33 
 
2. Benefits for Survivors 34 
	Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) 34 
	1996 DIC Rate for Spouses 35  
	Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors 36 
	Death Pension 36 
	1996 Improved Pension 37 
	DependentsO Education 37 
	Educational Loans 38 
	Home Loan Guaranties 39 
	Montgomery GI Bill Death Benefit 39 
 
3. Health-Care Benefits 40 
	Hospital Care 40 
	Nursing-Home Care 41 
	Domiciliary Care 42 
	Outpatient Medical Treatment 43 
	Outpatient Pharmacy Services 44 
	Outpatient Dental Treatment 44 
	Persian Gulf, Agent Orange and Ionizing Radiation 45 
	Beneficiary Travel 46 
	Alcohol and Drug Dependence Treatment 46 
	Prosthetic Services 46 
	Services and Aids for Blind Veterans 47 
	Home Improvements and Structural Alterations 48 
	Readjustment Counseling 48 
	Special Categories for Medical Care 48 
		Merchant Marine Seamen 48 
		Allied Veterans 48 
	Medical Care for Dependents and Survivors 49 
 
4  Homeless Veterans 50 
 
5.  Women Veterans 50 
 
6.  Overseas Benefits 51 
 
7.  Benefits for Special Groups 51 
 
8.  Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 53 
 
9. Other Federal Benefits 54 
	Job-Finding Assistance 54 
	Servicemembers Occupational Conversion Program 54 
	Job Training Partnership Act 55 
	Disabled Veterans Outreach Program 55 
	Reemployment Rights 55 
	Unemployment Compensation 56 
	Federal Contract Affirmative Action 57 
	Veteran Jobs in the Federal Government 57 
	Transition Assistance Program 58 
	Operation Transition 58 
	Credit for Farms and Homes 59 
	FHA Home Mortgage Insurance 59 
	Naturalization Preference 59 
	Small Business Administration 60 
	Social Security 61 
	Supplemental Security Income 61 
	Passports To Visit Overseas Cemeteries 62 
	Medals 62 
	Review of Discharges 62 
	Replacing Military Records 63 
	Correction of Military Records 64 
	Armed Forces Retirement Homes 64 
	Commissary and Exchange Privileges 65 
	Death Gratuity 65 
 
10.  Appeals 66 
	Board of Veterans' Appeals 66 
	U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals 67 
 
11.  VA Facilities  Where To Go for Help 68 
 
12.  Index 89 
 
Veterans Benefit Timetable 
 
Time               Benefits                            Where to apply  
Within 90 days     REEMPLOYMENT                        Former Employer 
discharge 
 
After discharge    UNEMPLOYMENT : The amount of        State Employment Service 
                   benefit and payment period  
                   varies among states. Apply  
                   soon after separation. 
120 days or up     INSURANCE: Servicemen's Group       Office of SGLI, 
to one year if     Group Life Insurance may be         213 Washington St.,  
totally disabled   converted to Veterans Group         Newark, NJ 07102 
                   Life Insurance 
 
Two years from     DISABILITY INSURANCE: Life          Any VA office    
date of notice     Insurance (up to $10,000) is   
of VA disability   available for veterans with   
rating by VA       service-connected disabilities.  
                   Veterans who are totally disabled  
                   may apply for a waiver of premiums  
                   on these policies. 
 
10 years from      EDUCATION: Educational assistance   Any VA office 
release            depends upon period of service. 
 
12 years from  
date of discharge  VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION: For      Any VA office  
                   service-connected disabled vets,  
                   VA will pay tuition and fees, and  
                   the cost of books, tools and other 
                   program expenses, as well as provide  
                   a monthly  allowance. 
 
 
Introduction 
 
For current information on VA benefits contact the nearest VA office.  A call to  
1-800-827-1000 from any location in the United States will connect you to a VA  
regional benefits office.  Counselors can answer questions about benefits eligibility  
and application procedures.  When necessary, they make referrals to other VA facilities,  
such as medical centers and national cemeteries.  The phone numbers of all VA offices,  
including those in Manila and Puerto Rico, are listed in the back of this book.   
VA facilities also are listed in the federal government section of telephone  
directories under Department of Veterans Affairs. 
 
 
 
State governments and some municipalities also have offices devoted to  
administering state and local veterans programs and assisting veterans in  
filing claims for VA and other federal benefits.  Many veterans service  
organizations also provide VA benefits information and assistance. 
 
VA medical center admissions offices provide information on medical care,  
including hospital, outpatient, nursing home, dental, drug and alcohol  
dependency, prosthetics, readjustment counseling, and examinations for Agent  
Orange and radiation exposure or ailments from service in the Persian Gulf War. 
 
VA national cemeteries or regional offices assist veterans and dependents  
with burial benefits.  
 
Who's Eligible.  Eligibility for most VA benefits is based on discharge  
from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions  
for a minimum period specified by law.  Active service generally means  
full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,  
Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service,  
the Environmental Services Administration or the National Oceanic and  
Atmospheric Administration.  Completion of at least six years of honorable  
service in the Selected Reserves also provides for home-loan benefits for  
those not otherwise eligible.  Persons serving in the reserves also may be  
eligible for education benefits.  Men and women veterans with similar service  
are entitled to the same VA benefits.  Service in 28 organizations during  
special periods that include World Wars I and II has been certified as active  
military service by the Defense Department.  Members of these groups, listed  
in this booklet, may be eligible for VA benefits if Defense certifies their  
service and issues a discharge under honorable conditions. 
 
The Defense Department issues each veteran a military discharge form,  
DD 214, identifying the veteran's condition of discharge  honorable, general,  
other than honorable, dishonorable or bad conduct.  Honorable and general  
discharges qualify a veteran for most VA benefits.  Dishonorable and  
bad-conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial bar VA benefits.   
Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits.   
VA regional offices can clarify eligibility of prisoners and parolees. 
 
Wartime Service.  Certain VA benefits and medical care require wartime service.   
As specified in law, VA recognizes these war periods: 
 
Mexican Border Period  May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917, for veterans  
who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters. 
 
World War I  April 6, 1917, through Nov. 11, 1918; for veterans who served  
in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended through July 1, 1921,  
for veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918. 
	 
World War II  Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946. 
 
Korean Conflict  June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955. 
 
Vietnam Era  Aug. 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975. 
 
Persian Gulf War  Aug. 2, 1990, through a future date to be set by law or  
Presidential Proclamation. 
 
Filing  Claims.  Those filing a claim with VA for the first time must submit  
a copy of their service discharge form (DD 214), which documents service dates  
and type of discharge, or give their full name, military service number, branch  
of service and dates of service.  VA will assign a claim number to an initial  
claim. Put that number in any letter sent to VA. 
 
Important Documents.  The veteran's DD 214 form should be kept in a safe,  
convenient location accessible to the veteran and next of kin or designated  
representative.  The veteran's preference regarding burial in a national cemetery  
and use of a headstone provided by VA should be documented and kept with this  
information.  The following documents, if not included in VA files, will be  
needed for claims processing related to a veteran's death:  (1)  marriage  
certificate for a surviving spouse or children;  (2)  death certificate if  
the veteran did not die in a VA medical facility;  (3)  children's birth  
certificates for children's benefits;  (4)  veteran's birth certificate for  
parents establishing eligibility. 
 
* * * * *  
Informacion Para Los Veteranos 
De Habla Hispana y Sus Dependientes 
 
Si necesita informacion o ayuda en la solicitud de los beneficios dispuestos  
por ley para veteranos o dependientes, escriba, llame o visite cualquiera de  
las oficinas del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos que aparecen al final de  
este folleto, o si desea, puede ponerse en contacto con el representante de una 
de las organizaciones de veteranos de su localidad. Cualquier solicitud para  
servicios mdicos puede hacerse en uno de los hospitales o cl'nicas extemas del  
Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos. 
 
En aquellos estados donde hay una gran concentraci_n de veteranos y dependientes  
de habla Hispana, las oficinas del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos tienen  
consejeros bilingYes que le ayudaran en la solicitud de cualquier benefido de  
veterano. Ademas se encuentra disponible en las oficinas regionales del Departamento  
de Asuntos de Veteranos o en la Oficina Central (27), localizada en 810 Vermont  
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420, un breve folleto titulado "Sus Beneficios," el  
cual puede obtenerse gratis. 
 
 
Benefit Programs for Veterans 
 
Disability Compensation 
Monetary benefits, called disability compensation, are paid to veterans who are  
disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military  
service. The service of the veteran must have been terminated through separation  
or discharge under conditions that were other than dishonorable.  Monetary  
benefits are related to the residual effects of the injury or disease. The benefits,  
which are not subject to federal or state income tax, are set by Congress.  
Disability compensation is paid monthly.  The payment of military retirement  
pay, disability severance pay and separation incentive payments known as SSB  
and VSI (Special Separation Benefits and Voluntary Separation Incentives) affect  
the amount of VA compensation payable.  Rates effective December 1, 1995: 
 
1996 Compensation Rates 
 
Disability                Monthly rate 
10 percent                $91 
20 percent                 174 
30 percent                 266 
40 percent                 380 
50 percent                 542  
60 percent                 683 
70 percent                 862 
80 percent                 999 
90 percent                 1,124 
100 percent                1,870  
 
Additional amounts may be paid when a veteran suffers severe disabilities. 
 
Allowances for Dependents 
Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 30 percent or more  
are entitled to additional allowances for dependents. The additional amount,  
up to $240 a month for a wife and two children, is determined according to the  
number of dependents and the degree of disability.  A disabled veteran evaluated  
30 percent or more also is entitled to receive a special allowance for a spouse  
who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person. 
 
Prisoners of War 
Former prisoners of war who were incarcerated for at least 30 days are entitled to a presumption  
of service connection for disabilities resulting from certain diseases or ailments if manifested  
to a degree of 10 percent at any time after active service. These presumptions may be rebutted by  
proof of other intervening causes. 
 
Other Disability Benefits 
 
Specially Adapted Homes 
Disabled veterans may be entitled to a grant from VA for a home specially adapted  
to their needs or for adaptations. 
 
For $38,000 Grant.  VA may approve a grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of  
building, buying or remodeling adapted homes or paying indebtedness on those homes already  
acquired, up to a maximum of $38,000. Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent  
and total service-connected disability due to: 
	1.  loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion  
            without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair, or 
	2.  disability which includes (a) blindness in both eyes, having only light perception,  
            plus (b) loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, or 
	3.  loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (a) residuals of  
            organic disease or injury, or (b) the loss or loss of use of one upper  
            extremity, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to  
            preclude locomotion without using braces, canes, crutches or a wheelchair. 
 
For $6,500 Grant.  VA may approve a grant for the actual cost, up to a maximum of $6,500,  
for adaptations to a veteran's residence which are determined by VA to be reasonably  
necessary. The grant also may be used to assist veterans in acquiring a residence which 
already has been adapted with special features for the veteran's disability.   Veterans 
 must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to  
(1) blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or (2) anatomical loss or loss  
of use of both hands. 
 
Supplemental Financing.  Veterans with available loan guaranty entitlement may also obtain  
a guaranteed loan or a direct loan from VA to supplement the grant to acquire a specially  
adapted home. 
 
Housing Insurance.  Veterans with a specially adapted housing grant may be eligible for Veterans'  
Mortgage Life Insurance. 
 
Automobile Assistance 
Veterans and servicemembers qualify for this benefit if they have service-connected loss  
of one or both hands or feet, or permanent loss of use, or permanent impairment of vision of  
both eyes. Veterans entitled to compensation for ankylosis (abnormal immobility) of one or both knees,  
or one or both hips, also qualify for adaptive equipment for an automobile. There is a one-time  
payment by VA of not more than $5,500 toward the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance.  
VA will pay for adaptive equipment, and for repair, replacement, or reinstallation required because  
of disability, and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with VA assistance or a previously  
or subsequently acquired vehicle. To apply, contact a VA regional office or the prosthetic service at  
a VA medical center. 
 
Clothing Allowance 
Any veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability for which  
he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances, including a wheelchair that tends to wear out  
or tear clothing, may receive an annual clothing allowance of $491.  Any veteran whose service-connected  
skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages the veteran's outer garments  
also may receive the allowance.  To apply, contact a VA Regional Office. 
 
Persian Gulf Veterans 
Persian Gulf veterans who suffer from chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses  
may receive disability compensation from VA.  The undiagnosed illnesses must have appeared either  
during active duty in the Persian Gulf during the Persian Gulf War or within a presumptive period  
following as determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
 
VA has been directed to develop and implement a uniform medical evaluation protocol and case  
definitions or diagnoses for the unknown illnesses of Persian Gulf veterans.  VA is authorized  
to conduct a survey of Persian Gulf War veterans and their families and an epidemiological  
study of the health consequences of service in the Persian Gulf. 
 
Pension 
Veterans may be eligible for support if they have limited income when they have 90 days or  
more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war.  Their  
discharge from active duty must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.  They must  
be permanently and totally disabled for reasons traceable neither to military service nor to  
willful misconduct.  Payments are made to qualified veterans to bring their total income,  
including other retirement or Social Security income, to an established support level.   
Countable income may be reduced by unreimbursed medical expenses.  Pension is not payable to  
those who have assets that can be used to provide adequate maintenance. 
 
1996 Improved Pension Rates 
 
 
Status                                          Maximum Annual Rate 
Veteran without dependent spouse or child       $  8,246 
Veteran with one dependent spouse or child         10,801 
Veteran in need of regular aid and attendance      13,190 
with no dependents                                  
Veteran in need of regular aid and                 15,744  
attendance with one dependent 
Veteran permanently housebound with no             10.080 
dependents                                          
Veteran permanently housebound with one            12,634  
dependent 
Two veterans married to one another                10,801 
Veterans of World War I and Mexican Border          1,867  
Period, add to the applicable annual rate  
Increase for each additional dependent child        1,404 
 
Improved Pension 
Effective Dec. 1, 1995, the Improved Pension program provides for the maximum annual rates  
listed in thepreceding table, generally payable monthly.  The payment is reduced by the  
amount of the countable income of the veteran and the income of any spouse or dependent children. 
 
Reduction in Nursing Home or Domiciliary  
When a veteran without a spouse or a child is being furnished nursing-home or domiciliary  
care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not in excess of $90 per month after  
three full-calendar months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursing-home care is  
being continued for the primary purpose of providing the veteran with rehabilitation services. 
 
Protected Pension Programs  
Pensioners entitled to benefits as of Dec. 31, 1978, who do not elect to receive a pension  
under the Improved Pension program, will continue to receive pension benefits at the rate  
they were entitled to receive on Dec. 31, 1978, as long as they remain permanently and totally  
disabled, do not lose a dependent, or their incomes do not exceed the adjusted income limitation.   
The income limitation is increased annually based on the Consumer Price Index. 
 
Vocational Training  
Veterans in receipt of pensions between Feb. 1, 1985, and Dec. 31, 1995, may elect to  
participate in a vocational training program. Under this program a veteran may receive 24 or  
more months of vocational training and related services and up to 18 months of placement and  
post-placement services.  Individuals whose employment income as a result of the training  
received renders them ineligible for further pension are, nonetheless, entitled to retain  
eligibility to VA health care for three years. 
 
Aid and Attendance or Housebound 
A veteran who is a patient in a nursing home, who is otherwise determined by VA to be in need  
of the regular aid and attendance of another person or who is permanently housebound may be  
entitled to higher income limitations or additional benefits, depending on the type of  
pension received. 
 
 
Education and Training 
Montgomery Gl Bill (Active Duty) 
Eligibility 
The Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty), also known as the MGIB, is a program of education  
benefits for individuals who enter active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985 and  
receive an honorable discharge.  Active duty includes full-time National Guard duty performed  
after Nov. 29, 1989.   To receive the maximum benefit, the participant must serve continuously  
for three years. 
 
An individual also may qualify for the full benefit by initially serving two continuous  
years on active duty, followed by four years of Selected Reserve service, beginning within  
one year of release from active duty. 
 
The participant must meet the requirements for a high school diploma or an equivalency  
certificate before the first period of active duty ends.  Completing 12 credit hours toward  
a college degree meets this requirement. Individuals who initially serve a continuous period  
of at least three years of active duty, even though they were initially obligated to serve  
less, will be paid the maximum benefit. 
 
For the most part, benefits under the MGIB end 10 years from the date of the veteran's last  
discharge or release from active duty.  VA can extend this 10-year period if the veteran  
was prevented from training during this period because of a disability or because he or  
she was held by a foreign government or power.  The 10-year period can also be extended if  
an individual reenters active duty for 90 days or more after becoming eligible.  Veterans  
serving periods of active duty of less than 90 days can qualify for extensions under certain  
circumstances.  If the veteran's discharge is upgraded by the military, the 10-year period  
begins on the date of the upgrade.  If eligibility is based on both the Vietnam Era Gl  
Bill and the Montgomery Gl Bill, and discharge from active duty was before Dec. 31, 1989,  
the veteran will have until Jan. 1, 2000.  VA will subtract from the 10-year period those  
periods the veteran was not on active duty between Jan. 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985.  If  
eligibility is based on two years of active duty and four years in the Selected Reserve,  
the veteran's eligibility will end the later of (1) 10 years from release from active duty; or  
(2) 10 years from completiing the four-year Selected Reserve obligation. 
 
Participation Requirements 
Participation in the Montgomery GI Bill requires that servicemembers have their military pay  
reduced by $100 a month for the first 12 months of active duty. This money is not refundable.   
If an individual decides not to participate in this program, this decision cannot be changed  
at a later date, except in special circumstances.  An exception is made for servicemembers who  
are involuntarily separated from active duty with an honorable discharge.  A second exception  
is made for those who voluntarily separate from active duty under force reduction programs.   
If the serviceperson decides to participate before separation, military pay will be reduced. 
 
Vietnam Era GI Bill and VEAP Conversions 
Also eligible for Montgomery GI Bill benefits are those individuals who had remaining  
entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill on Dec. 31, 1989, and served on active duty  
between Oct. 19, 1984, and July 1, 1985, and continued to serve on active duty to July 1, 1988,  
or to July 1, 1987, followed by four years in the Selected Reserve.  An individual who converts  
from the Vietnam Era Gl Bill must have met the requirements for a high school diploma or an  
equivalency certificate before Dec. 31, 1989.  Completion of 12 credit hours toward a college  
degree meets the requirement.  Individuals who were eligible for the post-Vietnam Era Veterans'  
Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) may elect to receive benefits under the Montgomery Bill  
and apply for a refund of the contributions to VEAP. 
 
Discharges and Separations 
For the Montgomery Gl Bill program, the discharge must be honorable. Discharges designated  
"under honorable conditions" and "general" do not establish eligibility.  A discharge for  
one of the following reasons may result in a reduction of the required length of active duty:   
(1)  convenience of the government;  (2)  disability;  (3)  hardship;  (4)  a medical condition  
existing before service;  (5)  force reductions;  (6)  physical or mental conditions which prevent  
satisfactory performance of duty. 
 
Education and Training Available 
The following  are available under the Montgomery Gl Bill: 
	1.	Courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, bachelor or  
                graduate degrees, and accredited independent study. Cooperative training  
                programs are available to individuals not on active duty. 
	2.	Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational 
schools. 
	3.	Apprenticeship or on-job training programs for individuals not on active duty. 
	4.	Correspondence courses, under certain conditions. 
	5.	Flight training.  Before beginning training, the veteran must have a private  
                pilot license and meet the physical requirements for a commercial license.   
                Benefits also may be received for flying hours up to the minimum required by  
                the FAA for the rating or certification being pursued. 
	6.	Tutorial assistance benefits if individual is enrolled in school half-time or  
                more. Remedial, deficiency and refresher training also may be available. 
	7.	State-approved alternative teacher certification programs through September 30, 1996. 
 
Payments 
Veterans who served on active duty for three years or more, or two years active duty  
plus four years in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, will receive $416.62 a month  
in basic benefits for 36 months.  Those who enlist and serve for less than three years  
will receive $338.51 a month.  VA pays an additional amount, commonly called a "kicker,"  
if directed by the Defense Department. 
 
Work-Study 
Work-study participants must train at the three-quarter or full-time rate.  Payments may be  
at the federal minimum wage or, if greater, the hourly minimum wage of the applicable state.   
Under this program, participants may work for VA, performing outreach services under the  
supervision of a VA employee, preparing and processing VA paperwork, working at a VA medical  
facility, or performing other approved activities. 
 
Counseling 
Counseling may be available for individuals who are eligible for VA educational assistance;  
who are on active duty and within 180 days of discharge; or who have been  discharged one year  
or less.  VA will help individuals understand their educational and vocational needs, and plan  
an educational, training or employment goal.  VA may also help individuals plan an effective job search. 
 
 
Montgomery Gl Bill (Selected Reserve) 
Eligibility 
The Montgomery Gl Bill (Selected Reserve) is a program of education benefits for members of the  
reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and for the Army  
National Guard and the Air National Guard.  This program also is referred to as the MGIB-SR.   
To be eligible for the program, a reservist must:  (1)  have a six-year obligation to serve  
in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985, or, if an officer, agree to serve six years  
in addition to the original obligation;  (2)  complete Initial Active Duty for Training (IADT);   
(3)  meet the requirements for a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before  
completing IADT; and (4) remain in good standing in a Selected Reserve unit. 
 
Education and Training Available 
Reservists may seek an undergraduate degree or graduate training or take technical  
courses at colleges and universities.  Those who have a six-year commitment beginning  
after Sept. 30, 1990, may take courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business,  
technical, or vocational schools; cooperative training; apprenticeship or on-job training;  
correspondence courses; independent study programs; flight training; tutorial assistance;  
remedial, refresher and deficiency training; and, through Sept. 30, 1996, state-approved  
alternative teacher certification programs. 
 
Payments 
The full-time rate is $197.90 a month for 36 months.  
 
Work-Study 
Reservists training at the three-quarter or full-time rate are eligible for the work-study program.   
Terms of participation are the same as under the Montgomery Gl Bill (Active Duty) program, except  
that reservists can also work at a military facility if the work is related to Selected Reserve education. 
 
Period of Eligibility 
If a reservist stays in the Selected Reserve, benefits end 10 years from the date the reservist  
became eligible for the program.  VA may extend the 10-year period if the individual could not  
train due to a disability caused by Selected Reserve service. If a reservist leaves the Selected  
Reserve because of a disability, the individual may use the full 10 years.  VA may also extend  
the 10-year period if the reservist was ordered to active duty during the Persian Gulf War.  In  
other cases, benefits end on the day the reservist leaves the Selected Reserve, except that  
certain individuals separated from the Selected Reserve due to downsizing of the military between  
Oct. 1, 1991, and Sept. 30, 1995, will have the full 10 years to use their benefits.  If the 10-year  
period ends, however, while the participant is attending school, VA will pay benefits until the end  
of the term.  If the training is not on a term basis, payments may continue for 12 weeks. 
 
Counseling 
Counseling may be available for individuals who are eligible for VA educational assistance; who  
are on active duty and within 180 days of discharge; or who have been discharged one year or less.   
VA will help these individuals understand their educational and  vocational strengths and weaknesses  
and plan an educational,  training or employment goal.  VA also may help individuals plan a job search. 
 
Veterans' Educational Assistance Program  
Eligibility 
Under VEAP, active duty personnel voluntarily participated in a plan for education or training  
in which their savings were administered and added to by the federal government.  Servicepersons  
were eligible to enroll in VEAP if they entered active duty for the first time after Dec. 31, 1976,  
and before July 1, 1985.  Some contribution to VEAP must have been made prior to April 1, 1987.   
The maximum participant contribution is $2,700.  While on active duty, participants may make a  
lump-sum contribution to the training fund. 
 
A serviceperson who participated in VEAP is eligible to receive benefits while on active  
duty if: (1) at least three months of contributions are available, except for high school or  
elementary school in which case only one month of contributions is needed; and (2) the first  
active-duty commitment is completed. 
 
If the individual's first term is for more than six years, benefits may be available after  
six years. To attend an elementary or high school program, the individual must be in the last  
six months of the first enlistment.  A veteran who participated in VEAP is eligible to receive  
benefits if the discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable and:  (1) the first  
enlistment was prior to Sept. 8, 1980; or the participant entered active duty as an officer  
on or before Oct. 17, 1981, and served for a continuous period of 181 days or more, or was  
discharged for a service-connected disability; or  (2) the participant enlisted for the first time  
on or after Sept. 8, 1980; or entered active duty as an officer on or after Oct. 17, 1981, and  
completed 24 continuous months of active duty. 
 
Education eligibility may be established even though the required active duty is not  
completed if the veteran:  (1) receives VA disability compensation or military disability  
retirement;  (2) served a previous period of at least 24 continuous months of active duty  
before Oct. 17, 1981; or  (3) was discharged or released for early out, hardship or  
service-connected disability. 
 
An individual who contributed or who could have contributed to VEAP before being  
voluntarily separated from active duty with an honorable discharge after Feb. 2, 1991,  
may elect before separation to receive Montgomery Gl Bill (Active Duty) benefits.  VEAP  
participants who voluntarily separate from active duty after Dec. 4, 1991, under the Special  
Separation Benefit or the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program also may elect to  
participate in the Montgomery Gl Bill (Active Duty). 
 
Education and Training Available 
VEAP participants may pursue associate, bachelor or graduate degrees at colleges or  
universities.  Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or  
vocational schools may also be taken.  Other opportunities may include apprenticeship or  
on-job training programs; cooperative courses; correspondence-school courses; tutorial  
assistance; remedial, refresher, and deficiency training; and, through Sept. 30, 1996,  
state-approved alternative teacher certification programs. 
 
Flight training also may be pursued, including solo flying hours up to the minimum  
required by the FAA for the rating or certification being pursued.  Before beginning  
training, the veteran must have a private pilot license and meet the physical requirements  
for a commercial license. 
 
A participant may study abroad in programs leading to a college degree and in programs which  
offer, as part of the curriculum, nontraditional training away from school.  A participant  
with a deficiency in a subject may receive tutorial assistance benefits if enrolled half-time  
or more.  Remedial, deficiency and refresher training is available. 
 
Payments 
When the participant elects to use VEAP benefits to pursue an approved course of education  
or training, the Defense Department will match the participant's contribution at the rate of  
$2 for every $1 the individual put into the fund.  Defense also may make additional contributions  
to the fund in exchange for special duties performed by the participant. 
 
A veteran will receive monthly payments for the number of months contributed, or for 36 months,  
whichever is less. The amount of the payment is determined by dividing the number of  
months that contributions were made into the participant's training-fund total. 
 
A typical VEAP payment:  A participant contributes $1,800 over a 36-month period and the  
government adds $3,600 (2 for 1 match); there is no additional contribution from the  
Defense Department.  This results in a total entitlement amount of $5,400.  This amount would  
be divided by 36 months, yielding a monthly benefit of $150 for full-time schooling for the veteran. 
 
Period of Eligibility 
 A veteran has 10 years from the date of last discharge or release from active duty to  
use VEAP benefits.  This 10-year period can be extended by the amount of time the veteran  
could not train because of a disability or because of being held by a foreign government  
or power.  The 10-year period may also be extended if the veteran reenters active duty for  
90 continuous days or more after becoming eligible.  For periods of less than 90 days, the  
veteran may qualify for extensions under certain circumstances.  The extension ends 10  
years from the date of discharge or release from the later active duty period.  A veteran  
with a discharge upgraded by the military will have 10 years from the date of the upgrade. 
 
Work-Study 
To be eligible for work-study benefits, a person must train at the three-quarter or  
full-time rate.  Payments may be at the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is greater. 
 
Vocational and Educational Counseling  
Servicemembers, veterans and dependents of deceased and totally disabled veterans may  
receive a wide range of vocational and educational counseling services throughout the  
period they are eligible for an educational assistance program administered by VA.  
Counseling services include educational and vocational guidance and testing.  The following  
may receive these services regardless of eligibility for any other VA educational benefits:  
(a) servicemembers within 180 days of their planned discharge or release from active duty,  
and (b) veterans within one year after discharge.   A veteran rated incompetent by VA must  
be counseled prior to entering a VA educational or training program.  VA will pay the cost  
of travel for this counseling. 
 
Vocational Rehabilitation 
Eligibility 
Veterans and servicemembers are eligible for vocational rehabilitation if three conditions are met: 
	1.	They suffered a service-connected disability or disabilities in active  
                service after Sept. 15, 1940, and are receiving at least 20 percent compensation  
                or would do so but for receipt of military retirement pay.  Veterans with a 10  
                percent disability also may be found eligible if they have a serious employment handicap. 
	2.	They were discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions or are  
                hospitalized awaiting separation for a service-connected disability. 
	3.	They need vocational rehabilitation to overcome an employment handicap. 
 
Benefits 
A disabled veteran will be given an evaluation to establish eligibility.  An eligible disabled  
veteran may receive employment assistance, self-employment assistance, training in a  
rehabilitation facility, and college and other training.  Severely disabled veterans may  
receive assistance to improve their ability to live independently. 
 
Period of Rehabilitation Program 
The veteran must complete a rehabilitation program 12 years from the date of the veteran's  
discharge or release from active duty.  This period may be extended if a medical condition  
prevented the veteran from training or if the veteran has a serious employment handicap.   
Disabled veterans may receive services until they have reached their rehabilitation goal,  
generally up to 48 months.  VA may provide counseling, job placement and post-employment  
services for up to 18 additional months. 
 
 
Rehabilitation Program Costs 
While in training and for two months after completing training, eligible veterans may  
receive subsistence allowances in addition to their disability compensation or retirement pay.   
Servicemembers cannot receive subsistence allowances until they leave active duty.  VA may  
pay the costs of tuition and required fees, books, supplies and equipment.  VA may also pay  
for special support, such as tutorial assistance, prosthetic devices, lip-reading training  
and signing for the deaf.  VA will help the veteran to pay for at least part of the  
transportation expenses unique to disabled persons during training or employment services.   
VA also may provide an advance against future benefit payments for veterans who run into  
financial difficulties during training. 
 
Work-Study 
For work-study benefits, a person must train at the three-quarter or full-time rate.  
Participants will be paid in advance 40 percent of the amount specified in the work-study  
agreement or an amount equal to 50 times the applicable minimum wage, whichever is less.   
Participants under the supervision of a VA employee may provide outreach services, prepare  
and process VA paperwork, work at a VA medical facility or perform other approved activities. 
 
Program for Unemployable Veterans 
Veterans awarded 100 percent disability compensation based upon unemployability may  
request an evaluation and, if found eligible, may participate in a rehabilitation program  
and receive assistance in securing employment.  A veteran with an unemployability rating  
who secures gainful employment under the special program will continue to receive  
disability compensation without reduction until the veteran has worked continuously for 12 months. 
 
Special Program for Pension Veterans  
Veterans who are awarded VA pension through Dec. 31, 1995, may be eligible for up to 24  
months or more under certain circumstancesof vocational training.  Program participants  
may also receive up to 18 months employment counseling.  Any veteran receiving a pension  
awarded prior to Dec. 31, 1995, may apply for an evaluation for participation in vocational  
training. If an evaluation shows the veteran can achieve a vocational goal and the veteran  
wants vocational training, VA will help develop a plan of training.  Veterans are not required,  
however, to take part either in evaluation or training. 
 
A veteran will continue to receive pension while receiving training or employment services.   
If a veteran's pension is terminated for excessive work or training income, the veteran may  
continue to receive VA health care and retain priority for treatment for three years after  
the date the pension is terminated.  Participants may work up to 12 months with no change  
in their evaluation as permanently and totally disabled.  The employment must be within the  
scope of the vocational goal or a related field identified in the participant's VA  
rehabilitation plan and must be obtained within one year after eligibility for counseling  
expires. Earnings during this period count as income for pension purposes. 
 
1996 Vocational Rehabilitation Rates 
 
Type of      No              One          Two         Each add.                   
training*    Dependents      Dependent    Dependents  Dependent 
 
A 
Full-time   $385.80          $478.57	 $563.94 	$41.11 
3/4-time     289.88  	      359.45	  421.64	 31.62 
1/2-time     193.96           240.33	  282.50 	 21.08 
 
B 
Full-time    385.80           478.57	  563.94	 41.11 
 
C 
Full-time    337.32    	      407.94	  470.13         30.57 
 
D 
Full-time    385.80	      478.57	  563.94	 41.11 
3/4-time     289.88	      359.45 	  421.64	 31.62 
1/2-time     193.96	      240.33	  282.50	 21.08 
1/4-time      96.97	      120.17	  141.25	 10.54 
*Type of training 
	A.  Institutional or unpaid work experience in a federal, state or local agency,  
            or a federally recognized Indian tribe agency. 
	B.  Unpaid on-job training in a federal, state or local agency, or a federally  
            recognized Indian tribe agency; training in the home; vocational course in a  
            rehabilitation facilility or sheltered workshop; independent instructor; institutional  
            non-farm cooperative. 
	C.  Farm cooperative, apprenticeship, on-job training, or on-job non-farm cooperative. 
	D.  Independent living or extended evaluation. 
 
Home Loan Guaranties 
VA guarantees loans made to servicemembers, veterans and unremarried surviving spouses for the 
purchase or refinancing of homes, condominiums and manufactured homes.  VA guarantees part of the 
total loan, permitting the purchaser to obtain a mortgage with a competitive interest rate, even without a 
down payment if the lender agrees.  VA requires a down payment for the purchase of a manufactured 
home.  VA also requires a down payment for a home or condominium if the purchase price exceeds the 
reasonable value of the property or the loan has a graduated payment feature.  With a VA guaranty, the 
lender is protected against loss up to the amount of the guaranty if the borrower fails to repay the loan. A 
VA loan guaranty can be used to:  
1.	Buy a home. 	 
2.	Buy a residential  condominium.	 
3.	Build a home. 
4.	Repair, alter or improve a home.  
5.	Refinance an existing home loan.  
6.	Buy a manufactured home with or without a lot. 
7.	Buy and improve a manufactured home lot.  
8.	Install a solar heating or cooling system or other weatherization improvements.  
9.	Purchase and improve  a home simultaneously with energy efficient improvements. 
10.	Refinance an existing VA loan to reduce the interest rate and make energy efficient 
improvements. 
11.	Refinance a manufactured home loan to acquire a lot. 
 
Eligibility 
Applicants must have a good credit rating, have an income sufficient to support mortgage payments,  
and agree to live on the property.  To obtain a VA certificate of eligibility, complete VA  
Form 26-1880, "Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement,"  
and submit it to the nearest VA regional office. 
 
World War II Eligibility: (1) active duty service after Sept. 15, 1940, and prior to July 26, 1947;  
(2)  discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; and (3)  at least 90 days service unless  
discharged early for service-connected disability. 
 
Post-World War II Eligibility: (1) active duty service after July 25, 1947, and prior to  
June 27, 1950; (2) discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; and (3)  181 days  
continuous active duty unless discharged early for service-connected disability. 
 
Korean Conflict Eligibility: (1)  active duty after June 26, 1950, and prior to Feb. 1, 1955;  
(2) discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; and (3) at least 90 days total service,  
unless discharged early for service-connected disability. 
 
Post-Korean Conflict Eligibility: (1) active duty between Jan. 31, 1955, and Aug. 5, 1964;  
(2) discharge under conditions other than dishonorable;  (3) 181 days continuous service,  
unless discharged early for service-connected disability. 
 
Vietnam Eligibility: (1) active duty after Aug. 4, 1964, and prior to May 8, 1975;  
(2) discharge under conditions other than dishonorable; and (3) 90 days total service, unless  
discharged early for service-connected disability. 
 
Post-Vietnam Eligibility:  For veterans whose enlisted service began before Sept. 8, 1980, or  
whose service as an officer began before Oct. 17, 1981:  (1)  active duty for 181 continuous days,  
all of which occurred after May 7, 1975, and (2)  discharge under conditions other than dishonorable;  
or (3)  early discharge for service-connected disability. 
 
For veterans separated from enlisted service between Sept. 8, 1980, and Aug. 1, 1990, or service  
as an officer between Oct. 17, 1981, and Aug. 1, 1990:  (1)  completion of 24  months of continuous  
active duty or the full period at least 181 days for which the person was called or ordered to  
active duty, and discharge under conditions other than dishonorable; or (2) completion of at least  
181 days of active duty with a hardship discharge or discharge for the convenience of the government,  
reduction in force or certain medical conditions; or (3) early discharge for service-connected disability. 
 
Persian Gulf War Eligibility:(1) completion of 24 months of continuous active duty or the full  
period at least 90 days  for which the person was called to active duty, and discharge from  
active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; or (2)  discharge after at least 90 days  
with a hardship discharge, discharge at the convenience of the government, reduction in force  
or certain medical conditions, or discharge for service-connected disability. Reservists and  
National Guard members are eligible if they were activated  after Aug. 1, 1990, served at least  
90 days active duty, and were discharged honorably. 
 
Active Duty Personnel Eligibility:  Until the Persian Gulf era is ended by law or Presidential 
Proclamation, persons on active duty are eligible after serving on continuous active duty for  
90 days.  Six-month enlistees who serve for six months on active duty for training only are  
not eligible, but they may be eligible for FHA Home Mortgage Insurance for veterans. 
 
Eligibility for Members of the  Selected Reserve:  Individuals are eligible if they have completed  
at least six years in the Reserves or National Guard or were discharged because of a  
service-connected disability.  Their eligibility expires Oct. 28, 1999. 
 
Eligibility for Others:  Others eligible include unremarried spouses of veterans or reservists  
who died on active duty or as a result of service-connected causes; spouses of active-duty  
servicemembers who have been missing in action or a prisoner of war for at least 90 days; U.S. citizens  
who served in the armed forces of a U.S. ally in World War II; and members of organizations with  
recognized contributions to the U.S. World War II effort.  Eligibility may be determined at any  
VA regional office. 
 
Guaranty AmountThe amount of the VA guaranty available to an eligible veteran is called the  
entitlement, and may be considered the equivalent of a down payment by lenders.  Up to $50,750 in  
entitlement may be available to veterans purchasing or constructing homes to be financed with a loan  
of more than $144,000 and to veterans who obtain an Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan of more  
than $144,000.  The amount of entitlement varies with the loan amount. 
 
VA does not establish a maximum loan amount.  No loan for the acquisition of a home, however,  
may exceed the reasonable value of the property.  A loan for the purpose of refinancing existing  
mortgage loans or other liens secured on a dwelling is generally limited to 90 percent of the appraised  
value of the dwelling.  A loan to reduce the interest rate on an existing VA-guaranteed loan, however,  
can be made for an amount equal to the outstanding balance on the old loan plus closing costs, reasonable  
discount points and energy efficient improvements.  A loan for the purchase of a manufactured home or lot  
is limited to 95 percent of the amount that would be subject to finance charges.  In addition to these  
limits, the VA funding fee and up to $6,000 in energy-efficient improvements may be included. 
 
A veteran who previously obtained a VA loan can use the remaining entitlement for a second purchase.  
The  
amount of remaining entitlement is the difference between $36,000, or $50,750 for special loans, and the  
amount of entitlement used on prior loans.  Veterans refinancing an existing VA loan with a new VA loan 
at  
a lower interest rate need not have any entitlement available for use. 
 
Loan Guaranty Entitlement 
Loan Amount      Guaranty Percent     Maximum Amount 
Up to $45,000   	50%           $22,500 
$45,001 to $56,250	40-50%        $22,500 
$56,251 to $144,000	40%           $36,000 
$144,001 or more	25%           $50,750 
Manufactured home       40%           $20,000 
and/or lot loan 
 
Required Occupancy 
Veterans must certify that they intend to live in the home they are buying or building with a  
VA guaranty.  A  veteran who wishes to refinance or improve a home with a VA guaranty also must  
certify to being in occupancy at the time of application.  A spouse may certify occupancy if the  
buyer is on active duty.  In refinancing a VA-guaranteed loan solely to reduce the interest rate,  
veterans need only certify to prior occupancy. 
 
Closing CostsPayment in cash is required on all home loan closing costs, including title search  
and recording, hazard insurance premiums, prepaid taxes and a 1 percent origination fee which  
may be required by lenders in lieu of certain other costs.  In the case of refinancing loans,  
all such costs may be included in the loan, as long as the total loan does not exceed 90 percent  
of the reasonable value for the property.  Interest rate reduction refinancing loans may  
include closing costs and reasonable discount points.  Loans, including refinancing loans,  
are charged a funding fee by VA, except for loans made to disabled veterans and unremarried  
surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of service. The VA funding fee is based on the  
loan amount and, at the discretion of the veteran and the lender, may be included in the loan. 
 
Funding Fee 
Loan Category              Veterans % of loan     Reservists % of loan 
Purchase or construction    2.0                   2.75          
loans with down payments  
of less than 5 percent,  
refinancing loans and  
home improvement/repair  
loans 
 
Purchase or construction    1.5                   2.25  
loans with down payments  
of at least 5 percent but  
less than 10 percent 
 
Purchase or construction    1.25                  2.20  
loans with down payments  
of 10 percent or more 
 
Manufactured home loans     1.0                   1.0 
 
Interest rate reduction     0.5                   0.5  
loans 
 
Assumption of               0.5                   0.5 
VA-guaranteed loans 
 
Second or subsequent use    3.0                   3.0  
without a down payment 
 
Financing, Interest Rates and Terms 
Veterans obtain VA-guaranteed loans through the usual lending institutions, including banks, savings  
and loan associations, building and loan associations and mortgage loan companies.  Veterans may  
obtain a loan with a fixed interest rate, which may be negotiated with the lender.  If the lender  
charges discount points on the loan, the veteran may negotiate with the seller as to who will pay  
points or if they will be split between buyer and seller.  Points paid by the veteran may not be  
included in the loan, except for interest rate reduction refinancing loans.  The term of the loan  
may be for as long as 30 years and 32 days. 
 
VA normally does not require that a down payment be made.  VA does require a down payment  
for a manufactured home or lot loan, for a loan with graduated payment features, and to  
prevent the amount of a loan from exceeding VA's determination of the property's reasonable  
value.  If the sale price exceeds the reasonable value, the veteran must certify that the  
difference is being paid in cash without supplementary borrowing.  A  cash down payment of  
5 percent of the purchase price is required for  manufactured home or lot loans. 
 
Release of Liability 
When a veteran sells a home financed through a VA guaranty, the veteran may request release  
from liability to the federal government provided the loan is current, the purchaser has been  
obligated by contract to purchase the property and assume all of the veteran's liabilities, and  
VA is satisfied that the purchaser is a good risk.  A release of liability does not mean that a  
veteran's guaranty entitlement is restored.  VA usually restores entitlement only when it is  
no longer liable.  If the new veteran-buyer, however, agrees to substitute entitlement for  
that of the original veteran-buyer, entitlement may be restored to the original veteran-buyer. 
 
For loans made on or after March 1, 1988, a release from liability determination must be made  
in every case involving the assumption of a VA-guaranteed loan.  This will involve a determination  
of the good credit of the buyer assuming the loan by the holder of the loan or VA.  A VA loan for  
which a commitment was made on or after March 1, 1988, is not assumable without approval of VA or  
its authorized agent.  The person who assumes a VA loan for which a commitment was made on or  
after March 1, 1988, must pay a fee to VA equal to 1/2 of 1 percent of the balance of the loan  
being assumed.  If a person disposes of the property securing a VA-guaranteed loan for which a  
commitment was made after March 1, 1988, without first notifying the holder of the loan, the holder  
may demand immediate and full payment of the loan. 
 
Loans for Native Americans 
VA direct home loans are available to eligible Native American veterans who wish to  
purchase, construct or improve a home on Native American trust land.  These loans may be  
used to simultaneously purchase and improve a home.  VA direct loans may be  limited to the  
cost of the home or $80,000, whichever is less.  Before a Native American veteran can obtain  
a loan under this program, tribal officials and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must sign  
an agreement that spells out the program. 
 
A funding fee of 1.25 percent must be paid to VA.  Veterans receiving compensation for  
service-connected disability are not required to pay the funding fee.  Veterans who qualify  
based on service in the Reserves or National Guard that was not active duty are charged a  
funding fee of 2 percent of the loan amount.  The funding fee may be paid in cash  or included  
in the loan.  Other closing costs may not be included in the loan.  The following  may not be  
included in the loan:  VA appraisal, credit report, loan processing fee, title search, title  
insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges and hazard insurance. 
 
Repossessed Houses 
VA sells homes that have been acquired after foreclosure of a VA-guaranteed loan.  These homes  
are available to both veterans and nonveterans.  Contact local real estate agents for available  
listings. 
 
Safeguards for Veterans 
1.   Homes completed less than a year before purchase with VA financing and inspected  
     during construction by either VA or HUD must meet VA requirements. 
2.   VA may suspend from the loan program those who take unfair advantage of veteran borrowers or  
     decline to sell a new home or make a loan to an eligible veteran of good credit because of race,  
     color, religion, sex, disability, family status or national origin. 
3.   The builder of a new home is required to give the purchasing veteran a one-year warranty  
     that the home has been constructed to VA-approved plans and specifications.  A similar warranty  
     must be given for new manufactured homes. 
4.   In cases of new construction completed under VA or HUD inspection, VA may pay or  
     otherwise compensate the veteran borrower for correction of structural defects seriously  
     affecting livability if assistance is requested within four years of a home-loan guaranty. 
5.   The borrower obtaining a Gl loan may only be charged the fees and other charges  
     prescribed by VA as allowable. 
6.   The borrower can prepay without penalty the entire loan or any part not less than the  
     amount of one installment or $100. 
7.   VA encourages holders to extend  forbearance if a borrower becomes temporarily  
     unable to meet the terms of the loan. 
 
Life Insurance 
Status of Insurance Programs 
 
Program                  Beginning Date              Ending Date             Policy Letter 
                                                     for New Issues          Prefix 
 
U.S. Government          May 1919                    April 24, 1951          K 
(USGLI) 
 
National Service (NSLI)  Oct. 8, 1940                April 24, 1951          V, H 
 
Veterans Special (VSLI)  April 25, 1951              Dec. 31, 1956           RS, W 
 
Service Disabled(SDVI)   April 25, 1951              Still Open              RH 
 
Veterans Reopened (VRI)  May 1, 1965                 May 2, 1966             J, JR, JS 
 
Servicemen's Group       Sept. 29, 1965              Still Open 
(SGLI) 
 
Veterans' Mortgage       Aug. 11,1971                Still Open 
(VMLI) 
 
Veterans' Group          Aug. 1, 1974                Still Open 
(VGLI) 
 
For information about government life insurance, call the VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia  
toll-free, 1-800-669-8477.  Specialists are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.,  
ET, to iscuss premium payments, insurance dividends, changes of address, dpolicy loans, naming  
beneficiaries and reporting the death of the insured.  After hours a caller may leave a recorded  
message, which will be answered on the next workday.  If the policy number is unknown, send the  
veteran's VA file number, date of birth, Social Security number, military serial number or  
military service branch and dates of service to one of two VA insurance centers: 
 
* For states east of the Mississippi River, or for any policy which is being paid by a deduction  
from VA benefits, military retired pay or a checking account, send to: 
 
    Department of Veterans Affairs 
    Regional Office and Insurance Center 
    Box 8079 
    Philadelphia, PA 19101 
 
* For states west of the Mississippi River, and for the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin,  
Illinois, Indiana and Mississippi, send to: 
    Department of Veterans Affairs 
    Regional Office and Insurance Center 
    Bishop Henry Whipple Bldg. 
    St. Paul, MN 55111 
  
Dividends.  Dividends are paid to holders of "K," "V," "RS," "W," "J," "JR," and "JS"  
insurance on the policy anniversary date.  Dividends are not paid to holders of "H," "RH,"  
SGLI, VMLI or VGLI policies.  The Internal Revenue Service has announced that interest on  
insurance dividends left on deposit with VA is not taxable.  For details on this ruling  
contact the IRS. 
 
Increasing Insurance.  Veterans can increase government life insurance, except for SGLI,  
VGLI and VMLI.  Policyholders with WWII National Service Life Insurance (V) can use their  
dividends to purchase additional paid-up coverage.  Policyholders with Veterans Special  
Life Insurance (RS, W) and Veterans Reopened Insurance (J, JR, JS) can purchase additions  
to coverage. 
 
Reinstating Lapsed Insurance.  Lapsed term policies may be reinstated within five years  
from the date of lapse.  NSLI on the Limited Convertible Term Plan (Policy prefix W) may  
not be reinstated, however, if the term insurance expired after the policyholder's 50th  
birthday.  Lapsed permanent plan policies may be reinstated at any time, except for "J"  
and "JR" policies, which must be reinstated within five years from date of lapse.  
 
Five-Year Term Renewals.  A five-year term policy which is not lapsed at the end of the  
term period is automatically renewed for an additional five-year period.  The exception  
is the NSLI Limited Convertible Term Plan (policy prefix W) which may be converted to a  
permanent plan, but cannot be renewed after age 50.  
 
Converting Term Policies.  A term policy which is in force may be converted to a 
permanent plan.  NSLI policyholders, however, are not eligible to convert to an endowment  
plan while totally disabled.  Upon reaching renewal at age 70 or older, NSLI "V" and "RS"  
term policies on total disability premium waiver are automatically converted to a permanent  
plan of insurance which provides cash and loan value as well as higher annual dividends. 
 
Modified Life Policy.  A Omodified life at age 65O plan  is available to NSLI policyholders.   
The low premium rates for this plan remain the same throughout the premium-paying period, while  
the face value reduces by 50 percent at age 65.  The reduced amount may be replaced with a  
"special ordinary life" plan, for an additional premium.  A "modified life at age 70" plan  
also is available. 
 
Disability Provisions.  NSLI policyholders who become totally disabled before their  
65th birthday and are likely to remain so for six or more months should consult VA about  
their entitlement to premium waiver. USGLI policyholders who become totally and permanently  
disabled should consult VA about receiving the proceeds of their policies in monthly payments.   
Adding the Total Disability Income Provision (TDIP) rider to a NSCI or USGLI policy ensures  
that income will be provided in the event of total disability.  NSLI policyholders will be  
paid $10 per month, per $1,000 insurance, after being totally disabled for six months.   
A few older riders pay $5 per month.  In either instance, disability must have commenced  
before the NSLI insured reached the 60th or 65th birthday, depending upon the policy.  For  
USGLI policies, the monthly payment varies.  TDIP is not available for other policies. 
 
Borrowing on Policies 
Policyholders may borrow up to 94 percent of the cash surrender value of their insurance  
and continue the insurance in force by payment of premiums.  All NSLI policy loans applied  
for on and after Nov. 2, 1987, are charged interest at a rate which is adjusted annually.   
Changes to the adjustable loan interest rate are tied to the 10-year U.S. Treasury Securities  
Index.  The annual interest charged on adjustable-rate loans will not go higher than 12 percent  
or lower than 5 percent.  The interest rates on USGLI policy loans and existing fixed rate NSLI  
policy loans will remain unchanged.  Interest on policy loans is compounded annually.  The  
current interest rate may be obtained at any VA office, or by calling the toll-free number,  
1-800-669-8477. 
 
Insurance for Disabled Veterans 
Veterans who are granted a service-connected disability but are otherwise in good health  
may apply to VA for up to $10,000 life insurance coverage at standard insurance rates within  
two years of being rated as disabled.  This insurance is limited to veterans who left  
service after April 24, 1951.  Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for a waiver of  
premiums.  For those veterans who are eligible for this waiver, an additional policy of up  
to $20,000 is available.  Premiums cannot be waived on the additional insurance. 
 
Open Insurance Programs 
Three insurance programs are currently open for new issues.  Servicemen's Group Life  
Insurance is open to active-duty members of the uniformed services.   VeteransO Group  
Life Insurance is available to individuals released from active duty after Aug. 1, 1974,  
and to reservists.  VeteransO Mortgage Life Insurance  provides mortgage life insurance  
for veterans granted specially adapted housing grants. 
 
Servicemen's Group Life Insurance 
The following are automatically insured under Servicemen's Group Life Insurance  
(SGLI) for $100,000:  active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard;  
commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public  
Health Service; cadets or midshipmen of the service academies; members, cadets,and midshipmen  
of the ROTC while engaged in authorized training; members of the Ready Reserves and Retired  
Reserves, including those who are eligible for retired reserves.   Members can elect to be  
covered for a lesser amount or not to be covered at all.  They also may purchase up to an  
additional $100,000 for a total of $200,000.  Part-time coverage may be provided to members  
of the reserves who do not qualify for full-time coverage.  Premiums are deducted automatically  
from a member's pay or are collected by the memberOs service.  Members of the Retired Reserve  
must submit premiums directly to the Office of Servicemen's Group Life Insurance. 
 
Veterans' Group Life Insurance 
SGLI may be converted to VeteransO Group Life Insurance (VGLI), which is renewable  
five-year term coverage.  This program is administered by the Office of Servicemen's Group  
Life Insurance (OSGLI), 213 Washington St., Newark, N.J. 07102.  VGLI is available to:  (a)   
Individuals released from active duty after Aug. 1, 1974.  (b)  Members of the Individual  
Ready Reserve and Inactive National Guard.  (c)  Reservists who suffer a disability which  
renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates.  Members on active duty entitled to SGLI  
coverage can convert to VGLI by submitting the premium within 120 days of separating from  
active duty.  After 121 days, the veteran may be granted VGLI provided initial premium and  
evidence of insurability are submitted within one year after the veteran's SGLI coverage is  
terminated.  Members with full-time SGLI coverage who are totally disabled at the time of  
separation and whose service makes them eligible for VGLI may purchase the insurance while  
remaining totally dis abled up to one year following separation.  Members insured under  
part-time SGLI coverage who incur a disability or aggravate a pre-existing disabi-lity during  
a reserve active or inactive period can apply for VGLI. 
 
VeteransO Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) 
The maximum amount of mortgage life insurance available for those  granted a specially  
adapted housing grant is $90,000.  Pro- tection is automatic unless the veteran declines.   
Premiums are au- tomatically deducted from VA benefit payments or paid direct, if the veteran  
does not draw compensation, and will continue until the mortgage has been liquidated,  the  
home is sold, or the coverage terminates when the veteran reaches age 70.  If a mortgage is  
disposed of, VMLI may be obtained on the mortgage of a subsequent home. 
 
Burial Benefits 
Burial in National Cemeteries 
VA Cemeteries 
Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the gravesite, opening and closing  
of the grave, and perpetual care.  Many national cemeteries have columbaria or special 
gravesites for cremated remains.  Headstones and markers and their placement are  
provided at the government's expense.  For a list of available cemeteries, see the  
"VA Facilities" section in the back of this book. 
 
Veterans and servicemembers who die on active duty and their dependents are eligible for  
burial in one of VA's 114  national cemeteries.  An eligible veteran must have been discharged  
or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the  
required period of service.  Persons entitled to retired pay as a result of 20 years creditable  
service with a reserve component are eligible.  A U.S. citizen who served in the armed forces  
of a government allied with the United States in a war also may be eligible. 
 
Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of service- members also may be buried  
in a national cemetery.  If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran,  
and remarriage was terminated by death or divorce of the nonveteran, the spouse is eligible  
for burial in a national cemetery. 
 
Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved.  Funeral directors or others making  
burial arrangements must apply at the time of death.  Reservations made under previous  
programs are honored.  Cemeteries do not provide military honors but may make referrals to  
military units or volunteer groups.  The National Cemetery System normally does not conduct  
burials on weekends.  A weekend caller, however, will be directed to one of three strategically  
located VA cemetery offices that remain open during weekends to schedule burials at the cemetery  
of the caller's choice during the following week. 
 
Arlington National Cemetery  
Arlington National Cemetery, which is under the jurisdiction of the Army, has more  
limited eligibility than other national cemeteries.  Eligibility for cremated remains  
in Arlington's columbarium is the same as eligibility for burial in VA national cemeteries.   
For information on Arlington burials, write to Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, 
Arlington, VA 22211, or call 703-695-3250. 
 
Interior Department, State Veteran Cemeteries  
The two active national cemeteries administered by the Department of the Interior are  
Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia and Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in  
Tennessee. Eligibility for burial is similar to VA cemetery eligibility.  Cemeteries for  
veterans are operated by many states.  For burials in these cemeteries, contact the  
Interior Department or the applicable state. 
 
Headstones and Markers 
VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world  
and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state veteran or military  
post cemeteries.  Flat bronze, flat granite, flat marble, upright granite and upright  
marble types are available to mark the grave in a style consistent with the cemetery.   
Niche markers also are available for urns.  Headstones and markers are inscribed with  
the name of the deceased, the years of birth and death, and branch of service.  Optional  
items that also may be inscribed at VA expense are: military grade, rank or rate; war  
service such as "World War II";  months and days of birth and death; an emblem reflecting  
one's beliefs; valor awards; and the Purple Heart.  Additional items may be inscribed at  
private expense.  When burial is in a national,  state veteran or military post cemetery,  
the headstone or marker is ordered through the cemetery, which will place it on the grave.   
Information on style, inscription, shipping and placement can be obtained from the cemetery.  
When burial occurs in a cemetery other than a national, military post or state veterans cemetery,  
the headstone or marker must be applied for from VA.  It is shipped at government expense.  VA,  
however, does not pay the cost of placing the headstone or marker on the grave.  To apply, complete  
VA Form 40-1330 and forward it to Director, Office of Memorial Programs (403A), National Cemetery  
System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420.  Forms and assistance are available  
at VA regional offices.  For information regarding the status of an application, write to the  
Director, Office of Memorial Programs (403B3), or call 1-800-697-6947.  VA cannot issue a  
headstone or marker for a spouse or child buried in a private cemetery.  Twenty-year reservists  
without active-duty service are eligible for a headstone or grave marker, if they are entitled  
to military retired pay at the time of death. 
 
Headstones or Markers for Memorial Plots 
To memorialize an eligible veteran whose remains are not available for burial, VA will 
provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery.  The headstone or marker is  
the same as that used to identify a grave except that the mandatory phrase "In Memory of"  
precedes the authorized inscription.  The headstone or marker is available to memorialize  
eligible veterans or deceased servicemembers whose remains were not recovered or identified,  
were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered.  The memorial marker may  
be provided for placement in a cemetery other than a national cemetery.  In such a case, VA  
supplies the marker and pays the cost of shipping, but does not pay for the plot or the  
placement of the marker.  Only a relative recognized as the next of kin may apply for the  
benefit. 
 
Presidential Memorial Certificates  
The Presidential Memorial Certificate is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic  
inscription expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service.  The veteran's  
name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President.  Certificates  
are issued in the name of honorably discharged, deceased veterans. Eligible recipients  
include next of kin, other relatives and friends.  The award of a certificate to one eligible 
recipient does not preclude certificates to other eligible recipients.  The veteran may have  
died at any time in the past.  The local VA regional office generally originates the application  
for a Presidential Memorial Certificate.  The next of kin also may request a certificate.   
Requests should be accompanied by a copy of a document such as a discharge to establish  
honorable service.  VA regional offices can assist in applying for certificates. 
 
Burial Flags 
VA provides an American flag to drape the casket of a veteran and to a person entitled to  
retired military pay.  After the funeral service, the flag may be given to the next of kin or  
a close associate.  VA also will issue a flag on behalf of a servicemember who was  
missing in action and later presumed dead.  Flags are issued at VA regional offices and  
national cemeteries, and post offices. 
 
Reimbursement of Burial Expenses 
VA will pay a burial allowance up to $1,500 if the veteran's death is service-connected.   
VA also will pay the cost of transporting the remains of a service-disabled veteran to the  
national cemetery nearest the home of the deceased that has available gravesites. In such cases,  
the person who bore the veteran's burial expenses may claim reimbursement from VA.  VA will pay  
a $300 burial and funeral expense allowance for veterans who, at time of death, were entitled  
to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled to compensation but for receipt  
of military retirement pay.  Eligibility also is established when death occurs in a VA facility  
or a nursing home with which VA contracted.  Additional costs of transportation of the remains  
may be reimbursed.  There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims of service-connected  
deaths.  In other deaths, claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or  
cremation. 
 
VA will pay a $150 plot allowance when a veteran is not buried in a cemetery that is  
under U.S. government jurisdiction if the veteran is discharged from active duty  
because of disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, if the veteran was in  
receipt of compensation or pension or would have been in receipt of compensation but  
for receipt of military retired pay, or if the veteran died while hospitalized by VA.   
The plot allowance is not payable solely on wartime service.  The $150 plot allowance  
may be paid to the state, if a veteran is buried without charge for the cost of a plot  
or interment in a state-owned cemetery reserved solely for veteran burials.  Burial  
expenses paid by the deceased's employer or a state agency will not be reimbursed. 
 
Benefits for Survivors 
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation 
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments may be authorized for surviving  
spouses, unmarried children under 18, helpless children, those between 18 and 23 if  
attending a VA-approved school, and low-income parents of servicemembers or veterans  
who died from: (1) a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or  
active duty for training; or (2) an injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty while  
on inactive duty training; or (3) a disability compensable by VA.  Death cannot be the  
result of willful misconduct. 
 
DIC payments also may be authorized for surviving spouses, unmarried children under  
18, helpless children, and children between 18 and 23 if attending a VA approved school,  
of deceased veterans who were totally service-connected disabled at time of death but  
whose deaths were not the result of their service-connected disability, if: (1) the  
veteran was continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 or more years immediately  
preceding death; or (2) the veteran was so rated for a period of not less than five years  
from the date of discharge from military service.  Payments under this provision are subject  
to offset by the amount received from judicial proceedings brought on account of the  
veteran's death.  The veteran's discharge must have been under conditions other than  
dishonorable. 
 
DIC Payments to Surviving Spouse  
Surviving spouses of veterans who died after Jan. 1, 1993, receive $810 a month.  An  
additional $177 a month is added to the basic rate if the deceased veteran had been  
entitled to receive 100 percent service-connected compensation for at least eight  
years immediately preceding death and the surviving spouse was married to the veteran  
for those eight years.  For a spouse entitled to DIC based on the veteran's death  
prior to Jan. 1, 1993, the amount paid is based on the veteran's pay grade as given  
in the following table: 
 
1996 DIC Rate for Spouses 
 
Pay grade   Monthly rate 
E-1- E-6    $810 
E-7          837 
E-8          883 
E-9*         922 
W-1          855 
W-2          889 
W-3          916 
W-4          969 
O-1          855 
O-2          883 
O-3          945 
O-4          999 
O-5          1,100 
O-6          1,240 
O-7          1,339 
O-8          1,467 
O-9          1,572 
O-10*        1,724 
*  There may be additional pay in these pay grades. 
 
DIC Payments to Children and Parents 
There are additional payments for children.  The monthly DIC rates for parents depend upon  
the income of the parents and whether there is only one parent, two parents not living  
together or two parents together or remarried.  The limit for two parents together or  
remarried is $12,611; the limit for one parent is $9l,381; for two parents not together,  
$9,381 each. 
 
Aid and Attendance Allowance 
Surviving spouses and parents receiving DIC may be granted a special allowance to pay  
for aid and attendance of another person if they are patients in a nursing home or require  
the regular assistance of another person.  The allowance is $205 monthly, in addition to  
the DIC rate for a surviving spouse, and $209 monthly additional for a parent receiving DIC. 
 
Housebound 
Surviving spouses receiving DIC who are not so disabled as to require the regular aid  
and attendance of another person but who, due to disability, are permanently housebound,  
may be granted an additional special allowance of $99 a month. 
 
Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors 
Survivors of veterans who died of service-connected causes incurred or aggravated  
prior to Aug. 13, 1981, may be eligible for benefits.  The benefits are similar to  
the benefits for students and surviving spouses with children between ages 16 and 18 
which were eliminated from Social Security benefits.  The benefits are payable in addition  
to any other benefits to which the family may be entitled.  The amount of benefits is based  
on information provided by the Social Security Administration. 
 
Death Pension 
Surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased veterans with wartime service may  
be eligible for a nonservice-connected pension based on need.  Children must be under  
age 18, or up to age 23 if attending a VA-approved school.  Pension is not payable to  
those with estates large enough to provide maintenance.  The veteran must have been  
discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and must have had 90 days or more of  
active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war, or a  
service-connected disability justifying discharge for disability.  If the veteran died in  
service not in line of duty, benefits may be payable if the veteran had completed at least  
two years of honorable service.  Children who became incapable of self-support because of a  
disability before age 18 may be eligible for a pension as long as the condition exists,  
unless the child marries or the child's income exceeds the applicable limit.  A surviving  
spouse who is a patient in a nursing home, is in need of the regular aid and attendance of  
another person or is permanently housebound may be entitled to higher income limitations  
or additional benefits. 
 
The Improved Pension program provides a monthly payment to bring an eligible person's  
income to a support level established by law.  The payment is reduced by the annual  
income from other sources such as Social Security paid to either the surviving spouse  
or dependent children.  Medical expenses may be deducted from countable income.   
Pension is not payable to those who have assets that can be used to provide adequate  
maintenance. 
 
1996 Improved Death Pension 
 
Recipient                                         Maximum Annual Income 
Surviving spouse with no dependent children        $5,527 
 
Surviving spouse with one dependent child          $7,240 
 
Surviving spouse in need of regular aid            $8,839  
and attendance with no dependent child 
 
Surviving spouse in need of regular aid            $10,548  
and attendance with one dependent child 
 
Surviving spouse permanently housebound            $6,758  
with no dependent child 
 
Surviving spouse permanently housebound            $8,466  
with one dependent child 
 
Increase for each additional dependent child       $1,404 
 
Pension rates for each surviving child             $1,404

Dependents' Education 
Educational assistance benefits are available to spouses and children of: 
1.   Veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a disability  
     arising from active service in the Armed Forces.   
2.   Veterans who died from any cause while rated permanently and totally disabled from  
     service-connected disability.   
3.   Servicemembers listed for more than 90 days as  missing in action or captured in line  
     of duty by a hostile force.   
4.   Servicemembers listed for more than 90 days as detained or interned in line of duty  
     by a foreign government or power. 
 
Benefits may be awarded for pursuit of associate, bachelor or graduate degrees at colleges  
and universities  including independent study, cooperative training and study abroad programs.   
Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, technical or vocational schools also 
may be taken.  Benefits may be awarded for apprenticeships, on-job training programs and farm  
cooperative courses.  Benefits for correspondence courses under certain conditions are available  
to spouses only.  Secondary-school programs may be pursued if the individual is not a high-school  
graduate.  An individual with a deficiency in a subject may receive tutorial assistance benefits  
if enrolled half-time or more. Remedial deficiency and refresher training also may be available. 
 
Payments are made monthly.  The full-time rate is $404 a month for full-time school attendance,  
with lesser amounts for part-time training.  A person may receive educational assistance for  
full-time training for up to 45 months or the equivalent in part-time training. 
 
Benefits to a spouse end 10 years from the date the individual is found eligible. VA may grant  
an extension.  Children generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive education  
benefits.  Under certain circumstances, extensions may be granted. 
 
Work-Study.  To receive work-study benefits, participants must train at the three-quarter or  
full-time rate.  Payments may be at the greater of the federal or state minimum wage.   
Work-study may include outreach services for the VA. 
 
Counseling Services.  VA may provide counseling services to help an eligible dependent  
pursue an educational or vocational objective. 
 
Special Benefits.  An eligible child over age 14 with a physical or mental disability  
that impairs pursuit of an educational program may receive special restorative training to  
lessen or overcome that impairment.  This training may include speech and voice correction,  
language retraining, lip reading, auditory training, Braille reading and writing, and  
similar programs.  Specialized vocational training also is available to an eligible spouse  
or child over age 14 who is handicapped by a physical or mental disability that prevents  
pursuit of an educational program. 
 
Educational Loans 
Loans are available to spouses who qualify for educational assistance benefits.  Spouses  
who have passed their 10-year period of eligibility may be eligible for an educational loan.   
During the first two years after the end of their eligibility period they may borrow up to  
$2,500 per academic year to continue a full-time course leading to a college degree or to a  
professional or vocational objective which requires at least six months to complete.  VA may  
waive the six-month requirement.  Loans are based on financial need. 
 
Home Loan Guaranties 
A GI loan guaranty to acquire a home may be available to an unremarried spouse of a  
veteran or servicemember  who died as a result of service-connected disabilities, or to a  
spouse of a servicemember who has been officially listed as missing in action or as a  
prisoner of war for more than 90 days.  Spouses of those listed as prisoners of war or  
missing in action are limited to one loan. 
 
Montgomery Gl Bill (Active Duty) Death Benefit 
VA will pay a special Montgomery GI Bill death benefit to a designated survivor in the  
event of the service-connected death of an individual while on active duty or within  
one year after discharge or release.  The deceased must either have been entitled to  
educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill program or a participant in the  
program who would have been so entitled but  for the high school diploma or lenth-of-service  
requirement.  The amount paid will be equal to the participant's actual military pay  
reduction less any education benefits paid. 
 
 
Health-Care Benefits 
 
Hospital Care 
Eligibility for VA hospital care is divided into two categories: mandatory and discretionary.   
VA must provide hospital care to mandatory category veterans at the nearest VA facility  
capable of furnishing the care in a timely fashion.  If no VA facility is available, care  
must be furnished in a Defense Department facility or an- other facility with which VA  
has a sharing or contractual relationship.  VA makes an income assessment to determine  
whether a nonservice-connected veteran is eligible for cost free VA medical care.  If  
space and resources at VA hospitals are available after caring for mandatory-care patients,  
VA then may furnish care to veterans in the discretionary category, if they agree to  
pay VA for their care. 
 
Mandatory patients:  Veterans who must be provided hospital care and are not subject to  
an income eligibility assessment are:  veterans with service-connected disabilities,  
veterans who were exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam, veterans exposed to  
ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or in the occupation of Hiro-shima and  
Nagasaki, veterans for a condition which may be related to toxic environmental exposure  
in the Persian Gulf, former prisoners of war, veterans on VA pension, veterans of the  
Mexican Border period or World War I and veterans eligible for Medicaid.  Nonservice-connected  
veterans subject to an income eligibility assessment must be provided hospital care if  
the patient has an income of $21,001 or less if single with no dependents, or $25,204 or  
less if married or with one dependent.  The income maximum is raised $1,404 for each  
additional dependent. 
 
Discretionary patients:   Nonservice -connected veterans subject to an income eligibility  
assessment with income above those listed above for mandatory care are discretionary  
patients and may be provided hospital care if space and resources are available.  The  
discretion ary patient must agree to pay an amount equal to what would have been paid  
under Medicare.  The Medicare deductible, currently $736, is adjusted annually.  VA  
holds the discretionary patient responsible for the cost of care up to $736 for the  
first 90 days of care during any 365-day period.  For each additional 90 days of  
hospital care, the patient is charged half the Medicare deductible.  In addition to  
these charges, the patient is charged $10 per day for hospital care and $5 a day for  
nursing-home care. 
 
Income Assessment 
In making an eligibility assessment, the income of the patient, his spouse and  
dependents is considered.  This includes Social Security, U.S. Civil Service  
retirement, U.S. Railroad Retirement, military retirement, unemployment insurance,  
any other retirement income, total wages from all employers, interest and dividends,  
workers' compensation, black lung benefits and any other gross income for the calendar  
year prior to application for care.  Also considered are assets such as the market  
value of stocks, bonds, notes, individual retirement accounts, bank deposits, savings  
accounts and cash.  Debts are subtracted from income and assets to determine net worth.   
The patient's primary residence and personal property are excluded from the net worth  
determination.  The patient must fill out VA Form 10-10f, Financial Worksheet, at the  
time care is requested.  VA has the authority to compare income information provided by  
the veteran with information obtained from the Social Security Administration and the  
Internal Revenue Service. 
 
Bllling Insurance Companies 
When applying for medical care, all veterans will be asked to provide information  
pertaining to health insurance coverage, including policies held by spouses.  VA is  
authorized to submit claims to insurance carriers for the recovery of costs for medical 
care provided to nonservice-connected veterans and service-connected veterans for  
nonservice-connected conditions.  Veterans will not be held responsible for the  
deductible requirements and copayments established by their insurance carriers.   
They also will not be responsible for portions of an insurance claim not covered  
by the policy.  However, veterans above certain income levels are responsible for  
the copayments required by federal law. 
 
Nursing-Home Care 
Nursing care in VA or private nursing homes is provided for veterans who are not acutely  
ill and not in need of hospital care.  VA may, but is not mandated to, provide nursing-home  
care if space and resources are available in VA facilities.  Veterans who have a  
service-connected disability are given first priority for nursing-home care.  Veterans  
who may be provided nursing-home care without an income eligibility assessment are:   
veterans with service-connected disability, veterans who were exposed to herbicides  
while serving in Vietnam, veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric  
testing or in the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, veterans for a condition related  
to an environmental exposure in the Persian Gulf, former prisoners of war, veterans on VA  
pension, veterans of the Mexican Border period or World War I and veterans eligible for Medicaid. 
 
Nonservice-connected veterans must submit an income eligibility assessment form, VA  
Form 10-10f, to determine whether they will be billed for nursing-home care.  Income  
assessment procedures are the same as for hospital care.  Nursing-home care may be  
authorized for nonservice-connected veterans whose income exceeds the income limit  
for hospital care, if the veteran agrees to pay the applicable copayment. 
 
Veterans who need nursing-home care may be transferred at VA expense to private nursing  
homes from VA medical centers, nursing homes or domiciliaries.  VA-authorized care normally  
may not be provided in excess of six months, except for veterans whose need for nursing-home  
care is for a service-connected disability or for veterans who were hospitalized primarily  
for treatment of a service-connected disability. 
 
Direct admission to private nursing homes at VA expense is limited to:  (1) a veteran  
who requires nursing care for a service-connected disability after medical determination  
by VA; (2) a patient in a military hospital who requires a protracted period of nursing  
care and who will become a veteran upon discharge from the Armed Forces; and (3) a veteran  
who had been discharged from a VA medical center and is receiving home health services from VA. 
 
Domiciliary Care 
Domiciliary care provides rehabilitative and long-term, health-maintenance care for  
veterans who require minimal medical care but who do not need the skilled nursing services  
provided in nursing homes.  VA may provide domiciliary care to veterans whose annual  
income does not exceed the maximum annual rate of VA pension or to veterans the Secretary  
of Veterans Affairs determines have no adequate means of support. 
 
Outpatient Medical Treatment 
Outpatient medical treatment includes medical examinations and related medical services,  
drugs and medicines, rehabilitation services, and mental health services.  As part of  
outpatient medical treatment, veterans may be eligible for home health services for the  
treatment of disabilities.  The following are the different categories of outpatient eligibility: 
 
1.	VA must furnish outpatient care without limitation to veterans for  
service-connected disabilities, to veterans with a 50 percent or more service-connected  
disability for any ailment, to veterans who have suffered an injury as a result of VA  
hospitalization, for that condition only, and to veterans who served in the Persian  
Gulf War and whose condition the Secretary finds may be the result of exposure to a toxic  
substance or environmental hazard. 
	 
2.	VA must furnish outpatient care reasonably necessary for the treatment of any condition  
necessary in preparation for hospital admission or to prevent hospital admission; to complete  
treatment after hospital care, nursing-home care or domiciliary care to 30 and 40 percent  
service-connected disabled veterans; and to veterans whose annual income is not greater  
than the maximum annual pension rate of a veteran in need of regular aid and attendance  
of another person. 
	 
3.	VA may furnish outpatient care without limitation to veterans in a VA-approved  
vocational rehabilitation program; to former prisoners of war; to World War I or Mexican  
Border Period veterans; and to veterans who receive increased pension or compensation  
based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or who are  
permanently housebound. 
	 
4.	VA may furnish outpatient care to prevent the need for hospitalization, to prepare  
for hospitalization, or for a condition for which the veteran was hospitalized to   
(a) veterans who are 0 to 20  percent service-connected disabled; (b) veterans  
exposed to a toxic substance during service in Vietnam; (c) veterans exposed to  
ionizing radiation following the detonation of a nuclear device; (d) mandatory  
category veterans whose income is more than the pension rate of a veteran in need of  
regular aid and attendance of another person; (e) discretionary category veterans,  
subject to a copayment of $41 per outpatient visit; and to allied beneficiaries and  
employees of other federal agencies for which the Secretary may agree to render  
services for which charges shall be made as required by law. 
	 
5.	VA provides counseling to veterans to overcome psycholo-gical trauma  
resulting from physical assault, battery of a sexual nature or sexual harassment  
during active duty.  VA also can provide care and services for injury, illness or  
other psychological conditions resulting from such an assault, battery or harassment. 
 
Outpatient Pharmacy Services 
Pharmacy services are provided without charge to:  (1) veterans receiving medication  
for treatment of service-connected conditions; (2) veterans rated with 50 percent or  
more service-connected disability; and (3) veterans whose annual income does not  
exceed the maximum VA pension.  Veterans with a service-connected condition rated  
less than 50 percent and receiving medication on an outpatient basis from VA facilities  
for the treatment of nonservice-connected ailments are charged $2 for each 30-day supply. 
 
Outpatient Dental Treatment 
Outpatient dental treatment provided by VA includes examinations and the full  
spectrum of diagnostic, surgical, restorative and preventive techniques.   
Nonservice-connected veterans who are authorized outpatient dental care may  
be billed the applicable copayment if their income exceeds the maximum threshold.   
The following  may be eligible for free dental care: 
 
1.   Dental conditions or disabilities that are service connected and  
     compensable in will be treated.  
2.   Service-connected dental conditions or disabilities that are not compensable may  
     receive one-time treatment if the conditions can be shown to have existed  
     at discharge or within 180 days of release from active service.  Veterans who  
     served on active duty for 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War are included  
     in this category.  Veterans must apply to VA for denntal care within 90 days  
     following separation.  Veterans will not be considered eligible if their separation  
     document indicates that necessary treatment was completed by military dentists  
     during the 90 days prior to separation.  
3.   Veterans may receive treatment for service-connected, noncompensable dental  
     conditions resulting from combat wounds or service injuries, and service-connected,  
     noncompensable dental condi- tions of former prisoners of war who were  
     incarcerated less than 90 days .  
4.   Veterans who were prisoners of war for 90 days or more may receive complete dental care.  
5.   Veterans may receive complete dental care if receiving dis- ability compensation  
     at the 100-percent rate for service-connected conditions or are eligible to  
     receive it by reason of unemployability.  
6.   Nonservice-connected dental conditions that are determined by VA to be aggravating  
     a service-connected medical problem may be treated.  
7.   Veterans participating in a vocational rehabilitation program may be treated.  
8.   Veterans may be treated for nonservice-connected dental conditions when treatment  
     was begun while in a VA medical center, when it is professionally determined to  
     be reasonably necessary to complete such dental treatment on an outpatient basis.  
9.   Veterans scheduled for admission to inpatient services or who are receiving  
     medical services may receive outpatient dental care if the dental condition is  
     determined to be complicating a medical condition which VA is currently treating. 
 
Persian Gulf, Agent Orange and Ionizing Radiation  
Registry Programs 
Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War or who claim exposure to Agent Orange  
or atomic radiation are provided with free, comprehensive medical examinations,  
including base-line laboratory tests and other diagnostic tests deemed by an  
examining physician necessary to determine current health status.  Results of the  
examinations, which include preparation of the veteran's military service and  
exposure history, are entered into special, computerized data bases, called  
registries.  These data bases assist VA in analyzing the types of health conditions  
being reported by veterans. Registry participants are advised of the results of their  
examinations in personal consultations.  Veterans wishing to participate should  
contact the nearest VA health-care facility for an examination. 
 
Treatment 
VA provides priority treatment to any Vietnam-Era veteran who, while serving  
in Vietnam, may have been exposed to dioxin or to a toxic substance in a herbicide  
or defoliant used for military purposes, for medical conditions related to such  
exposure.  Health-care services are available for medical conditions possibly related  
to any veteranOs exposure to ionizing radiation from the detonation of a nuclear device  
in connection with nuclear tests, or with the American occupation of Hiroshima and  
Nagasaki, Japan, during the period beginning Sept. 11, 1945, and ending July 1, 1946.   
Treatment was authorized through June 30, 1995, for veterans exposed to nuclear radiation.   
VA also has provided priority treatment to any Persian Gulf War veteran who may have been  
exposed to a toxic substance or environmental hazard during the Persian Gulf War,  
for any disability, even though the medical evidence is insufficient to establish  
an association between the disability and exposure.  Expiration dates have been attached  
to this authority in recent years. 
 
Beneficiary Travel 
Veterans are eligible for payment or reimbursement for travel costs to receive VA  
medical care.  Travel payments are subject to a deductible of $3 for each one-way  
trip and an $18 per month maximum payment.  Two exceptions to this rule are travel  
for a compensation or pension examination and travel by special modes of transportation,  
such as an ambulance or a specially-equipped van.  Beneficiary travel payments may be made to  
the following:  
1.   Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 30 percent or more.  
2.   Veterans who are traveling in connection with treatment of a service-connected condition.  
3.   Veterans who are in receipt of VA pension.  
4.   Veterans traveling for compensation or pension examinations.  
5.   Veterans whose income is less than or equal to the maximum base VA pension rate  
     with aid and attendance.  
6.   Veterans whose medical condition requires use of a special mode of transportation,  
     if the veteran is unable to defray the costs and travel is pre-authorized.  If the  
     medical condition is a medical emergency, travel need not be pre-authorized when a  
     delay to obtain authorization would be hazardous. 
 
Alcohol and Drug Dependence Treatment 
Veterans eligible for VA medical care may apply for substance abuse treatment.  Veterans  
without service-connected disabilities whose incomes exceed the threshold for free  
medical care may be authorized treatment for alcohol and drug dependence only if the veteran  
agrees to make a copayment.  After hospitalization for alcohol or drug treatment, veterans  
may be eligible for outpatient care or may be authorized to continue treatment or  
rehabilitation at VA expense in private facilities such as halfway houses. 
 
Prosthetic Services 
Veterans may apply for prosthetic services for any condition when receiving hospital,  
domiciliary or nursing-home care in a VA facility.  Veterans who meet the basic requirements  
for outpatient medical treatment may be provided needed prosthetic services:   
1.   For a service-connected disability or adjunct condition.  
2.   For any medical condition for a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at  
     50 percent or more, or for a veteran receiving compensation as a result of  
     treatment in a VA facility. 
3.   For a disability for which a veteran was discharged or released from active service.  
4.   For a veteran participating in a vocational rehabilitation program.  
5.   For a veteran receiving outpatient care, to complete treatment of a disability  
     for which hospital, nursing home or domiciliary care was provided.  
6.   For a veteran in receipt of increased pension or allowance based on needing aid  
     and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.  
7.   For a veteran of World War I or the Mexican Border period.  
8.   For a former prisoner of war. 
 
Services and Aids for Blind Veterans 
Veterans with corrected central vision of 20/200 or less in both eyes or field loss to  
20 degrees or less in both eyes are considered to be blind.  Services are available at  
all VA medical facilities through the Visual Impairment Services (VIS) coordinator.   
Blind veterans may be eligible for services at a VA medical center or for admission to  
a VA blind rehabilitation center or clinic.  In addition, blind veterans entitled to  
receive disability compensation may receive VA aids for the blind.  Benefits for blind  
veterans may include: 
1.   A total health and benefits review by a VA Visual Impairment Services team. 
2.   Adjustment to blindness training. 
3.   Home Improvements and Structural Alterations to homes (HISA Program).  
4.   Specially adapted housing and adaptations.  
5.   Low-vision aids and training in their use.  
6.   Electronic and mechanical aids for the blind, including adaptive computers and  
     computer-assisted devices. 
7.   Guide dogs, including the expense of training the veteran to use the dog and  
     the cost of the dog's medical care. 
8.   Talking books, tapes and Braille literature, provided from the Library of Congress. 
 
 
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations 
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program helps pay for home improvements  
necessary to provide access to the home and its essential sanitary facilities.  For  
alterations, VA will pay up to $4,100 for a veteran being treated for a service-connected  
disability or a veteran with a disability rating of 50 percent or more.  Up to $1,200 will 
be paid to other veterans eligible for outpatient care.  Apply at the nearest VA medical center. 
 
Readjustment Counseling 
Veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam Era or served in the war or conflict  
zones of Lebanon, Grenada, Panama or the Somalia or Persian Gulf theaters during hostilities  
or war are entitled to counseling to assist in readjusting to civilian life.  Counseling is  
provided at Vet Centers to help veterans resolve war-related psychological difficulties and  
to help them achieve a successful post-war readjustment to civilian life.  Assistance  
includes group, individual and family counseling, community outreach and education.  Veterans  
are placed with non-VA agencies if needed. 
 
One common readjustment problem is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.  This refers  
to such symptoms as nightmares, intrusive recollections or memories, flashbacks, anxiety or  
sudden reactions after exposure to traumatic conditions.  Readjustment difficulties may  
affect functioning in school, family or work.  Counseling also is provided veterans for  
difficulties due to sexual assault or harassment while on active duty.  In areas distant  
from Vet Centers or VA medical facilities, veterans may obtain readjustment counseling  
from private-sector professionals who are on contract with VA.  To locate a contract provider,  
contact the nearest Vet Center. 
 
Special Categories for Medical Care  
Merchant Marine Seamen 
Merchant Marine seamen who served in World War II may be qualified for veterans  
benefits.  When applying for medical care, seamen must present their DD-214 discharge  
certificate from the Defense Department to the VA medical facility.  VA regional offices  
can assist in obtaining a certificate. 
 
Allied Veterans 
VA is authorized to provide reciprocal medical care to veterans of nations allied or  
associated with the United States during World War I or World War II.  Such treatment  
is available at any VA medical facility if authorized and reimbursed by the foreign  
government.  VA also is authorized to provide hospitalization, outpatient and domiciliary  
care to former members of the armed forces of Czechoslovakia or Poland who participated  
during World Wars I and II in armed conflict against an enemy of the United States, if they  
have been citizens of the United States for at least 10 years. 
 
Medical Care for Dependents and Survivors (CHAMPVA) 
CHAMPVA, the VA Civilian Health and Medical Program, shares the cost of medical services  
and supplies obtained by eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans.  The following  
are eligible for CHAMPVA, provided they are not eligible for CHAMPUS or Medicare: 
1.   The spouse or child of a veteran who has a permanent and total  
     service-connected disability. 
2.   The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected  
     condition, or who, at the time of death, was permanently and totally disabled from a  
     service-connected condition. 
3.   The surviving spouse or child of a person who died  in the line of duty, not due  
     to misconduct, within 30 days of entry into active service. 
 
Dependents are not eligible for medical care under CHAMPVA if they are eligible for  
medical care under CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed  
Services) or Medicare, Part A, as a result of reaching age 65. 
 
Beneficiaries age 65 or older who lose eligibility for CHAMPVA by becoming potentially  
eligible for Medicare, Part A, or who qualify for Medicare, Part A, benefits on the  
basis of a disability may re-establish CHAMPVA eligibility by submitting documentation  
from the Social Security Administration certifying they are not entitled to or have  
exhausted Medicare, Part A, benefits.  Persons under age 65 who are enrolled in both  
Medicare Parts A and B may become eligible for CHAMPVA as a secondary payer to Medicare.   
Apply to the CHAMPVA Center, P.O. Box 65023, Denver, CO 80206-5023, or call 1-800-733-8387. 
 
 
Homeless Veterans 
A number of VA benefits assist homeless veterans, including disability compensation,  
pension, education and burial benefits.  Homeless veterans also are provided special  
assistance through many VA program initiatives. 
 
In addition, VA provides health and rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans.   
Health Care for Homeless Veterans programs provide outreach and comprehensive  
medical, psychological and rehabilitation treatment programs.  Domiciliary Care  
for Homeless Veterans programs provide residential rehabilitation services.  VA  
has a growing number of Compensated Work Therapy/Therapeutic Residence group homes,  
special day-time, drop-in centers, and Comprehensive Homeless Centers. 
 
VAOs Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program assists nonprofit and local  
government agencies to establish housing or service centers for homeless veterans.   
Grants are awarded for the construction, acquisition or renovation of facilities, and  
for the purchase of vans for the transportation of homeless veterans. 
 
VA also has joined with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Social  
Security Administration, veterans service organizations, and community nonprofit  
homeless service providers to assist homeless veterans.  For information on benefits  
for homeless veterans, contact the nearest VA facility. 
 
Women Veterans 
Women veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male veterans.  VA is required  
to provide appropriate and timely medical care to any eligible woman veteran.  In  
addition to routine medical care, each VA medical facility provides women veterans  
the following:  complete physical exams that include breast and pelvic examinations;  
general reproductive health care; gynecology services; and referrals for necessary  
services that may not be available at that facility. 
 
VA medical centers have made structural changes or renovated areas to ensure privacy  
for women veterans.  Women veteran coordinators at each VA medical center and  
regional office counsel women veterans seeking treatment and benefits. 
 
VA also may provide counseling to overcome psychological trauma resulting from  
physical assault, battery of a sexual nature or sexual harassment during active duty.  
This counseling is provided at VA medical centers and Vet Centers.  In addition,  
treatment is authorized for physical conditions resulting from sexual trauma. 
 
Overseas Benefits  
Medical Benefits  
VA will pay for medical services associated with the treatment of service-connected disabilities and related  
conditions for veterans abroad.  VA does not authorize nursing-home care in foreign jurisdictions.   
Services in foreign countries must be authorized by the Foreign Medical Program Office, PO Box 65021,  
Denver, CO 80206-5021, USA, Phone 303-331-7590.  In Canada, veterans should contact the local office  
of Veterans Affairs Canada.  
  
Other Overseas Benefits  
Virtually all VA monetary benefits, including compensation, pension, educational assistance and burial  
allowances, are payable regardless of place of residence.  There are, however, some program limitations in  
foreign jurisdictions.  Home-loan guaranties are available only in the United States and selected territories  
and possessions.  Educational benefits are limited to approved degree-granting programs in institutions of  
higher learning.  Beneficiaries residing in foreign countries should contact the nearest American embassy  
or consulate for information and claims assistance.  In Canada, veterans should contact the local office of  
Veterans Affairs Canada.  
  
Benefits for Special Groups  
A number of groups who have provided military-related service to the United States have been granted VA  
benefits.  For the service to qualify, the Defense Secretary must certify that the group has provided active  
military service.  Individual members must be issued a discharge by the Defense Secretary to qualify for  
VA benefits.  Service in the following groups has been certified as active military service for benefits  
purposes:  
   
1.	Women's Air Forces Service Pilots (WASPs).  
2.	Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit of World I.  
3.	Engineer Field Clerks.   
4.	Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).   
5.	Quartermaster Corps female clerical employees serving with the American Expeditionary  
        Forces in World War I.   
6.	Civilian employees of Pacific naval air bases who actively participated in defense of  
        Wake Island during World War II.   
7.	Reconstruction aides and dietitians in World War I.   
8.	Male civilian ferry pilots.   
9.	Wake Island defenders from Guam.   
10.	Civilian personnel assigned to OSS secret intelligence.   
11.	Guam Combat Patrol.   
12.	Quartermaster Corps members of the Keswick  crew on Corregidor during World War II.   
13.	U.S. civilians who participated in the defense of Bataan.   
14.	U.S. merchant seamen who served on blockships in support of Operation Mulberry  
        during the World War II invasion of Normandy.  
15.	American merchant marines in oceangoing service during World War II.  
16.	Civilian Navy IFF radar technicians who served in combat areas of the Pacific during  
        World War II.   
17.	U.S. civilians of the American Field Service who served overseas in World War I.  
18.	U.S. civilians of the American Field Service who served overseas under U.S. armies and  
        U.S. army groups in World War II.   
19.	U.S. civilian employees of American Airlines who served overseas in a contract with the  
        Air Transport Command between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945.   
20.	Civilian crewmen of U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey vessels who served in areas of  
        immediate military hazard while conducting cooperative operaions with and for the U.S. Armed 
Forces  
        between Dec. 7, 1941, and Aug. 15, 1945.  
21.	Members of the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) serving between Dec. 7,  
        1941, and July 18, 1942.   
22.	U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of United Air Lines who  
        served overseas in a contract with Air Transport Command between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 
1945.  
23.	U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of Transcontinental and  
        Western Air Inc. (TWA), who served overseas in a contract with the Air Transport Command between  
        Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945.   
24.	U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of Consolidated Vultee  
        Aircraft Corp. (Consairway Division) who served overseas in a contract with Air Transport Command  
	between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945.   
25.	U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of Pan American World  
	Airways and its subsidiaries and affiliates, who served overseas in a contract with the Air 
Transport  
	Command and Naval Air Transport Service between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945.   
26.	Honorably discharged members of the American Volunteer Guard, Eritrea Service  
	Command, between June 21, 1942, and March 31, 1943.  
27.	U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of Northwest Airlines  
	who served overseas under the airlineOs contract with Air Transport Command from Dec. 14, 
1941,  
	through Aug. 14, 1945.  
28.	U.S. civilian female employees of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps who served in the defense  
	of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942.  
  
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization  
VA has an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to help small businesses obtain  
contracts with and sell to the department.  This office provides information to firms interested in doing  
business with VA.  Like other federal purchasers, VA is required to place a portion of its contracts and  
purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses.  VA also promotes business with veterans by requiring  
VA contracting offices to include veteran-owned contractors in mailings to solicit bids.  These businesses  
are identified from the Procurement Automated Source System maintained by the Small Business  
Administration.  For more information, write to OSDBU (005SB) at the Department of Veterans Affairs,  
810 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20420.  
  
Other Federal Benefits  
Some benefits for veterans and their dependents are not administered by the Department of Veterans  
Affairs.  The following information describes these benefits and the proper agency to contact.  
  
Job-Finding Assistance   
State employment offices help veterans find jobs.  Local veterans employment representatives provide free  
job counseling, testing, training referral and placement services to veterans.  Eligible veterans are given  
priority in the referral of job openings and training opportunities.  Disabled veterans receive the highest  
priority in referrals.  Employment offices also assist veterans by providing information about  
unemployment compensation, job marts and on-job  and apprenticeship training opportunities.  Veterans  
may inquire at the nearest state employment office.  
  
Servicemembers Occupational Conversion and Training Program   
Individuals released early from military service are assisted in finding employment by the Servicemembers  
Occupational Conversion and Training Program.  To be eligible, the veteran must be discharged on or after  
Aug. 2, 1990, must be unemployed at the time of application and must have been unemployed for at least  
eight of the 15 weeks immediately before applying, or have a primary or secondary military occupational  
specialty that is not readily transferable to the civilian workforce.  Also eligible are individuals entitled to  
compensation for a disability rated at 30 percent or more  or who would be but for the receipt of military  
retired pay.  
  
The program pays participating employers one-half of the employee's salary.  The total amount paid to the  
employer may not exceed $12,000 for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or  
more, or $10,000 for all others.  Ineligible employment includes employment which is seasonal,  
intermittent or temporary; employment dependent primarily on commissions; employment involving  
political or religious activities; employment with the federal government; and employment outside of a  
state.  All training programs must be certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  For information,  
veterans and employers should contact a state employment office.  
  
Job Training Partnership Act  
The Job Training Partnership Act provides for a national job training program for disabled, Vietnam Era  
and recently separated veterans.  Job training programs may be conducted through public agencies and  
private nonprofit organizations.  Veterans should inquire at the nearest state employment office.  
  
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program  
States are provided with funds to locate disabled veterans, especially veterans of the Vietnam Era, and to  
help them find jobs.  The Labor DepartmentOs Office of Veterans Employment and Training administers  
the program.  Outreach staff members  are usually disabled veterans themselves.  Most staff members are  
located in offices of the state employment service but some may be stationed in VA's regional offices and  
readjustment counseling centers, and other VA facilities.  
  
Reemployment Rights  
A person who left a civilian job to enter active duty in the Armed Forces may be entitled to return to the  
job after discharge or release from active duty.  Reemployment rights are provided for those who rendered  
active-duty service, initial active duty for training, active duty for training or inactive duty for training.   
To be reemployed, there are four requirements that must be met under the Veterans' Reemployment Rights  
law:  
  
1.  The person must have been employed in other than a temporary civilian job.   
2.  The person must have left the civilian job for the purpose of entering military service.   
3.  The person must not remain on active duty longer than four years, unless the period beyond  
    four years is at the request and for the convenience of the federal government and the  
    military discharge form carries this statement.  Active duty during a period of  
    declared national emergency, if at the request of and for the convenience of the  
    federal government, does not count toward this four-year limitation.  This limitation may  
    be extended to five years.   
4.  The person must be  released from active duty under honorable conditions.  
  
The law calls for the returning veteran to be placed in the job as if the veteran had remained continuously  
employed instead of going on active duty. This means that the person may be entitled to benefits that are  
generally based on seniority, such as pensions, pay increases, promotions and transfers.  The law also  
protects a veteran from discharge without just cause for one year from the date of re- employment, and a  
reservist or National Guard member from discharge without just cause for six months after returning from  
initial active duty for training. In addition, the law also prohibits discri- mination in hiring, promotion or  
other advantages of employment because of one's obligation as a member of a reserve or Guard unit.  
  
Applications for reemployment should be given, verbally or in writing, to a person authorized to represent  
the company for hiring purposes. A record should be kept of the application.  If there are problems in  
attaining reemployment, the applicant may be represented by the Department of Labor if not employed by  
the federal government.  Questions on the law or requests for assistance in attaining reemployment should  
be directed to the Department of Labor's  Veterans Employment and Training (VET) in the employerOs  
state.  Consult telephone directories under Department of Labor for VET or call 1-800-442-2838.  
  
The Office of Personnel Management administers the law for federal employees, including those in the  
Postal Service.  Employees  should contact their agency personnel office about rights restora-tion. If a job  
is not restored properly, the employee has the right to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.  A  
veteran must ap- ply to the pre-service employer within 90 days after sepa-ration from active duty.  If the  
veteran is hospitalized or recuperating when discharged, the 90-day application period begins upon release  
from the hospital or completion of recuperation, which may last up to one year.  The application period is  
31 days for reservists and National Guard members returning from initial active duty for training.  
  
Unemployment Compensation  
Weekly unemployment compensation may be paid to discharged servicemembers for a limited period of  
time to help them meet basic needs while searching for employment.  The amount and duration of  
payments are governed by state laws, which vary.  Benefits are paid from federal funds.  Veterans should  
apply immediately after leaving military service at their nearest state employment office, and present the  
fourth copy of their military discharge, form DD-214, to determine eligibility.  
  
Federal Contract Affirmative Action  
Federal legislation prohibits employers with federal contracts of $10,000 or more from discriminating in  
employment against Vietnam-Era and "special disabled" veterans.  Special disabled veterans are veterans  
who have a VA disability rating of  30 percent or more, or veterans who are rated at 10 or 20 percent and  
have  been determined to have a serious employment handicap, or veterans who were discharged or  
released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.  Federal legislation requires these  
contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment Vietnam-Era and special  
disabled veterans.  Complaints may be filed at any Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the   
Labor Department.  Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act.  
  
Veteran Jobs in the Federal Government  
The Veterans Readjustment Appointment (VRA) authority promotes maximum job opportunities within  
the federal government for qualified veterans.  The VRA authority allows agencies to make noncompetitive  
appointments, at their discretion, to federal jobs for Vietnam-Era and post-Vietnam-Era veterans. Such  
appointments lead to conversion to career or career-conditional employment upon satisfactory completion  
of two years of service.  Veterans seeking VRA appointment should apply directly to the agency where  
they wish to work.  The Office of Personnel Management administers the Disabled Veterans Affirmative  
Action Program (DVAAP).  All federal departments and agencies are required to establish action plans to  
facilitate the recruitment, employment and advancement of disabled veterans.  
  
Veterans who are disabled or who served during certain periods have preference in federal employment.   
This preference includes additional points to passing scores in examinations, first consideration for certain  
jobs, and preference when reductions are made.  Preference also is provided for unremarried widows and  
widowers of deceased veterans and mothers of military personnel who died in service; spouses of service- 
connected disabled veterans who are no longer able to work in their usual occupations and mothers of  
veterans who have permanent and total service-connected disabilities.  
  
Individuals interested in federal employment should contact the personnel offices of the federal agencies in  
which they wish to be employed.  Information also may be obtained by contacting the Federal Employment  
Information Centers of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.  The centers are listed in telephone  
books under U.S. Government.  Veterans also may obtain a nationwide listing of the Federal Employment  
Information Centers by writing to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employment  
Information Center, 1900 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20415.  
  
Transition Assistance Program  
The Labor Department assists servicemembers who are scheduled for separation from active duty through  
the Transition Assistance Program.  The program, a joint effort by the Defense Department, the Labor  
Department  and the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides employment and training information to  
servicemembers within 180 days of separation.  Three-day workshops to assist in civilian employment are  
conducted at military installations.  Additional counseling is available to disabled servicemembers.  For  
information, contact the nearest state employment office.  
  
Operation Transition  
The military services provide civilian-transition counseling at least 90 days prior to each servicemember's  
discharge in a program called Operation Transition.  A Defense Department document (DD Form 2586) is  
prepared to verify information valuable for civilian jobs and education, including military experience,  
training history, associated civilian equivalent job titles and recommended educational credit information.   
The document is delivered to servicemembers 90 to 180 days before the scheduled separation.  
  
The Defense Outplacement Referral System (DORS) refers mini-resumes to potential employers through  
350 Transition offices worldwide. Resumes are provided to employers by electronic mail, fax or mail,  
based on the geographic and occupational preferences of each individual.  Employers may place job ads on  
the electronic Transition Bulletin Board (TBB) kept by Transition offices.  Those employers having the  
proper computer equipment are able to place their ads electronically; others may mail or fax their ads to the  
TBB.  Servicemembers are encouraged to respond directly to employers with their resumes. The electronic  
bulletin board also contains business opportunities, a calendar of transition seminars and events, and other  
helpful information.  
  
Two special registries have been developed at Transition offices to help separating servicemembers obtain  
public community service jobs.  The "Registry of Public and Community Service Organizations" contains  
information on organizations desiring to hire servicemembers.  The "Personnel Registry" lists  
servicemembers who desire employment in public and community service occupations.  Defense matches  
people and employers on the two registries, and counsels separating servicemembers on how to apply for  
positions with public and community service organizations.  
  
Credit For Farms and Homes  
Loans and guaranties can be provided by Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, to  
qualified individuals to buy, improve or operate farms.  Loans and guaranties are available for housing in  
towns generally up to 20,000.  For individual loans, applications from eligible veterans have preference for  
processing.  For further information contact FSA or Rural Economic and Community Development, U.S.  
Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or apply at local USDC offices, usually located in  
county seats.  
  
FHA Home Mortgage Insurance  
HUD administers the Federal Housing Administration Home Mortgage Insurance Program for Veterans.   
These home loans require less down payment than other FHA programs.  Veterans on active duty are  
eligible if they enlisted before Sept. 8, 1980, or entered on active duty before Oct. 14, 1982, and were  
discharged under other than dishonorable conditions with at least 90 days service.  Veterans with enlisted  
service after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered on active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served at least 24  
months unless discharged for hardship or disability.  Active duty for training is qualifying service.  Submit  
VA Form 26-8261a, available at any VA office, to VA for a Certificate of Veteran Status.  This certificate  
is submitted by the lender to FHA.  
  
Naturalization Preference  
Aliens with honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces during hostilities may be naturalized without  
having to comply with the general requirements for naturalization.  Such aliens must have been lawfully  
admitted to the United States for permanent residence or have been inducted, enlisted, reenlisted or  
extended an enlistment in the Armed Forces while within the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin  
Islands of the United States, the Canal Zone or American Samoa.  Hostilities must be periods declared by  
the President.  Aliens with honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces for three years or more during  
periods not considered a conflict or hostility by Executive Order may be naturalized provided they have  
been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.  Applications must be made while on  
active duty or within six months of discharge.  
  
Aliens who have served honorably after Oct. 15, 1978, for at least 12 years may be granted special  
immigrant status.  To be eligible for this benefit the person must have enlisted outside the United States  
pursuant to a treaty or agreement between the United States and the Philippines, the Federated States of  
Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  In addition, Filipinos with active-duty service during  
World War II in the Philippine Scouts, Commonwealth Army of the Philippines or a recognized guerrilla  
unit may be naturalized without having been admitted for lawful permanent residence or having enlisted or  
reenlisted in the United States.  Such persons must have submitted their applications to the Immigration  
and Naturalization Service by Feb. 2, 1995.  
  
Aliens who died as a result of wounds incurred or disease contracted during periods of hostilities declared  
by the President may receive recognition as U.S. citizens.  An application may be submitted by the person's  
next of kin or other authorized representative.  This posthumous citizenship is honorary only and does not  
confer any other benefits to the person's surviving relatives.  For assistance, contact the nearest office of the  
Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice Department.  
  
Small Business Administration  
A number of SBA programs are designed to help small businesses, including businesses owned or operated  
by veterans.  Help available from the SBA includes business training, conferences, counseling, surety  
bonding, government procurement and financial management assistance.  Most SBA loans are made under  
its Loan Guaranty Program.  The loan amount is advanced by the bank or other lending institution, with  
SBA guaranteeing up to 85 percent of the total amount.  In each SBA field office a veterans affairs officer  
is designated as the contact person to assist veterans.  Information on any of SBA's programs is available  
without charge from any of its field offices.  Veterans should check their local phone book for the nearest  
SBA office.  The SBA also maintains a national toll-free number: 1-800-827-5722.  
  
Social Security  
Monthly retirement, disability, and survivor benefits under Social Security are payable to a veteran and  
dependents if the veteran has earned enough work credits under the program.  A one-time payment of $255  
also is made upon the veteran's death, paid only to the veteran's eligible spouse or child entitled to benefits.   
In addition, a veteran may qualify at age 65 for Medicare's hospital insurance and medical insurance.   
Medicare protection also is available to people who have received Social Security disability benefits for 24  
months, and to insured people and their dependents who need dialysis or kidney transplants.  
  
Active duty or active duty for training in the U.S. uniformed services has counted toward Social Security  
since January 1957, when taxes were first withheld from a servicemember's basic pay.  Since Jan. 1, 1988,  
work as a member of the Armed Services reserve components while on active duty training also counts  
toward Social Security.  Servicemembers and veterans receive an extra $300 credit for each quarter in  
which they received any basic pay for active duty or active duty for training after 1956 and before 1978.   
After 1977, a credit of $100 is granted for each $300 of reported wages up to a maximum credit of $1,200.   
No additional Social Security taxes are withheld from pay for these extra credits.  Also, noncontributory  
Social Security credits of $160 a month may be granted to veterans who served after Sept. 15, 1940, and  
before 1957, including attendance at service academies.  Further information about Social Security credits  
and benefits is available from any Social Security office or by calling   l-800-772-1213.  
  
Supplemental Security Income  
For those age 65 or older and those who are blind or otherwise disabled, Supplemental Security Income  
(SSI) may be  provided, if they have little or no income or resources.  States may supplement the federal  
payments to eligible persons and may disregard additional amounts of income.  Although VA  
compensation and pension benefits are counted in determining income for SSI purposes, certain types or  
amounts of income do not count.  Also, not all resources count in determining eligibility.  For example, a  
person's home and the land it is on do not count, regardless of value.  Personal effects, household goods,  
automobiles and life insurance may not count, depending on their value.  Information and assistance in  
making application for these payments may be obtained at any Social Security office or by calling l-800- 
772-1213.  
  
Passports to Visit Overseas Cemeteries  
"No-fee" passports are available for family members visiting overseas gravesites of veterans.  Those  
eligible for such passports include widows, parents, children, sisters, brothers and guardians of the  
deceased who are buried or commemorated in permanent American military cemeteries on foreign soil.   
For additional information, write to the American Battle Monuments Commission, Room 5127, Pulaski  
Building, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20314.  
  
Medals  
Medals awarded while in active service will be issued by the appropriate service if requested by veterans  
or, if deceased, their next of kin.  Requests for medals from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard  
should be sent to the U.S. Navy Liaison Office, National Personnel Records Center, Room 3475, 9700  
Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.  Requests for medals from the Army should be sent to Army  
Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Center, ATTN: DARP-PAS-EAW, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis,  
MO 63132-5100.  Requests for medals from the Air Force should be sent to the National Personnel  
Records Center (Military Personnel Records), 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.  The veteran's  
full name should be printed or typed, so that it can be read clearly. The request must contain the signature  
of the veteran or the signature of the next of kin if the veteran is deceased.  Include the veteran's branch of  
service, service number or Social Security number and dates of service, or at least the approximate years.   
If available, include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD Form  
214.  If possible, send the request on Standard Form 180, "Request Pertaining To Military Records."  These  
forms are generally available from VA offices or veterans organizations.  
  
Review of Discharges  
Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with authority to change, correct, or  
modify discharges or dismissals that are not issued by a sentence of a general court martial.  The board has  
no authority to address medical discharges. The veteran or   if deceased or incompetent  the surviving  
spouse, next of kin or legal representative may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military  
department concerned, using Department of Defense Form 293 (DD-293).  This form may be obtained at a  
VA office.  If more than 15 years have passed since discharge, DD Form 149 should be used for  
applications to the Board for the Correction of Military Records.  Service discharge review boards conduct  
hearings in Washington, D.C.  Traveling review boards also visit selected cities to hear cases.  In addition,  
the Army sends teams to locations to videotape the testimony of applicants for later review by a board in  
Washington, D.C.  Discharges awarded as a result of unauthorized absence in excess of 180 days make  
persons ineligible for VA benefits regardless of action taken by discharge review boards, unless VA  
determines there were compelling circumstances for the absences.  In addition, boards for the correction of  
military records may consider such cases.  Applications to these boards are made with DD Form 149.  
  
Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active military service may qualify for medical or  
related benefits regardless of separation and characterization of service.  Veterans separated  
administratively under other than honorable conditions may require that their discharge be reviewed for  
possible recharacterization, provided they file their appeal within 15 years of the date of separation.   
Questions regarding the review of a discharge may be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board  
at the following addresses:  
*  Army, Army Discharge Review Board, Attention: SFMR-RBB, Room 200A, 1941 Jefferson  
   Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202-4504.   
*  Navy and USMC, Navy Discharge Review Board, 801 N. Randolph St., Suite 905, Arlington,  
   VA 22203.  
*  Air Force, Air Force Military Personnel Center, Attention: DPMDOA1, Randolph AFB, TX  
   78150-6001.   
*  Coast Guard, Coast Guard, Attention: GPE1, Washington, DC 20593.  
  
Replacing Military Records  
A veteran and spouse should be aware of the location of the veteran's discharge and separation papers.  If  
the veteran cannot locate discharge and separation papers, duplicate copies may be obtained by contacting  
the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO  
63132-5100.  Specify that a duplicate separation document or discharge is needed.  The veteran's full name  
should be printed or typed so that it can be read clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of  
the veteran or the signature of the next of kin, if the veteran is deceased.  Include branch of service, service  
number or Social Security number and exact or approximate date and years of service.  Use Standard Form  
180, Request Pertaining To Military Records, which is available from VA offices and veterans  
organizations.  It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran's discharge or separation papers  
solely for the purpose of filing a claim for VA benefits.  If complete information about the veteran's service  
is furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service from the National Personnel Records  
Center or the service department concerned.  In a medical emergency, information from a veteran's records  
may be obtained by phoning the National Personnel Records Center: Army 314-538-4261; Air Force, 314- 
538-4243;  Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, 314-538-4141.  
 
Correction of Military Records  
The secretary of a military department, acting through a board for correction of military records, has  
authority to correct any military record when necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice.   
Applications for correction of a military record, including review of discharges issued by court-martial,  
may be considered by a correction board.  A request for correction generally must be filed by the veteran,  
survivor or legal representative within three years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice.  The  
board may excuse failure to file within the prescribed time, however, if it finds it would be in the interest of  
justice to do so.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to show why the filing of the application was  
delayed and why it would be in the interest of justice for the board to consider the application despite the  
delay.  To justify any correction, it is necessary to show to the satisfaction of the board that the alleged  
entry or omission in the records was in error or unjust.  Applications should include all evidence which  
may be available, such as signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments supporting the requested  
correction.  Application must be made on DD Form 149, which may be obtained at any VA office.  Send  
completed application to the address indicated on the form.  
  
Armed Forces Retirement Homes  
Veterans may be eligible to live in two retirement homes run by an independent federal agency, the Armed  
Forces Retirement Home.  For information, write to the Admissions Office 1094, U.S. Soldiers' and  
Airmen's Home, 3700 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC 20317, or phone 1-800-422-9988; or write to  
U.S. Naval Home, 1800 Beach Dr., Gulfport, MS 39507, or phone 1-800-332-3527.  
  
Commissary and Exchange Privileges  
The following are entitled to unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United States:   
honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100 percent, unremarried  
surviving spouses of members or retired members of the Armed Forces, recipients of the Medal of Honor,   
and certain dependents and orphans.  Certain reservists and their dependents also are eligible.  Entitlement  
to these privileges overseas is governed by international law, and privileges are available only to the extent  
agreed upon by the foreign governments concerned.  Certification of total disability will be given by VA.   
Assistance in completing DD Form ll72 (Application for Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege  
Card) may be provided by VA.  
  
Death Gratuity  
Military services provide a death gratuity of $6,000 to a deceased servicemember's snext of kin.  The death  
gratuity is payable for death in active service or for retirees who died within 120 days of retirement as a  
result of service-connected injury or illness.  Parents, brothers or sisters may be provided the gratuity, if  
designated by the deceased.  This is paid by the last military command of the deceased.  If the beneficiary  
has not been paid within a reasonable time, application may be made to the service concerned.  
  
Appeals  
Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appeal decisions  made by a VA regional  
office or medical center.  Typical issues appealed are disability compensation, pension, education benefits,  
waiver of recovery of overpayments, waiver of medication copayment debts and reimbursement for  
unauthorized medical services.  
  
A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA decision to file an appeal.  The first step  
in the appeal process is for a claimant to file a written notice of disagreement with the nearest VA regional  
office or medical center.  This is simply a written statement that a claimant disagrees with VAOs decision.   
Following receipt of the written notice, VA will furnish the claimant a "Statement of the Case" describing  
what  facts, laws and regulations were used in deciding the case.  To complete the request for appeal, the  
claimant must file a "Substantive Appeal" within 60 days of the mailing of the Statement of the Case, or  
within one year from the date VA mailed its decision.  
  
Board of Veterans' Appeals  
The Board of Veterans' Appeals makes final decisions on appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans  
Affairs.  A claimant may be represented by a veterans service organization, an agent or an attorney.  The  
board reviews fee agreements between appellants and attorneys or agents.  The Board also determines  
whether attorneys or agents are eligible for payment of fees from a claimantOs past-due benefits.   
Appellants have the right to present their case in person to a Board member.  The appellant may choose  
whether to hold the hearing in Washington, D.C., or at a VA regional office.  
  
The board annually produces a CD-ROM with the text of its decisions.  Most VA regional offices have  
these CD-ROMs available for review.  A CD-ROM also may be purchased from the Government Printing  
Office.  For further information, contact Department of Veterans Affairs, Board of Veterans' Appeals  
(O1C1), Washington, DC 20420.  
  
U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals  
A VA claim may be appealed from the Board of Veterans' Appeals to the Court of Veterans Appeals.  This  
court is independent of the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Only claimants may seek a review by the  
court; VA may not appeal BVA decisions.  
  
To appeal to the court, the claimant must have filed a Notice of Disagreement on or after Nov. 18, 1988.   
The notice of appeal must be received by the court within 120 days after the Board of VeteransO Appeals   
mails its final decision.  
  
The court does not hold trials or receive new evidence.  The court reviews the record that was considered  
by the Board of VeteransO Appeals.  Oral argument is held only at the direction of the court.  Either party  
may appeal a decision of the court to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and to the Supreme  
Court of the United States.  Appellants may represent themselves before the court or have lawyers or  
approved agents as representatives.  
  
The courtOs decisions are published in WestOs Veterans Appeals Reporter, in the WESTLAW and LEXIS  
online services, and in the courtOs electronic bulletin board, which can be reached at 202-501-5836.  For  
information about the court's rules and procedures, contact the Clerk of the Court at 625 Indiana Ave. NW,  
Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004, or call 1-800-869-8654.  
  
Where to go for help  
  
Toll-free:  
VA has  toll-free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents:  
VA Benefits	1-800-827-1000  
Life Insurance	1-800-669-8477  
Debt Management	Center	1-800-827-0648  
Education Loans  1-800-326-8276  
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)  1-800-829-4833  
CHAMPVA	1-800-733-8387  
Headstones and	Markers	1-800-697-6947  
Persian Gulf Helpline 1-800-PGW-VETS  
 
Computers: 
 
The VA Federal Benefits booklet and other VA information is available to the public by  
computer. 
 
On the Internet, information can be found on the VA World Wide Web Home Page Server at  
http://www.va.gov/ 
 
VA also has a toll-free bulletin board called VA ONLINE, which can be reached at  
1-800-US1-VETS (871-8387)  
  
  
VA Facilities  
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical centers: *for  
nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
ALABAMA  
 
Medical Centers:  
Birmingham 35233 (700 S. 19th St., 205-933-8101) 
Montgomery 36109 (215 Perry Hill Rd., 334-272-4670 
*Tuscaloosa 35404 (3701 Loop Rd. East, 205-554-2000) 
*Tuskegee 36083 (2400 Hospital Rd., 334-727-0550)  
 
Clinics:  
Anniston 36201 (226 E. 9th St., 205-236-1661) 
Decatur 35602 (401 Lee St. N.E., AM South Bldg., Suite 606, 205-350-1531) 
Florence 35630 (401 Veterans Dr., 205-766-5683) 
Huntsville 35801 (201 Governor's Dr.S.W., 205-533-1645) 
Huntsville 35801 (2006 Franklin St. S.E., Suite 104, 205-534-1691) 
Mobile 36604 (1359 Springhill Ave., 205-415-3900) 
Gadsden (2017 Rainbow Dr.,  205-546-9239) 
 
Regional Office:  
Montgomery 36109 (345 Perry Hill Rd., local, 279-4866; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Birmingham 35205 (1425 S. 21st St., Suite 108, 205-933-0500) 
Mobile 36608 (Festival Center, 3725 Airport Blvd., Suite 143, 205-304-0108)  
National Cemeteries:  
Fort Mitchell (Seale 36875, 553 Highway 165, 334-855-4731)  
Mobile 36604 (1202 Virginia St.; for information, call Barrancas, FL, NC, 904-452-3357) 
 
ALASKA  
Clinics:  
Anchorage Outpatient Clinic and Regional Office 99508-2989 (2925 DeBarr Rd., 907-257-4700) 
 
Regional Office:  
Anchorage 99508-2989 (2925 DeBarr Rd., local, 257-4700; statewide, 1-800-827-1000) 
  
Benefits Office:  
Juneau 99802 (709 W. 9th St., #263, 907-586-7472)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Anchorage 99508 (4201 Tudor Centre Dr., Suite 115, 907-563-6966)) 
Falrbanks 99701 (529 5th Ave., Suite 102, 907-456-4238) 
Kenai 99611 (445 Coral St., 907-283-5205) 
Wasilla 99654 (851 E. Westpoint Ave., Suite 109, 907-376-4318) 
 
National Cemeteries: 
Fort Richardson 99505 (P.O. Box 5-498, Bldg. 997, Davis Highway, 907-384-7075) 
Sitka 99835 (P.O. Box 1065; for information, call Ft. Richardson, AK, NC, 907-384-7075)  
  
ARIZONA  
 
Medical  Centers:  
*Phoenix 85012 (650 East Indian School Rd., 602-277-5551)  
#Prescott 86313 (Highway 89 North, 602-445-4860)  
*Tucson 85723 (3601 S. 6th Ave., 602-792-1450)   
 
Clinics:  
Mesa 85206 (6001 S. Power Rd., Bldg. 23, 602-277-5551 ext 331)  
Sun City 85351 (10147 Grand Ave., 602-277-5551, ext 2630)  
 
Regional Office:  
Phoenix 85012 (3225 N. Central Ave., local, 263-5411; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
  
Vet Centers:   
Phoenlx 85004 (141 E. Palm Ln., Suite 100, 602-379-4769)  
Prescott 86301 (637 Hillside Ave., Suite A, 602-778-3469)  
Tucson 85719 (3055 N. 1st Ave., 602-882-0333)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix 85024, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., 602-379-4615)  
Prescott 86301 (VA Medical Center, 500 Highway 89 N. 602-379-4615)  
  
ARKANSAS  
 
Medical Centers:  
Fayetteville 72703 (1100 N. College Ave., 501-443-4301)  
#*Little Rock 72205 (4300 W. 7th St., 501-370-6601)   
 
Regional Office:  
North Little Rock 72115 (Bldg. 65, Ft. Roots, P.O. Box 1280, local, 370-3800; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Center:  
North Little Rock 72114 (201 W. Broadway, Suite A, 501-324-6395)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Fayetteville 72701 (700 Government Ave., 501-444-5051)  
Fort Smith 72901 (522 Garland Ave. and S. Sixth St., 501-783-5345)  
Little Rock 72206 (2523 Confederate Blvd., 501-324-6401 )  
  
CALIFORNIA   
 
Medical  Centers:  
*Fresno 93703 (2615 E. Clinton Ave., 209-225-6100)  
*Livermore 94550 (4951 Arroyo Rd., 510-447-2560)  
*Loma Linda 92357 (11201 Benton St., 909-825-7084  
*Long Beach 90822 (5901 E. 7th St., 310-494-2611 )  
#*Palo Alto 94304 (3801 Miranda Ave., 415-493-5000)  
*San Diego 92161 (3350 La Jolla Village Dr., 619-552-8585)  
San Francisco 94121 (4150 Clement St., 415-221-4810)  
Sepulveda 91343 (1611 Plummer St., 818-891-7711)  
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical centers: *for nursing- 
home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
# West Los Angeles 90073 (Wilshire & Sawtelle Blvds., 410-268-3711)  
 
Clinics:   
Berkeley 94710 (841 Folger Ave., 510-486-3902)  
East Los Angeles 90040 (5400 E. Olympic Blvd., Suite 150,  213-894-5339)  
Los Angeles 90012 (351 E. Temple, 213-253-2677)   
Martinez 94553 (1111 Haven St., 510-372-2665)  
Martinez 94553 (150 Muir Rd.,  510-372-2179)  
Pleasant Hill 94523  (2300 Contra Costa Blvd., 510-372-2000)   
Oakland 94612 (2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 510-273-7096)   
Oakland, 94612 (427 13th St., 510-273-7096)  
Redding 96001 (2787 Eureka Way, 916-246-5444)  
Sacramento 95820 (4600 Broadway, 916-731-7360)  
San Diego 92108 (2022 Camino Del Rio North, 619-220-4065)  
Santa Barbara 93110 (4440 Calle Real, 805-683-1491)  
 
Regional Offices:   
Los Angeles 90024 (Fed. Bldg., 11000 Wilshire Blvd. serving counties of Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles,  
Orange, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, local, 479-4011;  
statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
San Diego 92108 (2022 Camino Del Rio North, serving counties of Imperial, Riverside and San Diego,  
local, 297-8220; statewide,1-800-827-1000)   
Oakland 94612 (1301 Clay St., Rm. 1300 North, local, 637-1365; statewide, 1-800-827-1000) (Recorded  
benefits, 24-hour availability, 637-1325) Counties of Alpine, Lassen, Modoc and Mono  
served by RO in Reno, Nev.   
 
Benefits Office:   
East Los Angeles 90022 (5400 E. Olympic Blvd., Commerce, 213-722-4927)  
 
Vet Centers:   
Anaheim 92805 (859 S. Harbor Blvd., 714-776-0161)  
Chico 95926 (25 Main St., 916-899-8549)   
Commerce 90022 (VA East L.A. Clinic, 5400 E. Olympic Blvd., #140, 213-728-9966)   
Concord 94520 (1899 Clayton Rd., Suite 140, 510-680-4526)  
Eureka 95501 (305 V St., 707-444-8271)   
Fresno 93726 (3636 N. 1st St., Suite 112, 209-487-5660)   
Los Angeles 90003 (S. Central L.A., 251 W. 85th Pl., 310-215-2380)   
Los Angeles 90025 (West L.A., 2000 Westwood Blvd., 310-475-9509)  
Marina 93933 (455 Reservation Rd., Suite E, 408-384-1660)  
Oakland 94612 (287 17th St., 510-763-3904)   
Redwood City 94062 (2946 Broadway  St.)  
Riverside 92504 (4954 Arlington Ave., Suite A, 909-359-8967)   
Rohnert Park 94928 (6225 State Farm Dr., Suite 101, 707-586-3295)  
Sacramento 95825 (1111 Howe Ave., Suite 390, 916-978-5477)   
San Diego 92103 (2900 6th Ave., 619-294-2040)   
San Francisco 94102 (25 Van Ness Ave., 415-431-6021)  
San Jose 95112 (278 N. 2nd St., 408-993-0729)   
Santa Barbara 93101 (1300 Santa Barbara St., 805-564-2345)  
Sepulveda 91343 (16126 Lassen St., 818-892-9227)   
Upland 91786 (313 N. Mountain Ave., 909-982-0416)   
Vista 92083 (1830 West Dr., Suite 103, 619-945-8941)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Fort Rosecrans (San Diego 92166, Point Loma, P.O. Box 6237,  619-553-2084)   
Golden Gate (San Bruno 94066, 1300 Sneath Ln., 415-589-7737)   
Los Angeles 90049 (950 S. Sepulveda Blvd., 310-268-4494)  
Riverside 92518 (22495 Van Buren Blvd., 909-653-8417  
San Francisco 94129 (P.O. Box 29012, Presidio of San Francisco, 415-561-2008)  
San Joaquin Valley (Gustine 95322, 32053 W. McCabe Rd.,  209-854-1040)  
  
COLORADO 
   
Medical Centers:  
*Denver 80220 (1055 Clermont St., 303-399-8020)  
*Fort Lyon 81038 (C St.,719-384-3100)  
*Grand Junction 81501 (2121 North Ave., 970-244-6731) 
   
Clinic:  
Colorado Springs 80909 (1785 N. Academy Blvd., 719-380-0004)   
 
Regional Office:   
Denver 80225 (155 Van Gordon St., local, 980-1300; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Boulder 80302 (2128 Pearl St.,303-440-7306)   
Colorado Springs 80903 (416 E. Colorado Ave., 719-471-9992)   
Denver 80204 (1815 Federal Blvd., 303-433-7123)   
 
National Cemeteries:   
Fort Logan (Denver 80235, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., 303-761-0117)   
Fort Lyon 81038 (VA Medical Center, C St., 719-384-3152, ext. 231)  
  
CONNECTICUT  
 
Conn. Health System:  
Newington Division 06111 (555 Willard Ave., 203-666-6951)  
*West Haven Division 06516 (W. Spring St., 203-932-5711)   
 
Regional Office:   
Hartford 06103 (450 Main St., local, 278-3230; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
  
Vet Centers:   
Hartford 06120 (370 Market St.,  203-240-3543)   
New Haven 06516 (141 Captain Thomas Blvd., 203-932-9899)   
Norwich 06360 (100 Main St., 203-887-1755)  
  
DELAWARE  
 
Medical Center  
*Wilmington 19805 (1601 Kirkwood Highway, 302-994-2511 )   
 
Regional Office:   
Wilmington 19805 (1601 Kirkwood Hwy., local, 998-0191; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Center:  
Wilmington 19805 (VAMROC Bldg. 2, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, 302-994-1660)  
  
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:  
 
Medical  Center:  
*Washington, D.C. 20422 (50 Irving St., N.W., 202-745-8000)  
 
Regional Office  
Washington, D.C. 20421 (1120 Vermont Ave., N.W., Iocal, 418-4343)  
 
Vet Center:  
Washington, D.C. 20002 (911 2nd St., N.E., 202-543-8821)  
  
FLORIDA   
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Bay Pines 33504 (10000 Bay Pines Blvd., N., 813-398-6661)  
*Gainesville 32608 (1601 Southwest Archer Rd., 904-376-1611)  
*Lake City 32055 (801 S. Marion St., 904-755-3016  
*Miami 33125 (1201 N.W. 16th St., 305-324-4455)  
*Tampa 33612 (13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 813-972-2000)   
West Palm Beach 33410 (7305 N. Military Trail, 407-882-8262)   
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical centers:  
*for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
Clinics:  
Daytona Beach 32117 (1900 Mason Ave., 904-274-4600)  
Fort Myers 33901 (2070 Carrell Rd., 813-939-3939)  
Jacksonville 32206 (1833 Boulevard, 904-232-2712)  
Key West 33040 (1325 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Bldg. 15, 305-293-4810)  
Miami 33130 (900 Southwest 2nd Ave., 305-324-4455)  
Oakland Park 33334 (5599 N. Dixie Highway, 305-771-2101)  
Orlando 32806 (5201 Raymond St., 407-629-1599)  
Pensacola 32503 (312 Kenmore Rd., 904-476-1100)  
Port Richey 34668 (8911 Ponderosa, 813-869-3203)  
Tallahassee 32308 (1607 St. James Ct., 904-878-0191)   
 
Regional Office:  
St. Petersburg 33701 (144 1st Ave. S., Iocal, 898-2121; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Benefits Offices:  
Fort Myers 33901 (2070 Carrell Rd.)  
Jacksonville 32206 (1833 Boulevard, Rm. 3109)  
Miami 33130 (Federal Bldg., Rm. 120, 51 S.W. 1st Ave.)  
Oakland Park 33334 (5599 N. Dixie Highway)  
Orlando 32806 (83 W. Columbia St.)  
Pensacola 32503-7492 (312 Kenmore Rd., Rm. 1G250)  
Riviera Beach 33404 (Executive Plaza, 310 Broadway)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Ft. Lauderdale 33301 (315 N.E. 3rd Ave., 305-356-7926)  
Jacksonville 32202 (300 East State St., 904-232-3621)  
Miami 33129 (2700 S.W. 3rd Ave., Suite1A, 305-859-8387)  
Orlando 32809 (5001 S. Orange Ave., Suite A, 407-857-2800)  
Palm Beach 33461 (2311 10th Ave., North #13, 407-585-0441)  
Pensacola 32501 (202 W. Jackson St., 904-435-8761)  
Sarasota 34239 (1800 Siesta Dr., 813-952-9406)  
St. Petersburg 33713 (2837 1st Ave., N., 813-893-3791)  
Tallahassee 32303 (249 E. 6th Ave., 904-942-8810)  
Tampa 33604 (1507 W. Sligh Ave., 813-228-2621)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Barrancas (Pensacola 32508, Naval Air Station, 904-452-3357)  
Bay Pines 33504 (P.O. Box 477, 813-398-9426)  
Florida (Bushnell 33513, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., 904-793-7740)  
St. Augustine 32084 (104 Marine St.; for information, call Florida NC, 904-793-7740)  
  
GEORGIA   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Augusta 30904(1 Freedom Way, 706-733-0188 )  
*Decatur 30033 (1670 Clairmont Rd., 404-321-6111)  
#*Dublin 31021 (1826 Veterans Blvd., 912-272-1210)   
 
Regional Office:  
Atlanta 30365 (730 Peachtree St., N.E.;  statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Clinics:  
Columbus 31902 (1008 Broadway, 706-649-7879)  
Savannah 31406 (325 W. Montgomery Crossroad, 912-920-0214)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Atlanta 30309 (77 Peachtree Pl., N.W., 404-347-7264)  
Savannah 31406 (8110 White Bluff Rd., 912-652-4097  
 
National Cemetery:  
Marietta 30060 (500 Washington Ave., 404-428-5631)  
  
Income Verification Center  
Atlanta  30329 (1644 Yullie Circle, Suite 1000, 404-235-1200, 1-800-949-1008)  
  
GUAM  
jAgana 96910 (222 Chalan Santo Papast, Reflection Center, Suite 102)  
  
HAWAII  
 
Medical & Regional Office:   
Honolulu 96850-001 (P.O. Box 50188, 300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 1004; Medical Office, 808-566-1000;  
 
Regional Office:  from Oahu, 808-566-1000; toll-free from Hawaiian neighbor islands,  
1-800-827-1000; toll-free service from Guam, 475-8387; toll-free from American Samoa,   
1-1-800-844-7928)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Hilo 96720 (120 Keawe St., Suite 201, 808-969-3833)   
Honolulu 96814 (1680 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite F, 808-566-1764)   
Kailua-Kona 96740 (Pottery Terrace, Fern Bldg., 75-5995 Kuakini Hwy., # 415, 808-329-0574)   
Lihue 96766 (3367 Kuhlo Hwy., Suite 101)  
Wailuku 96793 (35 Lunalilo, Suite 101)  
 
National  Cemetery:   
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Honolulu 96813, 2177 Puowaina Dr., 808-566-1430)  
  
IDAHO   
 
Medical Center:  
*Boise 83702 (500 West Fort St., 208-336-5100)  
 
Clinic:   
Pocatello 83201 (1651 Alvin Rickin Dr., 208-232-6214)   
 
Regional Office:  
Boise 83702 (805 W. Franklin St., Iocal, 334-1010; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers   
Boise 83706 (1115 W. Boise Ave., 208-342-3612)   
Pocatello 83201 (1975 S. 5th St., 208-232-0316)  
  
ILLINOIS  
 
Medical Centers:  
Chicago 60611 (Lakeside, 333 E. Huron St., 312-943-6600)  
Chicago 60680 (Westside, 820 S. Damen Ave., P.O. Box 8195, 312-666-6500)  
*Danville 61832 (1900 E. Main St., 217-442-8000)  
*Hines 60141 (Roosevelt Rd. & 5th Ave., 708-343-7200)  
*Marion 62959 (2401 W. Main St., 618-997-5311)   
#*North Chicago 60064 (3001 Green Bay Rd., 708-688-1900)   
 
Clinics:   
Decatur 62526 (3035 E. Mound Rd.)  
Joliet 60435 (2000 Glenwood Ave.)  
Peoria 61605 (411 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., 309-671-7350)  
Quincy 62301 (1701 N. 12th St.)  
Rockford 61108 (4040 E. State St.)  
 
Regional Office:   
Chicago 60680 (536 S. Clark St., P.O. Box 8136; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Chicago 60637 (1514 E. 63rd. St., 312-684-5500)  
Chicago Heights 60411 (1600 Halsted St., 708-754-0340)   
East St. Louis 62203 (1269 N. 89th St., Suite 1, 618-397-6602)   
Moline 61265 (1529 46th Ave., # 6, 309-762-6954)   
Oak Park 60302 (155 S. Oak Park Ave., 708-383-3225)   
Peoria 61603 (3310 N. Prospect St., 309-671-7300)   
Springfield 62702 (624 S. 4th St., 217-492-4955)   
Evanston 60602 (565 Howard St., 708-332-1019)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Alton 62003 (600 Pearl St.; for information, call Jefferson Barracks, MO, NC 314-263-8691/2)  
  
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical centers:  
*for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
Camp Butler (Springfield 62707, 5063 Camp Butler Rd., R.R. #1, 217-522-5764)  
Danville 61832 (1900 E. Main St., 217-431-6550)  
Mound City 62963 (P.O. Box 128, Junction of Hwys. 37 & 51; for information, call Jefferson Barracks,  
MO, NC, 314-260-8691/2)  
Quincy 62301 (36th &  Maine Sts.; for information, call Rock Island, IL, NC, 309-782-2094)  
Rock Island (Moline 61265, P.O. Box 737,  Rock Island Arsenal, 309-782-2094)  
  
INDlANA  
 
Medical Centers:  
*Fort Wayne 46805 (2121 Lake Ave., 219-426-5431)  
Indianapolis 46202 (1481 W. 10th St., 317-635-7401)  
*Marion 46952 (E. 38th St., 317-674-3321)   
 
Clinics:   
Crown Point 46307 (9330 Broadway, 219-662-0001)   
Evansville 47713 (500 E. Walnut, 812-865-6202)   
 
Regional Office:   
Indianapolis 46204 (575 N. Pennsylvania St.; statewide, 1-800-327-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Evansville 47711 (311 N. Weinbach Ave., 812-473-5993 or 473-6084)   
Fort Wayne 46802 (528 West Berry St., 219-460-1456)  
Gary 46408 (2236 West Ridge Rd., 219-887-0048)   
Indianapolis 46408 (3833 Meridian, 317-927-6440)  
   
National Cemeteries:   
Crown Hill (Indianapolis 46208, 700 W. 38th St.; for information, call Marion, IN, NC, 317-674-0284)  
Marion 46952 (1700 E. 38th St.,  317-674-0284)   
New Albany 47150 (1943 Ekin Ave.; for information, call Zachary Taylor, KY, NC, 502-893-3852)  
  
IOWA   
 
Medical Centers:   
#Des Moines 50310 (30th & Euclid Ave., 515-255-2173)   
Iowa City 52246 (Hwy. 6 West, 319-338-0581)   
#*Knoxville 50138 (1515 W. Pleasant St., 515-842-3101)   
 
Clinic:   
Bettendorf 52722 (2979 Victoria Dr., 319-338-0581)   
 
Regional Office:   
Des Moines 50309 (210 Walnut St., local, 284-0219; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Cedar Rapids 52402 (1642 42nd St. N.E., 319-378-0016)  
Des Moines 50310 (2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., 515-284-4929)   
Sioux City 51101 (706 Jackson,   712-255-3808)   
 
National Cemetery:   
Keokuk 52632 (1701 J St., 319-524-1304)  
  
KANSAS  
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Leavenworth 66048 (4101 S. 4th St., Trafficway (913-682-2000)  
*Topeka 66622 (2200 Gage Blvd., 913-272-3111)   
*Wichita 67218 (5500 E. Kellogg, 316-685-2221)   
 
Regional Office:   
Wichita 67218 (5500 E. Kellogg; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Center:   
Wichita 67211 (413 S. Pattie, 316-265-3260)  
 
National Cemeteries:   
Fort Leavenworth 66027 (For information, call Leavenworth, KS, NC, 913-758-4105)   
Fort Scott 66701 (P.O. Box 917, 316-223-2840)   
Leavenworth 66048 (P.O. Box 1694, 913-758-4105)  
  
KENTUCKY  
 
Medical Centers:  
*Lexington 40511 (Leestown Rd., 606-233-4511)  
Louisville 40206 (800 Zom Ave.,  502-895-3401)  
 
Regional Office:  
Louisville 40202 (545 S. Thlrd St.; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Lexington 40507 (301 E. Vine St., Suite C, 606-253-0717)  
Louisville 40208 (1355 S. 3rd St., 502-894-6290)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Camp Nelson (Nicholasville 40356, 6980 Danville Rd., 606-885-5727)  
Cave Hill (Louisville 40204, 701 Baxter Ave.; for information, call Zachary Taylor, KY, NC,  
502-893-3852)  
Danville 40442 (277 N. First St.; for information, call Camp Nelson, KY, NC, 606-885-5727)  
Lebanon 40033 (20 Highway 208; for information, call Zachary Taylor,  502-893-3852)  
Lexington 40508 (833 W. Main St.; for information, call Camp Nelson, KY, NC, 606-885-5727)  
Mill Springs (Nancy 42544; for information, call Camp Nelson, KY, NC, 606-885-5727)  
Zachary Taylor (Louisville 40207, 4701 Brownsboro Rd., 502-893-3852)  
  
LOUISIANA   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Alexandria 71301 (Shreveport Hwy., 318-473-0010)  
New Orleans 70146 (1601 Perdido St., 504-568-0811)  
Shreveport 71130 (510 E. Stoner Ave., 318-221-8411)   
 
Clinics:  
Baton Rouge 70806 (216 S. Foster Dr., 318-389-0628)  
Jennings 70546 (1911 Johnson St., 318-824-1000)   
Monroe 71203 (250 DeSiard Plaza Dr., 318-343-6100)  
 
Regional Office:  
New Orleans 70113 (701 Loyola Ave., local, 589-7191; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
New Orleans 70116 (1529 N. Claiborne Ave., 504-943-8386)  
Shreveport 71104 (Bldg. 3, Suite 260, 2620 Centenary Blvd., 318-425-8387)  
 
National Cemeteries:   
Alexandria (Pineville 71360, 209 E. Shamrock Ave., 318-449-1793)  
Baton Rouge 70806 (220 N. 19th St.; for information, call Port Hudson, LA, NC, 504-654-3767)  
Port Hudson (Zachary 70791, 20978 Port Hickey Rd., 504-654-3767)  
  
MAINE  
 
Medical Center:  
*Togus 04330 (Route 17 East, 207-623-8411)   
 
Regional Office:   
Togus 04330 (Route 17 East, local, 623-8000; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Benefits Office:   
Portland 04103 (475 Stevens Ave., 207-780-3569)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Bangor 04401 (352 Harlow St., 207-947-3391)   
Caribou 04736 (228 Sweden St., 207-496-3900)   
Lewiston 04240 (475 Pleasant St., 207-738-0257)  
Portland 04103 (475 Stevens Ave., 207-780-3584)   
Sanford 04073 (441 Maine St., 207-490-1513)   
 
National Cemetery:   
Togus 04330 (VA Medical & Regional Office Center; for information, call Mass. NC, 508-563-7113)  
  
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical centers:  
*for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
MARYLAND  
 
Medical Centers:  
Baltimore 21201 (10 N. Green St., 410-605-7000)  
Baltimore 21201 (Prosthetic Assessment Information Center, 103 S. Gay St., 410-962-3934)  
*Fort Howard 21052 (N. Point Rd., 410-477-1800)  
*Perry Point 21902 (410-642-2411)   
 
Clinic:  
Cumberland 21502 (710 Memorial Ave., 301-724-0061)   
 
Regional Office:   
Baltimore 21201 (31 Hopkins Plaza Fed. Bldg., local, 685-5454; counties of Montgomery, Prince Georges  
served by Washington, DC, RO, 202-418-4343; other areas, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Baltimore 21230 (777 Washington Blvd., 410-539-5511)  
Elkton 21921 (7 Elkton Commercial Plaza, South Bridge St., 410-398-0171)  
Silver Spring 20910 (1015 Spring St., Suite 101, 301-589-1073)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Annapolis 21401 (800 West St.; for information, call Baltimore, MD, NC, 410-644-9696)  
Baltimore 21228 (5501 Frederick Ave., 410-644-9696)  
Loudon Park (Baltimore 21228, 3445 Frederick Ave.; for information, call Baltimore, MD, NC,  
410-644-9696)  
  
MASSACHUSETTS:   
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Bedford 01730 (200 Springs Rd., 617-275-7500)  
Boston 02130 (150 S. Huntington Ave., 617-278-4591)  
*Brockton 02401 (940 Belmont St., 508-583-4500)  
Northampton 01060 (421 N. MainSt., 413-584-4040  
West Roxbury 02132 (1400 VFW Pkwy., 617-323-7700)   
 
Clinics:  
Boston 02114 (251 Causeway St., 617-248-1364)  
Lowell 01851 (130 Marshall Rd.,  508-459-3866)  
New Bedford 02740 (468 North St., 508-999-6920)  
Springfield 01103 (1550 Main St., 413-785-0301)   
Worcester 01605 (605 Lincoln St., 508-856-7428)   
 
Regional Office:  
Boston 02203 (JFK Federal Bldg., Government Center, local, 227-4600; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)    
Towns of Fall River & New Bedford, counties of Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, Bristol, part of Plymouth  
served by Providence, R.l., RO)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Boston 02215 (665 Beacon St.,   617-424-0665)  
Brockton 02401 (1041-L Pearl St., 508-580-2730)   
Lowell 01853 (73 East Merrimack St., 508-453-1151)  
Springfield 01103 (1985 Main St., Northgate Plaza, 508-737-5167)  
Worcester 01605 (605 Lincoln St., 508-856-7046)  
 
National Cemeteries:   
Massachusetts (Bourne 02532,  508-563-7113/4)  
  
MICHIGAN  
 
Medical Centers:  
*Allen Park 48101 (Southfield &  Outer Drive, 313-562-6000)  
*Ann Arbor 48105 (2215 Fuller Rd., 313-769-7100)  
*Battle Creek 49016 (5500 Armstrong Rd., 616-966-5600)  
*Iron Mountain 49801 (H Street,  906-774-3300)  
*Saginaw 48602 (1500 Weiss St., 517-793-2340)   
 
Clinics:  
Gaylord 49735 (850 S. Otsego,   517-732-7525)  
Grand Rapids 49505 (3019 Colt, N.E., 616-365-9575)  
 
Regional Office:  
Detroit 48226 (Patrick V. McNamara Federal Bldg., 477 Michigan Ave.; statewide,1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Grand Rapids 49507 (1940 Eastern Ave., S.E., 616-243-0385)  
Lincoln Park 48146 (1766 Fort St., 313-381-1370)  
Oak Park 48237 (20820 Greenfield Rd., 810-967-0040)  
 
National Cemetery:  
Fort Custer (Augusta 49012, 15501 Dickman Rd., 616-731-4164)  
  
MINNESOTA   
 
Medical Centers:  
Minneapolis 55417 (One Veterans Dr., 612-725-2000)  
#*St. Cloud 56303 (4801 8th St. North, 612-252-1670)   
 
Regional Office and lnsurance Center:  
St. Paul 55111 (Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Bldg., 1 Federal Dr., Fort Snelling; statewide,   
1-800-827-1000; insurance, 1-800-669-8477)  
Counties of Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall,  
Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Wilkin served by Fargo, N.D., RO)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Duluth 55802 (405 E. Superior St., 218-722-8654)  
St. Paul 55114 (2480 University Ave., 612-644-4022)   
 
National Cemetery:  
Fort Snelling (Minneapolis 55450, 7601 34th Ave. So., 612-726-1127/8)  
  
MISSISSIPPI  
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Biloxi 39531 (400 Veterans Ave., 601-388-5541)  
*Jackson 39216 (1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr., 601-362-4471)  
 
Regional Office:   
Jackson 39269 (100 W. Capitol St., statewide,1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Biloxi 39531 (2196 Pass Rd.,   
601-388-9938)   
Jackson 39206 (4436 N. State St., Suite A3, 601-965-5727)   
 
National Cemeteries:   
Biloxi 39535 (P.O. Box 4968, 601-388-6668)   
Corinth 38834 (1551 Horton St.; for information, call Memphis, TN, NC, 901-386-8311)   
Natchez 39120 (41 Cemetery Rd., 601-445-4981)  
  
MISSOURI   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Columbia 65201 (800 Hospital Dr., 314-443-2511)   
Kansas City 64128 (4801 Linwood Blvd., 816-861-4700)  
*Poplar Bluff 63901 (1500 N. Westwood Blvd., 314-686-4151)  
St. Louis 63106 (John Cochran Div., 915 N. Grand Blvd., 314-652-4100)  
*St. Louis 63125 (Jefferson Barracks Div., 314-487-0400)  
 
Clinic:  
Mt. Vernon 65712 (600 N. Main St., 417-466-4000)   
 
Regional Office:   
St. Louis 63103 (400 South 18th St.; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Benefits Office:   
Kansas City 64106 (Federal Office Bldg., 601 E. 12th St.)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Kansas City 64111 (3931 Main St., 816-753-1866 or 753-1974)   
St. Louis 63103 (2345 Pine St. 314-231-1260)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Jefferson Barracks (St. Louis 63125, 2900 Sheridan Rd., 314-260-8691/2)   
Jefferson City 65101 (1024 E. McCarty St.; for information, call   
   
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical centers:  
*for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
Jefferson Barracks, MO, NC, 314-260-8691/2)   
Springfield 65804 (1702 E. Seminole St., 417-881-9499)  
  
MONTANA  
 
VA Medical & Regional Office  
Fort Harrison 59636 (William St. off Hwy. 12 W., 406-442-6410)  
 
Medical Center:  
*Miles City 59301 (210 S. Winchester, 406-232-3060)  
 
Clinic:   
Billings 59102 (1127 Alderson Ave., 406-657-6786)   
 
Regional Office:   
Fort Harrison 59636 (local, 447-7975; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:   
Billings 59102 (1948 Grand Ave., 406-657-6071)   
Missoula 59802 (500 N. Higgins Ave., 406-721-4918)  
  
NEBRASKA   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Grand Island 68803 (2201 N. Broadwell, 308-382-3660)   
Lincoln 68510 (600 S. 70th St., 402-489-3802)   
Omaha 68105 (4101 Woolworth Ave, 402-346-8800)   
 
Regional Office:   
Lincoln 68516 (5631 S. 48th St., local, 484-4001; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Lincoln 68508 (920 L St., 402-476-9736)  
North Platte 79101 (220 W. Leota St.)  
Omaha 68131 (2428 Corning St., 402-346-6735)  
  
National Cemetery:  
Fort McPherson (Maxwell 69151, HCO 1, Box 67, 308-582-4433)  
  
NEVADA  
 
Medical Center:  
*Reno 89520 (1000 Locust St., 702-786-7200)   
Las Vegas 89102 (1703 W. Charleston, 702-385-3700)   
 
Regional Office:   
Reno 89520 (1201 Terminal Way, local, 329-9244; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Benefits Office:  
Las Vegas 89102 (1040 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 1, 702-388-6368)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Las Vegas 89101 (704 S. 6th St., 702-388-6368)   
Reno 89503 (1155 W. 4th St., Suite 101, 702-323-1294)  
  
NEW HAMPSHIRE  
 
Medical Center:  
*Manchester 03104 (718 Smyth Rd., 603-624-4366)   
 
Regional Office:  
Manchester 03101 (Norris Cotton Federal Bldg., 275 Chestnut St., Iocal, 666-7785; statewide,   
1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Center:  
Manchester 03104 (103 Liberty St., 603-668-7060/61)  
  
NEW JERSEY   
 
Medical Centers:  
*East Orange 07019 (Tremont Ave., 201-676-1000)  
#*Lyons 07939 (Valley &  Knollkroft Rd., 908-647-0180)   
 
Clinics:  
Brick 08724 (970 Rt. 70, 908-206-8900)  
Linwood 08221 (222 New Rd., Bldg. 2, Suite 2, 609-926-1180)  
Vineland 08360 (New Jersey Vets Memorial Home, Northwest Blvd., 609-692-2881)   
  
Regional Office:  
Newark 07102 (20 Washington Pl., Iocal, 645-2150; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Jersey City 07302 (115 Christopher Columbus Dr., Rm. 200, 201-645-2038)  
Newark 07102 (77 Halsey St., 201-645-5954)  
Trenton 08611 (171 Jersey St., Bldg. 36, 609-989-2260)  
Ventnor 08406 (6601 Ventnor Ave., Suite 401, 609-487-8387)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Beverly 08010 (R.D. # 1, Bridgeboro Rd., 609-877-5460)   
Finn 's Point (Salem 08079, R.F.D. # 3, Fort Mott Rd., Box  542; for information,  
call Beverly, NJ, NC, 609-989-2137)  
  
NEW MEXICO  
 
Medical Center  
*Albuquerque 87108 (2100 Ridgecrest Dr., S.E., 505-265-1711)   
 
Clinics:  
Artesia 88210 (1700 W. Main St., 505-746-3531)  
Clovis 88101 (100 E. Manana St., 505-763-3834)  
Farmington 87401 (1001 W. Broadway, 505-326-4383)  
Gallup 87301 (1806 E. 66th Ave., 505-722-7234)  
Raton 87740 (1275 S. 2nd St., 505-445-2391)  
Silver City 88061 (1302 32nd St., 505-538-2921)  
 
Regional Office:   
Albuquerque 87102 (Dennis Chavez Federal Bldg., 500 Gold Ave., S.W., local, 766-3361;  
statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Albuquerque 87104 (1600 Mountain Rd. N.W., 505-766-5900)  
Farmington 87402 (4251 E. Main, Suite B, 505-327-9684)  
Santa Fe 87505 (2209 Brothers Rd., Suite 110, 505-988-6562)  
  
National Cemeteries:  
Fort Bayard 88036 (P.O. Box 189; for information, call Fort Bliss, TX, NC, 915-564-0201)  
Santa Fe 87501 (501 N. Guadelupe St., P.O. Box 88, 505-988-6400)  
  
NEW YORK   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Albany 12208 (113 Holland Ave., 518-462-3311)  
*Batavia 14020 (222 Richmond Ave., 716-343-7500)   
#*Bath 14810 (Veterans Ave., 607-776-2111)  
*Bronx 10406 (130 W. Kingsbridge Rd., 718-584-9000)   
#*Brooklyn 11209 (800 Poly Place, 718-836-6600)  
*Buffalo 14215 (3495 Bailey Ave., 716-834-9200)   
#*Canandaigua 14424 (Fort Hill Ave., 716-394-2000)  
*Castle Point 12511 (Rte. 9D,       914-831-2000)   
#*Montrose 10548 (Rte. 9A,          914-737-4400)   
New York City 10010 (423 E. 23rd St., 212-686-7500)  
*Northport 11749 (79 Middleville Rd., 516-261-4400)  
*Syracuse 13210 (800 Irvine Ave., 315-476-7461)   
 
Clinics:  
Albany 12206 (91 Central Ave., 518-432-1068)  
Brooklyn 11205 (35 Ryerson St., 718-330-7851)  
Buffalo 14209 (2963 Main St., 716-834-4270)  
Elizabethtown 12932 (Community Hospital, Park St., 518-873-2179)  
Fort Drum 13602 (Bldg. T2407, Dunn Ave., 315-773-7231)  
Massena 13662 (1 Hospital Dr., 315-764-1711)  
New York City 10036 (423 E. 23rd St., 212-951-5983)  
Plattsburgh 12903 (380th Medical Group/SGAM, 518-565-7482)  
Rochester 14614 (100 State St., 716-263-5734)  
Sidney 13838 (39 Pearl St. West, 607-563-3970)  
St. Albans 11425 (179th St. & Linden Blvd., 718-526-1000)  
Syracuse 13210 (1031 E. Fayette St., 315-423-5690)  
 
Regional Offices:  
Buffalo 14202 (Federal Bldg., 111 W. Huron St., local, 551-5191; statewide,  
1-800-827-1000) Serves counties not served by New York City Regional Office.  
New York City 10014 (245 W. Houston St., Iocal, 212-807-7229; statewide,  
1-800-827-1000 ) Serves counties of Albany, Bronx,   
 
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical  
centers: *for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton,  
Kings, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Orange, Otsego Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer,  
Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan,  
Ulster, Warren, Washington, Westchester.   
 
Benefits Offices:  
Albany 12207 (Leo W. O'Brlan Federal Bldg., Clinton Ave. & N. Pearl St.)  
Rochester 14614 (Federal Office Bldg. & Courthouse, 100 State St.)  
Syracuse 13202 (344 W. Genessee St.)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Albany 12206 (875 Central Ave., 518-438-2505)  
Babylon 11702 (116 West Main St., 516-661-3930)  
Brooklyn 11201 (165 Cadman Plaza, East, 718-330-2825)  
Bronx 10458 (226 E. Fordham Rd., 718-367-3500)  
Buffalo 14202 (560 Delaware Ave., 716-882-0505)  
Harlem 10027 (55 W. 125 St., 212-870-8126)  
New York 10036 (120 W. 44 St., 212-944-2931/32)  
Rochester 14608 (134 S. Fitzhugh St., 716-263-5710)  
Staten Island 10301 (150 Richmond Terrace, 718-816-4799)  
Syracuse 13203 (716 E. Washington St., 315-423-5690)  
White Plains 10601 (300 Hamilton Ave., 914-682-6251)  
Woodhaven 11421 (75-10B 91st Ave., 718-296-2871)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Bath 14810 (VA  Medical Center, 607-776-2111)  
Calverton 11933 (210 Princeton Blvd., 516-727-5410 or 727-5770)  
Cypress Hills (Brooklyn 11208, 625 Jamaica Ave.; for information, call Long  
Island, NY, NC, 516-454-4949)  
Long Island (Farmingdale 11735, 516-454-4949)  
Woodlawn (Elmira 14901, 1825 Davis St.; for information, call Bath, NY,  
NC, 607-776-5480, ext. 1293)  
  
NORTH CAROLINA  
 
Medical Centers:  
*Asheville 28805 (1100 Tunnel Rd., 704-298-7911)  
*Durham 27705 (508 Fulton St., 919-286-0411)  
*Fayetteville 28301 (2500 Ramsey St., 910-822-7059)  
*Salisbury 28144 (1601 Brenner Ave., 704-638-9000)   
 
Clinic:  
Winston-Salem 27155 (Federal Bldg., 251 N. Main St., 910-631-5517)   
 
Regional Office:   
Winston-Salem 27155 (Federal Bldg., 251 N. Main St., Iocal, 748-1800; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Charlotte 28202 (223 S. Brevard St., Suite  103, 704-333-6107)   
Fayetteville 28311 (4140 Ramsey St., Suite 11C, 910-488-6252)   
Greensboro 27406 (2009 Elm-Eugene St., 910-333-5366)  
Greenville 27858 (150 Arlington Blvd., Suite B, 919-355-7920)  
Raleigh 27601 (300 South Salisbury St., Rm. 322, 919-856-4616)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
New Bern 28560 (1711 National Ave., 919-637-2912)  
Raleigh 27610 (501 Rock Quarry Rd., 919-832-0144)  
Salisbury 28144 (202 Government Rd., 704-636-2661)  
Wilmington 28403 (2011 Market St.; for information, call New Bern, NC, NC, 919-637-2912)  
  
NORTH DAKOTA  
 
Medical Center:  
*Fargo 58102 (2101 Elm St., 701-232-3241)   
 
Regional Office:   
Fargo 58102 (2101 Elm St.; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Fargo 58103 (1310 Fiechtner Dr., Suite 100, 701-237-0942)  
Minot 58701 (2041 3rd St. N.W., 701-852-0177)  
  
OHIO  
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Brecksville 44141 (10000 Brecksville Rd., 216-526-3030)  
*Chillicothe 45601 (17273 State Route 104, 614-773-1141)   
#*Cincinnati 45220 (3200 Vine St., 513-861-3100)   
Cleveland 44106, 10701 East Blvd., 216-791-3800)   
#*Dayton 45428 (4100 W. 3rd St., 513-268-6511)   
 
Clinics:   
Canton 44702 (221 Third St., S.E., 216-489-4660)   
Columbus 43203 (543 Taylor Ave., 614-469-5164)   
Toledo 43614 (3333 Glendale Ave., 419-259-2000)   
Youngstown 44505 (2031 Belmont, 216-740-9200)   
  
Regional Office:  
Cleveland 44199 (Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Bldg., 1240 E. 9th St.; statewide,   
1-800-827-1000)  
 
Benefits Offices:   
Cincinnati 45203 (801-B W. 8th St., 513-763-3500)   
Columbus 43215 (Federal Bldg., Rm. 309, 200 N. High St.)  
 
Vet Centers:   
Cincinnati 45203 (801-B W. 8th St., 513-763-3500)   
Cleveland 44111 (11511 Lorain Ave., 216-671-8530)   
Cleveland Heights 44118 (2134 Lee Rd., 216-932-8471)   
Columbus 43215 (30 Spruce St., 614-228-3853)   
Dayton 45402 (6 S. Patterson Blvd., 513-461-9150)   
 
National Cemetery:  
Dayton 45428 (VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third St., 513-262-2115)  
  
OKLAHOMA  
 
Medical Centers:  
Muskogee 74401 (Honor Heights Dr., 918-683-3261)  
Oklahoma City  73104 (921 N.E. 13th St., 405-270-0501)  
 
Clinics:  
Ardmore 73401 (1015 S. Commerce, 405-223-2266)  
Clinton 73601 (1/4 mile south of I-40 on Highway 183, P.O. Box 1209, 405-323-5540)  
Lawton 73502 (Comanche Co. Hospital, P.O. Box 49, 405-357-6611)  
Tulsa 74101 (1855 E. 15th St., 918-581-7105)  
 
Regional Office:  
Muskogee 74401 (Federal Bldg., 125 S. Main St., local 687-2500; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Benefits Office:  
Oklahoma City 73105 (200 N.W. 5th St.)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Oklahoma City 73105 (3033 N. Walnut, Suite 101W, 405-270-5184)  
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical  
centers: *for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
Tulsa 74112 (1408 S. Harvard, 918-748-5105)  
 
National Cemetery:  
Fort Gibson 74434 (1423 Cemetery Rd., 918-478-2334)  
  
OREGON  
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Portland 97207 (3710 S.W. U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., 503-220-8262)  
Roseburg 97470 (913 N.W. New Garden Valley Blvd., 503-440-1000)  
 
Clinics:  
Bandon 97411 (1010 1st St. S.E., Suite 100, 503-347-2620)  
Eugene 97401 (138 W. 8th St., 503-465-6966)  
Portland 97207 (8909 S.W. Barbur Blvd., 503-293-2946)  
 
Domiciliary:  
White City 97503 (8495 Crater Lake Hwy., 503-826-2111)  
 
Regional Office:  
Portland 97204 (Federal Bldg., 1220 S.W. 3rd Ave., local, 221-2431; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:   
Eugene 97403 (1966 Garden Ave., 503-465-6918)  
Grants Pass 95726 (211 S.E. 10th St., 503-479-6912)  
Portland 97220 (8383 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Suite 110, 503-273-5370)  
Salem 97301 (318 Church St., N.E., 503-362-9911)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Eagle Point 97524 (2763 Riley Rd., 503-826-2511)  
Roseburg 97470 (VA Medical Center, 913 N.W. Garden Valley Blvd.  For information, call  
Willamette,OR, NC, 503-273-5250)  
Willamette (Portland 97266, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., 503-273-5250)  
  
PENNSYLVANIA  
 
Medical Centers:  
*Altoona 16602 (2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd., 814-943-8164)  
#*Butler 16001 (325 New  Castle Rd., 412-287-4781)  
#*Coatesville 19230 (1400 Black Horse Hill Rd., 215-384-7711)  
*Erie 16504 (135 E. 138th St., 814-868-8661)  
*Lebanon 17042 (1700 S. Lincoln Ave., 717-272-6621)  
*Philadelphia 19104 (University & Woodland Aves., 215-383-2400)  
Pittsburgh 15206 (7180 Highland Dr., 412-363-4900)  
*Pittsburgh 15240 (University Drive C, 412-683-3000)  
*Wilkes-Barre 18711 (1111 East End Blvd., 717-824-3521)  
 
Clinics:  
Allentown 18103 (2937 Hamilton Blvd., 610-776-4304)  
Camp Hill 17011 (25 N. 32 N. 32nd St., 717-730-9782)  
Sayre 18840 (Guthrie Square, 717-888-8062)  
Springfield 19064 (1489 Baltimore Pike, 215-543-1588)  
 
Regional Offices:  
Philadelphia 19101 (RO and Insurance Center, P.O. Box 8079, 5000 Wissahickon Ave.,  
local, 438-5225; statewide, 1-800-827-1000; insurance, 1-800-669-8477; recorded  
benefits information, 215-951-5368, 24-hour availability) Serves counties of  
Adams, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clinton,  
Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster,  
Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour,  
Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill,  
Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Wyoming, York.   
Pittsburgh 15222 (1000 Liberty Ave., local, 281-4233; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
Serves the remaining counties of Pennsylvania.  
 
Benefits Office:  
Wilkes-Barre 18702 (Jewelcor Bldg., 2nd Floor, 100 N. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Erie 16501 (1000 State St., Suite 1&2, 814-453-7955)  
Harrisburg 17102 (1007 N. Front St., 717-782-3954)  
McKeesport 15132 (500 Walnut St., 412-678-7704)  
Philadelphia 19107 (1026 Arch St., 215-627-0238)  
Philadelphia  19120 (101 E. Olney Ave., Box C-7, 215-924-4670)  
Pittsburgh 15222 (954 Penn Ave., 412-765-1193)  
Scranton 18509 (959 Wyoming Ave., 717-344-2676)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Indiantown Gap (Annville 17003, R.R. 2, Box 484, 717-865-5254/5)  
Philadelphia 19138 (Haines St. & Limekiln Pike; for information, call  
Beverly, NJ, NC, 609-877-5460)  
  
  
PHILIPPINES  
 
Regional Office:  
Manila 1000 (1131 Roxas Blvd.,  011-632-521-7521)  
 
Outpatient Clinic:  
Manila 1300 (2201 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, 838-4566)  
  
PUERTO RICO  
 
Medical Center:  
*San Juan 00927 (1 Veterans Plaza, 809-758-7575)  
 
Clinics:  
Mayaguez 00708 (Carr, Estatal #2, Frente A  Res. Sultana, 809-831-3400)  
Ponce 00731 (Reparada Industrial-Lot #1, Calle Principal, 809-841-3115)  
  
Regional Office:  
San Juan 00936 (U.S. Courthouse & Federal Bldg., Carlos E. Chardon St.,  
Hato Rey, GPO Box 4867, local, 766-5141; all other San Juan areas and  
the Virgin Islands, 1-800-827-1000) To call San Juan from U.S. Virgin Islands,   
1-800-827-1000.  
 
Vet Centers:  
Arecibo 00612 (52 Gonzalo Marin St., 809-879-4510 or 879-4581)  
Ponce 00731 (35 Mayor St., 809-841-3260)  
San Juan 00921 (Condomino Medical Center Plaza, Suite LCBA and LC9,  
La Riviera, 809-749-4409)  
 
National Cemetery:  
Puerto Rico (Bayamon 00960, P.O. Box 1298, 809-785-7281)  
  

RHODE ISLAND  
 
Medical Center:  
Providence 02908 (830 Chalkstone Ave., 401-273-7100)  
 
Regional Office:  
Providence 02903 (380 Westminster Mall, local, 273-4910; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Cranston 02910 (789 Park Ave., 401-467-2046)  
  
SOUTH CAROLINA  
 
Medical Centers:  
Charleston 29401 (109 Bee St., 803-577-5011)  
*Columbia 29209 (Garners Ferry Rd., 803-776-4000)   
 
Clinics:  
Greenville 29601 (3510 Augusta Rd., 803-299-1600)   
Savannah 31406 (325 W. 912-920-0214)  
 
Regional Office:   
Columbia 29201 (1801 Assembly St., local, 765-5861; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Columbia 29201 (1513 Pickens St., 803-765-9944)   
Greenville 29601 (14 Lavinia St., 803-271-2711)   
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical  
centers: *for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
North Charleston 29418 (5603A  Rivers Ave., 803-747-8387)   
 
National Cemeteries:   
Beaufort 29902 (1601 Boundary St., 803-524-3925)   
Florence 29501 (803 E. National Cemetery Rd., 803-669-8783)  
  
SOUTH DAKOTA  
 
Medical Centers:  
*Fort Meade 57741 (I 90/Hwy. 34, 605-347-2511)  
#Hot Springs 57747 (Off 5th St., 605-745-4101)  
*Sioux Fails 57117 (2501 W. 22nd St., 605-336-3230)   
 
Regional Office:   
Sioux Falls 57117 (P.O. Box 5046, 2501 W. 22nd St., local, 336-3496; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Rapid City 57701 (610 Kansas City St., 605-348-0077)  
Sioux Falls 57104 (601 S. Cliff Ave., Suite C, 605-332-0856)   
 
National Cemeteries:   
Black Hills (Sturgis 57785, P.O. Box 640, 605-347-3830)   
Fort Meade 57785 (Sturgis 57785, P.O. Box 640; for information, call Black Hills, SD, NC,   
605-347-3830)   
Hot Springs 57747 (VA Medical Center, 605-347-3830)  
  
TENNESSEE   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Memphis 38104 (1030 Jefferson Ave., 901-523-8990)   
#*Mountain Home 37684 (Sidney & Lamont St., 615-926-1171)  
*Murfreesboro 37129 (3400 Lebanon Rd., 615-893-1360)   
Nashville 37212 (1310 24th Ave., South, 615-327-4751)   
 
Clinics:   
Arnold AFB 37389 (225 First St., 615-454-6134)  
Chattanooga 37411 (Bldg. 6200 East Gate Center, 615-855-6550)   
Cookville 38501 (121 S. Dixie Ave., 615-893-1360)   
Knoxville 37923 (9031 Cross Park Dr., 615-545-4592)  
Mountain City 37683 (Hospital Drive, 615-727-5900)  
 
Regional Office:  
Nashville 37203 (110 9th Ave. South, local, 736-5251; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet  Centers:  
Chattanooga 37404 (425 Cumberland St., Suite 140,       615-752-5234)  
Johnson City 37604 (1615A Market St., 615-928-8387)  
Knoxville 37914 (2817 E. Magnolia Ave., 615-545-4680)  
Memphis 38104 (1835 Union, Suite 100, 901-722-2510)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Chattanooga 37404 (1200 Bailey Ave., 615-855-6590)  
Knoxville 37917 (939 Tyson St., N.W., 615-461-7935)  
Memphis 38122 (3568 Townes Ave., 901-386-8311)  
Mountain Home 37684 (P.O. Box 8, 615-461-7935)  
Nashville (Madison 37115, 1420 Gallatin Rd. So., 615-327-5360)  
  
TEXAS   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Amarillo 79106 (6010 Amarillo Blvd., West, 806-355-9703)  
*Big Spring 979720 (2400 S. Gregg St., 915-263-7361)   
#*Bonham 75418 (1201 East Ninth, 903-583-2111)   
#*Dallas 75216 (4500 S. Lancaster Rd., 214-376-5451)  
*Houston 77030 (2002 Holcombe Blvd., 713-791-1414)  
*Kerrville 78028 (3600 Memorial Blvd., 210-896-2020)   
Marlin 76661 (1016 Ward St., 817-883-3511)  
*San Antonio 78284 (7400 Merton Minter Blvd., 210-617-5300)   
#*Temple 76504 (1901 S. First,    817-778-4811)   
#*Waco 76711 (4800 Memorial Dr., 817-752-6581)   
 
Clinics:   
Austin 78741 (2901 Montopolis Dr., 512-389-7101)   
Beaumont 77701 (3385 Fannln St., 409-839-2480)   
Corpus Christi 78405 (5283 Old Brownsville Rd., 512-854-7392)  
El Paso 79925 (5919 Brook Hollow Dr., 915-540-7811)   
Fort Worth 76104 (300 W. Rosedale St., 817-335-2202)   
Fort Stockton 79735 (Sanderson Hwy., 915-366-8365)  
Hamilton 76531 (400 N. Brown St., 817-386-3151)  
Laredo 78043 (2359 E. Saunders Ave., 512-725-7060)   
Lubbock 79410 (4902 34th St., #10, 806-796-7900)   
Lufkin 75901 (1301 Frank Ave., 409-637-1342)   
McAllen 78501 (2101 S. Colonel Rowe Blvd., 210-618-7100)   
Memphis 79245 (1645 N. 18 St., 806-259-2565)  
San Antonio 78229 (9502 Computer Dr., 210-617-2645)   
Stratford 79084 (1220 Purnell St., 806-396-5583)  
Texarkana 75503 (2717 Summerhill Rd., 903-793-3371)  
Victoria 77901 (2710 E. Airline Dr., 512-572-0006)   
Wichita Falls 76301 (1410 Eighth St., 817-723-2373)  
 
Regional Offices:   
Houston 77030(6900 Almeda Rd, Iocal 664-4664; statewide, 1-800-827-1000.  Serves  
counties of Angelina, Aransas, Atacosa, Austin, Bandera, Bee, Bexar, Blanco,  
Brazoria, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Colorado,  
Comal, Crockett, DeWitt, Dimitt, Duval, Edwards, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston,  
Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Guadeloupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo,  
Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy,  
Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, LaSalle, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, McCulloch,  
McMullen, Mason, Matagorda, Maverlck, Medina, Menard, Montgomery, Nacogdoches,  
Newton, Nueces, Orange, Pecos, Polk, Real, Refugio, Sabine, San Augustine,  
San Jacinto, San Patricio, Schleicher, Shelby, Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Trinity,  
Tyler, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy,  
Wilson, Zapata, Zavala)   
Waco 76799 (1400 N. Valley Mills Dr., local, 817-772-3060; statewide,  
1-800-827-1000, serves rest of the state) Bowie County served by Little Rock,  
AR, Regional Office, 1-800-827-1000.   
 
Benefits Office:   
Dallas 75242 (Santa Fe Bldg., 1114 Commerce St.)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Amarillo 79109 (3414 E. Olsen Blvd., Suite E., 806-354-9779)   
Austln 78745 (1110 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 301, 512-416-1314)  
Corpus Christi 78404 (3166 Reid Dr., Suite 1, 512-854-9961)  
Dallas 75244 (5232 Forest Lane, Suite 111, 214-361-5896)  
El Paso 79925 (Sky Park II, 6500 Boeing, Suite L-112, 915-772-0013)  
Fort Worth 76104 (1305 W. Magnolia, Suite B, 817-921-9095)  
Houston 77006 (503 Westheimer, 713-523-0884)  
Houston 77024 (701 N. Post Oak Rd., 713-682-2288)  
Laredo 78041 (6020 McPherson Rd. #1A, 210-723-4680)  
Lubbock 79410 (3208 34th St., 806-792-9782)  
McAllen 78504 (801 Nolana Loop, Suite 115, 210-631-2147)  
  
Note: The following symbols indicate additional programs are available at medical  
centers: *for nursing-home care units; #for domiciliaries.  
  
Midland 79703 (3404 W. Illinois, Suite 1, 915-697-8222)  
San Antonio 78212 (231 W. Cypress St., 210-229-4025)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Fort Bliss 79906 (5200 Fred Wilson Rd., P.O. Box 6342, 915-564-0201)  
Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio 78209, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., 210-820-3891)  
Houston 77038 (10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., 713-447-8686)  
Kerrville 78028 (VA Medical Center, 3600 Memorial Blvd.; for information, call 
Fort Sam Houston, TX, NC, 210-820-3891)  
San Antonio 78202 (517 Paso Hondo St.; for information, call Fort  
Sam Houston, TX, NC, 210-820-3891)  
  
UTAH  
 
Medical Center:  
*Salt Lake City 84148 (500 Foothill Dr., 801-582-1565)  
 
Regional Office:  
Salt Lake City 84147 (P.O. Box 11500, Federal Bldg., 125 S. State St.,  
local, 524-5960; statewide,   1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:  
Provo 84601 (750 North 200 West, Suite 105, 801-377-1117)  
Salt Lake City 84106 (1354 East 3300, South, 801-584-1294)  
  
VERMONT  
 
Medical Center:  
*White River Junction 05009 (N. Hartland Rd., 802-295-9363)  
 
Clinics:  
Burlington 0540l (Appletree Bay Medical Center, 1205 North Ave., 802-864-4492)  
North Troy 05859 (Mobile Clinic, American Legion Post, 802-296-6399)  
St. Albans 05478 (Mobile Clinic, Highgate Shopping Center, 802-296-6399)  
 
Regional Office:  
White River Junction 05009 (N. Hartland Rd., local, 296-5177; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
 
Vet Centers:  
South Burlington 05403 (359 Dorset St., 802-862-1806)  
White River Junction 05001 (Gilman Office Center, Bldg. #2, Holiday  
Inn Dr., 802-295-2908)  
  
VIRGINIA  
 
Medical Centers:  
#*Hampton 23667 (100 Emanclpation Dr., 804-722-9961)  
*Richmond 23249 (1201 Broad Rock Rd., 804-230-0001)  
*Salem 24153 (1970 Roanoke Blvd., 703-982-2463)  
 
Clinic:  
Norfolk 23508 (6500 Hampton Blvd., 804-444-5517)   
 
Regional Office:  
Roanoke 24011 (210 Franklin Rd., S.W.; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)  
Northern Virginia counties of Arlington & Fairfax, cities of Alexandria,  
Fairfax, Falls Church served by Washington, D.C., RO, 202-418-4343).   
 
Vet Centers:  
Norfolk 23517 (2200 Colonial Ave., Suite 3, 804-623-7584)  
Richmond 23230 (3022 W. Clay St., 804-353-8958)  
Roanoke 24016 (320 Mountain Ave., SW, 703-342-9726)  
Springfield 22150 (7024 Spring Garden Dr., 703-866-0924)  
 
National Cemeteries:  
Alexandria 22314 (1450 Wilkes St.; for information, call Culpeper, VA, NC, 703-825-0027)  
Balls Bluff (Leesburg 22075; for information, call Culpeper, VA, NC, 703-825-0027)  
  
City Point (Hopewell 23860, 10th Ave. & Davis St.; for information, call  
Richmond, VA, NC , 804-222-1490)  
Cold Harbor (Mechanicsville 23111, Rt. 156 North; for information, call Richmond,  
VA, NC, 804-222-1490)  
Culpeper 22701 (305 U.S. Ave.,  703-825-0027)  
Danville 24541 (721 Lee St.; for information, call Salisbury, NC, NC, 704-636-2661)  
Fort Harrison (Richmond 23231, 8620 Varina Rd.; for information, call Richmond, VA, NC,   
804-222-1490)  
Glendale (Richmond 23231, 8301 Willis Church Rd.; for information, call Richmond,  
VA, NC, 804-222-1490)  
Hampton 23667 (Cemetery Rd. at Marshall Ave., 804-723-7104)  
Hampton 23667 (VA Medical Center, 804-723-7104)  
Quantico (Triangle 22172, P.O. Box 10, 18424 Joplin Rd., 703-690-2217)  
Richmond 23231 (1701 Williamsburg Rd., 804-222-1490)  
Seven Pines (Sandston 23150, 400 E. Williamsburg Rd.; for information,  
call Richmond, VA, NC, 804-222-1490)  
Staunton 24401 (901 Richmond Ave.; for information call Culpeper, VA, NC, 703-825-0027)  
Winchester 22601 (401 National Ave.; for information, call Culpeper, VA, NC, 703-825-0027)  
  
VIRGIN ISLANDS   
For Information on VA benefits, call 1-800-827-1000.  
 
Vet Centers:  
St. Croix 00850 (Box 12, R.R. 02, Village Mall,  #113, 809-778-5553)  
St. Thomas 00802 (Buccaneer Mall, 809-774-6674)  
  
WASHINGTON   
 
Medical Centers:  
*Seattle 98108 (1660 S. Columbian Way, 206-762-1010)  
*Spokane 99205 (N. 4815 Assembly St., 509-328-4521)  
#*Tacoma 98493 (9900 Veterans Dr., S.W., American Lake, 206-582-8440)  
*Walla Walla 99362 (77 Wainwright Dr., 509-525-5200)  
 
Clinic:  
Yakima 98498(Yakima Training Center, Bldg. 156, 509-457-2786)  
 
Regional Office:  
Seattle 98174 (Federal Bldg., 915 2nd Ave.; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Seattle 98121 (2230 8th Ave., 206-553-2706)  
Spokane 99201 (W. 1708 Mission St., 509-327-0274)  
Tacoma 98409 (4916 Center St., Suite E, 206-565-7038)  
Toppenish 98498 (4 Washington Ave., 509-865-3400)  
  
WEST VIRGINIA   
 
Medical Center:  
*Beckley 25801 (200 Veterans Ave., 304-255-2121)  
Clarksburg 26301 (1 Medical Center Dr., 304-623-3461 )  
Huntington 25704 (1540 Spring Valley Dr., 304-429-6741)  
#*Martinsburg 25410 (Route 9, 304-263-0811)   
 
Regional Office:  
Huntington 25701 (640 Fourth Ave., Iocal, 529-5720; statewide,    
1-800-827-1000; counties of Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, served by Pittsburgh, Pa., RO)   
 
Vet Centers:  
Beckley 25801 (101 Ellison Ave., 304-252-8220 )  
Charleston 25302 (512 Washington St. West, 304-343-3825)  
Huntington 25701 (1005 6th Ave., 304-523-8387)  
Martinsburg 25401 (105 S. Spring St., 304-263-6776)  
Morgantown 26505 (1191 Pineview Dr., 304-291-4001)  
Princeton 24740 (905 Mercer St., 304-425-5653)  
Wheeling 26003 (1070 Market St., 304-232-0587)   
 
National Cemeteries:  
Grafton 26354 (431 Walnut St.; for information, call West Virginia NC, 304-265-2044)  
West Virginia (Grafton 26354, Rt. 2, Box 127, 304-265-2044)  
  
WISCONSIN  
 
Medical Centers:  
Madison 53705 (2500 Overlook Terrace, 608-256-1901)  
#*Milwaukee 53295 (5000 W. National Ave., 414-384-2000)  
*Tomah 54660 (500 E. Veterans St., 608-372-3971)   
 
Clinic:  
Superior 54880 (3520 Tower Ave., 715-392-9711)   
 
Regional Office:  
Milwaukee 53295 (5000 W. National Ave., Bldg. 6; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
  
Vet Centers:  
Madison 53703 (147 S. Butler St., 608-264-5342)  
Milwaukee 53208 (3424 Wisconsin, 414-344-5504)   
 
National Cemetery:   
Wood (Milwaukee 53295, 5000 W. National Ave., Bldg. 1301, 414-382-5300)  
  
WYOMING  
 
Medical Center  
*Cheyenne 82001 (2360 E. Pershing Blvd., 307-778-7550)  
Sheridan 82801 (1989 Fort Rd.,   307-778-7550)   
 
Regional Office:   
Cheyenne 82001 (2360 E. Pershing Blvd., local 778-7396; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)   
 
Vet Centers:   
Casper 82601 (111 S. Jefferson, 307-235-8010)   
Cheyenne 82001 (3130 Henderson Dr., 307-778-7370)  
  
  
Index  
  
Adapted homes 5  
Allowances for dependents 5  
Affirmative action 57  
Agent Orange 45  
Aid and Attendance 8, 37  
Alcohol dependence treatment 46  
Allied veterans, medical care 48  
Appeals 66, 67  
Arlington National Cemetery 31  
Automobile grants 6  
Beneficiary travel 46  
Blind aids and services 47  
Board of Veterans' Appeals 66  
Borrowing on insurance 28  
Burial benefits 30  
Burial flags 33  
Burial, reimbursement 33  
Business utilization, small and disadvantaged 53  
Cemeteries, National 30  
CHAMPVA 49  
Closing costs on loan guaranties 22  
Clothing allowance 6  
Commissary privileges 65  
Compensation for disability 4  
Compensation rates 4  
Compensation to survivors 35, 37  
Compensation, Unemployment 56  
Counseling, vocational and educational 15  
Court of Veterans Appeals 67  
Death benefits 34-39  
Death gratuity to survivors 65  
Death Pension 36  
Dental treatment 44  
Dependent allowances 5  
Dependents 34-39  
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) 34, 35  
Disability benefits 4,5  
DIC rates 34  
Disability Compensation 4  
Disadvantaged businesses 53  
Discharges, copies of 63  
Discharges, review of 62  
Dividends on life insurance 26  
Domiciliary care 42  
Drug dependence treatment 46  
Education and training  
	Veterans 9-15  
	Dependents 37-38  
Eligibility  1  
Employment  
	Assistance 54-58  
	Federal 57  
Exchange privileges 65  
Facilities, VA 68  
Farm credit 59  
Federal benefits (non-VA) 54  
Filing claims 2  
Financing of GI home loans 23  
Flags, burial 33  
FHA home mortgage insurance 59  
Funding fee 23  
GI Bill  
	Montgomery (Active Duty) 9  
	Montgomery (Reserve) 11  
Guaranties, Home loan 19  
Headstones and markers 31, 32  
Health care 40-49  
Home improvements 48  
Home loan guaranties 19  
Homeless veterans 50  
Hospitalization 40  
Housing insurance 30  
Income related to medical care 41  
Insurance 26-30  
	Borrowing 28  
	Disabled veterans 28  
Interior Cemeteries 31  
Job assistance 54-58  
Liability on home loans 24  
Life Insurance 26-30  
Loans  
	Education 38  
	Home loans 19, 39  
	Farm 59  
	FHA 59  
	Life insurance 28  
	Safeguards for borrowers 25  
	SBA 60  
Medals 62  
Medical care  
	Allied veterans 48  
	Dependents 49  
	Merchant seamen 48  
	Veterans 40-48  
Memorial plots 32  
Merchant seamen, medical care 48  
Montgomery GI Bill  
	Active Duty 9  
	Selected Reserve 11  
Military records 64  
Mortgage Life Insurance 30  
Native American home loans 25  
Naturalization preference 59  
Nursing-home reduction 8  
Nursing-home care 41  
Occupational Conversion and Training Program 54  
Operation Transition 58  
Outpatient dental treatment 44  
Outpatient medical treatment 43  
Outpatient pharmacy service 44  
Overseas benefits 51  
Overseas cemeteries 62  
Passports 62  
Pension  
	Dependents 36  
	Improved pension 8  
	Rates 7, 37  
	Survivors pension 36  
	Veterans 7  
Persian Gulf War  
	Registry 45  
	Treatment 45  
Persian Gulf compensation 6  
Presidential Memorial Certificates 32  
Prisoners and parolees 2  
Prisoners of war 5  
Prosthetic services 46  
Radiation  
	Registry 45  
	Treatment 45  
Readjustment counseling 48  
Reemployment rights 55  
Repossessed houses 25  
Restored Entitlement Program 36  
Retirement homes, Armed Forces 64  
Small Business Administration 60  
Social Security 61  
Spanish, Introduction in 3  
Special groups with veterans benefits 51  
State veteran cemeteries 31  
Supplemental Security Income 61  
Survivors benefits 34-39  
	CHAMPVA 49  
	Compensation 34  
	Death gratuity 65  
	Education 37  
	GI Bill death benefits 39  
	Medical care (CHAMPVA) 49  
	Pensions 36, 37  
Timetable, veterans benefits vi  
Transition Assistance Program 58  
Travel reimbursement 46  
Unemployable veterans 17  
Unemployment compensation 59  
Vet Centers 48  
Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) 13  
Vocational counseling 15  
Vocational rehabilitation 16  
Vocational rehabilitation rates 18  
Vocational training 8  
Wartime service  2  
Women veterans 2, 50, 63