2019 Edition

Federal 

Benefits

for Veterans, 

Dependents and 

Survivors

va.gov
Phone Numbers

Veterans Crisis Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1

Bereavement Counseling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-202-461-6530

Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-733-8387

Caregiver Stipend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-733-7927

Debt Management Center... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-827-0648

Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-888-442-4551

Foreign Medical Program... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-303-331-7590

Spina Bifida Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-888-820-1756

Camp Lejeune Family Member Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-866-372-1144

Headstones and Markers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-697-6947

Health Care.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-222-8387

Homeless Veterans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-424-3838

Home Loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-888-827-3702

Life Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-669-8477

National Cemetery Scheduling Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-535-1117

Pension Management Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-294-6380

Presidential Memorial Certificate Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-202-565-4964

Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-829-4833

VA Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-827-1000

VA Combat Call Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-927-8387

Women Veterans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-222-8387

Web Sites

Mental Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Burial and Memorial Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cem.va.gov

Caregiver Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.caregiver.va.gov

CHAMPVA . . . . . . . https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/

champva/index.asp

Community Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://www.va.gov/communitycare/

eBenefits... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ebenefits.va.gov

Education Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.gibill.va.gov

Environmental Exposures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures

Federal Recovery Coordination Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.va.gov/icbc/frcp

Health Care Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.va.gov/healthbenefits

Homeless Veterans... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.va.gov/homeless

Home Loan Guaranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.homeloans.va.gov

Life Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.insurance.va.gov

Memorial Certificate .Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp

My HealtheVet... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.myhealth.va.gov

National Resource Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.nrd.gov

Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel

Returning Servicemembers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.oefoif.va.gov

State Departments of Veterans Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.va.gov/statedva.htm

Women Veterans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.womenshealth.va.gov

VA Vet Centers... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vetcenter.va.gov

VA Home Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.va.gov

VA Benefit Payment Rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/rates

VA Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.va.gov/vaform

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.vetsuccess.gov
Introduction

Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad 

range of benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of 

Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are codified in Title 38 of the United 

States Code. This booklet contains a brief overview of the most commonly sought information concerning Veterans benefits and services. For 

the most accurate information, Veterans and family members should visit 

the websites provided within this publication as regulations, payments, 

and eligibility requirements are subject to change. For additional information, please visit www.va.gov. To find the nearest VA facility, go to 

https://www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm.

General Eligibility: Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge 

from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. 

Active service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, 

or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental 

Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Eligible Wartime Periods: Certain VA Benefits Require Wartime 

Service. For information on eligible wartime periods please visit http://

www.benefits.va.gov/pension/wartimeperiod.asp. Dishonorable and 

bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA 

benefits. Veterans in prison must contact VA to determine eligibility. VA 

benefits will not be provided to any Veteran or dependent wanted for 

an outstanding felony warrant.

Important Documents: In order to expedite benefits delivery, Veterans 

seeking a VA benefit for the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge form (DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II Veterans, a WD form), which 

documents service dates and type of discharge, or provides full name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. The Veteran’s service 

discharge form should be kept in a safe location accessible to the Veteran and 

next of kin or representative.

The following documents will be needed for claims processing related 

to a Veteran’s death: Veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving spouse or children; Veteran’s death certificate if the Veteran did not 

die in a VA health care facility; children’s birth certificates or adoption 

papers to determine children’s benefits; or Veteran’s birth certificate to 

determine parents’ benefits. For information and updates on VA benefits 
and services, follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/

VeteransBenefits and/or Twitter http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits. 

eBenefits

eBenefits is a joint VA/Department of Defense (DoD) Web portal that 

provides resources and self-service capabilities to service members, 

Veterans, and their families to apply, research, access, and manage their 

VA and military benefits and personal information through a secure 

Internet connection.

Through eBenefits Veterans can: apply for benefits, view their disability compensation claim status, access official military personnel documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active 

Duty), transfer entitlement of Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible dependents 

(service members only), obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan Certificate 

of Eligibility, and register for and update direct deposit information for 

certain benefits. New features are added regularly.

Accessing eBenefits: The portal is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov. 

Service members or Veterans must register for an eBenefits account at 

one of two levels: Basic or Premium. A Premium account allows the user 

to access personal data in VA and DoD systems, as well as apply for benefits online, check the status of claims, update address records, and more. 

The Basic account allows access to information entered into eBenefits by 

the service member or Veteran only. Basic accounts cannot access VA or 

DoD systems.

Reporting Fraud: Help VA’s Secretary ensure integrity by reporting suspected fraud, waste or abuse in VA programs or operations.

Report Fraud to:

VA Inspector General Hotline

810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 

E-mail: vaoighotline@va.gov

VAOIG hotline: 1-800-488-8244

Fax: (202) 495-5861

Contents

Health Care 1

Benefits 14

Burial and Memorial Benefits 63
Chapter 1 Health Care 1

Health Care

More information on VA health care is available at the following resources: 

www.va.gov/health, www.va.gov/healthbenefits and VA Health Benefits

toll-free 1-877- 222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. 

and 8:00 p.m. EST.

Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, or air 

service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than 

dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying 

Reserve and National Guard members.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after 

September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, 

must have served 24-continuous months or the full period for which 

they were called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty 

requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out 

or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Enrollment: Veterans can complete applications for enrollment in VA 

health care by using one of the options below:

• To apply by phone, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through 

Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. VA staff members will 

collect the needed information and process the enrollment 

application for an enrollment determination.

• When applying online at va.gov, Veterans fill out the application 

and electronically submit it to VA for processing. VA will search 

for your supporting documentation through its electronic 

information systems and will contact you if it is unable to verify 

your military service.

• The application form can also be downloaded from https://www.

va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction. Mail the completed form to: Health Eligibility Center ATTN: Enrollment Eligibility 

Division 2957 Clairmont Road Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

• Apply in person at any VA health care facility or VA regional office. 

Once enrolled, Veterans can receive health care at VA health care 

facilities anywhere in the country.

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll, but 

are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources: 

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent 

or more.
2 Health Care Chapter 1

2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was 

incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not 

yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.

3. Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability only.

4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent 

Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi 

Freedom/ Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, 

airborne hazards and Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry).

Priority Groups: During enrollment, each Veteran is assigned to a priority 

group. VA uses priority groups to balance demand for VA health care enrollment with resources. Changes in available resources may reduce the number 

of priority groups VA can enroll. If this occurs, VA will publicize the changes 

and notify affected enrollees. A description of priority groups follows:

Group 1: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 

percent or more; Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to 

service-connected conditions; and Veterans who have been awarded the 

Medal of Honor.

Group 2: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 or 

40 percent.

Group 3: Veterans who are former Prisoners of War; Veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal; Veterans whose discharge was for a disability 

incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities rated 10 or 20 percent; and, Veterans awarded special 

eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation.”

Group 4: Veterans who receive increased compensation or pension 

based on their need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being 

permanently housebound; and, Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled.

Group 5: Nonservice-connected Veterans and non-compensable 

service-connected Veterans rated by VA as 0-percent disabled and who 

have an annual income below the VA’s geographically-adjusted income 

limit (based on your resident ZIP code); Veterans receiving VA Pension 

benefits; and Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits.

Group 6: Compensable 0 percent service-connected Veterans; 

Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or 

during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Project 112/SHAD 

participants; Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between 

Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975; Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia 
Chapter 1 Health Care 3

theater of operations from Aug. 2, 1990, through Nov. 11, 1998; Veterans 

who served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998, as 

follows: Veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, 

for five years post discharge; and Veterans who served on active 

duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between Aug.1, 1953, and 

Dec. 31, 1987. Currently enrolled Veterans and new enrollees who served 

in a theater of combat operations after Nov.11, 1998 and those who were 

discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible for the 

enhanced benefits for five years post discharge

Note: At the end of this enhanced enrollment priority group placement 

time period, Veterans will be assigned to the highest priority group their 

eligibility for which their status at that time qualifies.

Group 7: Veterans with gross household income below the geographically-adjusted VA income limit for their resident location and, who 

agree to pay copayments.

Group 8: Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national 

income limit and the geographically-adjusted income limit for their 

resident location and, who agree to pay copayments. Veterans eligible for 

enrollment: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected and are:

Subpriority a: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who have remained 

enrolled since that date and/or placed in this subpriority due to 

changed eligibility status.

Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009, whose income exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic income limits by 10 percent or less Veterans eligible for enrollment: 

nonservice-connected and:

Subpriority c: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who remained 

enrolled since that date and/ or placed in this subpriority due to 

changed eligibility status.

Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income 

exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic income limits by 10 percent or less Veterans NOT eligible for 

enrollment: Veterans not meeting the criteria above:

Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected 

(eligible for care of their service-connected condition only).

Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected

VA’s income limits change annually and current levels can be located at 

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apps/explorer/AnnualIncomeLimits/

LegacyVAThresholds/Index?FiscalYear=2019.
4 Health Care Chapter 1

The VA MISSION Act

On June 6, 2018, the President signed the VA Maintaining Internal 

Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act (MISSION 

Act) of 2018. This law strengthens VA’s ability to deliver trusted, easy to 

access, high quality care at VA facilities, virtually through telehealth, and 

in your community. The law makes several improvements to VA care that 

begin on June 6, 2019. Under the MISSION Act, VA will: 

• Continue to provide you with an excellent health 

care experience 

• Deliver the right care, at the right time, at the right place 

• Continue to offer care through telehealth in your home, in a 

VA facility, or in the community 

• Provide more options for health care, including community 

care and urgent/walk-in care 

Eligibility for Community Care

Community care is changing on June 6, 2019. Under the MISSION Act, 

there are six different eligibility criteria for community care. Meeting any 

one of these criteria for the specific care you need means you are eligible 

to elect to receive that care either through direct VA care or a community 

provider in VA’s network:

• The specific care you need is not provided by VA at any facility 

• You reside in a U.S. state (AK, HI, or NH) or territory (Guam, 

American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, or U.S. Virgin 

Islands) that does not have a full-service VA medical facility 

• ”Grandfathered” eligibility based on residence and the 40-mile 

eligibility criterion from the Choice program

• The specific care you need is not available within designated 

access standards

• You and your referring clinician decide it is in your best 

medical interest to receive the specific care you need in 

the community

• VA has designated the VA medical service line delivering the 

specific care you need as not providing care that complies 

with VA’s standards for quality

Urgent Care 

VA will offer an urgent/walk-in care benefit for minor injuries and illnesses, such as pink eye or ear infections. To be covered by this benefit, 

you must be enrolled in the VA health care system and have received care 

from VA within the 24 months prior to seeking this care to be eligible for 

this benefit. 
Chapter 1 Health Care 5

Eligible Veterans can seek this care from an urgent care facility or walk-in 

retail health clinic that is part of VA’s community provider network, but not 

all urgent care facilities or walk-in retail health clinics are in VA’s network. 

As VA implement the MISSION Act, Veterans should continue to talk to 

their VA health care team or scheduler to get the care they need. For more 

information, please visit http://missionact.VA.gov.

VA’s income limits change annually and current levels can be located at: 

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apps/explorer/AnnualIncomeLimits/

LegacyVAThresholds/Index?FiscalYear=2019. 

Community Care 

VA offers a variety of health care and services for Veterans through community providers outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care 

from a provider in their community when VA cannot provide the care 

they need. This type of care is known as “community care,” and for eligible 

Veterans, is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.

These services are provided to Veterans based on certain conditions and 

eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs 

and circumstances. Although some changes have taken place with community care recently, Veterans continue to have access to this type of care. 

The process starts at your VA medical facility.

If you have a question about your specific care needs, contact your VA 

medical facility. Accessing Community Care begins with scheduling an 

appointment with your VA provider (doctor). To find the VA facility closest 

to you access the facility directory at https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/

home.asp. For more information on Community Care programs visit, or call 

1-866-606-8198. 

Meeting the Unique Needs of Women Veterans: VA staff delivers the highest quality health care in a setting that ensures privacy, dignity, and sensitivity. 

Local VA facilities offer a variety of services, including women’s gender-specific 

health, screening and disease prevention and routine gynecologic services.

Women Veterans are potentially eligible to receive care provided in the 

community when authorized by VA; however, the decision to use such 

care is left to the facility providing care. By law, purchased care can only 

be provided when the treating facility cannot provide the care required or 

because of geographical inaccessibility.
6 Health Care Chapter 1

Contact a local VA facility’s Women Veterans Program Manager for more 

information on available services, call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) 

or visit www.womenshealth.va.gov/.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Veterans: LGBT 

Veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as any other Veteran and 

will be treated in a welcoming environment. Transgender Veterans will 

be treated based upon their self-identified gender, including room assignments in residential and inpatient settings. Same-sex couples: VA 

launched a website to inform Veterans and beneficiaries of the recent 

changes in the law and procedures involving same-sex marriages. 

Veterans can learn more about VA’s guidance regarding same-sex marriages at www.va.gov/opa/marriage.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST): MST is the term that VA uses to refer to 

sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment occurring during a Veteran’s military service. VA has expanded eligibility for Veterans in 

need of mental health care due to sexual assault or sexual harassment to 

Reservists and National Guard members participating in weekend drill. To 

receive free treatment related to MST, Veterans do not need a VA serviceconnected disability. Veterans do not need to have reported the incident 

when it happened or have other documentation that it occurred. There 

are no length-of-service requirements to receive care, and some Veterans 

may be able to receive free MST-related care even if they are not eligible 

for other VA care. Veterans can learn more about VA’s MST-related services 

online at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp.

OEF/OIF/OND Care Management: Each VA medical center has an 

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New 

Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) Care Management team in place to coordinate 

patient care activities and ensure that Veterans are receiving patient-centered, integrated care and benefits. Veterans who served in a theater 

of operations after Nov. 11, 1998, are eligible for an extended period of 

eligibility for health care for five years after their discharge. In the case 

of multiple call-ups, the five-year enrollment period begins on the most 

recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free health care 

services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military 

service and enrollment in Priority Group 6 or higher for five years from 

their date of discharge or release from active duty, unless they are eligible 

for enrollment in a higher priority group. More information for connecting with OEF/OIF/OND Care Management teams can be found at www.

oefoif.va.gov.
Chapter 1 Health Care 7

Tax Credit: Veterans who are enrolled with VA for their health care 

meet the standard for minimum health care coverage; therefore, they 

are not eligible for assistance to lower their cost of health insurance 

premiums if they chose to purchase additional health insurance 

outside of their VA health care coverage. Remember, Veterans cannot 

receive a tax credit for themselves when enrolling within the marketplace, if they are currently enrolled with VA for their health care. For 

the latest information about VA and the health care law, visit www.

va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Financial Assessment: Most Veterans not receiving VA disability 

compensation or pension payments must provide a financial assessment upon initial application to determine their eligibility for 

free medical care, medications and/or travel benefits. This financial 

information also may be used to determine the Veteran’s enrollment 

priority group.

For more information, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/cost/financial_assessment.asp, call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday 

through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST or contact the enrollment coordinator at your local VA medical facility. VA’s income limits 

are located at https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apps/explorer/

AnnualIncomeLimits/LegacyVAThresholds/Index?FiscalYear=2019.

VA no longer requires enrolled non-service connected and 0-percent 

non-compensable service connected Veterans to provide their financial 

information annually. An assessment will continue to be collected from 

Veterans at the time of application for enrollment. In lieu of the annual 

financial reporting, VA will confirm the Veteran’s financial information 

using information obtained from the Internal Revenue Service and Social 

Security Administration.

Medical Services and Medication Copayments: While many Veterans 

qualify for free health care based on a VA compensable service-connected condition or other special eligibilities, most Veterans are required to 

complete a financial assessment at the time of enrollment to determine 

if they qualify for free health care services. Veterans whose income 

exceeds the VA income limits as well as those who choose not to complete the financial assessment at the time of enrollment must agree to 

pay required copayments for care to become eligible for VA healthcare 

services. For more information on medical services and copays, visit 

https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/cost/copays.asp.
8 Health Care Chapter 1

Private Health Insurance Billing: Veterans with private health insurance 

may choose to use these sources of coverage as a supplement to their VA 

benefits. Veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance 

of VA’s insurance claim not paid or covered by their health insurance. By 

law, VA is obligated to bill health insurance carriers for services provided 

to treat a Veteran’s nonservice-connected conditions. Veterans are asked 

to disclose all relevant health insurance information to ensure current 

insurance information is on file, including coverage through a spouse.

Any payment received by VA may be used to offset “dollar for dollar” a 

Veteran’s VA copay responsibility. Funds that VA receives from third party 

health insurance carriers go directly back to VA medical center’s operational budget. That money can be used to hire more staff or buy medical 

equipment to improve Veterans healthcare. Enrolled Veterans can provide 

or update their insurance information by:

1. Using the online Health Benefits Renewal form (10-10-EZR) at 

https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction.

2. Calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 

8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.

3. Presenting their health insurance card to the clinic clerk or using 

the self-service kiosks available at their local VA health care facility. VA health care is NOT considered a health insurance plan.

Reimbursement of Travel Costs: Eligible Veterans and non-Veterans 

may be provided mileage reimbursement or, when medically indicated, 

special mode transport (e.g., wheelchair van, ambulance), when travel is 

in relation to VA medical care. Mileage reimbursement is 41.5 cents per 

mile and is subject to a deductible of $3 for each one-way trip and $6 for 

a round trip; with a maximum deductible of $18 or the amount after six 

one-way trips (whichever occurs first) per calendar month. The deductible may be waived when travel is; in relation to a VA compensation or 

pension examination; by a special mode of transportation; by an eligible 

non-Veteran; or will cause a severe financial hardship, as defined by current regulatory guidelines.

Eligibility: A Veteran may be eligible for beneficiary travel services if the 

following criteria are met:

• have a service-connected (SC) rating of 30 percent or more, or

• are traveling for treatment of a SC condition, or

• receive a VA pension, or your income does not exceed the 

maximum annual VA pension rate, or
Chapter 1 Health Care 9

• are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension, or if not 

otherwise eligible as noted above and;

• have a vision impairment, spinal cord injury or disorder, or a 

double or multiple amputation who’s travel in connection with 

care provided through a VA special disabilities rehabilitation 

program (including programs provided by spinal cord injury centers, blind rehabilitation centers and prosthetics rehabilitation 

centers) if such care is provided on an in-patient basis or during 

a period in which you are provided with temporary lodging at a 

facility of the Department to make such care more accessible.

Veterans may qualify for special mode transportation (ambulance, 

wheelchair van, etc.) if they meet one of the eligibility criteria in the list 

above, and have a medical condition requiring an ambulance or a specially 

equipped van as determined by a VA clinician, and the travel is pre-authorized (authorization is not required for emergencies if a delay would 

be hazardous to life or health). More information on Beneficiary Travel is 

available at: www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vtp/beneficiary_travel.asp.

Veteran Health Registries: Certain Veterans can participate in a VA 

health registry and receive free evaluations. VA maintains health registries 

to provide special health evaluations and health-related information. To 

participate, contact the environmental health coordinator at the nearest 

VA health care facility or visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures to see a 

directory which lists environmental health coordinators by state and U.S. 

territory. Veterans should be aware that a health registry evaluation is not a 

disability compensation exam. A registry evaluation does not start a claim 

for compensation and is not required for any VA benefits. No in-person 

medical evaluation is required to become registered. Veterans not already 

enrolled in VA health care should contact an environmental health coordinator at a nearby VA facility by visiting the following link: (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp) or calling 1-877-222-8387. To 

learn more and for a list of current health registries, visit: www.publichealth.

va.gov/exposures/benefits/registry-evaluation.asp.

Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Services: VA provides free 

readjustment counseling services to Veterans who served in a theater of 

operations (combat zone) through community-based counseling centers, 

called Vet Centers. Services also are available for their family members 

regarding military-related issues. Vet Center counselors provide individual, group, marriage, and family readjustment counseling through direct 

counseling, outreach, and referral, in 300 community-based Vet Centers 
10 Health Care Chapter 1

located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and 

American Samoa. Vet Center staffs are available during normal business 

hours at toll-free 1-800-905-4675 EST and 1-866-496-8838 PST. For more 

information, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations: VA provides up 

to $6,800 lifetime benefits for service-connected Veterans and up to 

$2,000 lifetime benefits for nonservice-connected Veterans to make 

home improvements and/or structural changes necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the Veterans home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. For application information, contact 

the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center.

Special Eligibility Programs: VA provides comprehensive health 

care benefits, including outpatient, inpatient, pharmacy, prosthetics, medical equipment, and supplies for certain Korea and Vietnam 

Veterans’ birth children diagnosed with spina bifida (except spina 

bifida occulta).

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Veterans: Severely disabled blind Veterans may be eligible for case management services at 

a VA medical center and for admission to an inpatient or outpatient VA 

blind or vision rehabilitation program.

Mental Health Care Treatment: Veterans eligible for VA medical care 

may receive general and specialty mental health treatment as needed. 

Mental health services are available in primary care clinics (including 

Home Based Primary Care), general and specialty mental health outpatient clinics, inpatient mental health units, residential rehabilitation 

and treatment programs, specialty medical clinics, and Community 

Living Centers. For more information on VA mental health services, 

visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/access/mental_health_care.asp and 

www.mentalhealth.va.gov or contact your local VA health care facility’s Enrollment Office.

Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential 

resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends 

with qualified, caring VA responders. Veterans and their loved ones can 

call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at veteranscrisisline.net, 

or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 

24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year even if they are not 

registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
Chapter 1 Health Care 11

The professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and 

experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and circumstances — from 

Veterans coping with mental health issues that were never addressed to 

Veterans struggling with relationships or the transition back to civilian 

life. European access: Veterans and members of the military community 

in Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118. For more information 

about VA’s suicide prevention program, visit: www.Veteranscrisisline.net.

VA Dental Insurance Program: VA would like all Veterans to have 

access to good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing 

dental benefits to those Veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. 

To help Veterans who are not eligible for VA dental benefits or need 

more comprehensive dental care, VA offers enrolled Veterans and beneficiaries of CHAMPVA the opportunity to purchase dental insurance 

at a reduced cost through its VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).

VADIP has been extended for an additional five years, until Dec. 31, 2021 

by the VA Dental Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2016. Delta Dental 

of California and MetLife will be offering private dental insurance 

plans for enrolled Veterans and beneficiaries of CHAMPVA for VADIP. 

VADIP provides eligible individuals the opportunity to purchase 

discounted dental insurance coverage, including diagnostic services, 

preventive services, endodontic and other restorative services, surgical services and emergency services. Individuals who enroll in one of 

the dental insurance plans will pay the entire premium in addition 

to the full cost of any copayments. Enrollment is voluntary and does 

not affect eligibility for VA outpatient dental services and treatment. 

The plans are available to eligible individuals in the United States, 

the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 

American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands. Individuals who were enrolled in VADIP during the pilot period 

(Jan. 1, 2013 – Jan. 31, 2017) must re-enroll in one of the new plans 

offered by Delta Dental or MetLife. While the insurance providers 

will remain the same, plan options, fees and other factors may have 

changed from those offered during the pilot. 

For more information about this program, call toll free 1-877-222-VETS 

(8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST or 

visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip. Veterans may also review 

each insurer for specific information regarding their registration, 

rates and services: Delta Dental at deltadentalins.com/vadip or call 

1-855-370-3303; MetLife at metlife.com/VADIP or call 1-888-310-1681.
12 Health Care Chapter 1

Long-term Services: VA provides institution based services (nursing 

home level of care) to Veterans through three national programs: VA 

owned and operated Community Living Centers (CLC), State Veterans’ 

Homes owned and operated by the states, and the community nursing 

home program. Each program has admission and eligibility criteria specific to the program. VA is obligated to pay the full cost of nursing home 

services for enrolled Veterans who need nursing home care for a service-connected disability, or Veterans who have a 70 percent or greater 

service-connected disability and Veterans with a rating of total disability 

based on individual un-employability. VA-provided nursing home care 

for all other Veterans is based on available resources. For more information on Extended Care Services and Geriatrics, visit https://www.va.gov/

GERIATRICS/index.asp.

Emergency Medical Care in U.S. Community Facilities: A medical 

emergency is generally defined as a condition of such a nature that a 

sensible person would expect that a delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health. Eligible Veterans may 

receive emergency care at a community health care facility, possibly at 

VA expense, when a VA facility (or other Federal health care facility with 

which VA has an agreement) cannot furnish efficient care due to the 

distance from the facility, or when VA is unable to furnish the needed 

emergency services. Since payment may be limited to the point when 

the condition is stable enough for the Veteran to travel to a VA facility, 

a family member or friend must contact the closest VA medical facility within 72 hours of the emergency. The emergency is deemed to 

have ended when a VA provider has determined that, based on sound 

medical judgment; the Veteran could be transferred from the community facility to a VA medical center. For more information on urgent 

care, visit https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/Veterans/

Emergency_Care.asp.

Foreign Medical Program: VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP) provides 

health care payment/reimbursement for U.S. Veterans with VA-rated service-connected conditions who live or travel abroad. Veterans may also 

register by email at IRIS.va.gov. All other Veterans living or planning to 

travel outside the U.S. should register with the Foreign Medical Program, 

P.O. Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061, USA; telephone 303-331-7590. 

For information, visit: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/

Veterans/fmp/index.asp.
Chapter 1 Health Care 13

Caregiver Programs and Services: The Program of Comprehensive 

Assistance for Family Caregivers provides certain medical, travel, training and financial benefits to caregivers of certain Veterans and who 

were seriously injured during their military service on or after Sept.11, 

2001. Eligible primary family caregivers can receive a stipend, training, 

mental health services, travel and lodging reimbursement and access 

to health insurance if they are not already under a health care plan. For 

more information, contact your local VA medical facility and speak with a 

caregiver support coordinator, visit www.caregiver.va.gov or call toll-free 

at 1-855-260-3274.

Camp Lejeune Family Member Program: The Camp Lejeune Family 

Member Program (CLFMP) is a medical care cost reimbursement program 

for family members of Veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune 

between August 1, 1953 through December 31, 1987. VA will reimbursement eligible Camp Lejeune Family Members for health care costs related 

to one or more of 15 specified illnesses or medical conditions. For more 

information visit https://www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov or call the 

toll-free CLFMP customer service line at 1-866-372-1144.

Traveling Veterans: Enrolled Veterans, who receive their health care 

with VA, will receive the same, coordinated care, whether at their local VA 

treatment site or an alternate VA site of care. In order to help VA ensure 

Veterans receive consistent care while they are traveling, Veterans are 

asked to notify their VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and specialty 

care provider(s) four to six weeks before traveling, or as soon as possible. Early planning will allow time for PACT and the Traveling Veteran 

Coordinator to coordinate care at an alternate VA facility. VA providers at 

the alternate site will record the care in the Veteran’s electronic medical 

record for follow-up treatment options with their PACT. To coordinate 

health care with another VA health care facility, Veterans should inform 

their PACT of the following:

• travel destination(s), and temporary address

• valid telephone number

• arrival and departure dates

• specific care concerns

Their PACT will contact the Traveling Veteran Coordinator, who will 

assist in coordinating care at the alternate facility. For more information, 

contact PACT or a Traveling Veteran Coordinator at the local VA facility.
14 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Non-Health Care Benefits

Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. The 

benefits amount is graduated according to the degree of the Veteran’s 

disability on a scale from 10 percent to 100 percent (in increments of 10 

percent). Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for 

disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, 

even though they may arise after service.

To be eligible for compensation, the Veteran must have been separated or 

discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Monthly disability 

compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of 

eligible dependents. Veterans with disability ratings of at least 30 percent 

are eligible for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, 

minor children, children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children who are permanently incapable of self-support 

because of a disability arising before age 18, and dependent parents. 

The additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number 

of dependents. For detailed 2019 compensation rate information visit: 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp01.asp.

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and 

separation incentive payments, known as Special Separation Benefit 

(SSB) and Reservists’ Involuntary Separation Pay (RISP), and Voluntary 

Separation (VSP), may affect the amount of VA compensation paid to 

disabled Veterans. For additional details on types of disability claims 

and how to apply, visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): SMC is an additional tax-free 

benefit that can be paid to Veterans as well as their spouses, surviving 

spouses, and parents. For Veterans, SMC is a higher rate of compensation paid, due to special circumstances such as the need for aid and 

attendance by another person, or due to a specific disability such as 

the loss of use of one hand or leg. A Veteran who is determined by VA 

to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, or 

a Veteran who is permanently housebound, may be entitled to additional payments. For detailed 2019 special monthly compensation rate 

information visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp02.asp.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 15

Allowance for Aid and Attendance or Housebound Veterans: Veterans 

and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and 

attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly 

pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to pension. You may apply 

for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits by writing to the Pension 

Management Center (PMC) that serves your state. https://www.benefits.

va.gov/PENSION/resources-contact.asp. You may also visit your local regional benefit office to file your request. You can locate your local regional 

benefit office using the VA Facility Locator: https://www.benefits.va.gov/

benefits/offices.asp. Additional information may be found at: http://www.

benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp.

Automobile Allowance: Servicemembers and Veterans may be eligible for a one-time payment of not more than $21,058.69, beginning 

October 1, 2018, toward the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance if you have certain service-connected disabilities. To apply, contact a 

VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000 or the nearest VA health care facility, 

which may be located at: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp.

Clothing Allowance: Any Veteran who has service-connected disabilities 

that require prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive clothing allowances. This allowance is also available to any Veteran whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages 

outer garments. To receive annual payment, you must establish eligibility 

by August 1st of the year for which you claim payment. To apply, contact 

the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center located at: 

https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=1&isFlash=0.

For information on current rates visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/

COMPENSATION/special_Benefit_Allowances_2018.asp.

Additional Benefits for Eligible Military Retirees: Concurrent 

Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is a DoD program that allows some 

individuals to receive both military retired pay and VA disability compensation. Normally, such concurrent receipt is prohibited. Veterans do not 

need to apply for this benefit, as payment is coordinated between VA 

and the military pay center. To qualify for CRDP, Veterans must have a VA 

service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or greater, be eligible to 

receive retired pay, and: 

• Retire from military service based on longevity, including 

Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) retirees; or
16 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

• Retire due to disability with 20 or more years of service*; or

• Retire from National Guard or Reserve service with 20 or more 

qualifying years.

* For Veterans who retired due to disability with 20 or more years of 

service, CRDP is subject to an offset for the difference between retired pay 

based on disability and retired pay based on longevity.

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans: Service members and Veterans 

with certain service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a housing grant from VA to help build a new specially adapted house, to adapt 

a home they already own, or buy a house and modify it to meet their 

disability-related requirements. Eligible Veterans or service members 

may now receive up to three uses of the grant, with the total dollar 

amount of the grants not to exceed the maximum allowable. Housing 

grant amounts may be adjusted Oct. 1st every year based on a cost-ofconstruction index. These adjustments will increase the grants amounts 

or leave them unchanged; grant amounts will not decrease. Previous 

grant recipients who had received assistance of less than the current 

maximum allowable may be eligible for an additional grant usage. To 

obtain general information about the Specially Adapted Housing program, visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.

asp or call the program’s local office of jurisdiction at 1-877-827-3702.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: VA may approve a grant of not 

more than 50 percent of the cost of building, buying, or adapting existing homes or paying to reduce indebtedness on a currently owned home 

that is being adapted, up to a maximum benefit amount of $85,645. In 

certain instances, the full grant amount may be applied toward remodeling costs. The SAH grant is available to certain Veterans and service members who are entitled to disability compensation due to the following:

1. Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, which so affects 

the functions of balance or propulsion to preclude ambulating 

without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair.

2. Loss or loss of use of both upper extremities at or above the elbow.

3. Blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or 

loss of use of one lower extremity.

4. 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 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 17

of one upper extremity which so affects the functions of balance 

or propulsion as 15 to preclude locomotion without the use of 

braces, canes, crutches or a wheelchair.

5. Severe burn injuries, which are defined as full thickness or subdermal burns that have resulted in contractures with limitation 

of motion of two or more extremities or of at least one extremity 

and the trunk.

6. The loss, or loss of use of one or more lower extremities due 

to service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, which so affects the 

functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude ambulating 

without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The 

authority for this specific entitlement category expired Sept. 

30, 2018. Note, the entitlement authority also has a cap of 30 

for the year.

Note: The property may be located outside the United States, in a country or political subdivision which allows individuals to have or acquire a 

beneficial property interest, and in which the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, 

in his or her discretion, has determined that is reasonably practicable 

to provide assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing. For more 

information on SAH, visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/

adaptedhousing.asp or call the program’s local office of jurisdiction at 

1-877-827-3702.

Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant: VA may approve a benefit 

amount up to a maximum of $17,130 for the cost of necessary adaptations to a service member’s or Veteran’s residence or to help him/her 

acquire a residence already adapted with special features for his/her 

disability, to purchase and adapt a home, or for adaptations to a family member’s home in which he/she will reside. To be eligible for this 

grant, service members and Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to one of 

the following:

1. Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 acuity or less.

2. Anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.

3. Severe burn injuries (see above).

4. Certain severe respiratory injuries.
18 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Eligible Veterans and service members who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a 

family member may also receive a TRA grant to help the Veteran or 

service member adapt the family member’s home to meet his or her 

special needs. Those eligible for an $85,645 grant would be permitted 

to use up to $37,597, and those eligible for a $17,130 grant would be 

permitted to use up to $6,713. Under the Honoring America’s Veterans 

and Caring for Camp LeJeune Families Act of 2012, TRA grant amounts 

do not count against SAH or SHA grant maximum amounts, starting 

Aug. 6, 2013. Grant amounts are adjusted annually Oct.1st based on a 

cost-of-construction index.

Supplemental Financing: Veterans and service members with available 

VA Home Loan Guaranty entitlement may also obtain a guaranteed loan 

to supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted home. For more 

information on SAH, visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sah.asp.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): VR&E, also referred to as the Chapter 31 program, provides services to eligible service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an 

employment handicap to help them to prepare for, obtain, and maintain 

suitable employment. For Veterans and service members with serviceconnected disabilities so severe that they cannot immediately consider 

work, VR&E provides services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. For additional information on VR&E benefits please 

visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp.

VR&E Eligibility for Veterans: A Veteran must have a VA service connected disability rating of at least 20 percent and determined to have an 

employment handicap, or rated 10 percent and determined to have a 

serious employment handicap, and must be discharged or released from 

active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

VR&E Eligibility: Service members are eligible to apply if they expect 

to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty, 

obtain a memorandum rating of 20 percent or more from VA, or obtain a 

proposed Disability Evaluation System (DES) rating of 20 percent or more 

from VA, or obtain a referral to a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) through 

the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).

VR&E Entitlement: A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) works 

with the Veteran to determine if an employment handicap exists. An 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 19

employment handicap exists if a Veteran’s service-connected disability impairs his/her ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable 

employment. After an entitlement decision is determined, the Veteran 

and VRC work together to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. 

The individualized rehabilitation plan outlines the necessary rehabilitation services to be provided to the Veterans and service members that 

are wounded, ill, injured, or in the IDES program and can receive National 

Defense Authorization Act authorized entitlement to VR&E when automatic referral by their chain of command.

VR&E Services: Veterans work with a VRC to select one of the five tracks 

to employment based on their individualized needs. The Five Tracks to 

Employment provide greater emphasis on exploring employment options early in the rehabilitation planning process, better informed choices 

for the Veteran regarding occupational and employment options, faster 

access to employment for Veterans who have identifiable and transferable skills for direct placement into suitable employment, and an option 

for Veterans who are not able to work, but need assistance to lead a more 

independent life. If a program of training is selected, VA pays the cost of 

the approved training and services (except those coordinated through 

other providers) that are outlined in the Veteran’s rehabilitation plan, 

including subsistence allowance.

The Five Tracks to Employment are: Reemployment with previous 

employer, Rapid access to employment, Self-employment, Employment 

through long-term services, and Independent living services.

Period of a Rehabilitation Program: The basic period of eligibility 

in which VR&E benefits may be used is 12 years from the latter of the 

following: 1) A Veteran’s date of separation from active military service, or 

2) The date VA first notified a Veteran that he/she has been granted a 

compensable service-connected disability. Veterans may be provided up 

to 48 months of full-time services or the part-time equivalent based on 

the extent of services needed to complete the rehabilitation program. 

Rehabilitation plans that provide services to achieve the maximum level 

of independence cannot exceed 24 months which may be extended in 

certain circumstances.

Employment Services: In partnership with the Department of Labor, 

VA provides support to Veterans and transitioning service members at 

all stages of their job search, including career advice, resume building, 

and access to employers who want to hire Veterans and military spouses. 
20 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Additional information and access to services are available at https://

www.va.gov/careers-employment/. 

VR&E also establishes partnerships with Federal, state, and private 

agencies that help facilitate direct placement of Veterans or service 

members into civilian careers. VR&E can assist with placement using the 

following resources:

On the Job Training (OJT) Program: Employers hire Veterans at an 

apprentice wage, and VR&E supplements the salary at the journey-man 

wage (up to the maximum amount allowable under OJT). As the Veterans 

progress through training, the employers begin to increase the salary until the Veterans reach journeyman level and the employers pay the-entire 

salary. VR&E may also pay for any necessary tools.

Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE): The NPWE program provides eligible Veterans the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience concurrently. This program is ideal for Veterans or service members 

who have a clearly established vocational goal and who learn easily in a 

hands-on environment. This program is also well suited for Veterans who 

are having difficulties obtaining employment due to lack of work experience. The NPWE program may be established in a federal, state, or local 

(i.e. city, town, school district) government agencies only. The employer 

may hire the Veteran at any point during the NPWE program.

Compensated Work Therapy (CWT): is a VA clinical vocational rehabilitation program. CWT staffs provide:

• Evidence-based and evidence informed vocational 

rehabilitation services.

• Partnerships with business, industry and government agencies to provide Veteran candidates for employment and 

Veteran labor.

• Employment supports to Veterans and employers.

CWT programs strive to maintain highly responsive long-term quality 

relationships with business, government agencies, and industry promoting employment opportunities for Veterans with physical and mental 

health challenges. CWT programs are located within all VA medical 

centers. Review the CWT Locations page to find site specifics. Many of 

our CWT programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation 

of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF International is an independent 

accrediting body of health and human service providers. CARF accredita-
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 21

tion confirms that CWT programs are committed to continuous quality 

improvement, accountability for its performance through outcomes 

evidence, and monitoring the satisfaction of the persons served.

Special Employer Incentive (SEI): The SEI program is for eligible 

Veterans who face challenges in obtaining employment. Veterans 

approved to participate in the SEI program are hired by participating 

employers and employment is expected to continue following successful 

completion of the program. Employers are provided this incentive to hire 

Veterans. If approved, the employer will receive reimbursement for up to 

50 percent of the Veteran’s salary during the SEI program, which can last 

up to six months.

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC): The VSOC program aims to help 

Veterans, service members, and eligible dependents succeed through a 

coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, 

leading to successful completion of their education and preparing them 

to enter the labor market in viable careers. For additional information on 

the VSOC program please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

vsoc.asp.

Chapter 36 Education and Career Counseling: VA’s Education and 

Career Counseling Program (Title 38 U.S.C. Chapter 36) offers a great opportunity for transitioning Veterans, service members, and dependents 

to get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths, 

ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and help them achieve 

their goals. For additional information please visit: http://www.benefits.

va.gov/VOCREHAB/edu_voc_counseling.asp. To apply for this program, 

visit: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov.

VA Pension: VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial 

challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans 

Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Payments are made to 

bring the Veteran’s or Survivor’s total income, including other retirement 

or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income for VA purposes.

Veterans Pension: Congress establishes the maximum annual Veterans 

Pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable income 

of the Veteran, spouse, and dependent children. When a Veteran without 

a spouse or a child is furnished nursing home or domiciliary care by VA, 

the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed $90 per month after 
22 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

three calendar months of care. The reduction may be delayed if nursinghome care is continued to provide the Veteran with rehabilitation services. To apply for increased pension based on A&A or Housebound payments, write to the Pension Management Center that serves your state 

and provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s report, that validates 

the need for an increased benefit. For additional information on pension 

benefits please visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/.

Eligibility for Veterans Pension: Generally, a Veteran must have 

at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a 

VA-recognized wartime period to qualify for a VA pension. The 90-day 

active service requirement does not apply to Veterans discharged from 

the military due to a service-connected disability. Veterans who entered 

active duty after Sept. 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 

months of the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (with 

some exceptions), with at least one day during a war time period. In addition to meeting minimum service requirement, low-income wartime 

Veterans may qualify for pension if they meet certain service, income and 

net worth limits set by law and are: Age 65 or older, OR permanently and 

totally disabled, OR a patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, OR receiving 

Supplemental Security Income.

Yearly family income must be less than the amount set by Congress to 

qualify for the Veterans Pension benefit. Payments are made to bring 

the Veteran’s total income, including other retirement or Social Security 

income, to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical expenses may 

reduce countable income for VA purposes.

Note: Veterans may have to meet longer minimum periods of active duty 

if they entered active duty on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or, if they were officers 

who entered active duty on or after Oct. 16, 1981. The Veteran’s discharge 

must have been under conditions other than dishonorable, and the disability must be for reasons other than the Veteran’s own willful misconduct.

How to Apply for Veterans Pension: To apply for Veterans Pension, 

download and complete VA Form 21P 527EZ, “Application for Pension”. 

You can mail your application to the Pension Management Center (PMC) 

that serves your state. You may also visit your local regional benefit office 

and turn in your application for processing. You can locate your local regional benefit office using the VA Facility Locator. For additional information on pension benefits please visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 23

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits (Special Monthly 

Pension): Veterans and survivors who are eligible for VA pension and 

require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, 

maybe eligible for a higher maximum annual pension rate. These benefits 

are paid in addition to monthly pension, and they are not paid without 

eligibility to pension. Since aid and attendance and housebound allowances increase the pension amount, people who are not eligible for a 

basic pension due to excessive income may be eligible for pension at 

these increased rates. A Veteran or surviving spouse may not receive aid 

and attendance benefits and housebound benefits at the same time. For 

additional information on aid and attendance and housebound benefits 

including how to apply please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/

aid_attendance_housebound.asp.

Education and Training Benefits

Post–9/11 GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program 

for service members and Veterans who served on active duty after 

Sept.10, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 

2009. No payments can be made under this program for training pursued 

before that date. For additional information on education and training 

opportunities please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ or by calling 

1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Post–9/11 GI Bill Eligibility: To be eligible, the service member or 

Veteran must serve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 

10, 2001, and remain on active duty or be honorably discharged. Active 

duty includes active service performed by National Guard members 

under title 32 U.S.C. for the purposes of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f ) for 

the purpose of responding to a national emergency. Veterans may also be 

eligible if they were honorably discharged from active duty for a serviceconnected disability after serving 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001.

Additionally, under the Colmery Act of 2017, also known as the “Forever 

GI Bill,” all Purple Heart award recipients are eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill 

entitlement providing the award was made during service occurring on 

or after Sept. 11, 2001, and the recipient continues on duty or receives an 

honorable discharge.

Contents of Benefit: Generally, service members or eligible Veterans may 

receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Based 

on the length of active duty service, eligible participants are entitled 
24 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

to receive a percentage of the cost of in-state tuition and fees at public 

institutions or the tuition and fees capped at a national maximum rate 

for private or foreign schools. Current rates can be found at http://www.

benefits. va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp. 

The percentages and corresponding service requirements are noted in 

the chart below.

Service requirements after 9/10/01, an 

individual must serve an aggregate of:

Payment Tiers 

Percentage

At least 36 months 100 percent

At least 30 continuous days on active duty and 

discharged due to a service connected disability

100 percent

At least 30 months, but less than 36 Months 90 percent

At least 24 months, but less than 30 Months 80 percent

**At least 18 months, but less than 24 Months 70 percent

**At least 12 months, but less than 18 Months 60 percent

**At least 6 months, but less than 12 Months*** 50 percent

**At least 90 days, but less than 6 Months*** 40 percent

**Excludes time in basic military training and/or skill training.

***The Colmery Act will change the required amount of service 

noted above, effective 08/01/2020, resulting in more generous 

percentage of eligibility for service less than 12 months.

If a service members or Veteran is eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill; 

the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve; or the Reserve Educational 

Assistance Program, and qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, an irrevocable 

election must be made to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI 

Bill. Inmost instances, once the election to receive benefits under the 

Post-9/11 GI Bill is made, the individual will no longer be eligible to 

receive benefits under the relinquished program.

Tuition and fees are paid to the institution on the student’s behalf 

(2017/2018: $22,805.34 and 2018/2019: $23,671.94) as well as a monthly 

Housing Allowance (MHA) currently equal to the basic allowance for 

housing payable to a military E-5 with dependents, in the same ZIP code 

of the main campus of the primary school (paid directly to the Veteran, 

or eligible dependents) but pro-rated based on benefit level and rate 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 25

of pursuit (e.g., full-time student, 3⁄4-time student, etc.). Please note, 

however, that MHA is not payable to individuals enrolled in flight or correspondence training, to individuals while pursuing training at half time 

or less (regardless of the type of training), or to individuals while on active 

duty or their spouses.

However, effective Aug. 1, 2018, under the Colmery Act, the MHA will be 

calculated based on the ZIP code of the campus location where the

student physically attends a majority of classes rather than the location of 

the main campus of the school.

Additional benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill include a yearly books 

and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year (paid directly to the service 

member, Veteran, or eligible dependents), and a one-time payment of

$500 paid to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.

Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and 

undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the job and 

apprenticeship training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing 

and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance.

The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program: The 

Yellow Ribbon Program allows institutions of higher learning (such as 

colleges, universities, and other degree-granting schools) in the United 

States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and 

fees that exceed the amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The 

institution can contribute a specified dollar amount of those expenses, 

and VA will match the contribution, not to exceed 50 percent of the 

difference. To be eligible, the student must be a Veteran or a transfer-ofentitlement-eligible dependent child receiving benefit at the 100-percent 

benefit rate. It is not available to active-duty-service members or their 

spouses using transferred entitlement, regardless of benefit level, or 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) 

recipients. However the Colmery Act will expand the Yellow Ribbon 

Program, as of Aug. 1, 2018, to include individuals who were awarded 

a Purple Heart on or after Sept. 11, 2001, as well as Fry Scholarship 

recipients, and, as of Aug. 1, 2022, to include active-duty service members eligible at the 100-percent benefit level, and their spouses using 

transferred entitlement.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Eligibility: The 

Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and 
26 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after 

Sept. 10, 2001. Eligible beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 

36 months of benefits at the 100-percent level. The Fry Scholarship includes full tuition and fees paid directly to the school for all public school 

in-state students. For those attending private or foreign schools, tuition 

and fees are capped at a statutory maximum amount per academic year. 

A monthly housing allowance and a books and supplies stipend are also 

paid to the student.

Surviving children who are eligible may begin an approved program of education before the age of 18. A child’s marital status has no effect on eligibility. Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100-percent 

level. If the qualifying parent’s death occurred before Jan. 1, 2013, the child’s 

eligibility ends on his or her 33rd birthday. If the qualifying parent’s death 

occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2013, the child’s eligibility never expires.

Surviving spouses who are eligible have no timeline on when they can 

use the benefit; however, a spouse will lose eligibility for this benefit 

upon remarriage.

Survivor’s & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): The DEA program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents 

of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a servicerelated condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a 

result of a service-related condition. Eligible surviving dependents may 

be eligible for 45 months of degree and certificate courses, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

• A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the 

result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise 

out of active service in the armed forces.

• A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and 

total service-connected disability was in existence.

• A service member missing in action or captured in line of duty by 

a hostile force.

• A service member forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by 

a foreign government or power.

• A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient 

treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability 

and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is 

effective December 23, 2006.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 27

Surviving spouses lose eligibility if they remarry before age 57 or are 

living with another person who has been recognized publicly as their 

spouse. They can regain eligibility if their remarriage ends by death or 

divorce or if they cease living with the person. Dependent children do not 

lose eligibility if the surviving spouse remarries.

Provisions of the Colmery Act of 2017 will limit the months of benefit 

entitlement under DEA to 36 months (instead of 45) if enrollment in an 

education program occurs after Aug. 1, 2018.

Visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor_dependent_assistance. 

asp for more information.

Period of Eligibility: The period of eligibility for Veterans’ spouses 

expires 10 years from either the date they become eligible or the date of 

the Veteran’s death. Children generally must be between the ages of 18 

and 26 to receive educational benefits. VA may grant extensions to both 

spouses and children. The period of eligibility for spouses of service members who died on active duty expires 20 years from the date of death. 

Spouses of service members who died during active duty whose 10-year 

eligibility period expired before Dec. 10, 2004 have 20 years from the date 

of death to use educational benefits.

Training Available: Benefits may be awarded for pursuit of associate, 

bachelor, or graduate degrees at colleges and universities; independent 

study; cooperative training; study abroad; certificate or diploma from 

business, technical, or vocational schools; apprenticeships; on-the-job 

training programs; farm cooperative courses; and preparatory courses for 

tests required or used for admission to an institution of higher learning or 

graduate school.

Benefits for correspondence courses under certain conditions are 

available to spouses only. Beneficiaries without high-school degrees can 

pursue secondary schooling, and those with a deficiency in a subject may 

receive tutorial assistance if enrolled half-time or more.

Special Benefits: Dependents over age 14 with physical or mental 

disabilities that impair their ability to pursue an education may receive 

specialized vocational or restorative training, including speech and voice 

correction, language retraining, lip reading, auditory training, Braille 

reading and writing, and similar programs. Certain disabled or surviving spouses are also eligible. For additional information on Survivors’ & 
28 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) visit: http://www.benefits.

va.gov/GIBILL/DEA.asp.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): The MGIB-AD (Chapter 30) 

is an education benefit that provides up to 36 months of education 

benefits to eligible Veterans and service members for college degree 

and certificate programs, technical or vocational courses, flight training, 

apprenticeships or on-the-job training, high tech training, licensing and 

certification test, entrepreneurship training, certain entrance examinations, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher 

courses may be ap- proved under certain circumstances. Benefits generally expire 10 years after discharge. Current payment rates are available at 

https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rates/ch30/

ch30rates100117.asp. A Veteran may be eligible for this benefit if he or 

she entered active duty after June 30, 1985, has an honorable discharge, 

did not decline MGIB in writing, and served three continuous years of 

active duty (or have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected 

Reserve after active duty service). There are exceptions for disability, 

re-entering active duty, and upgraded discharges. All participants must 

have a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or have completed 

12 hours toward a college degree before applying for benefits.

GI Bill Resident-Rate Requirements: Section 3679, title 38, United 

States Code, requires VA to disapprove programs of education for 

payment of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI 

Bill-Active Duty at public Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) if the 

school charges qualifying Veterans and dependents tuition and fees in 

excess of the rate for resident students. To remain approved for VA’s GI Bill 

programs, schools must charge in-state tuition and fee amounts to “covered individuals.” A covered individual is defined as: A Veteran who lives 

in the state where the IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of 

residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a 

period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

An individual using transferred benefits who lives in the state where the 

IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls 

in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period 

of active duty service of 90 days or more.

• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously 

enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between 

courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 29

described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three-year period following discharge or release as 

described above and must be using educational benefits under 

either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.

• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits who lives in 

the state where the IHL is located and the transferor is a member 

of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.

• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John 

David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state where the IHL is 

located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence).

• The in-state tuition provisions do not apply to those individuals 

on active duty using benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and 

Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty.

Home Loan Guaranty: VA home loan guaranties are issued to help 

eligible service members, Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, 

and certain surviving spouses obtain homes, condominiums, and manufactured homes, and to refinance loans.

Home Loan Guaranty Uses: A VA loan guaranty helps protect lenders 

from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. It can be used to obtain a 

loan to: buy an existing dwelling or build a home; buy a residential condominium unit; repair, alter, or improve a residence owned and occupied 

by the Veteran; refinance an existing home loan; buy a manufactured 

home and/or lot and install a solar heating or cooling system or other 

energy-efficient improvements.

Home Loan Guaranty Eligibility: Eligibility applications can be submitted electronically through eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov) or by 

going through your lender, who will use the Automated Certificate of 

Eligibility system.

Although it’s preferable for lenders and Veterans to apply electronically 

due to a majority of these requests being approved instantaneously by 

the eligibility system, it is possible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility 

(COE) using VA Form 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility. Please 

note that while VA’s electronic applications can establish eligibility and 

issue an online COE in a matter of seconds, the system can only process 

cases for which VA has sufficient data in its records. Therefore, certain 
30 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

applicants will not be able to establish eligibility online and additional 

information might be requested prior to the issuance of a COE. If a COE 

cannot be issued immediately, users have the option of submitting a 

hardcopy application. If applying manually for a COE using VA Form 

26-1880, it is typically necessary that the eligible Veteran to present a 

copy of his/her report of discharge or DD Form 214, Certificate of Release 

or Discharge from Active Duty, or other adequate substitute evidence 

to VA, and be aware that it could take more time to process requests in 

this manner. An eligible active duty service member should obtain and 

submit a statement of service signed by an appropriate military official to 

the appropriate Regional Loan Center mentioned on VA Form 26-1880. 

For general program information or to obtain VA loan guaranty forms 

please visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ or call 1-877-827-

3702 to reach the home loan program’s local office of jurisdiction.

A completed VA Form 26-1880 and any associated documentation should 

be mailed to the nearest Regional Loan Center (RLC) of jurisdiction. The 

RLC jurisdictions and mailing addresses are located on page 3 of VA Form 

26-1880, http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-26-1880-are.pdf.

Credit and Income Qualifications: In addition to the periods of eligibility and conditions of service requirements, applicants must have sufficient income and credit, and agree to live in the property in order to be 

approved by a lender for a VA home loan.

Surviving Spouses: Some spouses of Veterans may have home loan eligibility: The unmarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died as a result 

of service or service-connected causes; The surviving spouse of a Veteran 

who dies on active duty or from service connected causes, who remarries on or after attaining age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003; The 

spouse of an active duty member who is listed as missing in action (MIA) 

or a prisoner of war (POW) for at least 90 days.

Eligibility under the MIA/POW: Provisions are limited to one-time use 

only. Surviving spouses of Veterans who died from nonservice-connected 

causes may also be eligible if any of the following conditions are met: The 

Veteran was rated totally service-connected disabled for 10 years or more 

immediately preceding death, or was rated totally disabled for not less 

than five years from date of discharge or release from active duty to date 

of death, or was a former prisoner of war who died after Sept. 30, 1999, 

and was rated totally service connected disabled for not less than one 

year immediately preceding death.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 31

Home Loan Guaranty Limits: VA does not make loans to Veterans and 

service members; VA guarantees loans made by private sector lenders. 

The guaranty is what VA could pay a lender should the loan go to foreclosure. VA does not set a cap on how much an individual can borrow to 

refinance a home. However, there are limits on the amount of liability VA 

can assume, which usually affects the amount of money an institution will 

lend. For information on loan limits please visit: http://www.benefits.gov/

homeloans/purchaseco_loan_limits.asp. 

Other Types of Loans: An eligible borrower can use a VA-guaranteed 

Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan to refinance an existing VA loan 

and lower the interest rate and payment. Typically, no credit underwriting 

is required for this type of loan. The loan may include the entire outstanding balance of the prior loan, the costs of energy-efficient improvements, 

and closing costs, including up to two discounts points. An eligible borrower who wishes to obtain a VA-guaranteed loan to purchase a manufactured home or lot can borrow up to 95 percent of the home’s purchase 

price. The amount VA will guarantee on a manufactured home loan is 40 

percent of the loan amount or the Veteran’s available entitlement, up to a 

maximum amount of $20,000. These provisions apply only to a manufactured home that will not be placed on a permanent foundation.

Home Loan Guaranty Appraisals: In most cases, a home loan cannot 

be guaranteed by VA without first being appraised by a VA-assigned fee 

appraiser. A home appraisal by a VA-assigned fee appraiser is required 

for purchase and certain refinance loans guaranteed by VA. A lender can 

request a VA appraisal through VA systems. The Veteran borrower typically pays for the appraisal upon completion, according to a fee schedule 

approved by VA. This VA appraisal estimates the value of the property. An 

appraisal is not an inspection and does not guarantee the house is free of 

defects. VA guarantees the loan, not the condition of the property.

A thorough inspection of the property by a reputable inspection firm 

may help minimize any problems that could arise after loan closing. In an 

existing home, particular attention should be given to plumbing, heating, 

electrical, roofing, and structural components. In addition, VA strongly 

recommends testing for radon, a known carcinogen.

Home Loan Guaranty Closing Costs: For purchase home loans, payment in cash is required on all closing costs, including title search and 

recording fees, hazard insurance premiums, and prepaid taxes. For refinancing loans, all such costs may be included in the loan, as long as the 
32 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

total loan does not exceed the reasonable value of the property. Interest 

rate reduction loans may include closing costs, including a maximum of 

two discount points.

Home Loan Guaranty Funding Fees: The funding fee is a percentage of 

the loan amount collected in order to offset future anticipated costs

associated with the loan. A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the 

Veteran is exempt from such a fee. Currently, exemptions from the 

funding fee are provided for Veterans and service members receiving VA 

disability compensation, those who are rated by VA as eligible to receive 

compensation as a result of pre-discharge disability examination and 

rating, and those who would be in receipt of compensation, but who 

were recalled to active duty or reenlisted and are receiving active-duty 

pay in lieu of compensation. Additionally, unmarried surviving spouses 

in receipt of dependency and indemnity compensation may be exempt. 

The fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan. For all types of loans, 

the loan amount may include the VA funding fee and up to $6,000 of 

energy-efficient improvements.

However, no other fees including fees for the VA appraisal, credit report, 

loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer 

taxes, survey charges, or hazard insurance charges, or discount points 

may be included in loans for purchase or construction. For refinancing 

loans, most closing costs may be included in the loan amount.

Home Loan Guaranty Required Occupancy: To qualify for a VA home 

loan, a Veteran or the spouse of an active-duty service member must 

certify that he or she intends to occupy the home. A dependent child of 

an active-duty service member also satisfies the occupancy requirement. 

When refinancing a VA-guaranteed loan solely to reduce the interest rate, 

a Veteran only needs to certify prior occupancy.

Home Loan Guaranty Financing, Interest Rates and Terms: Veterans 

obtain VA-guaranteed loans through the usual lending institutions, 

including banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. VA-guaranteed 

loans can have either a fixed interest rate or an adjustable rate, where 

the interest rate may adjust up to 1 percent annually and up to 5 percent 

over the life of the loan. VA does not set the interest rate. Interest rates are 

negotiable between the lender and borrower on all loan types.

Veterans may also choose a different type of adjustable rate mortgage 

called a hybrid ARM, where the initial interest rate remains fixed for 3-10 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 33

years. If the rate remains fixed for less than five years, the rate adjustment 

cannot be more than 1 percent annually and 5 percent over the life of the 

loan. For a hybrid ARM with an initial fixed period of five years or more, 

the initial adjustment may be up to 2 percent.

The Secretary has the authority to determine annual adjustments thereafter. Currently, annual adjustments may be up to 2 percentage point and 

6 percent over the life of the loan. If the lender charges discounts 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 (with the exception that up to 

two points may be included in interest rate reduction refinancing loans). 

The term of the loan may be for as long as 30 years and 32 days.

Home Loan Guaranty Assumption Requirements and Liability: VA 

loans made on or after March 1, 1988, are not assumable without the prior approval of VA or its authorized agent (usually the lender collecting the 

monthly payments). To approve the assumption, the lender must ensure 

that the purchaser is a satisfactory credit risk and will assume all of the 

Veteran’s liabilities on the loan. If approved, the purchaser will have to pay 

a funding fee that the lender sends to VA, and the Veteran will be released 

from liability to the federal government. (A VA-guaranteed loan may be 

assumed by Veterans, active duty personnel, and non-Veterans alike.)

Loans made prior to March 1, 1988, are generally freely assumable, but 

Veterans should still request the lender’s approval in order to be released 

of liability. Veterans whose loans were closed after December 31, 1989, 

usually have no liability to the government following a foreclosure, 

except in cases involving fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith, such as 

allowing an unapproved assumption. However, for the entitlement to be 

restored, any loss suffered by VA must be paid in full.

A release of liability does not mean that a Veteran’s guaranty entitlement 

is restored. That occurs only if the borrower is an eligible Veteran who 

agrees to substitute his or her entitlement for that of the seller. If the 

Veteran allows assumptions of a loan without prior approval, then the 

lender may demand immediate and full payment of the loan, and the 

Veteran may be liable if the loan is foreclosed and VA has to pay a claim 

under the loan guaranty.

VA Assistance to Veterans in Default: When a VA-guaranteed home 

loan becomes delinquent, VA may provide supplemental servicing assis-
34 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

tance to help cure the default. The servicer has the primary responsibility 

of servicing the loan to resolve the default, and VA urges all Veterans who 

are encountering problems making their mortgage payments to speak 

with their servicers as soon as possible to explore options to avoid foreclosure. Contrary to popular opinion, servicers do not want to foreclose, 

because foreclosure costs money. Depending on a Veteran’s specific situation, servicers may offer any of the following options to avoid foreclosure:

• Repayment Plan – the borrower makes a regular installment 

each month plus part of the missed installments.

• Special Forbearance – the servicer agrees not to initiate foreclosure to allow time for borrowers to repay the missed installments 

or agrees to place a hold or postpone foreclosures proceedings. 

An example of when this would be likely is when a borrower is 

waiting for a tax refund.

• Loan Modification – provides the borrower a fresh start by 

adding the delinquency to the loan balance and establishing a 

new payment schedule.

• Short Sale – when the servicer agrees to allow a borrower to sell 

his/her home for a lesser amount than what is currently required 

to pay off the loan.

• Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure – the borrower voluntarily agrees 

to deed the property to the servicer instead of going through 

a lengthy foreclosure process. In cases where the servicer is 

unable to help the Veteran borrower, VA has loan technicians at 

its eight RLCs and in Hawaii, who are available to take an active 

role in interceding with the mortgage servicer. Veterans with 

VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877-827-3702 to discuss 

potential ways to help save the loan.

Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Home Loan Guaranties:

Veteran borrowers may be able to request relief pursuant to the SCRA. In 

order to qualify for certain protections available under the Act, their obligation must have originated prior to their current period of active military 

service. SCRA may provide a lower interest rate during military service 

and for up to one year after service ends, provide forbearance, or prevent 

foreclosure or eviction up to nine months from period of military service.

Assistance to Veterans with VA-Guaranteed Home Loans: When a 

VA-guaranteed home loan becomes delinquent, VA may provide supplemental servicing assistance to help cure the default. The servicer has 

the primary responsibility of servicing the loan to resolve the default. 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 35

Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877-827-3702 to 

reach the nearest VA office where loan specialists are prepared to discuss 

potential ways to help save the loan.

Assistance to Veterans with Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loans in 

Default: VA advises Veterans or service members who are having difficulty making payments on a non-VA-guaranteed loan to contact their 

servicer as quickly as possible to explore options to avoid foreclosure. 

Although for non-VA loans, VA does not have authority to directly intervene on the borrower’s behalf, VA’s network of loan technicians at eight 

Regional Loan Centers and an office in Hawaii can offer advice and guidance on how to potentially avoid foreclosure. Veterans or service members with non-VA loans may call 1-877-827-3702 to speak with a VA loan 

technician, or visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/, for more 

information on avoiding foreclosure.

If VA is not able to help a Veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether 

a VA-guaranteed loan or not), the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD) offers assistance to homeowners by sponsoring local 

housing counseling agencies. To find an approved agency in your area, 

search online at https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call 

HUD’s interactive voice system at 1-800-569-4287.

VA Refinancing of a Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loan: Veterans with 

non-VA guaranteed home loans now have new options for refinancing to 

a VA-guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result 

of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Veterans who wish to 

refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up 

to 100 percent of value of the property. 

Other Assistance for Delinquent Veteran Borrowers: If VA is not able 

to help a Veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether a VA-guaranteed 

loan or not), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

offers assistance to homeowners by sponsoring local housing counseling 

agencies. To find an approved agency in your area, please visit: http://

www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call HUD’s interactive voice 

system at 1-800-569-4287.

Preventing Veteran Homelessness: Veterans who believe they may be 

facing homelessness as a result of losing their homes can call 1-877-4AIDVET (877-424-3838) or visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ to receive 

assistance in preventing homelessness.
36 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

VA Acquired Property Sales: VA acquires properties as a result of foreclosures of VA-guaranteed and VA-owned loans. A private contractor currently markets the acquired properties through listing agents using local 

Multiple Listing Services. A listing of “VA Properties for Sale” may be found 

at http://listings.vrmco.com/. Contact a real estate agent for information 

on purchasing a VA-acquired property.

Loans for Native American Veterans: Eligible Native American Veterans 

can obtain a loan from VA to purchase, construct, or improve a home on 

federal Trust Land, or to reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. Native 

American Direct Loans (NADL) are only available if a memorandum of 

understanding exists between the tribal organization and VA. Veterans 

who are not Native American, but who are married to Native American 

non-Veterans, may be eligible for a direct loan under this program.

To be eligible for such a loan, the qualified non-Native American Veteran 

and the Native American spouse must reside on federal Trust Land, both 

the Veteran and spouse must have a meaningful interest in the dwelling 

or lot, and the tribal authority that has jurisdiction over the Trust Land 

must recognize the non-Native American Veteran as subject to its authority. For additional information about the NADL program please visit: 

http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/nadl.asp.

VA Life Insurance: VA’s life insurance benefits open to new applicants 

include Service members’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance, Family Service members’ Group Life Insurance, Service members’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, Service-Disabled 

Veterans’ Insurance, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance.

These programs are described below. Complete details are also available 

at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/; or by writing to Department 

of Veterans Affairs, Insurance Center, P.O. Box 42954, Philadelphia, PA 

19101or by calling VA’s Insurance Center toll-free at 1-800-669-8477.

Specialists are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

(EST) Monday through Friday to discuss: eligibility, premium payments, 

insurance dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries, 

reporting the death of the insured and other insurance issues.

For information about Service Members’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ 

Group Life Insurance, Service Members’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic 

Injury Protection or Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance coverage, please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/; or call the Office 

of Service Members’ Group Life Insurance directly at 1-800-419-1473.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 37

Service Members’Group Life Insurance (SGLI): The following persons 

are automatically insured by law for $400,000 under SGLI:

• Active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and 

Coast Guard

• Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• U.S. Public Health Service (UPHS)

• Cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies

• Members, cadets and midshipmen of the Reserved Officers 

Training Corps (ROTC) while engaged in authorized training and 

practice cruises

• Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard who are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year

• Service members who volunteer for a mobilization category in 

the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)

Individuals may elect in writing to be covered for less than $400,000 or to 

decline coverage. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to 

the maximum of $400,000. Full-time service members on active duty are 

covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days of the year.

Full-time SGLI Coverage: Full-time coverage is in effect during periods 

of active duty and for Ready Reserve and National Guard members scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty training per year. 

Coverage is also provided for 120 days after separation or release from 

duty for service members who quality for full-time SGLI coverage.

Reservists or National Guard members who have been assigned to a unit 

in which they are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive 

duty that is creditable for retirement purposes are also covered 24 hours 

a day, 7 days a week for 365 days of the year and for 120 days following 

separation or release from duty.

Part-time SGLI Coverage: Part-time coverage is provided for Reservists 

or National Guard members who do not qualify for the full-time cover-
38 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

age described above. Part-time coverage generally applies to Reservists/

National Guard members who drill only a few days in a year. These individuals are covered only while on active duty or active duty for training, or while 

traveling to and from such duty. Members covered part time do not receive 

120 days of free coverage after separation unless they incur or aggravate 

a disability during a period of duty. For additional information about SGLI 

coverage, please visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp.

SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI): Members of the armed 

services serve our nation heroically during times of great need, but what 

happens when they experience great needs of their own because they 

have sustained a traumatic injury? TSGLI provides payment to traumatically injured service members who have suffered certain physical losses. The 

TSGLI benefit ranges between $25,000 and $100,000 depending on the 

loss suffered. TSGLI helps service members by providing financial resources that allow their families to be with them during their recovery or by 

helping them with other expenses incurred during their recovery period.

TSGLI is part of SGLI. An additional $1 is added to the service member’s SGLI 

premium to cover TSGLI. After Dec. 1, 2005, all service members who are 

covered by SGLI are automatically also covered by TSGLI. TSGLI cannot be 

declined unless the service member also declines basic SGLI. TSGLI claims are 

adjudicated by the service members military branches of service. In addition, 

there is retroactive TSGLI coverage for service members who sustained a 

qualifying loss between Oct. 7, 2001 and Nov. 30, 2005 regardless of where it 

occurred; TSGLI coverage is also payable to these service members regardless of whether they had SGLI coverage in force at the time of their injury.

For additional information about TSGLI eligibility and branch of service 

contact information, please visit: http://benefits.va.gov/insurance/tsgli. asp, 

or call:

1-800-237-1336 (Army);

1-866-827-5672, option2 (Navy);

1-877-216-0825 or 1-703-432-9277 (Marine Corps);

1-800-433-0048 (Active Duty Air Force);

1-800-525-0102 (Air Force Reserves); 

1-240-612-9151 (Air National Guard); 1-202-795-6647 (Coast Guard);

1-301-427-3280 (Public Health Service);
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 39

1-301-713-3444 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Family Service Members’Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI):

FSGLI coverage consists of spousal coverage and dependent child coverage. FSGLI provides term life insurance coverage for the spouse and 

dependent children of service members insured under SGLI. The service 

member must pay a premium for spousal coverage. Dependent children 

are insured at no cost to the service member. Family coverage is available 

only to service members insured under the SGLI program, not Veterans’ 

Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

Spousal Coverage*: FSGLI provides up to $100,000 of life insurance 

coverage for a spouse of a service member with full-time SGLI coverage, 

which can not to exceed the amount of SGLI the service member has in 

force. Coverage for spouses who are not in the military is automatic.

For spouses who are in the military at the same time as the SGLI insured 

service member and who got married on or after Jan. 2, 2013, coverage 

is not automatic. The service members in this category must apply for 

spousal coverage for their military spouse, and their spouses must meet 

good health requirements. Premiums for spousal coverage are based 

on the age of the spouse and the amount of FSGLI coverage. FSGLI is a 

service members’ benefit; the member pays the premium and is the only 

person allowed to be the beneficiary of the coverage.

FSGLI spousal coverage ends due to any of the following events:

• The service member elects in writing to terminate his or her own 

SGLI coverage.

• The service member elects in writing to terminate FSGLI coverage on his or her spouse.

• The service member divorces his or her spouse.

• The insured service member dies.

• The service member separates from service.

*The insured spouse may convert his or her FSGLI coverage to a permanent policy offered by participating private insurers within 120 days of 

the date of any of the termination events noted above.

SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES): If a service member is in the 

Navy, Air Force or Army spousal coverage under Service Members’ Group 

Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage can now be managed using the SGLI 
40 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Online Enrollment System (SOES). SOES allows service members with

full-time SGLI coverage to make changes to their life insurance coverage 

and beneficiary information online at any time without completing a 

paper form or making a trip to their personnel office. To access SOES, the 

service member must sign into the MilConnect portal at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ and go to the Benefits Tab, Life Insurance 

SOES-SGLI Online Enrollment System.

Service members in branches other than the Navy, Air Force or Army

must complete and submit the SGLI Form SGLV 8286A, Family Coverage 

Election, service members’ Group Life Insurance to change their FSGLI 

spousal coverage elections. The service member should contact their 

Personnel Office for any changes to Basic SGLI, Family SGLI coverage, or 

to find out when their service is scheduled to begin using SOES.

Dependent Child Coverage: FSGLI dependent coverage of $10,000 is 

also automatically provided for dependent children of service members 

insured under SGLI, with no premium required. FSGLI Dependent Child 

coverage cannot be declined. FSGLI Dependent Child coverage ends 

when one of the following events occurs:

• The service member elects in writing to decline SGLI coverage

• The child(ren) no longer qualifies as an insurable dependent as 

defined by 38 U.S.C. 1965

• The service member dies

• The service member is discharged from the service

Dependent child coverage cannot be converted to a commercial policy.

For additional information about FSGLI coverage, please visit: https://

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp.

Veterans’Group Life Insurance (VGLI): VGLI is lifetime renewable term 

coverage available to former service members who had SGLI at the time 

of separation which includes the following persons.

• Former service members who had full-time SGLI coverage upon 

separation from active duty or the Reserves

• Former service members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard 

with part-time SGLI coverage who incur a disability or aggravate 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 41

a pre-existing disability during a period of active duty or a period 

of inactive duty for less than 31 days that renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates

• Former service members of the Individual Ready Reserve and 

Inactive National Guard

SGLI coverage may be converted to VGLI after separation from service. 

Former service members must apply for VGLI within one-year and 120 days 

from separation from service to qualify.

Service members separated from service on or after Nov. 1, 2012, who apply for 

VGLI within 240 days of separation, do not need to submit evidence of good 

health, while service members who apply after the 240-day period after separation must submit evidence of insurability. The initial VGLI coverage available 

is equal to the amount of SGLI coverage held at the time of separation from 

service unless the service member elects less VGLI coverage after separation.

Effective April 11, 2011, VGLI insureds who are under age 60 and have 

less than $400,000 in coverage can purchase up to $25,000 of additional 

coverage on each five-year anniversary of their initial coverage, up to the 

maximum $400,000. The option to purchase additional VGLI starts from the 

one-year anniversary of initial VGLI coverage date. The option to increase 

VGLI coverage thereafter is available every five years as long as the former 

service member meets the eligibility criteria. No medical underwriting is 

required for the additional coverage.

For additional information about VGLI coverage, please visit: 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/vgli.asp.

SGLI Disability Extension: Service members who are totally disabled at 

the time of separation (i.e. unable to work due to disabilities or have certain 

statutory conditions), can apply for the SGLI Disability Extension, which provides free coverage for up to two years from the date of separation. To apply, 

service members must complete and return SGLV 8715, the SGLI Disability 

Extension Application. Those covered under the SGLI Disability Extension are 

automatically converted to VGLI at the end of their extension period, subject 

to the payment of premiums. VGLI is convertible at any time to a permanent 

plan policy with any participating commercial insurance company.

For additional information about the SGLI coverage, please visit: https://

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sglidisabled.asp.
42 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Accelerated Death Benefits: Like many private life insurance companies, the SGLI, FSGLI and VGLI programs offer an accelerated benefits 

option to terminally ill insured members. An insured service member is 

considered to be terminally ill if he or she has a written medical prognosis 

of nine months or less to live. All terminally ill insureds are eligible to receive advance payment of up to 50 percent of their SGLI or VGLI coverage, 

and terminally ill spouses can receive up to 50 percent of their FSGLI in a 

lump sum. Payment of an accelerated benefit does however reduce the 

amount payable to the beneficiaries at the time of the insured’s death.

To apply, an insured member must submit SGLV 8284, Service member/

Veteran Accelerated Benefit Option form, and spouses must complete SGLV 

8284A, Service member Family Coverage Accelerated Benefits Option form.

For additional information about the Accelerated Benefit Option, please 

visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/abo.asp.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI): Veterans who separated 

from service on or after April 25, 1951, under other than dishonorable 

conditions who have VA rated service-connected disabilities, even disabilities that are 0-percent disabling, but are otherwise in good health, 

may apply to VA for up to $10,000 in life insurance coverage under the 

S-DVI program. 

Applications must be submitted to the VA Insurance Center in 

Philadelphia within two years from the date of being notified of the 

approval of a new service-connected disability by VA. Veterans who are 

totally disabled (i.e. unable to work due to disability (ies) or have certain 

statutory conditions) may apply for a waiver of their S-DVI premiums. If 

approved for waiver of premiums, the Veteran can apply for additional 

supplemental S-DVI coverage of up to $30,000. However, premiums 

cannot be waived on the additional supplemental S-DVI.

To be eligible for this type of supplemental insurance, Veterans must 

meet all three requirements below:

1. be under age 65;

2. be eligible for a waiver of S-DVI premiums due to total disability; 

and

3. apply for additional insurance within one year from the date of notification of approval of waiver of premiums on the basic S-DVI policy.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 43

For additional information about S-DVI and Supplemental S-DVI, please 

visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/s-dvi.asp.

Veterans’Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): VMLI is mortgage protection insurance available to service members and Veterans under the age 

of 70 who have severe service-connected disabilities that qualify them for 

a SAH Grant from the VA Loan Guaranty Service. SAH Grants help severely 

disabled Veterans build, remodel or purchase a home.

Maximum VMLI coverage is the smaller of the existing mortgage balance 

or $200,000 and is payable only to the mortgage company upon the 

insured’s death. To qualify for VMLI coverage, the service member or 

Veteran must the following elements:

1. qualify for the VA SAH grant for the home

2. have title to or ownership rights in the home, and

3. have a mortgage on the home

VMLI premiums are based on the age of the service member or Veteran, 

the length of the mortgage, the balance of the mortgage at the time 

of application and the amount of VMLI coverage requested; the service 

member/Veteran will need to provide this information to VA to determine 

the premium.

VMLI coverage automatically terminates when: 1) the mortgage is paid 

off in full; 2) the service member or Veteran terminates ownership in the 

property secured by the mortgage; 3) the service member or Veteran 

requests termination of coverage; 4) the service member or Veteran fails 

to provide required information (i.e. premiums or mortgage information);

5) the premium is not paid; or 6) the service member or Veteran dies.

If a mortgage is disposed of through sale of the property, VMLI may be 

obtained on the mortgage of another home.

For additional information about VMLI, please visit: https://www.benefits.

va.gov/insurance/vmli.asp.

Other Insurance Information: The following information applies only 

to policies issued to World War II, Korean-era, Vietnam-era Veterans and 

persons with Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance policies. Policies in this 

group are prefixed by the letters K, V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or RH.
44 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Insurance Dividends Issued Annually: World War II and Korean Era 

Veterans with active policies beginning with the letters V, RS, W, J, JR, 

JS, or K earn tax-free dividends annually on the policy anniversary date. 

(Policies prefixed by RH do not earn dividends.)

Policyholders do not need to apply for dividends, but may select among 

the following dividend options:

Cash: The dividend is paid directly to the insured by direct deposit to a 

bank account or by U.S. Treasury check.

Paid-Up Additional Insurance: The dividend is used to purchase additional insurance coverage for all policies except policy numbers that 

begin with the letter “K”.

Credit or Deposit: The dividend is held in an account for the 

policyholder with interest. Withdrawals from the account can be 

made at any time. The interest rate may be adjusted. (There are, 

however, limitations regarding the dividend credit option for term 

insurance policies.)

Net Premium Billing Options: These options use the dividend to pay 

the annual policy premium. If the dividend exceeds the premium, the 

policyholder has options to choose how the remainder is used. If the dividend is not enough to pay an annual premium, the policyholder is billed 

the balance.

Other Dividend Options: Dividends can also be used to repay a policy 

loan or pay premiums in advance.

Reinstating Lapsed Insurance: Lapsed term policies may be reinstated 

within five years from the date of lapse. A five-year term policy that is not 

lapsed at the end of the term is automatically renewed for an additional 

five years. Lapsed permanent plans may be reinstated within certain time 

limits and with certain health requirements. Reinstated permanent plan 

policies require repayment of all back premiums, plus interest.

Converting Term Policies: Term policies are renewed automatically 

every five years, with premiums increasing at each renewal. Premiums do 

not increase after age 70. Term policies may be converted to permanent 

plans, which have fixed premiums for life and earn cash and loan values.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 45

Dividends on Capped Term Policies: Effective Sept. 11, 2000, VA provides 

either a cash dividend or paid-up insurance on term policies whose premiums have been capped. Veterans with National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) 

term insurance that has renewed at age 71 or older and who stop paying 

premiums on their policies will be given a “termination dividend”. 

This dividend can either be received as a cash payment or used to purchase 

a reduced amount of paid-up insurance, which insures the Veteran for life 

with no premium payments required. The amount of the reduced paid-up 

insurance remains level. This does not apply to S-DVI (RH) policies.

Borrowing on Policies: Policyholders with permanent plan policies may 

borrow up to 94 percent of the cash surrender value of their insurance after the insurance is in force for one year or more. Interest is compounded 

annually. The loan interest rate is variable and may be obtained by calling 

toll-free at 1-800-669-8477.

Reserve and National Guard Re-Employment Rights: A person who 

left a civilian job to enter active duty in the armed forces is entitled to 

return to the job after discharge or release from active duty if they: 

• gave advance notice of military service to the employer; 

• did not exceed five years’ cumulative absence from the civilian 

job (with some exceptions); 

• submitted a timely application for re-employment; and 

• did not receive a dishonorable or other punitive discharge.

The law calls for a returning Veteran to be placed in the job as if he/she 

had never left, including benefits based on seniority such as pensions, 

pay increases and promotions. The law also prohibits discrimination in 

hiring, promotion, or other advantages of employment on the basis of 

military service. Veterans seeking re-employment should apply, verbally 

or in writing, to the company’s hiring official and keep a record of 

their application. If problems arise, contact the Department of Labor’s 

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) in the state of the 

employer. Federal employees not properly re-employed may appeal 

directly to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Non-federal employees may file complaints in U.S. District Court. For information, visit 

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra.
46 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Special Groups of Veterans

Veterans and Survivors Needing Fiduciary Services: The fiduciary 

program provides oversight of VA’s most vulnerable beneficiaries who are 

unable to manage their VA benefits because of injury, disease, the infirmities of advanced age, or being under 18 years of age. VA closely monitors 

fiduciaries for compliance with program responsibilities to ensure that VA 

benefits are being used for the purpose of meeting the needs, security, 

and comfort of beneficiaries and their dependents. In deciding who 

should act as fiduciary for a beneficiary, VA will always select the most effective and least restrictive fiduciary arrangement. For more information 

about VA’s fiduciary program, please visit our website at https://benefits.

va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp.

Homeless Veterans: VA’s homeless programs constitute the largest 

integrated network of homeless assistance programs in the country, 

offering a wide array of services to help Veterans recover from homelessness and live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible. For 

more information on VA homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled in VA health care can speak with their VA mental health 

or health care provider. Other Veterans and interested parties can find 

a complete list of VA health care facilities at https://www.va.gov/findlocations/?facilityType=health, or they can call VA‘s general information 

hotline at 1-800-827-1000. If assistance is needed when contacting a VA 

facility, ask to speak to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program 

or the Mental Health service manager. For additional information please 

visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-homeless.asp or 

call VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-888 AIDVET 

(1-888-424-3838).

Homeless Veterans Dental Program: The Homeless Veterans Dental 

Program was established by the Veterans Administration in 1992. The program is funded through the Office of Dentistry and located at the James 

A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. For additional information on the Homeless 

Dental Program please visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/dental.asp.

VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program: The HCHV 

Program provides a gateway to VA and community supportive services 

for eligible Veterans. Through the HCHV Program, Veterans are provided 

with case management and residential treatment in the community. 

The program also conducts outreach to homeless Veterans who are not 

likely to come to VA facilities on their own. For more information on VA 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 47

homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled in VA health 

care can speak with their VA mental health or health care provider. Other 

Veterans and interested parties can find a complete list of VA health care 

facilities at http://www.va.gov, or they can call VA’s general information 

hotline at 1-800-827-1000. If assistance is needed when contacting a VA 

facility, ask to speak to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program 

or the Mental Health service manager. For additional information on VA 

Homeless program website please visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/.

Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES): The 

HVCES Program provides a range of site-specific employment services 

rather than being a discrete program. There are no eligibility requirements for Veterans to receive assistance from HVCES other than participation in a VHA homeless program. 

HVCES staff ensure a range of employment services are accessible to 

Veterans who have experienced homelessness. Individualized employment services are provided to overcome barriers preventing the Veteran 

from returning to work, such as a poor work history, lack of transportation 

and appropriate clothing, history of justice involvement and co-occurring 

substance use and/or mental health issues.

HVCES staff, embedded in homeless programs within the medical centers, 

complement existing medical center-based employment services, and 

are a bridge to employment opportunities and resources in the local 

community. HVCES is staffed by community employment coordinators 

(CECs), located at each VA medical center, and employment specialists 

within the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Department of 

Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) 

Programs, who are located at a limited number of VA medical centers. 

For more information about HVCES, please visit: https://www.va.gov/

HOMELESS/HVCES.asp.

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD): The GPD 

Program is offered annually (as funding permits) by the Department of 

Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Programs 

to fund non-profit community agencies that provide services to 

homeless Veterans. The purpose of the program is to promote the 

development and provision of supportive housing and/or supportive 

services with the goal of helping homeless Veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and/or income, and obtain 

greater self-determination.
48 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Only programs with supportive housing (up to 24 months) or service 

centers (offering services such as case management, education, crisis intervention, counseling, services targeted towards specialized populations 

including homeless women Veterans, etc.) are eligible for these funds.

For more information, visit: http://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.

Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing (HUD-VASH) Program: The HUD-VASH Program provides 

permanent housing and case management for eligible homeless Veterans 

who need community-based support to secure and keep stable housing. 

This program allows eligible Veterans to live in Veteran selected housing 

units with a “Housing Choice” voucher. These vouchers are portable to 

support the Veteran’s choice of housing in communities served by their 

VA medical facility where case management services can be provided. For 

more information, please visit: www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp.

Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Program: The SSVF 

Program is designed to rapidly re-house homeless Veteran families 

and prevent homelessness for those at imminent risk due to a housing 

crisis. Funds are granted to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families by 

providing a range of supportive services designed to promote housing 

stability. To locate a SSVF provider in your community, please visit: 

http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp and look for the list of current year 

SSVF providers or call VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 

1-888-4AID-VET (1-888-424-3838). 

Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative (CFOI): The CFOI is an 

office located in the VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. 

Their mission is to engage, educate and inform faith-based, community, 

and non-profit organizations about the VA tools and resources that will 

equip them to better serve the Veterans, their families, survivors, caregivers, and beneficiaries within their organizations. The VA Center for 

Faith participates in numerous outreach events to partner with organizations that serve our nation’s Veterans. During their partnership events, 

they bring a broad spectrum of VA resources and information through 

breakout sessions that include Veteran E-Benefits, survivors assistance, 

Veteran homelessness, opioid epidemic, and suicide prevention training by a trained VA suicide prevention coordinator. We encourage you 

to help to reach the over 20 million Veterans by partnering with them 

to host an event, through volunteering, coordinating clergy specific 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 49

suicide prevention training, or learning how to establish a Veterans 

welcome center/ministry. For additional information please visit 

https://www.va.gov/cfbnpartnerships/.

VA Benefits for Veterans Living Overseas: VA monetary benefits, 

including disability compensation, pension, educational benefits, and 

burial allowances, are generally payable overseas. Some programs are 

restricted. Home loan guaranties are available only in the United States 

and selected U.S. territories and possessions. The Specially Adapted 

Housing benefit is available outside of the continental United States. 

Educational benefits are limited to approved, degree granting programs 

in institutions of higher learning. Beneficiaries living in foreign countries 

should contact the nearest American embassy or consulate for help. 

In Canada, contact an office of Veterans Affairs. For information, visit: 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-abroad.asp.

Incarcerated Veterans: VA service-connected disability compensation 

benefits are affected if a Veteran is convicted of a felony and incarcerated 

for more than 60 days. VA non-service connected pension benefits are 

affected if a Veteran is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and incarcerated for more than 60 days. Disability compensation paid to an incarcerated Veteran rated 20 percent or more disabled is limited to the 10 percent 

rate. For a Veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent, the payment is 

reduced to half of the rate payable to a Veteran evaluated as 10 percent disabled. Payments are not reduced for participants in work-release programs, 

residing in halfway houses, or under community control. Disability, death 

or survivor pension paid to a Veteran or beneficiary incarcerated following 

conviction of a felony or misdemeanor must be discontinued.

Benefits not paid to a Veteran or surviving spouse while incarcerated may 

be apportioned to eligible dependents. Failure to notify VA of a Veteran or 

beneficiary’s incarceration can result in overpayment of benefits and the subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits until the overpayment is recovered.

Note: VA benefits will not be provided to any Veteran, survivor or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

The Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans (HCRV) Program: The HCRV 

Program offers outreach, referrals, and short-term case management 

assistance for incarcerated Veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon their release. To locate an outreach worker please visit: 

https://www.va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp.
50 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

The Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO): The VJO Program provides outreach and linkage to needed treatment and services to Veterans 

involved in law enforcement encounters, seen in the court system, and/ 

or incarcerated in local jails who may be at risk for homelessness upon 

their release. To locate a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, please visit: 

http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/VJO.asp.

Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New 

Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND): VA has personnel stationed at major military hospitals to help seriously injured service members returning from Operations 

Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/ OND) as they 

transition from military to civilian life. OEF/ OIF/OND service members who 

have questions about VA benefits or need assistance filing a VA claim or accessing services can contact the nearest VA office or call 1-800-827-1000.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act: The Act made Transition Assistance Program 

(TAP), including attendance at VA benefit briefings, mandatory for most 

service members transitioning to civilian status; upgraded career counseling options, focused TAP more heavily on job hunting skills, and tailored 

the program for the 21st century job market. The Act allows service 

members to begin the post-military employment process prior to separation or retirement from military service. This enhances opportunities to 

connect transitioning service members to both private-sector employers 

and Federal agencies seeking to hire Veterans. It also provides disabled 

Veterans up to one year of additional vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. The Act provides tax credits for hiring Veterans and 

disabled Veterans who are out of work.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP consists of comprehensive 

workshops at military installations designed to assist service members 

as they transition from military to civilian life. A critical component of 

TAP is Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success); an outcome-based, modular 

curriculum with standardized learning objectives that transforms the 

way the military prepares service members separating from Active Duty 

to pursue their post-service career goals. It is designed to help service 

members depart military service “career ready” and meet mandatory 

Career Readiness Standards (CRS), regardless of their branch of service. VA 

collaborates with the Department of Defense to align TAP offerings with 

the current Military Life Cycle framework, which embeds transition planning and preparation for meeting career-readiness standards throughout 

a service member’s military career. 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 51

The intent is for VA to utilize these touchpoints with service members 

throughout the Military Life Cycle to provide key information that service 

members need at each step to ensure they are ready for a successful 

transition. Retiring service members are allowed to attend Transition GPS 

up to 24 months prior to retirement, while separating service members 

can attend up to 12 months prior to separating. VA benefit briefings are 

comprised of two briefings focusing on benefits and services service 

members have earned through their service. Additionally, service members have the opportunity to participate in one or more two-day tailored 

tracks within Transition GPS curriculum to meet their personal career 

goals: Accessing Higher Education, for those pursuing a college education; Career Technical Training, for those seeking industry-recognized 

credentials in shorter-term training programs; or Entrepreneurship, for 

those wanting to start their own business. Service members can also sign 

up for one-on-one appointments with a VA representative; interested 

service members should contact their local TAP manager to sign up for 

this program.

In-Transition: In-Transition is a free, voluntary program with coaches 

who provide psychological health care support to service members, 

Veterans, and their health care providers during times of transition. 

This program provides access to transitional support, motivation, and 

healthy lifestyle assistance and advice from qualified coaches through the 

toll-free telephone number 1-800-424-7877. For more information, visit: 

http://intransition.dcoe.mil.

Federal Recovery Coordination Program (FRCP): The FRCP assists 

severely wounded, ill, or injured service members, Veterans, and their 

families. Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRCs) are located at both VA 

and Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, and provide virtual care 

coordination and advocacy services regardless of client location, medical 

treatment, geographic location of injury, place of medical diagnosis, or 

military or Veteran status. FRCs provide client centric services that assist 

with coordinating benefits, services, and care which are aligned with 

client goals for recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The program 

is open to clients who may have one or more of the following problems: 

Traumatic Brain Injury; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Spinal Cord Injury; 

Burns; Amputation; Blindness of Visual Impairments; an at risk for psychological complications If you think you may qualify, know someone who 

may qualify or desire additional information, please contact the FRCP at 

877-732-4456.
52 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Pre-Separation Counseling through Military Service: Service 

members may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months prior to 

retirement or 12 months prior to separation from active duty. These 

sessions present information on education, training, employment assistance, National Guard and Reserve programs, medical benefits, and 

financial assistance.

Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET): The VMET 

Document, DD Form 2586, helps service members verify previous experience and training to potential employers, negotiate credits at schools, 

and obtain certificates or licenses. VMET documents are available only 

through each military branch’s support office and are intended for service 

members who have at least six months of active duty. Service members 

should obtain VMET documents from their Transition Support Office 

within 12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement.

Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program: Recently separated Veterans 

and those with service-connected disabilities, significant barriers to 

employment, or who served on active duty during a period in which a 

campaign or expedition badge was authorized, can contact the nearest state employment office for employment help through the Veterans 

Workforce Investment Program. The program may be conducted through 

state or local public agencies, community organizations or private, 

non-profit organizations.

Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO): VESO provides professional coaching, primarily to Veterans seeking employment in the 

Department of Veterans Affairs, by teaching Veterans how to maximize 

their military skills to match the Department’s critical staffing needs. 

VESO helps Veterans in understanding the Federal hiring process through 

virtual training opportunities such as: Writing Your Federal Resume; 

Navigating Through USAjobs.gov; and Interview Techniques. VEO advocates and brings awareness of the Department’s Veteran Employment 

Initiatives specifically designed for disabled Veterans to increase employment opportunities. They help to support Veteran employees retention 

in the Department’s workforce by advocating for their career advancement in accordance with merit promotion principles and laws. For 

more information please visit www.vaforvets.va.gov and follow us on: 

www.facebook.com/Veso.VAforVets.

State Employment Services: Veterans can find employment information, education and training opportunities, job counseling, job search 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 53

workshops, and resume preparation assistance by visiting their individual State Department of Veteran Affairs. Many states have Veterans 

Employment Centers, at state Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers. 

These offices also have specialists to help disabled Veterans find employment. Additional information and access to services are available at 

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/.

Unemployment Compensation: Veterans who do not begin civilian employment immediately after leaving military service may receive weekly 

unemployment compensation for a limited time. The amount and duration of payments are determined by individual states. Apply by contacting 

the nearest state employment office listed in the local telephone directory.

Veterans Preference for Federal Jobs: Since the time of the Civil War, 

Veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to federal jobs. Veterans’ preference in its present 

form comes from the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, as amended, and 

now codified in Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.). By law, Veterans who 

are disabled or who served on active duty during certain specified time 

periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others 

when hiring from competitive lists of eligible candidates, and also in 

retention during a reduction in force.

To receive preference, a Veteran must have been discharged or 

released from active duty under honorable conditions or received 

a general discharge. Preference is also provided for certain widows 

and widowers of deceased Veterans who died in service, spouses of 

service-connected disabled Veterans, and mothers of Veterans who died 

under honorable conditions on active duty or have permanent and total 

service-connected disabilities.

Enrolled Veterans can print a copy of their preference letter from the 

eBenefits portal. For more information about Veterans Preference, please 

visit: www.usajobs.gov, https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/.

Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment: Veterans’ recruitment appointment allows federal agencies to appoint eligible Veterans to jobs without 

competition. These appointments can be converted to career or career 

conditional positions after two years of satisfactory work. Veterans 

should apply directly to the agency where they wish to work. For additional information on Veterans Recruitment Appointment, please visit: 

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/.
54 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

Small Businesses: VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) 

helps Veterans interested in forming or expanding small businesses, 

and helps VA contracting offices identify Veteran-owned small businesses. For additional information call toll-free at: 1-866-584-2344 or visit: 

https://www.va.gov/osdbu/.

Like other federal agencies, VA is required to place a portion of its 

contracts and purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses. VA 

has a special office to help small and disadvantaged businesses get 

information on VA acquisition opportunities. For additional information 

call toll-free at: 1-800-949-8387 or visit: https://www.va.gov/osdbu/ or 

write to the:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 

Office of Small Business (OOSB) 

810 Vermont Avenue, 

N.W. Washington, DC 20420-0001

Dependents & Survivors Health Care - Civilian Health and Medical 

Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): Under 

CHAMPVA, certain dependents and survivors can receive reimbursement for most medical expenses – inpatient, outpatient, mental 

health, prescription medication, skilled nursing care and durable 

medical equipment.

To be eligible for CHAMPVA, an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE 

(the medical program for civilian dependents provided by DoD) and 

must be one of the following: the spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA 

has rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected 

disability or the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, who died from a 

VA-rated service-connected disability, or who, at the time of death, was 

rated permanently and totally disabled or the surviving spouse or child of 

a Veteran who died on active duty service and in the line of duty, not due 

to misconduct.

However, in most cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, 

not CHAMPVA. A surviving spouse under age 55 who remarries loses 

CHAMPVA eligibility at midnight of the date on remarriage. He/she may 

re-establish eligibility if the remarriage ends by death, divorce or annulment effective the first day of the month following the termination of the 

remarriage or December 1, 1999, whichever is later. A surviving spouse 

who remarries after age 55 does not lose eligibility upon remarriage.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 55

For those who have Medicare entitlement or other health insurance, 

CHAMPVA is a secondary payer. Beneficiaries with Medicare must be 

enrolled in Parts A&B to maintain CHAMPVA eligibility. For additional 

information please call 1-800-733-8387 or visit: https://www.va.gov/

COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/champva/champva_eligibility.asp, 

or write:

Chief Business Office Purchased Care

VA Health Administration Center, CHAMPVA

P.O. Box 469028 

Denver, CO 80246

Key Information for Family Members about the Affordable Care Act:

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to 

expand access to affordable health care coverage to all Americans, lower 

costs, and improve quality and care coordination. Under the health care 

law, people will have health coverage that meets a minimum standard 

(called “minimum essential coverage”) by Jan. 1, 2014 or qualify for an 

exemption, or pay a fee when filing their taxes, if they have affordable options but remain uninsured.

VA wants all Veterans and their families to receive health care that 

improves their health and well-being. Dependents and/survivors enrolled 

in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans 

Affairs (CHAMPVA) or the Spina Bifida Health Care Program meet the 

requirement to have health care coverage under the health care law 

and do not need to take any additional steps. The law does not change 

CHAMPVA or Spina Bifida benefits, access or costs. Veterans’ family members who do not have coverage that meets the health care law’s standard 

should consider their options through the Health Insurance Marketplace, 

which is a new way to shop for and purchase private health insurance. 

For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit 

http://www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. For additional information about the VA and the health care law, visit http://www.va.gov/aca

or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Dependents & Survivors Benefits - Death Gratuity Payment: Military 

services provide payment, called a death gratuity, in the amount of 

$100,000 to the next of kin of service members who die while on active 

duty (including those who die within 120 days of separation) as a result of 

service-connected injury or illness. If there is no surviving spouse or child, 

then parents or siblings designated as next of kin by the service member 
56 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

may be provided the payment. The payment is made by the last military 

command of the deceased. If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, 

application may be made to the military service concerned.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free 

monetary benefit generally payable to eligible survivors of military 

service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of 

Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. 

DIC may also be paid to certain survivors of Veterans who were totally 

disabled from service –connected conditions at the time of death, even 

though their service connected disabilities did not cause their deaths. 

The  survivor qualifies if the Veteran was:

1. Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years 

immediately preceding death; or

2. Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military 

discharge and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death; or

3. A former POW who was continuously rated totally disabled for a 

period of at least one year immediately preceding death.

4. For more detailed information, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/

COMPENSATION/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Spouse): To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse 

must meet the following requirements: 

• married to a service member who died on active duty, active 

duty for training, or inactive duty training, or 

• validly married the Veteran before Jan. 1, 1957, or 

• married the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period 

of military service in which the disease or injury that caused the 

Veteran’s death began or was aggravated, or 

• was married to the Veteran for a least one year, or 

• had a child with the Veteran, and cohabitated with the Veteran 

continuously until the Veteran’s death, or 

• if separated, was not at fault for the separation, and is not currently remarried.
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 57

Note: A surviving spouse who remarried on or after Dec.16, 2003, and on 

or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Child): Not included on the surviving spouse’s 

DIC, AND Unmarried, AND Under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 

23 and attending school at an approved institution.

Note: A child adopted out of the Veteran’s family may be eligible for DIC 

if all other eligibility criteria are met.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Parent): VA provides an income-based 

monthly benefit to the surviving parent(s) of a service member or Veteran 

whose death was service-related. When countable income exceeds the 

limit set by law, no benefits are payable. The spouse’s income must also 

be included if the parent is living with a spouse.

DIC and Aid and Attendance/Housebound Benefits: If a Veteran died 

on or after Jan. 1, 1993, his or her surviving spouse may receive additional 

benefits beyond the basic DIC rate if he or she is residing in a skilled nursing 

facility, require the regular assistance of another person to perform the 

activities of daily living, or if he or she is permanently housebound. This additional benefit is referred to as “Aid and Attendance” or “Housebound.”

DIC 8-Year Special Allowance: If a deceased Veteran was considered 

“permanent and totally disabled”(either by 100 percent rating or permanent and total individual unemployability) for eight (8) continuous years 

prior to death, his/her surviving spouse may be entitled to an additional 

amount of $272.46 monthly on the DIC award effective Dec. 1, 2017. If 

there are any surviving dependent children under age 18 in the care of 

the surviving spouse, an additional $270.00 effective Dec. 1, 2017 may be 

further added to the DIC award for the initial two (2) years of entitlement. 

This additional amount will be automatically terminated two years after 

the DIC award grant.

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors: An additional special 

benefit may be payable to Survivors of a Veteran who died of service-connected causes prior to Aug. 13, 1981. The amount of the benefit is based 

on information provided by the Social Security Administration.

Survivors Pension: Survivors Pension is a tax-free benefit payable to low-income surviving spouses or children who have not married/ remarried since 
58 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

the death of the Veteran. Survivors Pension is an income-based program, 

and any benefit payable is reduced by annual income from other sources, 

such as Social Security. If the Survivor has unreimbursed medical expenses, 

these costs can be deducted from countable income to increase the benefit 

amount (such as cost of care at an Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Facility).

To be eligible for Survivor’s Pension, the deceased Veteran must have met 

the following requirements:

1. If the Veteran served on or before Sept. 7, 1980, he/she must 

have served at least 90 days of active military service, with at 

least one day during a war time period.

2. If the Veteran entered active duty after Sept. 7, 1980, the Veteran 

generally must have served at least 24 months or the full tour of 

duty with at least one day during a war time period.

3. Discharged from military service under other than 

dishonorable  conditions.

To qualify as a surviving child of a deceased Veteran, the child must meet 

the following requirements: under age 18 or under age 23 if attending a 

VA-approved school or permanently incapable of self-support due to a 

disability diagnosed before age 18. Additional information on pension 

benefits is available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/. To apply, 

complete VA Form 21P-534EZ and mail it to the Pension Management 

Center (PMC) of jurisdiction.

Note: Survivors pension provides a monthly payment to bring an eligible 

person’s income to a level established by law. The payment is reduced by 

the annual income from other sources such as Social Security.

Survivors Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Survivors 

who are eligible for pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for a higher maximum 

pension rate. These additional benefits cannot be paid without eligibility 

to pension. An eligible individual may qualify if he or she requires the 

regular aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required for everyday living, is bedridden, a patient in a nursing home due 

to mental or physical incapacity, blind, or permanently and substantially 

confined to his/her immediate premises because of a disability.

To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, submit a 

VA Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 59

Need for Regular Aid and Attendance to the nearest Regional Office 

or PMC.

Please include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an 

attending physician or a nursing home, validating the need for aid and 

attendance or housebound status. The report should contain sufficient 

detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical 

or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the 

ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, 

and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable, or whether confined to the immediate premises due to disability.

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth 

Defects: Biological children of women Veterans who served in Vietnam 

at any time during the period beginning on Feb. 28, 1961, and ending on 

May 7, 1975, may be eligible for certain benefits because of birth defects 

associated with the mother’s service in Vietnam that resulted in a permanent physical or mental disability.

The covered birth defects do not include conditions due to family 

disorders, birth-related injuries, or fetal or neonatal infirmities with wellestablished causes. A monetary allowance is paid at one of four disability 

levels based on the child’s degree of permanent disability.

Appeals of VA Claims Decisions: Veterans and other claimants for VA 

benefits have the right to appeal decisions made by VA. The most common issues appealed are disability compensation, pension, education 

benefits, recovery of overpayments, reimbursement for unauthorized 

medical services, and denial of burial and memorial benefits. 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 VA department that made the 

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, whichever period ends later.

Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Board is a component of VA this is the 

Secretary’s designee to decide appeals from all three Administrations, 

also called AOJs – VBA, VHA, and NCA. The Board’s mission is to conduct 
60 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

hearings with appellants and decide appeals properly before it in a timely 

manner. The Board’s jurisdiction extends to all questions in a matter involving a decision by the Secretary under the law that affects a provision 

of benefits and services by the Secretary to Veterans, their dependents, or 

their survivors.

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: A final Board decision that 

does not grant a claimant the benefits desired may be appealed to the 

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court is an independent 

body, not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Notice of an appeal must be received by the court with a postmark that 

is within 120 days after the Board mailed its decision. The court reviews 

the record considered by the Board. It does not hold trials or receive new 

evidence. Appellants may represent themselves before the court or have 

lawyers or approved agents as representatives. 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 may seek 

review in the Supreme Court of the United States. Published decisions, 

case status information, rules and procedures, and other special announcements can be found at http://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/. The court’s 

decisions can also be found in West’s Veterans Appeals Reporter, and on 

the Westlaw and LEXIS online services. For questions, call (202) 501-5970 

or write to:

Clerk of the Court

625 Indiana Ave. NW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20004

Replacement of Military Medals and Records: Medals awarded while 

in active service are issued by the individual military services if requested by Veterans or their next of kin. Requests for replacement medals, 

decorations, and awards should be directed to the branch of the military 

in which the Veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air 

Corps) and Army Veterans, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) 

verifies awards and forwards requests and verification to appropriate 

services. Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on 

Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” which may 

be obtained at VA offices or the Internet at www.va.gov/vaforms/. Forms, 

addresses, and other information on requesting medals can be found on 

the Military Personnel Records section of NPRC’s Website at http://www.

archives.gov/stlouis/militarypersonnel/index.html. For questions, call 
Chapter 2 Non-Health Care Benefits 61

Military Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800, or email questions to: 

MPR.center@nara.gov.

When requesting medals, type or clearly print the Veteran’s full name, 

include the Veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security 

number, and provide the Veteran’s exact or approximate dates of military 

service. The request must contain the signature of the Veteran or next 

of kin if the Veteran is deceased. If available, include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD Form 214. If 

discharge or separation documents are lost, Veterans or the next of kin 

of deceased Veterans may obtain duplicate copies through the eBenefits 

portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov) or by completing forms found on the 

Internet at http://www.archives.gov/research/index.html and mailing or 

faxing them to the NPRC, or alternatively, write to:

National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records 

1 Archives Drive

St. Louis, MO 63138-1002.

Specify that a duplicate separation document 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 the Veteran’s branch 

of service, service number or Social Security number, and exact or approximate dates and years of service. Use Standard Form 180, “Request 

Pertaining to Military Records.” 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.

Correcting Military Records: The Secretary of a military department, 

acting through a Board for Correction of Military Records, has authority to change any military record when necessary to correct an error or 

remove an injustice. A correction board may consider applications for 

correction of a military record, including a review of a discharge issued by 

court-martial. Application is made with DD Form 149, available at VA offices, Veterans organizations or visit http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/

forms/ dd/ddforms0001-0499.htm.

Review of Discharge from Military Service: Each of the military services 

maintains a discharge review board with authority to change correct or 

modify discharges or dismissals not issued by a sentence of a general 
62 Non-Health Care Benefits Chapter 2

court-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges. 

If the Veteran is 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 DD Form 293, “Application 

for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.” 

This form may be obtained at a VA regional office, from Veterans organizations or online at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/dd/

ddforms0001-0499.htm.

However, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, a Veteran must 

petition the appropriate Service’s Board for Correction of Military Records 

using DD Form 149, “Application for Correction of Military Records Under 

the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.” A discharge review 

is conducted by a review of an applicant’s record and, if requested, by a 

hearing before the board.

Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period 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 absence. Boards for 

the Correction of Military Records also may consider such cases. Veterans 

with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty may qualify for 

medical or related benefits regardless of separation and characterization 

of service. Veterans separated administratively under other than honorable conditions may request that their discharge be reviewed for possible 

re-characterization, provided they file their appeal within 15 years of the 

date of separation. Questions regarding the review of a discharge should 

be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at the address 

listed on DD Form 293.

Physical Disability Board of Review: Veterans separated due to disability from Sept. 11, 2001, through Dec. 31, 2009, with a combined rating 

of 20 percent or less, as determined by the respective branch of service 

Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), and not found eligible for retirement, may 

be eligible for a review by the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR).

The PDBR was established to reassess the accuracy and fairness of certain 

PEB decisions, and where appropriate, recommend the correction of 

discrepancies and errors. A PDBR review will not lower the disability 

rating previously assigned by the PEB, and any correction may be made 

retroactively to the day of the original disability separation. As a result 
Chapter 3 Burial and Memorial Benefits 63

of the request for review by the PDBR, no further relief from the Board of 

Corrections of Military Records may be sought, and the recommendation 

by the PDBR, once accepted by the respective branch of service, is final. A 

comparison of these two boards, along with other PDBR information, can 

be viewed at http://www.health.mil/pdbr.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services provides funding to states 

to help low-income households with their heating and home energy 

costs under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

LIHEAP can also assist with insulating homes to make them more energy 

efficient and reduce energy costs. The LIHEAP program in your community determines if your household’s income qualifies for the program. To 

find out where to apply, call 1-866-674-6327 or e-mail energy@ncat.org

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mountain Time). More information can be found at 

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap. 

Burial and Memorial Benefits

VA operates 136 national cemeteries, of which 78 are currently open 

for both new casket and cremation interments, and 17 may accept 

new interments of cremated remains only. Burial options are limited 

to those available at a specific cemetery and may include in-ground 

casket, or interment of cremated remains in a columbarium, in ground, 

or in a scattering area. For more information, visit the National Cemetery 

Administration website at http://www.cem.va.gov.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the Armed Forces, 

and Veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements, 

and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Members of the Reserve components of the Armed Forces who die while 

on active duty, while on training duty or were eligible for retired pay, or 

were called to active duty and served the full term of service for which 

they were called, may also be eligible for burial.

Their surviving spouse, minor children, and, under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities, may also be eligible for burial. Eligible 

spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the Veteran.
64 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 3

With certain exceptions, eligibility for burial based on active duty service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and after Oct.16, 1981, as an 

officer, must have been for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the full 

period of active duty (as in the case of reservists or National Guard members 

called to active duty for a limited duration). Active duty for training, by itself, 

while serving in the Reserves or National Guard, is not sufficient to confer 

eligibility. Reservists and National Guard members, as well as their spouses 

and dependent children, are eligible if they were entitled to retired pay at the 

time of death, or would have been upon reaching the requisite age.

VA may bar eligible individuals from receiving burial and memorial benefits 

if they are found to have committed serious federal or state crimes or serious 

sex offenses. Such benefits include burial in a VA national cemetery, and 

receipt of a government-furnished headstone, marker, medallion, burial 

flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate. Veterans and other claimants for 

VA burial benefits have the right to appeal decisions made by VA regarding 

eligibility for burial and memorial benefits. Readers with questions on the 

appeals process may contact the nearest VA national cemetery listed at 

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp or by calling 800-827-1000.

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 2000 do not 

lose eligibility for burial in a national cemetery if they remarry.

Unmarried dependent children of Veterans who are under 21 years of 

age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, are eligible for burial. Unmarried adult children who 

become physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support 

before age 21, or age 23 if a full-time student, may also be eligible.

Certain parents of Veterans who die due to hostile activity or from 

combat training-related injuries may be eligible for burial in a national 

cemetery with their child. The biological or adopted parents of a service 

member who died in combat or while performing training in preparation 

for a combat mission, who leaves no surviving spouse or dependent 

child, may be buried with the deceased service member if there is available space. Eligibility is limited to those who died on or after Oct. 7, 2001, 

and biological or adoptive parents who died on or after Oct. 13, 2010. 

The next of kin or authorized representative (e.g., funeral director) 

may make interment arrangements at the time of need by contacting the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at (800) 535-1117 or 

NCA.Scheduling@va.gov or, in some cases, the national cemetery in 
Chapter 3 Burial and Memorial Benefits 65

which burial is desired. VA does not normally conduct burials on weekends. Gravesites cannot be reserved; however, VA will honor reservations 

made before 1973 by the Department of the Army.

Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Determination: VA implemented the Preneed Burial Eligibility Determination Program to assist individuals interested in determining their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. 

Through this program, Veterans and their eligible family members can plan 

to use VA burial benefits that Veterans have earned through their military 

service. Planning in advance for a Veteran’s or loved-one’s final resting place 

can eliminate unnecessary delays during a family’s time of bereavement. 

Veteran families will have increased confidence that their loved ones are 

eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery at their time of need. 

To apply, individuals must submit VA Form 40-10007, Application 

for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National 

Cemetery (available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/), to the 

National Cemetery Scheduling Office by faxing to 1-855-840-8299, 

or by mailing to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, 

P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151. For more details, visit 

https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/pre-need/index.asp.

Burial Headstones and Markers: VA is authorized to furnish, upon 

request, an inscribed headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of an 

eligible decedent at any national, state Veterans, tribal, or private cemetery. VA will deliver a headstone or marker at no cost, anywhere in the 

world. For Medal of Honor (MOH) recipients, VA is authorized to provide 

a supplemental headstone or marker if the recipient served in the Armed 

Forces on or after April 6, 1917, and is eligible for a headstone or marker 

(or would be but for the individual’s date of death), even if the grave is 

already marked with a private headstone or marker. For eligible Veterans 

(who are not MOH recipients) buried in a private cemetery whose deaths 

occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may furnish a government headstone or marker even if the grave is already marked with a private one.

Spouses and dependent children are eligible for a government headstone 

or marker only if they are buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery.

Before requesting a headstone or marker for use in a private cemetery, 

eligible applicants should check with the cemetery to ensure the 

government-furnished headstone or marker will be accepted.
66 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 3

Those who may apply for burial headstones and markers include the 

decedent’s spouse or individual in a legal union with the decedent; the 

decedent’s child; parent or sibling; whether biological; adopted or step 

relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent; personal 

representative Veterans Service Organization, individual employed by 

state or local government responsible for serving Veteran; individuals 

with legal responsibility for the disposition of the unclaimed remains of 

the decedent or other matters related to interment or memorialization, or 

anyone if the decedent’s dates of service ended prior to April 6, 1917 (applies to others whose eligibility is derived). All installation fees at private 

cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant.

Memorial Markers: VA provides memorial headstones and markers for 

placement in a national cemetery, a Veterans cemetery owned by a state 

or in the case of a Veteran, in a state, tribal, local or private cemetery with 

“IN MEMORY OF” as the first line of inscription for those whose remains 

are unavailable for burial. Remains that are unavailable for burial are 

those that have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, 

donated to science or cremated and scattered completely. Only eligible 

Veterans are authorized to receive memorial headstones or markers for 

use in private cemeteries; memorial headstones and markers are not 

authorized for placement in tribal cemeteries (including Veterans). For 

memorial headstone or marker requests, applicants must be a member 

of the decedent’s family (spouse, individual in a legal union with the 

decedent, child, parent, or sibling, whether biological, adopted, or steprelation, and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent).

To submit a claim for a headstone or marker, or for a memorial 

marker for placement in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330, 

Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (available at 

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/) and provide a copy of the Veteran’s military 

discharge documents or proof of military service. Claims sent without 

supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can be determined. 

Mail the completed form and supporting documents to Memorial 

Products Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, 

Quantico, VA 22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also 

be faxed toll free to 1-800-455-7143.

Inscriptions: Headstones and markers must be inscribed with the name 

of the deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and death. They also 

may be inscribed with other optional information, including an emblem 
Chapter 3 Burial and Memorial Benefits 67

of belief and, space permitting, additional text including military rank; 

war service such as “WORLD WAR II”; complete date of birth and death; 

military awards; military organizations; civilian or Veteran affiliations; and 

personalized words of endearment.

Medallion in lieu of government headstone or marker for private 

cemeteries: For decedents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on or 

after April 6, 1917, and are eligible for VA memorialization benefits (or 

would be but for date of death), VA is authorized to provide a medallion 

instead of a headstone or marker if the grave is in a private cemetery and 

already marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker. The VA 

medallion denotes the decedents’ status as a Veteran. The Medal of Honor 

(MOH) Medallion is inscribed with "MEDAL OF HONOR" at the top and the 

branch of service at the bottom. 

To submit a claim for a medallion to be affixed to a private headstone 

or marker in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for 

Government Medallion for Placement in A Private Cemetery (available at 

http://www.va.gov/vaforms) and provide a copy of the Veteran’s military 

discharge documents or proof of military service. Claims sent without 

supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can be determined. 

Mail the completed form and supporting documents to Memorial 

Products Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, 

Quantico, VA 22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also 

be faxed toll free to 1-800-455-7143. 

To check the status of a claim for a headstone or marker for placement in 

a national, state, or tribal Veterans cemetery, please call 202-565-4964. To 

check the status of one being placed in a private cemetery, please contact 

the Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-697-6947.

Other Memorialization

Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMCs): PMCs are issued to honor 

the memory of deceased persons whom VA finds eligible for burial in a 

national cemetery. This includes persons who died on active military, naval, or air service, members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces, 

including Army or Air National Guard, members of the Army, Navy, or 

Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or persons who at death were 

entitled to retired pay or would have been but for age. 
68 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 3

Eligible recipients, including the next of kin, a relative, friend, or authorized service representative may request a PMC by mailing to Memorial 

Products Service (41B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, 

Quantico, VA, 22134-3903, or faxing to 1-800-455-7143, a completed and 

signed VA Form 40-0247, Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form, 

along with a copy of the Veteran’s military discharge documents or proof 

of military service. 

Requests sent without supporting documents will be delayed until 

eligibility can be determined. More information can be found at 

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/pmc.asp.

Burial Flags: VA will furnish a U.S. burial flag to recognize deceased 

Veterans who received an other than dishonorable discharge. This includes certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the 

Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S armed forces 

and who died on or after April 25, 1951. Also, eligible for a burial flag are 

Veterans who were entitled to retired pay for service in the Reserves or 

National Guard; or would have been entitled if over age 60; and members or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their initial 

obligation; or were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in 

the line of duty; or died while a member of the Selected Reserve. The next 

of kin may apply for the burial flag at any VA Regional Office or U.S. Post 

Office by completing VA Form 21-2008; Application for United States Flag 

for Burial Purposes. In most cases, a funeral director will help the family 

obtain the flag. For more information, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/

burial_benefits/ burial_flags.asp.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: VA will pay a burial allowance up 

to $2,000 if the Veteran’s death is service-connected. In such cases, the 

person who bore the Veteran’s burial expenses may claim reimbursement 

from VA. In some cases, VA will pay the cost of transporting the remains 

of a Veteran whose death was service-connected to the nearest national 

cemetery with available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected death cases.

Burial Allowance: VA will pay a burial and funeral allowance of up to 

$2,000 for Veterans who die from service-connected injuries. VA will pay 

a burial and funeral allowance of up to $300 for Veterans who, at the time 

of death from nonservice-connected injuries, were entitled to receive 

pension or compensation or would have been entitled if they were not 

receiving military retirement pay. VA will pay a burial and funeral allow-
Chapter 3 Burial and Memorial Benefits 69

ance of up to $762 when the Veteran’s death occurs in a VA facility, a 

VA-contracted nursing home or a state Veterans nursing home. In cases 

in which the Veteran’s death was not service-connected, claims must be 

filed within two years after burial or cremation.

Plot Allowance: VA will pay a plot allowance of up to $762 when a Veteran 

is buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction if: 

• The Veteran was discharged from active duty because of disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; 

• the Veteran was receiving compensation or pension or would have 

been if the Veteran was not receiving military retirement pay; 

• or the Veteran died in a VA facility. 

The plot allowance may be paid to the state for the cost of a plot or 

interment in a state-owned cemetery reserved solely for Veteran burials if the Veteran is buried without charge. Burial expenses paid by the 

deceased’s employer or a state agency will not be reimbursed. For more 

information about burial and memorial benefits, please call 202-632-8035 

or visit www.cem.va.gov/.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies: The 

Department of the Army administers Arlington National Cemetery and 

other Army installation cemeteries. Eligibility is generally more restrictive than at VA national cemeteries. For information, call 703-607-8000; 

write Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211; 

or visit http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/about. The Department 

of the Interior’s National Park Service maintains 14 national cemeteries located within larger park units. To view a list that includes overviews of these cemeteries, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/doi.asp. 

Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia, is the only 

one of these 14 cemeteries that is open to new interments within the 

national park boundaries. For more information, call 202-208-4747, or 

write Department of the Interior National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, 

Washington, DC 20240.

State and Tribal Veterans Cemeteries: There are currently 112 VA 

grant-funded Veterans cemeteries operating in 48 states, tribal organizations, and U.S. Territories that offer burial options for Veterans and their 

families. VA grant-funded cemeteries have similar eligibility requirements 

and certain states and tribal organizations may require state residency or 

tribal membership. Some services, particularly for family members, may 
70 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 3

require a fee. Contact the state or tribal Veterans cemetery or the state 

Veterans Affairs office for information. To locate a state or tribal Veterans 

cemetery, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/grants/index.asp.

Unclaimed Veterans Remains: “Unclaimed Veterans” are defined as 

those who die with no next of kin to claim their remains and insufficient 

funds to cover burial expenses. In addition to burial in a VA national, 

VA-funded state or tribal Veterans cemetery and a government headstone or marker, there are monetary benefits associated with burial of 

unclaimed Veterans remains. These monetary benefits include reimbursement for the cost of the casket or urn used for burial, reimbursement for 

transportation to a national, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, and a burial 

allowance and plot allowance.

More information on memorial and monetary burial benefits for 

unclaimed Veterans remains can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/

cem/docs/factsheets/CasketUrnReimbursement.pdf. Applicants must 

submit VA Form 40-10088, Request for Reimbursement of Casket/Urn. For 

Veterans who die while at a VA facility under authorized VA admission or 

at a non-VA facility under authorized VA admission, and are unclaimed, 

the closest VA healthcare facility is responsible for arranging proper burial 

for the unclaimed Veteran.

Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Dependents and Survivors

VA Pamphlet 80-19-01

P94663

OFFICIAL BUSINESSWashington, DC 20420U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

F asro el t yb eh S epu ir tn e edn n 

I tn re en :t tskoob ro e nohPvog.opg. 

aF :x ( aM4012-215)202 

ISB

ISBN 978-0-16-094776-6

9 780160 947766

90000