Federal Benefits for Veterans

Dependents and Survivors

2013 Edition
Federal Benefits for

Veterans, Dependents and 

Survivors

2013 Edition

Department of

Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave., N.W. 

Washington, DC 20420

Cover: Veteran Reynaldo Torres competes in VA’s Winter Sports Clinic.

Phone Numbers

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

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

Caregiver Support ........................................................... 1-855-260-3274

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

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

Federal Recovery Coordination Program ........................1-877-732-4456

Foreign Medical Program.............................................1-888-820-1756 

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 

Special Health Issues.......................................................1-800-749-8387

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

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

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

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

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

Web Sites

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

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

CHAMPVA............www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/forbeneficiaries.asp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prosthetics.................................................. www.prosthetics.va.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
Contents

Chapter 1: VA Health Care Benefits 1

Chapter 2: Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 31

 

Chapter 3: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment 39

Chapter 4: VA Pensions 44

Chapter 5: Education and Training 47

Chapter 6: Home Loan Guaranty 59

Chapter 7: VA Life Insurance 71

Chapter 8: Burial and Memorial Benefits 78

Chapter 9: Reserve and National Guard 85

Chapter 10: Special Groups of Veterans 92

Chapter 11: Transition Assistance 99

Chapter 12: Dependents and Survivors Health Care 109

Chapter 13: Dependents and Survivors Benefits 112

Chapter 14: Appeals of VA Claims Decisions 121

Chapter 15: Military Medals and Records 123

Chapter 16: Other Federal Benefits 127

VA Facilities 133

Index 192

U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE

Use of ISBN This is the official U.S. government edition 

of this publication and is herein identified to 

certify its authenticity. Use of the 0-16 ISBN 

prefix is for U.S. Government Printing Office 

Official Editions only. The Superintendent of 

Documents of the U.S. Government Printing Office requests that any reprinted edition 

clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic 

work with a new ISBN. 

Legal Status and Use of Seals and Logos

The seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs authenticates the 2013 edition of Federal Benefits for 

Veterans, Dependents and Survivors as the official 

summary of benefits that have been separately promulgated under Federal regulations established under 

Register Act. Under the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9(f), it is prohibited to use the official seal, replicas, reproductions, or embossed seals of the Department of Veterans Affairs on 

any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Any 

person using official seals and logos of the Department of Veterans 

Affairs in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of 38 Code of 

Federal Regulations 1.9 may be subject to the penalties specified in 

18 United States Code 506, 701, or 1017 as applicable. 

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800

Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20401

ISBN 978-0-16-091835-3
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). Some of these benefits may be utilized 

while on active duty. These benefits are codified in Title 38 of the 

United States Code. This booklet contains a summary of these 

benefits effective Jan. 1, 2013. For additional information, visit www.

va.gov/. 

La versión en español de este folleto se encuentra disponible en 

formato Adobe Acrobat a través de el link: http://www.va.gov/opa/

publications/benefits_book/federal_benefits_spanish.pdf 

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. 

Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courtsmartial 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. 

Certain VA Benefits Require Wartime Service: under the law, VA 

recognizes these periods of war:

Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917, for 

Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters.

World War I: April 6, 1917, through Nov. 11, 1918; for Veterans who 

served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended 

through July 1, 1921, for Veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918.

World War II: Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946.

Korean War: June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955.

Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964 (Feb. 28, 1961, for Veterans who served 

“in country” before Aug. 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975.

Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, through a date to be set.

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 designated representative. 

The following documents will be needed for claims processing related to a Veteran’s death: 

1. Veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving spouse 

 or children.

2. Veteran’s death certificate if the Veteran did not die in a VA 

 health care facility.

3. Children’s birth certificates or adoption papers to determine 

 children’s benefits.

4. Veteran’s birth certificate to determine parents’ benefits.

eBenefits

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

provides resources and self-service capabilities to Servicemembers, 

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 (Servicemembers only), obtain a VA-guaranteed home 

loan Certificate of Eligibility, and register for and update direct depos-
it information for certain benefits. New features are added regularly.

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

va.gov. Servicemembers 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 Servicemember or Veteran 

only. Basic accounts cannot access VA or DoD systems. 

Servicemembers can obtain immediate Premium level access by 

following step-by-step instructions using their Common Access Card 

(CAC). 

In order to register for an eBenefits account, Veterans must be listed 

in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and 

first obtain a DoD Self Service (DS) Logon. Note: For those without a 

DEERS record, VA will first need to verify military service and add the 

information to DEERS. This is most likely for Veterans who served 

prior to 1982. Individuals should contact a VA regional office for assistance in being added to DEERS.

A DS Logon is an identity (user name and password) that is used by 

various DoD and VA Websites, including eBenefits. Those registered 

in DEERS are eligible for a DS Logon. A DS Logon is valid for the 

rest of your life.

Identity verification: Many people will be able to verify their identity 

online by answering a few security questions. A few may need to visit 

a VA regional office or TRICARE Service Center to have their identities verified. Servicemembers may verify their identity online by using 

their Common Access Card. 

Military retirees may verify their identity online using their Defense 

Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Logon. Veterans in receipt 

of VA benefits via direct deposit may have their identity verified by 

calling 1-800-827-1000 and selecting option 7. eBenefits users with 

Premium access with appropriate My HealtheVet access can login to 

their My HealtheVet account using the single sign on feature. 

Abbreviations

ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

CHAMPVA – Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA

CLC – Community Living Center

C&P – Compensation and Pension

COE – Certificate of Eligibility

CRDP – Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments

CRSC – Combat-Related Special Compensation

CWT – Compensated Work Therapy

CZTE – Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

DIC – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

DoD -- Department of Defense 

FHA – Federal Housing Administration

FSGLI – Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

HUD – Department of Housing and Urban Development

IRR – Individual Ready Reserve

MGIB – Montgomery GI Bill

MIA – Missing in Action

NPRC – National Personnel Records Center

NSLI – National Service Life Insurance

OEF – Operation Enduring Freedom

OIF – Operation Iraqi Freedom

OND – Operation New Dawn

OPM – Office of Personnel Management

POW -- Prisoner of War

PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

SAH – Specially Adapted Housing

SBA – Small Business Administration

S-DVI – Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance

SGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

SSB – Special Separation Benefits 

TAP – Transition Assistance Program

TSGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection

USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture

VA – Department of Veterans Affairs

VEAP – Veterans Educational Assistance Program

VEOA – Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act

VGLI – Veterans’ Group Life Insurance

VHA – Veterans Health Administration

VMET – Verification of Military Experience and Training

VMLI – Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

VR&E – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

VSI – Voluntary Separation Incentive

WAAC – Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps

WASPs – Women Air Force Service Pilots
1 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 2 

Chapter 1

Health Care Benefits

VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system with 

more than 1,500 sites of care, including hospitals, community clinics, 

community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling 

centers, and various other facilities. For additional information on VA 

health care, visit: www.va.gov/health. 

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. Reservists and 

National Guard members may also qualify for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty (other than for training only) by 

a Federal order and completed the full period for which they were 

called or ordered to active duty. 

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 

7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 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

For most Veterans, entry into the VA health care system begins by 

applying for enrollment. Veterans can now apply and submit their 

application for enrollment (VA Form 1010EZ), online at www.1010ez.

med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/. If assistance is needed while completing the on-line enrollment form, an online chat representative is 

available to answer questions Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 

pm EST. Veterans can also enroll by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) 

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, or at any VA 

health care facility or VA regional benefits office. Once enrolled, Veterans can receive health care at VA health care facilities anywhere in 

the country. 

Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system are afforded privacy 

rights under federal law. VA’s Notice of Privacy Practices, which describes how VA may use and disclose Veterans’ medical information, 

is also available on line at www.va.gov/vhapublications/viewpublication.asp?pub_ID=1089 

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 of 50 percent or

 more.

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 Iraqi Freedom/Operation 

New Dawn and Depleted Uranium).

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 and/or Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable 

due to service-connected conditions.

Group 2: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 or 40 

percent.

Group 3:

Veterans who are former POWs.

Veterans awarded the Purple Heart Medal. 

Veterans awarded the Medal of Honor. 

Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or 

aggravated in the line of duty. 

Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities rated 10 percent

or 

 20 percent. 

Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, 

U.S.C., § 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or 

vocational rehabilitation.” 
3 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 4 

Group 4:

Veterans receiving increased compensation or pension based 

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

being permanently housebound. 

Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled. 

Group 5:

Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable serviceconnected Veterans rated 0 percent, whose annual income and/

or net worth are not greater than the VA financial thresholds. 

Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits. 

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 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; 

Veterans who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for not 

fewer than 30 days beginning Jan. 1, 1957 and ending Dec. 

31, 1987.

Group 7: 

Veterans with incomes below the geographic means test income 

thresholds and who agree to pay the applicable copayment.

Group 8:

Veterans with gross household incomes above the VA national 

income threshold and the geographically-adjusted income 

threshold for their resident location and who agrees to pay 

copayments. Veterans eligible for enrollment: Noncompensable 

0-percent service-connected and:

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 Thresholds or VA 

National Geographic Income Thresholds 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 Thresholds or VA 

National Geographic Income Thresholds by 10 percent or less 

Veterans NOT eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the 

criteria above:

Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0 percent service-connected 

Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected 

VA’s current income thresholds can be located at: http://www.va.gov/

healthbenefits/cost/income_thresholds.asp

Recently Discharged Combat Veterans

Veterans, including activated reservists and members of the National 

Guard, are eligible for the enhanced Combat Veteran benefits if they 

served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 

11, 1998, and have been discharged under other than dishonorable 

conditions.

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, combat Veterans discharged from active 

duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible for enhanced enrollment 

placement into Priority Group 6 (unless eligible for higher enrollment 

Priority Group placement) for five-years post discharge. 

Veterans receive VA care and medication at no cost for any condition 

that may be related to their combat service.

Veterans who enroll with VA under this Combat Veteran authority 

will remain enrolled even after their five-year post discharge period 
5 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 6 

ends. At the end of their post discharge period, VA will reassess the 

Veteran’s information (including all applicable eligibility factors) and 

make a new enrollment decision. For additional information, call 

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

and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. 

Special Access to Care

Service-Disabled Veterans: who are 50 percent or more disabled 

from service-connected conditions, unemployable due to serviceconnected conditions, or receiving care for a service-connected disability receive priority in scheduling of hospital or outpatient medical 

appointments. 

Women Veterans

Women Veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male 

Veterans. Comprehensive health services are available to women 

Veterans including primary care, specialty care, mental health care, 

residential treatment and reproductive health care services

VA provides management of acute and chronic illnesses, preventive 

care, contraceptive and gynecology services, menopause management, and cancer screenings, including pap smears and mammograms. Maternity care is covered in the Medical Benefits package. 

Women Veterans can receive maternity care from an OB/GYN, 

family practitioner, or certified nurse midwife who provides pregnancy 

care. 

VA covers the costs of care for newborn children of women Veterans 

for seven days after birth. Infertility evaluation and limited treatments 

are also available. Women Veterans Program Managers are available at all VA facilities to assist women Veterans in their health care 

and benefits. For more information, visit http://www.womenshealth.

va.gov/.

Military Sexual Trauma

Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term that the Department of 

Veterans Affairs uses to refer to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred while the Veteran was serving 

on active duty (or active duty for training if the service was in the 

National Guard or Reserves). VA health care professionals provide 

counseling and treatment to help Veterans overcome health issues 

related to MST. Veterans who are not otherwise eligible for VA health 

care may still receive these services. Appropriate services are provided for any injury, illness or psychological condition related to such 

trauma. For additional information visit: http://www.mentalhealth.

va.gov/msthome.asp

Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders

There are 24 VA medical centers in the United States with specialized centers (called Spinal Cord Injury Centers) for Veterans with 

spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Comprehensive rehabilitation, SCI/D specialty care, medical, surgical, primary, preventive, 

psychological, respite, and home care are provided at these centers 

by interdisciplinary teams which include physicians, nurses, therapists (physical, occupational, kinesiotherapists, therapeutic recreation), psychologists, social workers, vocational counselors, dieticians, respiratory therapy, and other specialists as needed. 

There are five Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Centers that provide long 

term care for Veterans with SCI/D. In VA facilities that do not have 

SCI Centers, there is a designated team that consists of a physician, 

nurse, and social worker to address primary care needs for Veterans 

with SCI/D and to make referrals to SCI Centers. These SCI Centers 

and the teams in facilities that do not have centers, comprise the VA 

SCI System of Care. Some of the services provided in this system of 

care include rehabilitation, prosthetics and durable medical equipment, orthotics, sensory aids, assistive technology, environmental 

modifications, telehealth, ventilator weaning and care, chronic pain 

management, mental health treatment, drivers training, peer counseling, substance abuse treatment, vocational counseling, and caregiver training and support. 

There is a long-standing Memorandum of Agreement between VA 

and the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide specialized care 

at VA medical facilities for Active Duty Servicemembers who have 

sustained a spinal cord injury. Ongoing collaboration and education 

between VA and DoD ensures continuity of care and services. 

For more information about SCI/D care and the eligibility requirements for the above benefits and services, contact your local VA 

SCI/D Center and/or visit http://www.sci.va.gov.

OEF/OIF/OND Care Management 

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

team in place to coordinate patient care activities and ensure that 
7 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 8 

Servicemembers and Veterans are receiving patient-centered, 

integrated care and benefits. OEF/OIF/OND clinical case managers screen all returning combat Veterans for the need for case 

management services to identify Veterans who may be at risk so VA 

can intervene early and provide assistance. Severely ill or injured 

Servicemembers/Veterans are provided with a case manager and 

other OEF/OIF/OND Servicemembers/Veterans are assigned a case 

manager as indicated by a positive screening assessment or upon 

request. OEF/OIF/OND case managers are experts at identifying 

and accessing resources within their health care system as well as in 

the local community to help Veterans recover from their injuries and 

readjust to civilian life.

Financial Assessment

Most Veterans not receiving VA disability compensation or pension 

payments must provide a financial assessment to determine whether 

they are below VA income thresholds. VA is currently not enrolling 

new applicants who decline to provide financial information unless 

they have a special eligibility factor exempting them from disclosure. 

VA’s income thresholds are located at: www.va.gov/healtheligibility/

Library/AnnualThresholds.asp

The financial assessment includes all household income and net 

worth, including Social Security, retirement pay, unemployment insurance, interest and dividends, workers’ compensation, black lung benefits and any other income. Also considered are assets such as the 

market value of property that is not the primary residence, stocks, 

bonds, notes, individual retirement accounts, bank deposits, savings 

accounts and cash. 

Medical Services and Medication Copayments

Some Veterans are required to make copayments (copays) to receive VA health care and/or medications.

Inpatient Care: Priority Group 7 and certain other Veterans are 

responsible for paying 20 percent of VA’s inpatient copay or $236.80 

for the first 90 days of inpatient hospital care during any 365-day period. For each additional 90 days, the charge is $118.40. In addition, 

there is a $2 per diem charge.

Priority Group 8 and certain other Veterans are responsible for VA’s 

inpatient copay of $1,184 for the first 90 days of care during any 

365-day period. For each additional 90 days, the charge is $592. In 

addition, there is a $10 per diem charge. 

Extended Care: Veterans may be subject to a copay for extended 

care services. The copay is determined by a calculation using information from completion of VA Form 10-10EC, Application for Extended Care Services. 

VA social workers or case managers will counsel Veterans or their 

family representatives on their eligibility and copay requirements. 

The copay amount is based on the Veteran’s financial situation determined upon application for extended care services and can range 

from $0 to a maximum copayment amount of $97 a day.

NOTE: Veterans determined to be catastrophically disabled are exempt from copays applicable to the receipt of noninstitutional respite 

care, noninstitutional geriatric evaluation, noninstitutional adult day 

health care, homemaker/home health aide, purchase skilled home 

care, home-based primary care, hospice services and any other 

noninstitutional alternative extended care services.

Outpatient Care: While many Veterans qualify for free healthcare 

services based on a VA compensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factor, most Veterans are asked to complete 

an annual financial assessment, to determine if they qualify for 

free services. Veterans whose income exceeds the established VA 

Income Thresholds as well as those who choose not to complete the 

financial assessment must agree to pay required copays to become 

eligible for VA healthcare services.

Primary Care Services: $15 

Specialty Care Services: $50 

NOTE: Copay amount is limited to a single charge per visit regardless of the number of health care providers seen in a single day. The 

copay amount is based on the highest level of service received. 

Outpatient Visits Not Requiring Copays: Certain services are not 

charged a copay. Copays do not apply to publicly announced VA 

health fairs or outpatient visits solely for preventive screening and/

or vaccinations, such as vaccinations for influenza and pneumococ-
9 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 10 

cal, or screening for hypertension, hepatitis B, tobacco, alcohol, 

hyperlipidemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, Human papillomavirus (HPV), colorectal cancer by fecal occult blood testing, education 

about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, HIV testing 

and prevention counseling (including the distribution of condoms), 

and weight reduction or smoking cessation counseling (individual 

and group). Laboratory, plaim film radiology, electrocardiograms, 

and hospice care and in-home video telehealth are also exempt from 

copays. While hepatitis C screening and HIV testing and counseling 

are exempt, medical care for HIV and hepatitis C are NOT exempt 

from copays. 

Medication: While many Veterans are exempt for medication copays, nonservice-connected Veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 are 

charged $9 for each 30-day or less supply of medication provided on 

an outpatient basis for the treatment of a nonservice-connected condition. Veterans enrolled in Priority Groups 2 through 6 are charged 

$8 for each 30-day or less supply of medication; the maximum copay 

for medications that will be charged in calendar year 2013 is $960 for 

nonservice-connected medications. 

NOTE: Copays apply to prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, cough syrup or vitamins, dispensed by a VA 

pharmacy. Copays are not charged for medical supplies, such as 

syringes or alcohol wipes. Copays do not apply to condoms.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be utilized to make VA copayments. HSAs are usually linked to High Deductible Health Plans 

(HDHPs). 

Private Health Insurance Billing

VA is required to bill private health insurance providers for medical care, supplies and medications provided for treatment of Veterans’ non-service connected conditions. Generally, VA cannot bill 

Medicare, but can bill Medicare supplemental health insurance for 

covered services. VA is authorized to bill and accept reimbursement 

from High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) for care provided for 

non-service connected conditions.VA may also accept reimbursement from Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) for care 

provided for non-service connected conditions.

All Veterans applying for VA medical care are required to provide 

information on their health insurance coverage, including coverage 

provided under policies of their spouses. Veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance of VA’s insurance claim not 

paid or covered by their health insurance, and any payment received 

by VA may be used to offset “dollar for dollar” a Veteran’s VA copayment responsibility.

J9

All Veterans applying for VA medical care are required to provide 

information on their health insurance coverage, including coverage 

provided under policies of their spouses. Veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance of VA’s insurance claim not 

paid or covered by their health insurance, and any payment received 

by VA may be used to offset “dollar for dollar” a Veteran’s VA copay 

responsibility. 

Release of Information (ROI) for Sensitive Diagnosis

An ROI authorization form VAF 10-5345 is a VA standard form used 

to obtain authorization to release sensitive (protected) health information to an insurance company for purposes of reimbursement.. 

Veterans/patients who were treated or offered treatment for a sensitive condition of drug abuse, alcohol abuse or alcoholism, HIV testing 

or treatment, and Sickle Cell Anemia or Trait must provide written 

authorization to allow VA to release their sensitive information to a 

third party (insurance company).

NOTE: Please note that if the ROI authorization form is not completed and signed, the VA cannot bill the insurance company for non-service connected care. Thus if the Veteran is required to pay a copayment for health visits, the Veteran will be responsible for the entire 

copayment amount as VA will not be able to credit account dollar for 

dollar based on what the insurance company has reimbursed.

Reimbursement of Travel Costs

Eligible Veterans may be provided mileage reimbursement or, when 

medically indicated, special mode transport (e.g. wheelchair van, 

ambulance) when traveling for approved 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. 
11 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 12 

The deductible may be waived when travel is in relation to a VA compensation or pension examination; travel is by special mode; or when 

imposition would cause a severe financial hardship.

Eligibility: The following are eligible for VA travel reimbursement:

Veterans rated 30 percent or more service-connected .

Veterans traveling for treatment of service-connected

conditions.

Veterans who receive a VA pension.

Veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension

examinations.

Veterans whose income does not exceed the maximum 

annual VA pension rate.

Veterans in certain emergency situations.

Veterans whose medical condition requires a special mode of 

transportation and travel is pre-authorized. (Advanced 

authorization is not required in an emergency and a delay 

would be hazardous to life or health). 

Certain non-Veterans when related to care of a Veteran

(Caregivers, attendants & donors).

Beneficiary travel fraud can take money out of the pockets of deserving Veterans. Inappropriate uses of beneficiary travel benefits 

include: incorrect addresses provided resulting in increased mileage; driving/riding together and making separate claims; and taking 

no cost transportation, such as DAV, and making claims. Veterans 

making false statements for beneficiary travel reimbursement may be 

prosecuted under applicable laws.

Reporting Fraud: Help VA’s Secretary ensure integrity by reporting 

suspected fraud, waste or abuse in VA programs or operations.

VA Inspector General Hotline

P.O. Box 50410

Washington, DC 20091-0410

E-mail: vaoighotline@va.gov

VAOIG hotline 1-800-488-8244

Fax: (202) 565-7936

VA Medical Programs

Veteran Health Registries 

Certain Veterans can participate in a VA health registry and receive 

free evaluations. These evaluations include a medical history, physical exam, and if deemed necessary by the clinician, laboratory tests 

or other studies. 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. 

Gulf War Registry: For Veterans who served on active military 

duty in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War, which began in 1990 

and continues to the present, and includes Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND). The Gulf War registry 

was designed to identify possible health effects resulting from U.S. 

military personnel service in certain areas of Southwest Asia. Potential exposures include endemic infectious diseases and hazardous 

occupational or environmental exposures, including heavy metals, 

air pollutants (particulate matter and gases such as nitrogen oxides, 

carbon monoxide sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons).

Depleted Uranium Registries: Depleted uranium (DU) is uranium left over after most of the more radioactive U-235 isotope has 

been removed. DU possesses about 60 percent of the radioactivity 

of naturally occurring uranium; it is a radiation hazard only in very 

large exposures for prolonged time. DU has some chemical toxicity 

related to being a heavy metal (similar to lead) which occurs at lower 

doses and is the main concern for Veterans with embedded DU fragments.

Veterans who are identified by the Department of Defense (DoD) 

or have concerns about possible depleted uranium exposure are 

eligible for a DU evaluation at their local facility. 

Agent Orange Registry: Agent Orange is an herbicide the U.S. 

military used between 1962 and 1971 during the Vietnam War to remove jungle that provided enemy cover. Veterans serving in Vietnam 
13 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 14 

were possibly exposed to Agent Orange or its dioxin contaminant. 

Veterans eligible for this registry evaluation are those who served 

on the ground in Vietnam between Jan. 9,1962, and May 7,1975, regardless of the length of service; this includes Veterans who served 

aboard boats that operated on inland waterways (“Brown Water 

Navy”) or who made brief visits ashore. 

 Other Veterans with possible exposure who are eligible include 

those who served: along the demilitarized zone in Korea (between 

April 1, 1968 and Aug. 31, 1971), on certain bases or in certain units 

in Thailand (between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975), or on certain 

U.S. bases or locations in other countries where Agent Orange or 

other herbicides were tested or stored. 

VA maintains a DoD-provided list of locations and dates where Agent 

Orange or other herbicides were tested or stored at military bases in 

the U.S. or locations in other countries at www.publichealth.va.gov/

exposures. For sites not listed, the Veteran should provide some 

proof of exposure to obtain a registry examination. Information is also 

available through VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387.

Ionizing Radiation Registry: For Veterans in receipt of nasopharyngeal (nose and throat) radium irradiation treatments while in the 

active military, naval, or air service and Veterans possibly exposed 

to, and who are concerned about, possible adverse effects of their 

atomic exposure during the following “radiation-risk activities” – 

On-site participation in:

an atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device, whether or not 

the testing nation was the United States; 

occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki from Aug. 6, 1945, through 

July 1, 1946; or 

internment as a POW in Japan during World War II, which the 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines resulted in an opportunity 

for exposure to ionizing radiation comparable to that of Veterans 

involved in the occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, or 

Service at (VA regulations provide that “radiation-risk activity” refers 

to):

Department of Energy gaseous diffusion plants at Paducah, Kentucky, Portsmouth, Ohio, or the K-25 area at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 

for at least 250 days before Feb. 1, 1992, if the Veteran was monitored for each of the 250 days using dosimetry badges to monitor 

radiation to external body parts; or

Amchitka Island, Alaska, before Jan. 1, 1974, if the Veteran 

served for at least 250 days in a position that had exposures comparable to a job that was monitored using dosimetry badges in proximity to Longshot, Milrow, or Cannikin underground nuclear tests.

Readjustment Counseling Services

VA provides outreach and readjustment counseling services through 

300 community-based Vet Centers located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and America Samoa.

Eligibility: Veterans are eligible if they served on active duty in a 

combat theater or area of hostility during World War II, the Korean 

War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, or the campaigns in Lebanon, 

Grenada, Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and 

the Global War on Terror. Veterans, who served in the active military 

during the Vietnam-era, but not in the Republic of Vietnam, must 

have requested services at a Vet Center before Jan. 1, 2004. Vet 

Centers do not require enrollment in the VHA Health Care System.

Services Offered: Vet Center counselors provide individual, group, 

and family readjustment counseling to combat Veterans to assist 

them in making a successful transition from military to civilian life; 

to include treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 

help with any other military related problems that affect functioning 

within the family, work, school or other areas of everyday life. Other 

psycho-social services include outreach, education, medical referral, 

homeless Veteran services, employment, VA benefit referral, and the 

brokering of non-VA services. The Vet Centers also provide military 

sexual trauma counseling to Veterans of both genders and of any era 

of military service.

Bereavement Counseling related to Servicemembers: Bereavement counseling is available through VA’s Vet Centers to all immediate family members (including spouses, children, parents, and 

siblings) of Servicemembers who die while serving on active service. 

This includes federally-activated members of the National Guard and 

reserve components. Vet Center bereavement services for surviving family members of Servicemembers may be accessed by calling 

(202) 461-6530.Vet Center Combat Call Center (1-877-WAR-VETS) 
15 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 16 

is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience 

or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. 

The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well 

as family members of combat Veterans. For additional information, 

contact the nearest Vet Center, listed in the back of this book, or visit 

www.vetcenter.va.gov/. 

Vet Center Combat Call Center: (1-877-WAR-VETS) is an around 

the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their 

families can call to talk about their military experience or any other 

issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is 

comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as family 

members of combat Veterans.

Prosthetic and Sensory Aids

Veterans receiving VA care for any condition may receive VA prosthetic appliances, equipment and services, such as home respiratory 

therapy, artificial limbs, orthopedic braces and therapeutic shoes, 

wheelchairs, powered mobility, crutches, canes, walkers, special 

aids, appliances, optical and electronic devices for visual impairment 

and other durable medical equipment and supplies. Veterans who 

are approved for a guide or service dog may also receive service 

dog benefits including veterinary care and equipment. 

VA medical services include diagnostic audiology and diagnostic 

and preventive eye care services. VA will provide hearing aids and 

eyeglasses to the following Veterans: 

(a) Those with any compensable service-connected disability. 

(b) Those who are former Prisoners of War (POWs). 

(c) Those who were awarded a Purple Heart. 

(d) Those in receipt of benefits under Title 38 United States Code 

(U.S.C.) 1151. 

(e) Those in receipt of an increased pension based on being 

rated permanently housebound or in need of regular aid and 

attendance. 

(f) Those with vision or hearing impairment resulting from diseases or the existence of another medical condition for which the 

Veteran is receiving care or services from VHA, or which resulted 

from treatment of that medical condition, e.g., stroke, polytrauma, 

traumatic brain injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, 

geriatric chronic illnesses, toxicity from drugs, ocular photosensitivity 

from drugs, cataract surgery, and/or other surgeries performed on the 

eye, ear, or brain resulting in vision or hearing impairment. 

(g) Those with significant functional or cognitive impairment 

evidenced by deficiencies in the ability to perform activities of daily 

living. but not including normally occurring visual or hearing impairments. Note: Veterans with normally occurring visual and/or hearing impairments that interfere with their medical care are eligible for 

eyeglasses and hearing aids.

(h) Those who have vision or hearing impairment or combined 

visual and hearing impairments severe enough that it interferes with 

their ability to participate actively in their own medical treatment. 

Note: The term “severe” is to be interpreted as a vision and/or hearing loss that interferes with or restricts access to, involvement in, or 

active participation in health care services (e.g., communication or 

reading medication labels). The term is not to be interpreted to mean 

that a severe hearing or vision loss must exist to be eligible for hearing aids or eyeglasses.

(i) Those Veterans who have service-connected which contribute 

to a loss of communication ability; however, hearing aids are to be 

provided only as needed for the service-connected hearing disability. 

Nonservice-connected (NSC) Veterans are eligible for hearing 

aids or eyeglasses on the basis of medical need. All such Veterans 

(including Medal of Honor recipients who do not have entitling conditions or circumstances and catastrophically disabled Veterans) must 

receive a hearing evaluation by a state-licensed audiologist prior to 

determining eligibility for hearing aids or an appropriate evaluation 

by an optometrist or ophthalmologist prior to determining eligibility 

for eyeglasses to establish medical justification for provision of these 

devices. These Veterans must meet the following criteria for eligibility based on medical need:

(a) Be enrolled at the VA medical facility where they receive their 

health care; and 

(b) Have hearing or vision loss that interferes with or restricts 

communication to the extent that it affects their active participation in 

the provision of health care services as determined by an audiologist 

or an eye care practitioner or provider. 

For additional information, contact the prosthetic chief or representative at the nearest VA medical center or go to www.prosthetics.

va.gov.
17 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 18 

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations 

VA provides up to $6,800 lifetime benefits for service-connected 

Veterans/Servicemembers and up to $2,000 lifetime benefit for or 

nonservice-connected Veterans to make home improvements and/or 

structural changes necessary for the continuation of treatment or for 

disability access to the Veterans/Servicemembers home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. 

Modifications can include but are not limited to: 

 Ramps allowing entrance to, or exit from, the Veterans/Servicemembers primary residence; Widening of doorways to allow access to essential lavatory and sanitary facilities; Raising or lowering 

kitchen or bathroom sinks and/or counters; Improving entrance paths 

or driveways in immediate area of the home to facilitate access to 

the home by the Veteran/Servicemember; Improving plumbing or 

electrical systems made necessary due to installation of dialysis 

equipment or other medically sustaining equipment in the home. 

For application information, contact the Prosthetic Representative at 

the nearest VA medical center.

Special Eligibility Programs

Special Eligibility for Children with Spina Bifida: 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).

Special Eligibility for Veterans Participating in Vocational Rehabilitation: Veterans participating in VA’s vocational rehabilitation 

program may receive VA health care benefits including prosthetics, 

medical equipment, and supplies. 

Limitations on Benefits Available to Veterans outside the U.S.: 

Veterans outside the U.S. are eligible for prosthetics, medical equipment, and supplies only for a service-connected disability.

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. In 

addition, blind Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system may 

receive:

1. A total health and benefits review as well as counseling on 

obtaining benefits that may be due to the Veteran but have 

 not been received.

2. Adjustment to blindness training and counseling.

3. Home improvements and structural alterations.

4. Specially adapted housing and adaptations.

5. Automobile grant.

6. Rehabilitation assessment and training to improve 

independence and quality of life.

7. Low-vision devices and training in their use.

8. Electronic and mechanical aids for the blind, including 

 adaptive computers and computer-assisted devices such as 

 reading machines and electronic travel aids.

9. Facilitation and recommendation for guide dogs and support 

 in the use of guide dogs.

10. Costs for veterinary care and equipment for guide dogs.

11. Talking books, tapes and Braille literature.

12. Family education and support.

Eligible visually impaired Veterans (who are not severely visually 

disabled) enrolled in the VA health care system may be eligible for 

services at a VA medical center or for admission to an outpatient VA 

blind rehabilitation program and may also receive:

1. A total health and benefits review.

2. Adjustment to vision loss counseling. 

3. Rehabilitation assessment and training to improve 

independence and quality of life.

4. Low-vision devices and training in their use.

5. Electronic and mechanical aids for the visually impaired, 

 including adaptive computers and computer-assisted 

 devices, such as reading machines and electronic travel 

 aids, and training in their use.

6. Family education and support. 

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. 

Mental Health services are also available in medical settings in which 
19 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 20 

patients are receiving treatment, such as inpatient medicine and outpatient specialty medical clinics. In addition to general mental health 

care, this may include specialized PTSD services, treatment for 

Veterans with psychological conditions related to a history of military 

sexual trauma, psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery services, 

treatment for substance use disorders, suicide prevention programs, 

geriatric mental health problems, violence prevention, evidencebased psychotherapy programs, treatment with psychiatric medications consistent with VA Clinical Practice Guidelines , integrated 

care services, and mental health disaster response/post deployment 

activities. 

Specialized programs, such as mental health intensive case management, psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery centers, and 

work programs are provided for Veterans with serious mental health 

problems. VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family 

Caregivers entitles the designated primary and secondary Family 

Caregiver(s) access to mental health. These services may be offered at the VA and/or contracted agencies. General Caregivers (of 

all era Veterans) can receive counseling and other services when 

necessary if the treatment supports the Veteran’s treatment plan. 

For more information on VA Mental Health services visit http://www.

mentalhealth.va.gov/VAMentalHealthGroup.asp

Veterans Crisis Line:Veterans experiencing an emotional distress/

crisis or who need to talk to a trained mental health professional may 

call the Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline is 

available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When callers press 

“1”, they are immediately connected with a qualified and caring provider who can help.

Chat feature: Veterans Chat is located at the Veterans Crisis Line 

and enables Veterans, their families and friends to go online where 

they can anonymously chat with a trained VA counselor. Veterans 

Chat can be accessed through the suicide prevention Website www.

Veterancrisisline.net by clicking on the Veterans Chat tab on the right 

side of the Webpage. 

Text feature: Those in crisis may text 83-8255 free of charge to 

receive confidential, personal and immediate support.

European access: Veterans and members of the military community in Europe may now receive free, confidential support from 

the European Military Crisis Line, a new initiative recently launched 

by VA. Callers in Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118 to 

receive confidential support from responders at the Veterans Crisis 

Line in the U.S. For more information about VA’s suicide prevention 

program, visit: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/ or 

www.veteranscrisisline.net.

Make the Connection Resources: help Veterans and their family members connect with information and services to improve their 

lives. Visitors to MakeTheConnection.net will find a one-stop resource where Veterans and their family and friends can privately explore information, watch stories similar to their own, research content 

on mental health issues and treatment, and easily access support 

and information that will help them live more fulfilling lives. 

At the heart of Make the Connection are powerful personal testimonials, which illustrate true stories of Veterans who faced life events, 

experiences, physical injuries or psychological symptoms; reached 

out for support; and found ways to overcome their challenges. Veterans and their families are encouraged to “make the connection” 

- with strength and resilience of Veterans like themselves, with other 

people who care, and with information and available resources for 

getting their lives on a better track. For more information, go to www.

MakeTheConnection.net

Coaching Into Care: works with family members or friends who 

become aware of the Veteran’s post-deployment difficulties, and supports their efFt.s to find help for the Veteran. This national clinical 

service provides information and help to Veterans and the loved ones 

who are concerned about them. More information about the service 

can be found at http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/contact.asp

VA’s National Center for PTSD serves as a resource for healthcare 

professionals, Veterans and families. Information, self-help resources, and other helpful information can be found at www.ptsd.va.gov.

The PTSD Coach is a mobile application that provides information 

about PTSD, self assessment and symptom management tools and 

provides information about to connect with resources that are available for those who might be dealing with post trauma effects. The 

PTSD Coach is available as a free download for iPhone or Android 

devices.
21 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 22 

Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation

Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (MH 

RRTP) (including domiciliaries) provide residential rehabilitative and 

clinical care to Veterans who have a wide range of problems, illnesses, or rehabilitative care needs which can be medical, psychiatric, substance use, homelessness, vocational, educational, or social. 

The MH RRTP provides a 24-hour therapeutic setting utilizing a 

peer and professional support environment. The programs provide a 

strong emphasis on psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery services 

that instill personal responsibility to achieve optimal levels of independence upon discharge to independent or supportive community living. 

MH RRTP also provides rehabilitative care for homeless Veterans. 

Eligibility: VA may provide domiciliary care to Veterans whose annual gross household income does not exceed the maximum annual 

rate of VA pension or to Veterans the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 

determines have no adequate means of support. The copays for 

extended care services apply to domiciliary care. Call the nearest 

benefits or health care facility to obtain the latest information.

Outpatient Dental Treatment

Dental benefits are provided by VA according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in 

other cases treatment may be limited by law. This Fact Sheet table 

describes dental eligibility criteria and contains information to assist 

Veterans in understanding their eligibility for VA dental care.

By law, the eligibility for Outpatient Dental Care is not the same as for 

most other VA medical benefits. It is categorized in classes. Those 

eligible for VA dental care under Class I, IIC, or IV are eligible for any 

necessary dental care to maintain or restore oral health and masticatory function, including repeat care. Other classes have time and/or 

service limitations.

*Note: Public Law 83 enacted June 16, 1955, amended Veterans’ 

eligibility for outpatient dental services. As a result, any Veteran who 

received a dental award letter from VBA dated before 1955 in which 

VBA determined the dental conditions to be noncompensable are no 

longer eligible for Class II outpatient dental treatment.

Veterans receiving hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care will be 

provided dental services that are professionally determined by a VA 

You are eligible for:

Any needed dental care.

Any dental care necessary to 

provide and maintain a functioning 

dentition. A Dental Trauma Rating 

(VA Form 10-564-D) or VA Regional Office Rating Decision letter 

(VA Form 10-7131) identifies the 

tooth/teeth that are trauma rated. 

Have a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability resulting from combat wounds or 

service trauma. 

Have a dental condition clinically 

determined by VA to be associated 

with and aggravating a serviceconnected medical condition.

Class I

Dental care to treat the oral 

conditions that are determined by 

a VA dental professional to have 

a direct and material detrimental 

effect to a service-connected 

medical condition. 

Are actively engaged in a 38 USC 

Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation 

program. 

Are receiving VA care or are scheduled for inpatient care and require 

dental care for a condition complicating a current medical condition 

Are an enrolled Veteran who may 

be homeless and receiving care 

under VHA Directive 2007-039.

Any needed dental care. 

Dental care to the extent necessary to: to enter, achieve goals, 

and prevent interruption of a rehab 

program; hasten the return to a rehab program because of a dental 

condition; or to secure and adjust 

to employment during employment 

assistance, or enable to achieve 

maximum independence in daily 

living. 

Any needed dental care. 

[note: Veterans paid at the 100 

percent rate based on a temporary rating, are not eligible for 

comprehensive outpatient dental 

services. 

One-time dental care if a DD214 

certificate of discharge does not 

indicate that a complete dental 

examination and all appropriate 

dental treatment had been rendered prior to discharge.(NOTE)

A one-time course of dental care 

that is determined medically 

necessary to relieve pain, assist 

in gaining employment, or treat 

moderate to severe gingival and 

periodontal conditions. 

Dental care to treat the oral conditions that are determined by a VA 

dental professional to complicate 

a medical condition currently 

under treatment. 

Have a service-connected 

compensable dental disability or 

condition.

If you: Through

Are a former prisoner of war. 

Have service-connected disabilities 

rated 100 percent disabling, or 

are unemployable and paid at the 

100 percent rate due to serviceconnected conditions. 

Apply for dental care within 180 

days of discharge or release from of 

active duty (under conditions other 

than dishonorable) of 90 days or 

more during the Gulf War era. 

Class IIC

Class IV

Class II

Class IIA

Class V

Class VI

Class IIB

Class III
23 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 24 

dentist, in consultation with the referring physician, to be essential 

to the management of the patient’s medical condition under active 

treatment. For more information about eligibility for VA medical and 

dental benefits, contact VA at 1-877-222-8387 8387, Monday through 

Friday between 8:00am and 8:00pm Eastern time or www.va.gov/

healthbenefits

Vocational and Work Assistance Programs

VHA provides vocational assistance and therapeutic work opportunities through three primary Therapeutic & Supported Employment 

Services (TSES) programs for Veterans enrolled in the VA system 

of care. These programs are designed to assist Veterans to live and 

work as independently as possible in their respective communities. 

Participation in TSES vocational services cannot be used to deny or 

discontinue VA disability benefits. Payments received from Incentive 

Therapy and Compensated Work Therapy Sheltered Workshop and 

Transitional Work cannot be used to deny or discontinue SSI and/or 

SSDI payments and they are not subject to IRS taxes.

CWT/Transitional Work (CWT/TW) is vocational assessment 

program that operates in VA medical centers and/or local community business and industry. CWT/TW participants are matched 

to real life work assignments for a time-limited basis. Veterans are 

supervised by personnel of the sponsoring site, under the same job 

expectations experienced by non-CWT workers. Veterans participating in the CWT/TW program are not employees of either the Federal 

government or a host company and, as such, receive no traditional 

employee benefits. CWT/TW participants receive, at a minimum, 

the greater of Federal or state minimum wage for all hours worked. 

Approximately 40 percent of participants secure competitive employment at the time of discharge.

CWT/Supported Employment (CWT/SE) is a recovery-based intervention provided through an integrated partnership with the primary 

Mental Health treatment team. The employment is intended to be an 

extension of treatment to manage symptoms and advance recovery. 

CWT/SE consists of full or part-time competitive employment with 

extensive clinical supports to Veterans, and accommodations/supervision guidance to employers.

Other Initiatives include the adaption of SE evidence-based principles for specialty Therapeutic and Supported Employment Services 

programs for Veterans diagnosed with Spinal Cord Injury, Polytrauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

A list of CWT program sites can be found on the Location Page at 

http://www.cwt.va.gov.

Vocational Assistance is a set of assessment, guidance, counseling, or other related services that may be offered to groups or individuals. These services are designed to enable Veterans to realize 

skills, resources, attitudes and expectations needed to prepare for 

searching for employment, succeeding in the employment interview 

process, and succeeding in employment.

Compensated Work Therapy/Sheltered Workshop operates 

sheltered workshops at approximately 25 VA medical centers. CWT 

Sheltered Workshop is a pre-employment vocational activity that provides an opportunity for work hardening and assessment in a simulated work environment. Participating Veterans are paid the greater 

of Federal or state minimum wage on a piece rate basis.

Incentive Therapy (IT) is a pre-employment program that provides 

a limited work experience at VA medical centers for Veterans who 

are not actively seeking competitive employment and exhibit severe 

mental illness and/or physical impairments. IT services may consist 

of full- or part-time work with nominal remuneration limited to the 

maximum of one half of the Federal minimum wage.

Nursing Home Care

VA provides nursing home services 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. Nursing 

home care is available for enrolled Veterans who need nursing home 

care for a service-connected disability, or Veterans or who have a 

70 percent or greater service-connected disability and Veterans with 

a rating of total disability based on individual unemployability. VA provided nursing home care for all other Veterans is based on available 

resources.

VA Community Living Centers: Community Living Centers (CLC) 

provide a dynamic array of short stay (less than 90 days) and long 

stay (91 days or more) services. Short stay services include but are 

not limited to skilled nursing, respite care, rehabilitation, hospice, and 

continuing care for Veterans awaiting placement in the community. 
25 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 26 

ties are not feasibly available. This benefit may be dependent upon 

other conditions, such as notification to VA, the nature of treatment 

sought, the status of the Veteran, the presence of other health care 

insurance, and third party liability. 

Because there are different regulatory requirements that may affect 

VA payment and Veteran liability for the cost of care, it is very important that the nearest VA medical facility to where emergency services are furnished be notified as soon as possible after emergency 

treatment is sought. If emergency inpatient services are required, VA 

will assist in transferring the Veteran to a Department facility, if available. Timely filing claim limitations apply. For additional information, 

contact the nearest VA medical facility. Please note that reimbursement criteria for Veterans living or traveling outside the United States 

fall under VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP), and differ from the 

criteria for payment of emergency treatment received in the United 

States. 

Foreign Medical Program

VA will provide reimbursement for medical services for service-connected disabilities or any disability associated with and found to be 

aggravating a service-connected disability for those Veterans living 

or traveling outside the United States. This program will also reimburse for the treatment of foreign medical services needed as part of 

an approved VA vocational rehabilitation program. Veterans living in 

the Philippines should register with the U.S. Veterans Affairs office 

in Pasay City, telephone 011-632-838-4566 or by email at manlopc.

inqry@vba.va.gov. All other Veterans living or planning to travel 

outside the U.S. should register with the Denver Foreign Medical 

Program office, P.O. Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-9061, USA; 

telephone 303-331-7590. For information visit: http://www.va.gov/

hac/forbeneficiaries/fmp/fmp.asp

Some Veterans traveling or living overseas can telephone the 

Foreign Medical Program toll free from these countries: Germany 

0800-1800-011; Australia 1800-354-965; Italy 800-782-655; United 

Kingdom (England and Scotland) 0800-032-7425; Mexico 001-877-

345-8179; Japan 00531-13-0871; Costa Rica 0800-013-0759; and 

Spain 900-981-776. (Note: Veterans in Mexico or Costa Rica must 

first dial the United States country code.) 

On occasion Veterans will ask to have prescriptions mailed outside 

the Unites States and its territories. VA Pharmacy Service will not 

Long stay services include but are not limited to dementia care and 

continuing care to maintain the Veteran’s level of functioning. Short 

stay and long stay services are available for Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care and require CLC services. 

State Veterans’ Home Program: State Veterans homes are owned 

and operated by the states. The states petition VA for grant dollars 

for a portion of the construction costs followed by a request for recognition as a state home. Once recognized, VA pays a portion of the 

per diem if the state meets VA standards. States establish eligibility 

criteria and determine services offered for short and long-term care. 

Specialized services offered are dependent upon the capability of the 

home to render them.

Community Nursing Home Program: VA health care facilities establish contracts with community nursing homes. The purpose of this 

program is to meet the nursing home needs of Veterans who require 

long-term nursing home care in their own community, close to their 

families and meet the enrollment and eligibility requirements. 

Admission Criteria: The general criteria for nursing home placement in each of the three programs requires that a resident must be 

medically stable, i.e. not acutely ill, have sufficient functional deficits 

to require inpatient nursing home care, and be determined by an 

appropriate medical provider to need institutional nursing home care. 

Furthermore, the Veteran must meet the specific eligibility criteria for 

community living center care or the contract nursing home program 

and the eligibility criteria for the specific state Veterans home. 

Home and Community Based Services: In addition to nursing 

home care, VA offers a variety of other long-term care services 

either directly or by contract with community-based agencies. Such 

services include adult day health care, respite care, geriatric evaluation and management, hospice and palliative care, skilled nursing 

and other skilled professional services at home, home health aide 

services, and home based primary care. Veterans receiving these 

services may be subject to a copay.

Emergency Medical Care in U.S. Non-VA Facilities 

In the case of medical emergencies, VA may reimburse or pay for 

emergency non-VA medical care not previously authorized that is 

provided to certain eligible Veterans when VA or other federal facili-
27 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 1 VA Health Care 28 

ship medications or medical/surgical supply items outside of the 

Unites States or US Territories (Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). For 

Veterans registered with the Foreign Medical Program, prescription 

reimbursement is approved only for United States Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) approved medications. 

Within the United States and prior to travel abroad, VA facilities 

may opt to fill a Veteran patient’s outpatient medications prior to the 

normal dispensing date in the event that a Veteran will be traveling 

and unable to obtain medications while abroad. This may be done 

on a limited basis and requires prior consultation with the Veteran 

patient’s VA provider prior to dispensing.

Online Health Services

VA offers Veterans, Servicemembers, their dependents and caregivers their own personal health record through My HealtheVet, found at 

www.myhealth.va.gov. 

My HealtheVet’s free, online Personal Health Record is available 

24/7 with Internet access. Those with an upgraded account (obtained 

by completing the one-time in-person authentication* process) can: 

• Participate in secure messaging with VA health care team 

members 

• View key portions of DoD military service information 

• Get VA wellness reminders 

• View VA appointments 

• View VA lab results

• View VA allergies, adverse reactions and other key portions of 

their VA electronic health record.

• View their VA Comprehensive Care Document (CCD)

With My HealtheVet, Veterans can access trusted health information to better manage personal health care and learn about other VA 

benefits and services. 

My HealtheVet helps Veterans partner with VA health care teams 

by providing tools to make shared, informed decisions. Simply follow the directions on the Website to register. VA patients registered 

on My HealtheVet can begin to refill VA medications online. Veterans can also use the VA Blue Button to view, print, or download 

the health data currently in their My HealtheVet account. Veterans 

can share this information with family, caregivers or others such as 

non-VA health care providers. It puts the Veteran in control of information stored in My HealtheVet. Accessible through My HealtheVet, 

VA Blue Button also provides Veterans who were discharged from 

military service after 1979 access to DoD Military Service Information. This information may include Military Occupational Specialty 

(MOS) codes, pay details, service dates, deployment, and retirement 

periods. 

*To access the advanced My HealtheVet features, Veterans will need 

to get an upgraded account by completing a one-time process at 

their VA facility called in-person authentication. Visit My HealtheVet 

at www.myhealth.va.gov, register and learn more about in-person authentication plus the many features and tools available with Internet 

access. Veterans with questions should contact the My HealtheVet 

Coordinator at their VA facility. 

Caregiver Programs and Services

VA has long supported Family Caregivers as vital partners in providing care worthy of the sacrifices by America’s Veterans and Servicemembers. Each VA medical center has a Caregiver Support Program coordinated by a Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC). The 

CSC coordinates Caregiver activities and serve as a resource expert 

for Veterans, their families and VA providers. Several programs are 

available for all Veteran Caregivers including:

In-Home and Community Based Care: Skilled home health care, 

homemaker/home health aide services, community adult day health 

care and Home Based Primary Care. 

Respite Care: Designed to relieve the family Caregiver from the 

constant burden of caring for a chronically ill or disabled Veteran at 

home. Services can include in-home care, a short stay in an institutional setting or adult day health care. 

Caregiver Education and Training Programs: VA currently provides multiple training opportunities which include pre-discharge care 

instruction and specialized Caregiver programs in multiple severe 

traumas such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders, and Blind Rehabilitation. VA has a Caregiver web site, www.

caregiver.va.gov, which provides tools, resources, and information to 
29 VA Health Care Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 30

Family Caregivers. 

Family Support Services: These support groups can be face-toface or on the telephone. They include family counseling, spiritual 

and pastoral care, family leisure and recreational activities and temporary lodging in Fisher Houses. 

Travel: VA's Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers 

Program entitles the designated family caregiver to beneficiary travel 

benefits. These benefits include:

• Transport, lodging, and subsistence for period of Caregiver 

 training 

• Transport, lodging, and subsistence while traveling as Veteran’s 

 attendant to and from VA Healthcare as well as duration of 

 care at VA or VA authorized facility. 

• Mileage or common carrier transport.

• Lodging and/or subsistence at 50 percent of local federal 

 employee rates

Other Benefits: VA provides durable medical equipment and prosthetic and sensory aides to improve function, financial assistance 

with home modification to improve access and mobility, and transportation assistance for some Veterans to and from medical appointments.

On May 5, 2010, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health 

Services Act of 2010 was signed into law. Title I of the Act will allow 

VA to provide unprecedented benefits to eligible Caregivers (a parent, spouse, child, step-family member, extended family member, or 

an individual who lives with the Veteran, but is not a family member) 

who support the Veterans who have given so much for this Nation. 

The law distinguishes between Veterans who incurred or aggravated 

a serious injury in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 (post9/11 Veterans), and those Veterans whose injuries were incurred 

prior to Sept. 11, 2001 (pre-9/11 Veterans). 

The new services for this group include:

• Monthly stipend based on the personal care needs of the Veteran

• Travel expenses, including lodging and per diem while accompanying Veterans undergoing care

• Access to health care insurance through CHAMPVA if the 

Caregiver is not already entitled to care or services under a health 

plan

• Mental health services and counseling 

• Comprehensive VA Caregiver training provided by Easter Seals

• Respite care

• Appropriate caregiving instruction and training 

Chapter 2

Service-connected Disabilities

Disability Compensation

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to Veterans who 

are disabled by an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated 

during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be 

service connected. 

For additional details on types of disability claims and how to apply, 

go to http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

Monthly disability compensation varies with the degree of disability 

and the number of eligible dependents. Veterans with certain severe 

disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation (SMC). Disability compensation benefits are not subject to 

federal or state income tax. 

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and 

separation incentive payments, known as Special Separation Benefit (SSB) and Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI), may affect the 

amount of VA compensation paid to disabled Veterans. 

To be eligible for compensation, the Veteran must have been separated or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. 

Receiving Disability Benefit Payments

The Department of Treasury has mandated that all recurring federal 

benefits be administered through either Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or Direct Express® Debit MasterCard®. Compensation 

and pension beneficiaries can establish direct deposit through the 

Treasury’s Go Direct helpline. Call toll-free 1-800-333-1795, or enroll 
31 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 32

online at www.GoDirect.org. 

Veterans also have the option of receiving their benefits via a prepaid debit card, even if they do not have a bank account. There is 

no credit check, no minimum balance required, and basic services 

are free. To establish payments of federal benefits through Direct 

Express® Debit MasterCard® issued by Comerica Bank, call 1-888-

213-1625 to enroll in the program.

2013 VA Disability Compensation 

Rates for Veterans

Disability Rating Monthly Rate

10 percent $129

20 percent $255

30 percent* $395

40 percent* $569

50 percent* $810

60 percent* $1,026

70 percent* $1,293

80 percent* $1,503

90 percent* $1,689

100 percent* $2,816

*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. 

Additional Monetary Benefits for Eligible Military Retirees

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is a Department of 

Defense (DoD) program that allows some individuals to receive both 

military retired pay and VA disability compensation. This dual receipt 

was prohibited until the CRDP program began on Jan. 1, 2004. 

CRDP is a “phase in” of benefits that gradually restores a retiree’s VA 

disability offset. This means that an eligible person’s retired pay will 

gradually increase each year until the phase in is complete in Jan. 

2014.

Effective Jan. 1, 2005, Veterans rated 100 percent disabled by VA, 

including those receiving benefits at the 100 percent rate due to individual unemployability (IU), are entitled to full CRDP without being 

phased in.

Eligibility: To qualify for CRDP, Veterans must:

• Have a VA service-connected rating of 50 percent or greater, 

and:

• Be retired from military service based on longevity, including 

temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) retirees; or

• Be retired under Chapter 61 with 20 or more qualifying years of 

service; or

• Be retired from National Guard or Reserve service with 20 or 

more qualifying years; and

• Be eligible to receive retired pay (must be offset by VA 

payments).

Retirees do not need to apply for this benefit. Payment is coordinated between VA and the military pay center. 

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) is a DoD program 

that provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible retired Veterans 

with combat-related disabilities. With CRSC, Veterans can receive 

both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation 

for disabilities determined by the service department to be combat 

related.

Eligibility: To qualify for CRSC, Veterans must: 

1. Be a military retiree.

2. Be entitled to and/or receiving military retired pay.

3. Have a compensable service-connected disability.

 

In addition, Veterans must be able to provide documentary evidence 

that their disabilities were the result of one of the following:

• Training that simulates war (e.g., exercises, field training)

• Hazardous duty (e.g., flight, diving, parachute duty)

• An instrumentality of war (e.g., combat vehicles, weapons)

• Armed conflict (e.g., gunshot wounds, Purple Heart)

Disabilities related to in-service exposure to hazards (e.g., Agent 

Orange, Gulf War illnesses, radiation exposure) for which VA awards 
33 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 34

compensation are considered combat-related for CRSC purposes. 

For more information, visit www.defense.gov, or call the toll-free 

phone number for the Veteran’s branch of service: 

Army 1-866-281-3254, ,https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/index.html 

or e-mail at crsc.info@us.army.mil

Air Force 1-800-616-3775, http://www.retirees.af.mil/ or email at 

AFPC.DPPDC.AFCRSC@us.af.mil

Navy/Marine Corps 1-877-366-2772, www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/

CRSCB/combatrelated.htm or email at DoN_CRSC@navy.mil

Coast Guard 1-202-493-1735, http://www.uscg.mil/adm1/crsc.asp or 

email at Cassie.H.Sylvester@uscg.mil.

Disability Compensation for Presumptive Conditions

Certain chronic and tropical diseases (for example, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and arthritis) may be service connected if the 

disease becomes at least 10 percent disabling within the applicable 

time limit following service. For a comprehensive list of these chronic 

diseases, see 38 CFR 3.309; for applicable time limits, see 38 CFR 

3.307.

All Veterans who develop Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also 

known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, at any time after separation from 

service may be eligible for compensation for that disability. To be 

eligible, the Veteran must have served a minimum of 90 consecutive 

days of active service.

Prisoners of War: For former POWs who were imprisoned for any 

length of time, the following disabilities are presumed to be service 

connected if they become at least 10 percent disabling anytime 

after military service: psychosis, any of the anxiety states, dysthymic 

disorder, organic residuals of frostbite, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease 

and their complications, stroke and its complications, and, effective 

Oct.10, 2008, osteoporosis if the Veteran has post-traumatic stress 

disorder (PTSD).

For former POWs who were imprisoned for at least 30 days, the 

following conditions are also presumed to be service connected: 

avitaminosis, beriberi, chronic dysentery, helminthiasis, malnutrition 

(including optic atrophy associated with malnutrition), pellagra and/or 

other nutritional deficiencies, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer 

disease, peripheral neuropathy except where related to infectious 

causes, cirrhosis of the liver, and, effective Sept. 28, 2009, osteoporosis.

Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange and Other Herbicides: A 

Veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 

1962, and May 7, 1975, is presumed to have been exposed to Agent 

Orange and other herbicides used in support of military operations. 

VA presumes the following diseases to be service-connected for 

such exposed Veterans: AL amyloidosis, chloracne or other acneform disease similar to chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, soft-tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s 

sarcoma or mesothelioma), Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, 

respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, trachea), non-Hodgkin’s 

lymphoma, prostate cancer, acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus (Type 2), all chronic B-cell leukemias (including, but not limited to, hairy-cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic 

leukemia), Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic heart disease.

Veterans Exposed to Radiation: For Veterans who participated in 

radiation risk activities as defined in VA regulations while on active 

duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, the following 

conditions are presumed to be service connected: all forms of leukemia (except for chronic lymphocytic leukemia); cancer of the thyroid, 

breast, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, bile 

ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary tract (renal pelvis, ureter, 

urinary bladder and urethra), brain, bone, lung, colon, and ovary; 

bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma; multiple myeloma; lymphomas (other 

than Hodgkin’s disease), and primary liver cancer (except if cirrhosis 

or hepatitis B is indicated). 

To determine service connection for other conditions or exposures 

not eligible for presumptive service connection, VA considers factors such as the amount of radiation exposure, duration of exposure, 

elapsed time between exposure and onset of the disease, gender 

and family history, age at time of exposure, the extent to which a 

non-service exposure could contribute to disease, and the relative 

sensitivity of exposed tissue.
35 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 36

Gulf War Veterans with Chronic Disabilities may receive disability 

compensation for chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses and/or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms. A disability is considered chronic if it has existed for at least six months. 

The undiagnosed illness must have appeared either during active 

service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf 

War period of Aug. 2, 1990, to July 31, 1991, or to a degree of at 

least 10 percent at any time since then through Dec.31, 2016. This 

theater of operations includes Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral 

zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab 

Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian 

Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above these 

locations.

Examples of symptoms of an undiagnosed illness and medically 

unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness defined by a cluster of 

signs and symptoms include: chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, 

functional gastrointestinal disorders , fatigue, signs or symptoms 

involving the skin, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, neurological 

signs or symptoms, neuropsychological signs or symptoms, signs or 

symptoms involving the respiratory system (upper or lower), sleep 

disturbances, gastrointestinal signs or symptoms, cardiovascular 

signs or symptoms, abnormal weight loss, and menstrual disorders.

Presumptive service connection may be granted for the following infectious diseases if found compensable within a specific time period: 

Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetti (Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, 

Visceral leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus. Qualifying periods of 

service for these infectious diseases include active military, naval, or 

air service in the above stated Southwest Asia theater of operations 

during the Gulf War period of Aug. 2, 1990, until such time as the 

Gulf War is ended by Congressional action or Presidential proclamation; and active military, naval, or air service on or after Sept. 19, 

2001, in Afghanistan. 

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans Certain Servicemembers 

and Veterans with 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 

Servicemembers may now receive up to three grants, with the total 

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

Previous grant recipients who had received assistance of less than 

the current maximum allowable may be eligible for an additional 

grant.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Eligibility for up to 

$64,960: 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 of $64,960. In certain instances, the full 

grant amount may be applied toward remodeling costs. Veterans and 

Servicemembers must be determined eligible to receive compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to one 

of 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 of one upper extremity which so affects the functions of 

 balance or propulsion as 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.

Special Home Adaption (SHA) Grant: Eligibility for up to $12,992: 

VA may approve a benefit amount up to a maximum of $12,992, for 

the cost of necessary adaptations to a Servicemember’s or Veteran’s 
37 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 38

Automobile Allowance: As of Oct. 1, 2012, Veterans and Servicemembers may be eligible for a one-time payment of not more than 

$19,505 toward the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance 

if they have service-connected loss or permanent loss of use of one 

or both hands or feet, or permanent impairment of vision of both 

eyes to a certain degree. 

They may also be eligible for adaptive equipment, and for repair, 

replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability or for the 

safe operation of a vehicle purchased with VA assistance. To apply, 

contact a VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000 or the nearest VA 

health care facility.

Clothing Allowance: Any Veteran who has service-connected 

disabilities that require a 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 apply, contact the prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center. 

Allowance for Aid and Attendance or Housebound Veterans

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 disability compensation or 

pension payments. A Veteran evaluated at 30 percent or more disabled is entitled to receive an additional payment for a spouse who is 

in need of the aid and attendance of another person. 

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 they 

will reside. 

To be eligible for this grant, Servicemembers 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 visual acuity or less.

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

3. Severe burn injuries (see above).

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Eligible Veterans and 

Servicemembers who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a 

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

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

special needs. Those eligible for a $64,960 grant would be permitted 

to use up to $28,515 and those eligible for a $12,992 grant would 

be permitted to use up to $5,092. Grant amounts are adjusted Oct.1 

every year based on a cost-of-construction index. These adjustments 

will increase the grant amounts or leave them unchanged; grant 

amounts will not decrease. Under the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, TRA grant 

amounts will not count against SAH grant maximum amounts starting 

Aug. 6, 2013.

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 Veterans 

Affairs, in his or her discretion, has determined that it is reasonably practicable for the Secretary to provide assistance in acquiring 

specially adapted housing. For more information on SAH, visit http://

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sah.asp. 

Supplemental Financing: Veterans and Servicemembers with available loan guaranty entitlement may also obtain a guaranteed loan 

or a direct loan from VA to supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted home. Amounts with a guaranteed loan from a private 

lender will vary, but the maximum direct loan from VA is $33,000. 

Additional information about the Specially Adapted Housing Program 

is available at http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/sah.asp.
39 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 40

Chapter 3

VR&E

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): sometimes 

referred to as the Chapter 31 program. VR&E provides services 

to eligible Servicemembers and Veterans with service-connected 

disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable 

employment or achieve independence in daily living. Additional information is available at www.vetsuccess.gov.

Eligibility for Veterans: A Veteran must have a VA service-connected disability rated at least 20 percent with an employment handicap, 

or rated 10 percent with a serious employment handicap, and be 

discharged or released from military service under other than dishonorable conditions. 

Eligibility for Servicemembers: Servicemembers are eligible to apply if they expect to receive an honorable discharge upon separation 

from active duty, obtain a rating of 20 percent percent or more from 

VA, obtain a proposed Disability Evaluation System (DES) rating of 

20 percent percent or more from VA, or obtain a referral to a Physical 

Evaluation Board (PEB) through the Integrated Disability Evaluation 

System (IDES).

Entitlement: A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) works 

with the Veteran to determine if an employment handicap exists. An 

employment handicap exists if a Veteran’s service- connected disability impairs his/her ability to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable career employment. After an entitlement decision is made, the 

Veteran and VRC work together to develop a rehabilitation plan. The 

rehabilitation plan outlines the rehabilitation services to be provided.

Services: Based on their individualized needs, Veterans work with a 

VRC to select one of five vocational tracks of services. If a program 

of training is selected, the VA pays the cost of the approved training 

and services (except those coordinated through other providers) that 

are included in an individual’s rehabilitation plan, including subsistence allowance. 

VR&E’s five tracks of services are: 

Reemployment with Previous Employer: For individuals who 

are separating from active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves 

and are returning to work for their previous employer.

Rapid Access to Employment: For individuals who either wish 

to obtain employment soon after separation or who already have the 

necessary skills to be competitive in the job market in an appropriate 

occupation.

Self-Employment: For individuals who have limited access to 

traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or who require 

more accommodation in the work environment due to their disabling 

conditions or other life circumstances.

Employment Through Long-Term Services: For individuals 

who need specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain suitable employment.

Independent Living Services: For Veterans who are not 

currently able to work and need rehabilitation services to live more 

independently. 

Length 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 have a 

compensable service-connected disability. Depending on the length 

of program needed, Veterans may be provided up to 48 months of 

full-time services or the part-time equivalent. Rehabilitation plans 

that only provide services to improve independence in daily living are 

limited to 30 months. These limitations may be extended in certain 

circumstances.

Intergrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES): VR&E is providing earlier access to VR&E benefits to wounded, ill or injured Servicemembers pending a medical separation from military service. 

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors are assigned to military installations hosting an IDES site and provide VR&E services to assist 

Servicemembers in the transition from active-duty to entering the 

labor market in viable careers. 
41 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 42

Current locations include: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Ft. 

Wainwright, Ft. Benning, Ft. Gordon, Robins AFB, Ft. Meade, Ft. 

Drum, BeauFt. NH, Ft. Jackson, Ft. Carson, Tripler AMC, Pearl Harbor NH, San Antonio JB (Sam Houston), Ft. Irwin, Ft. Knox, WhiteRiver Junction, Pensacola NH, Ft. Rucker, Redstone Arsenal, Ft. Sill, 

Sheppard AFB, Ft. Campbell, Ft. Polk, Travis AFB, Ft. Huachuca, 

Nellis AFB, Ft. Eustis, Portsmouth NMC, Ft. Lee, Langley JB, San 

Diego Navy Medical Center (Balboa), Ft. Lewis, Kitsap Naval Base, 

Fairchild AFB, Ft. Lewis (JB Lewis McChord), Ft. Leonard Wood, 

Jacksonville NH, Ft. Bliss, Ft. Hood, Bethesda NNMC/Walter Reed 

AMC, Andrews AFB, Ft. Belvoir, MCB Quantico, Ft. Riley, Camp 

Lejuene, Ft. Bragg, Seymour-Johnson AFB, and Cherry Point NH.

VetSuccess.gov: See page 57.

Work-Study Program: Refer to Chapter 5, “Education and Training”

Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Refer to Chapter 10, “Transition Assistance” 

Dependents and Survivors Educational Assistance: Refer to 

Chapter 12, “Dependents and Survivors Benefits” 

Fiduciary Program: 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 appoints fiduciaries who 

manage VA benefits for these beneficiaries and conducts oversight of 

VA-appointed fiduciaries to ensure that they are meeting the needs 

of the beneficiaries they serve. 

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. 

This means that VA will first consider whether the beneficiary can 

manage his/her VA benefits with limited supervision. VA will consider 

the choice of the beneficiary as well as any family, friends and caregivers who are qualified and willing to provide fiduciary services for 

the beneficiary without a fee. 

As a last resort, VA will consider appointment of a paid fiduciary. For 

more information about VA’s fiduciary program, please visit our website at http://benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Subsistence Allowance: In some cases, a Veteran may require additional education 

or training to become employable. A subsistence allowance is paid 

each month during training and is based on the rate of attendance 

(full-time or part-time), the number of dependents, and the type of 

training. 

Veterans who are eligible for both VR&E services and Post-9/11 

GI Bill benefits may elect a special subsistence allowance that is 

based on the monthly basic allowance for housing paid to active duty 

military. The monthly amount varies depending on the ZIP code of 

the training facility and is usually greater than the following regular 

subsistence allowance rates that are available to Veterans with no 

Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility who are using VR&E benefits. 

Active-duty Servicemembers are not eligible for subsistence allowance until after Release from Active Duty date (RAD). 2012.
43 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Chapter 3 Chapter 4 VA Pensions 44

Chapter 4

VA Pensions

Eligibility for Veterans Pension

Low-income wartime Veterans may qualify for pension if they meet 

certain service, income and net worth limits set by law; are age 65 or 

older, permanently and totally disabled, a patient in a nursing home 

receiving skilled nursing care, receiving Social Security Disability 

Insurance, or receiving Supplemental Security Income. Generally, 

a Veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at 

least one day during a VA recognized wartime period. The 90-day active service requirement does not apply to Veterans discharged from 

the military due to a service-connected disability. (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. 

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. 

Protected Pension: Pension beneficiaries, who were receiving a VA 

pension on December 31, 1978, and do not wish to elect the Improved Pension, will continue to receive the pension rate received on 

that date. This rate generally continues as long as the beneficiary’s 

income remains within established limits, or net worth does not bar 

payment, and the beneficiary does not lose any dependents.

Beneficiaries must continue to meet basic eligibility factors, such as 

permanent and total disability for Veterans. VA must adjust rates for 

other reasons, such as a Veteran’s hospitalization in a VA facility. 

Medal of Honor Pension: VA administers a pension benefit to recipients of the Medal of Honor. This entitlement is not based on income 

level or need. Congress set the monthly pension at $1,259 for 2013.

VR&E Subsistence Allowance Rates as of Oct. 1, 2012

Training Time No 

dependents

One

dependent

Two

dependents

Each

Additional 

dependent

Institutional* Full-Time $585.11 $725.78 $855.28 $62.34

3/4-Time $439.64 $545.13 $639.45 $47.94

1/2-Time $294.17 $364.47 $428.42 $31.99

Farm Co-op

Apprentice 

 OJT**

Full-Time $511.58 $618.65 $713.00 $46.38

Extended 

Evaluation

Services 

in Rehab 

Facility

Full-Time $585.11 $725.78 $855.28 $62.34

3/4-Time $439.64 $545.13 $639.45 $47.94

1/2-Time $294.17 $364.47 $428.42 $31.99

1/4-Time $147.06 $182.25 $214.21 $15.95

Independ. 

Living

Full-Time $585.11 $725.78 $855.28 $62.34

3/4-Time $439.64 $545.13 $639.45 $47.94

1/2-Time $294.17 $364.47 $428.42 $31.99

For VR&E Training Programs Subsistence Allowance Rates, please go to 

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/sa.htm.
45 VA Pensions Chapter 4 Chapter 4 VA Pensions 46

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 three calendar months of care. The 

reduction may be delayed if nursing-home care is being continued to 

provide the Veteran with rehabilitation services.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits (Special Monthly 

Pension): Veterans and surviving spouses who are eligible for VA 

pensions are eligible for higher maximum pension rates if they qualify 

for aid and attendance or housebound benefits. An eligible individual 

may qualify if he or she requires the regular aid of another person 

in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, or 

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. 

Veterans and surviving spouses who are ineligible for basic pension 

based on annual income may still be eligible for VA Pension if they 

are eligible for aid and attendance or housebound benefits because 

a higher income limit applies. In addition, unreimbursed medical 

expenses for nursing home or home-health care may be used to reduce countable annual income, which may result in a higher pension 

benefit. 

Claimants may apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits 

by completing VA Form 21-2680 (available through www.va.gov). 

Claimants may also write to the nearest VA regional office and 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 care. The report should be in 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. In addition, VA may need to determine whether the claimant is confined to 

the home or immediate premises. 

VA also pays a special $90 monthly rate to pension-eligible Veterans 

or surviving spouses with no dependents who receive Medicaid-covered nursing home care. These funds are available for the beneficiary’s personal use and may not be used to offset the cost of his or 

her care.

2012 VA Improved Pension - Veterans Rates

Status of Veteran’s 

Family Situation and 

Caretaking Needs 

Maximum 

Annual Rate

Veteran without 

dependents

$12,465

Veteran with one 

dependent

$16,324

Veteran permanently 

housebound, no 

dependents

$15,233

Veteran permanently 

housebound, one 

dependent

$19,093

Veteran needing regular 

aid and attendance, no 

dependents

$20,795

Veteran needing regular 

aid and attendance,

one dependent

$24,652

Two Veterans married to 

one another

$16,324

Increase for each 

additional dependent child

$2,129

* Additional information can be found in the Pension Benefits section at www.

benefits.va.gov/pension/ 
47 Education and Training Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Education and Training 48

Chapter 5

Education and Training

This chapter provides a summary of VA educational and training 

benefits. Additional information can be found at www.gibill.va.gov/ or 

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

Post – 9/11 GI Bill

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

Servicemembers 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. 

To be eligible, the Servicemember 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 

service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days after 

Sept. 10, 2001. Generally, Servicemembers or Veterans may receive 

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

Eligibility for benefits expires 15 years from the last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days. If released for a serviceconnected disability after at least 30 days of continuous service, 

eligibility ends 15 years from when the member is released for the 

service-connected disability. If, on Aug.1, 2009, the Servicemember 

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. 

In most 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.

Based on the length of active duty service, eligible participants are 

entitled to receive a percentage of the following: 

1. Cost of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions and for 

 the 2011-2012 academic year, up to $17,500 towards tuition 

 and fee costs at private and foreign institutions (paid directly 

 to the school); 

2. Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for 

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

 same Zip code as the primary school (paid directly to the 

 Servicemember, Veteran, or eligible dependents); 

3. Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year 

 (paid directly to the Servicemember, Veteran, or eligible 

 dependents); and 

4. A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals 

 relocating from highly rural areas. 

* The housing allowance is not payable to individuals pursuing training at half time or less.

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

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

training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 

10, 2001 can receive the following percentages based on length of 

service: 

Active Duty Service Maximum Benefit

At least 36 months 100 percent

At least 30 continuous days and 

discharged due to service-connected 

disability

100 percent

At least 30 months < 36 months (1) 90 percent

At least 24 months < 30 months (1) 80 percent (3)

At least 18 months < 24 months (2) 70 percent

At least 12 months < 18 months (2) 60 percent

At least 6 months < 12 months (2) 50 percent

At least 90 days < 6 months (2) 40 percent

(1) Includes service on active duty in entry level and skill training. (2) 

Excludes service on active duty in entry level and skill training. (3) If the 
49 Education and Training Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Education and Training 50

individual would only qualify at the 70 percent level when service on active 

duty in entry level and skill training is excluded, then VA can only pay at the 

70 percent level.

The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program was 

enacted to potentially assist eligible individuals with payment of their 

tuition and fees in instances where costs exceed the in-state tuition 

charges at a public institution or the national maximum payable at 

private and foreign institutions. To be eligible, the student must be: 

a Veteran receiving benefits at the 100 percent benefit rate payable, 

a transfer-of-entitlement-eligible dependent child, or a transfer-ofentitlement eligible spouse of a Veteran. 

The school of attendance must have accepted VA’s invitation to participate in the program, state how much student tuition will be waived 

(up to 50 percent) and how many participants will be accepted into 

the program during the current academic year. VA will match the 

school’s percentage (up to 50 percent) to reduce or eliminate out-ofpocket costs for eligible participants. 

Transfer of Entitlement (TOE): DoD may offer members of the 

Armed Forces on or after Aug.1, 2009, the opportunity to transfer 

benefits to a spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military 

services must approve all requests for this benefit. Members of the 

Armed Forces approved for the TOE may only transfer any unused 

portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits while a member of the 

Armed Forces, subject to their period of eligibility. 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: This 

scholarship entitles children of those who die in the line of duty on or 

after Sept. 11, 2001, to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. 

Eligible children: 

• are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100 percent level 

• have 15 years to use the benefit beginning on their 18th 

 birthday 

• may use the benefit until their 33rd birthday 

• are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program 

Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011

The Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011 amended the Post-9/11 GI 

Bill. The provisions of the bill are applicable to training pursued under 

the Post-9/11 GI Bill that began on or after Aug. 1, 2011.

The legislation authorizes VA to pay more than the national maximum set for private schools (currently $17,500 or the appropriately 

reduced amount based on eligibility percentage) in tuition and fees 

under the Post-9/11 GI Bill for certain students attending private 

colleges and universities in seven states - Arizona, Michigan, New 

Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. 

To qualify for the increased payment (also referred to as the “grandfathered” tuition and fee amount), students must have been enrolled 

in the same college or university since Jan. 4, 2011, and have been 

enrolled in a program for which the combined amount of tuition and 

fees for full-time attendance during the 2010-2011 academic year 

exceeded $17,500.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 

Included in this new law is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans. VA and the Department of 

Labor (DoL) rolled out this new program on July 1, 2012. The program provides retraining for Veterans hardest hit by current economic conditions.

VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to unemployed Veterans. To qualify, a Veteran must:

• Be at least 35, but no more than 60 years old 

• Be unemployed (as determined by DoL) 

• Have an other than dishonorable discharge 

• Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g., 

the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation 

and Employment assistance) 

• Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability 

• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job-training program 

The program is limited to 54,000 participants from Oct. 1, 2012, 

through March 31, 2014. Participants may receive up to 12 months 

of assistance at the full-time payment rate under the Montgomery GI 

Bill–Active Duty program (currently $1,564 per month). Applications 

will be submitted through DoL and benefits paid by VA. DoL provides 

employment assistance to every Veteran who participates upon 

completion of their program.
51 Education and Training Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Education and Training 52

Participants must be enrolled in a VA-approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school. The program 

must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree, or a certification, and train the Veteran for a high-demand occupation.

More details will be available at www.gibill.va.gov and on VA’s Facebook, which are updated regularly. 

VetSuccess on Campus: is designed to provide on-campus benefits assistance and readjustment counseling to assist Veterans in 

completing their college educations and entering the labor market in 

viable careers. Under this program, a full-time, experienced Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a part-time Vet Center Outreach 

Coordinator are assigned at each campus to provide VA benefits outreach, support, and assistance to ensure their health, educational, 

and benefit needs are met. 

Current locations include Cleveland State University, Community 

College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, University of Maryland University College, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo 

Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Eastern 

Michigan University, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Washtenaw 

Community College, University of South Florida, Middle Tennessee 

State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Norfolk State University, Tidewater Community College, Tidewater Community College 

– Chesapeake, Tidewater Community College – Portsmouth, Tidewater Community College - Virginia Beach, Tarrant County College 

District - South Campus, Tarrant County College District - Northeast 

Campus, Texas A&M University - Central Texas, Sam Houston State 

University, University of Texas-San Antonio, Arizona State University, 

Boise State University, Salt Lake Community College, University of 

Utah, Portland State University, San Diego State University, University of Alaska –Anchorage, Central New Mexico Community College, 

and University of New Mexico. 

Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Refer to Chapter 10, “Transition Assistance,” for detailed information on available 

services. 

Montgomery GI Bill

Eligibility: VA educational benefits may be used while the Servicemember is on active duty or after the Servicemember’s separation 

from active duty with a fully honorable military discharge. Discharges 

“under honorable conditions” and “general” discharges do not establish eligibility. 

Eligibility generally expires 10 years after the Servicemember’s 

discharge. However, 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. 

Previously, Servicemembers had to meet the high school requirement before they completed their initial active duty obligation. Those 

who did not may now meet the requirement and reapply for benefits. 

If eligible, they must use their benefits within 10 years from the date 

of last discharge from active duty. 

Additionally, every Veteran must establish eligibility under one of four 

categories. 

Category 1: Service after June 30, 1985

For Veterans who entered active duty for the first time after June 

30, 1985, did not decline MGIB in writing, and had their military 

pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months. Servicemembers can 

apply after completing two continuous years of service. Veterans 

must have completed three continuous years of active duty, or two 

continuous years of active duty if they first signed up for less than 

three years or have an obligation to serve four years in the Selected 

Reserve (the 2x4 program) and enter the Selected Reserve within 

one year of discharge. 

Servicemembers or Veterans who received a commission as a result 

of graduation from a service academy or completion of an ROTC 

scholarship are not eligible under Category 1 unless they received 

their commission:

1. After becoming eligible for MGIB benefits (including 

 completing the minimum service requirements for the initial

 period of active duty); or

 2. After Sept. 30, 1996, and received less than $3,400 

 during any one year under ROTC scholarship. 

Servicemembers or Veterans who declined MGIB because they 

received repayment from the military for education loans are also 

ineligible under Category 1. If they did not decline MGIB and re-
53 Education and Training Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Education and Training 54

ceived loan repayments, the months served to repay the loans will 

be deducted from their entitlement. 

Early Separation from Military Service: Servicemembers who did 

not complete the required period of military service may be eligible 

under:

Category 1: If discharged for one of the following: 

1. Convenience of the government—with 30 continuous months

 of service for an obligation of three or more years, or 20 

 continuous months of service for an obligation of less than

 three years

2. Service-connected disability 

3. Hardship

4. A medical condition diagnosed prior to joining the military

5. A condition that interfered with performance of duty and did 

 not result from misconduct

6. A reduction in force (in most cases)

7. Sole Survivorship (if discharged after 9/11/01)

Category 2: Vietnam Era GI Bill Conversion

For Veterans who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era 

GI Bill on Dec. 31, 1989, and served on active duty for any number 

of days during the period Oct. 19, 1984, to June 30, 1985, for at least 

three continuous years beginning on July 1, 1985; or at least two 

continuous years of active duty beginning on July 1, 1985, followed 

by four years in the Selected Reserve beginning within one year of 

release from active duty. 

Veterans not on active duty on Oct. 19, 1984, may be eligible under Category 2 if they served three continuous years on active duty 

beginning on or after July 1, 1985, or two continuous years of active 

duty at any time followed by four continuous years in the Selected 

Reserve beginning within one year of release from active duty. 

Veterans are barred from eligibility under Category 2 if they received 

a commission after Dec. 31, 1976, as a result of graduation from a 

service academy or completion of an ROTC scholarship. 

However, such a commission is not disqualifying if they received the 

commission after becoming eligible for MGIB benefits, or received 

the commission after Sept. 30, 1996, and received less than $3,400 

during any one year under ROTC scholarship. 

Category 3: Involuntary Separation/Special Separation

For Veterans who meet one of the following requirements: 

1. Elected MGIB before being involuntarily separated; or

2. were voluntarily separated under the Voluntary Separation

 Incentive or the Special Separation Benefit program, elected 

 MGIB benefits before being separated, and had military pay 

 reduced by $1,200 before discharge. 

Category 4: Veterans Educational Assistance Program

For Veterans who participated in the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) and: 

1. Served on active duty on Oct. 9, 1996.

2. Participated in VEAP and contributed money to an account.

3. Elected MGIB by Oct. 9, 1997, and paid $1,200. 

Veterans who participated in VEAP on or before Oct. 9, 1996, may 

also be eligible even if they did not deposit money in a VEAP account if they served on active duty from Oct. 9, 1996, through April 

1, 2000, elected MGIB by Oct. 31, 2001, and contributed $2,700 to 

MGIB. 

Certain National Guard Servicemembers may also qualify under 

Category 4 if they:

1. Served for the first time on full-time active duty in the National 

 Guard between June 30, 1985, and Nov. 29, 1989, and 

 had no previous active duty service.

2. Elected MGIB during the nine-month window ending on July 9,

 1997; and

 3. Paid $1,200. 

Payments: Effective Oct. 1, 2012, the rate for full-time training in 

college, technical or vocational school is $1,564 a month for those 

who served three years or more or two years plus four years in the 

Selected Reserve. For those who served less than three years, the 

monthly rate is $1,270

Benefits are reduced for part-time training. Payments for other types 

of training follow different rules. VA will pay an additional amount, 

called a “kicker” or “college fund,” if directed by DoD. Visit www.gibill.

va.gov for more information. The maximum number of months Veter-
55 Education and Training Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Education and Training 56

ans can receive payments is 36 months at the full-time rate or the 

part-time equivalent. 

The following groups qualify for the maximum: Veterans who 

served the required length of active duty, Veterans with an obligation 

of three years or more who were separated early for the convenience 

of the government and served 30 continuous months, and Veterans 

with an obligation of less than three years who were separated early 

for the convenience of the government and served 20 continuous 

months.

Types of Training Available: 

1. Courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, 

 bachelor or graduate degrees, including accredited 

 independent study offered through distance education. 

2. Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, 

 technical or vocational schools. 

3. Apprenticeship or on-the-job training for those not on active 

 duty, including self-employment training begun on or after 

 June 16, 2004, for ownership or operation of a franchise

4. Correspondence courses, under certain conditions.

5. Flight training, if the Veteran holds a private pilot’s license 

 upon beginning the training and meets the medical 

 requirements.

6. State-approved teacher certification programs.

7. Preparatory courses necessary for admission to a college or 

 graduate school.

8. License and certification tests approved for Veterans. 

9. Entrepreneurship training courses to create or expand small

 businesses. 

 10. Tuition assistance using MGIB as “Top-Up” (active duty 

 Servicemembers). 

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized.

Work-Study Program: Participants who train at the three-quarter or 

full-time rate may be eligible for a work-study program in which they 

work for VA and receive hourly wages. Students under the workstudy program must be supervised by a VA employee, and all duties 

performed must relate to VA. The types of work allowed include: 

Working in Veterans-related position at schools or other training 

facilities.

Providing hospital or domiciliary care at a state home. 

Working at national or state Veterans’ cemeteries. 

Various jobs within any VA facility. 

Providing assistance in obtaining a benefit under title 38 U.S.C. 

at a state Veterans agency.

Assisting in the administration of chapters 1606 or 1607 of title 

10 U.S.C. at a Department of Defense, Coast Guard, or National 

Guard facility. 

Working in a Center for Excellence for Veterans Student Success.

Educational and Vocational Counseling Services: Refer to Chapter 10, “Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available 

services.

Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program

Eligibility: Active duty personnel could participate in the Veterans’ 

Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) if they entered active duty 

for the first time after Dec. 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985, and 

made a contribution prior to April 1, 1987. 

The maximum contribution is $2,700. Active duty participants may 

make a lump-sum contribution to their VEAP account. For more information, visit www.gibill.va.gov.

Servicemembers who participated in VEAP are eligible to receive 

benefits while on active duty if: 

1. At least three months of contributions are available, except for 

 high school or elementary, in which only one month is needed.

2. And they enlisted for the first time after Sept. 7, 1980, 

 and completed 24 months of their first period of active duty. 

Servicemembers must receive a discharge under conditions other 

than dishonorable for the qualifying period of service. Servicemembers who enlisted for the first time after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered 

active duty as an officer or enlistee after Oct. 16, 1981, must have 

completed 24 continuous months of active duty, unless they meet a 

qualifying exception. 

Eligibility generally expires 10 years from release from active duty, 

but can be extended under special circumstances. 
57 Education and Training Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Education and Training 58

Payments: DoD will match contributions at the rate of $2 for every $1 put into the fund and may make additional contributions, or 

“kickers,” as necessary. For training in college, vocational or technical schools, the payment amount depends on the type and hours of 

training pursued. The maximum amount is $300 a month for full-time 

training. 

Training, Work-Study, Counseling: VEAP participants may receive 

the same training, work-study benefits and counseling as provided 

under the MGIB with the exception of preparatory courses. 

Employment Services

VetSuccess.gov

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides Veterans with employment and transition assistance through the VetSuccess.gov Website. 

VetSuccess.gov is a Veteran-centric tool, providing a number of 

employment and transition resources. Veterans can access VetSuccess.gov to:

Browse job listings

Post resumes

Apply for positions 

Employers can use VetSuccess.gov to hire Veterans by posting 

job openings or by searching a database of over 25,000 Veteran 

resumes. VetSuccess.gov provides links to millions of jobs on the 

VetCentral site and the Veterans Job Bank search engine, and links 

Veterans to Indeed, Google, Simply Hired, and other job search engines. Veterans may also apply for VA benefits, including Vocational 

Rehabilitation and Employment, through the site. 

Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families can also access a 

variety of interactive tools and information available throughout the 

Veteran lifecycle from transition to college, career, retirement, and 

family life.

Servicemembers and Veterans with Disabilities

Eligible Veterans or Servicemembers with disabilities who require 

assistance with obtaining and maintaining employment may receive services through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 

(VR&E) program (see chapter 2 for eligibility information). VR&E 

staff assists Veterans and Servicemembers with achieving their 

employment goals by providing job development and placement services, which include: on-the-job training, job-seeking skills, resume 

development, interviewing skills and direct placement. VR&E has 

partnerships with federal, state and private agencies to provide direct 

placement of Veterans or Servicemembers. VR&E can assist with 

placement using the following resources:

On the Job Training Program: Employers hire Veterans at an 

apprentice wage, and VR&E supplements the salary up the journeyman wage (up to maximum allowable under OJT). As the Veterans 

progress through training, the employers begin to pay more of the 

salary until the Veterans reach journeyman level and the employers 

are paying the entire salary. VR&E will also pay for any necessary 

tools. Employers are also eligible for a federal tax credit for hiring an 

individual who participated in a vocational rehabilitation program.

Non-Paid Work Experience: The Non-Paid Work Experience 

(NPWE) program provides eligible Veterans the opportunity to obtain 

training and practical job experience concurrently. This program 

is ideal for Veterans or Servicemembers who have a clearly established career 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. 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. 

Special Employer Incentive: The Special Employer Incentive (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 may be 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. 
59 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty 60

Chapter 6

Home Loan Guaranty

VA home loan guaranties are issued to help eligible Servicemembers, Veterans, Reservists, National Guard and certain unmarried 

surviving spouses obtain homes, condominiums, and manufactured 

homes, and to refinance loans. For additional information or to obtain 

VA loan guaranty forms, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/. 

Loan Uses: A VA guaranty helps protect lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. It can be used to obtain a loan to: 

1. Buy or build a home. 

2. Buy a residential condominium unit.

3. Repair, alter, or improve a residence owned by the Veteran

 and occupied as a home.

4. Refinance an existing home loan.

5. Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

6. Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energy-

 efficient improvements. 

Eligibility: In addition to the periods of eligibility and conditions of 

service requirements, applicants must have a good credit rating, 

sufficient income, a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and agree to 

live in the property in order to be approved by a lender for a VA home 

loan. 

Lenders can apply for a COE online through the Veterans Information Portal (https://vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/Home). Active duty 

Servicemembers and Veterans can also apply online at http://www.

ebenefits.va.gov. Although it’s preferable to apply electronically, it 

is possible to apply for a COE using VA Form 26-1880, Request for 

Certificate of Eligibility.

In applying for a hard-copy COE from the VA Eligibility Center using 

VA Form 26-1880, it is typically necessary that the eligible Veteran 

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. An eligible active duty Servicemember 

should obtain and submit to the VA Eligibility Center a statement of 

service signed by an appropriate military official. A completed VA 

Form 26-1880 and any associated documentation should be mailed 

to Atlanta Regional Loan Center, Attn: COE (262), P.O. Box 100034, 

Decatur, GA 30031.

Please note that while VA’s electronic applications can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in a matter of seconds, not all cases 

can be processed online. The system can only process those cases 

for which VA has sufficient data in its records. If a COE cannot be 

issued immediately, users have the option of submitting an electronic 

application.

Periods of Eligibility: World War II: (1) active duty service after 

Sept.15, 1940, and prior to July 26, 1947; (2) discharge under other 

than dishonorable conditions; and (3) at least 90 days total service 

unless discharged early for a service-connected disability. 

Post-World War II period: (1) active duty service after July 25, 

1947, and prior to June 27, 1950; (2) discharge under other than 

dishonorable conditions; and (3) 181 days continuous active duty 

service unless discharged early for a service-connected disability.

Korean War: (1) active duty after June 26, 1950, and prior to Feb. 

1, 1955; (2) discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; 

and (3) at least 90 days total service, unless discharged early for a 

service-connected disability. 

Post-Korean War period: (1) active duty after Jan. 31, 1955, and 

prior to Aug. 5, 1964; (2) discharge under other than dishonorable 

conditions; (3) 181 days continuous service, unless discharged early 

for a service-connected disability.

Vietnam War: (1) active duty after Aug. 4, 1964, and prior to May 

8, 1975; (2) discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; 

and (3) 90 days total service, unless discharged early for a serviceconnected disability. For Veterans who served in the Republic of 

Vietnam, the beginning date is Feb. 28, 1961.

Post-Vietnam period: (1) active duty after May 7, 1975, and prior 

to Aug. 2, 1990; (2) active duty for 181 continuous days, all of which 

occurred after May 7, 1975; and (3) discharge under conditions other 

than dishonorable or early discharge for service-connected disability.
61 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty 62

24-Month Rule: If service was between Sept. 8, 1980, (Oct. 16, 

1981, for officers) and Aug. 1, 1990, Veterans must generally complete 24 months of continuous active duty service or the full period 

(at least 181 days) for which they were called or ordered to active 

duty, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Exceptions are allowed if the Veteran completed at least 181 days 

of active duty service but was discharged earlier than 24 months for 

(1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, (3) reductionin-force, (4) certain medical conditions, or (5) service-connected 

disability.

Gulf War: Veterans of the Gulf War era – Aug. 2, 1990, to a date 

to be determined – must generally complete 24 months of continuous active duty service or the full period (at least 90 days) for which 

they were called to active duty, and be discharged under other than 

dishonorable conditions. 

Exceptions are allowed if the Veteran completed at least 90 days of 

active duty but was discharged earlier than 24 months for (1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, (3) reduction-in-force, 

(4) certain medical conditions, or (5) service-connected disability. 

Reservists and National Guard members are eligible if they were 

activated after Aug. 1, 1990, and completed the full period for which 

they were called to active duty, served at least 90 days, and were 

discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Active Duty Personnel: Until the Gulf War era is ended, persons on 

active duty are eligible after serving 90 continuous days.

Eligibility for Reserves and/or Guard (not activated): Members 

of the Reserves and National Guard who are not otherwise eligible 

for loan guaranty benefits are eligible upon completion of 6 years 

service in the Reserves or Guard (unless released earlier due to a 

service-connected disability). The applicant must have received an 

honorable (a general or under honorable conditions is not qualifying) 

discharge from such service unless he or she is either in an inactive status awaiting final discharge, or still serving in the Reserves or 

Guard.

Surviving Spouses: Some spouses of Veterans may have home 

loan eligibility. They are:

• 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 Dec. 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 this MIA/POW provision is limited to one-time use 

only.

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died from non service-connected 

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

The Veteran was rated totally 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 disabled for not less than one year immediately preceding death.

Under the Home Loan Guaranty Program, VA does not make loans 

to Veterans and Servicemembers; VA guarantees loans made by 

private-sector lenders. The guaranty amount is what VA could pay a 

lender should the loan go to foreclosure. 

VA’s guaranteed home loans have no maximum loan amount, only 

a maximum guaranty amount, which is set in law. However, due to 

secondary market requirements, lenders typically require that the 

VA guaranty, plus any downpayment provided by a Veteran, total 

25 percent of the loan amount. As a result, an amount equal to four 

times VA’s maximum guaranty amount is customarily referred to as 

a “loan limit.” Loans for the loan limit or less are typically available 

to Veterans with no downpayment; loans for more than the loan limit 

generally require downpayments. VA’s maximum guaranty amounts 

are established annually, and vary, depending on the size of the loan 

and the location of the property. 

The following chart lists general information on VA’s maximum guaranty. To see the county limits for 2013, select “Loan Limits” on the 

“Purchase & Cash-Out Refinance Loan” link on http://www.benefits.

va.gov/homeloans. 
63 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty 64

Loan Amount Maximum Guaranty Special Provisions

Up to $45,000 50 percent of loan 

amount

25 percent on Interest Rate Reduction 

Refinancing Loans

$45,001 - $56,250 $22,500 Same as above

$56,251 - $144,000

40 percent of the 

loan amount, with a 

maximum of $36,000

Same as above

$144,000 or more

Up to an amount 

equal to 25 percent 

of the county loan 

limit

Same as above

An eligible borrower can use a VA-guaranteed Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan to refinance an existing VA loan to 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, as well as closing costs, including up to two discount 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. 

VA Appraisals: No loan can be guaranteed by VA without first being 

appraised by a VA-assigned fee appraiser. 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. It 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, and roofing components. 

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 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. 

2013 VA Funding Fees: A ffunding fee must be paid to VA unless 

the Veteran is exempt from such a fee. [See previous discussion 

in Closing Costs for specific exemptions from the funding fee]. The 

fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan. Closing costs such 

as VA appraisal, credit report, loan processing fee, title search, title 

insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges, or hazard 

insurance may not be included for purchase home loans. 

All Veterans, except those who are specified by law as exempt, are 

charged a VA funding fee (See chart on Page 66). Currently, exemptions from the funding fee are provided for those Veterans and Servicemembers receiving VA disability compensation, those who are 

rated by VA as eligible to receive compensation as a result of predischarge 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 are exempt from the funding fee. For 

all types of loans, the loan amount may include this funding fee. 

The VA funding fee and up to $6,000 of energy-efficient improvements can be included in VA loans. However, no other fees, charges, 

or discount points may be included in the loan amount for regular 

purchase or construction loans. For refinancing loans, most closing 

costs may be included in the loan amount. 

Required Occupancy: To qualify for a VA home loan, a Veteran or 

the spouse of an active-duty Servicemember must certify that he 

or she intends to occupy the home. A dependent child of an activeduty Servicemember also satisfies the occupancy requirement when 

refinancing a VA-guaranteed loan solely to reduce the interest rate, a 

Veteran need only certify to prior occupancy. 

Financing, Interest Rates and Terms: Veterans obtain VA-guaranteed loans through the usual lending institutions, including banks, 
65 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty 66

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 one percent annually and up to five 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 three to 10 years. If the rate remains fixed for less than five 

years, the rate adjustment cannot be more than one percent annually 

and five 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 two percent. The Secretary has the authority to determine annual adjustments thereafter. Currently annual adjustments may be up 

to two percentage points and six percent over the life of the loan. 

If the lender charges discount points on the loan, the Veteran may 

negotiate with the seller as to who will pay points or if they will be 

split between buyer and seller. Points paid by the Veteran may not 

be included in the loan (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.

Loan 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 borrower is a satisfactory credit risk and will assume 

all of the Veteran’s liabilities on the loan. If approved, the borrower 

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 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 a Veteran allows assumption 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.

Loans made prior to March 1, 1988, are generally freely assumable, but Veterans should still request VA’s approval in order to be 

released of liability. Veterans whose loans were closed after Dec. 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.

2013 VA Funding Fee Rates

Loan Category Active Duty and 

Veterans

Reservists and 

National Guard

Loans for purchase 

or construction with 

downpayments of 

less than 5 percent, 

refinancing, and 

home improvement

2.15 percent 2.40 percent

Loans for purchase 

or construction with 

downpayments of at 

least 5 percent but 

less than 10 percent

1.50 percent 1.75 percent

Loans for purchase 

or construction with 

downpayments of 

10percent or more

1.25 percent 1.50 percent

Loans for manufactured homes1 percent 1 percent

Interest rate reduction refinancing 

loans

.50 percent .50 percent

Assumption of a VAguaranteed loan.50 percent .50 percent

Second or subsequent use of 

entitlement with no 

downpayment

3.3 percent 3.3 percent

VA Assistance to Veterans in Default: VA urges all Veterans who 
67 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty 68

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 a lot of money. Depending on 

a Veteran’s specific situation, servicers may offer any of the following 

options to avoid foreclosure: 

• Repayment Plan – The borrower makes regular installment 

 each month plus part of the missed installments.

• Special Forbearance – The servicer agrees not to initiate fore

 closure to allow time for borrowers to repay the missed 

 installments. 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. 

• Additional time to arrange a private sale – The servicer agrees 

 to delay foreclosure to allow a sale to close if the loan will be 

 paid off. 

• 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 payoff 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. 

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 

Veteran borrowers may be able to request relief pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (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, and 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. 

However, in cases where the servicer is unable to help the Veteran 

borrower, VA has loan technicians in eight Regional Loan Centers 

and two special servicing centers who take an active role in interceding with the mortgage servicer to explore all options to avoid foreclosure. 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.

VA Acquired Property Foreclosures 

VA acquires properties as a result of foreclosures VA-guaranteed 

and VA-owned loans. A private contractor is currently marketing 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. 

Preventing Veteran Homelessness 

Veterans who feel they may be facing homelessness as a result of 

losing their home can call 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838) or go to 

http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/index.asp to receive assistance from 

VA.

Assistance to Veterans with Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loans 

For Veterans or Servicemembers who have a conventional or subprime loan, VA has a network of eight Regional Loan Centers and 

two special servicing centers that can offer advice and guidance. 

Borrowers may visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/, or call toll free 

-1-877-827-3702 to speak with a VA loan technician. However, unlike 

when a Veteran has a VA-guaranteed home loan, VA does not have 

the legal authority to intervene on the borrower’s behalf. It is imperative that a borrower contact his/her servicer as quickly as possible.

VA Refinancing of a Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loan 

Veterans with conventional 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 t o 100 percent of the value of the 

property, which is up from the previous limit of 90 percent. 

Additionally, Congress raised VA’s maximum loan guaranty for these 

types of refinancing loans. Loan limits were effectively raised from 

$144,000 to $417,000. High-cost counties have even higher maxi-
69 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Home Loan Guaranty 70

mum loan limits. VA county loan limits can be found at http://www.

benefits.va.gov/homeloans/. These changes will allow more qualified 

Veterans to refinance through VA, allowing for savings on interest 

costs and avoiding foreclosure. 

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 HOPE NOW Alliance 

may be of assistance. HOPE NOW is a joint alliance consisting of 

servicers, counselors, and investors whose main goal is to assist 

distressed borrowers retain their homes and avoid foreclosure. They 

have expertise in financial counseling, as well as programs that take 

advantage of relief measures that VA cannot. HOPE NOW provides 

outreach, counseling and assistance to homeowners who have the 

willingness and ability to keep their homes but are facing financial 

difficulty as a result of the crisis in the mortgage market. The HOPE 

NOW Alliance can be reached at (888) 995-HOPE (4673), or by visiting www.hopenow.com. 

For more information go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/, or 

call (877) 827-3702

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 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, and both the Veteran and spouse must have a 

meaningful interest in the dwelling or lot.

The following safeguards have been established to protect Veterans:

1. VA may suspend from the loan program those who take unfair

 advantage of Veterans or discriminate because of race, color, 

 religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin. 

2. The builder of a new home (or manufactured) is required to 

 give the purchasing Veteran either a one-year warranty or

 a 10-year insurance-backed protection plan.

3. The borrower obtaining a loan may only be charged closing 

 costs allowed by VA. 

4. The borrower can prepay without penalty the entire loan or 

 any part not less than one installment or $100. 

5. VA encourages holders to extend forbearance if a borrower 

 becomes temporarily 

 unable to meet the terms of the loan.
71 VA Life Insurance Chapter 7 Chapter 7 VA Life Insurance 72

Chapter 7

VA Life Insurance

For complete details on government life insurance, visit the VA 

Internet site at www.insurance.va.gov/ or call VA’s Insurance Center 

toll-free at 1-800-669-8477. Specialists are available between the 

hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Eastern Time, to discuss premium 

payments, insurance dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries and reporting the death of the insured. 

If the insurance policy number is not known, send whatever information is available, such as the Veteran’s VA file number, date of birth, 

Social Security number, military serial number or military service 

branch and dates of service to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Insurance Center

PO Box 42954

Philadelphia, PA 19101

For information about Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans Group Life Insurance, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance 

Traumatic Injury Protection, or Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage, visit the Website above or call the Office of 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance directly at 1-800-419-1473.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance: The following are automatically insured for $400,000 under Servicemembers’ Group Life 

Insurance (SGLI)

1. Active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, 

 Marines and Coast Guard. 

2. Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and 

 Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Public Health 

 Service (PHS). 

3. Cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies. 

4. Members, cadets and midshipmen of the ROTC while 

 engaged in authorized training and practice cruises.

5. Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard who are 

 scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training 

 per year. 

 6. Members who volunteer for a mobilization category in the 

 Individual Ready Reserve. 

Individuals may elect in writing to be covered for a lesser amount or 

no coverage. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to 

the maximum of $400,000. 

Full-time Servicemembers on active duty are covered 365 days per 

year. Coverage is in effect during the period of active duty or inactive duty training and for 120 days following separation or release 

from duty. 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 365 days of the year and for 120 days following separation or release from duty. 

Part-time coverage is provided for Reservists or National Guard 

members who do not qualify for the full-time coverage 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 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

SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection: 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? Servicemembers’ Group Life 

Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) helps severely injured 

Servicemembers who have suffered physical losses through their 

time of need with a one-time payment. The amount varies depending on the loss, but it could make a difference in the lives of Servicemembers by allowing their families to be with them during their 

recovery. TSGLI helps them with unforeseen expenses or gives them 

a financial head start on life after recovery. 

TSGLI is attached to Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). 

An additional $1.00 is added to the Servicemember’s SGLI premium 
73 VA Life Insurance Chapter 7 Chapter 7 VA Life Insurance 74

to cover TSGLI. After December 1, 2005, all Servicemembers who 

are covered by SGLI are automatically also covered by TSGLI. 

TSGLI cannot be declined unless the Servicemember also declines 

basic SGLI. TSGLI claims are adjudicated by the individual military 

branches of service. 

In addition, there is retroactive TSGLI coverage for Servicemembers 

who sustained a qualifying loss between Oct. 7, 2001 and November 30, 2005, regardless of where it occurred . TSGLI coverage is 

payable to these Servicemembers regardless of whether they had 

SGLI coverage in force. 

For more information, and branch of service contact information, 

visit www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm, or call 1-800-

237-1336 (Army); 1-800-368-3202 (Navy); 1-877-216-0825 (Marine 

Corps); 1-800-433-0048 (Active Duty Air Force); 1-800-525-0102 (Air 

Force Reserves); 1-240-612-9072 (Air National Guard); 1-703-872-

6647- (U.S. Coast Guard); 1-301-427-3280 (PHS); or 1-301-713-

3444 (NOAA). 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage: FSGLI 

Family Coverage consists of spousal coverage and dependent child 

coverage. FSGLI provides up to $100,000 of life insurance coverage for spouses of Servicemembers with full-time SGLI coverage, 

not to exceed the amount of SGLI the member has in force. FSGLI 

is a Servicemembers’ benefit; the member pays the premium and is 

the only person allowed to be the beneficiary of the coverage. FSGLI 

spousal coverage ends when: 1) the Servicemember elects in writing 

to terminate coverage on the spouse; 2) the Servicemember elects 

to terminate his or her own SGLI coverage; 3) the Servicemember 

dies; 4) the Servicemember separates from service; or 5) the Servicemember is divorced from the spouse. 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. FSGLI dependent coverage 

of $10,000 is also automatically provided for dependent children of 

Servicemembers insured under SGLI, with no premium required. 

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance: SGLI may be converted to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), which provides renewable term 

coverage to: 

1. Veterans who had full-time SGLI coverage upon speration 

 from active duty or the reserves. 

2. Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard with 

 part-time SGLI coverage who incur a disability or aggravate 

 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.

3. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive 

 National Guard. 

Servicemembers must apply for VGLI within one year and 120 days 

from separation . Servicemembers discharged on or after November 

1, 2012 who apply for VGLI within 240 days of separation do not 

need to submit evidence of good health, while Servicemembers who 

apply after the 240-day period must submit evidence of insurability.. 

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 coverage, 

up to the maximum $400,000. No medical underwriting is required 

for the additional coverage. 

SGLI Disability Extension: Servicemembers who are totally disabled at the time of separation (unable to work), can apply for the 

SGLI Disability Extension, which provides free coverage for up to two 

years from the date of separation. To apply, Servicmembers 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. 

Accelerated Death Benefits: Like many private life insurance 

companies, the SGLI, FSGLI and VGLI programs offer an accelerated benefits option to terminally ill insureds. An insured member 

is considered to be terminally ill if he or she has a written medical 

prognosis of 9 months or less to live. All terminally ill members are 

eligible to receive up to 50 percent of their SGLI or VGLI coverage in a lump sum. Accelerated benefits paid prior to death are not, 

of course, available for payment to survivors. To apply, an insured 
75 VA Life Insurance Chapter 7 Chapter 7 VA Life Insurance 76

member must submit SGLV 8284, Servicemember/Veteran Accelerated Benefit Option Form.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance: Veterans who separated 

from Service on or after April 25, 1951 under other than dishonorable 

conditions who have service-connected disabilities, even zero percent, disability but are otherwise in good health, may apply to VA for 

up to $10,000 in life insurance coverage under the Service-Disabled 

Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) program. Applications must be submitted 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 may apply for a waiver of premiums and additional supplemental insurance coverage of up to 

$30,000. However, premiums cannot be waived on the additional 

supplemental insurance. To be eligible for this type of supplemental 

insurance, Veterans must meet all of the following three requirements: 

1. Be under age 65.

2. Be eligible for a waiver of premiums due to total disability.

3. Apply for additional insurance within one year from the date of

 notification of waiver approval on the basic S-DVI policy. 

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance: VMLI is mortgage protection 

insurance available to severely disabled Veterans who have been 

approved by VA for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH). Maximum coverage is the smaller of the existing mortgage balance or 

$200,000, and is payable only to the mortgage company. Protection 

is issued automatically following SAH approval, provided the Veteran 

submits mortgage information required to establish a premium and 

does not decline coverage. Coverage automatically terminates when 

the mortgage is paid off. If a mortgage is disposed of through sale 

of the property, VMLI may be obtained on the mortgage of another 

home.

Other Insurance Information

The following information applies to policies issued to World War 

II, Korean, and Vietnam-era Veterans and any Service-Disabled 

Veterans Insurance policies. Policies in this group are prefixed by the 

letters K, V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or RH.

Insurance Dividends Issued Annually: World War II, and Koreanera 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 from 

among the following dividend options:

1. Cash: The dividend is paid directly to the insured either by a 

 mailed check or by direct deposit to a bank account. 

2. Paid-Up Additional Insurance: The dividend is used to 

 purchase additional insurance coverage.

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. Other Dividend Options: Dividends can also be used to 

 repay a 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.

Dividends on Capped Term Policies: Effective Sept. 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 
77 VA Life Insurance Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Burial and Memorial Benefits 78

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 1-800-669-8477.

Chapter 8

Burial and Memorial Benefits

Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than 

dishonorable; Servicemembers who die while on active duty, active 

duty for training, or inactive duty training; and spouses and dependent children of Veterans and active duty service members, may be 

eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. (For the purposes of 

this chapter, the term “Veteran” includes eligible persons who die 

during active duty service.) The Veteran does not have to die before 

a spouse or dependent child can be eligible for burial or memorial 

benefits. 

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a VA national cemetery is available for eligible Veterans, 

spouses and dependents at no cost and includes the gravesite, 

grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, 

and perpetual care as part of a national shrine. For Veterans, benefits may also include a burial flag (with case for active duty), and 

military funeral honors. 

With certain exceptions, active duty service beginning after Sept. 7, 

1980, as an enlisted person, and after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, 

must be 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 requisite age. See Chapter 8 for more information. 

Certain otherwise eligible individuals found to have committed federal or state capital crimes are barred from burial or memorialization 

in a VA national cemetery, and from receipt of Government-furnished 

headstones, markers, medallions, burial flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates. Veterans and other claimants for VA burial benefits have the right to appeal decisions made by VA regarding eligibility 

for national cemetery burial or other memorial benefits. Chapter 13 
79 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Burial and Memorial Benefits 80

discusses the procedures for appealing VA claims. This chapter contains information on the full range of VA burial and memorial benefits. 

Readers with questions may contact the nearest national cemetery, 

listed by state in the VA Facilities section of this book, call 1-800-827-

1000, or visit the web site at www.cem.va.gov/. 

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, also are 

eligible. 

Certain Parents of servicemembers who die as a result of 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 servicemember 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 

servicemember if there is available space. Eligibility is limited to 

servicemembers 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) 

makes interment arrangements at time of need by contacting the 

National Cemetery Scheduling Office (see information available at 

http://www.cem.va.gov/bbene/need.asp) or, in some cases, the national cemetery in which burial is desired. VA normally does not conduct burials on weekends. Gravesites cannot be reserved; however, 

VA will honor reservations made before 1973 by the Department of 

the Army. 

VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office or local national cemetery 

directors verify eligibility for burial. A copy of the Veteran’s discharge 

document that specifies the period(s) of active duty and character 

of service is usually sufficient to determine eligibility. A copy of the 

deceased’s death certificate and proof of relationship to the Veteran 

(for eligible family members) may be required.

VA operates 131 national cemeteries, of which 72 are currently 

open for both new casket and cremation interments and 18 may 

accept new interment of cremated remains only. Burial options are 

limited to those available at a specific cemetery and may include inground casket, or interment of cremated remains in a columbarium, 

in-ground, or in a scattering area. Contact the national cemetery 

directly, or visit our website at http://www.cem.va.gov to determine if 

a particular cemetery is open for new burials, and what other options 

are available.

Headstones, Markers and Medallions

Veterans, Veterans, active duty service members, and retired 

Reservists and National Guard service members, are eligible for 

an inscribed headstone or marker for their unmarked grave at any 

cemetery – national, state veterans, tribal, or private. VA will deliver a 

headstone or marker at no cost, anywhere in the world. 

For eligible Veterans or service members 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); or VA may furnish a medallion to affix to 

an already existing privately-purchased headstone or marker. 

Spouses and dependent children are eligible for a government headstone or marker only if they are buried in a national or State Veterans 

cemetery.

Flat markers are available in bronze, granite or marble. Upright 

headstones come in granite or marble. The style provided will be 

consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche 

markers are available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of 

cremated remains. Medallions are made of bronze and are available 

in three sizes: 5-inch, 3-inch, and 1 1⁄2-inches. Headstones, markers and medallions previously furnished by the government may be 

replaced at the government’s expense if badly deteriorated, illegible, 

vandalized or stolen. 

Headstones or markers for VA national cemeteries will be ordered by 

the cemetery director using information provided by the next of kin or 

authorized representative.

Headstones or Markers for private cemeteries: Before ordering, 

the next of kin or authorized representative should check with the 
81 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Burial and Memorial Benefits 82

cemetery to ensure that the Government-furnished headstone or 

marker will be accepted. All installation fees at private cemeteries 

are the responsibility of the applicant. To submit a claim for a headstone or marker for a gravesite in a private cemetery, use VA Form 

40-1330, Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker 

(available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/). A copy of the Veteran’s 

military discharge document is required. Mail forms to Memorial Programs 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. 

“In Memory Of” Markers: VA provides memorial headstones and 

markers with “In Memory Of” as the first line of inscription for those 

whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were buried 

at sea, donated to science or cremated and scattered. Eligibility is 

the same as for regular headstones and markers. There is no fee 

when the “In Memory Of” marker is placed in a national cemetery. All 

installation fees at private cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant. Memorial headstones/markers for spouses and dependents 

can be provided only for placement in a national or State veterans 

cemetery.

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 of belief and, space permitting, additional text 

including military rank; war service such as “World War II;” complete 

dates 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 Veterans or service members whose death occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, 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. To submit a claim for a medallion to be affixed to a private 

headstone/marker in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330M, 

Claim for Government Medallion (available at http://www.va.gov/

vaforms). A copy of the Veteran’s military discharge document is 

required. Mail forms to Memorial Programs 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 

the cemetery. To check the status of one being placed in a private 

cemetery, please contact the Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-697-

6947 or via email at mps.headstone@va.gov.

Other Memorialization

Presidential Memorial Certificates are issued to recognize the 

military service of honorably discharged deceased Veterans and persons who died in the active military, naval, or air service. Next of kin, 

relatives and other loved ones may apply for a certificate by mailing, 

or faxing a completed and signed VA Form 40-0247, Presidential 

Memorial Certificate Request Form (available at http://www.va.gov/

vaforms/), along with a copy of the Veteran’s military discharge 

documents or proof of honorable military service. The processing of 

requests sent without supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can determined. Eligibility requirements can be found at www.

cem.va.gov.

Burial Flags: Generally, VA will furnish a U.S. burial flag to memorialize 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 Reserve 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 

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 

(available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/). In most cases, a funeral 

director will help the family obtain the flag.

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. 
83 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Burial and Memorial Benefits 84

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 causes. VA will 

pay a burial and funeral allowance of up to $300 for Veterans who, at 

the time of death from nonservice-connected causes, 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 allowance of up to $722 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 $722 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 retired 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. 

Military Funeral Honors: Upon request, DoD will provide military 

funeral honors consisting of folding and the presenting of the United 

States flag and the playing of “Taps.” A funeral honors detail consists 

of two or more uniformed members of the armed forces, with at least 

one member from the deceased’s branch of service. 

Family members should inform their funeral director if they want 

military funeral honors. DoD maintains a toll-free number (1-877-MILHONR) for use by funeral directors only to request honors. VA can 

help arrange honors for burials at VA national cemeteries. Veterans 

service organizations or volunteer groups may help provide honors. 

For more information, visit www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies

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 www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/. 

Department of the Interior: Administers two active national cemeteries – Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia and Andrew 

Johnson National Cemetery in Tennessee. Eligibility is similar to VA 

national cemeteries. For information, call (202) 208-4747, write Department of Interior, National Park Service 1849 C. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. 

State and Tribal Veterans Cemeteries: Currently 87 state and four 

Tribal Veterans cemeteries offer burial options for Veterans and their 

families. These cemeteries have similar eligibility requirements and 

some require state residency. Some services, particularly for family members, may 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 www.cem.va.gov/cem/scg/

lsvc.asp.
85 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Reserve and National Guard 86

Chapter 9

Reserve and National Guard

Eligibility for VA Benefits

Reservists who serve on active duty establish Veteran status and 

may be eligible for the full range of VA benefits, depending on the 

length of active military service and a discharge or release from 

active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. In addition, 

Reservists not activated may qualify for some VA benefits.

National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA benefits 

if activated for federal service during a period of war or domestic 

emergency. Activation for other than federal service does not qualify 

National Guard members for all VA benefits. Claims for VA benefits 

based on federal service filed by members of the National Guard 

should include a copy of the military orders, presidential proclamation, or executive order that clearly demonstrates the federal nature 

of the service.

Qualifying for VA Health Care

Under the “Combat Veteran” authority, Combat Veterans who were 

discharged or released from active service on or after Jan. 28, 2003, 

are eligible for enrollment in Priority Group 6, unless eligible for 

enrollment in a higher priority group. This authority provides a 5-year 

enrollment period, which begins on the discharge or separation date. 

These Combat Veterans are eligible for health care services and 

community living care for conditions possibly related to their military 

service, and are not required to disclose their income information 

unless they would like to be considered for a higher priority status, 

beneficiary travel benefits, or exemption of co-pays for care unrelated to their military service.

Activated Reservists and members of the National Guard are eligible 

if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after 

Nov. 11, 1998, and were discharged under other than dishonorable 

conditions. 

Veterans who enroll with VA under this authority will continue to be 

enrolled even after their enhanced eligibility period ends. At the 

end of their enhanced eligibility period, Veterans enrolled in Priority Group 6 may be shifted to a lower priority group depending on 

their income level. For additional information, call 1-877-222-VETS 

(8387). 

OEF/OIF/OND Veterans may be eligible for a one-time dental evaluation and treatment following separation from service, if they did 

not have a dental exam prior to separation. Veterans must request 

a dental appointment within the first 180 days post separation from 

active duty. 

Disability Benefits

VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or 

aggravated during active duty, or active duty for training as a result of 

injury or disease, or inactive duty training for disabilities due to injury, 

heart attack, or stroke. Additionally, the discharge must be under 

other than dishonorable conditions. For additional information see 

Chapter 2, “Service-connected Disabilities.”

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve

Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 

Corps and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard 

and the Air National Guard, may be entitled to up to 36 months of 

educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Selected Reserve. To be eligible, the participant must: 

1. Have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve or National 

 Guard signed after June 30, 1985, or, if an officer, agree to 

 serve six years in addition to the original obligation.

2. Complete initial active duty for training (IADT).

3. Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or 

 equivalency certificate before Completing IADT..

4. Remain in good standing in a Selected Reserve or National 

 Guard unit.

Reserve components determine eligibility for benefits. VA does not 

make decisions about eligibility and cannot make payments until the 

Reserve component has determined eligibility and notified VA. 

Period of Eligibility: Benefits generally end the day a reservist or 

National Guard member separates from the military. Additionally, if in 

the Selected Reserve and called to active duty, VA can generally extend the eligibility period by the length of time on active duty plus four 
87 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Reserve and National Guard 88

months for each period of active duty. Once this extension is granted, 

it will not be taken awayafter leaving the Selected Reserve. 

Eligible members separated because of unit deactivation, a disability that was not caused by misconduct, or otherwise involuntarily 

separated during Oct. 1, 1991, through December 31, 2001, have 14 

years after their eligibility date to use benefits. Similarly, members 

involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve due to a deactivation of their unit between Oct. 1, 2007, and Sept. 30, 2014, may 

receive a 14-year period of eligibility.

Payments: The rate for full-time training effective Oct. 1, 2012, is 

$356 a month for 36 months. Part-time benefits are reduced proportionately. For complete current rates, visit www.gibill.va.gov. DoD 

may make additional contributions. 

Training: Participants may pursue training at a college or university, 

or take technical training at any approved facility. Training includes 

undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate courses; state licensure 

and certification; courses for a certificate or diploma from business, 

technical or vocational schools; cooperative training; apprenticeship 

or on-the-job training; correspondence courses; independent study 

programs; flight training; entrepreneurship training; remedial, deficiency or refresher courses needed to complete a program of study; 

or preparatory courses for tests required or used for admission to an 

institution of higher learning or graduate school. 

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized 

effective Jan. 28, 2008

Work-Study: See page 55

Educational and Vocational Counseling: Refer to Chapter 10, 

“Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available services.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

This program provides educational assistance to members of National Guard and Reserve components who are called or ordered to 

active duty service in response to a war or national emergency as 

declared by the President or Congress. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for 

more information.

Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by DoD or the Department of 

Homeland Security. Generally, a Servicemember who serves on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, for at least 90 consecutive days, 

or accumulates a total of three or more of years of service is eligible. 

Payments: Reserve or National Guard members whose eligibility is 

based upon continuous service receive a payment rate based upon 

their number of continuous days on active duty. Members who qualify 

after the accumulation of three or more years of aggregate active 

duty service receive the full payment allowable. 

Reserve Educational Assistance Rates

Active Duty Service Monthly Payment

Rate for Full-Time Students

90 days but less than one year $625.60

One year but less than two 

years

$938.40

Two or more continuous years $1,251.20

Training: Participants may pursue training at a college or university, 

or take technical training at any approved facility. Training includes 

undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate courses; state licensure 

and certification courses; courses for a certificate or diploma from 

business, technical or vocational schools; cooperative training; apprenticeship or on-the-job training; correspondence courses; independent study programs; flight training; entrepreneurship training; 

remedial, deficiency, or refresher courses needed to complete a 

program of study; or preparatory courses for tests required or used 

for admission to an institution of higher learning or graduate school. 

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized. 

Period of Eligibility: Prior to Jan. 28, 2008, members of the Selected Reserve called to active duty were eligible as long as they 

continued to serve in the Selected Reserve. They lost eligibility if 

they went into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). Members of the 

IRR called to active duty were eligible as long as they stayed in the 

IRR or Selected Reserve. 

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, members who are called up from the Selected Reserve, complete their REAP-qualifying period of active duty 
89 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Reserve and National Guard 90

service, and then return to the Selected Reserve for the remainder 

of their service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after 

separation. 

In addition, members who are called up from the IRR or Inactive National Guard (ING), complete their REAP-qualifying period of active 

duty service, and then enter the Selected Reserve to complete their 

service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after separation. 

Work-Study Program: See page 55. 

Educational and Vocational Counseling: Refer to Chapter 10, 

“Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available services.

Home Loan Guaranty

National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home 

loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, 

are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, 

or are discharged because of a service-connected disability. 

Reservists who do not qualify for VA housing loan benefits may be 

eligible for loans on favorable terms insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of HUD. Additional information can be 

found in Chapter 5 – “Home Loan Guaranty.” 

Life Insurance

National Guard members and reservists are eligible to receive 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance (VGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). They may also be eligible for SGLI Traumatic Injury 

Protection if severely injured and suffering a qualifying loss, ServiceDisabled Veterans Insurance if they receive a service-connected 

disability rating from VA, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance if 

approved for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant. Complete details 

can be found in Chapter 6 – “VA Life Insurance.” 

Burial and Memorial Benefits

VA provides a burial flag to memorialize 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. 

Reservists and National Guard members may be eligible for additional burial benefits if their death was due to an injury or disease 

that developed during, or was aggravated during, active duty, active 

duty for training, or inactive duty for training. Burial benefits may include burial in a national cemetery; an inscribed headstone, marker, 

or medallion; a Presidential Memorial Certificate; and an allowance 

to partially reimburse burial and funeral costs. Additional information 

about burial benefits that may be available can be found in Chapter 

7 – “Burial and Memorial Benefits”.

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: 

1. Gave advance notice of military service to the employer.

2. Did not exceed five years cumulative absence from the 

 civilian job (with some exceptions).

3. Submitted a timely application for re-employment.

4. 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 www.dol.gov/

vets/programs/userra/main.htm. 

Transition Assistance Advisor Program

The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program is a partnership 

between the National Guard and VA to assist Veterans. The TAA 

Program, housed within the National Guard (NG) Office of Warrior 

Support, places a NG/VA trained expert at the NG Headquarters 
91 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Special Groups of Veterans 92

Chapter 10

Special Groups of Veterans

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. 

The VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (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.

Homeless Veterans Supported Employment Program (HVSEP)

provides vocational assistance, job development and placement, and 

ongoing employment supports designed to improve employment outcomes among homeless Veterans. HVSEP is coordinated between 

CWT and the continuum of Homeless Veterans Programs for the 

purpose of providing community-based vocational and employment 

services. All of the HVSEP vocational rehabilitation specialists (VRS) 

hired to provide employment services for the program consists of 

homeless, formerly homeless, or at risk of homelessness Veterans.

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (NCCHV) assists 

homeless Veterans, at-risk Veterans, their families and other interested parties with linkages to appropriate VA and community-based 

resources. The call center provides trained VA staff members 24 

hours a day, seven days a week to assess a caller’s needs and connect them to appropriate resources. The call center can be accessed 

by dialing 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838).

The VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

provides funds to non-profit community agencies providing transitional housing (up to 24 months) and/or offering services to homeless 

Veterans, such as case management, education, crisis intervention, 

counseling, and services targeted towards specialized populations 

including homeless women Veterans. The goal of the program is to 

in each of the 50 states as well as PR, GU, VI, and the District of 

Columbia. The advisor serves as an advocate for Guard members 

and their families, as well as other geographically dispersed military members and families. In collaboration with state and local 

coalition partners, the TAA Program provides VA benefit enrollment 

assistance, referrals, and assists in facilitating access for Veterans 

through the overwhelming maze of programs, with the compassion 

of someone who knows what it is like to transition from the Guard to 

active duty and then back to civilian status. 

Advisors receive annual training from VA experts in VA health care 

and benefits to assist Guard members and their families with access to VA health care facilities and TRICARE facilities within their 

network. To find a local Transition Assistance Advisor call 1-877-577-

6691 or go to http://www.taapmo.com.

Outreach for OEF/OIF/New Dawn Veterans 

VA’s OEF/OIF/New Dawn Outreach Teams focus on improving outreach to members of the National Guard and Reserve by engaging 

them throughout the deployment cycle with targeted messages and 

face-to-face encounters with VA staff. These outreach teams are located at VA Medical Centers to help ease the transition from military 

to civilian life. To learn more, visit www.oefoif.va.gov. Veterans can 

also call the toll-free OEF/OIF/New Dawn Help Line at 1-866-606-

8216 for answers to questions about VA benefits, health care, and 

enrollment procedures.

Air Reserve Personnel Center

The Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) is available to assist with 

various personnel issues, including requests for personnel records, 

copies of DD Form 214, or other military documents. Many Veterans 

file an Air Force Board Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) or 

write their Congressman to get these basic issues resolved, which 

requires that the request be routed through appropriate authorities, 

sometimes taking up to 180 days. Alternately, the ARPC routinely 

handles these actions on a much quicker basis. Members should call 

the ARPC for assistance at 1-800-525-0102 or logon to https://gumcrm.csd.disa.mil. 
93 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Special Groups of Veterans 94

help homeless Veterans achieve residential stability, increase their 

skill levels and/or income, and obtain greater self-determination.

The Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program provides permanent housing 

and ongoing case management for eligible homeless Veterans who 

would not be able to live independently otherwise. 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. 

HUD-VASH services include outreach and case management to 

ensure integration of services and continuity of care. This program 

enhances the ability of VA to serve homeless women Veterans, and 

homeless Veterans with families. 

Through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, 

VA aims to improve very low-income Veteran families’ housing stability by providing supportive services in, or transitioning to, permanent 

housing. VA funds community-based organizations to provide eligible 

Veteran families with outreach, case management and assistance in 

obtaining VA and other benefits. Grantees may also provide timelimited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, 

moving companies and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veterans’ families stay in or acquire permanent housing 

on a sustainable basis. 

In VA’s Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence

(CWT/TR) Program, disadvantaged, at-risk, and homeless Veterans 

live in CWT/TR community-based supervised group homes while 

working for pay in VA’s CWT Program, to learn new job skills, relearn 

successful work habits, and regain a sense of self-esteem and selfworth.

The Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans (HCRV) Program offers 

outreach, referrals and short-term case management assistance for 

incarcerated Veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon 

their release.

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 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. Information is also available on the 

VA Homeless program website at www.va.gov/homeless.

Filipino Veterans 

World War II era Filipino Veterans are eligible for certain VA benefits. 

Generally, Old Philippine Scouts are eligible for VA benefits in the 

same manner as U.S. Veterans. Commonwealth Army Veterans, 

including certain organized Filipino guerrilla forces and New Philippine Scouts residing in the United States who are citizens or lawfully 

admitted for permanent residence, are also eligible for VA health care 

in the United States on the same basis as U.S. Veterans. 

Certain Commonwealth Army Veterans and new Philippine Scouts 

may be eligible for disability compensation and burial benefits. Other 

Veterans of recognized guerrilla groups also may be eligible for certain VA benefits. Survivors of World War II era Filipino Veterans may 

be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation. Eligibility 

and the rates of benefits vary based on the recipient’s citizenship and 

place of residence. Call 1-800-827-1000 for additional information. 

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. Educational benefits are limited to approved, degreegranting 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 Canada. For information, visit http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/

Foreign/index.htm.

World War II Era Merchant Marine Seamen 

Certain Merchant Marine seamen who served in World War II may 

qualify for Veterans benefits. When applying for medical care, seamen must present their discharge certificate from the Department of 

Defense. Call 1-800-827-1000 for help obtaining a certificate. 
95 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Special Groups of Veterans 96

Allied Veterans Who Served During WWI or WWII

VA may provide medical care to certain Veterans of nations allied or 

associated with the United States during World War I or World 

War II if authorized and reimbursed by the foreign government. VA 

also may provide hospitalization, outpatient care and domiciliary care 

to former members of the armed forces of Czechoslovakia or Poland 

who fought in World War I or World War II in armed conflict against 

an enemy of the United States if they have been U.S. citizens for at 

least 10 years.

World War Service by Particular Groups 

A number of groups who provided military-related service to the 

United States can receive VA benefits. A discharge by the Secretary 

of Defense is needed to qualify. Service in the following groups has 

been certified as active military service for benefits purposes: 

1. Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs).

2. World War I Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit.

3. World War I Engineer Field Clerks. 

4. Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).

 5. Quartermaster Corps female clerical employees serving with 

 the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. 

6. Civilian employees of Pacific naval air bases who actively 

 participated in defense of Wake Island during World War II. 

7. Reconstruction aides and dietitians in World War I.

8. Male civilian ferry pilots. 

9. Wake Island defenders from Guam. 

 10. Civilian personnel assigned to OSS secret intelligence. 

 11. Guam Combat Patrol. 

 12. Quartermaster Corps members of the Keswick crew on 

 Corregidor during World War II. 

 13. U.S. civilians who participated in the defense of Bataan. 

 14. U.S. merchant seamen on block ships in support of 

 Operation Mulberry in the World War II invasion of Normandy.

 15. American merchant marines in oceangoing service during

 World War II.

 16. Civilian Navy IFF radar technicians who served in combat 

 areas of the Pacific during World War II. 

 17. U.S. civilians of the American Field Service who served 

 overseas in World War I.

 18. U.S. civilians of the American Field Service who served 

 overseas under U.S. armies and U.S. army groups in World

 War II. 

 19. U.S. civilian employees of American Airlines who served 

 overseas in a contract with the Air Transport Command

 between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945. 

 20. Civilian crewmen of U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey vessels

 who served in areas of immediate military hazard while 

 conducting cooperative operations with and for the U.S.

 armed forces between Dec. 7, 1941, and Aug. 15, 1945

 Qualifying vessels are: the Derickson, Explorer, Gilber, 

 Hilgard, E. Lester Jones, Lydonia Patton, Surveyor, 

 Wainwright, Westdahl, Oceanographer, Hydrographer and 

 Pathfinder. 

 21. Members of the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) 

 who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and July 18, 1942. 

 22. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of United Air Lines who served overseas in a 

 contract with Air Transport Command between Dec. 14, 

 1941, and Aug.14, 1945.

 23. U.S. civilian flight crew, including pursers, and aviation 

 ground support employees of Transcontinental and 

 Western Air, Inc. who served overseas in a contract with the

 Air Transport Command between Dec. 14, 1941, and 

 Aug. 14, 1945.

 24. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. who served

 overseas in a contract with Air Transport Command between 

 Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945. 

 25. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of Pan American World Airways and its subsidiaries and

affiliates, who served overseas in a contract with the Air 

 Transport Command and Naval Air Transport Service

between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945. 

26. Honorably discharged members of the American Volunteer

Guard, Eritrea Service Command, between June 21, 1942,

 and March 31, 1943.

27. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of Northwest Airlines who served overseas under 

 the airline’s contract with Air Transport Command from 

 Dec. 14, 1941, through Aug. 14, 1945. 

28. U.S. civilian female employees of the U.S. Army Nurse 

 Corps who served in the defense of Bataan and Corregidor 

 between Jan. 2, 1942, and Feb. 3, 1945.

29. U.S. flight crew and aviation ground support employees of 
97 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Special Groups of Veterans 98

Northeast Airlines Atlantic Division, who served overseas as

a result of Northeast Airlines’ contract with the Air Transport 

 Command from Dec. 7, 1941, through Aug. 14, 1945.

30. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of Braniff Airways, who served overseas in the

 North Atlantic or under the jurisdiction of the North Atlantic 

 Wing, Air Transport Command, as a result of a contract with 

 the Air Transport Command between Feb. 26, 1945, and 

 Aug. 14, 1945.

31. Chamorro and Carolina former native police who received 

 military training in the Donnal area of central Saipan and 

 were placed under command of Lt. Casino of the 6th 

 Provisional Military Police Battalion to accompany U.S. 

 Marines on active, combat patrol from Aug. 19, 1945, to 

 Sept. 2, 1945. 

32. Three scouts/guides, Miguel Tenorio, Penedicto Taisacan, 

and Cristino Dela Cruz, who assisted the United States 

Marines in the offensive operations against the Japanese on 

the Northern Mariana Islands from June 19, 1944, through 

 Sept. 2, 1945.

33. The operational Analysis Group of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, Office of Emergency 

 Management, which served overseas with the U.S. Army 

 Air Corps from Dec. 7, 1941, through Aug. 15, 1945. 

34. Service as a member of the Alaska Territorial Guard during 

World War II or any individual who was honorably discharged

 under section 8147 of the Department of Defense Appropria-

 tions Act of 2001. 

Incarcerated Veterans 

VA benefits are affected if a beneficiary is convicted of a felony and 

imprisoned for more than 60 days. Disability or death pension paid to 

an incarcerated beneficiary must be discontinued. 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. 

Any amounts not paid to the Veteran while incarcerated may be 

apportioned to eligible dependents. Payments are not reduced for 

participants in work-release programs, residing in halfway houses or 

under community control. 

Failure to notify VA of a Veteran’s incarceration can result in overpayment of benefits and the subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits 

until the overpayment is recovered. VA benefits will not be provided 

to any Veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant. 

The Health Care for Reentry Veterans Program (HCRV) offers 

outreach to Veterans incarcerated in state and federal prisons, and 

referrals and short-term case management assistance upon release 

from prison. 

The Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO) offers outreach 

and case management to Veterans involved in law enforcement 

encounters, overseen by treatment courts, and incarcerated in local 

jails. Visit www.va.gov/homeless/ to locate an outreach worker.
99 Transition Assistance Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Transition Assistance 100

Chapter 11

Transition Assistance

Joint Transition Assistance

The Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Labor relaunched a new and improved website for wounded warriors – the 

National Resource Directory (NRD). This directory (www.nrd.gov) 

provides access to thousands of services and resources at the 

national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and 

community reintegration. The NRD is a comprehensive online tool 

available nationwide for wounded, ill and injured Servicemembers, 

Veterans and their families. 

The NRD includes extensive information for Veterans seeking 

resources on VA benefits such as disability benefits, pensions for 

Veterans and their families, VA health care insurance and the GI 

Bill. The NRD’s design and interface is simple, easy-to-navigate and 

intended to answer the needs of a broad audience of users within the 

military, Veteran and caregiver communities. 

Transition From Military to VA

VA has personnel stationed at major military hospitals to help seriously injured Servicemembers returning from Operations Enduring 

Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) as they 

transition from military to civilian life. OEF/OIF Servicemembers who 

have questions about VA benefits or need assistance in filing a VA 

claim or accessing services can contact the nearest VA office or call 

1-800-827-1000.

eBenefits

The eBenefits portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov) provides Servicemembers, Veterans, their families, and Caregivers with self-service access to benefit applications, benefits information, and access to personal information such as official military personnel file documents. 

The portal provides two main services; it catalogs links to information 

on other websites about military and Veteran benefits, and it provides 

a personalized workspace called My Dashboard, which gives quick 

access to all the online tools currently integrated into eBenefits. 

Transition Assistance Program:consists of comprehensive workshops at military installations designed to assist Servicemembers as 

they transition from military to civilian life. The program includes job 

search, employment and training information, as well as VA benefits 

information for Servicemembers who are within 18 months of separation or retirement. The VA Benefit Briefings are comprised of two 

briefings focusing on education, benefits. and VA health care and disability compensation. Servicemembers can sign up for one-on-one 

appointments with a VA representative. Interested Servicemembers 

should contact their local TAP Manager to sign up for this program.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act

Improving the Transition Assistance Program (TAP): The VOW to 

Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (“the Act”) made TAP, including attendance 

at the VA Benefit Briefings, mandatory for most Servicemembers 

transitioning to civilian status, upgraded career counseling options, 

and tailored TAP for the 21st Century job market.

Facilitating Seamless Transition: The Act allows Servicemembers 

to begin the federal employment process prior to separation in order 

to facilitate a truly seamless transition from the military to jobs at VA, 

Department of Homeland Security, and the many other federal agencies seeking to hire Veterans. 

Expanding Education and Training: The Act provides nearly 

100,000 unemployed Veterans of past eras and wars with up to one 

year of assistance (equal to the full-time payment rate under the 

Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program) to qualify for jobs in highdemand sectors. It also provides disabled Veterans up to one year of 

additional Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits.

Translating Military Skills and Training: The Act requires the 

Department of Labor take a hard look at military skills and training 

equivalencies that are transferrable to the civilian sector and make it 

easier to obtain licenses and certifications. 

Veterans Tax Credits: The Act provides tax credits for hiring Veterans and disabled Veterans who are out of work. 

The inTransition 

Servicemembers and Veterans may receive assistance from the inTransition Program when they are receiving mental health treatment 
101 Transition Assistance Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Transition Assistance 102

and are making transitions from military service, location or a health 

care system. 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 about The inTransition Program, please log 

onto www.health.mil/inTransition.

Pre-Discharge Program 

The Pre-Discharge Program is a joint VA and DoD program that 

affords Servicemembers the opportunity to file claims for disability 

compensation and other benefits up to 180 days prior to separation 

or retirement. 

The two primary components of the Pre-Discharge Program, Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and Quick Start, may be utilized 

by separating and retiring Servicemembers on active duty, including 

members of the Coast Guard, and members of the National Guard 

and Reserves (activated under Titles 10 or 32) in CONUS and some 

overseas locations. BDD is offered to accelerate receipt of VA disability benefits after release or discharge from active duty. 

To participate in the BDD program, Servicemembers must:

1. have at least 60 days, but not more than 180 days, 

 remaining on active duty.

2. have a known date of separation or retirement.

3. provide VA with service treatment records, originals or 

 photocopies.

4. be available to complete all necessary examinations prior 

 to leaving the point of separation.

Quick Start is offered to Servicemembers who have less than 60 

days remaining on active duty or are unable to complete the necessary examinations prior to leaving the point of separation.

To participate in the Quick Start Program, Servicemembers must:

1. have at least one day remaining on active duty.

2. have a known date of separation or retirement. 

3. provide VA with service treatment records, originals or 

 photocopies.

Servicemembers should contact the local Transition Assistance 

Office or Army Career Alumni Program Center to schedule appointments to attend VA benefits briefings and learn how to initiate a predischarge claim. Servicemembers can obtain more information by 

calling VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 or by visiting www.vba.va.gov/

predischarge.

Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

A third component of the Pre-Discharge program is the Integrated 

Disability Evaluation System. The IDES program covers Servicemembers who are referred to a Medical Evaluation Board. 

The IDES program has three goals: 

1. a single seiers of disability exams conducted to VA standards 

that is used by both Departments; 

2. a single disability rating completed by VA that is binding upon 

both Departments; and 

3. expeditious payment of VA benefits after a Servicemember’s 

separation from service. 

VA Form 21-0819, VA/DoD Joint Disability Evaluation Board Claim, is 

initiated by the Military Service Coordinator jointly with Servicemember (SM), when the SM is initially referred to IDES. The VA Form 

21-0819, will not only reflect the military referred/unfitting medical 

conditions, but all claimed medical conditions affecting the uniformed 

member. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the SM’s 

health at the time of the IDES evaluation process.

Federal Recovery Coordination Program

The Federal Recovery Coordination Program (FRCP), a joint program of DoD and VA, helps coordinate and access federal, state and 

local programs, benefits and services for seriously wounded, ill, and 

injured Servicemembers, and their families through recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. 

Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRCs) have the delegated authority for oversight and coordination of the clinical and non-clinical care 

identified in each client’s Federal Individual Recovery Plan (FIRP). 

Working with a variety of case managers, FRCs assist their clients 

in reaching their FIRP goals. FRCs remain with their clients as long 

as they are needed regardless of the client’s location, duty or health 

status. In doing so, they often serve as the central point of contact 

and provide transition support for their clients.

Military Services Provide Pre-Separation Counseling

Servicemembers may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months 
103 Transition Assistance Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Transition Assistance 104

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

The Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) Document, DD Form 2586, helps Servicemembers 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 support offices and are 

intended for Servicemembers who have at least six months of active service. Servicemembers should obtain VMET documents from 

their Transition Support Office within 12 months of separation or 24 

months of retirement. 

Transition Bulletin Board

To find business opportunities, a calendar of transition seminars, job 

fairs, information on Veterans associations, transition services, training and education opportunities, as well as other announcements at 

www.turbotap.org 

DoD Transportal

To find locations and phone numbers of all Transition Assistance 

Offices as well as mini-courses on conducting successful job-search 

campaigns, writing resumes, using the internet to find a job, and links 

to job search and recruiting Websites, visit the DoD Transportal at 

www.Veteranprograms.com/index.html 

Educational and Vocational Counseling

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program 

provides educational and vocational counseling to Servicemembers, 

Veterans, and certain dependents (U.S.C. Title 38, Section 3697) at 

no charge. These counseling services are designed to help an individual choose a vocational direction, determine the course needed to 

achieve the chosen goal, and evaluate the career possibilities open 

to them. 

Assistance may include interest and aptitude testing, occupational 

exploration, setting occupational goals, locating the right type of 

training program, and exploring educational or training facilities which 

can be utilized to achieve an occupational goal. 

Counseling services include, but are not limited to, educational and 

vocational counseling and guidance; testing; analysis of and recommendations to improve job-marketing skills; identification of employment, training, and financial aid resources; and referrals to other 

agencies providing these services. 

Eligibility: Educational and vocational counseling services are 

available during the period the individual is on active duty with the 

armed forces and within 180 days of the estimated date of his or her 

discharge or release from active duty. The projected discharge must 

be under conditions other than dishonorable. 

Servicemembers are eligible even if they are only considering 

whether or not they will continue as members of the armed forces. 

Veterans are eligible if not more than one year has elapsed since the 

date they were last discharged or released from active duty. 

Veterans and dependents who are eligible for VA education benefits 

may receive educational and vocational counseling at any time during their eligibility period. This service is based on having eligibility 

for a VA program such as Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill); Chapter 

31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment); Chapter 32 (Veterans Education Assistance Program – VEAP); Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 

GI Bill); Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program) 

for certain spouses and dependent children; Chapter 18 (Spina Bifida Program) for certain dependent children; and Chapter 1606 and 

1607 of Title 10.

Veterans and Servicemembers may apply for counseling services 

using VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling. Veterans and 

Servicemembers may also write a letter expressing a desire for 

counseling services. 

Upon receipt of either type of request for counseling from an eligible 

individual, an appointment for counseling will be scheduled. Counseling services are provided to eligible persons at no charge. 

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 em-
105 Transition Assistance Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Transition Assistance 106

ployment help through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program. 

The program may be conducted through state or local public agencies, community organizations or private, nonprofit organizations. 

State Employment Services

Veterans can find employment information, education and training 

opportunities, job counseling, job search workshops, and resume 

preparation assistance at state Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers. These offices also have specialists to help disabled Veterans 

find 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 U.S. 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. By law, Veterans who are disabled or 

who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces 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 (RIF). 

To receive preference, a Veteran must have been discharged or 

released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions (honorable or 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. 

For each of these preferences, there are specific criteria that must be 

met in order to be eligible to receive the Veterans’ preference. 

Recent changes in Title 5 clarify Veterans preference eligibility criteria for National Guard and Reserve members. Veterans eligible for 

preference include Reservists and National Guard members who 

served on active duty as defined by Title 38 at any time in the armed 

forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days, any part of 

which occurred during the period beginning on Sept. 11, 2001, and 

ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by 

law as the last date of OEF/OIF. Reservists and National Guardsmen must have been discharged or released from active duty in the 

armed forces under honorable conditions. 

Another recent change involves Veterans who earned the Global 

War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for service in OEF/OIF/OND. 

Under Title 5, service on active duty in the armed forces during a war 

or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been 

authorized also qualifies for Veterans preference. Any Armed Forces 

Expeditionary medal or campaign badge qualifies for preference. 

Medal holders must have served continuously for 24 months or the 

full period called or ordered to active duty. For additional information, 

visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website at www.

fedshirevets.gov. 

In 2011, President Obama signed the VOW (Veterans Opportunity 

to Work) To Hire Heroes Act. VOW amends Chapter 21 of Title 5, 

United States Code (U.S.C.) by adding section 2108a, “Treatment of 

certain individuals as Veterans, disabled Veterans, and preference 

eligibles.” Section 2108a requires Federal agencies to treat active 

duty Servicemembers as Veterans, disabled Veterans, or preference 

eligibles for purposes of appointment in the competitive service when 

these Servicemembers submit a certification of expected discharge 

or release from active duty under honorable conditions along with 

their applications for Federal employment. A certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the Servicemember is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service 

in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 

days from the date the certification is signed.

Veterans’ preference does not require an agency to use any particular appointment process. Agencies can pick candidates from a 

number of different special hiring authorities or through a variety of 

different sources. For example, the agency can reinstate a former 

federal employee, transfer someone from another agency, reassign 

someone from within the agency, make a selection under merit promotion procedures or through open, competitive exams, or appoint 

someone noncompetitively under special authority such as a Veter-
107 Transition Assistance Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Health Care 108

ans Readjustment Appointment or special authority for 30 percent or 

more disabled Veterans. The decision on which hiring authority the 

agency desires to use rests solely with the agency. When applying 

for federal jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on their 

application or resume. Veterans should apply for a federal job by 

contacting the personnel office at the agency in which they wish to 

work. For more information, visit www.usajobs.gov for job openings 

or help creating a federal resume. 

Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act: When an agency accepts applications from outside its own workforce, the Veterans’ 

Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 allows preference eligible 

candidates or Veterans to compete for these vacancies under merit 

promotion procedures.Veterans who are selected are given career or 

career-conditional appointments. Veterans are those who have been 

separated under honorable conditions from the U.S. armed forces 

with three or more years of continuous active service. For information, visit www.usajobs.gov or www.fedshirevets.gov. 

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 information,www.fedshirevets.gov/.

Small Businesses

VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise helps Veterans interested in 

forming or expanding small businesses and helps VA contracting 

offices identify Veteran-owned small businesses. For information, 

write the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (OOVE), 810 Vermont 

Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420-0001, call toll-free 1-866-584-

2344 or visit www.vetbiz.gov. Small Business Contracts: 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 information, write the 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (OOSB), 810 Vermont Avenue, 

N.W., Washington, DC 20420-0001, call toll-free 1-800-949-8387 or 

visit www.va.gov/osdbu/. 

Chapter 12

Dependents and 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. 

Eligibility: 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:

1. The spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA has rated permanently 

and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.

2. The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VArated service-connected disability, or who, at the time of death, was 

rated permanently and totally disabled.

3. 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 of these 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 Dec. 1, 1999, whichever is later. A surviving spouse 

who remarries after age 55 does not lose eligibility upon remarriage. 

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, contact Purchased Care at the VA Health Administration Center, CHAMPVA, P.O. Box 469028, Denver, CO 80246, call 

1-800-733-8387 or visit www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/

champva.asp.

Many VA health care facilities provide services to CHAMPVA ben-
109 Dependents and Survivors Health Care Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Health Care 110

eficiaries under the CHAMPVA In-house Treatment Initiative (CITI) 

program. Contact the nearest VA health care facility to determine if it 

participates. Those who use a CITI facility incur no cost for services; 

however, services are provided on a space-available basis, after the 

needs of Veterans are met. Not all services are available at all times. 

The coverage of services is dependent upon the CHAMPVA benefit 

coverage. CHAMPVA beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare 

cannot use CITI. 

VA's Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program entitles the designated Primary Family Caregiver, who is without health 

insurance coverage, CHAMPVA benefits. Some of the health plans 

that would make a Primary Family Caregiver ineligible for CHAMPVA benefits include Medicare, Medicaid, commercial health plans 

through employment and individual plans. 

Children Born with Spina Bifida to Certain Vietnam or Korea 

Veterans: The Spina Bifida Program (SB) is a comprehensive health 

care benefits program administered by the Department of Veterans 

Affairs for birth children of certain Vietnam and Korea Veterans who 

have been diagnosed with spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta). 

The SB program provides reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient medical services, pharmacy, durable medical equipment, and 

supplies. Purchased Care at the VA’s Health Administration Center 

in Denver, Colorado manages the SB Program, including the authorization of benefits and the subsequent processing and payment of 

claims. For more information about spina bifida health care benefits, 

call 1-888-820-1756 or visit www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/spina/

spina.asp

Eligibility: To be eligible for the SB Program, Veterans must be 

eligible for a monetary award under the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). The Denver VA Regional Office makes the determination regarding this entitlement. The VBA notifies Purchased Care at 

the VA Health Administration Center after an award is made and the 

eligible child is enrolled in SB. 

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV) Born with Certain 

Birth Defects: The CWVV Health Care Program is a federal health 

benefits program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for children of women Vietnam Veterans born with certain birth 

defects. The CWVV Program provides reimbursement for medical 

care related to covered birth defects and conditions associated with 

the covered birth defect except for spina bifida. For more information 

about benefits for children with birth defects, call 1-888-820-1756 or 

visit www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries and select Spina Bifida/Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV.)

Eligibility: To be eligible for the CWVV Program, Veterans must 

have received an award under VBA. The Denver VA Regional Office 

makes determination regarding this entitlement. The VBA notifies 

Purchased Care at the VA Health Administration Center after an 

award is made and the eligible child is enrolled in CWVV.

Bereavement Counseling: VA Vet Centers provide bereavement 

counseling to all family members including spouses, children, parents, and siblings of Servicemembers who die while on active duty. 

This includes federally activated members of the National Guard and 

reserve components. Bereavement services may be accessed by 

calling (202) 461-6530. 

Bereavement Counseling related to Veterans: Bereavement 

counseling is available through any VA medical center to immediate 

family members of Veterans who die unexpectedly or while participating in a VA hospice or similar program, as long as the immediate family members had been receiving family support services in 

connection with or in furtherance of the Veteran’s treatment. (In other 

cases, bereavement counseling is available to the Veteran’s legal 

guardian or the individual with whom the Veteran had certified an 

intention to live, as long as the guardian or individual had been receiving covered family support services.) This bereavement counseling is of limited duration and may only be authorized up to 60 days. 

However, VA medical center directors have authority to approve a 

longer period of time when medically indicated. Contact the Social 

Work Service at the nearest VA medical center to access bereavement counseling.
111 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 112

Chapter 13

Dependents and 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 Servicemembers 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 Servicemember 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

Eligibility: For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), one of the following must have directly 

caused or contributed to the Veteran’s death:

1. A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty 

 while on active duty or active duty for training.

2. An injury, heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke incurred or

 aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty for 

 training.

3. A service-connected disability or a condition directly related 

 to a service-connected disability. 

DIC also may 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 on a year immediately preceding death. 

Payments will be offset by any amount received from judicial proceedings brought on by the Veteran’s death. When the surviving 

spouse is eligible for payments under the military’s Survivor Benefit 

Plan (SBP), only the amount of SBP greater than DIC is payable. If 

DIC is greater than SBP, only DIC is payable. The Veteran’s discharge must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.

Payments for Deaths After Jan. 1, 1993: Surviving spouses of 

Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 1993, receive a basic rate, 

plus additional payments for dependent children, for the aid and 

attendance of another person if they are patients in a nursing home 

or require the regular assistance of another person, or if they are 

permanently housebound.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Surviving Surviving spouses who are eligible for DIC or survivors 

pension may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance or Housebound 

benefits. They may apply for these benefits by writing to their VA 

regional office. They should 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 care. 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. In addition, it is necessary to determine 

whether the surviving spouse is confined to the home or immediate 

premises.

2013 DIC Payment Rates for Surviving Spouses

DIC rates (Veteran died on or after Jan. 1, 1993.)

 Allowances Monthly Rate

Basic Payment Rate $1,215

Additional Allowances:

Each Dependent Child $301

Aid and Attendance $301

Housebound $141

Special Allowances: Add $258 if the Veteran was totally disabled 

eight continuous years prior to death. 
113 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 114

Add $263 to the additional allowance if there are dependent children 

under age 18 for the initial two years of entitlement for DIC awards 

commencing on or after Jan. 1, 2005. 

Payments for Deaths Prior to Jan. 1, 1993: Surviving spouses of 

Veterans who died prior to Jan. 1, 1993, receive an amount based on 

the deceased’s military pay grade. 

DIC Rates (Veteran who died prior to Jan. 1, 1993)

Enlisted Rate Warrant 

Officer

Rate Officer Rate

E-1 $1,215 W-1 $1,283 O-1 $1,283

E-2 $1,215 W-2 $1,334 O-2 $1,327

E-3 $1,215 W-3 $1,373 O-3 $1,418

E-4 $1,215 W-4 $1,453 O-4 $1,503

E-5 $1,215 O-5 $1,654

E-6 $1,215 O-6 $1,865

E-7 $1,257 O-7 $2,013

E-8 $1,327 O-8 $2,211

E-9 $1,384 O-9 $2,365

O-10 $2,594 *

Parents’ DIC: VA provides an income-based monthly benefit to the 

surviving parent(s) of a Servicemember 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 living with a spouse. 

A spouse may be the other parent of the deceased Veteran, or a 

spouse from remarriage. Unreimbursed medical expenses may be 

used to reduce countable income. Benefit rates and income limits 

change annually. 

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors: Survivors of Veterans who died of service-connected causes incurred or aggravated 

prior to Aug. 13, 1981, may be eligible for a special benefit payable 

in addition to any other benefits to which the family may be entitled. 

The amount of the benefit is based on information provided by the 

Social Security Administration.

Survivors Pension

VA provides pension benefits to qualifying surviving spouses and 

unmarried children of deceased Veterans with wartime service. 

Eligibility: To be eligible, spouses must not have remarried and 

children must be under age 18, or under age 23 if attending a VAapproved school, or have become permanently incapable of selfsupport because of disability before age 18. Surviving spouses and 

children must have qualifying income.

The Veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than 

dishonorable and must have had 90 days or more of active military 

service, at least one day of which was during a period of war, or a 

service-connected disability justifying discharge. Longer periods of 

service may be required for Veterans who entered active duty on or 

after Sept. 8, 1980, or Oct. 16, 1981, if an officer. If the Veteran died 

in service but not in the line of duty, survivors pension may be payable if the Veteran completed at least two years of honorable service. 

Children who become incapable of self-support because of a disability before age 18 may be eligible for survivors pension as long 

as the condition exists, unless the child marries or the child’s income 

exceeds the applicable limit. 

Payment: 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. The payment may be increased if the recipient has unreimbursed medical expenses that can be deducted from countable 

income. 

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Surviving spouses who are eligible for VA survivors pension are 

eligible for a higher maximum pension rate if they qualify for aid and 

attendance or housebound benefits. 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, or 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. 

Surviving spouses who are ineligible for basic survivors pension 
115 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 116

based on annual income may still be eligible for survivors pension 

if they are eligible for aid and attendance or housebound benefits 

because a higher income limit applies. In addition, unreimbursed 

medical expenses for nursing-home or home-health care may be 

used to reduce countable annual income, which may result in a 

higher pension benefit. 

To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, write to a 

VA regional office. 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 type care. 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. In addition, it is necessary to determine 

whether the claimant is confined to the home or immediate premises.

2013 Survivors Pension Rates 

Recipient of Pension Maximum Annual Rate

Surviving spouse $8,359

(With dependent child) $10,942

Permanently housebound $10,217

(With dependent child) $12,796

Needs regular aid & attendance $13,362

(With dependent child) $15,940

Each additional dependent child $2,129

Pension for each surviving child $2,129

Survivors' & Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Eligibility: VA provides educational assistance to qualifying dependents as follows: 

1. The spouse or child of a Servicemember or Veteran who 

 either died of a service-connected disability, or who has 

 permanent and total service-connected disability, or who died 

 while such a disability existed.

2. The spouse or child of a Servicemember listed for more than 

 90 days as currently Missing in Action (MIA), captured in the 

 line of duty by a hostile force, or detained or interned by a

 foreign government or power. 

3. The spouse or child of a Servicemember who is hospitalized 

 or receives outpatient care or treatment for a disability that 

 is determined to be totally and permanently disabling, incurred

 or aggravated due to active duty, and for which the service 

 member is likely to be discharged from military service. 

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. Visit www.

gibill.va.gov/ 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 Servicemembers who died on 

active duty expires 20 years from the date of death. This is a change 

in law that became effective Dec. 10, 2004. Spouses of Servicemembers who died on active duty whose 10-year eligibility period expired 

before Dec. 10, 2004, now have 20 years from the date of death to 

use educational benefits. Effective Oct. 10, 2008, Public Law 110-

389 provides a 20-year period of eligibility for spouses of Veterans 

with a permanent and total service-connected disability rating effective within 3 years of release from active duty.

Payments: The payment rate effective Oct. 1, 2012, is $987 a 

month for full-time school attendance, with lesser amounts for parttime. Benefits are paid for full-time training up to 45 months or the 

equivalent in part-time training. 

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 
117 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 118

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. 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Children of those who died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 

2001, are potentially eligible to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Refer 

to Chapter 4, “Education and Training”, for more details. 

Work-Study: See page 55

Counseling: VA may provide counseling to help participants pursue 

an educational or vocational objective.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Death Benefit: VA will pay a special 

MGIB death benefit to a designated survivor in the event of the 

service-connected death of a Servicemember while on active duty 

or within one year after discharge or release. The deceased must 

either have been entitled to educational assistance under the MGIB 

program or a participant in the program who would have been so 

entitled but for the high school diploma or length-of-service requirement. The amount paid will be equal to the participant’s actual military pay reduction, less any education benefits paid. 

Children of Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects Children of 

Vietnam or Korean Veterans Born with Spina Bifida: Biological children of male and female Veterans who served in Vietnam at any time 

during the period beginning Jan. 9, 1962 and ending May 7, 1975, or 

who served in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) during 

the period beginning Sept. 1, 1967 and ending Aug. 31, 1971, born 

with spina bifida may be eligible for a monthly monetary allowance, 

and vocational training if reasonably feasible.

The law defines “child” as the natural child of a Vietnam Veteran, 

regardless of age or marital status. The child must have been conceived after the date on which the Veteran first entered the Republic 

of Vietnam. For more information about benefits for children with 

birth defects, visit www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/spina/spina.asp. 

A monetary allowance is paid at one of three disability levels based 

on the neurological manifestations that define the severity of disability: impairment of the functioning of extremities, impairment of bowel 

or bladder function, and impairment of intellectual functioning. 

2012 VA Benefits for Children of Vietnam or Korean 

Veterans Born with Spina Bifida

Level I Level II Level III

Monthly 

Rate $303 $1,038 $1,769

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 

well-established causes. A monetary allowance is paid at one of four 

disability levels based on the child’s degree of permanent disability. 

2013 VA Benefits for Children of Women Vietnam 

Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects 

Level I Level II Level III Level IV

Monthly 

Rate

$139 $303 $1,038 $1,769

Vocational Training: VA provides vocational training, rehabilitation 

services, and employment assistance to help these children prepare 

for and attain suitable employment. To qualify, an applicant must be 

a child receiving a VA monthly allowance for spina bifida or another 

covered birth defect and for whom VA has determined that achieve-
119 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions 120

ment of a vocational goal is reasonably feasible. A child may not 

begin vocational training before his/her 18th birthday or the date he/

she completes secondary schooling, whichever comes first. Depending on need and eligibility, a child may be provided up to 24 months 

of full-time training with the possibility of an extension of up to 24 

months if it is needed to achieve the identified employment goal. 

Other Benefits for Survivors

VA Home Loan Guaranty 

A VA loan guaranty to acquire a home may be available to an unmarried spouse of a Veteran or Servicemember who died as a result 

of service-connected disabilities, a surviving spouse who remarries 

after age 57, or to a spouse of a Servicemember officially listed as 

MIA or who is currently a POW for more than 90 days. Spouses of 

those listed MIA/POW are limited to one loan. Surviving spouses of 

certain totally disabled Veterans whose disability may not have been 

the cause of death, may also be eligible for the VA loan guaranty. 

“No-Fee” Passports

“No-fee” passports are available to immediate family members 

(spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters) for the expressed 

purpose of visiting their loved one’s grave or memorialization site 

at an American military cemetery on foreign soil. For additional 

information, write to the American Battle Monuments Commission, 

Courthouse Plaza II, Suite 500, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 

22201, or telephone 703-696-6897, or visit www.abmc.gov

Burial and Memorial Benefits for Survivors

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several burial and memorial benefits for eligible survivors and dependents. These benefits 

may include internment at a state or national Veterans cemetery, 

plot, marker and more. To learn more about these and other benefits 

please refer to Chapter 7 of this guide.

Chapter 14

Appeals of VA Claims 

Decisions

Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appeal 

decisions made by a VA regional office, medical center or National 

Cemetery Administration (NCA) office. Typical 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 regional 

office, medical center or national cemetery office 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 of Veterans’ Appeals (“the Board”) makes decisions on 

appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Although it is 

not required, a veterans service organization, an agent, or an attorney may represent a claimant. Appellants may present their cases in 

person to a member of the Board at a hearing in Washington, D.C., 

at a VA regional office or by videoconference.

Decisions made by the Board can be found at www.index.va.gov/

search/va/bva.html. The pamphlet, “Understanding the Appeal Process,” is available on the website or may be requested by writing: 

Mail Process Section (014), Board of Veterans’ Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. 
121 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Military Medals and Records 122

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 

A final Board of Veterans’ Appeals 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 independentbody, 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 of Veterans’ Appeals mailed 

its decision. The court reviews the record considered by the Board of 

Veterans’ Appeals. 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, write the Clerk of the Court, 625 

Indiana Ave. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004, or call (202) 

501-5970.

Chapter 14

Military Medals and 

Records

Replacing Military Medals

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 

www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/index.html. For questions, call Military Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800 or e-mail 

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 www.archives.gov/research/index.html and 

mailing or faxing them to the NPRC. 

Alternatively, write the National Personnel Records Center, Military 
123 Military Medals and Records Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Military Medals and Records 124

Personnel Records, One 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. 

The Veteran, survivor, or legal representative must file a request 

for correction within three years of discovering an alleged error or 

injustice. The board may excuse failure to file within this time, however, if it finds it would be in the interest of justice. It is an applicant’s 

responsibility to show why the filing of the application was delayed 

and why it would be in the interest of justice for the board to consider 

it despite the delay. 

To justify a correction, it is necessary to show to the satisfaction of 

the board that the alleged entry or omission in the records was in error or unjust. Applications should include all available evidence, such 

as signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments supporting 

the correction. Application is made with DD Form 149, available at 

VA offices, Veterans organizations or visit www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.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 court-martial. The board has no 

authority to address medical discharges. 

The Veteran or, 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 www.

dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.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 recharacterization, 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).
125 Military Medals and Records Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Military Medals and Records 126

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 of the request for review by the PDBR, no 

further relief from the Board of Corrections of Military Records may 

be sought, and the recommendations 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 

www.health.mil/pdbr.

The Veteran or, if the Veteran is deceased or incompetent, the 

spouse or surviving spouse, next of kin or legal representative, may 

apply for a review using DD Form 294, “Application for a Review by 

the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR) of the Rating Awarded Accompanying a Medical Separation from the Armed Forces of 

the United States.” As part of the review process, the PDBR considers the rating(s) previously awarded by VA. The completion of VA 

Form 3288, “Request for and Consent to Release of Information from 

Individual’s Records,” along with DD Form 294, allows the PDBR to 

request VA records. Both forms can be downloaded from the PDBR 

website at www.health.mil/pdbr. These forms may also be obtained 

at a VA Regional Office (VARO), from a veterans service organization (VSO) or online at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/

formsprogram.htm.

Chapter 16

Benefits Provided by 

Other Federal Agencies

Internal Revenue Service 

This year many workers will qualify for the Earned Income Credit 

(EIC) because their income declined or they became unemployed.

Tax refunds through the EIC and Child Tax Credit can help low- and 

moderate-income families cover day-to-day expenses such as utilities, rent, and child care. To learn more, visit www.irs.gov or consult 

a tax preparer. 

Special Tax Considerations for Veterans

Disabled veterans may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund based 

on: an increase in the veteran’s percentage of disability from VA or

the combat-disabled veteran applying for, and being granted, Combat-Related Special Compensation, after an award for Concurrent 

Retirement and Disability. To do so, the disabled veteran will need 

to file the amended return, Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual 

Income Tax Return, to correct a previously filed Form 1040, 1040A 

or 1040EZ. An amended return cannot be e-filed. It must be filed as 

a paper return. Disabled veterans should include all documents from 

VA and any information received from Defense Finance and Accounting Services explaining proper tax treatment for the current year.

If needed, veterans should seek assistance from a competent tax 

professional before filing amended returns based on a disability determination. Refund claims based on an incorrect interpretation of the 

tax law could subject the veteran to interest and/or penalty charges.

Complete information and requirements can be found at http://www.

irs.gov/Individuals/Military/Special-Tax-Considerations-for-Veterans.

USDA Provides Loans for Farms and Homes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and 

guarantees to buy, improve or operate farms. Loans and guarantees 

are generally available for housing in towns with a population up 

Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies 
127 Military Medals and Records Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Military Medals and Records 128

to 20,000. Applications from Veterans have preference. For further 

information, contact Farm Service Agency or Rural Development, 

USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250, or 

apply at local Department of Agriculture offices, usually located in 

county seats.

HUD Veteran Resource Center (HUDVET)

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Veteran 

Resource Center (HUDVET), which works with national Veterans 

service organizations to serve as a general information center on all 

HUD-sponsored housing and community development programs and 

services. To contact HUDVET, call 1-800-998-9999, TDD 800-483-

2209, or visit www.hud.gov/hudvet.

Veterans Receive Naturalization Preference

Honorable active-duty service in the U.S. armed forces during a 

designated period of hostility allows an individual to naturalize without being required to establish any periods of residence or physical 

presence in the United States. A Servicemember who was in the 

United States, certain territories, or aboard an American public vessel at the time of enlistment, re-enlistment, extension of enlistment or 

induction, may naturalize even if he or she is not a lawful permanent 

resident.

On July 3, 2002, the president issued Executive Order 13269 establishing a new period of hostility for naturalization purposes beginning 

Sept. 11, 2001, and continuing until a date designated by a future 

Executive Order. Qualifying members of the armed forces who have 

served at any time during a specified period of hostility may immediately apply for naturalization using the current application, Form 

N-400, “Application for Naturalization”. Additional information about 

filing and requirement fees and designated periods of hostility are 

available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website 

at www.uscis.gov.

Individuals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, but were 

no longer serving on active duty status as of Sept. 11, 2001, may 

still be naturalized without having to comply with the residence and 

physical presence requirements for naturalization if they filed Form 

N-400 while still serving in the U.S. armed forces or within six months 

of termination of their active duty service. 

An individual who files the application for naturalization after the 

six-month period following termination of active-duty service is not 

exempt from the residence and physical presence requirements, 

but can count any period of active-duty service towards the residence and physical presence requirements. Individuals seeking 

naturalization under this provision must establish that they are lawful 

permanent residents (such status not having been lost, rescinded or 

abandoned) and that they served honorably in the U.S. armed forces 

for at least one year.

If a Servicemember dies as a result of injury or disease incurred or 

aggravated by service during a time of combat, the Servicemember’s 

survivor(s) can apply for the deceased Servicemember to receive 

posthumous citizenship at any time within two years of the Servicemember’s death. The issuance of a posthumous certificate of citizenship does not confer U.S. citizenship on surviving relatives. However, 

a non-U.S. citizen spouse or qualifying family member may file for 

certain immigration benefits and services based upon their relationship to a Servicemember who died during hostilities or a non-citizen 

Servicemember who died during hostilities and was later granted 

posthumous citizenship. 

For additional information, USCIS has developed a web page,www.

uscis.gov/military, that contains information and links to services 

specifically for the military and their families. Members of the U.S. 

military and their families stationed around the world can also call 

USCIS for help with immigration services and benefits using a dedicated, toll-free help line at 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645).

Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Historically, Veterans do very well as small business entrepreneurs. 

Veterans interested in entrepreneurship and small business ownership should look to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office 

of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) for assistance. OVBD 

conducts comprehensive outreach to Veterans, service-disabled 

Veterans, and Reservists of the U.S. military. OVBD also provides 

assistance to Veteran- and Reservist-owned small businesses. SBA 

is the primary federal agency responsible for assisting Veterans who 

own or are considering starting their own small businesses. 

Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies 
129 Military Medals and Records Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Military Medals and Records 130

Among the services provided by SBA are business-planning assistance, counseling, and training through community based Veterans 

Business Outreach Centers. For more information, go to www.sba.

gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd/OVBD_VBOP.html. More than 

1,000 university-based Small Business Development Centers; nearly 

400 SCORE chapters (www.score.org/Veteran.html) with 11,000 volunteer counselors, many of whom are Veterans; and 100 Women’s 

Business Centers. 

SBA also manages a range of special small business lending programs at thousands of locations, ranging from Micro Loans to the 

Military-community-targeted Patriot Express Pilot Loan, to venture 

capital and Surety Bond Guarantees (www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/index.html). Veterans also participate in all SBA 

federal procurement programs, including a special 3 percent federal 

procurement goal specifically for service-connected disabled Veterans, and SBA supports Veterans and others participating in international trade.

A special Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (www.sba.

gov/reservists) is available for self-employed Reservists whose small 

businesses may be damaged through the absence of the owner or 

an essential employee as a result of Title 10 activation to Active Duty. 

A Veterans Business Development Officer is stationed at every SBA 

District Office to act as a guide to Veterans, and SBA offers a full 

range of self-paced small business planning assistance at www.sba.

gov/survey/checklist/index.cgi for Veterans, Reservists, discharging Servicemembers, and their families. Information about the full 

range of services can be found at http://www.sba.gov/about-officescontent/1/2985, or by calling 202-205-6773 or 1-800-U-ASK-SBA 

(1-800-827-5722). 

Social Security Administration 

Monthly retirement, disability and survivor benefits under Social 

Security are payable to Veterans and dependents if the Veteran has 

earned enough work credits under the program. Upon the Veteran’s 

death, a one-time payment of $255 also may be made to the Veteran’s spouse or child. In addition, a Veteran may qualify at age 65 

for Medicare’s hospital insurance and medical insurance. Medicare 

protection is available to people who have received Social Security 

disability benefits for 24 months, and to insured people and their 

dependents who need dialysis or kidney transplants, or who have 

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Since 1957, military service earnings for active duty (including active 

duty for training) have counted toward Social Security and those 

earnings are already on Social Security records. Since 1988, inactive 

duty service in the Reserve Component (such as weekend drills) has 

also been covered by Social Security. Servicemembers and Veterans 

are credited with $300 credit in additional earnings for each calendar 

quarter in which they received active duty basic pay after 1956 and 

before 1978. 

Veterans who served in the military from 1978 through 2001 are 

credited with an additional $100 in earnings for each $300 in active 

duty basic pay, up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. No additional 

Social Security taxes are withheld from pay for these extra credits. 

Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, and did not complete at 

least 24 months of active duty or their full tour of duty, may not be 

able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security 

for details. Additional earnings will no longer be credited for military 

service periods after 2001. 

Also, non-contributory Social Security earnings of $160 a month may 

be credited to Veterans who served after Sept. 15, 1940, and before 

1957, including attendance at service academies. For information, 

call 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/. (Note: Social 

Security cannot add these extra earnings to the record until an application is filed for Social Security benefits).

Armed Forces Retirement Homes

Veterans are eligible to live in the Armed Forces Retirement Homes 

located in Gulfport, Miss., or Washington, D.C., if their active duty 

military service is at least 50 percent enlisted, warrant officer or limited duty officer if they qualify under one of the following categories: 

1. Are 60 years of age or older; and were discharged or released

 under honorable conditions after 20 or more years of active 

 service.

2. Are determined to be incapable of earning a livelihood 

Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies 
131 Military Medals and Records Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Military Medals and Records 132

 because of a service-connected disability incurred in the line 

 of duty.

3. Served in a war theater during a time of war declared by 

 Congress or were eligible for hostile-fire special pay and 

 were discharged or released under honorable conditions;

 and are determined to be incapable of earning a livelihood 

 because of injuries, disease or disability. 

4. Served in a women’s component of the armed forces before 

 June 12, 1948; and are determined to be eligible for 

 admission due to compelling personal circumstances. 

Eligibility determinations are based on rules prescribed by the 

Home’s Chief Operating Officer. Veterans are not eligible if they have 

been convicted of a felony or are not free from alcohol, drug or psychiatric problems. Married couples are welcome, but both must be 

eligible in their own right. At the time of admission, applicants must 

be capable of living independently. 

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is an independent federal 

agency. For information, call 1-800-332-3527 or 1-800-422-9988, or 

visit www.afrh.gov/. 

Commissary and Exchange Privileges 

Unlimited commissary and exchange store privileges in the United 

States are available to honorably discharged Veterans with a serviceconnected disability rated at 100 percent or totally disabling, and to 

the unremarried surviving spouses and dependents of Servicemembers who die on active duty, military retirees, recipients of the Medal 

of Honor, and Veterans whose service-connected disability was rated 

100 percent or totally disabling at the time of death. Certification of 

total disability is done by VA. National Guard Reservists and their dependents may also be eligible. Privileges overseas are governed by 

international law and are available only if agreed upon by the foreign 

government concerned 

Though these benefits are provided by DOD, VA does provide assistance in completing DD Form 1172, “Application for Uniformed 

Services Identification and Privilege Card.” For detailed information, 

contact the nearest military installation. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

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 www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/

ocs/liheap/#index.html

Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Benefits Provided By Other Federal Agencies