Phone Numbers

Bereavement Counseling 1-202-461-6530

Education 1-888-442-4551

Headstones and Markers 1-800-697-6947

Health Care 1-877-222-8387

Homeless veterans 1-877-222-8387

Home Loans 1-877-827-3702

Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Pension Management Center 1-877-294-6380

Special Health Issues 1-800-749-8387

Telecommunication Device

for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833

VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000

Web Sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VA Forms ..................................................www.va.gov/vaforms

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

Federal Jobs ..........................................www.usajobs.opm.gov

Veterans Preference ............www.opm.gov/veterans/index.asp

Employment Assistance............................www.vetsuccess.gov

Veterans Employment and Training................www.dol.gov/vets

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

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

Department of Defense .............................www.defenselink.mil

On the Cover: The year 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s

birth. VA traces its roots to institutions created by federal law under President

Lincoln’s administration. The quote from Lincoln’s second inaugural address

serves as VA’s motto and is at the core of VA’s commitment to veterans.

Federal Benefits for

Veterans, Dependents and

Survivors

2009 Edition

Department of

Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20420

U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION
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 2009 edition of Federal Benefits for

Veterans and Dependents as the official summary of

benefits that have been separately promulgated under

Federal regulations established under the Federal

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 978-0-16-082825-6

Contents iii

Contents

Chapter 1: VA Health Care 1

Chapter 2: Veterans with ServiceConnected Disabilities 19

Chapter 3: VA Pensions 31

Chapter 4: Education and Training 33

Chapter 5: Home Loan Guaranty 43

Chapter 6: VA Life Insurance 53

Chapter 7: Burial and Memorial

Benefits 59

Chapter 8: Reserve and National Guard 65

Chapter 9: Special Groups of Veterans 73

iv Contents

Chapter 10: Transition Assistance 79

Chapter 11: Dependents and Survivors 85

Chapter 12: VA Claims Decisions Appeals 95
Chapter 13: Military Medals and Records 97

Chapter 14: Other Federal Benefits 101

VA Facilities 107

Index 153

Introduction

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

broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department

of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title

38 of the United States Code. This booklet contains a summary of

these benefits effective Jan. 1, 2009. For additional information, visit

the VA Web page at http://www.va.gov/.

La versión en español de este folleto se encuentra disponible en

formato Adobe Acrobat a través de el link: http://www1.va.gov/opa/

feature/index.asp.

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. Generally, men and women veterans with similar

service may be entitled to the same VA benefits.

Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courtsmartial

may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees must

contact a VA regional office 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

Certain VA benefits require service during wartime. Under the law, VA

recognizes these war periods:

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

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

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

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

through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had at least one day of service

between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918.

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

Korean 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 by law or Presidential

Proclamation.

Important Documents Needed to Expedite

VA Benefits Delivery

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 give their 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.

Acronyms

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

OPM – Office of Personnel Management

POW -- Prisoner of War

PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

SAH – Specially Adapted Housing

SBA – Small Business Administration

SSI – Supplemental Security Income

S-DVI – Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance

SGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

SSB – Special Separation Benefits

TAP – Transition Assistance Program

TSGLI – Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

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

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 1

Chapter 1

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

more than 1,400 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: http://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. To apply, complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application

for Health Benefits, which may be obtained from any VA

health care facility or regional benefits office, on line at http://www.

va.gov/1010ez.htm or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). 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 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/

2 VA Health Care Chapter 1

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 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 with service-connected disabilities rated 10

and 20 percent; veterans who are former Prisoners of War (POW)

or were awarded a Purple Heart medal; veterans awarded special

eligibility for disabilities incurred in treatment or participation in a VA

Vocational Rehabilitation program; and veterans whose discharge

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

Group 4: Veterans receiving aid and attendance or housebound

benefits and/or veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically

disabled.

Group 5: Veterans receiving VA pension benefits or eligible for

Medicaid programs, and non service-connected veterans and nonChapter

1 VA Health Care 3

compensable, zero percent service-connected veterans whose gross

annual household income and net worth are below the established

VA means test thresholds.

Group 6: Veterans of World War I; veterans seeking care solely for

certain conditions associated with exposure to radiation during atmospheric

testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki;

for any illness associated with participation in tests conducted by the

Department of Defense (DoD) as part of Project 112/Project SHAD;

veterans with zero percent service-connected disabilities who are

receiving disability compensation benefits and veterans who served

in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998 as follows:

1. Veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28,

2003, who were enrolled as of Jan. 28, 2008 and veterans

who apply for enrollment after Jan. 28, 2008, for 5 years post

discharge

2. Veterans discharged from active duty before Jan. 28, 2003,

who apply for enrollment after Jan. 28, 2008, until Jan. 27,

2011

Group 7: Veterans with income and/or net worth above the VA

national income threshold and income below the geographic income

threshold who agree to pay copays.

Group 8: Veterans with income and/or net worth above the VA

national income threshold and the geographic income threshold who

agree to pay copays.

NOTE: While VA does not currently enroll new veterans into Priority

Group 8 at the time of publication of this guide, VA has proposed

regulatory changes to re-open enrollment for veterans whose incomes

exceed the current VA means test and geographic means test

income thresholds by 10 percent or less. Should these new regulations

take effect as anticipated, VA will retroactively review all enrollment

applications received on or after Jan. 1, 2009 to determine

whether these new rules will allow enrollment.

Recently Discharged Combat Veterans

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, 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

4 VA Health Care Chapter 1

with combat service after Nov. 11, 1998, who were discharged from

active duty before Jan. 28, 2003, and who apply for enrollment on or

after Jan. 28, 2008, are eligible for this enhanced enrollment benefit

through Jan. 27, 2011. During this period of enhanced enrollment

benefits, these veterans receive VA care and medications at no cost
for any condition that may be related to their combat service.

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.

Special Access to Care

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

disabled from service-connected conditions, unemployable due to

service-connected conditions, or receiving care for a service-connected

disability receive priority in scheduling of hospital or outpatient

medical appointments.

Veterans who enroll with VA under this ―Combat Veteran‖ authority

will retain enrollment eligibility even after their five-year post discharge

period 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).

Women Veterans

Women veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male

veterans. Comprehensive health services are available to all women

veterans including primary care, specialty care, mental health care

and reproductive health care services.

VA provides management of acute and chronic illnesses, preventive

care, contraceptive services, menopause management, Pap smears

and mammography. Gynecology and maternity care are available

and referrals are made to appropriate clinicians in the community for

services that VA is unable to provide. In 1999, the uniform benefits

package included a maternity care benefit for women veterans as

well as infertility evaluation and limited treatment. Special initiatives

include Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers and Clinical

Programs of Excellence. For information, visit http://www.va.gov/

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 5

womenvet/.

VA health care professionals provide counseling and treatment to

help veterans overcome psychological issues resulting from sexual

trauma that occurred while serving on active duty, or active duty for

training if service was in the National Guard or reserves. 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 resulting from such trauma.

Women Veterans Program Managers are available at all VA facilities,

See the facility locator at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.

asp?isFlash=1 to help veterans seeking treatment and benefits. For

additional information, visit publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/.

Financial Assessment

Most veterans not receiving VA disability compensation or pension

payments must provide information on their gross annual household

income and net worth to determine whether they are below the annually

adjusted financial thresholds. Veterans who decline to disclose

their information or have income above the thresholds must agree

to pay copays in order to receive certain health benefits, effectively

placing them in Priority Group 8. VA is currently not enrolling new applicants

who decline to provide financial information unless they have

a special eligibility factor.
This 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.

VA also compares veterans’ financial assessment with geographically

based income thresholds. If the veteran’s gross annual household

income is above VA’s national means test threshold and below VA’s

geographic means test threshold, or is below both the VA national

threshold and the VA geographically based threshold, but their

gross annual household income plus net worth exceeds VA’s ceiling

(currently $80,000) the veteran may be eligible for Priority Group 7

6 VA Health Care Chapter 1

placement and qualify for an 80-percent reduction in inpatient copay

rates.

VA Medical Services and Medication Copays

Some veterans must make 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 $213.60

for the first 90 days of inpatient hospital care during any 365-day period.

For each additional 90 days, the charge is $106.80. In addition,

there is a $2 per diem charge.

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

inpatient copay of $1,068 for the first 90 days of care during any

365-day period. For each additional 90 days, the charge is $534. In

addition, there is a $10 per diem charge.

Extended Care: For extended care services, veterans may be

subject to a copay determined by information supplied by completing

a VA Form 10-10EC. VA social workers can help veterans interpret

their eligibility and copay requirements. The copay amount is based

on each veteran’s financial situation and is determined upon application

for extended care services and will range from $0 to $97 a day.

Medication: Most Veterans are charged $8 for each 30-day or less

supply of medication provided by VA for treatment of conditions that

are not service-connected. For veterans enrolled in Priority Groups 2

through 6, the maximum copay for medications that will be charged

in calendar year 2009 is $960. The following groups of veterans are

not charged medication copays: veterans with a service-connected

disability of 50 percent or more; veterans receiving medication for

service-connected conditions; veterans whose annual income does

not exceed the maximum annual rate of the VA pension; veterans

enrolled in Priority Group 6 who receive medication under their

special authority; veterans receiving medication for conditions related

to sexual trauma related to service on active duty; certain veterans

receiving medication for treatment of cancer of the head or neck;

veterans receiving medication for a VA-approved research project;

and former POWs.

NOTE: Copays apply to prescription and over-the-counter medicaChapter

1 VA Health Care 7

tions, such as aspirin, cough syrup or vitamins, dispensed by a VA

pharmacy. However, veterans may prefer to purchase over-thecounter

drugs, such as aspirin or vitamins, at a local pharmacy rather

than making the copay. Copays are not charged for medications
injected during the course of treatment or for medical supplies, such

as syringes or alcohol wipes.

Outpatient Care: A three-tiered copay system is used for all outpatient

services. The copay is $15 for a primary care visit and $50 for

some specialized care. Certain services are not charged a copay.

Outpatient Visits Not Requiring Copays: Copays do not apply to

publicly announced VA health fairs or outpatient visits solely for preventive

screening and/or immunizations, such as immunizations for

influenza and pneumococcal, or screening for hypertension, hepatitis

C, tobacco, alcohol, hyperlipidemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer,

colorectal cancer by fecal occult blood testing, education about the

risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, and weight reduction

or smoking cessation counseling (individual and group). Laboratory,

flat film radiology, electrocardiograms, and hospice care are also

exempt from copays.

Private Health Insurance Billing

VA is required to bill private health insurance providers for medical

care, supplies and prescriptions provided for treatment of veterans’

non-service-connected conditions. Generally, VA cannot bill Medicare,

but can bill Medicare supplemental health insurance for covered

services.

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.

Reimbursement of Travel Costs

Certain veterans may be provided special mode travel (e.g. wheelchair

van, ambulance) or reimbursed for travel costs when traveling

for approved VA medical care. Reimbursement is paid at 41.5 cents

8 VA Health Care Chapter 1

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. Two exceptions to the deductible are travel in relation to a VA

compensation or pension examination and travel requiring a special

mode of transportation. The deductibles may be waived when their

imposition would cause a severe financial hardship.

Eligibility: The following are eligible for VA travel:

1. Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated 30

percent or more.

2. Veterans traveling for treatment of service-connected

conditions.

3. Veterans who receive a VA pension.

4. Veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension

examinations.

5. Veterans whose gross household income does not exceed the

maximum annual VA pension rate.

6. Certain veterans in certain emergency situations.

7. Veterans whose medical condition requires a special mode of

transportation, if they are unable to defray the costs and

travel is pre-authorized. Advance authorization is not

required in an emergency if a delay would be hazardous to
life or health.

8. Certain non-veterans when related to care of a veteran

(attendants & donors).

VA Medical Programs

Veteran Health Registries

Certain veterans can participate in a VA health registry and receive

free medical examinations, including laboratory and other diagnostic

tests deemed necessary by an examining clinician. VA maintains

health registries to provide special health examinations and healthrelated

information. To participate, contact the nearest VA health care

facility or visit http://www.va.gov/environagents/.

Gulf War Registry: For veterans who served in the Gulf War and

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Depleted Uranium Registries: VA maintains two registries for veterans

possibly exposed to depleted uranium. The first is for veterans

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 9

who served in the Gulf War, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. The

second is for veterans who served elsewhere, including Bosnia and

Afghanistan.

Agent Orange Registry: For veterans possibly exposed to dioxin

or other toxic substances in herbicides used during the Vietnam

War, while serving in Korea in 1968 or 1969, or as a result of testing,

transporting, or spraying herbicides for military purposes.

Ionizing Radiation Registry: For veterans possibly exposed to

atomic radiation during the following activities: atmospheric detonation

of a nuclear device; occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki from

Aug. 6, 1945, through July 1, 1946; internment as a POW in Japan

during World War II; serving in official military duties at the gaseous

diffusion plants at Paducah, Ky., Portsmouth, Ohio, or the K-25 area

at Oak Ridge, Tenn., for at least 250 days before Feb. 1, 1992; or in

Longshot, Milrow or Cannikin underground nuclear tests at Amchitka

Island, Alaska, before Jan. 1, 1974; or treatment with nasopharyngeal

(NP) radium during military service.

Readjustment Counseling Services

VA provides outreach and readjustment counseling services through

232 community-based Vet Centers located in all 50 states, the District

of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands. Readjustment Counseling is designed to help combat

veterans readjust to civilian life.

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

combat theater 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 Vietnamera, but not in the Republic of Vietnam, must have requested

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

Services Offered: Vet Center staff provides individual, group, family,

military sexual trauma, and bereavement counseling to combat

veterans in the effort to make a satisfying transition from military to

civilian life. Services include individual and group counseling, marital

and family counseling for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder

(PTSD) or help with any other military related issue that affects

functioning within the family, work, school or other areas of everyday

10 VA Health Care Chapter 1

life. Other services include outreach, education, medical referral,
homeless veteran services, employment, VA benefit referral, and the

brokering of non-VA services.

Bereavement Counseling: Bereavement Counseling related to

servicemembers: Bereavement counseling is available through

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) Vet Centers to all immediate

family members (including spouses, children, parents, and siblings)

of servicemembers who die in the line of duty while on active service.

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 Veterans Health Administration

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.

For additional information, contact the nearest Vet Center, listed in

the back of this book, or visit http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/.

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, and other

durable medical equipment and supplies.

VA will provide hearing aids and eyeglasses to veterans who receive

increased pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance

or being permanently housebound; receive compensation for a serviceconnected disability; are former POWs or a Purple Heart award

recipient. Otherwise, hearing aids and eyeglasses are provided only

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 11

in special circumstances, and not for normally occurring hearing or

vision loss. For additional information, contact the prosthetic representative

at the nearest VA health care facility.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations

VA provides up to $4,100 for service-connected veterans and up to

$1,200 for non-service-connected veterans to make home improvements

necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability

access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities.

For application information, contact the prosthetic representative at

the nearest VA health care facility.

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Veterans

Blind veterans may be eligible for services at a VA medical center

or for admission to an inpatient or outpatient VA blind rehabilitation

program. In addition, blind veterans enrolled in the VA health care

system may receive:

1. A total health and benefits review.

2. Adjustment to blindness training and counseling.

3. Home improvements and structural alterations.
4. Specially adapted housing and adaptations.

5. Automobile grant.

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

7. Electronic and mechanical aids for the blind, including

adaptive computers and computer-assisted devices such as

reading machines and electronic travel aids.

8. Guide dogs, including cost of training for the veteran to learn

to work with the dog.

9. Talking books, tapes and Braille literature.

Eligible visually impaired veterans (who are not blind) 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 and training.

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

4. Electronic and mechanical aids for the visually impaired,

including adaptive computers and computer-assisted devices,

such as reading machines and electronic travel aids, and

12 VA Health Care Chapter 1

training in their use.

Mental Health Care Treatment

Veterans eligible for VA medical care may apply for general mental

health treatment including specialty services, such as PTSD and

substance abuse treatment, which are available at all VA medical

centers. To find the nearest facility go to www2.va.gov/directory/

guide/home.asp

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Veterans experiencing an emotional crisis or who need to talk to

a trained mental health professional may call the National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline toll-free lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers

are immediately connected with a qualified and caring provider who

can help.

Work Restoration Programs

VA provides vocational assistance and therapeutic work opportunities

through several programs for veterans receiving VA health care.

Each program offers treatment and rehabilitation services to help

veterans live and work in their communities.

Participation in the following VA Work Restoration Programs cannot

be used to deny or discontinue VA compensation or pension benefits.

Payments received from Incentive Therapy and Compensated Work

Therapy transitional work are not taxable.

Incentive Therapy is a pre-vocational program available at 95 VA

medical centers and frequently serves as a mainstay for seriously

disabled veterans for whom employment is not considered viable

in the foreseeable future. Participants receive a token payment for

services provided.

Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a vocational program available

at most VA medical locations. Veterans receive an individualized

vocational assessment, rehabilitation planning and work experience

with the goal of job placement in the community. The program works

closely with community-based organizations, employers and state

and federal agencies to establish transitional work experiences, supported

employment opportunities, direct job placement and supportChapter
1 VA Health Care 13

ive follow-up services.

CWT/Transitional Residence provides work-based, residential

treatment in a stable living environment. This program differs from

other VA residential bed programs in that participants use their earnings

to contribute to the cost of their residences and are responsible

for planning, purchasing and preparing their own meals. The program

offers a comprehensive array of rehabilitation services including

home, financial and life skills management.

Domiciliary Care

Domiciliary care provides rehabilitative and long-term, health-care

for veterans who require minimal medical care but do not need the

skilled nursing services provided in community living centers. A

Domiciliary also provides rehabilitative care for veterans who are

homeless.

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 they have no adequate means of support. The copays for

extended care services apply to domiciliary care. Call your nearest

benefits or health care facility to obtain the latest information.

Outpatient Dental Treatment

VA outpatient dental treatment includes the full spectrum of diagnostic,

surgical, restorative and preventive procedures. The extent of

care provided may be influenced by eligibility category.

Eligibility: The following veterans are eligible to receive dental care:

1. Veterans with service-connected, compensable dental

conditions.

2. Former POWs.

3. Veterans with service-connected, non-compensable dental

conditions as a result of combat wounds or service injuries.

4. Veterans with non-service-connected dental conditions

determined by VA to be aggravating a service-connected

medical problem.

5. Veterans whose service-connected disabilities have been

rated at 100 percent or who are receiving the 100 percent

rate by reason of individual unemployability.

14 VA Health Care Chapter 1

6. Veterans participating in a VA vocational rehabilitation

program.

7. Certain veterans enrolled in a VA Homeless Program for 60

consecutive days or more may receive certain medically

necessary outpatient dental services.

8. Those with non-service-connected dental conditions or

disabilities for which treatment was begun while the veteran

was in an inpatient status in a VA medical center, when it is

clinically determined to be necessary to complete such

dental treatment on an outpatient basis.

9. Veterans requiring treatment for dental conditions clinically

determined to be complicating a medical condition currently

under treatment.

Recently discharged veterans with a service-connected noncompensable

dental condition or disability who served on active duty 90

days or more and who apply for VA dental care within 180 days of

separation from active duty, may receive one time treatment for dental
conditions if the dental condition is shown to have existed at the

time of discharge or release and the veteran’s certificate of discharge

does not indicate that the veteran received necessary dental care

within a 90-day period prior to discharge or release. This includes

veterans who reentered active military, naval, or air service within

90 days after the date of a prior discharge and; veterans whose

disqualifying discharge or release has been corrected by competent

authority.

For more information about eligibility for VA medical and dental benefits,

contact the Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387

or www.va.gov/healthelic~ibility.

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 contract community nursing home program. Each program has

admission and eligibility criteria specific to the program.

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

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 15

maintenance care for veterans awaiting placement in the community.

Short stay services are available for veterans who are enrolled

in VA health care and require CLC services. Long stay services are

available for enrolled veterans who need nursing home care for life

or for an extended period of time for a service-connected disability,

and those rated 60 percent service-connectedand unemployable; or

veterans or who have a 70 percent or greater service-connected disability.

All others are based on available resources.

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.

Contract Community Nursing Home Program: VA medical centers

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 is assessed by an appropriate

medical provider to be in need of 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.

Non-Institutional Long-term Care 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, home based skilled
nursing, and home based primary care. Veterans receiving these

services may be subject to a copay .

16 VA Health Care Chapter 1

Emergency Medical Care in Non-VA Facilities

VA may reimburse or pay for medical care provided to certain enrolled

or otherwise eligible veterans by non-VA facilities only in cases

of medical emergencies where VA or other federal facilities were not

feasibly available. Other conditions also apply. To determine eligibility

or initiate a claim, contact the VA medical facility nearest to where the

emergency service was provided.

VA’s Foreign Medical Program

VA will pay for medical services for service-connected disabilities or

any disability associated with and found to be aggravating a serviceconnected

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 a 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. 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.)

Online Health Services

My HealtheVet (www.myhealth.va.gov): is VA’s award-winning

e-health website, which offers veterans, active duty soldiers and their

dependents and caregivers anywhere, anytime Internet access to VA

health care information and services. Veterans can better manage

their health care and make informed decisions in collaboration with

their health care providers. To register, veterans simply need to go to

Web site. With My HealtheVet, registrants can access:

VA benefits & services; local VA events and activities, personal

health journals, tracking and graphing of vitals, military health history,

activity/food journals, trusted health information and more.

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 17

Veterans who receive care at a VA facility should ask about In

Person Authentication or ―IPA‖ to obtain an upgraded account which

offers additional access to key features such as:

1. Refill VA prescriptions by name

2. View VA appointments (coming in 2009)

3. Obtain personalized VA appointment reminders and view the

VA appointments (coming in 2009)

4. Obtain personalized VA wellness reminders (coming in 2009)

5. Communicate with participating health care providers through

secure messaging (coming to local facilities throughout 2009

and 2010)

6. View lab results (coming 2010)
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 19

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. Disability compensation varies with the degree

of disability and the number of veteran’s dependents, and is paid

monthly. Veterans with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for

additional special monthly compensation. The 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 SSB (Special Separation

Benefits) and VSI (Voluntary Separation Incentives) affects the

amount of VA compensation paid to disabled veterans.

To be eligible, the service of the veteran must have been terminated

through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.

For additional details, visit the Web site at http://www.vba.

va.gov/bln/21/.

Receiving Disability Benefit Payments

VA offers three disability benefit payment options. Most veterans

receive their payments by direct deposit to a bank, savings and loan

or credit union account. In some areas, veterans who do not have

a bank account can open a federally insured Electronic Transfer Account,

which costs about $3 a month, provides a monthly statement,

and allows for cash withdrawals. Other veterans may choose to

receive benefits by check. To choose or change a payment method,

call toll-free 1-877-838-2778, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. -

4:50 p.m., CST.

Presumptive Conditions for Disability Compensation

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.

Certain veterans are eligible for disability compensation based on the

20 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

presumption that their disability is service-connected.

2009 VA Disability Compensation Rates for Veterans

Veteran’s

Disability Rating

Monthly Rate Paid

to Veterans

10 percent $123

20 percent $243

30 percent* $376

40 percent* $541

50 percent* $770

60 percent* $974

70 percent* $1,228

80 percent* $1,427

90 percent* $1,604
100 percent* $2,673

*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.

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

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

if they are rated at least 10 percent disabling anytime

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

disorder, organic residuals of frostbite, post-traumatic osteoarthritis,

heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease and their complications,

stroke and residuals of stroke.

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

following conditions are also presumed to be service-connected: aviChapter

2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 21

taminosis, beriberi, chronic dysentery, helminthiasis, malnutrition (including

optic atrophy), pellagra and/or other nutritional deficiencies,

irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, peripheral neuropathy

and cirrhosis of the liver.

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.

Eleven illnesses are presumed by VA to be service-connected

for such veterans: 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) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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-related exposure could contribute to disease, and the relative

sensitivity of exposed tissue.

Gulf War Veterans with Chronic Disabilities: may receive disability

compensation for chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed

illnesses and/or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom

22 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2
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 illnesses 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, 2011. 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.

The following are examples of symptoms of an undiagnosed illness:

chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, skin disorders, headache,

muscle pain, joint pain, neurological symptoms, neuropsychological

symptoms, symptoms involving the respiratory system, sleep

disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms,

abnormal weight loss, and menstrual disorders.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments (CRDP) restores

retired pay on a graduated 10-year schedule for retirees with

a 50 to 90 percent VA-rated disability. Concurrent retirement payments

increase 10 percent per year through 2013. Veterans rated

100 percent disabled by VA are entitled to full CRDP without being

phased in. Veterans receiving benefits at the 100 percent rate due to

individual unemployability are entitled to full CRDP in 2009.

Eligibility: To qualify, veterans must also meet all three of the following

criteria:

1. Have 20 or more years of active duty, or full-time National

Guard duty, or be a reservist age 60, or

2. Be in a retired status.

3. Be receiving retired pay (must be offset by VA payments).

Retirees do not need to apply for this benefit. Payment is coordinated

between VA and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) provides tax-free

monthly payments to eligible retired veterans with combat-related

injuries. With CRSC, veterans can receive both their full military

retirement pay and their VA disability compensationif the injury is

combat-related.

Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 23

Eligibility: Retired veterans with combat-related injuries must meet

all of the following criteria to apply for CRSC:

1. Active or Reserve component with 20 years of creditable

service or medically retired.

2. Receiving military retired pay.

3. Have a 10 percent or greater VA-rated injury.

4. Military retired pay is reduced by VA disability payments

(VA Waiver).

In addition, veterans must be able to provide documentary evidence

that their injuries were a 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,

Agent Orange)

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

For information, visit http://www.defenselink.mil, or call the toll free

phone number for the veteran’s branch of service: (Army) 1-866-

281-3254; (Air Force) 1-800-616-3775; (Navy) 1-877-366-2772. The
Army has its own Web site at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/index.

html and e-mail at crsc.info@us.army.mil.

Programs for Service-Connected Disabilities

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program assists

veterans who have service-connected disabilities obtain and

maintain suitable employment. Independent living services are also

available for severely disabled veterans who are not currently ready

to seek employment. Additional information is available on VA’s Web

site at www.vetsuccess.gov.

Eligibility: 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.

Servicemembers pending medical separation from active duty

may also apply if their disabilities are reasonably expected to be

rated at least 20 percent following their discharge.

Entitlement: A VA counselor must decide if the individual has an

24 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

employment handicap based upon the results of a comprehensive

evaluation. After an entitlement decision is made, the individual and

counselor will work together to develop a rehabilitation plan. The rehabilitation

plan will specify the rehabilitation services to be provided.

Services: Rehabilitation services provided to participants in the

VR&E program are under one of five tracks. VA pays the cost of approved

training that is included in an individual’s rehabilitation plan.

Subsistence allowance may also be provided. The five tracks 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.

Period of a Rehabilitation Program: Generally, veterans must

complete a program within 12 years from their separation from

military service or within 12 years from the date VA notifies them that

they 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 their part-time equivalent. These

limitations may be extended in certain circumstances.

Work-Study: Veterans training at the three-quarter or full-time rate

may participate in VA’s work-study program and provide VA outChapter

2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 25

reach services, prepare/process VA paperwork, work at a VA medical

facility, or perform other VA-approved activities. A portion of the

work-study allowance equal to 40 percent of the total may be paid in
advance.

Specially Adapted Housing Grants

Certain veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities

may be entitled to a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) 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 SAH grant.

Eligibility for up to $60,000: 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 $60,000. 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, such as to

preclude locomotion 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 either eye with 5/200 visual activity or less.

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

Eligibility for up to $12,000: VA may approve a grant for the cost,

up to a maximum of $12,000, for necessary adaptations to a veteran’s

or servicemember’s residence or to help them acquire a

residence already adapted with special features for their disability, to

purchase and adapt a home, or for adaptations to a family member’s

26 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

home in which they will reside.

To be eligible for this grant, veterans and servicemembers must be

entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected

disability due to one of the following:

1. Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less.

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

3. Severe burn injuries.

Eligible veterans and servicemembers who are temporarily residing

in a home owned by a family member may also receive a Temporary

Residence Adaptation (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 $60,000 grant would be permitted to

use up to $14,000 and those eligible for a $12,000 grant would be

permitted to use up to $2,000. Grant amounts will also be adjusted

annually based on a cost-of-construction index. The first adjustment

will occur Oct. 1, 2009, with adjustments each Oct. 1 thereafter.

These adjustments will increase the grant amounts or leave them

unchanged; they will not decrease the grant amounts.

The property must be located within the United States, which, for
purposes of 38 U.S.C. chapter 21, includes the several states, territories,

and possessions, including the District of Columbia, and the

commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Additionally, the property may be located outside the United States,

in a country or political subdivision which allows individuals to have

or acquire a beneficial property interest, and in which the Secretary

of Veteran Affairs, in his or her discretion, has determined that it is

reasonably practicable for the Secretary to provide assistance in

acquiring specially adapted housing.

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 on VA’s Web site at http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.

htm.

Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 27

Adapting an Automobile

Veterans and servicemembers may be eligible for a one-time payment

of not more than $11,000 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, permanent impairment

of vision of both eyes to a certain degree, or ankylosis (immobility)

of one or both knees or one or both hips. 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 medical center.

Clothing Allowance

Any veteran who is service-connected for a disability for which he or

she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive an annual

clothing allowance. This allowance also is 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.

Aid and Attendance for 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.

2009 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Rates

In some cases, a veteran requires 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. The

charts below show the rates as of Oct. 1, 2008.

28 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates for

training in an institution of higher learning.

Training

Time
Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent

Full-time $541.05 $671.13 $790.87 $57.65

3/4-time $406.53 $504.07 $591.28 $44.33

1/2-time $272.02 $337.03 $396.17 $29.58

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

for full-time training only in non-pay or nominal pay on-the-job

training in a federal, state, local or federally recognized Indian

tribe agency; training in the home; and vocational training in a

rehabilitation facility or sheltered workshop.

Training

Time

Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent

Full-time $541.05 $671.13 $790.87 $57.65

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

for non-pay or nominal pay work experience in a federal, state,

local or federally recognized Indian tribe agency.

Training

Time

Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent
Full-time $541.05 $671.13 $790.87 $57.65

Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 29

3/4-time $406.53 $504.07 $591.28 $44.33

1/2-time $272.02 $337.03 $396.17 $29.58

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

for full-time training only in farm cooperative, apprenticeship,

and other on-job training. Payments are variable, based on the

wages received. The maximum rates are:

Training

Time

Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent

Full-time $473.05 $572.06 $659.30 $42.89

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

for training programs that include a combination of institutional

and on-job training.

Greater

Than HalfTime

Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent

Institiontional

$541.05 $671.13 $659.30 $42.89

On-job $473.05 572.06 $659.30 $42.89

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

for full-time training only for non-farm cooperative institutional

training and non-farm cooperative on-job training.

Training

Time

Veterans

With No
Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent

Institiontional

$541.05 $671.13 $659.30 $42.89

On-job $473.05 572.06 $659.30 $42.89

30 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

during the period of enrollment in a rehabilitation facility when

a veteran is pursuing an approved independent living program

plan.

Training

Time

Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent

Full-time $541.05 $671.13 $790.87 $57.65

3/4-time $406.53 $504.07 $591.28 $44.33

1/2–time $272.02 $337.03 $396.17 $29.58

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates

during the period of enrollment in a rehabilitation facility when a

veteran requires this service fpr the purpose of extended evaluation.

Training

Time

Veterans

With No

Dependents

Veterans

With One

Dependent

Veterans

With Two

Dependents

Additional

Dependent
Full-time $541.05 $671.13 $790.87 $57.65

3/4-time $406.53 $504.07 $591.28 $44.33

1/2-time $272.02 $337.03 $396.17 $29.58

1/4–time $135.99 $168.53 $198.07 $14.75

Chapter 3 VA Pensions 31

Chapter 3

VA Pensions

Eligibility for Disability Pension

Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled,

or are age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they

have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of

which was during a period of war. (Veterans who entered active duty

on or after Sept. 8, 1980, or officers who entered active duty on or

after Oct. 16, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum period of

active duty). 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.

Un-reimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable

income for VA purposes.

Protected Pension

Pension beneficiaries, who were receiving a VA pension on Dec. 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 pensions to recipients of the Medal of Honor. Congress

set the monthly pension at $1,194 effective Dec. 1, 2008.

Improved Disability Pension

Congress establishes the maximum annual improved disability

pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable

income of the veteran, spouse and dependent children. When a

32 VA Pensions Chapter 3

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.

2009 VA Improved Disability Pension Rates

Status of Veteran’s

Family Situation and

Caretaking Needs

Maximum

Annual Rate

Veteran without
dependents

$11,830

Veteran with one

dependent

$15,493

Veteran permanently housebound,

no

dependents

$14,457

Veteran permanently housebound,

one

dependent

$18,120

Veteran needing regular aid

and attendance, no dependents

$19,736

Veteran needing regular aid

and attendance,

one dependent

$23,396

Two veterans married to one

another

$15,493

Increase for each additional

dependent child

$2,020

* Additional information can be found in the Compensation and Pension Benefits

section of VA’s Internet pages at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.

htm.

Chapter 4 Education and Training 33

Chapter 4

Education and Training

This chapter provides a summary of VA educational and training benefits.

Additional information can be found at http://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 a new education benefit program

for servicemembers and veterans who served on active duty on or

after Sept.11, 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:

1. Discharged from active duty status;

2. Released from active duty and placed on the retired list or

temporary disability retired list;

3. Released from active duty and transferred to the Fleet

Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve;
4. Released from active duty for further service in a reserve

component of the Armed Forces.

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 service-connected

disability after at least 30 days of continuous service, eligibility

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

disability.

If, on Aug.1, 2009, the servicemember or veteran is eligible for the

Montgomery GI Bill; the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve; or

34 Education and Training Chapter 4

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 tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive

in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher

education (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 or veteran);

3. Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 per year

(paid directly to the servicemember or veteran); and

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

relocating from highly rural areas.

* The housing allowance and books and supplies stipend are not payable

to individuals on active duty. The housing allowance is not payable to

those pursuing training at half time or less or to individuals enrolled solely in

distance learning programs.

Benefits may be used for any approved program offered by a school

in the United States that is authorized to grant an associate (or

higher) degree. Call 1-888-442-4551 or visit www.gibill.va.gov for

information about attending school in a foreign country.

If entitlement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill was the result of transferring

from the Montgomery GI Bill; the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve;

or the Reserve Education Assistance Program, recipients may

also receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for flight training, apprenticeship

or on-the-job training programs, and correspondence courses.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept.

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

service:

Chapter 4 Education and Training 35

Active duty service Maximum Benefit

At least 36 months 100%

At least 30 continuous days

and discharged due to serviceconnected

disability
100%

At least 30 months < 36 months 90%

At least 24 months < 30 months 80%

At least 18 months < 24 months 70%

At least 12 months < 18 months 60%

At least 6 months < 12 months 50%

At least 90 days < 6 months 40%

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.

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 most expensive

in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education.

To be eligible, the student must be: a veteran receiving benefits

at the 100% benefit rate payable, a transfer-of-entitlement eligible

dependent child, or a transfer-of-entitlement 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%) 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%) to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket

costs for eligible participants.

Work-Study Program: Veterans and eligible transfer-of-entitlement

recipients who train at the three-quarter rate of pursuit or higher

may be eligible for a work-study program in which they work for VA

and receive hourly wages. Students under the work-study program

36 Education and Training Chapter 4

must be supervised by a VA employee and all duties performed must

relate to VA. The types of work allowed include:

1. VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities.

2. Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care

facilities.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries.

4. Various jobs within any VA regional office.

5. Other VA-approved activities.

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 either within 10 years from the

date of last discharge from active duty or by Nov. 2, 2010, whichever

is later.

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

Chapter 4 Education and Training 37

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.

Service-members 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).

2. Or 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 received

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

38 Education and Training Chapter 4

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 a disqualifier 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.

2. Or 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 service members may also qualify under

Chapter 4 Education and Training 39

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

3. And paid $1,200.

Payments: Effective Aug. 1, 2008, the rate for full-time training in

college, technical or vocational school is $1,321 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 $1,073 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 http://www.gibill.va.gov for more information.

The maximum number of months veterans 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.

40 Education and Training Chapter 4

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

service members).

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized.

Work-Study Program: Veterans 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:

1. VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities.

2. Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care

facilities.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries.

4. Various jobs within any VA regional office.

5. Other VA-approved activities.

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 the Web site

at http://www.gibill.va.gov.

Servicemembers who participated in VEAP are eligible to receive

benefits while on active duty if:

1. At least 3 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 Spet.. 7, 1980,

and completed 24 months of their first period of active duty.

Chapter 4 Education and Training 41

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.

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.

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 43

Chapter 5

Home Loan Guaranty

VA home loan guaranties are issued to help eligible servicemembers,

veterans, reservists and unmarried surviving spouses obtain homes,

condominiums, residential cooperative housing units, and manufactured

homes, and to refinance loans. For additional information or to

obtain VA loan guaranty forms, visit http://www.homeloans.va.gov/.

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. Buy a residential cooperative housing unit.

4. Repair, alter, or improve a residence owned by the veteran

and occupied as a home.

5. Refinance an existing home loan.

6. Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

7. Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energyefficient

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.

To obtain a COE, complete VA Form 26-1880 -- ―Request for a

Certificate of Eligibility‖ -- and mail to: VA Eligibility Center, P.O. Box

20729, Winston-Salem, NC 27120.

It is also possible to obtain a COE from your lender. Most lenders

have access to VA’s ―WebLGY‖ system. This Internet-based application

can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in seconds. Not

all cases can currently be processed online – only those for which VA

has sufficient data in its records. However, veterans are encouraged

to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a COE before

sending an application to the Eligibility Center. For more information,

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 44

visit http://www.homeloans.va.gov/eligibility.htm.

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.

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) reductionChapter

5 Home Loan Guaranty 45

in-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, served at least 90 days, and received

an honorable discharge.

Active Duty Personnel: Until the Gulf War era is ended, persons on

active duty are eligible after serving 90 continuous days.

VA Guaranty Amount Varies with the size of the loan and the location

of the property. Because lenders are able to obtain this guaranty

from VA, borrowers do not need to make a downpayment, provided

they have enough home loan entitlement.

VA will guarantee 25 percent of the principal loan amount, up to the

maximum guaranty. The maximum guaranty varies depending upon

the location of the property.

For all locations in the United States other than Alaska, Guam,
Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum guaranty is the

greater of 25 percent of (a) $417,000 or (b) 125 percent of the area

median price for a single-family residence, but in no case will the

guaranty exceed 175 percent of the Freddie Mac loan limit for a

single family residence in the county in which the property securing

the loan is located. This translates to a maximum loan amount of

$1,094,625 for 2009.

In Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum

guaranty is the greater of 25 percent of (a) $625,500 or (b) 125 percent

of the area median price for a single-family residence, but in no

case will the guaranty exceed 175 percent of the Freddie Mac loan

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 46

limit for a single family residence in the county in which the property

securing the loan is located. This translates to a maximum loan

amount of $1,641,937.50 for 2009.

A list of 2009 county loan limits can be found at the following website:

http://www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/2009_county_loan_limits.pdf

All closing costs can generally be included in the loan, including the

VA funding fee and up to $6,000 of home improvements for more

energy efficiency.

Loan Amount Maximum Guaranty Special Provisions

Up to $45,000 50% of loan amount

Minimum guaranty

of 25% on Interest

Rate Reduction Refinancing

Loans

$45,001 - $56,250 $22,500 Same as above

$56,251 - $144,000

40% of the loan

amount, with a maximum

of $36,000

Same as above

$144,000 or more

Up to an amount

equal to 25% of the

county loan limit

Same as above

An eligible borrower can use a VA-guaranteed Interest Rate Reduction

Refinancing Loan to borrow up to 100 percent of the home’s

appraised value 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.

VA Appraisals: No loan can be guaranteed by VA without first being

appraised by a VA-assigned fee appraiser. A buyer, seller, real

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 47

estate agent, or lender can request a VA appraisal by completing VA

Form 26-1805, ―Request for Determination of Reasonable Value.‖

The requester 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.

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.

All veterans, except those receiving VA disability compensation,

those who are rated by VA as eligible to receive compensation as a

result of pre-discharge disability examination and rating, and unmarried

surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or as a result

of a service-connected disability, are charged a VA funding fee. For

all types of loans, the loan amount may include this funding fee.

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. 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,

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 annuChapter

5 Home Loan Guaranty 48

ally 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 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 assumer is a satisfactory credit risk and will assume

all of the veteran’s liabilities on the loan. If approved, the assumer

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 assumer 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.

2009 VA Funding Fees

A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the veteran is exempt from

such a fee because he or she receives VA disability compensation.

The fee, which is 1.25 percent for loans to purchase, construct or

improve a home, and 0.5 percent to reduce the interest rate on an

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 49

existing VA loan, 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 in the loan.

Loan Category Active Duty and

Veterans

Reservists and

National Guard

Loans for purchase

or construction with

downpayments of

less than 5%, refinancing,

and home

improvement.

2.15 percent 2.40 percent

Loans for purchase

or construction with

downpayments of

at least 5% but less

than 10%.

1.50 percent 1.75 percent

Loans for purchase

or construction with

downpayments of

10% or more.

1.25 percent 1.50 percent

Loans for manufactured

homes

1 percent 1 percent

Interest rate reduction

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: When a veteran’s home

loan becomes delinquent, the veteran should contact the lender as

soon as possible to explain what caused the missed payments, and

discuss how they can be repaid. Depending on a veteran’s situation,

the lender may offer any of the following options to avoid foreclosure:

• Repayment Plan: make a regular payment each month plus

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 50

part of the late payments.

• Forbearance: lender temporarily suspends payments to al

low veteran time to accumulate funds to reinstate the loan or

sell the property.

• Loan Modification: lender provides a fresh start by adding

delinquency to the loan balance, and establishing a new

payment schedule.

• Compromise Sale/Short Sale: lender approves a sale of

the home for less than what is needed to payoff the loan.

The remainder is written off and/or paid by VA guaranty.

• Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure: lender accepts a deed to the

property instead of going through a lengthy foreclosure

process.

VA does not have funds to lend veterans to make delinquent payments,

but can offer financial counseling to veterans with VAguaranteed,

conventional, or sub-prime loans. For veterans with

VA-guaranteed loans, VA may be able to intercede with the lender to

help arrange an option to foreclosure, but does not have that authority

on other loans. VA’s toll-free number for the Home Loan Guaranty

program is 1-877-827-3702.

VA Acquires Property Foreclosures

VA acquires properties as a result of foreclosures. Countrywide

Home Loans, under contract with VA, is currently marketing the properties

through listing agents using local Multiple Listing Services. A

listing of ―VA Properties for Sale‖ may be found at http://va.reotrans.

com. Contact a real estate agent for information on purchasing a

VA-acquired property.

Loans for Native American Veterans

Eligible Native American veterans can obtain a loan from VA to

purchase, construct, or improve a home on Federal Trust Land, or to

reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. Native American Direct

Loans 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

Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 51

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.

Chapter 6 VA Life Insurance 53

Chapter 6

VA Life Insurance

For complete details on government life insurance, visit the VA

Internet site at http://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

Regional Office and Insurance Center

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 Service

members’ 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 and the Public Health Service.

3. Cadets or midshipmen of the service academies.

4. Members, cadets and midshipmen of the ROTC while

engaged in authorized training.

5. Members of the Ready Reserves who are scheduled to

perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year.

54 VA Life Insurance Chapter 6

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

not at all. Part-time coverage may be provided to reservists who do

not qualify for full-time coverage. Premiums are automatically deducted

from the service member’s pay. At the time of separation from

service, SGLI can be converted to either Veterans’ Group Life Insurance

(VGLI) or a commercial plan through participating companies.

SGLI coverage continues for 120 days after separation at no charge.
Coverage of $10,000 is also automatically provided for dependent

children of members insured under SGLI with no premium required.

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 (TSGLI) helps severely

injured service members through their time of need with a one-time

payment. The amount varies depending on the injury, but it could be

the difference that allows their families to be with them during their

recovery; helps them with unforeseen expenses; or gives them a

financial head start on life after recovery.

TSGLI is an insurance program that is bundled with Servicemembers’

Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and an additional $1.00 has been

added to the service member’s SGLI premium to cover TSGLI. After

Dec. 1, 2005, all service members who are covered by SGLI are

eligible for TSGLI coverage, regardless of where their qualifying traumatic

injury occurred. However, TSGLI claims require approval. In

addition, there is a retroactive program that covers service members

who sustained a qualifying traumatic injury while in theater supporting

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom

(OIF), or while on orders in a Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE)

area from Oct. 7, 2001, through Nov. 30, 2005.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.insurance.

va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.htm, or call 1-800-237-1336 (Army);

1-800-368-3202 (Navy); 877-216-0825 (Marine Corps); 2410800-

433-0048 (Air Force), or 1-202-475-5391 (U.S. Coast Guard). The

Army also has its own Web site at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/

tsgli/index.html, or e-mail at TSGLI@conus.army.mil

Chapter 6 VA Life Insurance 55

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage (FSGLI)

provides up to $100,000 of life insurance coverage for spouses of

servicemembers covered full time by SGLI, not to exceed the amount

of SGLI the member has in force. FSGLI is a servicemembers’ benefit,

and the member pays the premium and is the beneficiary of the

policy. 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 divorces the spouse. The insured spouse

may convert his or her FSGLI coverage to a policy offered by participating

private insurers within 120 days of the date of any of those

termination events.

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 release from

active duty or the reserves.

2. Ready Reservists with part-time SGLI coverage who incur a

disability or aggravate a pre-existing disability during a

reserve period that renders them uninsurable at standard

premium rates.

3. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive

National Guard.

SGLI can be converted to VGLI up to the amount of coverage the
service member had when separated from service. Veterans who

submit an application and the initial premium within 120 days of leaving

the service will be covered regardless of their health. Veterans

who don’t apply within this period can still convert to VGLI if they

submit an application, pay the initial premium, and show evidence of

insurability within one year after the end of the 120 day period.

SGLI Disability Extension

Service members who are totally disabled at the time of separation

are eligible for free SGLI Disability Extension of up to two years.

Those covered under the SGLI Disability Extension are automatically

converted to VGLI at the end of their extension period. VGLI is convertible

at any time to a permanent plan policy with any participating

56 VA Life Insurance Chapter 6

commercial insurance company.

Accelerated Death Benefits

SGLI, FSGLI and VGLI policyholders who are terminally ill (prognosis

of nine months or less to live) may request one time only up to 50

percent of their coverage amount in advance.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance

A veteran who was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions

and who has a service-connected disability but is 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. This insurance is limited to veterans who left service

on or after April 25, 1951.

Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for a waiver of premiums

and additional supplemental coverage of up to $20,000. However,

premiums cannot be waived on the additional 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 S-DVI policy.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) is available to severely

disabled veterans who have been approved for a Specially Adapted

Housing Grant. Maximum coverage is $90,000, and is only payable

to the mortgage company. Protection is issued automatically, provided

the veteran submits 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.

Insurance Dividends Issued Annually

World War I, World War II, and Korean-era veterans with active policies

beginning with the letters V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or K are issued

Chapter 6 VA Life Insurance 57

tax-free dividends annually on the policy anniversary date. 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 pur

chase 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.

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.

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.

Paid-up Insurance Available on Term Policies: Effective September

2000, VA provides paid-up insurance on term policies whose

premiums have been capped. Veterans who have National Service

Life Insurance (NSLI) term insurance (renewal age 71 or older) and

58 VA Life Insurance Chapter 6

stop paying premiums on their policies will be given a termination

dividend. This dividend will be used to purchase a reduced amount of

paid-up insurance, which insures the veteran for life and no premium

payments are required. The amount of 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. Interest is compounded annually. The loan interest rate is

variable and may be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-669-8477.

Chapter 7 Burial and Memorial Benefits 59

Chapter 7

Burial and Memorial Benefits

Eligibility

Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than

dishonorable and service members who die while on active duty,

active duty for training, or inactive duty training as well as spouses

and dependent children of veterans and active duty servicemembers,

may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. The veteran

does not have to pre-decease a spouse or dependent child for them
to be eligible.

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). Eligibility is not established

by active duty for training in the reserves or National Guard.

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 if over age 60. See

Chapter 8 for more information.

VA national cemetery directors verify eligibility for burial in their

cemeteries. A copy of the veteran’s discharge document that specifies

the period(s) of active duty and character of discharge, along

with the deceased’s death certificate and proof of relationship to the

veteran (for eligible family members) are all that are usually needed

to determine eligibility.

Under Section 2411 of Title 38 of the United States Code, 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, burial flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates.

60 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapte r 7

This chapter contains information on the full range of VA burial and

memorial benefits. Readers with questions should 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 http://www.

cem.va.gov/.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a VA national cemetery is available for eligible veterans,

their spouses and dependents at no cost to the family 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 also include a burial flag (with case for active duty)

and military funeral honors. Family members and other loved ones

of deceased veterans may request Presidential Memorial Certificates.

VA operates 125 national cemeteries, of which 65 are open for

new casketed interments and 21 are open to accept only cremated

remains. Burial options are limited to those available at a specific

cemetery but may include in-ground casket, or interment of cremated

remains in a columbarium, in ground or in a scatter garden. Contact

the nearest national cemetery to determine if it is open for new burials

and which options are available.

New national cemeteries in Birmingham, Ala., and Sarasota, Fla.,

are scheduled to open in 2009.

The funeral director or the next of kin makes interment arrangements

by contacting 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 under previous

programs.

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.

Burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21

years of age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved

educational institution. 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 for burial.

Headstones and Markers: Veterans, active duty service members,

Chapter 7 Burial and Memorial Benefits 61

retired Reservists, and National Guard service members are eligible

for an inscribed headstone or marker for their grave at any cemetery

-- national, state veterans, or private. VA will deliver a headstone

or marker at no cost, anywhere in the world. For certain veterans

whose deaths occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may provide

a government headstone or marker even if the grave is already

marked with a private one. Spouses and dependent children are

eligible for a government headstone or marker only if they are buried

in a national or state veterans cemetery.

Flat markers are available in bronze, granite or marble. Upright

headstones come in granite or marble. In national cemeteries, the

style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the

place of burial. Niche markers are available to mark columbaria

used for inurnment of cremated remains.

Headstones and markers previously provided by the government

may be replaced at the government’s expense if badly deteriorated,

illegible, vandalized or stolen. To check the status of an application

for a headstone or marker for a national or state veterans cemetery,

call the cemetery. To check the status of one being placed in a private

cemetery, call 1-800-697-6947.

Inscription: 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 markings, including

an authorized 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 words of endearment.

Private Cemeteries: To apply for a headstone or marker for a

private cemetery, mail a completed VA Form 40-1330 (available at

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/40-1330.pdf), Application for Standard

Government Headstone or Marker, and a copy of the veteran’s

military discharge document to Memorial Programs Service (41A1),

Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Rd., Quantico, VA

22134-3903. The application and supporting documents may also

be faxed toll free at 1-800-455-7143.

Before ordering, check with the cemetery to ensure that the addi62

Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapte r 7

tional headstone or marker will be accepted. Any placement fee will

not be reimbursed by VA.

“In Memory Of” Markers: VA provides memorial headstones and

markers, bearing the inscription ―In Memory Of‖ as the first line, to

memorialize those whose remains were not recovered or identified,

were buried at sea, donated to science or cremated and scattered.

Eligibility is the same for regular headstones and markers. There is

no fee when the ―In Memory Of‖ marker is placed in a national cemetery.

Any fees associated with placement in another cemetery will

not be reimbursed by VA.

Presidential Memorial Certificates are issued upon request to

recognize the military service of honorably discharged deceased

veterans. Next of kin, relatives and friends may apply for a certificate

by mailing a completed VA Form 40-0247 (available at http://www.

va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-0247.pdf), Presidential Memorial Certificate

Request Form, and a copy of the veteran’s military discharge
document to Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C), Department

of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Rd., Quantico, VA 22134-3903.

The request form and supporting documents may also be faxed toll

free at 1-800-455-7143.

Burial Flags: VA will furnish a U.S. burial flag for memorialization of:

1. Veterans who served during wartime or after Jan. 31, 1955.

2. Veterans who were entitled to retired pay for service in the

Reserve or National Guard, or would have been entitled if

over age 60.

3. Members or former members of the Selected Reserve who

served their initial obligation, or were discharged for a

disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty, or died while

a member of the Selected Reserve.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: VA will pay a burial allowance

up to $2,000 if the veteran’s death is service-connected. In such

cases, the person who bore the veteran’s burial expenses may claim

reimbursement from VA.

In some cases, VA will pay the cost of transporting the remains of

a service-connected veteran to the nearest national cemetery with

available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement

Chapter 7 Burial and Memorial Benefits 63

claims in service-connected death cases.

Burial Allowance: VA will pay a $300 burial and funeral allowance

for veterans who, at time of death, were entitled to receive pension

or compensation or would have been entitled if they weren’t receiving

military retirement pay. Eligibility also may be established when

death occurs in a VA facility, a VA-contracted nursing home or a

state veterans nursing home. In non service-connected death cases,

claims must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.

Plot Allowance: VA will pay a $300 plot allowance 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 $300 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 presentation 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 directors 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 http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies

Arlington National Cemetery: Administered by the Department of

the Army. Eligibility is more restrictive than at VA national cemeteries.

For information, call (703) 607-8000, write Superintendent,

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, or visit http://www.
arlingtoncemetery.org/.

64 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapte r 7

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.

State Veterans Cemeteries: Sixty-nine state veterans cemeteries

offer burial options for veterans and their families. These cemeteries

have similar eligibility requirements but usually require some residence.

Some services, particularly for family members, may require

a fee. Contact the state cemetery or state veterans affairs office for

information. To locate a state veterans cemetery, visit http://www.

cem.va.gov/cem/scg/lsvc.asp.

Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 65

Chapter 8

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 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

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, 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 Priority Group placement)

for 5 years post discharge. Veterans with combat service after

Nov. 11, 1998, who were discharged from active duty before Jan. 28,

2003, and who apply for enrollment on or after Jan. 28, 2008, are

eligible for this enhanced enrollment benefit through Jan. 27, 2011.

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, have been discharged under other than dishonorable

conditions.

Veterans who enroll with VA under this ―Combat Veteran‖ authority

will retain enrollment eligibility even after their five-year post discharge

period 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).

66 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8

Disability Benefits

VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or

aggravated during active duty and active duty for training as a result

of injury or disease, and for disabilities due to injury, heart attack,

or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training. For additional
information see Chapter 2, ―Veterans with 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

Nationa lGuard 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.

3. Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before

applying for benefits.

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 months for each period of active duty. Once this extension is

granted, it will not be taken away if you leave 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 Dec. 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.

Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 67

Payments: The rate for full-time training effective Oct. 1, 2008, is

$329 a month for 36 months. Part-time benefits are reduced proportionately.

For complete current rates, visit http://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; or remedial, deficiency

or refresher courses needed to complete a program of study.

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized

effective Jan. 28, 2008.

Work-Study: 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 work-study program

must be supervised by a VA employee and all duties performed

must relate to VA. The types of work allowed include:

1. VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities.

2. Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care

facilities.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries.

4. Various jobs within any VA regional office.
5. Other VA-approved activities.

*MGIB – Selected Reserve work-study students may also assist with an

activity relating to the administration of this education benefit at DOD, Coast

Guard, or National Guard facilities.

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 – Selected Reserve and

68 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8

Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) – 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 http://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 aggregate active

duty service receive the full payment allowable.

2009 Reserve Educational Assistance Rates

Active Duty, Reserves and

National Guard members

Monthly Payment

Rate for Full-Time Students

90 days but less than one year $528.40

One year but less than two

years

$792.60

Two or more continuous years $1,056.80

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; or

remedial, deficiency, or refresher courses needed to complete a program

of study. 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

Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 69

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

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: Reserve Education Assistance Program

students in the work-study program may also assist with an activity

relating to the administration of this education benefit at DOD, Coast

Guard, or National Guard facilities.

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.‖

70 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8

Burial and Memorial Benefits

VA provides a burial flag for memorialization of 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. Information

about other 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 http://

www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.

Army Reserve Warrior and Family Assistance Center

The Army Reserve Warrior and Family Assistance Center (ARWFAC)

provides Army reserve soldiers, veterans, families, and units

with a single source to resolve situations related to medical issues

and education on programs available to Army reserve soldiers. The

center was established in 2007 to ensure that reservists receive appropriate

support under the Army Medical Action Plan. The center

Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 71

provides a sponsor to each Army reserve soldier and family currently

assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit, Community Based Health

Care Organization, or VA PolyTrauma center. The AR-WFAC also

assists Army reserve commands at all echelons with the resolution

of medical and other issues and provides education on programs

and benefits available to Army reserve soldiers. For information, call

1-866-436-6290 or visit http://www.arfp.org/wfac.

Transition Assistance Advisors

The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program places a National

Guard/VA-trained expert at each National Guard State Joint Forces

Headquarters to act as an advocate for Guard members and their

families within the state. They also serve as advisors on veterans affairs

issues for the Family Programs and Joint Forces Headquarters

staffs. TAAs receive annual training by VA experts in health care and

benefits for both Department of Defense and Department of Veterans

Affairs and help Guard members and their families access care at

VA and TRICARE facilities in their state or network. The TAA works

with the State Director of Veterans Affairs and other state coalition

partners to integrate the delivery of VA and community services to

Guard and Reserve veterans. You can reach your Transition Assistance

Advisor (TAA) through your state National Guard Joint Forces

Headquarters.

Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 73

Chapter 9

Special Groups of Veterans

Homeless Veterans

VA provides comprehensive medical, psychological and rehabilitation

treatment for eligible homeless veterans and conducts homeless

outreach such as community-based ―stand downs‖ to help homeless

veterans. Many VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension

and education, can help at-risk veterans avoid homelessness.

Other programs for homeless veterans include residential rehabilitation

services at VA domiciliaries, therapeutic group homes, and contract

residential care. For assistance, contact the nearest VA medical

facility or visit http://www.va.gov/homeless/ to find contact information

on VA homeless veteran coordinators in each state.

VA also provides grant and per diem funds to community agencies

providing services to homeless veterans. The grant program pays

up to 65 percent of the cost of construction, renovation, or acquisition

of a building for use as a service center or transitional housing
for homeless veterans, or for the purchase of vans for transporting

homeless veterans. The per diem provides funding for operational

costs. Call 1-877-332-0334 or visit http://www.va.gov/homeless/.

The Healthcare for Re-Entry Veterans Program (HCRV) offers

outreach, referrals and short-term case management assistance for

incarcerated veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon

their release.

Another homeless program, HUD-VASH, partners with the US

Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide permanent

housing and ongoing case management treatment services

for homeless veterans who would not be able to live independently

without the support of case management. This program allows

veterans to live in veteran selected apartment units with a ―Housing

Choice‖ voucher. These vouchers are portable so that veterans can

live 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, as well as other targeted home74

Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 9

less veterans, and their immediate families. Call 1-877-332-0334 or

visit http://www.va.gov/homeless/.

The Department of Labor provides employment and training services,

as well as grants to community organizations that provide

counseling, job search and placement assistance, remedial education

and on-the-job training for homeless veterans. For information,

call 202-693-4700 or visit http://www.dol.gov/vets/welcome.html.

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 will pay for medical services for service-connected disabilities and

related conditions or medical services needed as part of a vocational

rehabilitation program for veterans living or traveling outside the

United States. Veterans living in the Philippines should register with

the U.S. Veterans Affairs office in Pasay City, telephone 011-632-

833-4566. All other veterans living or planning to travel outside the

U.S. should register with the Denver Foreign Medical Program office,

P.O. Box 65021, Denver, CO 80206-9021, 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

Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 75

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.)

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/21foreign/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.

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).

76 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 9

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

Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 77

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

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. The operational Analysis Group of the Office of Scientific Research

and Development, Office of Emergency

Management, which served overseas with the U.S. Army

78 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8

Air Corps from Dec. 7, 1941, through Aug. 15, 1945.

33. Service as a member of the Alaska Territorial Guard during

World War II of any individual who was honorably discharged

under section 8147 of the Department of Defense Appropriations

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 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.

Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 79

Chapter 10

Transition Assistance

Transition From Military to VA

VA has stationed personnel at major military hospitals to help seriously

injured servicemembers returning from Operations Enduring

Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) 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.

Transition Assistance Program

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) consists of comprehensive

three-day workshops at military installations designed to help 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

12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement. A companion
workshop, the Disabled Transition Assistance Program, provides

information on VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program,

as well as other programs for the disabled. Additional information

about these programs is available at http://www.dol.gov/vets/

programs/tap/tap_fs.htm.

Military Services Provide Pre-Separation Counseling

Servicemembers may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months

prior to retirement or 12 months prior to separation from active duty.

These sessions present information on education, training, employment

assistance, National Guard and reserve programs, medical

benefits, and financial assistance.

Verification of Military Experience and Training

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 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps

Transition Support Offices and are intended for servicemembers who

80 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

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,

visit the Web site at www.turbotab.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 Web sites, visit the DOD Transportal

at http://www.dodtransportal.org/.

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 is 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
Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 81

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.

IIndividuals 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’ Education 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 employment

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.

82 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

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 your 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 National Guard and Reserve 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. The National Guard and Reserve service

members 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. Under

Title 5, service on active duty in the armed forces during a war or

Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 83

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. As of Dec. 2005, veterans

who received the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal are

entitled to veterans’ preference if otherwise eligible. For additional

information, visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Web

site at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#2.

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 Veterans

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 http://www.usajobs.

opm.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 http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei52.asp.

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

84 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

to the agency where they wish to work. For information, visit http://

www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei4.asp.

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 http://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 http://www.va.gov/osdbu/.

Chapter 11 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors 85

Chapter 11

Dependents and Survivors

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.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Eligibility: For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity

Compensation (DIC), the veteran’s death must have resulted from

one of the following causes:

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 died after Sept. 30, 1999, and who was

continuously rated totally disabled for a period of at least one

year immediately preceding death.

Payments will be offset by any amount received from judicial proceedings
brought on by the veteran’s death. The veteran’s discharge

86 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Chapter 11

must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.

DIC Payment Rates for Surviving Spouses*

Allowances Monthly Rate

Basic Payment Rate $1,154

Additional Allowances:

Each Dependent Child $286

Aid and Attendance $286

Housebound $135

*Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 1993.

Special Allowances: Add $233 if the veteran was totally disabled

eight continuous years prior to death.

Add $250 to the additional allowance for dependent children 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.

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.

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.

DIC Rates for Surviving Spouses*

Chapter 11 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors 87

Enlisted Rate Warrant

Officer

Rate Officer Rate

E-1 $1,154 W-1 $1,219 O-1 $1,219

E-2 $1,154 W-2 $1,267 O-2 $1,260

E-3 $1,154 W-3 $1,305 O-3 $1,347

E-4 $1,154 W-4 $1,380 O-4 $1,427

E-5 $1,154 O-5 $1,571

E-6 $1,154 O-6 $1,771

E-7 $1,194 O-7 $1,912

E-8 $1,260 O-8 $2,100

E-9 $1,314 O-9 $2,246

O-10 $2,463

*Veterans who died prior to Jan. 1, 1993.

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.

Death Pension

VA provides pensions to low-income 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.

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, the death pension may be pay88

Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Chapter 11

able 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 the death pension as long

as the condition exists, unless the child marries or the child’s income

exceeds the applicable limit.

A surviving spouse may be entitled to a higher income limit if living

in a nursing home, in need of the aid and attendance of another

person, or permanently housebound.

Payment: The death 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.

Death Pension Rates

Recipient of Pension Maximum Annual Rate

Surviving spouse $7,933

(With dependent child) $10,385

Permanently housebound $9,696

(With dependent child) $12,144

Needs regular aid & attendance $12,681

(With dependent child) $15,587

Each additional dependent child $2,020

Pension for each surviving child $2,020

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.

Chapter 11 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors 89

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

is receiving 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 held out 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 http://

www.gibill.va.gov/ for more information.

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

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

the veteran’s death. VA may grant an extension. Children generally

must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive educational

benefits, though extensions may be granted.

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.

90 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Chapter 11

Payments: The payment rate effective Oct. 1, 2008, is $915 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; and farm cooperative courses.

Benefits for correspondence courses under certain conditions are

available to spouses only.

Beneficiaries without high-school degrees can pursue secondary

schooling, and those with a deficiency in a subject may receive tutorial

assistance if enrolled half-time or more.

Work-Study: 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. The types of work allowed include:

1. Outreach services.

2. VA paperwork.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries.

4. Work at VA medical centers or state veterans’ homes.

5. Other VA-approved activities.

Counseling: VA may provide counseling to help participants pursue
an educational or vocational objective.

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.

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

Chapter 11 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors 91

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.

VA Medical Care

Under Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA (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 serviceconnected

disability.

2. The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a

VA-rated service-connected disability, or who, at the time of

death, was rated permanently and totally disabled.

3. The surviving spouse or child of a servicemember who died 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

on midnight of the date of 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.

Those with Medicare entitlement may also have CHAMPVA eligibility

secondary to Medicare. Eligibility limitations apply. For additional

information, contact the VA Health Administration Center, CHAMPVA,

P.O. Box 469028, Denver, CO 80246, call 1-800-733-8387 or visit the

Web site at http://www.va.gov/hac/hacmain.asp.

Many VA medical centers provide services to CHAMPVA beneficiaries

under the CHAMPVA In House Treatment Initiative (CITI)

program. Contact the nearest VA medical center 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

92 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Chapter 11

needs of veterans are met. Not all services are available at all times.

CHAMPVA beneficiaries covered by Medicare cannot use CITI.

Children of Veterans Born with Birth Defects

Children of Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects may be
eligible for a monthly monetary allowance, and vocational training if

reasonably feasible. (P.L. 110-387 enacted Oct. 10, 2008, allows for

comprehensive health coverage under Spina Bifida).

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.

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, may be eligible for certain benefits.

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.

VA Benefits for Children of Vietnam or Korean

War Veterans Born with Spina Bifida

Level I Level II Level III

Monthly

Rate*

$286 $984 $1,687

*Effective Dec. 1, 2008

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, birthChapter

11 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors 93

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.

VA Benefits for Children of Women Vietnam

Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects

Level I Level II Level III Leve IV

Monthly

Rate*

$131 $286 $984 $1,678

*Effective Dec. 1, 2008

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 achievement

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.

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.

“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

94 Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Chapter 11

22201, or telephone 703-696-6897, or visit the Web site at http://

www.abmc.gov/home.php.

Chapter 12 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions 95

Chapter 12

Appeals of VA Claims Decisions

Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appeal

decisions made by a VA regional office or medical center. Typical

issues appealed are disability compensation, pension, education

benefits, recovery of overpayments, and reimbursement for unauthorized

medical services.

A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA decision

to file an appeal. The first step in the appeal process is for a

claimant to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA regional

office or medical center 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 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 on the Web site at http://

www.va.gov/vbs/bva/. The pamphlet, ―Understanding the Appeal

Process,‖ is available on the Web site or may be requested by writing:

Hearings and Transcription Unit (014HRG), Board of Veterans’

Appeals, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420.

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, an independent court, not part of the

Department of Veterans Affairs.
96 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions Chapter 12

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 on the court’s Web

site at http://www.vetapp.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 13 Military Medals and Records 97

Chapter 13

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 http://www.va.gov/vaforms/.

Forms, addresses, and other information on requesting medals can

be found on the Military Personnel Records section of NPRC’s website

at http://www.archives.gov/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.

Replacing Military Records

If discharge or separation documents are lost, veterans or the next

of kin of deceased veterans may obtain duplicate copies by completing

forms found on the Internet at http://www.archives.gov/research/

index.html and mailing or faxing them to the NPRC.

Alternatively, write the National Personnel Records Center, Military

Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100.

Specify that a duplicate separation document is needed. The vet98

Military Medals and Records Chapter 13

eran’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 of 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 after 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 http://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.

Chapter 13 Military Medals and Records 99

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 from the Internet

at http://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

DOD Form 293.

Chapter 14 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies 101

Chapter 14

Benefits Provided by Other

Federal Agencies

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

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.

Housing and Urban Development (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 its Web site at http://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

102 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies Chapter 14

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 (USCIS)

Web site 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 Military help line at 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645).

Chapter 14 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies 103

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 (www.sba.gov/vets) for assistance.

OVBD conducts comprehensive outreach to veterans, service-disabled

veterans and Reserve Component members 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.

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

service members and their families. Information about the full range

of services can be found at http://www.sba.gov/vets/ and at http://

104 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies Chapter 14

www.sba.gov/reservists/, or by calling 202-205-6773 or 1-800-UASKSBA (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, noncontributory 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 http://www.socialsecurity.gov/. (Note:

Social Security cannot add these extra earnings to the record until an

application is filed for Social Security benefits.)

Chapter 14 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies 105

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Those 65 or older and those who are blind or otherwise disabled

may be eligible for monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

payments if they have little or no income or resources. States may
supplement the federal payments to eligible persons and may disregard

additional income.

Although VA compensation and pension benefits are counted in

determining income for SSI purposes, some other income is not

counted. Also, not all resources count in determining eligibility. For

example, a person’s home and the land it is on do not count. Personal

effects, household goods, automobiles and life insurance may not

count, depending upon their value. Information and help is available

at any Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

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

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 psy106

Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies Chapter 14

chiatric 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 http://www.afrh.gov/.

*The Gulfport, Miss., facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

Commissary and Exchange Privileges

Unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United

States are available to honorably discharged veterans with a serviceconnected disability rated at 100 percent, unremarried surviving

spouses of members or retired members of the armed forces,

recipients of the Medal of Honor, and their dependents and orphans.

Certification of total disability is done by VA. Reservists and their dependents

also may 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.

VA Facilities 107
VA Facilities

Patients should call the telephone numbers listed to obtain clinic

hours of operation and services.

For more information or to search for a facility near you by zip code,

visit http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1

Under the National Cemeteries listings, the acronym NC is used after

the name of the town to designate locations of national cemeteries.

Please send address and telephone number corrections to:

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents (80D)

810 Vermont Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20420

ALABAMA

VA Medical Centers:

Birmingham 35233 (700 S. 19th St., 205-933-8101 or 800-872-0328)

Montgomery 36109-3798 (215 Perry Hill Rd., 334-272-4670 or 800-214-

8387)

Tuscaloosa 35404 (3701 Loop Rd., East, 205-554-2000 or 888-269-3045)

Tuskegee 36083-5001 (2400 Hospital Rd., 334-727-0550 or 800-214-8387)

Clinics:

Bessemer 32055 (975 9th Ave., SW-Suite 400 at UAB West Medical Center

West Bessemer, 205-428-3495)

Dothan 36301 (2020 Alexander Dr., 334-673-4166)

Dothan Mental Health Center 36303 (3753 Ross Clark Cir Ste 4, 334-678-

1933)

Ft. Rucker 36362 (301 Andrews Ave., 334-727-0550)

Gadsden 35906 (206 Rescia Ave., 256-413-7154)

Huntsville 35801 (301 Governor’s Dr., 256-535-3100)

Jasper 35501 (3400 Highway 78 East - Suite #215, 205-221-7384)

Madison 35758 (8075 Madison Blvd., Suite 101, 256-772-6220)

Mobile 36604 (1504 Springhill Ave., 251-219-3900)

Oxford 36203 (96 Ali Way Creekside South, 256-832-4141)

Sheffield 35660 (Florence Shoals Area Clinic: 422 DD Cox Blvd., 256-381-

9055)

Regional Office:

Montgomery 36109 (345 Perry Hill Rd., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

108 VA Facilities

Vet Centers:

Birmingham 35233 (1500 5th Ave. S., 205-731-0550)

Mobile 36606 (2577 Government Blvd., 251-478-5906)

National Cemeteries:

Alabama 35115 (731 Middle St., 205-665-9039)

After April 2009 (3133 Hwy. 119, Montevallo, AL, 205-665-9039

Fort Mitchell 36856 (553 Hwy. 165, Fort Mitchell, 334-855-4731)

Mobile 36604 (1202 Virginia St., 850-453-4846)

ALASKA

VA Medical Center:

Anchorage 99508-2989 (2925 DeBarr Rd., 888-353-7574/907-257-4700)

Clinics:

Fort Wainwright 99703 (Bldg 4076, Neeley Rd., Room 1J-101, Mailing

Address: P.O. Box 74570, Fairbanks, AK 99707, 907-361-6370)

Kenai 99669 (11312 Kenai Spur Highway, #39, 907-283-2231)

Regional Office:

Anchorage 99508-2989 (2925 De Barr Rd., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Benefits Office:

Juneau 99802 (P.O. Box 20069, 907-586-7472)

Vet Centers:

Anchorage 99508 (4201 Tudor Centre Dr., Suite 115, 907-563-6966)

Fairbanks 99701 (540 4th Ave., Suite 100, 907-456-4238)
Kenai 99669 (Red Diamond Ctr., Bldg. F, Suite 4, 43335 Kalifornsky Beach

Rd., 907-260-7640)

Wasilla 99654 (851 E. West Point Dr., Suite 111, 907-376-4318)

National Cemeteries:

Fort Richardson 99505-5498 (Building 997, Davis Hwy., 907-384-7075)

Sitka 99835 (803 Sawmill Creek Rd., 907-384-7075)

AMERICAN SAMOA

Clinics:

Pago Pago 96799 (Fiatele Teo Army Reserve Bldg, Mailing Address: PO Box

1005, Pago Pago, AS 96799, 684-

699-3730)

Benefits Office:

Pago Pago 96799 (PO Box 1005, 684-633-5073)

ARIZONA

VA Medical Centers:

Prescott 86313 (500 N. Hwy 89, 928-445-4860 or 800-949-1005)

Tucson 85723 (3601 South 6th Avenue, 520-792-1450 or 800-470-8262)

Phoenix 85012 (650 E. Indian School Rd., 602-277-5551 or 800-554-7174)

VA Facilities 109

Clinics:

Anthem 85086 (Anthem Medical Plaza, 3618 W. Anthem Way, Building D,

#120, 623-551-6092)

Bellemont 86015-6196 (P.O. Box 16196, Camp Navajo Army Depot, 928-

226-1056)

Buckeye 85326 (306 E. Monroe, 623-386-4814)

Casa Grande 85222 (900 E. Florence Blvd, Suites H & I, 520-629-4900 or

800-470-8262)

Cottonwood 86326 (203 Candy Lane Building 5B, 928-649-1523 or 1532)

Globe 85501 (5860 S. Hospital Dr., Suite 11, 928-425-0027)

Green Valley 85614 (380 W. Hermosa Drive #140, 520-629-4900 or 800-

470-8262)

Kingman 86401 (1726 Beverly Ave., 928-692-0080 or 928-445-4860x6830)

Lake Havasu City 86403 (2035 Mesquite, Suite E, 928-680-0090 or 928-

445-4860x7300)

Mesa 85212-6033 (6950 E. Williams Field Road, Bldg. 23, 602-222-

6568/3315)

Payson 85541 (1106 N. Beeline Highway, 928-472-3148)

Safford 85546 (711 South 14th Ave., 520-629-4900)

Show Low 85901 (2450 Show Low Lake Rd, Suite 1, 928-532-1069)

Sierra Vista 85635 (101 Coronado Dr., Suite A, 520-792-1450)

Sun City 85351 (10147 Grand Ave., Suite C1, 602-222-2630)

Tuscon 85741 (2945 W. Ina Rd., 520-629-4900)

Tuscon 85747 (7395 S. Houghton Rd. Ste. 129, 520-792-1450 or 800-470-

8262)

Yuma 85365 (2555 E. Gila Ridge Rd., 520-629-4900)

Regional Office:

Phoenix 85012 (3333 N. Central Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Phoenix 85012 (77 E. Weldon Ave., Suite 100, 602-640-2981)

Phoenix-East Valley 85202 (1303 S. Longmore, Suite 5, Mesa, 480-610-

6727)

Prescott 86303 (161 S. Granite St., Suite B, 928-778-3469)

Tucson 85719 (3055 N. 1st Ave., 520-882-0333

National Cemeteries:

Nat. Mem. Cem. of AZ 85024 (23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, 480-513-

3600)

Prescott 86301 (500 Hwy. 89 N., 480-513-3600)

ARKANSAS

VA Medical Centers:

Fayetteville 72703 (1100 N. College Ave., 479-443-4301 or 800-691-8387)

Little Rock 72205-5484 (4300 West 7th St., 501-257-1000)
North Little Rock 72114-1706 (2200 Fort Roots Dr., 501-257-1000)

Clinics:

110 VA Facilities

El Dorado 71730 (460 W Oak St, 870-862-2489)

Ft Smith 72917 (1500 Dodson Ave Sparks Medical Plaza, 479-709-6850 or

1-877-604-0798)

Harrison 72601 (707 N Main St., 870-741-3592)

Hot Springs 71913 (1661 Airport Rd, Suite E, 501-881-4112)

Jonesboro 72401 (223 E Jackson, 870-972-0063)

Mena 71953 (1706 Hwy. 71 N, 479-394-4800)

Mountain Home 72653 (#10 Medical Plaza, 870-424-4109)

Mountain Home 72653 (405 Buttercup Dr., 870-425-3030)

Paragould 72450 (1101 Morgan St., 870-236-9756)

Pine Bluff 71603 (4010 Old Warren Road, 870-541-9300)

Texarkana 71854 (910 Realtor Ave., 870-216-2242)

Regional Office:

North Little Rock 72114 (2200 Fort Roots Dr., Bldg. 65, statewide 1-800-827-

1000)

Vet Center:

North Little Rock 72114 (201 W. Broadway, Suite A, 501-324-6395)

National Cemeteries:

Fayetteville 72701 (700 Government Ave., 479-444-5051)

Fort Smith 72901 (522 Garland Ave., 479-783-5345)

Little Rock 72206 (2523 Confederate Blvd., 501-324-6401)

CALIFORNIA

VA Medical Centers:

Fresno 93703 (2615 E. Clinton Ave., 559-225-6100 or 888-826-2838)

Livermore 94550 (4951 Arroyo Rd., 925-373-4700)

Loma Linda 92357 (11201 Benton St., 909-825-7084 or 800-741-8387)

Long Beach 90822 (5901 E. 7th St., 562-826-8000 or 888-769-8387)

Los Angeles 90073 (11301 Wilshire Blvd., 310-478-3711 or 800-952-4852)

Sacramento 95655 (10535 Hospital Way, Mather, 800-382-8387 or 916-366-

5366)

Menlo Park 94025 (795 Willow Rd., 650-416-9997)

Palo Alto 94304-1290 (3801 Miranda Avenue, 650-493-5000 or 800-455-

0057)

San Diego 92161 (3350 La Jolla Village Drive, 858-552-8585 or 800-331-

8387)

San Francisco 94121-1598 (4150 Clement Street, 415-221-4810 or 800-

733-0502)

Clinics:

Anaheim 92801 (Professional Center, 3rd Floor, Suite 303, 1801 W.

Romneya Dr., 714-780-5400)

Atwater 95301-5140 (3605 Hospital Road, Suite D, 209-381-0105)

Auburn 95603 (11985 Heritage Oaks Place, 530-889-0872 or 888-227-5404)

Bakersfield 93301 (1801 Westwind Dr., 661-632-1800)

El Centro 92243 (Imperial Valley, 1600 South Imperial Ave., 760-352-1506)

Capitola 95010-3906 (1350 N. 41st St., Suite 102, 831-464-5519)

VA Facilities 111

Chico 95926 (280 Cohasset Rd., 800-382-8387 or 530-879-5000)

Chula Vista 91910 (South Bay, 835 3rd Ave., 619-409-1600)

City of Commerce 90040 (East Los Angeles, 5426 E. Olympic Blvd., 323-

725-7557)

Corona 92879 (800 Magnolia Ave., #101, 951-817-8820)

Escondido 92025 (815 E. Pennsylvania Ave., 760-466-7020)

Eureka 95501 (714 F St., 707-442-5335)

Fairfield 94535 (103 Bodin Circle, Travis Air Force Base, 800-382-8387 or

707-437-1800)

French Camp 95231 (Stockton Clinic, 7777 South Freedom Dr., 209-946-

3400)

Gardena 90247 (1251 Redondo Beach Blvd, 3rd Floor, 310-851-4705)

Laguna Hills 92653 (25292 McIntyre St., 949-269-0700)
Lancaster 93536 (Antelope Valley, 547 West Lancaster Blvd., 661-729-8655

or 800-515-0031)

Long Beach 90806 (Villages at Cabrillo: 2001 River Ave, Bldg 28, 562-388-

8000)

Los Angeles 90012 (351 East Temple St., 213-253-2677)

Los Angeles 90073 (West Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center, 11301

Wilshire Blvd., 310-268-3526)

Lynwood 90262 (3737 Martin Luther King Blvd. Suite 515, 310-537-6825)

Martinez 94553 (Clinic and Center for Rehabilitation & Extended Care, 150

Muir Rd., 800-382-8387 or 925-372-2000)

Modesto 95350 (1524 McHenry Ave., 209-557-6200)

Monterey 93955 (3401 Engineer Lane, Seaside, 831-883-3800)

North Hills 91343: (Sepulveda Clinic and Nursing Home, 16111 Plummer St.,

818-891-7711 or 800-516-4567)

Oakland 94626 (Mental Health Clinic: 2505 West 14th St., Oakland Army

Base, 800-382-8387 or 510-587-3400)

Oakland 94612 (Clinic, 2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 800-382-8387 or

510-267-7800)

Oxnard 93030 (250 W. Citrus Grove Ave., Ste 150, 805-983-6384)

Palm Desert 92211 (41-990 Cook St., Bldg. F, Suite 1004, 951-341-5570)

Redding 96002 (351 Hartnell Ave., 800-382-8387 or 530-226-7555)

Sacramento 95655 (Mental Health Clinic at Mather, 10633 Grissom Rd.,

800-382-8387 or 916-366-5420)

Sacramento 95652 (McClellan Dental Clinic, 5401 Arnold Ave., 800-382-

8387 or 916-561-7800)

Sacramento 95652 (McClellan Outpatient Clinic, 5342 Dudley Blvd., 800-

382-8387 or 916-561-7400)

San Bruno 9406 (1001 Sneath Lane, Suite 300, Third Floor, 650-553-8000)

San Diego 92108 (Mission Valley, 8810 Rio San Diego Dr., 619-400-5000)

San Francisco 94107 (Downtown Clinic, 401 3rd St., 415-551-7300)

San Gabriel 91776 (Pasadera, 420 W. Las Tunas Drive, 626-289-5973)

San Jose 95119 (80 Great Oaks Boulevard, 408-363-3011)

San Luis Obispo 93401 (Pacific Medical Plaza, 1288 Morro St., Ste.200,

805-543-1233)

112 VA Facilities

Santa Ana 92704 (Bristol Medical Center, 2740 S. Bristol St., 1st Floor, Ste.

101, 714-825-3500)

Santa Barbara 93110 (4440 Calle Real, 805-683-1491)

Santa Fe Springs 90670 (10210 Orr & Day Rd., 562-864-5565)

Santa Maria 93454 (1550 East Main St., 805-354-6000)

Santa Rosa 95404 (3315 Chanate Rd., 707-570-3855 or 570-3800)

Seaside 93955 (Monterey Clinic, 3401 Engineering Lane, 831-883-3800)

Sonora 95370 (19747 Greenley Rd., 209-588-2600)

Stockton 95231 (500 West Hospital Rd., 209-946-3400)

Sun City 92586 (28125 Bradley Road, Suite 130, 951-672-1931)

Tulare 93274 (VA South Valley Clinic, 1050 N. Cherry St., 559-684-8703)

Ukiah 95482 (630 Kings Court 707-468-7700)

Upland 91786 (1238 E. Arrow Highway, No. 100, 909-946-5348)

Vallejo 94592 (Mare Island Clinic, 201 Walnut Ave., 800-382-8387 or 707-

562-8200)

Ventura 93003 (120 N Ashwood Ave., 805-658-5800

Victorville 92392 (12138 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 120, 760-951-2599)

Vista 92083 (1840 West Drive, 760-643-2000

Regional Offices:

Los Angeles 90024 (Fed. Bldg., 11000 Wilshire Blvd., serving counties of

Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara

and Ventura, statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Oakland 94612 (1301 Clay St., Rm. 1300 North, serving all CA counties

not served by the Los Angeles, San Diego, or Reno VA Regional Offices,

1-800-827-1000)

San Diego 92108 (8810 Rio San Diego Dr., serving Imperial, Orange,

Riverside and San Diego, statewide 1-800-827-1000). The counties of
Alpine, Lassen, Modoc, and Mono are served by the Reno, NV, Regional

Office.

Benefits Office:

Sacramento 95827 (10365 Old Placerville Rd., 916-364-6500)

Vet Centers:

Anaheim 92805 (859 S. Harbor Blvd., 714-776-0161)

Chico 95926 (280 Cohasset Rd., Suite 100, 530-899-8549)

Concord 94520 (1899 Clayton Rd., Suite 140, 925-680-4526)

Corona 92879 (800 Magnolia Ave., 110, 951-734-0525)

East Los Angeles 90022 (5400 E. Olympic Blvd., 140, 323-728-9966)

Eureka 95501 (2830 G St., Suite A, 707-444-8271)

Fresno 93726 (3636 N. 1st St., Suite 112, 559-487-5660)

Gardena 90247 (1045 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., 150, Gardena, 310-767-

1221)

West Los Angeles 90230 (5730 Uplander Way, Suite 100, Culver City, 310-

641-0326)

Modesto 95351 (1219 N. Carpenter Rd., Suites 11 & 12, 209-527-1359 or

209-527-5961)

Oakland 94612 (1504 Franklin St., 200, 510-763-3904)

VA Facilities 113

Redwood City 94062 (2946 Broadway St., 650-299-0672)

Rohnert Park 94928 (6225 State Farm Dr., Suite 101, 707-586-3295)

Sacramento 95825 (1111 Howe Ave., Suite 390, 916-566-7430)

San Bernardino 92408 (11325 E. Cooley Dr., Suite 101, 909-801-5762)

San Diego 92103 (2900 6th Ave., 619-294-2040)

San Francisco 94102 (505 Polk St., 415-441-5051)

San Jose 95112 (278 N. 2nd St., 408-993-0729)

San Marcos 92069 (1 Civic Center Dr., Suite 140, 760-744-6914)

Santa Cruz 95010 (1350 41st Ave., Suite 102, 831-464-4575)

Sepulveda 91343 (9737 Haskell Ave., 818-892-9227)

Ventura 93001 (790 E. Santa Clara, Suite 100, 805-585-1860)

National Cemeteries:

Bakersfield 93301 (1801 Westwind Dr., Bakersfield 866-632-1845)

After June 2009 (30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Bakersfield, 866-632-

1845)

Fort Rosecrans 92106 (P.O. Box 6237, Point Loma, San Diego, 619-553-

2084)

Golden Gate 94066 (1300 Sneath Ln., San Bruno, 650-589-7737)

Los Angeles 90049 (950 South Sepulveda Blvd., 310-268-4675)

Riverside 92518 (22495 Van Buren Blvd., 951-653-8417)

Sacramento Valley VA 95620 (5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, 707-693-2460)

San Francisco 94129 (1 Lincoln Blvd., Presidio of San Francisco, 650-589-

7737)

San Joaquin Valley 95322 (32053 West McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, 209-854-

1040)

COLORADO

Medical Centers:

Denver 80220 (1055 Clermont Street, 303-399-8020 or toll free: 888-336-

8262)

Grand Junction 81501 (2121 North Avenue, 970-263-2800 or toll free 866-

206-6415)

Health Administration Center:

Denver 80209 (3773 Cherry Creek North Dr., 303-331-7500)

Clinics:

Alamosa 81101 (San Luis Valley Clinic/Sierra Blanca Med. Ctr.: 622 Del Sol

Drive, 719-587-6800 or toll free 1-866-659-0930)

Aurora 80045 (13001 East 17th Place, Bld. 500, 2nd Floor, West Wing, 303-

724-0190)

Burlington 80807 (1177 Rose Avenue, 719-346-5239)

Colorado Springs 80905 (25 North Spruce St., 719-327-5660 or toll free 800-

278-3883)

Craig 81625 (551 Tucker Street, 970-824-9721 or 970-242-0731)
Durango 81301 (400 S. Camino Del Rio, 970-247-2214)

Ft. Collins 80524 (1100 Poudre River Drive, 970-224-1550)

Greeley 80634 (2001 70th Ave. , 970-313-0027)

114 VA Facilities

La Junta 81050 (1100 Carson Ave., Suite 104, 719-383-5195)

Lakewood 80225 (155 Van Gordon St., Suite 395, 303-914-2680)

Lamar 81052 (High Plains Community Health Center 201 Kendall Dr., 719-

336-5972)

Montrose 81401 (4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, 970-249-7791 or 970-242-0731)

Pueblo 81008 (4112 Outlook Boulevard, 719-553-1000 or 800-369-6748)

Regional Office:

Denver 80225 (Mailing Address: PO Box 25126. Physical Address: 155 Van

Gordon St., Lakewood, 80228, statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Boulder 80302 (2336 Canyon Blvd., Suite 103, 303-440-7306)

Colorado Springs 80903 (416 E. Colorado Ave., 719-471-9992)

Denver 80230 (7465 E. First Ave., Ste. B, 303-326-0645)

Grand Junction 81505 (2472 F. Rd. Unit 16, 970-245-4156)

National Cemeteries:

Fort Logan 80236 (4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, 303-761-0117)

Fort Lyon 81504 (15700 County Road HH, Las Animas, 303-761-0117)

CONNECTICUT

VA Medical Centers:

Newington 06111 ( 555 Willard Ave., 860-666-6951)

West Haven 06516 (950 Campbell Avenue, 203-932-5711)

Clinics

Danbury 06810 (7 Germantown Rd., Suite 2B, 203-798-8422)

New London 06320 (Shaw’s Cove Four, 860-437-3611)

Stamford 06905 (1275 Summer St, Suite 102, 203-325-0649)

Waterbury 06706 (95 Scovill St., 203-465-5292)

Windham 06226 (Windham Hospital, 96 Mansfield St., 860-450-7583)

Winsted 06908 (Winsted Health Center, 115 Spencer St., 860-738-6985)

Regional Office:

Hartford (Bldg 2E – RM 5137, 555 Willard Ave.; Newington, 06111-2693,

statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Wethersfield 06109 (30 Jordan Lane, 860-563-2320)

Norwich 06360 (2 Cliff St., 860-887-1755)

West Haven 06516 (141 Captain Thomas Blvd., 203-932-9899)

DELAWARE

VA Medical Center:

Wilmington 19805 (1601 Kirkwood Highway, 302-994-2511 or

800-461-8262)

Clinics:

Dover 19901 (1198 Governors Ave., 302-994-2511 x2400)

Georgetown 19947 (15 Georgetown Plaza, 302-994-2511 x5251

VA Facilities 115

Regional Office:

Wilmington 19805 (1601 Kirkwood Hwy., local, 302-994-2511)

Vet Center:

Wilmington 19805 (1601 Kirkwood Hwy., Bldg. 3, 302-994-1660)

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Medical Center:

VA Medical Center:

Washington 20422 (50 Irving Street, NW, 202-745-8000 or 888-553-0242)

Clinic:

Washington 20032 (820 Chesapeake Street, S.E., 202-745-8685)

Regional Office:

Washington, D.C., 20421 (1722 I St., N.W., local, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Center:
Washington, D.C. 20011 (1250 Taylor St., N.W., 202-726-5212)

FLORIDA

VA Medical Centers:

Bay Pines 33744 (10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5005,

Bay Pines, FL 33744, 727-398-6661/888-820-0230)

Bradenton 34203 (5283 Office Park Blvd, 941-721-0649)

Gainesville 32608-1197 (1601 S.W. Archer Rd., 352-376-1611 or 800-324-

8387)

Lake City 32025-5808 (619 S. Marion Avenue, 386-755-3016 or 800-308-

8387)

Miami 33125 (1201 N.W. 16th St., 305-575-7000 or 888-276-1785)

Orlando 32803 (5201 Raymond St., 407-629-1599 or 800-922-7521)

Tampa 33612 (13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 813-972-2000 or 888-716-

7787)

West Palm Beach 33410-6400 (7305 N. Military Trail, 561-422-8262 or 800-

972-8262)

Clinics:

Boca Raton 33433 (901 Meadows Rd., 561-416-8995)

Brooksville 34613 (14540 Cortez Blvd., Suite 200, 352-597-8287)

Broward 33351 (9800 West Commercial Blvd., 954-745-5500)

Coral Springs 33065 (9900 West Sample Road, Suite 100, 954-575-4940)

Daytona Beach 32114 (551 National Health Care Dr., 386-323-7500)

Deerfield Beach 33442 (2100 S.W. 10th St., 954-570-5572)

Delray Beach 33445 (4800 Linton Blvd., Suite 300E, 561-495-1973)

Dunedin 34698 (1721 Main St., 727-734-5276)

Ellenton 34222 (4333 U.S. Highway 301 North, 941-721-0649)

Fort Myers 33916 (3033 Winkler Extension, 239-939-3939)

Ft. Pierce 34950 (727 North US 1, 772-595-5150)

Hollywood 33021 (3702 Washington St., Suite 201, 954-986-1811)

116 VA Facilities

Hollywood 33024 (Pembroke Pines, 7369 W. Sheridan St., Suite 102, 954-

894-1668)

Homestead 33030 (950 Krome Avenue, Suite 401, 305-248-0874)

Jacksonville 32206 (1833 Boulevard, 904-232-2751)

Key Largo 33037 (105662 Overseas Highway, 305-451-0164)

Key West 33040 (1300 Douglas Circle, Building L-15, 305-293-4609)

Kissimmee 34741 (2285 North Central Avenue, 407-518-5004)

Lakeland 33803 (3240 S. Florida Avenue, 863-701-2470)

Lecanto 34461 (2804 W. Marc Knighton Ct., Suite A, 352-746-8000)

Leesburg 34748 (711 W. Main St., 352-435-4000)

Marianna 32446 (4970 Highway 90, 850-718-5620)

Miami 33135 (Healthcare for Homeless Veterans, 1492 West Flagler St.,

305-541-5864)

Miami 33135 (Substance Abuse Clinic, 1492 West Flagler St., Suite 101,

305-541-8435)

Naples 34104 (2685 Horseshoe Drive - Suite 101, 239-659-9188)

New Port Richey 34654 (9912 Little Road, 727-869-4100)

Ocala 34470 (1515 Silver Springs Blvd., 352-369-3320)

Okeechobee 34972 (1201 N. Parrot Avenue, 863-824-3232)

Orange City 32763 (2583 South Volusia Ave., Ste 300, 386-456-2080)

Panama City Beach 32407 (6703 West Highway 98, 850-636-7000)

Panama City Beach 32407-7018 (Naval Support Activity-Panama City, 101

Vernon Ave #387, 850-636-7000)

Pembroke Pines (Pembroke Pines, 7369 W. Sheridan St., Suite 102, 954-

894-1668)

Pensacola 32503 (312 Kenmore Road, 850-476-1100)

Port Charlotte 33952 (4161 Tamiami Trail, 941-235-2710)

St. Lucie County PTSD Clinic ( 126 SW Chambers Court 772878-7876)

Sanford 32771 (1403 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 109, 407-323-5999)

Sarasota 34233 (5682 Bee Ridge Rd., Suite 100, 941-371-3349)

Sebring 33870 (3760 U.S. Highway 27 South, 863-471-6227, Mental Health
Phone 863-314-0325)

St. Augustine 32086 (1955 U.S. 1 South, Suite 200, 904-829-0814 or 866-

401-8387)

Stuart 34997 (3501 S E Willoughby Boulevard, 772-288-0304)

Sunrise 33351 (9800 W Commercial St., 954-475-5500)

Tallahassee 32308 (1607 St. James Ct., 850-878-0191)

The Villages 32162 (Laurel Lake Professional Park, 1950 Laurel Manor

Drive, Building 240, 352-205-8900)

Vero Beach 32960 (372 17th Street, 772-299-4623)

Viera 32940 (2900 Veterans Way 321-637-3788)

Zephyrhills 33541 (6937 Medical View Ln., 813-780-2550)

Regional Office:

St. Petersburg 33708 (mailing address: P.O. Box 1437, 33731; physical

address: 9500 Bay Pines Blvd., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Benefits Offices:

VA Facilities 117

Fort Lauderdale 33301 (VR&E-28S, 9800 W. Commercial Blvd., Sunrise, FL

33351 1-800-827-1000)

Jacksonville 32256 (VR&E, 7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite 120-B, 1-800-

827-1000)

Orlando 32801 (1000 Legion Pl., VRE-Suite 1500, C&P-Suite 1550, 1-800-

827-1000)

Pensacola 32503-7492 (C&P, 312 Kenmore Rd., Rm. 1G250, 1-800-827-

1000)

West Palm Beach 33410 (C&P, 7305 North Military Tr., Suite 1A-167, 1-800-

827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Ft. Lauderdale 33304 (713 N.E. 3rd Ave., 954-356-7926)

Fort Myers 33916 (4110 Center Pointe Drive, Unit 204, 239-479-4401)

Gainesville 32607 (105 NW 75th St., Suite 2, 352-331-1408)

Jacksonville 32202 (300 East State St., 904-232-3621)

Melbourne 32935 (2098 Sarno Rd., 321-254-3410)

Miami 33122 (8280 NW 27th St., Suite 511, 305-859-8387)

Orlando 32822 (5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 36, 407-857-2800)

Palm Beach 33461 (2311 10th Ave., North 13, 561-585-0441)

Pensacola 32501 (4501 Twin Oaks Dr., 850-456-5886)

Sarasota 34231 (4801 Swift Rd., 941-927-8285)

St. Petersburg 33713 (2880 1st Ave., N., 727-893-3791)

Tallahassee 32303 (548 Bradford Rd., 850-942-8810)

Tampa 33604 (8900 N. Armenia Ave., Ste. 312, 813-228-2621)

National Cemeteries:

Barrancas 32508-1054 (80 Hovey Rd., Naval Air Station, Pensacola, 850-

453-4846)

Bay Pines 33504-0477 (10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, 727-398-9426)

Florida 33513 (6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 352-793-7740)

Jacksonville 32218 (4083 Lannie Rd., 904-358-3510)

St. Augustine 32084 (104 Marine St., 352-793-7740)

South Florida 33467 (6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, 561-649-6489)

Sarasota 34241 (9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, 941-861-9840)

GEORGIA

VA Medical Centers:

Augusta 30904-6285 (1 Freedom Way, 706-733-0188 or 800-836-5561)

Decatur 30033 (1670 Clairmont Road, 404-321-6111 or 800-944-9726)

Dublin 31021 (1826 Veterans Blvd., 478-272-1210 or 800-595-5229)

Clinics:

Albany 31701 (526 West Broadway 229-446-9000)

Athens 30601 (9249 Highway 29, 706-227-4534)

Columbus 31906 (1310 13th St., 706-257-7200)

Decatur 30030 (755 Commerce Dr., 2nd Floor, 404-417-5200)

East Point 30344 (1513 Cleveland Ave., 404-321-6111 x2600)

118 VA Facilities
Kathleen 31047 (2370 S. Houston Lake Rd., 478-224-1309)

Lawrenceville 30043 (1970 Riverside Pkwy, 404-417-1750)

Macon 31220 (5398 Thomaston Road, Suite B, 478-476-8868)

Oakwood 30566 (3931 Munday Mill Rd., 404-728-8212)

Perry Outreach (2370 S. Houston Lake Road, 478-224-1309)

Rome 30161 (30 Chateau Dr, SE, 706-235-6581)

Savannah 31406 (325 West Montgomery Crossroads, 912-920-0214)

Smyrna 30082 (562 Concord Road, 404-417-1760)

St. Marys 31558 (205 Lake Shore Point, 912-510-3420)

Stockbridge 30281 (175 Medical Blvd., 404-329-2222)

Valdosta 31602 (2841 N. Patterson Street, 229-293-0132)

Regional Office:

Decatur 30033 (1700 Clairmont Rd., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Atlanta 30324 (1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite G, 404-347-7264)

Macon 31201 (750 Riverside Dr., 478-477-3813)

Savannah 31406 (8110A White Bluff Rd., 912-652-4097)

National Cemeteries:

Georgia 30114 (2025 Mt. Carmel Church Lane, Canton, 866-236-8159)

Marietta 30060 (500 Washington Ave., 866-236-8159)

GUAM

Clinic:

Agana Heights 96919 (U.S. Naval Hospital, Bldg-1, E-200, Box 7608, 671-

344-9200)

Benefits Office/Vet Center:

Hagatna 96910 (Reflection Center, Suite 201, 222 Chalan Santo Papa St.,

671-472-7161)

HAWAII

Medical Center:

Honolulu 96819-1522 (459 Patterson Rd., E Wing) (toll-free from Hawaii,

Guam, Saipan, Rota and Tinian at 1-800-827-1000; toll-free from American

Samoa at 1-877-899-4400)

Clinics:

Hilo 96720 (1285 Wainuenue Ave., Suite 211, 808-935-3781)

Honolulu PTSD 96819 (3375 Koapaka St.,Suite I-560, 808-566-1546)

Kauai; Lihue 96766 (3-3367 Kuhio Hwy., Suite 200, 808-246-0497)

Kona; Kailua-Kona 75-377 Hualalai Rd., Kailua-Kona 808-329-0774

Maui; Kahului 96732 (203 Ho’ohana St., Suite 303, 808-871-2454)

Regional Office:

Honolulu 96819-1522 (459 Patterson Rd., E Wing. Mailing address: PO Box

29020, Honolulu, HI 96820) (toll-free from Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, Rota

and Tinian, 1-800-827-1000; toll-free from American Samoa, 1-877-899-

VA Facilities 119

4400)

VR&E Benefits Offices:

Hilo 96720 (1285 Waianuenue, 2nd Floor, 808-935-6691)

Kahului 96732 (203 Ho’ohana St., 808-873-9426)

Vet Centers:

Hilo 96720 (126 Pu’uhonu,Way, Suite 2, Hilo 808-969-3833)

Honolulu 96814 (1680 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite F.3, 808-973-8387)

Kailua-Kona 96740 96740 (Hale Kui Plaza, Suite 207, 73-4976 Kamanu St.,

808-329-0574)

Lihue 96766 (3-3367 Kuhio Hwy., Suite 101, 808-246-1163)

Wailuku 96793 (35 Lunalilo, Suite 101, 808-242-8557)

National Cemetery:

Nat. Cem. of the Pacific 96813-1729 (2177 Puowaina Dr., Honolulu, 808-

532-3720)

IDAHO

Medical Center:

Boise 83702 (500 West Fort St., 208-422-1000)

Clinics:
Caldwell 83605 (120 E. Pine St., 208-454-4820)

Pocatello 83201 (444 Hospital Way, Suite 801, 208-232-6214)

Salmon 83467 (111 Lillian St., #203, 208-756-8515)

Twin Falls 83301 (260 2nd Ave, E., 208-732-0947)

Regional Office:

Boise 83702 (805 W. Franklin St., statewide, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Boise 83705 (5440 Franklin Rd., Suite 100, 208-342-3612)

Pocatello 83201 (1800 Garrett Way, 208-232-0316)

ILLINOIS

VA Medical Centers:

Chicago 60612 (820 South Damen Ave., 312-569-8387)

Danville 61832-5198 (1900 East Main Street, 217-554-3000 or 800-320-

8387)

Hines 60141 (5th & Roosevelt Rd. P.O. Box 5000, 708-202-8387)

Marion 62959 (2401 West Main, 618-997-5311)

North Chicago 60064 (3001 Green Bay Road, 847-688-1900 or 800-393-

0865)

Clinics:

Aurora 60506 (1700 N. Landmark Road, 630-859-2504)

Belleville 62223 (6500 W Main St., 314-286-6988)

Chicago 60620 (7731 S Halsted St., 773-962-3700)

Chicago 60611 (211 E. Ontario, 312-569-8387)

Chicago Heights 60411 (30 E. 15th Street, Suite 207, 708-756-5454)

120 VA Facilities

Decatur 62526-9381 (3035 East Mound Road, 217-875-2670)

Effingham 62401 (1901 S 4th St Suite 21, 217-347-7600)

Elgin 60120 (450 W. Dundee Rd., 847-742-5920)

Evanston 60202 (107 - 109 Clyde St., 847-869-6315)

Freeport 61032 (1301 Kiwanis Dr., 815-235-4881)

Galesburg 61401 (387 East Grove, 309-343-0311)

Joliet 60435 (2000 Glenwood Ave., 815-744-0492)

LaSalle 61301 (2970 Chartres, 815-223-9678)

Manteno 60950 (Illinois Veterans Home, One Veterans Dr., 815-468-1027)

McHenry 60050 (620 South Route 31, 815-759-2306)

Mt. Vernon 62864 (1 Doctors Park Rd., 618-246-2910)

Oak Lawn 60453 (4700 W. 95th St., 708-499-3675)

Oak Park 60302 (149 S. Oak Park Ave., 708-386-3008)

Peoria 61605-2400 (411 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., 309-497-0790)

Quincy 62301 (721 Broadway, 217-224-3366)

Rockford 61108 (4940 East State St., 815-227-0081)

Springfield 62702 (700 North 7th Street, Suite C, 217-522-9730)

Regional Office:

Chicago 60612 (2122 W. Taylor St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Chicago 60620 (7731 S. Halsted St., Suite 200, 773-962-3740)

Chicago Heights 60411 (1600 S. Halsted St., 708-754-0340)

East St. Louis 62203 (1265 N. 89th St., Suite 5, 618-397-6602)

Evanston 60202 (565 Howard St., 847-332-1019)

Moline 61265 (1529 46th Ave., 6, 309-762-6954)

Oak Park 60302 (155 S. Oak Park Blvd., 708-383-3225)

Peoria 61603 (3310 N. Prospect Rd., 309-671-7300)

Springfield 62702 (624 S. 4th St., 217-492-4955)

National Cemeteries:

Abraham Lincoln 60421 (20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, 815-423-9958)

Alton 62003 (600 Pearl St., 314-845-8320)

Camp Butler 62707 (5063 Camp Butler Rd., Springfield, 217-492-4070)

Danville 61832 (1900 East Main St., 217-554-4550)

Mound City 62963 (Junction Highways 37 & 51, 314-845-8320)

Quincy 62301 (36th and Maine St., 309-782-2094)

Rock Island 61299-7090 (Rock Island Arsenal, Bldg. 118, 309-782-2094)
INDlANA

VA Medical Centers:

Fort Wayne 46805 (2121 Lake Ave., 260-426-5431 or 800-360-8387)

Indianapolis 46202 (1481 W. 10th St., 317-554-0000 or 888-878-6889)

Marion 46953-4589 (1700 East 38th St., 765-674-3321 or 800-360-8387)

Clinics:

Bloomington 47403 (455 South Landmark Avenue, 812-336-5723, or toll free

877-683-0865)

VA Facilities 121

Crown Point 46307 (9330 S. Broadway, 219-662-5000)

Evansville 47713 (500 E Walnut St., 812-465-6202)

Goshen 46526 (2014 Lincolnway East Ste. #3, 574-534-6108)

Greendale 47025 (1600 Flossie Dr., 812-539-2313)

Muncie 47304-6357 (3500 W. Purdue Ave., 765-284-6822)

New Albany 47150 (811 Northgate Blvd, 502-287-4100)

Richmond 47374 (4351 South A St., 765-973-6915)

Scottsburg 47170 (279 N. Gardner, St., 812-752-8375)

South Bend 46614-9668 (5735 S. Ironwood Road, 574-299-4847)

Terre Haute 47802 (110 W Honeycreek Pkwy, 812-232-2890)

Vincennes 47591 (1813 Willow St. Ste. 6A, 812-882-0894)

West Lafayette 47906 (3851 N. River Road, 765-464-2280)

Regional Office:

Indianapolis 46204 (575 N. Pennsylvania St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Evansville 47711 (311 N. Weinbach Ave., 812-473-5993 or 473-6084)

Fort Wayne 46802 (528 West Berry St., 260-460-1456)

Merrillville 46410 (6505 Broadway Ave., 219-736-5633)

Indianapolis 46208 (3833 N. Meridian St., Suite 120, 317-927-6440)

National Cemeteries:

Crown Hill 46208 (700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, 765-674-0284)

Marion 46952 (1700 E. 38th St., 765-674-0284)

New Albany 47150 (1943 Ekin Ave., 502-893-3852)

IOWA

VA Medical Centers:

Des Moines 50310-5774 (3600 30th St., 515-699-5999 or 800-294-8387)

Iowa City 52246-2208 (601 Highway 6 West, 319-338-0581 or 800-637-

0128)

Knoxville 50138 (1515 W. Pleasant Street, 641-842-3101 or 800-816-8878)

Clinics:

Bettendorf 52722 (2979 Victoria St., 563-332-8528)

Dubuque 52001 (Mercy Health Center, 250 Mercy Dr., 563-589-8899)

Fort Dodge 50501 (2419 2nd Avenue N, 515-576-2235)

Mason City 50401 (520 S. Pierce, Suite 150, 641-421-8077)

Sioux City 51104 (1551 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 206, 712-258-4700)

Spirit Lake 51360 (1310 Lake St., 712-336-6400)

Waterloo 50701 (1015 S Hackett Rd., 319-235-1230)

Regional Office:

Des Moines 50309 (210 Walnut St., Rm. 1063, statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Cedar Rapids 52402 (1642 42nd St. N.E., 319-378-0016)

Des Moines 50310 (2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., 515-284-4929)

Sioux City 51104 (1551 Indian Hills Dr., Suite 214, 712-255-3808)

122 VA Facilities

National Cemetery:

Keokuk 52632 (1701 J St., 309-782-2094)

National Cemetery:

Keokuk 52632 (1701 J St., 309-782-2094)

KANSAS

VA Medical Centers:

Leavenworth 66048-5055 (4101 S. 4th St., 913-682-2000 or 800-952-8387)
Topeka 66622 (2200 SW, Gage Boulevard, 785-350-3111 or 800-574-8387)

Wichita 67218 (5500 E. Kellogg, 316-685-2221 or 888-878-6881)

Clinics:

Chanute 66720 (Neosho Memorial Medical Center, 629 South Plummer,

620-431-4000 ext. 1553)

Emporia 66801 (Newman Hospital, 919 W. 12th Avenue, Suite D, 620-342-

7432)

Ft. Dodge 67801 (300 Custer, 1-888-878-6881 x41040)

Ft. Scott 66701 (Newman Young Clinic: 902 Horton St., 620-223-8400, ext

8655)

Garnett 66032 (Anderson County Hospital: 421 South Maple, 1-800-574-

8387 EXT 54453)

Hays 67601 (Hays Clinic: 207-B East Seventh, 1-888-878-6881 x41000)

Holton 66436 (Holton Community Hospital: 1110 Columbine Dr., 1-800-574-

8387 EXT 54453)

Hutchinson 67502 (1625 E. 30th Ave., 888-878-6881 x41100)

Junction City 66441 (715 Southwind Dr., 800-574-8387 ext. 54670)

Kansas City 66102 21 N 12th Street, Bethany Medical Building, Suite 110,

1-800-952-8387 ext. 56990)

Lawrence 66049 (2200 Harvard Road, 800-574-8387 ext. 54650)

Liberal 67901 (Liberal Clinic: 2 Rock Island Road, Suite 200, 620-626-5574)

Paola 66071 (510 South Hospital Drive, 816-922-2160)

Manhattan Vet Center, 205 S. 4th St. Suite 1B, Manhattan, KS 66502

Parsons 67357 (1401 North Main Street, 1-888-878-6881 x41060)

Russell 67665 (Regional Hospital Medical Arts Building: 200 South Main St.,

785-483-3131 ext. 155)

Salina 67401 (1410 E. Iron, Suite 1, 1-888-878-6881 x41020)

Seneca 66538 (Nemaha Valley Community Hospital: 1600 Community Dr.,

1-800-574-8387 EXT 54453)

Regional Office:

Wichita 67218 (Robert J. Dole Regional Office, 5500 E. Kellogg Ave., 1-800-

827-1000)

Vet Center:

Wichita 67211 (413 S. Pattie, 316-265-3260)

National Cemeteries:

Fort Leavenworth 66027 (395 Biddle Blvd., 913-758-4105)

Fort Scott 66701 (900 East National Ave., 620-223-2840)

VA Facilities 123

Leavenworth 66048 (4101 South 4th St., Traffic Way, 913-758-4105)

KENTUCKY

VA Medical Centers:

Lexington-Cooper Division 40502 (1101 Veterans Dr., 859-233-4511 or

888-824-3577)

Lexington-Leestown Division 40511 (2250 Leestown Rd., 859-233-4511 or

888-824-3577)

Louisville 40206 (800 Zorn Avenue, 502-287-4000 or 800-376-8387)

Clinics:

Bellevue 41073 (103 Landmark Dr., 859-392-3840)

Berea (209 Pauline Drive 859-986-1259)

Bowling Green 42103 (Hartland Medical Plaza, 1110 Wilkinson Trace Cir.,

270-796-3590)

Carrollton 41008 (309 Eleventh St., 502-732-7146)

Clarkson 42726 (Grayson County, 619 W. Main St., 866-653-8232)

Florence 41042 (7711 Ewing, 859-282-4480)

Ft. Campbell 42223 (Desert Storm Ave. Building 39, 270-798-4118)

Ft Knox 40121 (851 Ireland Loop, 502-624-9396)

Hanson 42413 (926 Veterans Drive, 270-322-8019)

Hazard 41701 (210 Black Gold Blvd., 606-436-2350)

Louisville 40207 (4010 Dupont Circle, 502-287-6986)

Louisville-Newburg 40218 (3430 Newburg Rd., 502-287-6223)

Louisville-Shively 40216 (3934 North Dixie Highway, Suite 210, 502-287-
6000)

Louisville-Standiford Field 40213 (1101 Grade Ln., 502-413-4635)

Morehead (333 Beacon Hill Drive, Suite 100 (606) 784-3004) Owensboro

42301 (3400 New Hartford Rd., 270-684-5034)

Paducah 42001 (2620 Perkins Creek Dr., 270-444-8465)

Prestonsburg 41653 (5230 Ky. Route 321, Suite 8)

Somerset 42503 (104 Hardin Ln., 606-676-0786)

Regional Office:

Louisville 40202 (321 W. Main St., Ste., 390, statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Lexington 40507 (301 E. Vine St., Suite C, 859-253-0717)

Louisville 40208 (1347 S. 3rd St., 502-634-1916)

National Cemeteries:

Camp Nelson 40356 (6980 Danville Rd., Nicholasville, 859-885-5727)

Cave Hill 40204 (701 Baxter Ave., Louisville, 502-893-3852)

Danville 40442 (277 N. First St., 859-885-5727)

Lebanon 40033 (20 Highway 208, 502-893-3852)

Lexington 40508 (833 W. Main St., 859-885-5727)

Mill Springs 42544 (9044 West Highway 80, Nancy, 859-885-5727)

Zachary Taylor 40207 (4701 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, 502-893-3852)

124 VA Facilities

LOUISIANA

VA Medical Centers:

New Orleans 70161-1011 (1601 Perdido St., Mailing Address: P.O. Box

61011, 800-935-8387 /504-412-3700)

Alexandria 71306 (: P. O. Box 69004, 318-473-0010 or 800-375-

8387)

Shreveport 71101-4295 (510 E. Stoner Ave., 318-221-8411 or 800-863-

7441)

Clinics:

Baton Rouge 70809 (7968 Essen Park Ave., 225-761-3400)

Hammond 70403 (1131 South Morrison Ave., 985-902-5026)

Houma 70360 (1750 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Ste 107, 985-851-0188)

Jennings 70546 (1907 Johnson St., 337-824-1000)

Lafayette 70501 (2100 Jefferson St., 337-261-0734)

Monroe 71203 (250 De Siard Plaza Dr., 318-343-6100)

Reserve 70084 (247 Veterans Blvd., 504-565-4705)

Slidell 70461 (340 Gateway Dr., 1-800-935-8387)

Regional Office:

Gretna 70056 (671A Whitney Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Baton Rouge 70809 (5207 Essen Lane, Suite 2, 225-757-0045)

Kenner 70062 (2200 Veterans Blvd., Suite 114, 504-464-4743)

Shreveport 71104 (2800 Youree Dr., Bldg. 1, Suite 1, 318-861-1776)

National Cemeteries:

Alexandria 71360 (209 E. Shamrock St., Pineville, 601-445-4981)

Baton Rouge 70806 (220 N. 19th St., 225-654-3767)

Port Hudson 70791 (20978 Port Hickey Rd., Zachary, 225-654-3767)

MAINE

VA Medical Center:

Augusta 04330 (1 VA Center, 207-623-8411 or 877-421-8263)

Clinics:

Bangor 04401 304 Hancock St., Suite 3B, 207-561-3600)

Calais 04619 (50 Union St., 207-904-3700)

Caribou 04736 (163 Van Buren Drive, Suite 6, 207-493-3800)

Lincoln 04457 (99 River Road, 207-403-2000)

Rumford 04726 (431 Franklin St., 207-369-3200)

Saco 04072 (655 Main St., 207-294-3100)

Regional Office:

Togus 04330 (One VA Center, Augusta, statewide 1-800-827-1000; VR&E
Division 207-623-8411 ext 4600)

Vet Centers:

VA Facilities 125

Bangor 04401 (368 Harlow St., 207-947-3391)

Caribou 04619 (456 York St., York Street Complex, 207-496-3900)

Lewiston 04240 (Pkwy Complex, 29 Westminster St., 207-783-0068)

Portland 04103 (475 Stevens Ave., 207-780-3584)

Springvale 04083 (628 Main St., 207-490-1513)

National Cemetery:

Togus NC 04330 (1 VA Center; 508-563-7113/4)

MARYLAND

VA Medical Centers:

Baltimore 21201 (10 North Greene St., 410-605-7000 or 800-463-6295)

Baltimore-Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center 21218 (3900 Loch Raven

Boulevard, 410-605-7000 or 800-463-6295)

Perry Point 21902 (410-642-2411 or 800 949-1003)

Clinics:

Baltimore-Loch Raven 21218 (3901 the Alameda, 410-605-7651 or 800-463-

6295, ext. 7651)

Cambridge 21613 (830 Chesapeake Dr., 410-228-6243 or 877-864-9611)

Charlotte Hall 20622 (State Veterans Home, 29431 Charlotte Hall Rd., 301-

884-7102)

Cumberland 21502 (200 Glenn St., 301-724-0061)

Fort Howard 21052 (9600 North Point Rd., 410-477-1800 or 800-351-8387)

Glen Burnie 21061 (808 Landmark Dr., Suite 128, 410-590-4140)

Greenbelt 20770 (7525 Greenway Center Dr., Professional Center Suite T-4,

301-345-2463)

Hagerstown 21742 (Hub Plaza Bldg, 1101 Opal Ct., 301-665-1462)

Pocomoke 21851 (101 Market St., 410-957-6718 or 866-441-0287)

Regional Office:

Baltimore 21201 (31 Hopkins Plaza Federal Bldg., 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Baltimore 21207 (6666 Security Blvd., Suite 2, 410-277-3600)

Cambridge 21613 (5510 West Shore Dr., 410-228-6305 ext. 4123)

Elkton 21921 (103 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite A, 410-392-4485)

Silver Spring 20910 (1015 Spring St., Suite 101, 301-589-1073)

National Cemeteries:

Annapolis 21401 (800 West St., 410-644-9696/7)

Baltimore 21228 (5501 Frederick Ave., 410-644-9696/7)

Loudon Park 21228 (3445 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, 410-644-9696/7)

MASSACHUSETTS

VA Medical Centers:

Bedford 01730 (200 Springs Rd., 781-687-2000 or 800-422-1617)

Brockton 02301 (940 Belmont St., 508-583-4500)

Jamaica Plain 02130 (150 South Huntington Ave., 617-232-9500)

Leeds 01053-9764 (Northampton VA, 421 North Main St., 413-584-4040 or

126 VA Facilities

800-893-1522)

West Roxbury 02132 (1400 VFW Parkway, 617-323-7700)

Clinics:

Boston 02114 (251 Causeway St., 617-248-1000)

Dorchester 02121 (895 Blue Hill Ave, 617-822-7146)

Fitchburg 01420 (Burbank Hospital, 275 Nichols Rd., 978-342-9781)

Framingham 01702 (61 Lincoln St., Suite 112, 508-628-0205)

Gloucester 01930 (Addison Gilbert Hospital, 298 Washington St., 978-282-

0676 ext. 1782)

Greenfield 01301 (143 Munson St., 413-773-8428)

Haverhill 01830 (108 Merrimack St., 978-372-5207)

Hyannis 02601 (233 Stevens St., 508-771-3190)

Lowell 01852 (130 Marshall Rd., 978-671-9000)

Lynn 01904 (225 Boston Rd., Suite 107, 781-595-9818)
Martha’s Vineyard 02557 (Hospital Rd., 508-693-0410

Nantucket 02554 (Nantucket Cottage Hospital, 57 Prospect St., 508-825-

8195)

New Bedford 02740 (175 Elm St., 508-994-0217)

Pittsfield 01201 (73 Eagle St., 413-443-4857)

Quincy 02169 (Quincy Medical Center, 2nd floor, 114 Whitwell St., 617-376-

2010)

Springfield 01104 (25 Bond St., 413-731-6000)

Worcester 01605 (605 Lincoln St., 508-856-0104)

Regional Office:

Boston 02203-0393 (JFK Federal Building, Room 1265, Government Center,

statewide 1-800-827-1000) (Towns of Fall River & New Bedford, counties

of Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, Bristol, part of Plymouth served by

Providence, R.I., VA Regional Office)

Vet Centers:

Boston 02215 (665 Beacon St., 617-424-0665)

Brockton 02401 (1041-L Pearl St., 508-580-2730)

Hyannis 02601 (474 West Main St., (508-778-0124)

Lowell 01852 (73 East Merrimack St., 978-453-1151)

New Bedford 02740 (468 North St., 508-999-6920)

Springfield 01103 (1985 Main St., Northgate Plaza, 413-737-5167)

Worcester 01605 (691 Grafton St., 508-753-7902)

National Cemetery:

Massachusetts NC 02532 (Connery Ave., Bourne, 508-563-7113/4)

MICHIGAN

VA Medical Centers:

Ann Arbor 48105 (2215 Fuller Rd., 734-769-7100 or 800-361-8387)

Battle Creek 49015 (5500 Armstrong Rd., 269-966-5600 or 888-214-1247)

Detroit 48201 (4646 John R. St., 313-576-1000 or 800-511-8056)

VA Facilities 127

Iron Mountain 49801 (325 East H St., 906-774-3300 or 800-215-8262)

Saginaw 48602 (1500 Weiss St., 989-497-2500 or 800-406-5143)

Clinics:

Benton Harbor 49022 (115 Main St., 269-934-9123)

Flint 48532 (G-3267 Beecher Rd., 810-720-2913)

Gaylord 49735 (806 S. Otsego, 989-732-7525)

Grand Rapids 49505 (3019 Coit St., NE, 616-365-9575)

Hancock 49930-1495 (787 Market St., Quincy Center Suite 9, 906-482-

7762)

Ironwood 49938 (629 W. Cloverland Dr., Suite 1, 906-932-0032)

Michigan Center 49254 (4328 Page Ave., 517-764-3609)

Kincheloe 49788 (Sault Ste. Marie Clinic: 16523 S. Watertower Dr., Unit 1,

906-495-3030)

Lansing 48910 (2025 S. Washington Ave., 517-267-3925)

Marquette 49855 1414 W. Fair Ave. Suite 285, 906-226-4618)

Menominee 49858 (1101 10th Ave., Suite 101, 906-863-1286)

Michigan Center 49254 (4328 Page Ave., 517-764-3609)

Muskegon 49442 (165 E. Apple Ave., Suite 201, 231-725-4105)

Oscoda 48750 (5671 Skeel Ave., Suite 4, 989-747-0026)

Pontiac 48340 (1701 Baldwin Ave., Suite 101, 248-409-0585)

Traverse City 49684 (3271 Racquet Club Dr., 231-932-9720)

Yale 48097 (7470 Brockway Dr., 810-387-3211)

Regional Office:

Detroit 48226 (Patrick V. McNamara Federal Bldg., 477 Michigan Ave., Rm.

1400, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Dearborn 48124-3438 (2881 Monroe St., Suite 100, 313-277-1428)

Detroit 48201 (4161 Cass Ave., 313-831-6509)

Escanaba 49829 (3500 Ludington St. Suite 110, 906-233-0244)

Grand Rapids 49507 (1940 Eastern SE, 616-243-0385)

Saginaw 48603 (4048 Bay Rd., 989-321-4650)
National Cemetery:

Fort Custer NC 49012 (15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, 269-731-4164)

Great Lakes NC 48442 (4200 Belford Rd., Holly, 866-348-8603)

MINNESOTA

VA Medical Centers:

Minneapolis 55417 (One Veterans Dr., 612-725-2000 or 866-414-5058)

St. Cloud 56303 (4801 Veterans Dr., 320-252-1670 or 800-247-1739

Clinics:

Bemidji 56601 (705 5th St., 218-755-6360)

Brainerd 56401 (722 NW 7th St., 218-855-1115)

Fergus Falls 56537 (Veterans Home, 1821 North Park St., 218-739-1400)

Hibbing 55746 (1101 East 37th St., Suite 220, 218-263-9698)

Maplewood 55109 (2785 White Bear Ave., Suite 210, 651-290-3040)

128 VA Facilities

Montevideo 56265 (1025 North 13th St., 320-269-2222)

Rochester 55902 (1617 Skyline Dr., 507-252-0885)

St. James 56081 (1101 Moultin and Parsons Dr., 507-375-3391)

Regional Office:

St. Paul 55111 (Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Bldg., 1 Federal Dr., Fort

Snelling 1-800-827-1000)

(Counties of Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Kittson, Lake of the

Woods,

Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake,

Roseau, Wilkin served by Fargo, N.D., VA Regional Office)

Vet Centers:

Duluth 55802 (405 E. Superior St., 218-722-8654)

St. Paul 55114 (550 County Road D, Suite 10 New Brighton 651-644-4022

National Cemetery:

Fort Snelling NC 55450-1199 (7601 34th Ave. So., Minneapolis, 612-726-

1127)

MISSISSIPPI

Medical Centers:

Biloxi 39531 (400 Veterans Ave., 228-523-5000 or 800-296-8872)

Jackson 39216 (1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr., 601-362-4471 or 800-949-

1009, in-state)

Clinics:

Byhalia 38611 (12 East Brunswick St., 662-838-2163)

Columbus 39702 (824 Alabama St., 662-244-0391)

Greenville 38703 (1502 S Colorado St., 662-332-9872)

Hattiesburg 39401 (231 Methodist Blvd., 601-296-3530)

Houlka 38850 (106 Walker St., 662-568-3316)

Kosciusko 39090 (332 Hwy 12W, 662-289-1800)

Meadville 39653 (595 Main Street East, 601-384-3650)

Meridian 39301 (13th St., 601-482-7154)

Natchez 39120 (46 Sgt Prentiss Dr., Ste 16, 601-442-7141)

Smithville 38870 (63420 Highway 25 N., 662-651-4637)

Regional Office:

Jackson 39216 (1600 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Biloxi 39531 (288 Veterans Ave., 228-388-9938)

Jackson 39216 (1755 Lelia Dr., Suite 104, 601-965-5727)

National Cemeteries:

Biloxi NC 39535-4968 (P.O. Box 4968, 400 Veterans Ave., 228-388-6668)

Corinth NC 38834 (1551 Horton St., 901-386-8311)

Natchez NC 39120 (41 Cemetery Rd., 601-445-4981)

MISSOURI

VA Facilities 129

VA Medical Centers:

Columbia 65201-5297 (800 Hospital Dr., 573-814-6000)

Kansas City 64128 (4801 Linwood Blvd., 816-861-4700 or 800-525-1483)
Poplar Bluff 63901 (1500 N. Westwood Blvd., 573-686-4151)

Saint Louis-Jefferson Barracks 63125-4101 (1 Jefferson Barracks Dr., 314-

652-4100 or 800-228-5459)

Saint Louis-John Cochran Division 63106 (915 North Grand Blvd., 314-652-

4100 or 800-228-5459)

Clinics:

Belton 64012 (17140 Bel-Ray Pl., 816-922-2161)

Branson 65616 (5571 Gretna Rd., 417-243-2300 or 866-951-8387)

Camdenton 65020 (Lake of the Ozarks Clinic, 246 E Highway 54, 573-317-

1150)

Cameron 64429 (1111 Euclid Dr., 816-922-2500 ext. 54251)

Cape Girardeau 63701 (2420 Veterans Memorial Dr., 573-339-0909)

Farmington 63640 (1580 W. Columbia St., 573-760-1365)

Ft. Leonard Wood 65473 (126 Missouri Ave., Box 1239, 573-329-8305)

Kirksville 63501 (1108 East Patterson, Suite 9, 660-627-8387)

Jefferson City 65109 (2707 W. Edgewood, 573-635-0233)

Mexico 65265 (Missouri Veterans Home, One Veterans Dr., 573-581-9630)

Mt Vernon 65712 (600 N Main, 417-466-0118)

Nevada 64772 (322 South Prewitt, 417-448-8905)

Paola 66071 (501 S. Hospital Dr, 913-294-4765)

Salem 65560 (Hwy 72 North, 573-729-6626 or 1-888-557-8262)

St. Charles 63304 (7 Jason Ct., 314-286-6988)

St. James 65559-1999 (Missouri Veterans Home, 620 N. Jefferson, St., 573

265-0448)

St. Joseph 64506 (1314 North 36th St., Suite A, 1-800-952-8387 ext 56925)

St. Louis 63136 (10600 Lewis and Clark Blvd, 314-286-6988)

Warrensburg 64093 (1300 Veterans Dr., 816 922-2500 ext. 54281)

Warrensburg 64093 (1300 Veterans Dr., (660) 747-3864

West Plains 65775 (1211 Missouri Ave, 417-257-2454)

Regional Office:

St. Louis 63103 (400 South 18th St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Benefits Office:

Kansas City 64128 (4801 Linwood Blvd., 816-922-2660 or 1-800-525-1483,

x 52660)

Vet Centers:

Kansas City 64111 (301 E. Armour Rd., 816-753-1866)

St. Louis 63103 (2345 Pine St., 314-231-1260)

National Cemeteries:

Jefferson Barracks NC 63125 (2900 Sheridan Rd., St. Louis, 314-845-8320)

Jefferson City NC 65101 (1024 E. McCarty St., 314-845-8320)

Springfield NC 65804 (1702 E. Seminole St., 417-881-9499)

130 VA Facilities

MONTANA

VA Medical Centers:

Fort Harrison 59636-1500 (3687 Veterans Drive, P.O. Box 1500, 406-442-

6410)

Clinics:

Anaconda 59711 (118 East 7th St., 406-563-6090)

Billings 59102 (2345 King Avenue West, 406-651-5670)

Bozeman 59715 (300 N. Wilson, Suite 703G, 406-522-8923)

Cut Bank 59427 (Glacier Community Health, 519 East Main St., 406-873-

5670)

Glasgow 59230 (621 3rd St., South, Suite 107, 406-228-3554)

Glendive 59330 (2000 Montana Ave., 406-488-2307)

Great Falls 59405 (1417-9th St., South, Suite 200, 406-454-8070)

Kalispell 59901 (31 Three Mile Dr Ste 102, 406-751-5980)

Lewistown, MT 59457 (629 NE Main St. (Hwy 87) Ste. 1, 406-535-4790)

Miles City 59301 (Clinic / Nursing Home, 210 S. Winchester, 406-874-5600)

Missoula 59808 (2687 Palmer St., Suite C, 877-468-8387 (temp)

Regional Office:

Fort Harrison 59636 (3633 Veterans Dr., PO Box 1500, 1-800-827-1000)
Vet Centers:

Billings 59102 (1234 Ave., C, 406-657-6071)

Missoula 59802 (500 N. Higgins Ave., 406-721-4918)

NEBRASKA

VA Medical Centers:

Grand Island 68803-2196 (2201, No. Broadwell Ave., 308-382-3660/866-

580-1810)

Lincoln 68510 (600 South 70th St., 402-489-3802/866-851-6052)

Omaha 68105 (4101 Woolworth Ave., 402-346-8800/800-451-5796)

Clinics:

Alliance 69301 (524 Box Butte Ave., 605-745-2000 ext. 2474)

Norfolk 68701 (301 N 27th St, Suite #1, 402-844-8000)

North Platte 69101 (600 East Francis, Suite 3, 308-532-6906)

Rushville/Gordon 69343 (300 E. 8th St., 605-745-2000 ext. 2474)

Scottsbluff 69361 (1720 E Portal Place, 308-220-3930)

Sidney 69162 (1116 10th Ave., 308-254-5575)

Regional Office:

Lincoln 68516 (5631 S. 48th St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Lincoln 68508 (920 L St., 402-476-9736)

Omaha 68131 (2428 Cuming St., 402-346-6735)

National Cemetery:

Fort McPherson NC 69151-1031 (12004 S. Spur 56A, Maxwell, 888-737-

VA Facilities 131

2800)

NEVADA

VA Medical Centers:

Las Vegas 89106 (901 Rancho Lane, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 360001,

North Las Vegas, NV 89036, 702-636-3000/888-633-7554)

Reno 89502 (1000 Locust Street, 775-786-7200 or 888-838-6256)

Clinics:

Elko 89801 (762 14th St., 775-753-2014)

Ely 89301 (William B. Ririe Hospital, 6 Steptoe Circle, 775-289-3612)

Fallon 89406 (Lahontan Valley Outpatient Clinic: 345 West A St., 775-428-

6161 or 866-504-0490)

Henderson 89014 (2920 N. Greenvalley Pkwy. Suite 215, 702-636-6363)

Las Vegas 89106 (Center for Homeless Veterans, 916 West Owens Ave.,

702-636-6380)

Las Vegas 89129 (Northwest Clinic, 2410 Fire Mesa, 702-636-6320)

Las Vegas 89103 (Southwest Clinic, 3880 S. Jones Blvd., 702-636-6390)

Las Vegas 89106 (West Clinic, 630 S. Rancho Rd., 702-636-6355)

Minden 89423 (Carson Valley Clinic, 925 Ironwood Dr., Suite 2102, 888-838-

6256 x4000)

Pahrump 89048 (2100 E. Calvada Blvd., 775-727-7535)

Regional Office:

Reno 89511 (5460 Reno Corporate Dr., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Benefits Office:

Las Vegas 89107 (4800 Alpine Pl., Suite 12, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Las Vegas 89146 (1919 So. Jones Blvd., Suite A., 702-251-7873)

Reno 89503 (1155 W. 4th St., Suite 101, 775-323-1294)

NEW HAMPSHIRE

VA Medical Center:

Manchester 03104 (718 Smyth Road, 603-624-4366 or 800-892-8384)

Clinics:

Conway 03818 (7 Greenwood Ave., 603-447-3500 ext. 11)

Littleton 03561 (Littleton Regional Hospital, 600 St. Johnsbury Rd., 603-444-

9328)

Portsmouth 03803 (Pease International Tradeport 302 Newmarket St., 603-

624-4366 ext. 5500)
Somersworth 03878 (200 Route 108, 603-624-4366, Ext. 5700)

Tilton 03276 (NH Veterans Home, 139 Winter St., 603-624-4366 ext. 5600)

Regional Office:

Manchester 03101 (Norris Cotton Federal Bldg., 275 Chestnut St., 1-800-

827-1000)

Vet Center:

132 VA Facilities

Manchester 03104 (103 Liberty St., 603-668-7060/61)

NEW JERSEY

VA Medical Centers:

East Orange 07018 (385 Tremont Avenue, 973-676-1000)

Lyons 07939 (151 Knollcroft Road, 908-647-0180)

Clinics:

Brick 08724 (970 Rt. 70, 732-206-8900)

Cape May 08204 (1 Monroe Ave., 609-898-8700)

Elizabeth 07206 (654 East Jersey Street, Suite 2A, 908-994-0120)

Fort Monmouth 07703 (Patterson Army Health Clinic, Building 1075,

Stephenson Ave., 732-532-4500)

Ft. Dix 08640 (Marshall Hall, 8th and Alabama, 609-562-2999)

Hackensack 07601 (385 Prospect Avenue, 201-487-1390)

Jersey City 07302 (115 Christopher Columbus Dr., 201-435-3055/3305)

Morristown 07960 (340 West Hanover Ave., 973-539-9791/9794)

New Brunswick 08901 (317 George Street, 732-729-0646/9555)

Newark 07102 (20 Washington Place, 973-645-1441)

Paterson 07503 (275 Getty Avenue, St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center,

973-247-1666)

Sewell 08080-2525 (211 County House Road, 856-401-7665)

Trenton 08611-2425 (171 Jersey Street, Bldg. 36, 609-989-2355)

Ventnor 08406 (6601 Ventnor Avenue, Suite 406, 609-823-3122)

Vineland 08360 (Veterans Memorial Home, Northwest Boulevard, 856-692-

1588)

Vineland 08360 (1051 West Sherman Ave., 856-692-2881)

Regional Office:

Newark 07102 (20 Washington Pl., statewide 1-800-827-1000) (Philadelphia,

PA Regional Office serves counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape

May,

Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem)

Vet Centers:

Bloomfield 07003 (2 Broad St., Suite 703, 973-748-0980)

Ewing 08618 (934 Parkway Ave., 2nd Fl., 609-882-5744)

Secaucus 07094 (119 Meadowlands Pkwy., 201-223-7787)

Ventnor 08406 (6601 Ventnor Ave., Suite 105, 609-487-8387)

National Cemeteries:

Beverly 08010 (916 Bridgeboro Rd., 609-880-0827)

Finn’s Point 08079 (Box 542, R.F.D. 3, Fort Mott Rd., Salem, 609-880-0827)

NEW MEXICO

VA Medical Center:

Albuquerque 87108-5153 (1501 San Pedro Drive, SE, 505-265-1711 or 800-

465-8262)

VA Facilities 133

Clinics:

Alamogordo 88310 (1410 Aspen, 505-437-7000)

Artesia 88210-3712 (1700 W. Main St., 505-746-3531)

Clovis 88101 (921 East Llano Estacado, 505-763-4335)

Espanola 87532 (620 Coronado St., Suite B, 505-753-7395)

Farmington 87401-5638 (1001 W. Broadway, Suite B, 505-326-4383)

Gallup 87301 (320 Hwy 564, 505-722-7234)

Hobbs 88340 (1601 N Turner (4th Floor), 575-391-0354)

Las Cruces 88001 (1635 Don Roser, 505-522-1241)

Las Vegas 87701 (1235 8th St, Las Vegas, 505-425-6788)

Raton 87440-2234 (1275 S. 2nd St., 505-445-2391)
Santa Fe 87505 (2213 Brothers Road, Suite 600, 505-986-8645)

Silver City 88601 (1302 32nd St., 505-538-2921)

Truth or Consequences 87901 (1960 North Date St., 505-894-7662)

Regional Office:

Albuquerque 87102 (Dennis Chavez Federal Bldg., 500 Gold Ave., S.W.,

statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Albuquerque 87104 (1600 Mountain Rd. N.W., 505-346-6562)

Farmington 87402 (4251 E. Main, Suite C, 505-327-9684)

Las Cruces 88001 (230 S. Water St., 575-523-9826)

Santa Fe 87505 (2209 Brothers Rd., Suite 110, 505-988-6562)

National Cemeteries:

Fort Bayard 88036 (P.O. Box 189, 915-564-0201)

Santa Fe 87501 (501 N. Guadalupe St., 505-988-6400 or toll-free 877-353-

6295)

NEW YORK

VA Medical Centers:

Albany 12208 (113 Holland Ave., 518-626-5000)

Batavia 14020 (222 Richmond Ave., 585-297-1000 or 888-798-2302)

Bath 14810 (76 Veterans Ave., 607-664-4000 or 877-845-3247)

Bronx 10468 (130 West Kingsbridge Rd., 718-584-9000 or 800-877-6976)

Brooklyn 11209 (800 Poly Place, 718-836-6600)

Buffalo 14215 (3495 Bailey Ave., 716-834-9200 or 800-532-8387)

Canandaigua 14424 (400 Fort Hill Ave., 585-394-2000)

Castle Point 12511 (Route 9D, 845-831-2000)

Montrose 10548 (2094 Albany Post Rd., Route 9A, P.O. Box 100, 914-737-

4400 ext. 2400 )

New York 10010 (423 East 23rd Street, 212-686-7500)

Northport 11768 (79 Middleville Road, 631-261-4400 or 800-551-3996)

Syracuse 13210 (800 Irving Ave., 315-425-4400 or 800-792-4334)

Domicialiary:

Jamaica 11425 (St. Albans Primary & Extended Care Center, 179-00 Linden

Blvd. & 179 St., 718-526-1000)

134 VA Facilities

Montrose 10548 ((2094 Albany Post Rd., Route 9A, P.O. Box 100, 914-737-

4400)

Clinics:

Auburn 13021 (17 Lansing St., 315-255-7002)

Bainbridge 13733 (109 North Main St., 607-967-8590)

Binghamton 13901 (Garvin Building, 425 Robinson St., 607-772-9100)

Bronx 10459 (953 Southern Blvd., 718-741-4900)

Brooklyn 11201 (40 Flatbush Ave. Extension, 8th Fl., 718-439-4300)

Carmel 10512 (Warwick Savings Bank, 2nd Fl, 1875 Rt 6, 845-228-5291)

Carthage 13619 (3 Bridge St., 315-493-4180)

Catskill 12414 (Columbia Greene Medical Arts Building, Suite A102, 159,

Jefferson Hgts, 518-943-7515

Clifton Park 12065 (1673 Route 9, 518-383-8506)

Cortland 13045 (1104 Commons Avenue, 607-662-1517)

Dunkirk 14048 (166 East 4th St., 800-310-5001)

Elizabethtown 12932 (PO Box 277 Park St., 518-873-3295)

Elmira 14901 (200 Madison Avenue Suite 2E, 877-845-3247

Fonda 12068 (2623 State Highway 30A, 518-853-1247)

Glens Falls 12801 (84 Broad St., 518-798-6066)

Goshen 10924 (30 Hatfield Lane, Suite 204, 845-294-6927)

Ithaca 14850 (10 Arrowwood Drive, 607-274-4680)

Jamestown 14701 (608 Est 3rd St., 716-338-1511)

Kingston 12401 (63 Hurley Ave., 845-331-8322)

Lackawanna 14218 (OLV Family Care Center, 227 Ridge Rd., 716-822-

5944)

Lockport 14094 (5883 Snyder Dr., 716-438-3890)

Malone 12953 (183 Park St., 518-481-2545)
Massena 13662 (Memorial Hospital, 1 Hospital Dr., 315-769-4253)

Monticello 12701 (60 Jefferson Street, Unit 3, Lower Parking Lot, 845 791-

4936)

New City 10970 (20 Squadron Blvd., 845-634-8942)

New York 10027 (55 West 125th St., 212-828-5265)

New York 10011 (Opiate Substitution Program, 437 W 16 St., 212-462-

4461)

Niagara Falls 14301-2300 (2201 Pine Avenue, 1-800-223-4810 ext. 65295)

Olean 14760-2658 (465 North Union St., 716- 373-7709)

Oswego: 13126 (105 County Route 45A Suite 400, 315-343-0925)

Patchogue 11772 (4 Phyllis Drive, 631-475-6610/PC 631-758-4419)

Pine Plains 12567 (2881 Church St., Rt. 199, 518-398-9240)

Plainview 11803 (1425 Old Country Rd., 516-572-8567/PC 516-694-6008)

Plattsburgh 12901 (80 Sharron Ave. 518-561-6247)

Port Jervis 12771 (150 Pike St., 845-856-5396)

Poughkeepsie 12603 (Rt. 55, 488 Freedom Plains Rd., Suite 120, 845-452-

5151)

Rochester 14620 (465 Westfall Rd., 585-463-2600)

Rome 13441 (125 Brookley Road, Building 510, 315-334-7100)

VA Facilities 135

Schenectady 12308 (1322 Gerling Street, Sheridan Plaza, 518-346-3334)

Staten Island 10314 (1150 South Ave, 3rd Floor – Suite 301, 718-761-2973)

Sunnyside 11104 (41-03 Queens Blvd., 718-741-4800)

Troy 12180 (295 River St., 518-274-7707)

Warsaw 14569 (Wyoming County Community Hospital, 400 North Main St.,

585-786-2233)

Wellsville 14895 (3458 Riverside Dr., Route 19, 1-877-845-3247)

Westhampton 11978 (Community Air Base: 150 Old Riverhead Rd., 631-

898-0599)

White Plains 10601 (23 South Broadway, 914-421-1951)

Yonkers 10705 (124 New Main St., 914-375-8055)

Regional Offices:

Buffalo 14202 (Niagara Center, 130 S. Elmwood Ave., 1-800-827-1000)

(Serves counties not served by New York City VA Regional Office.)

New York City 10014 (245 W. Houston St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

(Serves counties of Albany, Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware,

Dutchess,

Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Kings, Montgomery, Nassau,

New York,

Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland,

Saratoga,

Schenectady, Schoharie, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington,

Westchester.)

Benefits Offices:

Albany 12208 (113 Holland Ave., 1-800-827-1000)

Rochester 14620 (465 Westfall Rd., 1-800-827-1000)

Syracuse 13202 (344 W. Genesee St., 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Albany 12205 (17 Computer Drive West., 518-626-5130)

Babylon 11702 (116 West Main St., 631-661-3930)

Bronx 10458 (130 West Kingsbridge Rd., Rm. 7A-13, 718-367-3500)

Brooklyn 11201 (25 Chapel St., Suite 604, 718-624-2765)

Buffalo 14202 (564 Franklin St., 716-882-0505)

Middletown 10940 (726 East Main street Suite 203 845-342-9917)

New York 10004 (32 Broadway, Suite 200, 212-742-9591)

New York 10027 (55 West 125th St., 11th Fl., 212-426-2200)

Rochester 14620 (1867 Mt. Hope Ave., 585-232-5040)

Staten Island 10301 (150 Richmond Terrace, 718-816-4499)

Syracuse 13210 (716 E. Washington St., 315-478-7127)

White Plains 10601 (300 Hamilton Ave., 1st Fl., 914-682-6250)

Watertown 02601 (210 Court St., 315-782-0217

Woodhaven 11421 (75-10B 91st Ave., 718-296-2871)
National Cemeteries:

Bath 14810 (76 Veterans Ave., San Juan Ave., 607-664-4853/4806)

Calverton 11933-1031 (210 Princeton Blvd., 631-727-5410/5770)

Cypress Hills 11208 (625 Jamaica Ave., Brooklyn, 631-454-4949)

136 VA Facilities

Long Island 11735-1211 (2040 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale, 631-454-4949)

Saratoga 12871-1721 (200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, 518-581-9128)

Woodlawn 14901 (1825 Davis St., Elmira, 607-732-5411)

NORTH CAROLINA

VA Medical Centers:

Asheville 28805 (1100 Tunnel Road, 828-298-7911 or 800-932-6408)

Durham 27705 (508 Fulton St., 919-286-0411)

Fayetteville 28301 (2300 Ramsey St., 910-488-2120 or 800-771-6106)

Salisbury 28144 (1601 Brenner Avenue, 704-638-9000 or 800-469-8262)

Clinics:

Charlotte 28262 (Presbyterian Plaza 8401 Medical Ctr. Dr. #350, 704-547-

0020)

Durham 27705 (1824 Hillandale Road, 919-383-6107)

Franklin 28734 (647 Wayah St., 828-369-1781)

Greenville 27858 (800 Moye Blvd., 252-830-2149)

Hamlet 28345 (100 Jefferson St., 910-582-3536)

Hickory 28601 (1170 Fairgrove Church Rd., 828-431-5600)

Jacksonville 28540 (1021 Hargett St., 910-219-1339)

Morehead City 28557 (5420 Highway 70, 252-240-2349)

Raleigh 27610 (3305 Sungate Blvd., 919-212-0129)

Wilmington 28401 (1606 Physicians Dr., Suite 104, 910-362-8811)

Winston-Salem 27103 (190 Kimel Park Dr., 336-768-3296)

Regional Office:

Winston-Salem 27155 (Federal Bldg., 251 N. Main St., statewide 1-800-827-

1000,

nationwide Loan Guaranty Certificate of Eligibility Center 1-888-244-6711)

Vet Centers:

Charlotte 28202 (223 S. Brevard St., Suite 103, 704-333-6107)

Fayetteville 28311 (4140 Ramsey St., Suite 110, 910-488-6252)

Greensboro 27406 (2009 S. Elm-Eugene St., 336-333-5366)

Greenville 27858 (150 Arlington Blvd., Suite B, 252-355-7920)

Raleigh 27604 (1649 Old Louisburg Rd., 919-856-4616)

National Cemeteries:

New Bern 28560 (1711 National Ave., 252-637-2912)

Raleigh 27610-3335 (501 Rock Quarry Rd., 252-637-2912)

Salisbury 28144 (202 Government Rd., 704-636-2661/4621)

Wilmington 28403 (2011 Market St., 252-637-2912)

NORTH DAKOTA

VA Medical Center:

Fargo 58102 (2101 Elm Street, 701-232-3241 or 800-410-9723)

Clinics:

Bismarck 58503 (2700 State Street, 701-221-9152)

VA Facilities 137

Dickinson 58601 (33 9th Street, 701-483-6017)

Grafton 58237 (Developmental Center Health Service Building, West Sixth

Street, 701-352-4059)

Jamestown 58401 (419 Fifth Street NE, 701-952-4787)

Minot 58705 (10 Missile Avenue, 701-727-9800)

Williston 58801 (3 Fourth Street East, Suite 104, 701-577-9838)

Regional Office:

Fargo 58102 (2101 Elm St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Bismarck 58501 (1684 Capital Way, 701-224-9751)

Fargo 58103 (3310 Fiechtner Dr., Suite 100, 701-237-0942)

Minot 58701 (2041 3rd St. N.W., 701-852-0177)
OHIO

VA Medical Centers:

Brecksville 44141 (10000 Brecksville Rd., 440-526-3030)

Chillicothe 45601 (17273 State Route 104, 740-773-1141 or 800-358-8262)

Cincinnati 45220 (3200 Vine Street, 513-861-3100 or 888-267-78730)

Cleveland 44106 (10701 East Blvd., 216-791-3800)

Columbus 43203 (543 Taylor Avenue, 614-257-5200 or 888-615-9448)

Dayton 45428 (4100 W. 3rd Street, 937-268-6511 or 800-368-8262)

Clinics:

Akron 44319 (55 W. Waterloo 330-724-7715)

Ashtabula 44004 (1230 Lake Avenue, 440-964-6454)

Athens 45701 (510 West Union Street 740-593-7314)

Cambridge 43727 (2146 Southgate Pkwy., 740-432-1963)

Canton 44702 (733 Market Avenue South, 330-489-4600)

Cincinnati 45245 (4355 Ferguson Drive, Suite 270, 513-943-3680)

Cleveland 44113 (4242 Loraine Ave., 216-939-0699)

East Liverpool 43920 (15655 St Rt. 170, 330-386-4303)

Grove City 43123 (1955 Ohio Avenue, 614-257-5800)

Hamilton 45011 (1755-C South Erie Highway, (513) 870-9444)

Lancaster 43130 (1550, Sheridan Drive Ste. 100, 740-653-6145)

Lima 45804 (1303 Bellefontaine Ave., 419-222-5788)

Lorain 44052 (205 West 20th Street, 440-244-3833

Mansfield 44906 (1456 Park Avenue West, 419-529-4602)

Marietta 45750 (418 Colegate Drive, 740-568-0412)

Marion 43302 (1203 Delaware Avenue, Corporate Center #2, 740-223-8089)

Middletown: 45042 (675 North University Boulevard, 513-423-8387)

New Philadelphia 44663 (1260 Monroe Ave., Suite 1A, New 330) 602-5339)

Newark 43055 (Tamarck Rd., 740-788-8328)

Painesville 44077 (7 West Jackson Street, 440-357-6740)

Portsmouth 45622 (621 Broadway Street, 740-353-3236)

Ravenna 44266 (6751 N. Chestnut St., 330-296-3641)

Sandusky 44870 (3416 Columbus Avenue, 419-625-7350)

138 VA Facilities

Springfield 45505 (512 South Burnett Road, 937-328-3385

St. Clairsville 43950 ( 107 Plaza Dr., 740-695-9321)

Toledo 43614 (3333 Glendale Avenue, 419-259-2000)

Warren 44485 (1400 Tod Ave. (NW), 330-392-0311)

Youngstown 44505 (2031 Belmont Avenue, 330-740-9200)

Zanesville 43701 (840 Bethesda Dr. Bldg. 3A, 740-453-7725)

Regional Office:

Cleveland 44199 (Anthony J. Celebrezze Fed. Bldg., 1240 E. 9th St., 1-800-

827-1000)

Benefits Offices:

Cincinnati 45202 (36 E. Seventh St., Suite 210, 1-800-827-1000)

Columbus 43215 (Federal Bldg., Rm. 309, 200 N. High St., 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Cincinnati 45203 (801-B W. 8th St., 513-763-3500)

Cleveland Heights 44118 (2022 Lee Rd., 216-932-8471)

Columbus 43215 (30 Spruce St., 614-257-5550)

Dayton 45402 (111 W 1st St., Suite 101, 937-461-9150)

Parma 44129 (5700 Pearl Rd., Suite 102, 440-845-5023)

National Cemeteries:

Dayton 45428-1088 (4100 W. Third St., 937-262-2115)

Ohio Western Reserve 44270 (10175 Rawiga Rd., Rittman, 330-335-3069)

OKLAHOMA

VA Medical Centers:

Muskogee 74401 (1011 Honor Heights Drive, 918-577-3000 or 888-397-

8387)

Oklahoma City 73104 (921 N.E. 13th Street, 405-456-1000 or 866-914-

7348)

Clinics:
Ardmore: 73401 (2002 12th Ave. NW, Suite E, 580-226-4580)

Fort Sill 73503 (4303 Pittman and Thomas Bldg. 580-585-5600)

Konawa 74849 (527 W 3rd St. P.O. Box 358, 580-925-3286)

Hartshorne 74547 (1429 Pennsylvania Ave., 888-878-1598)

Tulsa 74145 (9322 East 41st St., 918-628-2500)

Ponca City/Blackwell 74631 (1009 W. Ferguson Ave, 580-363-0052)

Wichita Falls 76301 (1800 7th Street, 940-723-2373)

Oklahoma City Satellite Clinic ―North May Clinic‖ 73120 (2915 Pine Ridge

Road, 405-752-6500)

Regional Office:

Muskogee 74401 (Federal Bldg., 125 S. Main St., Compensation & Pension:

1-800-827-1000, Education National Call Center: 1-888-442-4551,

National Direct Deposit: 1-877-838-2778)

Benefits Office:

Oklahoma City 73102 (Federal Campus, 301 NW 6th St., Suite 113, 1-800-

VA Facilities 139

827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Oklahoma City 73118 (1024 N.W. 47th, 405-270-5184)

Tulsa 74112 (1408 S. Harvard, 918-748-5105)

National Cemeteries:

Fort Gibson 74434 (1423 Cemetery Rd., 918-478-2334)

Fort Sill 73538 (2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd., 580-492-3200)

OREGON

VA Medical Centers:

Portland 97239 (3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., 503-220-8262 or

outside Portland area 800-949-1004)

Roseburg 97470 (913 NW Garden Valley Blvd., 541-440-1000 or 800-549-

8387)

Clinics:

Bandon 97411 (1010 1st Street, SE, Suite 100, 541-347-4736)

Bend 97701 (2115 NE Wyatt Ct., Suite 201, 503-220-8262 or outside

Portland area 800-949-1004)

Brookings 97415 (555 Fifth Street, 541-412-1152)

Eugene 97404 (100 River Ave., 541-607-0897)

Hillsboro 97006 (1925 Amber Glen Parkway Ste #300, 503-906-5000 or

outside Portland area 800-949-1004 )

Klamath Falls 97601 (2819 Dahlia St., 541-273-6206)

Portland 97220 (10535 NE Glisan St., Gateway Medical Bldg., 2nd Fl., 503-

220-8262, or outside Portland area 800-949-1004

Salem 97301 (1660 Oak Street SE, 503-220-8262 or outside Portland area

800-949-1004)

Salem 97301 (1660 Oak Street SE Ste #100, 503-220-8262, or outside Portland

area 800-949-1004)

Warrenton 97146 (91400 Rilea Neacoxie St., Building 7315, 503-220-8262,

or outside Portland area 800-949-1004 )

White City 97503 (8495 Crater Lake Hwy., 541-826-2111) Regional Office:

Portland 97204 (Edith Green/Wendell Wyatt Federal Building, 1220 S.W.

Third Ave., 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Eugene 97403 (1255 Pearl St., 541-465-6918)

Grants Pass 97526 (211 S.E. 10th St., 541-479-6912)

Portland 97220 (8383 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Suite 110, 503-273-5370)

Salem 97301 (617 Chemeketa St., N.E., 503-362-9911)

National Cemeteries:

Eagle Point 97524 (2763 Riley Rd., 541-826-2511)

Roseburg 97470 (1770 Harvard Blvd, 541-826-2511)

Willamette 97266-6937 (11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, 503-273-5250)

140 VA Facilities

PENNSYLVANIA
VA Medical Centers:

Altoona 16602 (2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, 814-943-8164)

Butler 16001 (325 New Castle Road, 724-287-4781 or 800-362-8262)

Coatesville 19320 (1400 Black Horse Hill Road, 610-384-7711)

Erie 16504 (135 East 38 Street, 814-868-8661 or 800-274-8387)

Lebanon 17042 (1700 South Lincoln Avenue, 717-272-6621 or 800-409-

8771)

Philadelphia 19104 (University and Woodland Avenues, 800-949-1001 or

215-823-5800)

Pittsburgh 15215 (Delafield Road, 866-482-7488 or 412-688-6000)

Pittsburgh 15206 (Highland Drive Division: 7180 Highland Drive, 412-365-

4900 or 1-866-4VAPITT)

Pittsburgh 15240 (University Drive Division: University Drive, 1-866-482-

7488)

Wilkes-Barre 18711 (1111 East End Blvd., 570-824-3521 or 877-928-2621)

Clinics:

Allentown 18103 (3110 Hamilton Boulevard, 610-776-4304)

Bangor 18013 (701 Slate Belt Boulevard, 610-599-0127)

Bradford 16701 (23 Kennedy Street, Suite 101, 800-274-8387)

Berwick 18603 (301 W. Third Street, 570-759-0351)

Camp Hill 17011 (25 N. 32nd Street, 717-730-9782)

DuBois 15801 (190 West Park Avenue, Suite 8, 814-375-6817)

Ellwood City 16117 (Ellwood City Hospital, Medical Arts Building, Suite 201,

304 Evans Drive 724-285-2203)

Foxburg 16036 (ACV Medical Center, 855 Route 58, Suite 1, 724-659-5601)

Frackville 17931 (10 East Spruce St., 570-874-4289)

Franklin 16323 (Venango County Clinic, Pennwood Center, 464 Allegheny

Boulevard, 866-962-3260

Greensburg 15601 (5274 Route 30, Ste 10, 724-216-0317)

Hermitage 16148 (295 N. Kerrwood Dr., Suite 110, 724-346-1569)

Horsham 19044 (433 Caredean Dr., 215-823-6050)

Johnstown 15904 (1425 Scalp Ave., Suite 29, 814-266-8696)

Kittanning 16201 (Armstrong Memorial Hospital 1 Nolte Dr., 724-543-8711)

Lancaster 17605 (1861 Charter Lane, Green Field Corporate Center, Suite

118, 717-290-6900)

Meadville 16335 (18955 Park Ave. Plaza, 866-962-3210)

Monaca 15061 (90 Wagner Rd., 724-216-0326)

New Castle 16101 (Jameson Hospital, 1000, S. Mercer Street, 724-285-

2203)

Northampton Clinic & Rehab Ctr (701 Slate Belt Boulevard Bangor 610-597-0127)

Oil City 16301 (Venango County Clinic, UPMC Northwest, 174 E Bissell Ave.

814-677-7591 or 800-274-8387)

Philadelphia 19106 (214 North 4th Street, 215-923-2600)

Pottsville 17901 (Good Samaritan Medical Mall, 700 Schuylkill Manor Road,

VA Facilities 141

Suite 6, 570-621-4115)

Reading 19601 (St. Joseph’s Community Center, 145 N. 6th St., 610-208-

4717)

Sayre 18840 (1537 Elmira St., 570-888-6803)

Schuylkill 17972 (6 South Greenview Rd., 570-621-4115)

Smethport 16749 (406 Franklin Street, 814-887-5655)

Spring City 19475 (11 Independence Drive 610-948-0981)

Springfield 19064 (Crozer Keystone Healthplex, 194 W. Sproul, Road, Suite

105, 610-543-3246)

State College 16801 (3048 Enterprise Drive, 814-867-5415)

Tobyhanna 18466 (Tobyhanna Army Depot Building 220, 570-895-8341)

Uniontown 15401 (404 W. Main St., 724-439-4990)

Warren 16365 (3 Farm Colony Dr., 866-682-3250)

Washington 15301 (Washington Crown Center Mall, Rm 450, 724-250-7790)

Wilkes-Barre 18711 (1111 East End Boulevard, 570-924-3521)

Williamsport 17701 (1705 Warren Avenue, Werner Building – 3rd Floor, Suite
304, 570-322-4791)

York 17402 (1797 Third Avenue, 717-854-2481 or 717-854-2322)

Regional Offices:

Philadelphia 19101 (Regional Office and Insurance Center, P.O. Box 8079,

5000 Wissahickon Ave., 1-800-827-1000; Serves counties of Adams, Berks,

Bradford, Bucks, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clinton, Columbia,

Dauphin,

Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,

Luzerne,

Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton,

Northumberland,

Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna,

Tioga,

Union, Wayne, Wyoming, York.)

Pittsburgh 15222 (1000 Liberty Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000. Serves

remaining

counties of Pennsylvania.)

Benefits Office:

Wilkes-Barre 18702 (1123 East End Blvd., Bldg. 35, Suite 11, 1-800-827-

1000)

Vet Centers:

Erie 16501 (1000 State St., Suite 1&2, 814-453-7955)

Harrisburg 17102 (1500 N. 2nd St., Suite 2, 717-782-3954)

McKeesport 15131 (2001 Lincoln Way, 412-678-7704)

Philadelphia 19107 (801 Arch St., Suite 102, 215-627-0238)

Philadelphia 19120 (101 E. Olney Ave., 215-924-4670)

Pittsburgh 15205 (2500 Baldwick Rd., Suite 15, 412-920-1765)

Scranton 18505 (1002 Pittston Ave., 570-344-2676)

Williamsport 17701 (805 Penn St., 570-327-5281)

National Cemeteries:

142 VA Facilities

Indiantown Gap 17003-9618 (R.R. 2, P.O. Box 484, Indiantown Gap Rd.,

Annville, 717-865-5254/5)

Cemetery of the Alleghenies 15017 (1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, 724-746-

4363)

Philadelphia 19138 (Haines St. & Limekiln Pike, 609-877-5460)

Washington Crossing 18940 (830 Highland Rd., Newtown, 609-880-0827)

PHILIPPINES

Clinic

Pasay City 1300 (2201 Roxas Blvd., 011-632-833-4566)

Regional Office:

Manila 0930 (1131 Roxas Blvd., 011-632-528-6300, International Mailing

Address: PSC 501, FPO AP 96515-1100)

PUERTO RICO

Medical Center:

San Juan 00921-3201 (10 Casia Street, 787-641-7582 or 800-449-8729)

Clinics:

Arecibo 00612 (Victor Rojas II / Zona Industrial Carr. 129, 787-816-1818)

Guayama 00784 (FISA Bldg 1st Floor, Paseo Del Pueblo, km 0.3, lote no 6,

787-866-8766)

Mayagüez 00680-1507 (Avenida Hostos #345, 787-265-8805)

Ponce 00716-2001(Paseo Del Veterano #1010, 787-12-3030)

Regional Office:

San Juan 00918-1703 (150 Carlos Chardon Ave., Suite 300. Send mail to

Suite 232. Serving all Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 1-800-827-1000)

Benefits Offices:

Mayaguez 00680-1507 (Ave. Hostos 345, Carretera 2, Frente al Centro

Medico, 1-800-827-1000)

Ponce 00731 (10 Paseo del Veterano, 1-800-827-1000)

Arecibo 00612 (Gonzalo Marin 50, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:
Arecibo 00612-4702 (52 Gonzalo Marin St., 787-879-4510/4581)

Ponce 00731 (35 Mayo St., 787-841-3260)

San Juan 00921 (Condominio Med. Ctr. Plaza, Suite LC8A11, La Riviera,

787-749-4409)

National Cemetery:

Puerto Rico 00961 (Ave. Cementerio Nacional 50, Barrio Hato Tejas,

Bayamon, 787-798-8400)

RHODE ISLAND

VA Medical Center:

Providence 02908 (830 Chalkstone Avenue, 401-273-7100 or 866-590-2976)

Clinic:

VA Facilities 143

Middletown 02842 (One Corporate Place, 401-847-6239)

Regional Office:

Providence 02903 (380 Westminster St.; statewide, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Center:

Warwick 02889 (2038 Warwick Ave., 401-739-0167)

SOUTH CAROLINA

VA Medical Centers:

Charleston 29401 (109 Bee Street, 843-577-5011 or 888-878-6884)

Columbia 29209 (6439 Garners Ferry Road, 803-776-4000)

Clinics:

Aiken 29803 (951 Millbrook Ave., 803-643-9016)

Anderson 29621 (1702 E. Greenville Street, 864-224-5450)

Beaufort 29902 (Pickney Road, 843-770-0444)

Florence 29505 (514-H Dargan St., 843-292-8383)

Greenville 29605 (3510 Augusta Rd., 864-299-1600)

Myrtle Beach 29577 (3381 Phillis Blvd., 843-477-0177)

North Charleston 29406 (9237 University Blvd, 843-789-6400)

Orangeburg 29118 (1767 Villagepark Drive, 803-533-1335)

Rock Hill 29730 (205 Piedmont Blvd, 803-366-4848)

Spartanburg 29303 (1330 Boiling Spring Rd. Ste #1540, 864-582-7025)

Sumter 29150 (407 North Salem Avenue, 803-938-9901)

Nursing Home:

Walterboro 29488 (2461 Sidneys Road, Veterans Victory House, 843-538-

3000)

Nursing Home:

Walterboro 29488 (2461 Sidneys Road, Veterans Victory House, 843-538-

3000)

Regional Office:

Columbia 29201 (1801 Assembly St., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Columbia 29201 (1513 Pickens St., 803-765-9944)

Greenville 29601 (14 Lavinia Ave., 864-271-2711)

North Charleston 29406 (5603-A Rivers Ave., 843-747-8387)

National Cemeteries:

Beaufort 29902-3947 (1601 Boundary St., 843-524-3925)

Florence 29501 (803 E. National Cemetery Rd., 843-669-8783)

Fort Jackson 29229 (4170 Percival Rd., Columbia, 803-699-2246)

SOUTH DAKOTA

VA Medical Centers:

Fort Meade 57741 (113 Comanche Road, 605-347-2511 or 800-743-1070)

Hot Springs 57747 (500 North 5th Street, 605-745-2000 or 800-764-5370)

Sioux Falls 57117 (2501 W. 22nd Street, PO Box 5046, 605-336-3230 or

144 VA Facilities

800-316-8387)

Clinics:

Aberdeen 57401 (1440 15th Avenue NW, 605-622-2640)

Eagle Butte 57625 (15 Main Street, 605-964-8000)

McLaughlin, SD 57642 (302A Sale Barn Rd., 605-823-4574)

Mission 57555 (153 Main Street, 605-856-2295)
Pierre 57501 (1601 North Harrison, Suite 6, 605-945-1710)

Pine Ridge (605-867-2393)

Rapid City 57701 (3525 5th Street, 605-718-1095)

Winner 57580 (1436 E. 10th St., 605-842-2443)

Regional Office:

Sioux Falls 57105 (P.O. Box 5046, 2501 W. 22nd St., statewide 1-800-827-

1000)

Vet Centers:

Martin 57551 (East Hwy 18, 605-685-1300)

Rapid City 57701 (621 6th St., Suite 101 Kansas City St., 605-348-0077)

Sioux Falls 57104 (601 S. Cliff Ave., Suite C, 605-330-4552)

National Cemeteries:

Black Hills 57785 (20901 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis, 605-347-3830)

Fort Meade 57785 (P.O. Box 640, Old Stone Rd., Sturgis, 605-347-3830)

Hot Springs 57747 (500 N 5th St., 605-347-3830)

TENNESSEE

VA Medical Centers:

Memphis 38104 (1030 Jefferson Avenue, 901-523-8990 or 800-636-8262)

Mountain Home 37684 (Corner of Lamont and Sydney Streets, P.O. Box

4000, 423-926-1171 or 877-573-3529)

Murfreesboro 37129 (3400 Lebanon Pike, 615-867-6000 or 800-876-7093)

Nashville 37212 (1310 24th Avenue South, 615-327-4751 or 800-228-4973)

Clinics:

Arnold Air Force Base 37389 (225 First Street, 931-454-6134)

Chattanooga 37411 (150 Debra Rd., Suite 5200, Bldg. 6200, 423-893-6500)

Clarksville 37043 (1731 Memorial St., Suite 110, 931-221-2171

Cookeville 38501 (851 S. Willow Avenue, Suite 108, 931-284-4060)

Covington 38127 (N. Memphis, 3461 Austin Peay Highway, 901-261-4500)

Dover 37204 (1021 Spring Street, 931-232-5329)

Memphis 38116 (1056 East Raines Rd., 901-271-4900)

Morristown 37813 (925 E. Morris Blvd., 423-586-9100)

Nashville 37204 (601 Benton Ave, Nashville, 615-292-9770)

Knoxville 37923 (9031 Cross Park Drive, 865-545-4592)

Savannah 38372 (765-A Florence Rd, 731-925-2300)

Regional Office:

Nashville 37203 (110 9th Ave., South, statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

VA Facilities 145

Chattanooga 37411 (951 Eastgate Loop Rd., Bldg. 5700, Suite 300, 423-

855-6570)

Johnson City 37604 (1615A W. Market St., 423-928-8387)

Knoxville 37914 (2817 E. Magnolia Ave., 865-545-4680)

Memphis 38104 (1835 Union, Suite 100, 901-544-0173)

Nashville 37217 (Airpark Bus. Cen. 1, Suite A-5, 1420 Donelson Pike, 615-

366-1220)

National Cemeteries:

Chattanooga 37404 (1200 Bailey Ave., 423-855-6590)

Knoxville 37917 (939 Tyson St., N.W., 423-855-6590)

Memphis 38122 (3568 Townes Ave., 901-386-8311)

Mountain Home 37684 (P.O. Box 8, VAMC, Bldg. 117, 423-979-3535)

Nashville 37115-4619 (1420 Gallatin Rd. S., Madison, 615-860-0086)

TEXAS

VA Medical Centers:

Amarillo 79106 (6010 Amarillo Boulevard West 806-355-9703 or 800-687-

8262)

Big Spring 79720 (300 Veterans Blvd., 575-263-7361 or 800-472-1365)

Bonham 75462 (1201 E. 9th Street, 903-583-2111 or (800) 924-8387)

Dallas 75216 (4500 South Lancaster Road, 214-742-8387 or 800-849-3597)

El Paso 79930 (5001 North Piedras Street, 915-564-6100 or 800-672-3782)

Harlingen 78550 (South Texas VA Health Care Center, 2106 Treasure Hills

Blvd,, 956-366-4500)
Houston 77030 (2002 Holcombe Blvd., 713-791-1414 or 800-553-2278)

Kerrville 78028 (3600 Memorial Blvd, 830-896-2020)

San Antonio 78229 (7400 Merton Minter Blvd., 210-617-5300 or 888-686-

6350

Temple 76504 (1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, 254-778-4811 or 800-423-

2111)

Waco 76711 (4800 Memorial Drive, 254-752-6581 or 800-423-2111)

Clinics:

Abilene 79602 (4225 Woods Place, 575-695-3252)

Austin 78741 (2901 Montopolis Drive, 512-389-1010)

Beaumont 77707 (3420 Veterans Circle, 409-981-8550 or 1-800-833-7734)

Beeville 78102 (302 S. Hillside Dr., 361-358-9912)

Bridgeport 76426 (808 Woodrow Wilson Ray Cir., 940-683-2297)

Brownwood 76801 (2600 Memorial Park Drive, 325-641-0568)

Cedar Park 78613 (701 Whitestone Boulevard, 512-260-1368)

Childress 79201 (1001 Hwy 83 North, 940-937-3636

Cedar Park 78613 (701 East Whitestone Boulevard. 512-260-1368)

College Station 77845 (1651 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 100, 979-680-0361))

Conroe 77304 (800 Riverwood Ct., Ste. 100, 936-522-4000)

Corpus Christi 78405 (5283 Old Brownsville Road, 361-806-5600)

Denton 76201 (2223 Colorado Blvd., 940-213-4100)

146 VA Facilities

Fort Worth 76104 (300 W., Rosedale Street, 817-335-2202 or 800-443-9672)

Fort Worth 76107 (855 Montgomery Street, 817-735-2228)

Fort Stockton 79735 (501 N. Main, 575-336-0700)

Galveston 77550 (3828 Avnue N, 409-761-3200)

Granbury 76049 (2006 Fall Creek Hwy., 817-326-3440)

Greenville 75407 (4311 Wesley St., 903-455-5958)

Harlingen 78550 (1629 Treasure Hills Blvd, Suite 5-B, 956-366-4500)

Laredo 78041 (6551 Star Court, 956-523-7850, refills: 1-800-209-7377)

Longview 75601 (1205 E. Marshal Ave., 903-247-8262 or 800-957-8262)

Lubbock 79412 (6104 Avenue Q South Drive, 806-472-3400)

Lufkin 75904 (1301 Frank Avenue, 936-637-1342 or 1-800-209-3120)

McAllen 78503 (2101 S. Colonel Rowe Blvd, 956-618-7100 or 866-622-

5536)

New Braunfels 78130 (189 E. Austin, Suite 106, 830-629-3614)

Odessa 79762 (4241 N. Tanglewood, Suite 201, 575-550-0149)

Palestine 75801 (2000 So. Loop 256, Suite 124, 903-723-9006)

Paris 75462 (635 Stone Ave., 903-785-9900)

San Antonio 78240 (Frank M, Tejeda OPC, 5788 Eckhert Road, 210-699-

2100)

San Antonio Dental Clinic 78299 (8410 Data Point, 210-949-8900)

San Angelo 76905 (2018 Pulliam, 575-658-6138)

San Antonio 78226 (1831 S. General McMullen, 210-434-1400)

San Antonio Greenway 78217 (2455 NE Loop 410, Ste. 100, 210- 599-6000)

San Antonio Northern Hills 78217 (14100 Nacogdoches, Ste. 116, 210-653-

8989)

San Antonio Pecan Valley 78222 (4243 E Southcross, Ste. 205, 210-304-

3500)

Sherman 75090 (2612 N. Loy Lake, Ste. 300, 903-891-8317)

Stamford 79553 (Box 911, Hwy 6 East, 575-773-2710)

Stratford 79084 (1220 Purnell, P.O. Box 1107, 806-396-2852)

TTyler 75708 (3414 Golden Rd, 903-593-6064)

Victoria 77901 (1502 E. Airline Dr.Suite 40, 361-582-7700 or 800-209-7377)

Wichita Falls 76301 (1800 7th St., 940-723-2373)

Regional Offices:

Houston 77030 (6900 Almeda Rd., statewide, 1-800-827-1000. Serves

counties of Angelina, Aransas, Atacosa, Austin, Bandera, Bee, Bexar,

Blanco, Brazoria, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron,

Chambers, Colorado, Comal, Crockett, DeWitt, Dimitt, Duval, Edwards,

Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes,

Guadeloupe, Hardin, Harris, Hays, Hidalgo, Houston, Jackson, Jasper,
Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kennedy, Kerr,

Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, LaSalle, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, McCulloch,

McMullen, Mason, Matagorda, Maverlck, Medina, Menard, Montgomery,

Nacogdoches, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Pecos, Polk, Real, Refugio,

Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Schleicher, Shelby,

Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Walker,

VA Facilities 147

Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Wilson, Zapata, Zavala)

Waco 76799 (One Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay Ave; statewide, 1-800-827-

1000; serves the rest of the state. In Bowie County, the City of Texarkana

is served by Little Rock, AR, VA Regional Office, 1-800-827-1000.)

Benefits Offices:

Abilene 79602 (Taylor County Plaza Bldg., Suite 103, 400 Oak St., 1-800-

827-1000)

Amarillo 79106 (6010 Amarillo Blvd. W., 1-800-827-1000)

Austin 78741 (2901 Montopolis Dr., Room 108, 1-800-827-1000)

Corpus Christi 78405 (4646 Corona Dr., Suite 150, 1-800-827-1000)

Dallas 75216 (4500 S. Lancaster Rd., 1-800-827-1000)

El Paso 79930 (5001 Piedras Dr., 1-800-827-1000)

Ft. Worth 76104-4856 (300 W. Rosedale St., 1-800-827-1000)

Lubbock 79410 (6104 Ave. Q S Drive, Rm. 132, 1-800-827-1000)

McAllen 78503 (109 Toronto Ave., 1-800-827-1000)

San Antonio 78240 (5788 Eckert Rd., 1-800-827-1000)

Temple 76504 (1901 Veterans Memorial Dr., Room 5G38 [BRB], 1-800-827-

1000)

Tyler 75701 (1700 SSE Loop 323, Suite 310, 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Amarillo 79109 (3414 Olsen Blvd., Suite E., 806-354-9779)

Austin 78745 (1110 W. Will Cannon Dr., Suite 301, 512-416-1314)

Corpus Christi 78411 (4646 Corona, Suite 250, 361-854-9961)

Dallas 75231 (10501 N. Central Expressway, Suite 213, 214-361-5896)

El Paso 79925 (1155 Westmoreland, Suite 121, 915-772-0013)

Fort Worth 76104 (1305 W. Magnolia, Suite B, 817-921-9095)

Harker Heights 76548 (302 Millers Crossing, Suite #4, 254-953-7100)

Houston 77006 (2990 Richmond Ave., Suite 325, 713-523-0884)

Houston 77024 (701 N. Post Oak Rd., Suite 102, 713-682-2288)

Laredo 78041 (6020 McPherson Rd., 1A, 956-723-4680)

Lubbock 79410 (3208 34th St., 806-792-9782)

McAllen 78504 (801 Nolana, Suite 140, 956-631-2147)

Midland 79703 (3404 W. Illinois, Suite 1, 432-697-8222)

San Antonio 78212 (231 W. Cypress St., Suite 100, 210-472-4025)

National Cemeteries:

Dallas-Fort Worth 75211 (2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, 214-467-3374)

Fort Bliss 79906 (Box 6342, 5200 Fred Wilson Rd., 915-564-0201)

Fort Sam Houston 78209 (1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, 210-820-

3891/3894)

Houston 77038 (10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., 281-447-8686)

Kerrville 78028 (VAMC, 3600 Memorial Blvd., 210-820-3891/3894)

San Antonio 78202 (517 Paso Hondo St., 210-820-3891/3894)

UTAH

VA Medical Center:

148 VA Facilities

Salt Lake City 84148 (500 Foothill Drive, 801-582-1565 or 800-613-4012)

Clinics:

Fountain Green 84632 (300 W. 300 S., 435-623-3129)

Nephi 84648 (48 W. 1500 N., 435-623-3129)

Ogden 84403 (982 Chambers Street, 801-479-4105)

Orem 84057 (740 W. 800 N., Suite 440, 801-235-0953)

Roosevelt 84066 (210 W. 300 N. (75-3), 435-725-2082)

St. George 84770 (1067 East Tabernacle, Suite 7, 435-634-7608 Ext. 6000)

Regional Office:
Salt Lake City 84158 (P.O. Box 581900, 550 Foothill Dr., statewide 1-800-

827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Provo 84604 (1807 No. 1120 West, 801-377-1117)

Salt Lake City 84106 (1354 East 3300 South, 801-584-1294)

VERMONT

VA Medical Center:

White River Junction 05009 (215 North Main Street, 802-295-9363 or 866-

687-8387)

Clinics:

Bennington 05201 (190 North Street, 802-447-6913)

Colchester 05446 (74 Hegeman Ave., 802-655-1356)

Rutland 05702 (215 Stratton Road, 802-773-3386)

Regional Office:

White River Junction 05001 (215 N. Main St., 802-296-5177 or 1-800-827-

1000 from within Vermont)

Vet Centers:

South Burlington 05403 (359 Dorset St., 802-862-1806)

White River Junction 05001 (222 Holiday Inn Dr., #2 Gilman Office Complex,

802-295-2908 or 1-800-649-6603)

VIRGINIA

VA Medical Centers:

Hampton 23667 (100 Emancipation Drive, 757-722-9961)

Richmond 23249 (1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, 804-675-5000 or 800-784-

8381)

Salem 24153 (1970 Roanoke Boulevard, 540-982-2463 or 888-982-2463)

Clinics:

Alexandria 22301 (6940 South Kings Highway Suite #208, 703-313-0694)

Charlottesville 22911 (650 Peter Jefferson Pkwy., 434-293-3890)

Danville 24540 (705 Piney Forrest Rd., 434-710-4210)

Fredericksburg 22401 (1960 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Suite 100, 540-370-4468)

Harrisonburg 22801 (847 Cantrell Avenue, Suite 100, 540-442-1773)

VA Facilities 149

Hillsville 24343 (702 Pine St., 276-779-4220)

Lynchburg 24501 (1600 Lakeside Drive, 434-316-5000)

Stephens City 22655 (106 Hyde Court, 540-869-0600)

Saltville 23470 (308 W. Main St., 276-496-4433)

Tazewell 24651 (123 Ben Bolt Ave., 276-988-2526)

Virginia Beach 23462 (244 Clearfield Ave., 757-726-6070)

Regional Office:

Roanoke 24011 (210 Franklin Rd., S.W., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Alexandria 22309 (8796 Sacramento Dr., Suite D&E, 703-360-8633)

Norfolk 23517 (2200 Colonial Ave., Suite 3, 757-623-7584)

Richmond 23230 (4902 Fitzhugh Ave., 804-353-8958)

Roanoke 24016 (350 Albemarle Ave., SW, 540-342-9726)

National Cemeteries:

Alexandria 22314 (1450 Wilkes St., 703-221-2183/2184)

Balls Bluff 22075 (Rte. 7, Leesburg, 540-825-0027)

City Point 23860 (10th Ave. & Davis St., Hopewell, 804-795-2031)

Cold Harbor 23111 (6038 Cold Harbor Rd., Mechanicsville, 804-795-2031)

Culpeper 22701 (305 U.S. Ave., 540-825-0027)

Danville 24541 (721 Lee St., 704-636-2661)

Fort Harrison 23231 (8620 Varina Rd., Richmond, 804-795-2031)

Glendale 23231 (8301 Willis Church Rd., Richmond, 804-795-2031)

Hampton 23667 (Cemetery Rd. at Marshall Ave., 757-723-7104)

Hampton 23669 (VAMC, Emancipation Dr., 757-723-7104)

Quantico 22172 (P.O. Box 10, 18424 Joplin Rd. (Rte. 619), Triangle 703-

221-2183/2184)

Richmond 23231 (1701 Williamsburg Rd., 804-795-2031)

Seven Pines 23150 (400 E. Williamsburg Rd., Sandston, 804-795-
2031/2278)

Staunton, 24401 (901 Richmond Ave., 540-825-0027)

Winchester 22601 (401 National Ave., 540-825-0027)

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Clinics:

St. Croix 00850-4701 (The Village Mall #113, RR-02 Box 12, 340-778-5553)

St. Croix (The Village Mall RR2 Box 10553 Kingshill 340-778-5553)

St. Thomas 00802 (Havensight Mall, Building III (Upper), Suite 304 & 310,

St. Thomas Medical Foundation, (Suite 101 50 Estate Thomas 340- 774-

6674 New Quarter, 340-774-6674)

Benefits:

Served by San Juan, Puerto Rico, VA Regional Office, 1-800-827-1000

Vet Centers:

St. Croix 00850 (Box 12, R.R. 02, Village Mall, 113, RR2 Box 10556,

Kingshill, 340-778-5553)

150 VA Facilities

St. Thomas 00802 (9800 Buchaneer Mall, Suite 8, 340-774-6674)

WASHINGTON

VA Medical Centers:

Seattle 98108 (1660 S. Columbian Way, 800-329-8387 or 206-762-1010)

Spokane 99205 (4815 N. Assembly Street, 509-434-7000 or 800-325-7940)

Tacoma 98493 (9600 Veterans Dr., 253-582-8440 or 800-329-8387)

Vancouver 98661 (1601 E. 4th Plain Blvd, 360-696-4061 or 800-949-1004)

Walla Walla 99362 (77 Wainwright Drive, 509-525-5200 or 888-687-8863)

Clinics:

Bellevue 98005 (13033 Bel-Red Road, Suite 210, 425-214-1055)

Bremerton 98312 (925 Adele Avenue, 360-782-0129)

Federal Way 98003 (34617 11th Place South, 253-336-4142)

La Grande 97850 (202 12th St., 541-963-0627)

Mobile Medical Unit (Aberdeen, Shelton and Morton, 253-583-1162)

Port Angeles 98362 (1005 Georgianna St., 360-565-9330)

Richland 99352 (946 Stevens Drive, Suite C, 509-946-1020)

Seattle 98125 (12360 Lake City Way NE, Suite 200, 206-384-4382)

Sedro Woolley 98284 (2031-C Hospital Drive, Cedar Grove Building B, 360-

856-4700)

Wenatchee 98801 (2530 Chester-Kimm Road, 509-663-7615)

Yakima 98902 (717 Fruitvale Blvd., 509-966-0199)

Yakima Mental Health Clinic 98902 (1111 N. 1st Street, Suite 1, 509-457-

2736

Regional Office:

Seattle 98174 (Fed. Bldg., 915 2nd Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Benefits Offices:

Fort Lewis 98433 (Waller Hall Rm. 700, P.O. Box 331153, 253-967-7106)

Bremerton 98337 (W. Sound Pre-Separation Center, 262 Burwell St., 360-

782-9900)

Vet Centers:

Bellingham 98226 (3800 Byron Ave., Suite 124, 360-733-9226)

Everett 98201 (3311 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA, 425-502-0617)

Seattle 98121 (2030 9th Ave., Suite 210, 206-553-2706)

Spokane 99206 (100 N. Mullan Rd., Suite 102, 509-444-8387)

Tacoma 98409 (4916 Center St., Suite E, 253-565-7038)

Yakima 98901 (1111 N. First St., 509-457-2736)

National Cemetery:

Tahoma 98042-4868 (18600 S.E. 240th St., Kent, 425-413-9614)

WEST VIRGINIA

VA Medical Centers:

Beckley 25801 (200 Veterans Avenue, 304-255-2121 or 877-902-5142)

Clarksburg 26301 (One Medical Center Drive, 304-623-3461 or 800-733-

0512)

VA Facilities 151

Huntington 25704 (1540 Spring Valley Drive, 304-429-6741 or 800-827-
8244)

Martinsburg 25405 (510 Butler Avenue, 304-263-0811 or 800-817-3807)

Clinics:

Charleston 25304 (104 Alex Ln., 304-926-6001)

Franklin 26807 (314 Pine Street, 304-358-2355)

Logan 25601 (513 Dingess St., 304-752-8355

Morgantown 26501 (40 Commerce Drive, Suite 101, 304-292-7535)

Parkersburg 260101 (2311 Ohio Avenue, Suite A, 304-422-5114)

Parsons 26287 (206 Spruce Street, 304-478-2219)

Petersburg 26847 (Grant Memorial Hospital, P. O. Box 1019, 304-257-5817)

Sutton 26602 (93 Skidmore Lane, 304-765-3480)

Williamson 25661 (75 W 4th Ave, 304-235-2187)

Regional Office:

Huntington 25701 (640 Fourth Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000; counties of

Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, served by Pittsburgh, Pa., VA Regional

Office)

Vet Centers:

Beckley 25801 (101 Ellison Ave., 304-252-8220)

Charleston 25302 (521 Central Ave., 304-343-3825)

Huntington 25701 (3135 16th St. Rd., Suite 11, 304-523-8387)

Martinsburg 25401 (900 Winchester Ave., 304-263-6776)

Morgantown 26508 (1083 Greenbag Rd., 304-291-4303)

Princeton 24740 (905 Mercer St., 304-425-5653)

Wheeling 26003 (1054 Bethlehem Blvd, 304-232-0587)

National Cemeteries:

Grafton 26354 (431 Walnut St., 304-265-2044)

West Virginia 26354 (Rt. 2, Box 127, Grafton, 304-265-2044)

WISCONSIN

VA Medical Centers:

Madison 53705 (2500 Overlook Terrace, 608-256-1901)

Milwaukee 53295 (5000 West National Avenue, 888-469-6614 or 414-384-

2000)

Tomah 54660 (500 E. Veterans Street, 608-372-3971 or 800-872-8662)

Clinics:

Appleton 54914 (10 Tri-Park Way, 920-831-0070)

Baraboo 53913 (626 14th Street, 608-356-9318)

Beaver Dam 53916 (215 Corporate Drive, 920-356-9415)

Chippewa Falls 54729 (2501 & 2503 County Hwy I, 715-720-3780)

Cleveland 53015 (1205 North Avenue, 920-693-5600)

Green Bay 54303 (141 Siegler Street, 920-497-3126)

Hayward 54843 (15748 County Road B, 715-934-5454)

Janesville 53545 (111 N. Main Street, 608-758-9300)

152 VA Facilities

Kenosha 53140 (800 55th Street, 262-653-9286)

La Crosse 54601 (2600 State Road, Phone: 608-784-3886)

Loyal 54446 (141 N. Main Street, 715-255-9799)

Rhinelander 54501 (639 West Kemp Street, 715-362-4080)

Rice Lake 54843 (2700A College Drive, 715-236-3355)

Superior 54880 (3520 Tower Avenue, 715-392-9711)

Union Grove 53182 (21425 Spring Street, 262-878-7000)

Wausau 54401 (515 South 32nd Avenue, 715-842-2834)

Wisconsin Rapids 54494 (710 East Grand Ave., PO Box 26, 715-424-3844)

Regional Office:

Milwaukee 53214 (5400 W. National Ave., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Madison 53703 (706 Williamson St., 608-264-5342)

Milwaukee 53218 (5401 N. 76th St., 414-536-1301)

National Cemetery:

Wood 53295-4000 (5000 W. National Ave., Bldg. 1301, Milwaukee,

414-382-5300)

WYOMING
VA Medical Centers:

Cheyenne 82001 (2360 E. Pershing Blvd., 307-778-7550 or 888-483-9127)

Sheridan (1898 Fort Road, 307-672-3473 or 866-822-6714)

Clinics:

Casper 82601 (4140 S. Poplar St., 307-235-4143 or 1-866-338-5168)

Gillette 82718 (1701 Phillips Circle, 307-685-0676 or 1-866-612-1887)

Newcastle 57555 (1124 Washington Blvd., 605-745-2000 ext. 2474)

Powell 82435 (777 Avenue H, 307-754-7257 or 1-888-284-9308)

Riverton 82501 (2300 Rose Lane, 307-857-1211 or 1-866-338-2609)

Rock Springs 82901 (3000 College Drive, Suite C, 307-362-6641 or 866-

381-2830)

Benefits Office:

Cheyenne 82001 (2360 E. Pershing Blvd., statewide 1-800-827-1000)

Vet Centers:

Casper 82601 (1030 North Poplar, Suite B, 307-261-5355)

Cheyenne 82001 (3219 East Pershing Blvd., 307-778-7370)

Index 153

Index

Adapting an Automobile 11, 27

Agent Orange 2, 9, 21

Allied Veterans 75

Appeals

- Appeals Process 95

- Board of Veterans’ Appeals 95

- U.S. Court of Appeals for

Veterans Claims 95

Armed Forces Retirement Home 105

Atomic Radiation Exposure 3

Bereavement Counseling 9, 10, 85

Birth Defects 92

Blind Veterans 11, 25, 105

Burial Benefits

- Burial Allowance 62, 65

- Eligibility 59

- Flags 59, 62

- Headstones and Markers 60, 62

- National Cemeteries 60, 63,64

- Plot Allowance 63

Center for Veterans Enterprise 84

CHAMPVA 91, 92

Chronic Disabilities 21

Clothing Allowance 27

Combat-Related Special

Compensation 22

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion 54

Commissary & Exchange

Privileges 106

Compensated Work Therapy

12

Compensation & Pension 32, 105

Concurrent Retirement and Disability

Payments ( 22

Copayments 3, 5-7, 15

Correction of Military Records 98

Death Gratuity 88

Death Pension 78, 87-88

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

(DIC)

74, 85,

Depleted Uranium Exposure 2, 8

Disability Compensation 3, 5, 19-21,
27, 74, 78

Disability Pension 31-32

Disabled Transition Assistance

Program 79

DOD Transportal 80

Domiciliary Care 13, 32, 40, 67, 75,

Education (See GI Bill)

Educational Assistance for Dependents

89

Emergency Medical Care 16

Extended Care 6, 13

Eyeglasses 10

Farm Loans 101

Federal Jobs for Veterans 82

Filipino Veterans 74

Financial Assessment 5

GI Bill

- Death Benefit 87-88

- Educational Benefit 34, 36, 40

- Montgomery GI Bill 36

- Post 9/11 GI Bill 33

154 Index

- Selected Reserve 33-34, 37-38

- Vietnam Era GI Bill 37

Guide Dogs 11

Gulf War Veterans 21

Health Care Benefits 1-17

Health Care Enrollment 2

Health Registry 8

Hearing Aids 10

Homeless Veterans 73

Home Loan

- Appraisals 47

- Closing Costs 47

- Default 79

- Eligibility 43

- Financing, Rates, Terms 47, 49

- Funding Fee 46

- Guaranties 45, 69

- Guaranty Amount 45, 46

- Loan Assumption 48

- Native American Veterans 50

- Release of Liability 48

- Required Occupancy 47

- Safeguards 51

Housebound veterans 3, 10, 27, 32,

86, 88

HUDVET 101

Incarcerated Veterans 73

- Impact on Burial Benefits 78

- Impact on Disability or Death

Pension 78

Incentive Therapy 12

Insurance

- Accelerated Death Benefits 56

- Borrowing on Policies 58

- Family Servicemembers’ Group

Life Insurance 55

- Insurance Dividends 56

- Life Insurance 53, 69

- National Service Life Insurance

57
-Reinstating Lapsed Insurance 57

- Service-Disabled Veterans

Insurance 56

- Servicemembers’ Group Life

Insurance 53

- Traumatic Servicemembers’

Group Life Insurance 54

- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance

55

- Veterans’ Mortgage Life

Insurance 56

Ionizing Radiation 9

Korean War Veterans 9, 54

Loans

- Farms and Homes 101

- Military Reservist Economic Injury

Disaster Loan 103

- Small Business Administration

103

Long-Term Care Services 13-15

Medal of Honor Pension 31

Mental Health Care 4, 12

Merchant Marine Seamen 75-76

Military Funeral Honors 63

Military Medals 97

Military Records 98-99

Index 155

Missing in Action 89

National Personnel Records

Center(NPRC) 97

Naturalization Preference 101

No-Fee Passports 93

Nursing Home Care 15,

- State Veterans’ Home Program 15

- Community Living Centers 13-14

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

54

Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans

(OIF) 3, 8, 54

Outpatient Care 11, 13, 75,89, 91

Outpatient Dental Treatment 13

Overseas Benefits 17, 74-75

Pension 5, 10, 27, 31-32, 73, 88,

105

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

(PTSD) 9

Pre-Separation Counseling 79

Presidential Memorial Certificates

59-62

Presumptive Conditions 19

Priority Groups 2

Prisoners of War (POWs) 2, 20

Privacy Rights 1

Private Health Insurance Billing 7

Project SHAD 3

Property Foreclosures 49-50

Prosthetics and Sensory Aids 10-11

Protected Pension Programs 31

Purple Heart Medal 2, 10, 23

Radiation Exposure 2-3, 9, 21

Readjustment Counseling 9

Reduction in Force (RIF) 37, 82
Re-employment Rights 71

Rehabilitation & Employment 27

Reimbursement for Travel Costs 7

Reserve Educational Assistance

Program 67

Reserve & National Guard

- Combat-Related Special Compensation

22-23

- Education 33

- Eligibility for Life Insurance 53

- Eligibility for VA Benefits 65

- Eligibility for VA Home Loan

Guaranty 69

- Qualifying for VA Disability Benefits

66

- Qualifying for VA Health Care 65

- Re-Employment Rights 70

- Work-Study Program 69

Review of Discharge 98

Service-Connected Disability 2, 4,

6, 16,23, 25, 33, 56, 69, 85, 87, 89,

105-106

Sexual Trauma 5-6

Small Business Contacts 84

Social Security Benefits 87, 104

Special Access to Care 4

Specially Adapted Housing Grants

(SAH) 25-26

Special Groups of Veterans 73-78

Special Separation Benefits (SSB)

19

Spina Bifida 81, 93

State Employment Services 81

Substance Abuse Treatment 12

156 Index

Supplemental Security Income 104

Survivors 74, 85, 87, 91

Transition Assistance Program 79

Transitional Residence 13

TRICARE 71, 91

Unemployable Veterans 3-4, 15

Unemployment Compensation 81-

82

VA Facility Addresses & Phone

Numbers 107-152

Veterans’ Educational Assistance

Program 38, 40, 81

Veterans’ Preference 82-83

Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment

83

Vietnam War Veterans,9, 21, 37, 44,

92-93

Vocational and Educational CounselVoluntary Separation Incentives 19

Wartime Service - See Intorduction

Women Veterans 4-5, 92

Work Restoration Programs 12

Work-Study Program 24, 35, 40, 67,

69

Workforce Investment Program 81

World War I Veterans 3, 9, 44, 56,

61, 74-78
World War II Veterans 9, 44, 56, 61,

75-78

Personal name (Please type or print)

Company name

Street address

City, State, Zip code

Daytime phone including area code

Order Processing Code

3544

Mail: US Government Printing Office

P.O. Box 979050

St. Louis, MO 63197–9000

Toll Free: 866 512–1800

Phone: 202 512–1800

Fax: 202 512–2104

Easy Secure Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov

(expiration date)

Authorizing signature 03/09