ii 2018 Edition
ii

Phone Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Web Sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction

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

range of benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are codified in Title 38 of the United States 

Code. This booklet contains a brief overview of the most commonly 

sought information concerning Veterans benefits and services. For the 

most accurate information, Veterans and family members should visit the 

websites provided within this publication as regulations, payments, and 

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

www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm.

General Eligibility: Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service, other than active duty for 

training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast 

Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey. 

Eligible Wartime Periods: Certain VA Benefits Require Wartime Service. 

For information on eligible wartime periods please visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/wartimeperiod.asp. Dishonorable and bad conduct 

discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. Veterans 

in prison must contact VA to determine eligibility. VA benefits will not be 

provided to any Veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony 

warrant.

Important Documents: In order to expedite benefits delivery, Veterans 

seeking a VA benefit for the first time must submit a copy of their service 

discharge form (DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II Veterans, a WD form), 

which documents service dates and type of discharge, or provides full 

name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. The Veteran’s service discharge form should be kept in a safe location accessible 

to the Veteran and next of kin or designated representative. 

The following documents will be needed for claims processing related to 

a Veteran’s death: Veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving 

spouse or children; Veteran’s death certificate if the Veteran did not die in 

a VA health care facility; children’s birth certificates or adoption papers to 

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

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

and/or Twitter at http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits.
i

eBenefits

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

provides resources and self-service capabilities to service members, Veterans, and their families to apply, research, access, and manage their VA 

and military benefits and personal information through a secure Internet 

connection. 

Through eBenefits Veterans can: apply for benefits, view their disability 

compensation claim status, access official military personnel documents 

(e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), 

transfer entitlement of Post-9/11 GI Bill to eligible dependents (service 

members only), obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan Certificate of Eligibility, and register for and update direct deposit information for certain 

benefits. New features are added regularly.

Accessing eBenefits: The portal is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Service members or Veterans must register for an eBenefits account at one 

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

access personal data in VA and DoD systems, as well as apply for benefits 

online, check the status of claims, update address records, and more. The 

Basic account allows access to information entered into eBenefits by the 

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

systems.

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

Report Fraud to: 

VA Inspector General Hotline

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

E-mail: vaoighotline@va.gov

VAOIG hotline 1-800-488-8244

Fax: (202) 495-5861

Contents

Health Care 1

Benefits 13

Burial and Memrorial Benefits 62
1

Health Care

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

va.gov/health, www.va.gov/healthbenefits and VA Health Benefits toll-free 1-877-

222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST

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

service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than 

dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying 

Reserve and National Guard members.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after 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: Veterans can complete applications for enrollment in VA 

health care by using one of the options below: 

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

Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. VA staff members will collect the needed information and process the enrollment application for an enrollment determination.

•	 When applying online at Vets.gov, Veterans fill out the application and electronically submit it to VA for processing. VA will 

search for your supporting documentation through its electronic 

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

your military service.

•	 The application form can also be downloaded from www.vets.

gov/healthcare/apply/ . Mail the completed form to: Health Eligibility Center ATTN: Enrollment Eligibility Division 2957 Clairmont 

Road Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

•	 Apply in person at any VA health care facility or VA regional office. Once enrolled, Veterans can receive health care at VA health 

care facilities anywhere in the country.

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

are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:
2

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 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 Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne 

hazards and Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry).

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

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

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

the changes and notify affected enrollees. A description of priority groups 

follows:

Group 1: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 

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

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

Medal of Honor.

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

percent.

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

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

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

Group 4: Veterans who receive increased compensation or pension 

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

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

Group 5: Nonservice-connected Veterans and non-compensable 

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

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

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

benefits; and Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits

Group 6: Compensable 0 percent service-connected Veterans; Vet-
3

erans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during 

the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Project 112/SHAD participants; Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 

1962 and May 7, 1975; Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater 

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

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

Veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, for five 

years post discharge; and Veterans who served on active duty at Camp 

Lejeune for at least 30 days between Aug.1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987.

Currently enrolled Veterans and new enrollees who served in a theater of 

combat operations after Nov.11, 1998 and those who were discharged 

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

benefits for five years post discharge

Note: At the end of this enhanced enrolment priority group 

placement time period, Veterans will be assigned to the highest 

priority group their eligibility for which their status at that time 

qualifies.

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

agree to pay copayments.

Group 8: Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national 

income limit and the geographically-adjusted income limit for their 

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

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

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

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

eligibility status.

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

exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic 

income limits by 10 percent or less Veterans eligible for enrollment: 

nonservice-connected and:

Subpriority c: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who remained enrolled since that date and/ or placed in this subpriority due to changed 

eligibility status

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

exceeds the current VA national income limits or VA national geographic 

income limits by 10 percent or less

 Veterans NOT eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the criteria 

above:

Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected (eligible for care of their service-connected condition only).

Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected 
4

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

http://nationalincomelimits.vaftl.us/ .

Veterans Choice Program: As directed by the Veterans Access, Choice 

and Accountability Act of 2014, VA implemented the Veterans Choice Program, which allows certain eligible Veterans to elect to receive care from 

community health care providers closer to home rather than wait for a VA 

appointment or travel a long distance to a VA facility. The Veterans Choice 

Program temporarily authorizes enrolled Veterans to receive health care 

from community providers. Any of the following conditions must apply:

•	 Veteran told by his or her local VA medical facility that they will 

not be able to schedule an appointment for care within 30 days 

of the date the Veteran’s physician determines he/she needs to 

be seen or within 30 days of the date the Veteran wishes to be 

seen, if there is no specific date from his or her physician;

•	 Veteran lives more than 40 miles driving distance from the closest VA medical facility with a full- time primary care physician;

•	 Veteran needs to travel by air, boat or ferry to the VA medical 

facility closest to his/her home;

•	 Veteran faces an unusual or excessive burden in traveling to the 

closest VA medical facility based on geographic challenges, environmental factors, a medical condition, the nature or simplicity 

or frequency of the care needed and whether an attendant is 

needed. Staff at the Veteran’s local VA medical facility will work 

with him/her to determine if the Veteran is eligible for any of 

these reasons; or

•	 Veteran lives in a state or territory without a full-service VA 

medical facility. These locations include Alaska, Hawaii, New 

Hampshire (excluding New Hampshire Veterans who live within 

20 miles of the White River Junction VAMC) and the United States 

territories (excluding Puerto Rico, which has a full service VA 

medical facility).

Community care is only covered by VA for medical needs that have been 

approved by a VA physician. Veterans who choose to use their Choice 

Card should coordinate pre-approved care by calling 1-866-606-8198. For 

more information, visit www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/.

Meeting the Unique Needs of Women Veterans: VA staff delivers the 
5

highest quality health care in a setting that ensures privacy, dignity, and 

sensitivity. Local VA facilities offer a variety of services, including women’s 

gender-specific health, screening and disease prevention and routine 

gynecologic services. 

Women Veterans are potentially eligible to receive care provided in the 

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

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

be provided when the treating facility cannot provide the care required 

or because of geographical inaccessibility.

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

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

or visit www.womenshealth.va.gov/.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Veterans: LGBT Veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as any other Veteran and will be 

treated in a welcoming environment. Transgender Veterans will be treated based upon their self-identified gender, including room assignments 

in residential and inpatient settings. Same-sex couples: VA launched a 

website to inform Veterans and beneficiaries of the recent changes in the 

law and procedures involving same-sex marriages. Veterans can learn 

more about VA’s guidance regarding same-sex marriages at www.va.gov/

opa/marriage.

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

assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment occurring during 

a Veteran’s military service. VA has expanded eligibility for Veterans in 

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

Reservists and National Guard members participating in weekend drill. To 

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

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

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

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

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

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

OEF/OIF/OND Care Management: Each VA medical center has an Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn 

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

care activities and ensure that Veterans are receiving patient-centered, 
6

integrated care and benefits. Veterans who served in a theater of operations after Nov. 11, 1998, are eligible for an extended period of eligibility 

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

call-ups, the five-year enrollment period begins on the most recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free health care services 

and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service 

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

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

enrollment in a higher priority group. More information for connecting 

with OEF/OIF/OND Care Management teams can be found at www.oefoif.

va.gov

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

the standard for minimum health care coverage; therefore, they are not 

eligible for assistance to lower their cost of health insurance premiums 

if they chose to purchase additional health insurance outside of their VA 

health care coverage. Remember, Veterans cannot receive a tax credit for 

themselves when enrolling within the marketplace, if they are currently 

enrolled with VA for their health care. For the latest information about 

VA and the health care law, visit www.va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp or call 

1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Financial Assessment: Most Veterans not receiving VA disability compensation or pension payments must provide a financial assessment 

upon initial application to determine their eligibility for free medical care, 

medications and/or travel benefits. This financial information also may be 

used to determine the Veteran’s enrollment priority group.

For more information, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/cost/financial_assessment.asp , call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST or contact the enrollment coordinator 

at your local VA medical facility. VA’s income limits are located at nationalincomelimits.vaftl.us/. 

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

non-compensable service connected Veterans to provide their financial 

information annually. An assessment will continue to be collected from 

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

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

using information obtained from the Internal Revenue Service and Social 

Security Administration.
7

Medical Services and Medication Copayments: While many Veterans 

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

complete a financial assessment at the time of enrollment to determine if 

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

the VA income limits as well as those who choose not to complete the 

financial assessment at the time of enrollment must agree to pay required 

copayments for care to become eligible for VA healthcare services. For 

more information on medical services and copays, visit https://www.

va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/cost/copays.asp

Private Health Insurance Billing: Veterans with private health insurance 

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

benefits. Veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance 

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

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

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

are asked to disclose all relevant health insurance information to ensure 

current insurance information is on file, including coverage through a 

spouse. 

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

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

party health insurance carriers go directly back to VA medical center’s 

operational budget. That money can be used to hire more staff or buy 

medical equipment to improve Veterans healthcare. Enrolled Veterans 

can provide or update their insurance information by:

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

vets.gov/healthcare/apply/ 

2. Calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. 

and 8 p.m. EST

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

self-service Kiosks available at their local VA health care facility. VA health 

care is NOT considered a health insurance plan.

Reimbursement of Travel Costs: Eligible Veterans and non-Veterans 

may be provided mileage reimbursement or, when medically indicated, 

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

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

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

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

one-way trips (whichever occurs first) per calendar month. The deduct-
8

ible may be waived when travel is; in relation to a VA compensation or 

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

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

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

following criteria are met:

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

• are traveling for treatment of a SC condition, or

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

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

otherwise eligible as noted above and;

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

double or multiple amputation who’s travel

in connection with care provided through a VA special disabilities rehabilitation program (including

programs provided by spinal cord injury centers, blind rehabilitation centers and prosthetics rehabilitation centers) if such care is provided on an in-patient basis or during a period in which you are provided 

with temporary lodging at a facility of the Department to make such care 

more accessible.

Veterans may qualify for special mode transportation (ambulance, 

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

above, and have a medical condition requiring an ambulance or a specially equipped van as determined by a VA clinician, and the travel is preauthorized (authorization is not required for emergencies if a delay would 

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

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

Veteran Health Registries: Certain Veterans can participate in a VA 

health registry and receive free evaluations. VA maintains health registries 

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

participate, contact the environmental health coordinator at the nearest 

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

a directory which lists environmental health coordinators by state and 

U.S. territory. Veterans should be aware that a health registry evaluation 

is not a disability compensation exam. A registry evaluation does not 

start a claim for compensation and is not required for any VA benefits. No 

in-person medical evaluation is required to become registered. Veterans 

not already enrolled in VA health care should contact an environmental 
9

health coordinator at a nearby VA facility by visiting the following link: ( 

http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp ) or calling 

1-877-222-8387. To learn more and for a list of current health registries, 

visit: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/benefits/registry-evaluation.

asp .

Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Services: VA provides free 

readjustment counseling services to Veterans who served in a theater of 

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

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

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

counseling, outreach, and referral, in 300 community-based Vet Centers 

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

American Samoa. . Vet Center staffs are available during normal business 

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

information, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations: VA provides up to 

$6,800 lifetime benefits for service-connected Veterans/ and up to $2,000 

lifetime benefits for nonservice-connected Veterans to make home 

improvements and/or structural changes necessary for the continuation 

of treatment or for disability access to the Veterans/ home and essential 

lavatory and sanitary facilities. For application information, contact the 

prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center.

Special Eligibility Programs: VA provides comprehensive health care 

benefits, including outpatient, inpatient, pharmacy, prosthetics, medical 

equipment, and supplies for certain Korea and Vietnam Veterans’ birth 

children diagnosed with spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta).

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Veterans: Severely disabled 

blind Veterans may be eligible for case management services at a VA 

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

vision rehabilitation program.

Mental Health Care Treatment: Veterans eligible for VA medical care 

may receive general and specialty mental health treatment as needed. 

Mental health services are available in primary care clinics (including 

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

treatment programs, specialty medical clinics, and Community Living 
10

Centers. For more information on VA mental health services, visit www.

va.gov/healthbenefits/access/mental_health_care.asp and www.mentalhealth.va.gov or contact your local VA health care facility’s Enrollment 

Office.

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

resource that connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends 

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

call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www.vets.gov, or send a 

text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24-hours a day, 

7-days a week, 365-days a year even if they are not registered with VA or 

enrolled in VA health care. The professionals at the Veterans Crisis Line 

are specially trained and experienced in helping Veterans of all ages and 

circumstances — from Veterans coping with mental health issues that 

were never addressed to Veterans struggling with relationships or the 

transition back to civilian life. European access: Veterans and members of 

the military community in Europe may dial 0800-1273-8255 or DSN 118. 

For more information about VA’s suicide prevention program, visit: www.

Veteranscrisisline.net.

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

to good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing dental benefits to those Veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. To help Veterans 

who are not eligible for VA dental benefits or need more comprehensive 

dental care, VA offers enrolled Veterans and beneficiaries of CHAMPVA the 

opportunity to purchase dental insurance at a reduced cost through its 

VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP).

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

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

California and MetLife will be offering private dental insurance plans for 

enrolled Veterans and beneficiaries of CHAMPVA for VADIP. VADIP provides eligible individuals the opportunity to purchase discounted dental 

insurance coverage, including diagnostic services, preventive services, 

endodontic and other restorative services, surgical services and emergency services. Individuals who enroll in one of the dental insurance plans 

will pay the entire premium in addition to the full cost of any copayments.  

Enrollment is voluntary and does not affect eligibility for VA outpatient 

dental services and treatment.  The plans are available to eligible individuals in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, 

the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands. Individuals who were enrolled in VADIP during 
11

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

new plans offered by Delta Dental or MetLife. While the insurance providers will remain the same, plan options, fees and other factors may have 

changed from those offered during the pilot.

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

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

www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip . Veterans may also review each insurer 

for specific information regarding their registration, rates and services: 

Delta Dental at deltadentalins.com/vadip or call 1-855-370-3303; MetLife 

at metlife.com/VADIP or call 1-888-310-1681.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

all other Veterans is based on available resources. For more information 

on Extended Care Services and Geriatrics, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/access/geriatrics.asp .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

condition is stable enough for the Veteran to travel to a VA facility, a family member or friend must contact the closest VA medical facility as soon 

as possible. The emergency is deemed to have ended when a VA provider 

has determined that, based on sound medical judgment; the Veteran 

could be transferred from the community facility to a VA medical center. 

For more information on urgent care, visit https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/Veterans/Emergency_Care.asp
12

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

health care payment/reimbursement for U.S. Veterans with VA-rated 

service-connected conditions who live or travel abroad. Veterans calling 

from within the Philippines may contact the VA Medical Services office at 

1-800-1888-8782. If calling from outside of the Philippines, the number is 

011-632-318-8387. Veterans may also register by email at IRIS.va.gov. All 

other Veterans living or planning to travel outside the U.S. should register 

with the Foreign Medical Program, P.O. Box 469061, Denver, CO 80246-

9061, USA; telephone 303-331-7590. For information, visit: https://www.

va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/Veterans/fmp/index.asp 

Caregiver Programs and Services: The Caregivers Benefit Program provides certain medical, travel, training and financial benefits to caregivers 

of certain Veterans and who were seriously injured during their military 

service on or after Sept.11, 2001. Eligible primary family caregivers can 

receive a stipend, training, mental health services, travel and lodging reimbursement and access to health insurance if they are not already under 

a health care plan. For more information, contact your local VA medical facility and speak with a caregiver support coordinator, visit www.caregiver.

va.gov or call toll-free at 1-855-260-3274.

Traveling Veterans Enrolled Veterans, who receive their health care with 

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

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

Veterans receive consistent care while they are traveling, Veterans are 

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

care provider(s) four to six weeks before traveling, or as soon as possible. 

Early planning will allow time for PACT and the Traveling Veteran Coordinator to coordinate care at an alternate VA facility. VA providers at the alternate site will record the care in the Veteran’s electronic medical record 

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

with another VA health care facility, Veterans should inform their PACT of 

the following:

•travel destination(s), and temporary address

•a valid telephone number

•arrival and departure dates

•specific care concerns 

Their PACT will contact the Traveling Veteran Coordinator, who will assist 

in coordinating care at the alternate facility. For more information, contact PACT or a Traveling Veteran Coordinator at the local VA facility.
13

Benefits

Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a 

disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. The 

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

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

percent). Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even 

though they may arise after service. 

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

discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Monthly disability 

compensation varies with the degree of disability and the number of 

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

are eligible for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, 

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

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

The additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number 

of dependents. For detailed 2017 compensation rate information visit: 

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

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and 

separation incentive payments, known as Special Separation Benefit (SSB) 

and Reservists’ Involuntary Separation Pay (RISP), and Voluntary Separation (VSP), may affect the amount of VA compensation paid to disabled 

Veterans. For additional details on types of disability claims and how to 

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

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

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

spouses, and parents. For Veterans, SMC is a higher rate of compensation 

paid, due to special circumstances such as the need for aid and attendance by another person, or due to a specific disability such as the loss of 

use of one hand or leg. A Veteran who is determined by VA to be in need 

of the regular aid and attendance of another person, or a Veteran who is 

permanently housebound, may be entitled to additional payments. For 

detailed 2017 special monthly compensation rate information visit: http://

www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp02.asp .
14

Allowance for Aid and Attendance or Housebound Veterans: Veterans 

determined by VA to be in need of the regular aid and attendance (A&A) 

of another person, or 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. For additional information may be found at http://www.benefits.

va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp .

Automobile Allowance: As of Oct. 1, 2017, Veterans and service members may be eligible for a one-time payment of not more than $20,577.18 

toward the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance if they have 

service-connected loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or 

feet, or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a certain degree. 

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

health care facility, which may be located at: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=1 .

Clothing Allowance: Any Veteran who has service-connected disabilities 

that require prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive clothing 

allowances. This allowance is also available to any Veteran whose serviceconnected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably 

damages outer garments. To apply, contact the prosthetic representative 

at the nearest VA medical center located at: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=1&isFlash=0 .

For information on current rates visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/special_Benefit_Allowances_2017.asp 

Additional Benefits for Eligible Military Retirees: Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is a DoD program that allows some 

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

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

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

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

receive retired pay, and: 

•	 Retire from military service based on longevity, including Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) retirees; or

•	 Retire due to disability with 20 or more years of service*; or
15

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

qualifying years.

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

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

based on disability and retired pay based on longevity.

Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans: Service members and Veterans 

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

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

disability-related requirements. Eligible Veterans or service members may 

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

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

amounts may be adjusted Oct.1 every year based on a cost-of construction index. These adjustments will increase the grants amounts or leave 

them unchanged; grant amounts will not decrease. Previous grant 

recipients who had received assistance of less than the current maximum 

allowable may be eligible for an additional grant usage. To obtain general 

information about the Specially Adapted Housing program, visit: https://

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp or call the program’s local office of jurisdiction at 1-877-827-3702.

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

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

that is being adapted, up to a maximum benefit amount of $81,080. In 

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

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

functions of balance or propulsion to preclude ambulating without the 

aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair.

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

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

loss of use of one lower extremity.

4. Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (a) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (b) the loss or loss of use of one upper 

extremity which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as 
16

to preclude locomotion without the use of braces, canes, crutches or a 

wheelchair.

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

two or more extremities or of at least one extremity and the trunk.

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

service on or after Sept. 11, 2001, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude ambulating without the aid of braces, 

crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The authority for this specific entitlement 

category expires Sept. 30, 2018. Note, the entitlement authority also has a 

cap of 30 for the year. 

Note: The property may be located outside the United States, in a country 

or political subdivision which allows individuals to have or acquire a 

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

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

to provide assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing. For more 

information on SAH, visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp or call the program’s local office of jurisdiction at 1-877-

827-3702.

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

up to a maximum of $16,217 for the cost of necessary adaptations to a 

service member’s or Veteran’s residence or to help him/her acquire a residence already adapted with special features for his/her disability, to purchase and adapt a home, or for adaptations to a family member’s home 

in which he/she will reside. To be eligible for this grant, service members 

and Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total 

service-connected disability due to one of the following:

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

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

3. Severe burn injuries (see above).

4. Certain severe respiratory injuries.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Eligible Veterans and service 

members who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member may also receive a TRA grant to help the Veteran or service 

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

needs. Those eligible for an $81,080 grant would be permitted to use up 

to $35,593, and those eligible for a $16,217 grant would be permitted 

to use up to $6,355. Under the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring 
17

for Camp LeJeune Families Act of 2012, TRA grant amounts do not count 

against SAH or SHA grant maximum amounts, starting Aug. 6, 2013. Grant 

amounts are adjusted annually Oct.1 based on a cost-of-construction 

index.

Supplemental Financing: Veterans and service members with available 

VA Home Loan Guaranty entitlement may also obtain a guaranteed loan 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

serious employment handicap, and must be discharged or released from 

active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

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

to receive an honorable discharge upon separation from active duty, 

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

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

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

the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).

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

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

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

employment. After an entitlement decision is determined, the Veteran 

and VRC work together to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan. 

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

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

Authorization Act authorized entitlement to VR&E when automatic refer-
18

ral by their chain of command.

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

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

Employment provide greater emphasis on exploring employment options 

early in the rehabilitation planning process, better informed choices for 

the Veteran regarding occupational and employment options, faster access to employment for Veterans who have identifiable and transferable 

skills for direct placement into suitable employment, and an option for 

Veterans who are not able to work, but need assistance to lead a more independent life. If a program of training is selected, VA pays the cost of the 

approved training and services (except those coordinated through other 

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

subsistence allowance.

The Five Tracks to Employment are: Reemployment with previous 

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

through long-term services, and Independent living services.

Period of a Rehabilitation Program: The basic period of eligibility in 

which VR&E benefits may be used is 12 years from the latter of the following: 1) A Veteran’s date of separation from active military service, or 

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

compensable service-connected disability. Veterans may be provided up 

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

the extent of services needed to complete the rehabilitation program. 

Rehabilitation plans that provide services to achieve the maximum level 

of independence cannot exceed 24 months which may be extended in 

certain circumstances.

Employment Services: In partnership with the Department of Labor, VA 

provides support to Veterans and transitioning service members at all 

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

access to employers who want to hire Veterans and military spouses. Additional information and access to services are available at https://www.

vets.gov/employment/ 

VR&E also establishes partnerships with Federal, state, and private agencies that help facilitate direct placement of Veterans or service members 

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

resources:

On the Job Training (OJT) Program: Employers hire Veterans at an ap-
19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Employer Incentive (SEI): The SEI program is for eligible Veterans who face challenges in obtaining employment. Veterans approved to 

participate in the SEI program are hired by participating employers and 

employment is expected to continue following successful completion of 

the program. Employers are provided this incentive to hire Veterans. If 

approved, the employer will receive reimbursement for up to 50 percent 

of the Veteran’s salary during the SEI program, which can last up to six 

months.

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC): The VSOC program aims to help Veterans, service members, and eligible dependents succeed through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, leading 

to successful completion of their education and preparing them to enter 

the labor market in viable careers. For additional information on the VSOC 

program please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/vsoc.asp .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VA Pension: VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension 
20

and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Payments are made to bring 

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

Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Unreimbursed medical 

expenses may reduce countable income for VA purposes.

Veterans Pension: Congress establishes the maximum annual Veterans 

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

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

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

the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed $90 per month after 

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

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

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

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

Eligibility for Veterans Pension: Generally, a Veteran must have at 

least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a VArecognized wartime period to qualify for a VA pension. The 90-day active 

service requirement does not apply to Veterans discharged from the 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplemental Security Income.

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

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

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

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

reduce countable income for VA purposes.

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

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

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

discharge must have been under conditions other than dishonorable, 
21

and the disability must be for reasons other than the Veteran’s own willful 

misconduct.

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

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

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

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

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

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits (Special Monthly Pension): Veterans and survivors who are eligible for VA pension and require 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

additional information on aid and attendance and housebound benefits 

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

aid_attendance_housebound.asp 

Education and Training Benefits 

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

for service members and Veterans who served on active duty after 

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

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

before that date. For additional information on education and training 

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

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

Post - 9/11 GI Bill Eligibility: To be eligible, the service member or Veteran must serve at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 10, 

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

includes active service performed by National Guard members under 

title 32 U.S.C. for the purposes of organizing, administering, recruiting, 

instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the 

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

eligible if they were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-
22

connected disability after serving 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001. 

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

Bill,” all Purple Heart award recipients are eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement providing the award was made during service occurring on or after 

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

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

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

on the length of active duty service, eligible participants are entitled to 

receive a percentage of the cost of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions or the tuition and fees capped at a national maximum rate for private 

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

va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rate_tables.asp . The percentages and corresponding service requirements are noted in the chart below.

Service requirements after 9/10/01, 

an individual must serve an 

aggregate of: 

 Payment Tiers Percentage

 

At least 36 months

 

 100 percent

At least 30 continuous days on 

active duty and discharged due to a 

service connected disability 100 percent

At least 30 months, but less than 36 

Months

 

 90 percent

At least 24 months, but less than 30 

Months

 

 80 percent

**At least 18 months, but less than 

24 Months

 

 70 percent

**At least 12 months, but less than 

18 Months

 

 60 percent

**At least 6 months, but less than 

12 Months***

 

 50 percent

**At least 90 days, but less than 6 

Months***

 

 40 percent

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

***The Colmery Act will change the required amount of service noted 
23

above, effective 08/01/2020, resulting in more generous percentage of 

eligibility for service less than 12 months.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or eligible dependents) but pro-rated based on benefit level and rate of 

pursuit (e.g., full-time student, 3⁄4-time student, etc.). Please note, however, that MHA is not payable to individuals enrolled in flight or correspondence training, to individuals while pursuing training at half time or less 

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

or their spouses.

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

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

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

the main campus of the school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

apprenticeship training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing 

and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance. 

The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program allows institutions of higher learning (such as colleges, universities, and other degree-granting schools) in the United States 

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

that exceed the amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The institu-
24

tion can contribute a specified dollar amount of those expenses, and VA 

will match the contribution, not to exceed 50 percent of the difference. 

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

It is not available to active-duty-service members or their spouses using 

transferred entitlement, regardless of benefit level, or Marine Gunnery 

Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) recipients. However the Colmery Act will expand the Yellow Ribbon Program, as of Aug. 1, 

2018, to include individuals who were awarded a Purple Heart on or after 

Sept. 11, 2001, as well as Fry Scholarship recipients, and, as of Aug. 1, 

2022, to include active-duty service members eligible at the 100-percent 

benefit level, and their spouses using transferred entitlement. 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Eligibility: The 

Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and 

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

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

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

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

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

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

paid to the student.

Surviving children who are eligible may begin an approved program of 

education before the age of 18. A child’s marital status has no effect on 

eligibility. Eligible children are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 

100-percent level. If the qualifying parent’s death occurred before Jan. 1, 

2013, the child’s eligibility ends on his or her 33rd birthday. If the qualifying parent’s death occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2013, the child’s eligibility 

never expires. 

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

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

upon remarriage.

Survivor’s & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): The Survivors’ 

and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education 

and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are 

permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of 

Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related 
25

condition. Eligible surviving dependents may be eligible for 45 months of 

degree and certificate courses, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

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

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

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

out of active service in the armed forces.

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

total service-connected disability was in existence.

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

a hostile force.

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

a foreign government or power.

•	 A service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient 

treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability 

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

effective December. 23, 2006.

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

living with another person who has been recognized publicly as their 

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

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

lose eligibility if the surviving spouse remarries. 

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

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

education program occurs after Aug. 1, 2018. 

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

asp for more information.

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

10 years from either the date they become eligible or the date of the Veteran’s death. Children generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 

to receive educational benefits. VA may grant extensions to both spouses 

and children. The period of eligibility for spouses of service members who 

died on active duty expires 20 years from the date of death. Spouses of 

service members who died during active duty whose 10-year eligibility 

period expired before Dec. 10, 2004 have 20 years from the date of death 
26

to use educational benefits.

Training Available: Benefits may be awarded for pursuit of associate, bachelor, or graduate degrees at colleges and universities; independent study; 

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

technical, or vocational schools; apprenticeships; on-the-job training programs; farm cooperative courses; and preparatory courses for tests required 

or used for admission to an institution of higher learning or graduate school.

Benefits for correspondence courses under certain conditions are available to spouses only. Beneficiaries without high-school degrees can pursue 

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

tutorial assistance if enrolled half-time or more.

Special Benefits: Dependents over age 14 with physical or mental disabilities that impair their ability to pursue an education may receive specialized 

vocational or restorative training, including speech and voice correction, 

language retraining, lip reading, auditory training, Braille reading and writing, and similar programs. Certain disabled or surviving spouses are also 

eligible. For additional information on Survivors & Dependents’ Educational 

Assistance (DEA) visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/DEA.asp.

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

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

to eligible Veterans and service members for college degree and certificate 

programs, technical or vocational courses, flight training, apprenticeships 

or on-the-job training, high tech training, licensing and certification test, 

entrepreneurship training, certain entrance examinations, and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Benefits generally expire 10 years after 

discharge. Current payment rates are available at https://benefits.va.gov/

GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rates/ch30/ch30rates100117.asp. A 

Veteran may be eligible for this benefit if he or she entered active duty after 

June 30, 1985, has an honorable discharge, did not decline MGIB in writing, 

and served three continuous years of active duty (or have an obligation to 

serve four years in the Selected Reserve after active duty service). There are 

exceptions for disability, re-entering active duty, and upgraded discharges. 

All participants must have a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, 

or have completed 12 hours toward a college degree before applying for 

benefits.

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

Code, requires VA to disapprove programs of education for payment of 
27

benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty 

at public Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs) if the school charges qualifying Veterans and dependents tuition and fees in excess of the rate for 

resident students. To remain approved for VA’s GI Bill programs, schools 

must charge in-state tuition and fee amounts to “covered individuals.” A 

covered individual is defined as: A Veteran who lives in the state where 

the IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a period of active 

duty service of 90 days or more.

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

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

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

of active duty service of 90 days or more.

•	 Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously 

enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between 

courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so 

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

described above and must be using educational benefits under 

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

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

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

of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.

•	 Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John 

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

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

•	 The in-state tuition provisions do not apply to those individuals on active duty using benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and 

Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty.

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

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

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

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

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

loan to: Buy an existing dwelling or build a home; buy a residential con-
28

dominium unit; repair, alter, or improve a residence owned and occupied 

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

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

energy-efficient improvements.

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

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

system. 

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

due to a majority of these requests being approved instantaneously by 

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

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

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

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

cases for which VA has sufficient data in its records. Therefore, certain applicants will not be able to establish eligibility online and additional information might be requested prior to the issuance of a COE. If a COE cannot 

be issued immediately, users have the option of submitting a hardcopy 

application. If applying manually for a COE using VA Form 26-1880, it is 

typically necessary that the eligible Veteran to present a copy of his/her 

report of discharge or DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge 

from Active Duty, or other adequate substitute evidence to VA, and be 

aware that it could take more time to process requests in this manner. An 

eligible active duty service member should obtain and submit a statement of service signed by an appropriate military official to the appropriate Regional Loan Center mentioned on VA Form 26-1880. For general 

program information or to obtain VA loan guaranty forms please visit 

http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ or call 1-877-827-3702 to reach 

the home loan program’s local office of jurisdiction.

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

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

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

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

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

approved by a lender for a VA home loan. 

Surviving Spouses: Some spouses of Veterans may have home loan eligibility: The unmarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died as a result 
29

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

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

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

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

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

only. Surviving spouses of Veterans who died from nonservice –connected causes may also be eligible if any of the following conditions are met: 

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

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

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

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

1999, and was rated totally service connected disabled for not less than 

one year immediately preceding death.

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

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

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

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

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

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

va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_loan_limits.asp .

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

Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan to refinance an existing VA loan 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

for purchase and certain refinance loans guaranteed by VA. A lender can 
30

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

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

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

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

A thorough inspection of the property by a reputable inspection firm 

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

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

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

recommends testing for radon, a known carcinogen.

Home Loan Guaranty Closing Costs: For purchase home loans, payment 

in cash is required on all closing costs, including title search and recording fees, hazard insurance premiums, and prepaid taxes. For refinancing 

loans, all such costs may be included in the loan, as long as the total 

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

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

discount points.

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

of the loan amount collected in order to offset future anticipated costs 

associated with the loan. A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the Veteran is exempt from such a fee. Currently, exemptions from the funding 

fee are provided for Veterans and service members receiving VA disability 

compensation, those who are rated by VA as eligible to receive compensation as a result of pre-discharge disability examination and rating, and 

those who would be in receipt of compensation, but who were recalled 

to active duty or reenlisted and are receiving active-duty pay in lieu of 

compensation. Additionally, unmarried surviving spouses in receipt of 

dependency and indemnity compensation may be exempt. The fee may 

be paid in cash or included in the loan. For all types of loans, the loan 

amount may include the VA funding fee and up to $6,000 of energyefficient improvements.

However, no other fees including fees for the VA appraisal, credit report, 

loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer 

taxes, survey charges, or hazard insurance charges, or discount points 

may be included in loans for purchase or construction. For refinancing 

loans, most closing costs may be included in the loan amount.

Home Loan Guaranty Required Occupancy: To qualify for a VA home 

loan, a Veteran or the spouse of an active-duty service member must 
31

certify that he or she intends to occupy the home. A dependent child of 

an active-duty service member also satisfies the occupancy requirement. 

When refinancing a VA-guaranteed loan solely to reduce the interest rate, 

a Veteran only needs to certify prior occupancy.

Home Loan Guaranty Financing, Interest Rates and Terms: Veterans 

obtain VA-guaranteed loans through the usual lending institutions, 

including banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. VA-guaranteed 

loans can have either a fixed interest rate or an adjustable rate, where 

the interest rate may adjust up to 1 percent annually and up to 5 percent 

over the life of the loan. VA does not set the interest rate. Interest rates are 

negotiable between the lender and borrower on all loan types.

Veterans may also choose a different type of adjustable rate mortgage 

called a hybrid ARM, where the initial interest rate remains fixed for 3-10 

years. If the rate remains fixed for less than five years, the rate adjustment 

cannot be more than 1 percent annually and 5 percent over the life of the 

loan. For a hybrid ARM with an initial fixed period of five years or more, 

the initial adjustment may be up to 2 percent.

The Secretary has the authority to determine annual adjustments thereafter. Currently, annual adjustments may be up to 2 percentage point and 

6 percent over the life of the loan. If the lender charges discounts points 

on the loan, the Veteran may negotiate with the seller as to who will pay 

points or if they will be split between buyer and seller. Points paid by the 

Veteran may not be included in the loan (with the exception that up to 

two points may be included in interest rate reduction refinancing loans). 

The term of the loan may be for as long as 30 years and 32 days.

Home Loan Guaranty Assumption Requirements and Liability: VA 

loans made on or after March 1, 1988, are not assumable without the prior approval of VA or its authorized agent (usually the lender collecting the 

monthly payments). To approve the assumption, the lender must ensure 

that the purchaser is a satisfactory credit risk and will assume all of the 

Veteran’s liabilities on the loan. If approved, the purchaser will have to pay 

a funding fee that the lender sends to VA, and the Veteran will be released 

from liability to the federal government. (A VA-guaranteed loan may be 

assumed by Veterans, active duty personnel, and non-Veterans alike.)

Loans made prior to March 1, 1988, are generally freely assumable, but 

Veterans should still request the lender’s approval in order to be released 

of liability. Veterans whose loans were closed after December 31, 1989, 

usually have no liability to the government following a foreclosure, 
32

except in cases involving fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith, such as 

allowing an unapproved assumption. However, for the entitlement to be 

restored, any loss suffered by VA must be paid in full.

A release of liability does not mean that a Veteran’s guaranty entitlement 

is restored. That occurs only if the borrower is an eligible Veteran who 

agrees to substitute his or her entitlement for that of the seller. If the Veteran allows assumptions of a loan without prior approval, then the lender 

may demand immediate and full payment of the loan, and the Veteran 

may be liable if the loan is foreclosed and VA has to pay a claim under the 

loan guaranty.

VA Assistance to Veterans in Default: When a VA-guaranteed home 

loan becomes delinquent; VA may provide supplemental servicing assistance to help cure the default. The servicer has the primary responsibility 

of servicing the loan to resolve the default, and VA urges all Veterans who 

are encountering problems making their mortgage payments to speak 

with their servicers as soon as possible to explore options to avoid foreclosure. Contrary to popular opinion, servicers do not want to foreclose, 

because foreclosure costs money. Depending on a Veteran’s specific situation, servicers may offer any of the following options to avoid foreclosure:

•	 Repayment Plan – the borrower makes a regular installment 

each month plus part of the missed installments.

•	 Special Forbearance – the servicer agrees not to initiate foreclosure to allow time for borrowers to repay the missed installments 

or agrees to place a hold or postpone foreclosures proceedings. 

An example of when this would be likely is when a borrower is 

waiting for a tax refund.

•	 Loan Modification – provides the borrower a fresh start by adding the delinquency to the loan balance and establishing a new 

payment schedule.

•	 Short Sale – when the servicer agrees to allow a borrower to sell 

his/her home for a lesser amount than what is currently required 

to pay off the loan.

•	 Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure – the borrower voluntarily agrees 

to deed the property to the servicer instead of going through a 

lengthy foreclosure process. In cases where the servicer is unable 

to help the Veteran borrower, VA has loan technicians at its eight 

RLCs and in Hawaii, who are available to take an active role in 

interceding with the mortgage servicer. Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877-827- 3702 to discuss potential 

ways to help save the loan.
33

Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Home Loan Guaranties: 

Veteran borrowers may be able to request relief pursuant to the SCRA. In 

order to qualify for certain protections available under the Act, their obligation must have originated prior to their current period of active military 

service. SCRA may provide a lower interest rate during military service 

and for up to one year after service ends, provide forbearance, or prevent 

foreclosure or eviction up to nine months from period of military service.

Assistance to Veterans with VA-Guaranteed Home Loans: When a 

VA-guaranteed home loan becomes delinquent; VA may provide supplemental servicing assistance to help cure the default. The servicer has 

the primary responsibility of servicing the loan to resolve the default. 

Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877-827-3702 to 

reach the nearest VA office where loan specialists are prepared to discuss 

potential ways to help save the loan.

Assistance to Veterans with Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loans in Default: VA advises Veterans or service members who are having difficulty 

making payments on a non-VA-guaranteed loan to contact their servicer 

as quickly as possible to explore options to avoid foreclosure. Although 

for non-VA loans, VA does not have authority to directly intervene on the 

borrower’s behalf, VA’s network of loan technicians at eight Regional Loan 

Centers and an office in Hawaii can offer advice and guidance on how to 

potentially avoid foreclosure. Veterans or service members with non-VAloans may call 1-877-827-3702 to speak with a VA loan technician, or 

visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/, for more information on 

avoiding foreclosure. 

If VA is not able to help a Veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether 

a VA-guaranteed loan or not), the Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD) offers assistance to homeowners by sponsoring local 

housing counseling agencies. To find an approved agency in your area, 

search online at https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call 

HUD’s interactive voice system at 1-800-569-4287.

VA Refinancing of a Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loan: Veterans with 

non-VA guaranteed home loans now have new options for refinancing to 

a VA-guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result 

of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. Veterans who wish to 

refinance their subprime or conventional mortgage may now do so for up 

to 100 percent of value of the property.
34

Other Assistance for Delinquent Veteran Borrowers: If VA is not able to 

help a Veteran borrower retain his/her home (whether a VA-guaranteed 

loan or not), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

offers assistance to homeowners by sponsoring local housing counseling agencies. To find an approved agency in your area, please visit: http://

www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm , or call HUD’s interactive voice 

system at 1-800-569-4287.

Preventing Veteran Homelessness: Veterans who believe they may be 

facing homelessness as a result of losing their homes can call 1-877-4AIDVET (877-424-3838) or visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ to receive 

assistance in preventing homelessness.

VA Acquired Property Sales: VA acquires properties as a result of foreclosures of VA-guaranteed and VA-owned loans. A private contractor currently markets the acquired properties through listing agents using local 

Multiple Listing Services. A listing of “VA Properties for Sale” may be found 

at http://listings.vrmco.com/. Contact a real estate agent for information 

on purchasing a VA-acquired property.

Loans for Native American Veterans: Eligible Native American Veterans 

can obtain a loan from VA to purchase, construct, or improve a home on 

federal Trust Land, or to reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. Native 

American Direct Loans (NADL) are only available if a memorandum of 

understanding exists between the tribal organization and VA. Veterans 

who are not Native American, but who are married to Native American 

non-Veterans, may be eligible for a direct loan under this program.

To be eligible for such a loan, the qualified non-Native American Veteran 

and the Native American spouse must reside on federal Trust Land, both 

the Veteran and spouse must have a meaningful interest in the dwelling 

or lot, and the tribal authority that has jurisdiction over the Trust Land 

must recognize the non-Native American Veteran as subject to its authority. For additional information about the NADL program please visit: 

http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/nadl.asp .

VA Life Insurance: VA’s life insurance benefits open to new applicants 

include Service members’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance, Family Service members’ Group Life Insurance, Service members’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, Service-Disabled 

Veterans’ Insurance, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance.

These programs are described below. Complete details are also available 
35

at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/; or by writing to Department 

of Veterans Affairs, Insurance Center, P.O. Box 42954, Philadelphia, PA 

19101or by calling VA’s Insurance Center toll-free at 1-800-669-8477. 

Specialists are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. (EST) 

Monday through Friday to discuss: eligibility, premium payments, insurance dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries, 

reporting the death of the insured and other insurance issues.

For information about Service Members’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ 

Group Life Insurance, Service Members’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic 

Injury Protection or Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance coverage, please visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/; or call the Office 

of service members’ Group Life Insurance directly at 1-800-419-1473.

Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): The following persons 

are automatically insured by law for $400,000 under SGLI: 

•	 Active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and 

Coast Guard

•	 Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 

•	 U.S. Public Health Service (UPHS) 

•	 Cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies 

•	 Members, cadets and midshipmen of the Reserved Officers 

Training Corps (ROTC) while engaged in authorized training and 

practice cruises 

•	 Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard who are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year 

•	 Service members who volunteer for a mobilization category in 

the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

Individuals may elect in writing to be covered for less than $400,000 

or to decline coverage. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. Full-time service members 

on active duty are covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days 

of the year. 

Full Time SGLI Coverage: Full-time coverage is in effect during 
36

periods of active duty and for Ready Reserve and National Guard 

members scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty 

training per year. Coverage is also provided for 120 days after separation or release from duty for service members who quality for fulltime SGLI coverage.

Reservists or National Guard members who have been assigned to 

a unit in which they are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods 

of inactive duty that is creditable for retirement purposes are also 

covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days of the year and for 

120 days following separation or release from duty. 

Part-Time SGLI Coverage: Part-time coverage is provided for 

Reservists or National Guard members who do not qualify for the 

full-time coverage described above. Part-time coverage generally 

applies to Reservists/National Guard members who drill only a few 

days in a year. These individuals are covered only while on active duty 

or active duty for training, or while traveling to and from such duty. 

Members covered part time do not receive 120 days of free coverage 

after separation unless they incur or aggravate a disability during 

a period of duty. For additional information about SGLI coverage, 

please visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp

SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI): Members of the armed 

services serve our nation heroically during times of great need, but what 

happens when they experience great needs of their own because they 

have sustained a traumatic injury? TSGLI provides payment to traumatically injured service members who have suffered certain physical losses. 

The TSGLI benefit ranges between $25,000 and $100,000 depending on 

the loss suffered. TSGLI helps service members by providing financial 

resources that allow their families to be with them during their recovery 

or by helping them with other expenses incurred during their recovery 

period.

TSGLI is part of SGLI. An additional $1 is added to the service member’s 

SGLI premium to cover TSGLI. After Dec. 1, 2005, all service members who 

are covered by SGLI are automatically also covered by TSGLI. TSGLI cannot 

be declined unless the service member also declines basic SGLI. TSGLI 

claims are adjudicated by the service members military branches of service. In addition, there is retroactive TSGLI coverage for service members 

who sustained a qualifying loss between Oct. 7, 2001 and Nov. 30, 2005 

regardless of where it occurred; TSGLI coverage is also payable to these 

service members regardless of whether they had SGLI coverage in force 
37

at the time of their injury.

For additional information about TSGLI eligibility and branch of service 

contact information, please visit: http://benefits.va.gov/insurance/tsgli.

asp , or call:

1-800-237-1336 (Army);

1-866-827-5672, option2 (Navy);

1-877-216-0825 or 1-703-432-9277 (Marine Corps);

1-800-433-0048 (Active Duty Air Force);

1-800-525-0102 (Air Force Reserves);

1-240-612-9151 (Air National Guard);

1-202-795-6647 (Coast Guard);

1-301-427-3280 (Public Health Service);

1-301-713-3444 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI): 

FSGLI coverage consists of spousal coverage and dependent child coverage. FSGLI provides term life insurance coverage for the spouse and 

dependent children of service members insured under SGLI. The service 

member must pay a premium for spousal coverage. Dependent children 

are insured at no cost to the service member. Family coverage is available 

only to service members insured under the SGLI program, not Veterans’ 

Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

Spousal Coverage*: FSGLI provides up to $100,000 of life insurance coverage for a spouse of a service member with full-time SGLI coverage, which 

can not to exceed the amount of SGLI the service member has in force. 

Coverage for spouses who are not in the military is automatic. 

For spouses who are in the military at the same time as the SGLI insured 

service member and who got married on or after Jan. 2, 2013, coverage 

is not automatic. The service members in this category must apply for 

spousal coverage for their military spouse, and their spouses must meet 

good health requirements. 
38

Premiums for spousal coverage are based on the age of the spouse and 

the amount of FSGLI coverage. FSGLI is a service members’ benefit; the 

member pays the premium and is the only person allowed to be the beneficiary of the coverage. 

FSGLI spousal coverage ends due to any of the following events:

•	 The service member elects in writing to terminate his or her own 

SGLI coverage.

•	 The service member elects in writing to terminate FSGLI coverage on their spouse.

•	 The service member divorces his/her spouse.

•	 The insured service member dies.

•	 The service member separates from service.

*The insured spouse may convert his or her FSGLI coverage to a permanent policy offered by participating private insurers within 120 days of 

the date of any of the termination events noted above. 

SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES): If a service member is in the 

Navy, Air Force or Army spousal coverage under Service Members’ Group 

Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage can now be managed using the SGLI 

Online Enrollment System (SOES). SOES allows service members with 

full-time SGLI coverage to make changes to their life insurance coverage 

and beneficiary information online at any time without completing a 

paper form or making a trip to their personnel office. To access SOES, the 

service member must sign into the MilConnect portal at www.dmdc.osd.

mil/milconnect and go to the Benefits Tab, Life Insurance SOES- SGLI Online 

Enrollment System.

Service members in branches other than the Navy, Air Force or Army must 

complete and submit the SGLI Form SGLV 8286A, Family Coverage Election, 

service members’ Group Life Insurance to change their FSGLI spousal coverage elections. The service member should contact their Personnel Office 

for any changes to Basic SGLI, Family SGLI coverage, or to find out when 

their service is scheduled to begin using SOES.

Dependent Child Coverage: FSGLI dependent coverage of $10,000 is 

also automatically provided for dependent children of service members 
39

insured under SGLI, with no premium required. FSGLI Dependent Child 

coverage cannot be declined. FSGLI Dependent Child coverage ends 

when one of the following events occurs: 

•	 The service member elects in writing to decline SGLI coverage 

•	 The child(ren) no longer qualifies as an insurable dependent as 

defined by 38 U.S.C. 1965(10)

•	 The service member dies 

•	 The service member is discharged from the service 

Dependent child coverage cannot be converted to a commercial policy.

For additional information about FSGLI coverage, please visit: https://

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): VGLI is lifetime renewable term 

coverage available to former service members who had SGLI at the time 

of separation which includes the following persons. 

•	 Former service members who had full-time SGLI coverage upon 

separation from active duty or the Reserves

•	 Former service members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard 

with part-time SGLI coverage who incur a disability or aggravate 

a pre-existing disability during a period of active duty or a period 

of inactive duty for less than 31 days that renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates

•	 Former service members of the Individual Ready Reserve and 

Inactive National Guard

SGLI coverage may be converted to VGLI after separation from service. 

Former service members must apply for VGLI within one-year and 120 

days from separation from service to qualify.

Service members separated from service on or after Nov. 1, 2012, who 

apply for VGLI within 240 days of separation, do not need to submit 

evidence of good health, while service members who apply after the 

240-day period after separation must submit evidence of insurability. The 

initial VGLI coverage available is equal to the amount of SGLI coverage 

held at the time of separation from service unless the service member 
40

elects less VGLI coverage after separation.

Effective April 11, 2011, VGLI insureds who are under age 60 and have 

less than $400,000 in coverage can purchase up to $25,000 of additional 

coverage on each five-year anniversary of their initial coverage, up to 

the maximum $400,000. The option to purchase additional VGLI starts 

from the one-year anniversary of initial VGLI coverage date. The option 

to increase VGLI coverage thereafter is available every five years as long 

as the former service member meets the eligibility criteria. No medical 

underwriting is required for the additional coverage.

For additional information about VGLI coverage, please visit: https://www.

benefits.va.gov/insurance/vgli.asp.

SGLI Disability Extension: service members who are totally disabled 

at the time of separation (i.e. unable to work due to disabilities or have 

certain statutory conditions), can apply for the SGLI Disability Extension, which provides free coverage for up to two years from the date of 

separation. To apply, service members must complete and return SGLV 

8715, the SGLI Disability Extension Application. Those covered under the 

SGLI Disability Extension are automatically converted to VGLI at the end 

of their extension period, subject to the payment of premiums. VGLI is 

convertible at any time to a permanent plan policy with any participating 

commercial insurance company.

For additional information about the SGLI coverage, please visit: https://

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sglidisabled.asp.

Accelerated Death Benefits: Like many private life insurance companies, 

the SGLI, FSGLI and VGLI programs offer an accelerated benefits option 

to terminally ill insured members. An insured service member is considered to be terminally ill if he or she has a written medical prognosis of 

nine months or less to live. All terminally ill insureds are eligible to receive 

advance payment of up to 50 percent of their SGLI or VGLI coverage, and 

terminally ill spouses can receive up to 50 percent of their FSGLI in a lump 

sum. Payment of an accelerated benefit does however reduce the amount 

payable to the beneficiaries at the time of the insured’s death. 

To apply, an insured member must submit SGLV 8284, service member/

Veteran Accelerated Benefit Option form, and spouses must complete SGLV 

8284A, service member Family Coverage Accelerated Benefits Option form.

For additional information about the Accelerated Benefit Option, please 
41

visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/abo.asp

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI): Veterans who separated 

from service on or after April 25, 1951, under other than dishonorable 

conditions who have VA rated service-connected disabilities, even disabilities that are 0-percent disabling, but are otherwise in good health, 

may apply to VA for up to $10,000 in life insurance coverage under the SDVI program. Applications must be submitted to the VA Insurance Center 

in Philadelphia within two years from the date of being notified of the 

approval of a new service-connected disability by VA. Veterans who are 

totally disabled (i.e. unable to work due to disability (ies) or have certain 

statutory conditions) may apply for a waiver of their S-DVI premiums. If 

approved for waiver of premiums, the Veteran can apply for additional 

supplemental S-DVI coverage of up to $30,000. However, premiums cannot be waived on the additional supplemental S-DVI.

To be eligible for this type of supplemental insurance, Veterans must 

meet all three requirements below: 

1) be under age 65; 

2) be eligible for a waiver of S-DVI premiums due to total disability; and

3) apply for additional insurance within one year from the date of notification of approval of waiver of premiums on the basic S-DVI policy.

For additional information about S-DVI and Supplemental S-DVI, please 

visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/s-dvi.asp.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): VMLI is mortgage protection 

insurance available to service members and Veterans under the age of 

70 who have severe service-connected disabilities that qualify them for a 

SAH Grant from the VA Loan Guaranty Service. SAH Grants help severely 

disabled Veterans build, remodel or purchase a home. 

Maximum VMLI coverage is the smaller of the existing mortgage balance or $200,000 and is payable only to the mortgage company upon 

the insured’s death. To qualify for VMLI coverage, the service member or 

Veteran must the following elements:

1) qualify for the VA SAH grant for the home 

2) have title to or ownership rights in the home, and

3) have a mortgage on the home

VMLI premiums are based on the age of the service member or Veteran, 
42

the length of the mortgage, the balance of the mortgage at the time 

of application and the amount of VMLI coverage requested; the service 

member/Veteran will need to provide this information to VA to determine 

the premium. 

VMLI coverage automatically terminates when: 1) the mortgage is paid 

off in full; 2) the service member or Veteran terminates ownership in the 

property secured by the mortgage; 3) the service member or Veteran 

requests termination of coverage; 4) the service member or Veteran fails 

to provide required information (i.e. premiums or mortgage information); 

5) the premium is not paid; or 6) the service member or Veteran dies

If a mortgage is disposed of through sale of the property, VMLI may be 

obtained on the mortgage of another home.

For additional information about VMLI, please visit: https://www.benefits.

va.gov/insurance/vmli.asp

Other Insurance Information: The following information applies only 

to policies issued to World War II, Korean-era, Vietnam-era Veterans and 

persons with Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance policies. Policies in this 

group are prefixed by the letters K, V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or RH.

Insurance Dividends Issued Annually: World War II and Korean Era Veterans with active policies beginning with the letters V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or K 

earn tax-free dividends annually on the policy anniversary date. (Policies 

prefixed by RH do not earn dividends.) 

Policyholders do not need to apply for dividends, but may select among 

the following dividend options:

Cash: The dividend is paid directly to the insured by direct deposit to a 

bank account or by U.S. Treasury check.

Paid-Up Additional Insurance: The dividend is used to purchase additional insurance coverage for all policies except policy numbers that 

begin with the letter “K”.

Credit or Deposit: The dividend is held in an account for the policyholder 

with interest. Withdrawals from the account can be made at any time. The 

interest rate may be adjusted. (There are, however, limitations regarding 

the dividend credit option for term insurance policies.)
43

Net Premium Billing Options: These options use the dividend to pay the 

annual policy premium. If the dividend exceeds the premium, the policyholder has options to choose how the remainder is used. If the dividend 

is not enough to pay an annual premium, the policyholder is billed the 

balance.

Other Dividend Options: Dividends can also be used to repay a policy 

loan or pay premiums in advance.

Reinstating Lapsed Insurance: Lapsed term policies may be reinstated 

within five years from the date of lapse. A five-year term policy that is not 

lapsed at the end of the term is automatically renewed for an additional 

five years. Lapsed permanent plans may be reinstated within certain time 

limits and with certain health requirements. Reinstated permanent plan 

policies require repayment of all back premiums, plus interest.

Converting Term Policies: Term policies are renewed automatically 

every five years, with premiums increasing at each renewal. Premiums do 

not increase after age 70. Term policies may be converted to permanent 

plans, which have fixed premiums for life and earn cash and loan values.

Dividends on Capped Term Policies: Effective Sept. 11 2000, VA provides either a cash dividend or paid-up insurance on term policies whose 

premiums have been capped. Veterans with National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) term insurance that has renewed at age 71 or older and 

who stop paying premiums on their policies will be given a “termination 

dividend.” This dividend can either be received as a cash payment or used 

to purchase a reduced amount of paid-up insurance, which insures the 

Veteran for life with no premium payments required. The amount of the 

reduced paid-up insurance remains level. This does not apply to S-DVI 

(RH) policies.

Borrowing on Policies: Policyholders with permanent plan policies may 

borrow up to 94 percent of the cash surrender value of their insurance after the insurance is in force for one year or more. Interest is compounded 

annually. The loan interest rate is variable and may be obtained by calling 

toll-free at 1-800-669-8477.

Reserve and National Guard Re-Employment Rights: A person who 

left a civilian job to enter active duty in the armed forces is entitled to 

return to the job after discharge or release from active duty if they: gave 

advance notice of military service to the employer; did not exceed five 

years’ cumulative absence from the civilian job (with some exceptions); 
44

submitted a timely application for re-employment; and did not receive a 

dishonorable or other punitive discharge.

The law calls for a returning Veteran to be placed in the job as if he/she 

had never left, including benefits based on seniority such as pensions, 

pay increases and promotions. The law also prohibits discrimination in 

hiring, promotion, or other advantages of employment on the basis of 

military service. Veterans seeking re-employment should apply, verbally 

or in writing, to the company’s hiring official and keep a record of their 

application. If problems arise, contact the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ 

Employment and Training Service (VETS) in the state of the employer. 

Federal employees not properly re-employed may appeal directly to the 

Merit Systems Protection Board. Non-federal employees may file complaints in U.S. District Court. For information, visit http://www.dol.gov/

vets/programs/userra/main.htm .

Special Groups of Veterans

Veterans and Survivors Needing Fiduciary Services: The fiduciary 

program provides oversight of VA’s most vulnerable beneficiaries who are 

unable to manage their VA benefits because of injury, disease, the infirmities of advanced age, or being under 18 years of age. VA closely monitors 

fiduciaries for compliance with program responsibilities to ensure that VA 

benefits are being used for the purpose of meeting the needs, security, 

and comfort of beneficiaries and their dependents. In deciding who 

should act as fiduciary for a beneficiary, VA will always select the most effective and least restrictive fiduciary arrangement. For more information 

about VA’s fiduciary program, please visit our website at http://benefits.

va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp .

Homeless Veterans: VA’s homeless programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless assistance programs in the country, offering 

a wide array of services to help Veterans recover from homelessness and 

live as self-sufficiently and independently as possible. For more information on VA homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled 

in VA health care can speak with their VA mental health or health care 

provider. Other Veterans and interested parties can find a complete list of 

VA health care facilities at https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.

asp?dnum=1&isFlash=0 , or they can call VA‘s general information hotline 

at 1-800--827-1000. If assistance is needed when contacting a VA facility, 

ask to speak to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program or the 

Mental Health service manager. For additional information please visit: 
45

http://www.benefits.va.gov/PERSONA/veteran-homeless.asp or call VA’s 

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-888 AIDVET (1-888-424-

3838). 

Homeless Veterans Dental Program: The Homeless Veterans Dental 

Program was established by the Veterans Administration in 1992. The program is funded through the Office of Dentistry and located at the James 

A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. For additional information on the Homeless 

Dental Program please visit: https://www.va.gov/homeless/dental.asp.

VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program: The HCHV 

Program provides a gateway to VA and community supportive services 

for eligible Veterans. Through the HCHV Program, Veterans are provided 

with case management and residential treatment in the community. 

The program also conducts outreach to homeless Veterans who are not 

likely to come to VA facilities on their own. For more information on VA 

homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled in VA health 

care can speak with their VA mental health or health care provider. Other 

Veterans and interested parties can find a complete list of VA health care 

facilities at http://www.va.gov, or they can call VA’s general information 

hotline at 1-800-827-1000. If assistance is needed when contacting a VA 

facility, ask to speak to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program 

or the Mental Health service manager. For additional information on VA 

Homeless program website please visit: http://www.va.gov/homeless.

Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services: The HVCES 

Program provides a range of site-specific employment services rather 

than being a discrete program. There are no eligibility requirements for 

Veterans to receive assistance from HVCES other than participation in 

a VHA homeless program. HVCES staff ensure a range of employment 

services are accessible to Veterans who have experienced homelessness. 

Individualized employment services are provided to overcome barriers preventing the Veteran from returning to work, such as a poor work 

history, lack of transportation and appropriate clothing, history of justice 

involvement and co-occurring substance use and/or mental health issues. 

HVCES staff, embedded in homeless programs within the medical centers, 

complement existing medical center-based employment services, and 

are a bridge to employment opportunities and resources in the local 

community. HVCES is staffed by community employment coordinators 

(CECs), located at each VA medical center, and employment specialists 
46

within the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Department of 

Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) 

Programs, who are located at a limited number of VA medical centers. For 

more information about HVCES, please visit: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HVCES.asp.

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program: The GPD Program 

is offered annually (as funding permits) by the Department of Veterans 

Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Programs to fund nonprofit community agencies that provide services to homeless Veterans. 

The purpose of the program is to promote the development and provision of supportive housing and/or supportive services with the goal of 

helping homeless Veterans achieve residential stability, increase their skill 

levels and/or income, and obtain greater self-determination.

Only programs with supportive housing (up to 24 months) or service 

centers (offering services such as case management, education, crisis intervention, counseling, services targeted towards specialized populations 

including homeless women Veterans, etc.) are eligible for these funds.

 For more information, visit: http://www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp .

Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program: The HUD-VASH Program provides permanent 

housing and case management for eligible homeless Veterans who need 

community-based support to secure and keep keep stable housing. This 

program allows eligible Veterans to live in Veteran selected housing units 

with a “Housing Choice” voucher. These vouchers are portable to support 

the Veteran’s choice of housing in communities served by their VA medical facility where case management services can be provided. For more 

information, please visit: www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp 

Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) Program: The SSVF 

Program is designed to rapidly re-house homeless Veteran families and 

prevent homelessness for those at imminent risk due to a housing crisis. 

Funds are granted to private non-profit organizations and consumer 

cooperatives that will assist very low-income Veteran families by providing a range of supportive services designed to promote housing stability. 

To locate a SSVF provider in your community, please visit: http://www.

va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp and look for the list of current year SSVF providers or call VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-888-4AIDVET (1-888-424-3838).
47

VA Benefits for Veterans Living Overseas: VA monetary benefits, 

including disability compensation, pension, educational benefits, and 

burial allowances, are generally payable overseas. Some programs are restricted. Home loan guaranties are available only in the United States and 

selected U.S. territories and possessions. The Specially Adapted Housing 

benefit is available outside of the continental United States. Educational 

benefits are limited to approved, degree granting programs in institutions 

of higher learning. Beneficiaries living in foreign countries should contact 

the nearest American embassy or consulate for help. In Canada, contact 

an office of Veterans Affairs. For information, visit: http://www.benefitsvba.va.gov/persona/veteran-abroad.aspbln/21/Foreign/index.htm .

Incarcerated Veterans: VA service-connected disability compensation 

benefits are affected if a Veteran is convicted of a felony and incarcerated for more than 60 days. VA non-service connected pension benefits 

are affected if a Veteran is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and 

incarcerated for more than 60 days. Disability compensation paid to an 

incarcerated Veteran rated 20 percent or more disabled is limited to the 

10 percent rate. For a Veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent, the 

payment is reduced to half of the rate payable to a Veteran evaluated 

as 10 percent disabled. Payments are not reduced for participants in 

work-release programs, residing in halfway houses, or under community 

control. Disability, death or survivor pension paid to a Veteran or beneficiary incarcerated following conviction of a felony or misdemeanor must 

be discontinued.

Benefits not paid to a Veteran or surviving spouse while incarcerated may 

be apportioned to eligible dependents. Failure to notify VA of a Veteran 

or beneficiary’s incarceration can result in overpayment of benefits and 

the subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits until the overpayment is 

recovered.

NOTE: VA benefits will not be provided to any Veteran, survivor or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

The Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans (HCRV) Program: The HCRV 

Program offers outreach, referrals, and short-term case management 

assistance for incarcerated Veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon their release. To locate an outreach worker please visit: www.

va.gov/homeless/reentry.asp. 

The Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO): The VJO Program provides outreach and linkage to needed treatment and services to Veterans 
48

involved in law enforcement encounters, seen in the court system, and/

or incarcerated in local jails who may be at risk for homelessness upon 

their release. To locate a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, please visit: 

http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/VJO.asp .

Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New 

Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND): VA has personnel stationed at major military 

hospitals to help seriously injured service members returning from 

Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/

OND) as they transition from military to civilian life. OEF/ OIF/OND service 

members who have questions about VA benefits or need assistance filing 

a VA claim or accessing services can contact the nearest VA office or call 

1-800-827-1000.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act: The Act made Transition Assistance Program 

(TAP), including attendance at VA benefit briefings, mandatory for most 

service members transitioning to civilian status; upgraded career counseling options, focused TAP more heavily on job hunting skills, and tailored 

the program for the 21st century job market. The Act allows service 

members to begin the post-military employment process prior to separation or retirement from military service. This enhances opportunities to 

connect transitioning service members to both private-sector employers 

and Federal agencies seeking to hire Veterans. It also provides disabled 

Veterans up to one year of additional vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits. The Act provides tax credits for hiring Veterans and 

disabled Veterans who are out of work.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP consists of comprehensive 

workshops at military installations designed to assist service members as 

they transition from military to civilian life. A critical component of TAP is 

Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success); an outcome-based, modular curriculum with standardized learning objectives that transforms the way the 

military prepares service members separating from Active Duty to pursue 

their post-service career goals. It is designed to help service members 

depart military service “career ready” and meet mandatory Career Readiness Standards (CRS), regardless of their branch of service. VA collaborates 

with the Department of Defense to align TAP offerings with the current 

Military Life Cycle framework, which embeds transition planning and 

preparation for meeting career-readiness standards throughout a service 

member’s military career. The intent is for VA to utilize these touchpoints 

with service members throughout the Military Life Cycle to provide key 

information that service members need at each step to ensure they are 

ready for a successful transition. Retiring service members are allowed to 
49

attend Transition GPS up to 24 months prior to retirement, while separating service members can attend up to 12 months prior to separating. VA 

benefit briefings are comprised of two briefings focusing on benefits and 

services service members have earned through their service. Additionally, service members have the opportunity to participate in one or more 

two-day tailored tracks within Transition GPS curriculum to meet their 

personal career goals: Accessing Higher Education, for those pursuing a 

college education; Career Technical Training, for those seeking industryrecognized credentials in shorter-term training programs; or Entrepreneurship, for those wanting to start their own business. Service members 

can also sign up for one-on-one appointments with a VA representative; 

interested service members should contact their local TAP manager to 

sign up for this program.

In-Transition: In-Transition is a free, voluntary program with coaches who 

provide psychological health care support to service members, Veterans, 

and their health care providers during times of transition. This program 

provides access to transitional support, motivation, and healthy lifestyle assistance and advice from qualified coaches through the toll-free 

telephone number 1-800-424-7877. For more information, visit: http://

intransition.dcoe.mil

Federal Recovery Coordination Program (FRCP): The Federal Recovery 

Coordination Program (FRCP) assists severely wounded, ill, or injured service members, Veterans, and their families. Federal Recovery Coordinators 

(FRCs) are located at both VA and Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, 

and provide virtual care coordination and advocacy services regardless of client location, medical treatment, geographic location of injury, 

place of medical diagnosis, or military or Veteran status. FRCs provide 

client centric services that assist with coordinating benefits, services, and 

care which are aligned with client goals for recovery, rehabilitation, and 

reintegration. The program is open to clients who may have one or more 

of the following problems: Traumatic Brain Injury; Post- Traumatic Stress 

Disorder; Spinal Cord Injury; Burns; Amputation; Blindness of Visual Impairments; an at risk for psychological complications If you think you may 

qualify, know someone who may qualify or desire additional information, 

please contact the FRCP at 877-732-4456.

Pre-Separation Counseling through Military Service: service members 

may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months prior to retirement or 

12 months prior to separation from active duty. These sessions present information on education, training, employment assistance, National Guard 
50

and Reserve programs, medical benefits, and financial assistance.

Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET): The VMET 

Document, DD Form 2586, helps service members verify previous experience and training to potential employers, negotiate credits at schools, 

and obtain certificates or licenses. VMET documents are available only 

through each military branch’s support office and are intended for service 

members who have at least six months of active duty. Service members 

should obtain VMET documents from their Transition Support Office 

within 12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement.

Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program: Recently separated Veterans and those with service-connected disabilities, significant barriers 

to employment, or who served on active duty during a period in which 

a campaign or expedition badge was authorized, can contact the nearest state employment office for employment help through the Veterans 

Workforce Investment Program. The program may be conducted through 

state or local public agencies, community organizations or private, nonprofit organizations.

State Employment Services: Veterans can find employment information, education and training opportunities, job counseling, job search 

workshops, and resume preparation assistance by visiting their individual 

State Department of Veteran Affairs. Many states have Veterans Employment Centers, at state Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers that. These 

offices also have specialists to help disabled Veterans find employment. 

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

www.vets.gov/employment/ .

Unemployment Compensation: Veterans who do not begin civilian 

employment immediately after leaving military service may receive 

weekly unemployment compensation for a limited time. The amount and 

duration of payments are determined by individual states. Apply by contacting the nearest state employment office listed in the local telephone 

directory.

Veterans Preference for Federal Jobs: Since the time of the Civil War, 

Veterans of the armed Forces have been given some degree of preference 

in appointments to federal jobs. Veterans’ preference in its present form 

comes from the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, as amended, and now 

codified in Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.). By law, Veterans who are 

disabled or who served on active duty during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others when 
51

hiring from competitive lists of eligible candidates, and also in retention 

during a reduction in force.

To receive preference, a Veteran must have been discharged or released 

from active duty under honorable conditions or received a general 

discharge. Preference is also provided for certain widows and widowers 

of deceased Veterans who died in service, spouses of service-connected 

disabled Veterans, and mothers of Veterans who died under honorable 

conditions on active duty or have permanent and total service-connected 

disabilities.

Enrolled Veterans can print a copy of their preference letter from the 

eBenefits portal. For more information about Veterans Preference, please 

visit: www.usajobs.gov, www.fedshirevets.gov.

Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment: Veterans’ recruitment appointment allows federal agencies to appoint eligible Veterans to jobs without 

competition. These appointments can be converted to career or careerconditional positions after two years of satisfactory work. Veterans should 

apply directly to the agency where they wish to work. For additional 

information on Veterans Recruitment Appointment, please visit: http://

www.fedshirevets.gov/.

Small Businesses: VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) helps 

Veterans interested in forming or expanding small businesses, and helps 

VA contracting offices identify Veteran-owned small businesses. For additional information call toll-free at: 1-866-584-2344 or visit: https://www.

va.gov/osdbu/

Like other federal agencies, VA is required to place a portion of its contracts and purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses. VA has a 

special office to help small and disadvantaged businesses get information 

on VA acquisition opportunities. For additional information call toll-free 

at: 1-800-949-8387 or visit: http://www.va.gov/osdbu/ or write to the:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of Small Business (OOSB)

810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20420-0001

Dependents & Survivors Health Care - Civilian Health and Medical 

Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): Under 

CHAMPVA, certain dependents and survivors can receive reimbursement for most medical expenses – inpatient, outpatient, mental health, 
52

prescription medication, skilled nursing care and durable medical equipment.

To be eligible for CHAMPVA, an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE 

(the medical program for civilian dependents provided by DoD) and 

must be one of the following: the spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA 

has rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected 

disability or the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran, who died from a 

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

rated permanently and totally disabled or the surviving spouse or child of 

a Veteran who died on active duty service and in the line of duty, not due 

to misconduct.

However, in most cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, 

not CHAMPVA. A surviving spouse under age 55 who remarries loses 

CHAMPVA eligibility at midnight of the date on remarriage. He/she may 

re-establish eligibility if the remarriage ends by death, divorce or annulment effective the first day of the month following the termination of the 

remarriage or December 1, 1999, whichever is later. A surviving spouse 

who remarries after age 55 does not lose eligibility upon remarriage.

For those who have Medicare entitlement or other health insurance, 

CHAMPVA is a secondary payer. Beneficiaries with Medicare must be 

enrolled in Parts A&B to maintain CHAMPVA eligibility. For additional 

information please call 1-800-733-8387 or visit: https://www.va.gov/

COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/champva/champva_eligibility.

asp , or write:

Chief Business Office Purchased Care

VA Health Administration Center, CHAMPVA

P.O. Box 469028

Denver, CO 80246

Key Information for Family Members about the Affordable Care Act: 

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to 

expand access to affordable health care coverage to all Americans, lower 

costs, and improve quality and care coordination. Under the health care 

law, people will have health coverage that meets a minimum standard 

(called “minimum essential coverage”) by Jan. 1, 2014 or qualify for an 

exemption, or pay a fee when filing their taxes, if they have affordable options but remain uninsured.

VA wants all Veterans and their families to receive health care that improves their health and well-being. Dependents and/survivors enrolled 
53

in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) or the Spina Bifida Health Care Program meet 

the requirement to have health care coverage under the health care law 

and do not need to take any additional steps. The law does not change 

CHAMPVA or Spina Bifida benefits, access or costs. Veterans’ family members who do not have coverage that meets the health care law’s standard 

should consider their options through the Health Insurance Marketplace, 

which is a new way to shop for and purchase private health insurance. For 

more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit http://

www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. For additional information 

about the VA and the health care law, visit http://www.va.gov/aca or call 

1-877-222-VETS (8387)

Dependents & Survivors Benefits - Death Gratuity Payment: Military services provide payment, called a death gratuity, in the amount of 

$100,000 to the next of kin of service members who die while on active 

duty (including those who die within 120 days of separation) as a result of 

service-connected injury or illness. If there is no surviving spouse or child, 

then parents or siblings designated as next of kin by the service member 

may be provided the payment. The payment is made by the last military 

command of the deceased. If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, 

application may be made to the military service concerned.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free 

monetary benefit generally payable to eligible survivors of military 

service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of 

Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. 

DIC may also be paid to certain survivors of Veterans who were totally 

disabled from service –connected conditions at the time of death, even 

though their service connected disabilities did not cause their deaths. The 

survivor qualifies if the Veteran was:

1. Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately 

preceding death; or

2. Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge 

and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death; or

3. A former POW who was continuously rated totally disabled for a period 

of at least one year immediately preceding death.

4. For more detailed information, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp .

DIC Eligibility: (Surviving Spouse): To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse 

must meet the following requirements: married to a service member who 
54

died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, or 

validly married the Veteran before Jan. 1, 1957, or married the Veteran 

within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in which 

the disease or injury that caused the Veteran’s death began or was aggravated, or was married to the Veteran for a least one year, or had a child 

with the Veteran, and cohabitated with the Veteran continuously until the 

Veteran’s death, or if separated, was not at fault for the separation, and is 

not currently remarried.

Note: A surviving spouse who remarried on or after Dec.16, 2003, and on 

or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue to receive DIC.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Child): Not included on the surviving spouse’s 

DIC, AND Unmarried, AND Under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 

23 and attending school at an approved institution.

Note: A child adopted out of the Veteran’s family may be eligible for DIC if 

all other eligibility criteria are met.

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Parent): VA provides an income-based 

monthly benefit to the surviving parent(s) of a service member or Veteran 

whose death was service-related. When countable income exceeds the 

limit set by law, no benefits are payable. The spouse’s income must also 

be included if the parent is living with a spouse.

DIC and Aid and Attendance/Housebound Benefits: If a Veteran died 

on or after Jan. 1, 1993, his/her surviving spouse may receive additional 

benefits beyond the basic DIC rate if they are residing in a skilled nursing 

facility, require the regular assistance of another person to perform the 

activities of daily living, or if they are permanently housebound. This additional benefit is referred to as “Aid and Attendance” or “Housebound.”

DIC 8-Year Special Allowance: DIC 8-Year Special Allowance: If a deceased Veteran was considered “permanent and totally disabled” (either 

by 100 percent rating or permanent and total individual unemployability) 

for eight (8) continuous years prior to death, his/her surviving spouse 

may be entitled to an additional amount of $272.46 monthly on the 

DIC award effective Dec. 1, 2017. If there are any surviving dependent 

children under age 18 in the care of the surviving spouse, an additional 

$270.00 effective Dec. 1, 2017 may be further added to the DIC award 

for the initial two (2) years of entitlement. This additional amount will be 

automatically terminated two years after the DIC award grant.
55

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors: An additional special 

benefit may be payable to Survivors of a Veteran who died of service-connected causes prior to Aug. 13, 1981. The amount of the benefit is based 

on information provided by the Social Security Administration.

Survivors Pension: Survivors Pension is a tax-free benefit payable to 

low-income surviving spouses or children who have not married/ remarried since the death of the Veteran. Survivors Pension is an income based 

program, and any benefit payable is reduced by annual income from 

other sources, such as Social Security. If the Survivor has unreimbursed 

medical expenses, these costs can be deducted from countable income 

to increase the benefit amount (such as cost of care at an Assisted Living 

or Skilled Nursing Facility).

To be eligible for Survivor’s Pension, the deceased Veteran must have met 

the following requirements:

1. If the Veteran served on or before Sept. 7, 1980, he/she must have 

served at least 90 days of active military service, with at least one day during a war time period.

2. If the Veteran entered active duty after Sept. 7, 1980, the Veteran generally must have served at least 24 months or the full tour of duty with at 

least one day during a war time period.

3. Discharged from military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

To qualify as a surviving child of a deceased Veteran, the child must meet 

the following requirements: under age 18 or under age 23 if attending a 

VA-approved school or permanently incapable of self-support due to a 

disability diagnosed before age 18. Additional information on pension 

benefits is available at http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/ . To apply, 

complete VA Form 21P-534EZ and mail it to the Pension Management 

Center (PMC) of jurisdiction.

Note: Survivors pension provides a monthly payment to bring an eligible 

person’s income to a level established by law. The payment is reduced by 

the annual income from other sources such as Social Security.

Survivors Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Survivors 

who are eligible for pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for a higher maximum 
56

pension rate. These additional benefits cannot be paid without eligibility 

to pension. An eligible individual may qualify if he or she requires the 

regular aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required for everyday living, is bedridden, a patient in a nursing home due 

to mental or physical incapacity, blind, or permanently and substantially 

confined to his/her immediate premises because of a disability.

To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, submit a VA 

Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need 

for Regular Aid and Attendance to the nearest Regional Office or PMC.

Please include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an attending physician or a nursing home, validating the need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The report should contain sufficient detail 

to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or 

mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and 

to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable, or whether confined to 

the immediate premises due to disability.

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects: Biological children of women Veterans who served in Vietnam at 

any time during the period beginning on Feb. 28, 1961, and ending on 

May 7, 1975, may be eligible for certain benefits because of birth defects 

associated with the mother’s service in Vietnam that resulted in a permanent physical or mental disability.

The covered birth defects do not include conditions due to family disorders, birth-related injuries, or fetal or neonatal infirmities with well-established causes. A monetary allowance is paid at one of four disability levels 

based on the child’s degree of permanent disability.

Appeals of VA Claims Decisions: Veterans and other claimants for VA 

benefits have the right to appeal decisions made by VA. The most common issues appealed are disability compensation, pension, education 

benefits, recovery of overpayments, reimbursement for unauthorized 

medical services, and denial of burial and memorial benefits. A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA decision to file 

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

written notice of disagreement with the VA department that made the 

decision. Following receipt of the written notice, VA will furnish the claimant a “Statement of the Case” describing what facts, laws, and regulations 

were used in deciding the case. To complete the request for appeal, the 
57

claimant must file a “Substantive Appeal” within 60 days of the mailing of 

the Statement of the Case, or within one year from the date VA mailed its 

decision, whichever period ends later.

Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (“the Board”) 

makes decisions on appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 

Although it is not required, a Veterans service organization, an agent, or 

an attorney may represent a claimant. Appellants may present their cases 

in person to a member of the Board at a hearing in Washington, D.C., at a 

VA regional office or by videoconference.

Decisions made by the Board can be found at http://www.index.va.gov/

search/va/bva.jsp . The pamphlet, “Understanding the Appeal Process,” 

is available on the website or may be requested by writing: Mail Process 

Section (014), Board of Veterans’ Appeals, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, 

Washington, DC 20420.

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: A final Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision that does not grant a claimant the benefits desired may be 

appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court is an 

independent body, not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Notice of an appeal must be received by the court with a postmark that 

is within 120 days after the Board of Veterans’ Appeals mailed its decision. The court reviews the record considered by the Board of Veterans’ 

Appeals. It does not hold trials or receive new evidence. Appellants may 

represent themselves before the court or have lawyers or approved 

agents as representatives. Oral argument is held only at the direction of 

the court. Either party may appeal a decision of the court to the U.S. Court 

of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and may seek review in the Supreme 

Court of the United States. Published decisions, case status information, 

rules and procedures, and other special announcements can be found at 

http://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/. The court’s decisions can also be found in 

West’s Veterans Appeals Reporter, and on the Westlaw and LEXIS online 

services. For questions, call (202) 501-5970 or write to:

Clerk of the Court

625 Indiana Ave. NW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20004

Appeals Modernization: On Aug. 23, 2017, President Trump signed into 

law, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 

(Appeals Modernization Act), creating a new claims and appeals process 

for disagreements with VA’s decisions on benefit claims. While the law 
58

will not become effective until February 2019, the new process provides 

streamlined choices for claimants seeking review of a VA decision. The 

framework for the new process features three lanes: a Higher-Level 

Review Lane, which consists of an entirely new review of the claim by a 

senior adjudicator, a Supplemental Claim Lane, which provides an opportunity to submit additional evidence, and an Appeal Lane that provides 

an opportunity to appeal directly to the Board.

Replacement of Military Medals and Records: Medals awarded while in 

active service are issued by the individual military services if requested by 

Veterans or their next of kin. Requests for replacement medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the branch of the military in 

which the Veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air 

Corps) and Army Veterans, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) 

verifies awards and forwards requests and verification to appropriate 

services.

Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on Standard Form 

180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records,” which may be obtained at 

VA offices or the Internet at www.va.gov/vaforms/. Forms, addresses, and 

other information on requesting medals can be found on the Military 

Personnel Records section of NPRC’s Website at http://www.archives.gov/

st-louis/military-personnel/index.html . For questions, call Military Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800, or email questions to: MPR.center@nara.

gov.

When requesting medals, type or clearly print the Veteran’s full name, 

include the Veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security 

number, and provide the Veteran’s exact or approximate dates of military 

service. The request must contain the signature of the Veteran or next 

of kin if the Veteran is deceased. If available, include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO Form 53-55 or DD Form 214. If 

discharge or separation documents are lost, Veterans or the next of kin 

of deceased Veterans may obtain duplicate copies through the eBenefits 

portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov) or by completing forms found on the Internet at http://www.archives.gov/research/index.html and mailing or faxing 

them to the NPRC, or alternatively, write to:

National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records

1 Archives Drive

St. Louis, MO 63138-1002.

Specify that a duplicate separation document is needed. The Veteran’s full 

name should be printed or typed so that it can be read clearly, but the 
59

request must also contain the signature of the Veteran or the signature of 

the next of kin, if the Veteran is deceased. Include the Veteran’s branch of 

service, service number or Social Security number, and exact or approximate dates and years of service. Use Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining to Military Records.” It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a 

Veteran’s discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a 

claim for VA benefits. If complete information about the Veteran’s service 

is furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service.

Correcting Military Records: The Secretary of a military department, 

acting through a Board for Correction of Military Records, has authority to 

change any military record when necessary to correct an error or remove 

an injustice. A correction board may consider applications for correction 

of a military record, including a review of a discharge issued by courtmartial. Application is made with DD Form 149, available at VA offices, 

Veterans organizations or visit http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/

dd/ddforms0001-0499.htm .

Review of Discharge from Military Service: Each of the military services 

maintains a discharge review board with authority to change correct or 

modify discharges or dismissals not issued by a sentence of a general 

court-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges. 

If the Veteran is deceased or incompetent, the surviving spouse, next of 

kin or legal representative, may apply for a review of discharge by writing 

to the military department concerned, using DD Form 293, “Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United 

States.” This form may be obtained at a VA regional office, from Veterans 

organizations or online at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/dd/

ddforms0001-0499.htm .

However, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, a Veteran must 

petition the appropriate Service’s Board for Correction of Military Records 

using DD Form 149, “Application for Correction of Military Records Under 

the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.” A discharge review 

is conducted by a review of an applicant’s record and, if requested, by a 

hearing before the board.

Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period of unauthorized 

absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible for VA benefits 

regardless of action taken by discharge review boards, unless VA determines there were compelling circumstances for the absence. Boards for 

the Correction of Military Records also may consider such cases.
60

Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty may 

qualify for medical or related benefits regardless of separation and characterization of service. Veterans separated administratively under other 

than honorable conditions may request that their discharge be reviewed 

for possible re-characterization, provided they file their appeal within 15 

years of the date of separation. Questions regarding the review of a discharge should be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at 

the address listed on DD Form 293.

Physical Disability Board of Review: Veterans separated due to disability from Sept. 11, 2001, through Dec. 31, 2009, with a combined rating 

of 20 percent or less, as determined by the respective branch of service 

Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), and not found eligible for retirement, 

may be eligible for a review by the Physical Disability Board of Review 

(PDBR).

The PDBR was established to reassess the accuracy and fairness of certain 

PEB decisions, and where appropriate, recommend the correction of 

discrepancies and errors. A PDBR review will not lower the disability 

rating previously assigned by the PEB, and any correction may be made 

retroactively to the day of the original disability separation. As a result 

of the request for review by the PDBR, no further relief from the Board of 

Corrections of Military Records may be sought, and the recommendation 

by the PDBR, once accepted by the respective branch of service, is final. A 

comparison of these two boards, along with other PDBR information, can 

be viewed at http://www.health.mil/pdbr.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): The U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services provides funding to states 

to help low-income households with their heating and home energy 

costs under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

LIHEAP can also assist with insulating homes to make them more energy 

efficient and reduce energy costs. The LIHEAP program in your community determines if your household’s income qualifies for the program. To 

find out where to apply, call 1-866-674-6327 or e-mail energy@ncat.org 

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mountain Time). More information can be found at https://

www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap .
61

Burial and Memorial Benefits

VA operates 135 national cemeteries, of which 77 are currently open for 

both new casket and cremation interments and 17 may accept new interment s of cremated remains only. Burial options are limited to those available at a specific cemetery and may include in-ground casket, or interment of cremated remains in a columbarium, in ground, or in a scattering 

area. For more information, visit the National Cemetery Administration 

website at http://www.cem.va.gov.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces, 

and Veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements, 

and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while 

on active duty, while on training duty or were eligible for retired pay, or 

were called to active duty and served the full term of service for which 

they were called, may also be eligible for burial.

Their surviving spouse, minor children, and, under certain conditions, 

unmarried adult children with disabilities, may also be eligible for burial. 

Eligible spouses and children may be buried even if they predecease the 

Veteran.

With certain exceptions, eligibility for burial based on active duty service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and after Oct. 
62

16, 1981, as an officer, must ave been for a minimum of 24 consecutive 

months or the full period of active duty (as in the case of reservists or 

National Guard members called to active duty for a limited duration). 

Active duty for training, by itself, while serving in the reserves or National 

Guard, is not sufficient to confer eligibility. Reservists and National Guard 

members, as well as their spouses and dependent children, are eligible if 

they were entitled to retired pay at the time of death, or would have been 

upon reaching the requisite age.

VA may bar eligible individuals from receiving burial and memorial benefits if they are found to have committed serious federal or state crimes or 

serious sex offenses. Such benefits include burial in a VA national cemetery, and receipt of a government-furnished headstone, marker, medallion, burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate. Veterans and other 

claimants for VA burial benefits have the right to appeal decisions made 

by VA regarding eligibility for burial and memorial benefits. Readers with 

questions on the appeals process may contact the nearest VA national 

cemetery listed at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp or by 

calling 800-827-1000.

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 2000, do not 

lose eligibility for burial in a national cemetery if they remarry.

Unmarried dependent children of Veterans who are under 21 years of 

age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, are eligible for burial. Unmarried adult children who 

become physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support 

before age 21, or age 23 if a full-time student, may also be eligible.

Certain parents of Veterans who die as a result of hostile activity or from 

combat training-related injuries may be eligible for burial in a national 

cemetery with their child. The biological or adopted parents of a service 

member who died in combat or while performing training in preparation for a combat mission, who leaves no surviving spouse or dependent 

child, may be buried with the deceased service member if there is available space. Eligibility is limited to those who died on or after Oct. 7, 2001, 

and biological or adoptive parents who died on or after Oct. 13, 2010.

The next of kin or authorized representative (e.g., funeral director) ay 

make interment arrangements at the time of need by contacting the 

National Cemetery Scheduling Office at NCA.Scheduling@va.gov or, in 

some cases, the national cemetery in which burial is desired. VA does not 

normally conduct burials on weekends. Gravesites cannot be reserved; 
63

however, VA will honor reservations made before 1973 by the Department of the Army.

Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Determination: VA implemented the 

Pre-need Burial Eligibility Determination Program to assist individuals 

interested in determining their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. Through this program, Veterans and their eligible family members 

can plan in advance to use VA burial benefits that Veterans have earned 

through their military service. Planning in advance for a Veteran’s or 

loved-one’s final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays during a family’s time of bereavement. Veteran families will have increased 

confidence that their loved ones are eligible for burial in a VA national 

cemetery at their time of need. To apply, individuals must submit VA Form 

40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial 

in a VA National Cemetery (available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/), to 

the National Cemetery Scheduling Office by fax or mail. For more details, 

visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/pre-need/index.asp .

Burial Headstones and Markers: VA is authorized to furnish, upon 

request, an inscribed headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of an 

eligible decedent at any national, state Veterans, tribal, or private cemetery. VA will deliver a headstone or marker at no cost, anywhere in the 

world. For Medal of Honor (MOH) recipients, VA is authorized to provide 

a supplemental headstone or marker if the recipient served in the Armed 

Forces on or after April 6, 1917, and is eligible for a headstone or marker 

(or would be but for the individual’s date of death), even if the grave is 

already marked with a private headstone or marker. For eligible Veterans 

(who are not MOH recipients) buried in a private cemetery whose deaths 

occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may furnish a government headstone or marker even if the grave is already marked with a private one.

Spouses and dependent children are eligible for a government headstone 

or marker only if they are buried in a national or state Veterans cemetery.

Before requesting a headstone or marker for use in a private cemetery, 

eligible applicants should check with the cemetery to ensure the government-furnished headstone or marker will be accepted.

Those who may apply for burial headstones and markers include the 

decedent’s spouse or individual in a legal union with the decedent; the 

decedent’s child; parent or sibling; whether biological; adopted or step 

relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent; personal 

representative Veterans Service Organization, individual employed by 
64

state or local government responsible for serving Veteran; individuals 

with legal responsibility for the disposition of the unclaimed remains of 

the decedent or other matters related to interment or memorialization, or 

anyone if the decedent’s dates of service ended prior to April 6, 1917 (applies to others whose eligibility is derived). All installation fees at private 

cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant.

Memorial Markers: VA provides memorial headstones and markers for 

placement in a national cemetery, a Veterans cemetery owned by a state, 

or in the case of a Veteran, in a State, local or private cemetery with “IN 

MEMORY OF” as the first line of inscription for those whose remains are 

unavailable for burial. Remains that are unavailable for burial are those 

that have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated 

to science or cremated and scattered completely. Only eligible Veterans 

are authorized to receive memorial headstones or markers for use in 

private cemeteries; memorial headstones and markers are not authorized 

for placement in tribal cemeteries (including Veterans). For memorial 

headstone or marker requests, applicants must be a member of the decedent’s family (spouse, individual in a legal union with the decedent, child, 

parent, or sibling, whether biological, adopted, or step relation, and any 

lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent).

To submit a claim for a headstone or marker, or for a memorial marker 

for placement in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330, Claim for 

Standard Government Headstone or Marker (available at http://www.

va.gov/vaforms/) and provide a copy of the Veteran’s military discharge 

documents or proof of military service. Claims sent without supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can be determined. Mail 

the completed form and supporting documents to Memorial Products 

Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 

22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also be faxed toll 

free to 1-800-455-7143.

Inscriptions: Headstones and markers must be inscribed with the name 

of the deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and death. They also 

may be inscribed with other optional information, including an emblem 

of belief and, space permitting, additional text including military rank; 

war service such as “WORLD WAR II”; complete date of birth and death; 

military awards; military organizations; civilian or Veteran affiliations; and 

personalized words of endearment.

Medallion in lieu of government headstone or marker for private 

cemeteries: For decedents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on or 
65

after April 6, 1917, and are eligible for VA memorialization benefits (or 

would be but for date of death), VA is authorized to provide a medallion 

instead of a headstone or marker if the grave is in a private cemetery and 

already marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker. The VA 

medallion denotes the decedents’ status as a Veteran.

To submit a claim for a medallion to be affixed to a private headstone or 

marker in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in A Private Cemetery (available at 

http://www.va.gov/vaforms) and provide a copy of the Veteran’s military 

discharge documents or proof of military service. Claims sent without 

supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can be determined. 

Mail the completed form and supporting documents to Memorial Products Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, 

VA 22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also be faxed 

toll free to 1-800-455-7143. To check the status of a claim for a headstone 

or marker for placement in a national, state, or tribal Veterans cemetery, 

please call 202-565-4964. To check the status of one being placed in a 

private cemetery, please contact the Applicant Assistance Unit at 1-800-

697-6947

Other Memorialization

Presidential Memorial Certificates (PMCs): PMCs are issued to honor 

the memory of deceased persons whom VA finds eligible for burial in a 

national cemetery. This includes persons who died on active military, naval, or air service, members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces, 

including Army or Air National Guard, members of the Army, Navy, or 

Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, or persons who at death were 

entitled to retired pay or would have been but for age. Eligible recipients, 

including the next of kin, a relative, friend, or authorized service representative may request a PMC by mailing, or faxing a completed and signed 

VA Form 40-0247, Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form, along 

with a copy of the Veteran’s military discharge documents or proof of 

military service. Requests sent without supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility can be determined. More information can be found 

at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/pmc.asp .

Burial Flags: VA will furnish a U.S. burial flag to recognize deceased Veterans who received an other than dishonorable discharge. This includes 

certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S armed forces 
66

and who died on or after April 25, 1951. Also eligible for a burial flag are 

Veterans who were entitled to retired pay for service in the Reserves or 

National Guard; or would have been entitled if over age 60; and members or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their initial 

obligation; or were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in 

the line of duty; or died while a member of the Selected Reserve. The next 

of kin may apply for the burial flag at any VA Regional Office or U.S. Post 

Office by completing VA Form 21-2008; Application for United States Flag 

for Burial Purposes. In most cases, a funeral director will help the family 

obtain the flag. For more information, visit, http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/

burial_benefits/ burial_flags.asp .

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: VA will pay a burial allowance up 

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

person who bore the Veteran’s burial expenses may claim reimbursement 

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

of a Veteran whose death was service-connected to the nearest national 

cemetery with available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected death cases.

Burial Allowance: VA will pay a burial and funeral allowance of up to 

$2,000 for Veterans who die from service-connected injuries. VA will pay 

a burial and funeral allowance of up to $300 for Veterans who, at the time 

of death from nonservice-connected injuries were entitled to receive 

pension or compensation or would have been entitled if they were not 

receiving military retirement pay. VA will pay a burial and funeral allowance of up to $762 when the Veteran’s death occurs in a VA facility, a 

VA-contracted nursing home or a state Veterans nursing home. In cases 

in which the Veteran’s death was not service-connected, claims must be 

filed within two years after burial or cremation.

Plot Allowance: VA will pay a plot allowance of up to $762 when a Veteran is buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction if: The 

Veteran was discharged from active duty because of disability incurred or 

aggravated in the line of duty; the Veteran was receiving compensation 

or pension or would have been if the Veteran was not receiving military 

retireent pay; or the Veteran died in a VA facility. The plot allowance may 

be paid to the state for the cost of a plot or interment in a state-owned 

cemetery reserved solely for Veteran burials if the Veteran is buried without charge. Burial expenses paid by the deceased’s employer or a state 

agency will not be reimbursed. For more information about burial and 

memorial benefits, please call 202-632-8035 or visit www.cem.va.gov/.
67

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies: The Department of the Army administers Arlington National Cemetery and other 

Army installation cemeteries. Eligibility is generally more restrictive 

than at VA national cemeteries. For information, call 703-607-8000; write 

Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211; or 

visit http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/about . The Department of the 

Interior’s National Park Service maintains 14 national cemeteries located 

within larger park units. To view a list that includes overviews of these 

cemeteries, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/doi.asp . Andersonville 

National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia, is the only one of these 

14 cemeteries that is open to new interments within the national park 

boundaries. For more information, call 202-208-4747, or write Department of the Interior National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, 

DC 20240.

State and Tribal Veterans Cemeteries: There are currently 109 VA grantfunded Veterans cemeteries operating in 48 states, tribal nations and 

U.S. Territories that offer burial options for Veterans and their families. VA 

grant-funded cemeteries have similar eligibility requirements and certain 

states and tribal organizations may require state residency or tribal 

membership. Some services, particularly for family members, may require 

a fee. Contact the state or tribal Veterans cemetery or the state Veterans 

Affairs office for information.

To locate a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/

cem/grants/index.asp .

Unclaimed Veterans Remains: “Unclaimed Veterans” are defined as 

those who die with no next of kin to claim their remains and insufficient 

funds to cover burial expenses. In addition to burial in a VA national, VAfunded state or tribal Veterans cemetery and a government headstone or 

marker, there are monetary benefits associated with burial of unclaimed 

Veterans remains. These monetary benefits include reimbursement for 

the cost of the casket or urn used for burial, reimbursement for transportation to a national, state or tribal cemetery, and a burial allowance and 

plot allowance.

More information on memorial and monetary burial benefits for unclaimed Veterans remains can be found at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/

docs/factsheets/CasketUrn_Reimbursement.pdf . Applicants must submit 

VA Form 40-10088, Request for Reimbursement of Casket/Urn. For Veterans who die while at a VA facility under authorized VA admission or at 
68

a non-VA facility under authorized VA admission, and are unclaimed, the 

closest VA healthcare facility is responsible for arranging proper burial for 

the unclaimed Veteran.
69
70

Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Dependents and Survivors

VA Pamphlet 80-18-01

P94663

OFFICIAL BUSINESSWashington, DC 20420U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs