i

Federal 

Benefits 

for Veterans, 

Dependents and 

Survivors 

2016 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
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 the most commonly 

requested VA benefits and services. 

This booklet is a brief overview of the commonly sought information 

concerning Veterans Benefits. 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 www.va.gov/directory/guide/

division.asp?dnum=1&isFlash=0 or call 1-800-827-1000. 

General Eligibility: Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon 

discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable 

conditions. Active service means full-time service, other than active 

duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 

Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public 

Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration, or 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey. Dishonorable and bad conduct 

discharges issued by general 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 Form214, DD Form 215, or for World 

War II Veterans, a WD form). 

eBenefits

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 benefits to 

eligible dependents (Servicemembers only), obtain a VA-guaranteed 
1

home loan Certificate of Eligibility, register for and update direct 

deposit information for certain benefits, and search for employment 

through the Veterans Employment Center (VEC). New features are 

added regularly. 

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

va.gov. Servicemembers or Veterans must register for an eBenefits 

account at one of two levels: basic or premium. A premium account 

allows the user to access personal data in VA and Department of Defense (DoD) systems, as well as apply for benefits online, check the 

status of claims, and more. The basic account limits the self-service 

features that can be accessed.

To register for an account, Veterans must be listed in the Defense 

Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DoD 

Self Service (DS) Logon. Servicemembers can access eBenefits 

with a DS Logon or common access card (CAC). They can choose 

from two levels of registration: DS Logon level 1 (basic) and DS 

Logon level 2 (Premium). A DS Logon is an identity (user name and 

password) that is used by various DoD and VA Websites, including 

eBenefits. Those registered in DEERS are eligible for a DS Logon. A 

DS Logon is valid for the rest of the Servicemember’s life.

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

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

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

their CAC. Military retirees may verify their identity online using their 

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) logon. Veterans in 

receipt of VA benefits via direct deposit may have their identity verified by calling 1-800-827-1000 and selecting option 7.

Contents

Health Care Benefits 2

Non Health Care Benefits & Services 15

Memorial Services 64 
2

Health Care Benefits

For additional information on VA health care, visit: www.va.gov/

health as well as VHA’s 2015 Health Care Benefits Overview, a guide 

designed to provide Veterans and their families with the information 

they need to understand VA’s health care system.

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: For most Veterans, entry into the VA health care system 

begins by applying for enrollment. Veterans can now apply and 

submit their application (VA Form 1010EZ), online at www.va.gov/vaforms/form_detail.asp?formno=10ez. If assistance is needed for the 

online enrollment form, an online chat representative is available to 

answer questions Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. 

Veterans can also enroll by calling 1-877-222-8387, Monday through 

Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, or at any VA health care facility or VA 

regional office. Once enrolled, Veterans can receive health care at 

VA health care facilities anywhere in the country. 

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

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

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50 percent or 

more.

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

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

yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.

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

4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (Ionizing Radiation, 

Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation 
3

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 and/or Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable 

due to service-connected conditions.

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

percent.

Group 3: Veterans who are former prisoners of war (POWs).

Veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal. 

Veterans awarded the Medal of Honor. 

Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or 

aggravated in the line of duty. 

Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities rated 10 percent

or 20 percent. 

Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, 

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

vocational rehabilitation.” 

Group 4: Veterans receiving increased compensation or pension 

based 

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

being permanently housebound. 

Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled. 

Group 5: Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable 

serviceconnected Veterans rated 0 percent, whose annual income and/

or net worth are not greater than VA financial thresholds. 

Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits. 

Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits. 

Group 6: Compensable 0 percent service-connected Veterans. 

Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric 

testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

Project 112/SHAD participants. 

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

1962 and May 7, 1975. 
4

Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations 

from Aug. 2, 1990, through Nov. 11, 1998. 

Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after 

Nov. 11, 1998, as follows: 

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

for five years post discharge; 

Veterans who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune, N.C., for 

no 

fewer than 30 days beginning Aug. 1, 1953, and ending Dec. 31, 

1987.

Group 7: Veterans with incomes below the geographic means test 

income 

thresholds and who agree to pay the applicable copayment.

Group 8: Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national 

income threshold and the geographically-adjusted income 

threshold for their resident location and who agree to pay 

copayments. Veterans eligible for enrollment: Noncompensable 

0-percent service-connected:

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

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

changed eligibility status. 

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

exceeds the current VA national income thresholds or VA national 

geographic income thresholds by 10 percent or less Veterans eligible 

for enrollment: nonservice-connected and

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

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

changed eligibility status. 

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

exceeds the current VA national income thresholds or VA national 

geographic income thresholds by 10 percent or less. 

Veterans NOT eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the criteria above:

Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0-percent service-connected. 

Subpriority f: Nonservice-connected. 

VA’s income thresholds 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 will 
5

operate for 3 years or until the Fund is exhausted. The program allows certain eligible Veterans to elect to receive care from non-VA 

health care providers if they cannot receive VA care within 30 days 

or live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or face excessive travel 

burdens. 

VA will also extend the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans 

with Traumatic Brain Injury for 3 years, through October 6, 2017. 

This program assesses the effectiveness of providing assisted living 

services to eligible Veterans with traumatic brain injuries to “enhance 

the rehabilitation, quality of life, and community integration of such 

Veterans.” 

Under the Act, Veterans can receive counseling and appropriate care 

and services required to overcome psychological trauma resulting 

from military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred while the Veteran 

was serving on inactive duty training (such as drill weekends for 

members of the Reserves and National Guard). Such benefits are 

provided at no cost to the Veteran. 

The Choice Act also authorizes VA, in consultation with the Department of Defense (DoD), to provide MST-related care and services 

to members of the Armed Forces on active duty (including members 

of the National Guard and Reserves) without the need for a referral 

from a TRICARE provider or a military treatment facility. VA is working with DoD on implementation of this benefit. 

Women Veterans: Women Veterans are eligible for the same VA 

benefits as male Veterans. Comprehensive health services are available to women Veterans including primary care, specialty care, mental health care, residential treatment and reproductive health care 

services. VA provides management of acute and chronic illnesses, 

preventive care, contraceptive and gynecology services, menopause 

management, and cancer screenings, including pap smears and 

mammograms. Maternity care is covered in the Medical Benefits 

package. Women Veterans can receive maternity care from an OB/

GYN, family practitioner, or certified nurse midwife who provides 

pregnancy care. VA covers the costs of care for newborn children of 

women Veterans for seven days after birth. Infertility evaluation and 

limited treatments are also available. Women Veterans Program 

Managers are available at all VA facilities to assist women Veterans 

in their health care and benefits. For more information, visit www.wo-
6

menshealth.va.gov or call the Women Veteran Call Center at 1-855-

VA Women (1-855-829-6636)

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 new 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: Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term 

that VA uses to refer to sexual assault or repeated, threatening 

sexual harassment that occurred while a Veteran was serving on active duty (or active duty for training if the service was in the National 

Guard or Reserve). VA health care professionals provide counseling 

and treatment to help Veterans overcome health issues related to 

MST. Veterans who report experiences of MST but who are deemed 

ineligible for other VA health care benefits or enrollment, may be provided MST-related care only. For additional information, visit: www.

mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp.

Presumptive Eligibility for Psychosis and Other Mental Illness:

Certain Veterans who experienced psychosis or other mental illness 

within a specified timeframe will have their psychosis presumed to be 

service-connected for purposes of VA medical benefits. 

Psychosis: Eligibility for treatment of psychosis, and such condition 

is exempted from copayments for any Veteran who served in the 

United States active duty military, naval, or air service and developed 

such psychosis within two years after discharge or release from the 

active military duty, naval or air service; and before the following date 

associated with the war or conflict in which the Veteran served:

Mental Illness (other than Psychosis): Eligibility for benefits is established for treatment of an active mental illness (other than psychosis), and such condition is exempted from copayments for any 

Veteran of the Persian Gulf War who developed such mental illness: 

1. Within two years after discharge or release from the active duty 

military, naval, or air service; and 
7

2. Before the end of the two-year period beginning on the last day 

of the Persian Gulf War (end date not yet determined).

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 Servicemembers 

and Veterans are receiving patient-centered, integrated care and 

benefits. More information for connecting with OEF/OIF/OND Care 

Management teams can be found at www.oefoif.va.gov. 

Key Information for Veterans about the Affordable Care Act /Health 

Care Law

•	 Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care don’t need to take 

additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards.

•	 The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.

•	 Veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care can apply at any 

time.

For additional information about VA and the health care law, visit 

www.va.gov/aca or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Financial Assessment: Most Veterans not receiving VA disability 

compensation or pension payments must provide a financial assessment, also known as a means test, upon initial application to determine whether they are below VA income thresholds. VA is currently 

not enrolling new applicants who decline to provide financial information unless they have a special eligibility factor exempting them from 

disclosure. VA’s income thresholds are located at http://nationalincomelimits.vaftl.us/.

As of 2014, VA no longer requires enrolled non-service connected 

and 0-percent non-compensable service connected Veterans to provide their financial information annually. A means test will continue to 

be collected from Veterans at the time of application for enrollment. 

In lieu of the annual financial reporting, VA will confirm the Veteran’s 

financial information using information obtained from the Internal 

Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.

Medical Services and Medication Copayments: Some Veterans 

are required to make copayments (copays) to receive VA health care 
8

and/or medications. For more information on the specific rates for 

Inpatient, Extended Care, Outpatient and Medication copayments 

please see Fact Sheet IB 10-430, “Copay Rates” at the following VA 

link: www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications.asp.

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

a VA pharmacy. Copays are not charged for medical supplies, such 

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

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

(HDHPs).

Private Health Insurance Billing: VA is required to bill private 

health insurance providers for medical care, supplies and medications provided for treatment of Veterans’ nonservice-connected 

conditions. Generally, VA cannot bill Medicare but can bill Medicare 

supplemental health insurance and/or TRICARE for Life (TFL) for 

covered services. VA is authorized to bill and accept reimbursement 

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

nonservice-connected conditions.VA may also accept reimbursement 

from Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) for care provided 

for nonservice-connected conditions.

Reimbursement of Travel Costs: Eligible Veterans and non-veterans may be provided mileage reimbursement or, when medically 

indicated, special mode transport (e.g., wheelchair van, ambulance), 

when travel is in relation to VA medical care. Mileage reimbursement 

is 41.5 cents per mile and is subject to a deductible of $3 for each 

one-way trip and $6 for a round trip; with a maximum deductible of 

$18 or the amount after six one-way trips (whichever occurs first) 

per calendar month. The deductible may be waived when travel is; in 

relation to a VA compensation or pension examination; by a special 

mode of transportation; by an eligible non-veteran; or will cause a severe financial hardship, as defined by current regulatory guidelines.

Eligibility: The following are eligible for VA travel benefits:

•	 Veterans rated 30 percent or more service-connected.

•	 Veterans traveling for treatment of service-connected conditions.

•	 Veterans who receive a VA pension.
9

•	 Veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension examinations.

•	 Veterans whose income does not exceed the maximum annual 

VA pension rate.

•	 Veterans in certain emergency situations

•	 Veterans whose medical condition requires a special mode of 

transportation and travel is pre-authorized (Advanced authorization is not required in an emergency, and a delay would be 

hazardous to life or health). 

•	 Certain non-veterans when related to care of a Veteran (caregivers, attendants, donors, and other claimants subject to current 

regulatory guidelines)

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

Report fraud to:

VA Inspector General Hotline

810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20420

E-mail: vaoighotline@va.gov

VAOIG hotline: (800) 488-8244

Fax: (202) 495-5861

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 http://www.publichealth.

va.gov/exposures to see a directory which lists Environmental Health 

Coordinators by state and U.S. territory. Veterans should be aware 

that a health registry evaluation is not a disability compensation 

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

and is not required for any VA benefits. 

Gulf War Registry: For Veterans who served on active military 

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

and continues to the present, and includes Operation Iraqi Freedom 
10

(OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND). 

Embedded Fragment Registry: OEF, OIF, and OND Veterans who 

have or likely have an embedded fragment as the result of an injury 

they received while serving in an area of conflict. 

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

military used between 1962 and 1971, during the Vietnam War, to remove jungle that provided enemy cover. Veterans serving in Vietnam 

were possibly exposed to Agent Orange or its dioxin contaminant. 

Veterans eligible for this registry evaluation are those who served on 

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

aboard boats that operated on inland waterways (“Brown Water 

Navy”) or who made brief visits ashore. Information is also available 

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

Ionizing Radiation Registry: For Veterans who have received 

nasopharyngeal (nose and throat) radium irradiation treatments while 

on active duty and Veterans possibly exposed to radiation.

Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: Unlike other 

registries, when Veterans complete the online Airborne Hazards and 

Open Burn Pit Registry self-assessment questionnaire, they are in 

the registry. No in-person medical evaluation is required to become 

registered. Veterans not already enrolled in VA health care should 

contact an Environmental Health Coordinator at a nearby VA facility 

by visiting the following link: (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp) or calling 1-877-222-8387.

Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Services: VA provides readjustment counseling services, to include direct counseling, outreach, 

and referral, through 300 community-based Vet Centers located 

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

American Samoa. Vet Center counselors provide individual, group, 

marriage, and family readjustment counseling to those individuals 

that have served in combat zones or areas of hostilities. Counselors 

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

through treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and help 

with any other military-related problems that affect functioning within 

the family, work, school or other areas of everyday life. Other psycho-social services available include outreach, education, medical 
11

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

and the brokering of non-VA services. 

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

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

Vet Center bereavement services for surviving family members of 

Servicemembers may be accessed by calling (202) 461-6530. For 

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

back of this book, or visit www.vetcenter.va.gov. 

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

the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their 

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

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

comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as family 

members of combat Veterans.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations: VA provides up 

to $6,800 lifetime benefits for service-connected Veterans/Servicemembers 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’/Servicemembers’ 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 
12

(including Home Based Primary Care), general and specialty mental 

health outpatient clinics, inpatient mental health units, residential 

rehabilitation and treatment programs, specialty medical clinics, 

and Community Living Centers. For more information on VA mental 

health services, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/VAMentalHealthGroup.asp.

Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans experiencing emotional distress/crisis, or who need to talk to a trained mental health professional, may 

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

available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When callers press “1,” 

they are immediately connected with a qualified and caring provider 

who can help.

Chat feature: Veterans Chat is located at www.veteranscrisisline.

net and by clicking on the Veterans chat tab on the right side of the 

webpage. 

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

receive confidential, personal, and immediate support. European 

access: Veterans and members of the military community in Europe 

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

VA’s suicide prevention program, visit: www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/.

The PTSD Coach is a mobile application that provides information 

about PTSD, self-assessment, and symptom management tools and 

information about how to connect with resources that are available 

for those who might be dealing with post-trauma effects. The PTSD 

Coach is available as a free download for iPhone or Android devices.

Outpatient Dental Treatment: Dental benefits are provided by VA 

according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited by 

law. For more information about eligibility for VA medical and dental 

benefits, contact VA at 1-877-222-8387, or www.va.gov/healthbenefits.

Vocational and Work Assistance Programs

VHA Therapeutic & Supported Employment Services (TSES) 

Programs: These programs are designed to assist Veterans with 

living and working as independently as possible in their respective 
13

communities. Participation in TSES vocational services cannot be 

used to deny or discontinue VA disability benefits. Payments received from Compensated Work Therapy Sheltered Workshop and 

Transitional Work and Incentive Therapy cannot be used to deny or 

discontinue SSI and/or SSDI payments and are not subject to IRS 

taxes.

Long-term Care Services: VA provides institution-based services 

(nursing home level of care) to Veterans through three national programs: VA owned and operated Community Living Centers (CLC), 

State Veterans’ Homes owned and operated by the states, and the 

community nursing home program. Each program has admission 

and eligibility criteria specific to the program. VA is obligated to pay 

the full cost of nursing home services for enrolled Veterans who need 

nursing home care for a service-connected disability, or Veterans or 

who have a 70-percent or greater service-connected disability and 

Veterans with a rating of total disability based on individual unemployability. VA will provide nursing home care for all other Veterans 

based on available resources. 

Emergency Medical Care in U.S. Non-VA Facilities: In the case of 

medical emergencies, VA may reimburse or pay for emergency nonVA medical care not previously authorized that is provided to certain 

eligible Veterans when VA or other federal facilities are not feasibly 

available. This benefit may be dependent upon other conditions, 

such as notification to VA, the nature of treatment sought, the status 

of the Veteran, the presence of other health care insurance, and third 

party liability. Because there are different regulatory requirements 

that may affect VA payment and Veteran liability for the cost of care, 

it is very important that the nearest VA medical facility to where emergency services are furnished be notified as soon as possible after 

emergency treatment is sought.

Foreign Medical Program: VA may authorize reimbursement for 

medical services for service-connected disabilities or any disability 

associated with and found to be aggravating a service-connected 

disability for those Veterans living or traveling outside the United 

States. Veterans calling from within the Philippines may contact the 

VA office in Pasay City 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 
14

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

telephone 303-331-7590. For information, visit: www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/fmp/fmp.asp. 

Caregiver Programs and Services: VA has long supported family 

caregivers as vital partners in providing care worthy of the sacrifices 

of America’s Veterans and Servicemembers. Each VA medical center 

has a Caregiver Support Program coordinated by a Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC). The CSC coordinates caregiver activities 

and serves as a resource expert for Veterans, their families, and VA 

providers. 
15

Non-Health Care Benefits

Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a tax-free 

monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result 

of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military 

service. The benefit 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.

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and 

separation payments, such as Special Separation Benefit (SSB), 

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

disabled Veterans.

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. 

Monthly disability compensation varies with the degree of disability 

and the number of eligible dependents. Disability compensation 

benefits are not subject to Federal or state income tax. Detailed 

compensation rate information can be found at www.benefits.va.gov/

compensation/rates-index.asp

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): SMC is an additional taxfree 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. 
16

2015 VA Disability Compensation with no dependents

Disability Rating Monthly Rate

10 percent $133.17

20 percent $263.23

30 percent* $407.75

40 percent* $587.36

50 percent* $836.13

60 percent* $1,059.09

70 percent* $1,334.71

80 percent* $1,551.48

90 percent* $1,743.48

100 percent* $2,906.83

2015 VA Disability Compensation with a spouse

Disability Rating Monthly Rate

10 percent $133.17

20 percent $263.23

30 percent* $455.75

40 percent* $651.36

50 percent* $917.13

60 percent* $1,156.09

70 percent* $1,447.71

80 percent* $1,680.48

90 percent* $1,888.48

100 percent* $3,068.90

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. Comprehensive rate information 

and detailed instructions on calculating benefits can be found: www.

benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources-rates-read-compAndSMC.asp.

Automobile Allowance: As of Oct. 1, 2013, Veterans and Servicemembers may be eligible for a one-time payment of not more than 

$20,114.34 toward the purchase of an automobile or other convey-
17

ance 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.

Clothing Allowance: Veterans who have unique clothing needs 

as a result of a service-related disability or injury may receive a 

supplement to their disability compensation. The clothing allowance 

reimburses Veterans whose clothing gets permanently damaged by 

a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance they wear, or by a prescribed 

medication used on their skin. Eligible Veterans receive a one-time or 

yearly allowance for reimbursement. To apply, contact the prosthetic 

representative at the nearest VA medical center. Current rates can be 

found at: www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/special_Benefit_Allowances_2014.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 qualifying years of service*; or

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

qualifying years. 

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

years, 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: Servicemembers 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 

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

the total dollar amount of the grants not to exceed the maximum al-
18

lowable. Housing grant amounts may be adjusted Oct. 1 every year 

based on a cost-of-construction index. These adjustments will increase the grant amounts or leave them unchanged; grant amounts 

will not decrease. 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, go to 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 of $73,768. 

In certain instances, the full grant amount may be applied toward 

remodeling costs. The SAH grant is available to certain Veterans and 

Servicemembers 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 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 September 11, 2001, which 
19

so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to 

preclude ambulating without the aid of braces, crutches, 

canes, or a wheelchair.

The property may be located outside the United States, in 

a country or political subdivision which allows individuals to 

have or acquire a beneficial property interest, and in which 

the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in his or her discretion, 

has determined that it is reasonably practicable to provide 

assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing. For more 

information on SAH, visit 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 $14,754 for the cost of 

necessary adaptations to a Servicemember’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 they will reside. To be eligible for 

this grant, Servicemembers and Veterans must be entitled 

to compensation for permanent and total service-connected 

disability due to one of the following: 

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

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

3. Severe burn injuries (see above). 

4. Certain severe respiratory injuries.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Eligible Veterans and Servicemembers who are temporarily residing in a 

home owned by a family member may also receive a TRA 

grant to help the Veteran or Servicemember adapt the family member’s home to meet his/her special needs. Those 

eligible for a $73,768 SAH grant would be permitted to use 

up to $32,384, and those eligible for a $14,754 SHA grant 

would be permitted to use up to $5,782. Under the Honoring 

America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families 

Act of 2012, TRA grant amounts do not count against SAH or 
20

SHA grant maximum amounts, starting Aug. 6, 2013.

Supplemental Financing: Veterans and Servicemembers 

with available VA Home Loan guaranty entitlement may also 

obtain a guaranteed loan to supplement the grant to acquire 

a specially adapted home.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): VR&E 

provides services to eligible Servicemembers and Veterans with 

service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap, to help 

them prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. For 

Veterans and Servicemembers with service-connected disabilities so 

severe that they cannot immediately consider work, VR&E provides 

services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible. 

Additional information on VR&E benefits is available at www.benefits.

va.gov/vocrehab.

VR&E Eligibility for Veterans: A Veteran must have a VA serviceconnected disability rating of at least 20 percent with an employment 

handicap or a rating of 10 percent with a serious employment handicap, and be discharged or released from military service under other 

than dishonorable conditions. 

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

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

from VA, 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, or maintain 

suitable career employment. After an entitlement decision is made, 

the Veteran and VRC work together to develop an individualized 

rehabilitation plan. The individualized rehabilitation plan outlines the 

rehabilitation services to be provided.

VR&E Services: Based on their individualized needs, Veterans work 
21

with a VRC to select one of five tracks to employment. The five tracks 

to employment provide greater emphasis on exploring employment 

options early in the rehabilitation planning process, greater informed 

choice 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 included in an 

individual’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

•	 Independent living services

Length of a Rehabilitation Program: The basic period of eligibility 

in which VR&E benefits may be used is 12 years from the later 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 a compensable service-connected disability. Depending on the length of program needed, Veterans may be provided up to 48 months of full-time 

services or the part-time equivalent. Rehabilitation plans that only provide services to improve independence in daily living are limited to 24 

months. These limitations may be extended in certain circumstances. 

Employment Services: VR&E establishes partnerships with federal, 

state, and private agencies that help facilitate direct placement of Veterans or Servicemembers into civilian careers. VR&E can assist with 

placement using the following resources:

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

apprentice wage and VR&E supplements the salary up to the journeyman wage (up to the maximum allowable under OJT). As Veterans 

progress through training, employers begin to pay more of the salary 
22

until the Veterans reach journeyman level and the employers are 

paying the entire salary. VR&E will 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 

Servicemembers who have a clearly established career goal, and 

who learn easily in a hands-on environment. This program is also 

well suited for Veterans who are having difficulties obtaining employment due to lack of work experience. The NPWE program may be 

established in a federal, state, or local (i.e. city, town, school district) 

government agency only. The employer may hire the Veteran at any 

point during the NPWE. 

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 may be provided 

this incentive to hire Veterans. If approved, the employer will receive 

reimbursement for up to 50 percent of the Veteran’s salary during the 

SEI program, which can last up to six months. 

The Veterans Employment Center (www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/jobs) is the Federal Government’s single online source for connecting transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans, and military families 

with meaningful career opportunities with both public and privatesector employers. 

VetSuccess On Campus (VSOC): The VSOC program is designed 

to assist Veterans as they make the transition to college life. Through 

VSOC, VR&E is strengthening partnerships with institutions of higher 

learning and creating opportunities to help Veterans achieve success 

by providing outreach and transition services to the general Veteran 

population during their transition from military to college life.

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, Servicemembers, 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.
23

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

challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans 

Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. Payments are 

made to bring the Veteran’s or Survivor’s total income, including other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. 

Unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income for 

VA purposes. 

Veterans Pension: Congress establishes the maximum annual Veterans Pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable income of the Veteran, spouse, and dependent children. When 

a Veteran without a spouse or a child is furnished nursing home or 

domiciliary care by VA, the pension is reduced to an amount not 

to exceed $90 per month after three calendar months of care. The 

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

provide the Veteran with rehabilitation services.

Eligibility for Veterans Pension: Generally, a Veteran must have 

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

a wartime period to qualify for a VA pension. Veterans who entered 

active duty after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at 

least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active 

duty (with some exceptions), with at least one day during a wartime 

period. In addition to meeting minimum service requirements, lowincome wartime Veterans may qualify for pension if they meet certain 

income and net worth limits set by law and are:

• Age 65 or older, OR

• Totally and permanently, 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. Note: Veterans may have 

to meet longer minimum periods of active duty if they entered active 

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

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

have been under conditions other than dishonorable and the disability must be for reasons other than the Veteran’s own willful miscon-
24

duct. 

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits (Special Monthly

Pension): Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are 

housebound, may be eligible for a higher maximum 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. 

Education and Training: Additional information can be found at 

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-

4551). 

Post-9/11 GI Bill®: The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for Servicemembers and Veterans who served on active duty 

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

after Aug. 1, 2009. No payments can be made under this program for 

training pursued before that date. 

Post-9/11 GI Bill Eligibility: To be eligible, the Servicemember or 

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

Sept. 10, 2001, and remain on active duty or be honorably discharged. Active duty includes active service performed by National 

Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the purposes of organizing, 

administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; 

or under section 502(f) for the purpose of responding to a national 

emergency. Veterans may also be eligible if they were honorably 

discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after 

serving 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001. Generally, Servicemembers or Veterans may receive up to 36 months of entitlement 

under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

Eligibility for benefits expires 15 years from the last period of active 

duty of at least 90 consecutive days. If released for a service-connected disability after at least 30 days of continuous service, eligibility ends 15 years from when the member is released for the serviceconnected disability. 
25

If, on Aug. 1, 2009, the Servicemember or Veteran is eligible for the 

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

the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, and qualifies for the 

Post-9/11 GI Bill, an irrevocable election must be made to receive 

benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In most instances, once the 

election to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is made, the 

individual will no longer be eligible to receive benefits under the relinquished program. Based on the length of active duty service, eligible 

participants are entitled to receive a percentage of the following:

• The cost of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions; the 

tuition and fees are capped at a national maximum rate for those 

attending private or foreign schools. Current rates can be found 

at www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/

rate_tables.asp. Tuition and fees are paid to the institution on the 

student’s behalf.

• Monthly housing allowance* based on the Department of Defense Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payable to a military 

E-5 with dependents, in the same ZIP code as the primary 

school (paid directly to the Veteran or eligible dependents),

• Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year (paid 

directly to the Servicemember, Veteran, or eligible dependents), 

and 

• A one-time payment of $500 paid to certain individuals relocating 

from highly rural areas. 

*Housing allowance is not payable to individuals pursuing training at 

half time or less, to Servicemembers, or to spouses using transferred 

benefits of a Servicemember.

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

and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-thejob training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and 

national testing programs, and tutorial assistance. Individuals serving 

an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, can receive 

the following percentages of benefits described above based on 

length of service: 
26

Service Requirements - After 

9/10/01, an individual must 

serve an aggregate of:

Payment Tiers 

Percentage

At least 36 months 100%

At least 30 continuous days on active duty and discharged due to a 

service-connected disability

100%

At least 30 months, but less than 

36 months

90%

At least 24 months, but less than 

30 months

80%

*At least 18 months, but less than 

24 months

70%

*At least 12 months, but less than 

18 months

60%

*At least 6 months, but less than 

12 months

50%

*At least 90 days, but less than 6 

months

40%

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

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 Post9/11 GI Bill. The institution can contribute a specified dollar amount 

of those expenses, and VA will match the contribution, not to exceed 

50 percent of the difference. To be eligible, the student must be a 

Veteran receiving benefits at the 100-percent benefit rate, a transferof-entitlement-eligible dependent child, or a transfer-of-entitlementeligible spouse of a Veteran. 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: The 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides 

Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to the children and surviving spouses of 

Servicemembers who died in the line of duty after September 10, 

2001. Eligible beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 36 

months of benefits at the 100% level. NOTE: Fry Scholarship beneficiaries are not eligible for Yellow Ribbon Program benefits. The Fry 
27

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 

• A books and supplies stipend 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Eligibility: 

Children of active duty members of the Armed Forces who died in the 

line of duty after September 10, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. A

child may begin an approved program of education before the age of 

18. Eligibility ends on the child’s 33rd birthday. A child’s marital status 

has no effect on eligibility. Eligible children:

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

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

• May use the benefit until their 33rd birthday

• Are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program 

Surviving spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces who 

died in the line of duty after Sept.10, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. 

A surviving spouse’s eligibility generally ends 15 years after the Servicemember’s death. A spouse will lose eligibility to this benefit upon 

remarriage. 

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 Servicemembers 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 www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

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 
28

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. 

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

eligible Servicemembers, Veterans, Reservists, National Guard Members, and certain surviving spouses obtain homes, condominiums, and 

manufactured homes, and to refinance loans. Although it is preferable 

to apply electronically, it is possible to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) using VA Form 26-1880, Request for Certificate of Eligibility. 

In applying for a hard-copy COE from the VA Eligibility Center using VA 

Form 26-1880, it is typically necessary for 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. An eligible active duty Servicemember should obtain 

and submit a statement of service signed by an appropriate military 

official to the VA Eligibility Center. 

Veterans living in: Please send completed applications to:

Georgia, North Carolina, South 

Carolina, Tennessee

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Atlanta Regional Loan Center

P.O. Box 100023

Decatur, GA 30031-7023

Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, 

Michigan, New Hampshire, New 

Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Department of Veterans Affairs

Cleveland Regional Loan Center

1240 East Ninth Street 

Cleveland, OH 44199

Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, 

Wyoming,

Department of Veterans Affairs

Denver Regional Loan Center

Box 25126 

Denver, CO 80225

Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa,

Commonwealth of the Northern 

Marianas

Department of Veterans Affairs 

VA Regional Office

Loan Guaranty Division (26)

459 Patterson Road

Honolulu, HI 96819
29

Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, 

Texas

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Houston Regional Loan Center 

6900 Almeda Road

Houston, TX 77030-4200

Arizona, California, New Mexico, 

Nevada

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Phoenix Regional Loan Center 

3333 North Central Avenue 

Phoenix, AZ 85012-2402

District of Columbia, Kentucky, 

Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Roanoke Regional Loan Center 

210 Franklin Road, S.W.

Roanoke, VA 24011

Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North 

Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Department of Veterans Affairs 

St. Paul Regional Loan Center 

1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling

St. Paul, MN 55111-4050

Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, 

Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Department of Veterans Affairs 

St. Petersburg Regional Loan 

Center

P.O. Box 1437

St. Petersburg, FL 33731

The completed VA Form 26-1880 and any associated documentation 

should be mailed to the Regional Loan Center of jurisdiction as listed 

in the table above. For general program information or to obtain VA 

loan guaranty forms, visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ or call 

1-877-827-3702 to reach the home loan program’s local office of 

jurisdiction.

Please note that while VA’s electronic applications can often 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 an electronic application.

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:

1. Buy or build a home.
30

2. Buy a residential condominium unit.

3. Repair, alter, or improve a residence owned by the Veteran and 

occupied as a home.

4. Refinance an existing home loan.

5. Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

6. Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energy-efficient 

improvements.

Home Loan Guaranty Eligibility: In addition to the periods of eligibility and conditions of service requirements, applicants must have a 

good credit rating, sufficient income, a valid COE, and agree to live 

in the property in order to be approved by a lender for a VA home 

loan. Lenders can apply for a COE online through the Veterans 

Information Portal (https://vip.vba.va.gov/portal/VBAH/Home). Active 

duty Servicemembers and Veterans can also apply online at www.

ebenefits.va.gov.

Home Loan Guaranty Periods of Eligibility and Service Requirements

World War II: (1) Active duty service after Sept.15, 1940, and prior to 

July 26, 1947; (2) Discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; and (3) At least 90 days total service unless discharged early 

for a service-connected disability.

Post-World War II period: (1) Active duty service after July 25, 1947, 

and prior to June 27, 1950; (2) Discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; and (3) 181 days continuous active duty service 

unless discharged early for a service-connected disability.

Korean War: (1) Active duty after June 26, 1950, and prior to Feb. 

1, 1955; (2) Discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; 

and (3) At least 90 days total service, unless discharged early for a 

service-connected disability.

Post-Korean War period: (1) Active duty after Jan. 31, 1955, and 

prior to Aug. 5, 1964; (2) Discharge under other than dishonorable 

conditions; (3) 181 days continuous service, unless discharged early 

for a service-connected disability.

Vietnam War: (1) Active duty after Aug. 4, 1964, and prior to May 

8, 1975; (2) Discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; 

and (3) 90 days total service, unless discharged early for a serviceconnected disability. For Veterans who served in the Republic of 
31

Vietnam, the beginning date is Feb. 28, 1961.

Post-Vietnam period: (1) Active duty after May 7, 1975, and prior 

to Aug. 2, 1990; (2) Active duty for 181 continuous days, all of which 

occurred after May 7, 1975; and (3) Discharge under conditions other 

than dishonorable or early discharge for service-connected disability. 

24-Month Rule: 

If service was between Sept. 8, 1980, (Oct. 16, 1981, for officers) 

and Aug. 1, 1990, Veterans must generally complete 24 months of 

continuous active duty service or the full period (at least 181 days) 

for which they were called or ordered to active duty, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Exceptions are 

allowed if the Veteran completed at least 181 days of active duty service but was discharged earlier than 24 months for (1) hardship, (2) 

the convenience of the government, (3) reduction-in-force, (4) certain 

medical conditions, or (5) service-connected disability.

Gulf War: Veterans of the Gulf War era – Aug. 2, 1990, to a date 

to be determined – must generally complete 24 months of continuous active duty service or the full period (at least 90 days) for which 

they were called to active duty, and be discharged under other than 

dishonorable conditions. Exceptions are allowed if the Veteran completed at least 90 days of active duty but was discharged earlier than 

24 months for (1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, 

(3) reduction-in-force, (4) certain medical conditions, or (5) serviceconnected disability. 

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

on active duty are eligible after serving 90 continuous days.

Reservists and National Guard members (activated): Eligible if 

they were (1) Activated after Aug. 1, 1990, and completed the full period for which they were called to active duty, (2) Served at least 90 

days, and (3) Discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.

Reserves and Guard (not activated): Members of the Reserves 

and National Guard who are not otherwise eligible for loan guaranty 

benefits are eligible upon completing 6 years of service in the Reserves or Guard (unless released earlier due to a service-connected 

disability). The applicant must have received an honorable (a general 

or under honorable conditions is not qualifying) discharge from such 
32

service unless he/she is either in an inactive status awaiting final 

discharge, or still serving in the Reserves or Guard.

Surviving Spouses: Some spouses of Veterans may have home 

loan eligibility: the unmarried surviving spouse of a Veteran who died 

as a result of service or service-connected causes, the surviving 

spouse of a Veteran who dies on active duty or from service-connected causes and who remarries on or after attaining age 57 and 

on or after Dec. 16, 2003; the spouse of an active duty member who 

is listed as missing in action (MIA) or a prisoner of war (POW) for at 

least 90 days. 

Eligibility under the MIA/POW provision is 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 serviceconnected disabled for not less than one year immediately preceding 

death.

Home Loan Guaranty Loan Limits: VA does not make loans to Veterans and Servicemembers; VA guarantees loans made by privatesector 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 finance 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. 

The loan limits are the amount a qualified Veteran with full entitlement may be able to borrow without making a downpayment. These 

loan limits vary by county, since the value of a house depends in part 

on its location. For a list of loan limits based on the corresponding 

county please visit: www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_

loan_limits.asp. 

It is important to note that VA does not impose a maximum loan 

amount that a Veteran may borrow to purchase a home; instead, the 

law directs the maximum amount that VA may guarantee on a home 

loan. Because most VA loans are pooled in mortgage securities 
33

that require a 25-percent guaranty, the effective no-downpayment 

loan limit on VA loans is typically four times VA’s maximum guaranty 

amount. Loans for more than this effective limit generally require 

down payments. VA’s effective no-downpayment loan limits are 

established annually, and vary depending on the size of the loan and 

the location of the property. 

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 

discount points. 

An eligible borrower who wishes to obtain a VA-guaranteed loan to 

purchase a manufactured home or lot can borrow up to 95 percent 

of the home’s purchase price. The amount VA will guarantee on a 

manufactured home loan is 40 percent of the loan amount or the Veteran’s available entitlement, up to a maximum amount of $20,000. 

These provisions apply only to a manufactured home that will not be 

placed on a permanent foundation.

Home Loan Guaranty Appraisals: A home appraisal by a VAassigned fee appraiser is required for purchase and certain refinance 

loans guaranteed by VA. A lender can request a VA appraisal through 

VA systems. The Veteran borrower typically pays for the appraisal 

upon completion, according to a fee schedule approved by VA. The 

VA appraisal estimates the value of the property. An appraisal is not 

an inspection and does not guarantee the house is free of defects. 

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

A thorough inspection of the property by a reputable inspection firm 

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

In an existing home, particular attention should be given to plumbing, 

heating, electrical, roofing, and structural components. In addition, 

VA strongly recommends testing for radon, a known carcinogen.

Home Loan Guaranty Closing Costs: For purchase home loans, 

payment in cash is required on all closing costs, including title search 

and recording fees, hazard insurance premiums, and prepaid taxes. 

For refinancing loans, all such costs may be included in the loan, as 
34

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, by law, exempt from such a fee. Currently, 

exemptions from the funding fee are provided for Veterans and Servicemembers receiving VA disability compensation, those who are 

rated by VA as eligible to receive compensation as a result of predischarge disability examination and rating, and those who would be 

in receipt of compensation, but who were recalled to active duty or 

reenlisted and are receiving active-duty pay in lieu of compensation. 

Additionally, unmarried surviving spouses in receipt of dependency 

and indemnity compensation may be exempt. 

The table on page 35 provides current VA funding fee rates. The fee 

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

the loan amount may include the VA funding fee and up to $6,000 of 

energy-efficient improvements. 

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

report, loan processing, 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. 
35

2015 VA Funding Fee Rates

Loan Category Active 

Duty and 

Veterans

Reserve 

and 

National 

Guard

Loans for purchase or 

construction with downpayments of less than 5 

percent, refinancing, and 

home improvement

2.15 percent 2.40 percent

Loans for purchase or 

construction with downpayments of at least 5 

percent but less than 10 

percent

1.50 percent 1.75 percent

Loans for purchase or 

construction with downpayments of 10 percent 

or more

1.25 percent 1.50 percent

Loans for manufactured 

homes

1 percent 1 percent

Interest rate reduction refinancing loans

.50 percent .50 percent

Assumption of a VA- guaranteed loan

.50 percent .50 percent

Second or subsequent

use of entitlement with no

downpayment

3.3 percent 3.3 percent

Home Loan Guaranty Required Occupancy: To qualify for a 

VA home loan, a Veteran or the spouse of an active-duty Servicemember must certify that he or she intends to occupy the home. A 

dependent child of an active-duty Servicemember 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.
36

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 one percent 

annually and up to five percent over the life of the loan. VA does not 

set the interest rate. Interest rates are negotiable between the lender 

and borrower on all loan types.

Veterans may also choose a different type of adjustable rate mortgage called a hybrid ARM, where the initial interest rate remains 

fixed for 3-10 years. If the rate remains fixed for less than five years, 

the rate adjustment cannot be more than one percent annually and 

five percent over the life of the loan. For a hybrid ARM with an initial 

fixed period of five years or more, the initial adjustment may be up to 

two percent. 

The Secretary has the authority to determine annual adjustments 

thereafter. Currently, annual adjustments may be up to two percentage points and six percent over the life of the loan. 

If the lender charges discount points on the loan, the Veteran may 

negotiate with the seller as to who will pay points or if they will be 

split between buyer and seller. Points paid by the Veteran may not 

be included in the loan (with the exception that up to two points may 

be included in interest rate reduction refinancing loans). The term of 

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

Home Loan Guaranty Loan Assumption Requirements and Liability: VA loans made on or after March 1, 1988, are not assumable 

without the prior approval of VA or its authorized agent (usually the 

lender collecting the monthly payments). To approve the assumption, 

the lender must ensure that the 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 Dec. 31, 

1989, usually have no liability to the government following a foreclo-
37

sure, 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 a Veteran allows assumption of a loan without prior approval, then the lender may demand immediate and full payment of 

the loan, and the Veteran may be liable if the loan is foreclosed and 

VA has to pay a claim under the loan guaranty.

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 foreclosure proceedings. 

An example of when this option might be offered 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 
38

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. 

Veterans who believe they may be facing homelessness as a result 

of losing their home can call 1-877-4AIDVET (877-424-3838) or go to 

www.va.gov/HOMELESS/index.asp to receive assistance in preventing homelessness.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Home Loan Guaranties: Veteran borrowers may be able to request relief pursuant 

to 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 Non-VA-Guaranteed Home Loans 

in Default: VA advises Veterans or Servicemembers 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 RLCs and an office in Hawaii can offer advice and 

guidance on how to potentially avoid foreclosure. Veterans or Servicemembers with non-VA loans may call 1-877-827-3702 to speak 

with a VA loan technician, or visit 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 www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/

hcc/hcs.cfm or call HUD’s interactive voice system at 1-800-569-

4287. 
39

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 (NADLs) 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. More information about the NADL program 

can be found at www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/nadl.asp.

VA Life Insurance: VA’s life insurance benefits include Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, Family 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Servicemembers’ Group 

Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance. These 

programs are described below. Complete details are also available at 

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance; by writing to Department of Veterans 

Affairs, Insurance Center, PO Box 42954, Philadelphia, PA 19101; or 

by calling VA’s Insurance Center toll-free at 1-800-669-8477. Specialists at the Insurance Center are available from 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., 

Eastern Time, to discuss premium payments, insurance dividends, 

address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries, reporting the 

death of the insured, and other insurance issues. 

For information about Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance 

Traumatic Injury Protection, or Family Servicemembers’ Group Life 
40

Insurance, visit www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/ or call the Office of 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance directly at 1-800-419-1473.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): The following are 

automatically insured for $400,000 under SGLI:

1. Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and 

Coast Guard. 

2. Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Public Health Service 

(PHS). 

3. Cadets or midshipmen of the U.S. military academies.

4. Members, cadets and midshipmen of the ROTC while engaged 

in authorized training and practice cruises.

5. Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard who are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year.

6. Members who volunteer for a mobilization category in the Individual Ready Reserve.

Individuals may elect in writing to be covered for a lesser amount or 

to decline coverage. SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000. Full-time Servicemembers 

on active duty are covered 24/7, 365 days of the year. Coverage is in 

effect during the period of active duty or inactive duty training and for 

120 days following separation or release from duty. 

Reservists and 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 24/7, 365 days of the year and for 120 days following separation or release from duty. Part-time coverage is provided for Reservists or National Guard members who do not qualify for the full-time 

coverage described above. 

Part-time coverage generally applies to Reservists/National Guard 

members who drill only a few days in a year. These individuals are 

covered only while on active duty or active duty for training, or traveling to and from such duty. Members covered part-time do not receive 
41

120 days of free coverage after separation unless they incur or aggravate a disability during a period of duty.

SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI): TSGLI provides for 

payment to traumatically injured Servicemembers who have suffered 

certain physical losses. The TSGLI benefit ranges from $25,000 to 

$100,000, depending on the loss. TSGLI helps Servicemembers by 

allowing their families to be with them during their recovery or by 

helping with other expenses incurred during their recovery period. 

TSGLI is attached to SGLI. An additional $1.00 is added to the 

Servicemember’s SGLI premium to cover TSGLI. After Dec. 1, 2005, 

all Servicemembers who are covered by SGLI are automatically also 

covered by TSGLI. TSGLI cannot be declined unless the Servicemember also declines basic SGLI. TSGLI claims are adjudicated by 

the individual military branches of service. Retroactive TSGLI coverage is available for Servicemembers who suffered a traumatic injury 

between Oct. 7, 2001, and Nov. 30, 2005, that resulted in a qualifying loss, regardless of where the injury occurred. TSGLI coverage is 

payable to these Servicemembers regardless of whether they had 

SGLI coverage in force at the time of their injury. 

For more information and branch of service contact information, 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 (Marine 

Corps); 1-800-433-0048 (Active Duty Air Force); 1-800-525-0102 

(Air Force Reserves); 1-240-612-9173 (Air National Guard); 1-202-

795-6647 (Coast Guard); 1-301-427-3280 (PHS); or 1-301-713-3444 

(NOAA). 

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) Coverage: FSGLI coverage consists of spousal and dependent child 

coverage. FSGLI provides up to $100,000 of life insurance coverage 

for spouses of Servicemembers with full-time SGLI coverage, not to 

exceed the amount of SGLI the member has in force. Coverage for 

spouses who are not in the military is automatic. For spouses who 

are in the military and were married on or after Jan. 2, 2013, coverage is not automatic. The member can apply for spousal coverage, 

but the spouse must meet good health requirements. Premiums 

for spouse coverage are based on the age of the spouse and the 

amount of FSGLI coverage. FSGLI is a Servicemembers’ benefit; the 

member pays the premium and is the only person allowed to be the 
42

beneficiary of the coverage. FSGLI spousal coverage ends 120 days 

after any of the following events: 1) the Servicemember elects in 

writing to terminate coverage on the spouse; 2) the Servicemember 

elects to terminate his or her own SGLI coverage; 3) the Servicemember dies; 4) the Servicemember separates from service; or 5) 

the Servicemember is divorced from the spouse. The insured spouse 

may convert his/her FSGLI coverage to a permanent policy offered 

by participating private insurers within 120 days of the date of any 

of the termination events noted above. FSGLI dependent coverage 

of $10,000 is also automatically provided for dependent children of 

Servicemembers insured under SGLI, with no premium required. 

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI): Following separation from 

service, SGLI may be converted to VGLI, which provides lifetime 

renewable term coverage to: 

1. Veterans who had full-time SGLI coverage upon separation from 

active duty or the Reserves. 

2. Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard with part-time 

SGLI coverage who incur a disability or aggravate a pre-existing 

disability during a period of active duty or a period of inactive 

duty for less than 31 days that renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates.

3. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and Inactive 

National Guard (ING). 

4. Members placed on the Temporary Disability Retirement List 

(TDRL)

Servicemembers must apply for VGLI within one year and 120 days 

from separation. Servicemembers discharged on or after November 

1, 2012, who apply for VGLI within 240 days of separation from service do not need to submit evidence of good health, while Servicemembers who apply after the 240-day period must submit evidence 

of insurability. The initial VGLI coverage available is equal to the 

amount of SGLI coverage at the time of separation from service. 

Effective April 11, 2011, VGLI insureds who are under age 60 and 

have less than $400,000 in coverage can purchase up to $25,000 of 

additional coverage on each five-year anniversary of their coverage, 

up to the maximum $400,000. No medical underwriting is required 
43

for the additional coverage. 

SGLI Disability Extension: Servicemembers who are totally disabled at the time of separation (unable to work 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, Servicemembers must complete and return SGLV 

8715, the SGLI Disability Extension Application. Those covered 

under the SGLI Disability Extension are automatically converted to 

VGLI at the end of their extension period, subject to the payment of 

premiums. VGLI is convertible at any time to a permanent plan policy 

with any participating commercial insurance company. 

Accelerated Death Benefits: Like many private life insurance companies, the SGLI, FSGLI, and VGLI programs offer an accelerated 

benefits option to terminally ill insured members. An insured member 

is considered to be terminally ill if he/she has a written medical prognosis of nine months or less to live. All terminally ill members are eligible to receive 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 reduces the amount 

payable to the beneficiaries at the time of the insured’s death. To 

apply, an insured member must submit SGLV 8284, Servicemember/

Veteran Accelerated Benefit Option Form, available at www.benefits.

va.gov/INSURANCE/forms/SGLV_8284.pdf. Spouses must complete 

SGLV 8284A, Servicemember Family Coverage Accelerated Benefits Option Form, available at www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/forms/

SGLV_8284A.pdf.

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI): Veterans who separated from service on or after Apr. 25, 1951, under other than dishonorable conditions who have service-connected disabilities (even 

zero percent), but are otherwise in good health, may apply to VA for 

up to $10,000 in life insurance coverage under the S-DVI program. 

Applications must be submitted within two years from the date of 

being notified of the approval of a new service-connected disability 

by VA. Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for a waiver of 

premiums. If approved for a waiver of premiums, the Veteran can apply for additional supplemental insurance coverage of up to $30,000. 

However, premiums cannot be waived on the additional supplemental insurance. To be eligible for this type of supplemental insurance, 

Veterans must meet all of the following three requirements: 
44

1. Be under age 65.

2. Be eligible for a waiver of premiums due to total disability.

3. Apply for additional insurance within one year from the date of 

notification of waiver approval on the basic S-DVI policy. 

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): VMLI is mortgage 

protection insurance available to severely disabled Veterans who 

have been approved by VA for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) 

Grant. Maximum coverage is the smaller of the existing mortgage 

balance or $200,000, and is payable only to the mortgage company. 

Protection is issued automatically following SAH approval, provided 

the Veteran submits mortgage information required to establish a 

premium and does not decline coverage. Coverage automatically terminates when the mortgage is paid off. If a mortgage is disposed of 

through sale of the property, VMLI may be obtained on the mortgage 

of another home.

Other Insurance Information: The following information applies 

only to policies issued to World War II, Korean-era, and Vietnam-era 

Veterans and any Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance policies. 

Policies in this group are prefixed by the letters K, V, RS, W, J, JR, 

JS, or RH.

Insurance Dividends Issued Annually: World War II and Koreanera Veterans with active policies beginning with the letters V, RS, 

W, J, JR, JS, or K earn tax-free dividends annually on the policy 

anniversary date. Policies prefixed by RH do not earn dividends. 

Policyholders do not need to apply for dividends, but may select from 

among the following dividend options:

1. Cash: The dividend is paid directly to the insured by direct deposit to a bank account or by check. 

2. Paid-Up Additional Insurance: The dividend is used to purchase 

additional insurance coverage.

3. Credit or Deposit: The dividend is held in an account for the 

policyholder with interest. Withdrawals from the account can be 

made at any time. The interest rate may be adjusted. 

4. Net Premium Billing Options: These options use the dividend to 

pay the annual policy premium. If the dividend exceeds the pre-
45

mium, the policyholder has options to choose how the remainder 

is used. If the dividend is not enough to pay an annual premium, 

the policyholder is billed the balance. 

5. Other Dividend Options: Dividends can also be used to repay a 

loan or pay premiums in advance. 

Reinstating Lapsed Insurance: Lapsed term policies may be reinstated within 5 years from the date of lapse. A 5 year term policy that 

is not lapsed at the end of the term is automatically renewed for an 

additional 5 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 5 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 September 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 have 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 1 year or more. Interest is 

compounded annually. The loan interest rate is variable and may be 

obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-669-8477.

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: 
46

1. Gave advance notice of military service to the employer.

2. Did not exceed 5 years cumulative absence from the civilian job 

(with some exceptions).

3. Submitted a timely application for re-employment.

4. Did not receive a dishonorable or other punitive discharge.

The law calls for a returning Veteran to be placed in the job as if he/

she had never left, including benefits based on seniority such as 

pensions, pay increases, and promotions. The law also prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other advantages of employment 

on the basis of military service. Veterans seeking re-employment 

should apply, verbally or in writing, to the company’s hiring official 

and keep a record of their application. If problems arise, contact the 

Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service 

(VETS) in the state of the employer. Federal employees not properly 

re-employed may appeal directly to the Merit Systems Protection 

Board. Non-federal employees may file complaints in U.S. District 

Court. For additional information, visit 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 appoints fiduciaries who manage VA benefits for these beneficiaries and conducts oversight of VA-appointed fiduciaries to ensure 

that they are meeting the needs of the beneficiaries they serve. 

VA closely monitors fiduciaries for compliance with program responsibilities to ensure that VA benefits are being used for the purpose of 

meeting the needs, security, and comfort of beneficiaries and their 

dependents. In deciding who should act as fiduciary for a beneficiary, 

VA will always select the most effective and least restrictive fiduciary 

arrangement. 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 coun-
47

try, 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 www.

va.gov, or they can call VA’s general information hotline at 1-800-

827-1000. If assistance is needed when contacting a VA facility, ask 

to speak to the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program or the 

Mental Health service manager. Information is also available at www.

va.gov/homeless.

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.

Homeless Veterans Supported Employment Program (HVSEP): 

HVSEP provides vocational assistance, job development and 

placement, and ongoing employment supports designed to improve 

employment outcomes among homeless Veterans. HVSEP is coordinated between VA’s Compensated Work Therapy Program and 

the continuum of Homeless Veterans Programs for the purpose of 

providing community-based vocational and employment services. 

For more information, please visit: www.va.gov/homeless/employment_programs.asp.

VA’s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program: The 

program provides funds to non-profit community agencies providing 

transitional housing for up to 24 months and/or offering services to 

homeless Veterans, such as case management, education, crisis 

intervention, counseling, and services targeted towards specialized 

populations including homeless women Veterans. The goal of the 

program is to help homeless Veterans achieve residential stability, 

increase their skill levels and/or income, and obtain greater selfdetermination. For more information, please visit: www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp.

Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive 

Housing (HUD-VASH) Program: The HUD-VASH Program provides 
48

permanent housing and case management for eligible homeless 

Veterans who need community-based support to 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 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).

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 guarantees are available only in the United 

States and selected U.S. territories and possessions. 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 Canada. For information, visit www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Foreign/index.htm.

Incarcerated Veterans: VA benefits are affected if a beneficiary is 

convicted of a felony and imprisoned for more than 60 days. Disability or death pension paid to an incarcerated beneficiary must be 

discontinued. Disability compensation paid to an incarcerated Veteran rated 20 percent or more disabled is limited to the 10 percent 

rate. For a Veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent, the payment 

is reduced to half of the rate payable to a Veteran evaluated as 10 

percent disabled. Any amounts not paid to the Veteran while incarcerated may be apportioned to eligible dependents. Payments are 

not reduced for participants in work-release programs, residing in 
49

halfway houses, or under community control. Failure to notify VA of a 

Veteran’s incarceration can result in overpayment of benefits and the 

subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits until the overpayment is 

recovered. VA benefits will not be provided to any Veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant. 

Health Care for Reentry Veterans Program (HCRV): The HCRV 

Program offers outreach to Veterans incarcerated in state and 

federal prisons, and referrals and short-term case management assistance upon release from prison. The Veterans Justice Outreach 

Program (VJO) offers outreach and case management to Veterans 

involved in law enforcement encounters, overseen by treatment 

courts, and incarcerated in local jails. Visit www.va.gov/homeless to 

locate an outreach worker.

Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program: The VJO Program 

offers outreach and linkage to needed treatment and services to 

Veterans involved in law enforcement encounters, seen in the court 

system, and/or incarcerated in local jails who may be at risk for 

homelessness upon their release. Visit www.va.gov/HOMELESS/

VJO.asp to locate a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist.

Veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and 

New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND): VA has personnel stationed at major 

military hospitals to help seriously injured Servicemembers returning from OEF/OIF/OND as they transition from military to civilian 

life. OEF/OIF/OND Servicemembers who have questions about VA 

benefits, need assistance filing a VA claim or, or need assistance 

accessing services can contact the nearest VA office or call 1-800-

827-1000.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP consists of comprehensive workshops at military installations designed to assist Servicemembers as they transition from military to civilian life. The program 

includes job and career search instruction, employment and training 

information, as well as VA benefits information for Servicemembers 

who are within 18 months of separation or retirement. VA benefit 

briefings are comprised of two briefings focusing on education, 

benefits, VA health care, and disability compensation. There are also 

optional classes for career technical training and entrepreneurship. 

Servicemembers can also sign up for one-on-one appointments with 

a VA representative; interested Servicemembers should contact their 
50

local TAP manager to sign up for this program.

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011: The Act made TAP, including 

attendance at VA benefit briefings, mandatory for most Servicemembers transitioning to civilian status; upgraded career counseling options; and tailored TAP for the 21st century job market. The 

Act allows Servicemembers to begin the post-military employment 

process prior to separation or retirement from military service. This 

enhances opportunities to connect transitioning Servicemembers 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 requires the Department of Labor to look at military skills 

and training equivalencies that are transferrable to the civilian sector, 

and make it easier to obtain licenses and certifications. Through the 

Veterans Employment Center (VEC), Servicemembers and Veterans 

can explore how their military skills translate into private-sector language, in order to better communicate their abilities and experiences 

to potential employers. 

The Act provides tax credits for hiring Veterans and disabled Veterans who are out of work

inTransition: inTransition is a free, voluntary program with coaches 

who provide psychological health care support to Servicemembers, 

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): FRCP is a joint 

program of DoD and VA that coordinates access to federal, state, 

and local programs, benefits, and services for seriously wounded, 

ill, and injured Servicemembers, and their families through recovery, 

rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. 

Pre-Separation Counseling through the Military Services: Servicemembers may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months 

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

These sessions present information on education, training, employ-
51

ment assistance, National Guard and Reserve programs, medical 

benefits, and financial assistance. 

Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET): The 

VMET document, DD Form 2586, helps Servicemembers verify 

previous experience and training for potential employers, negotiate 

credits at schools, and obtain certificates or licenses. VMET documents are available through each military branch’s support office 

and are intended for Servicemembers who have at least six months 

of active service. Servicemembers should obtain VMET documents 

from their Transition Support Office within 12 months of separation or 

24 months of retirement. 

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 nonprofit organizations. 

State Employment Services: Veterans can find employment 

information, education and training opportunities, job counseling, 

job search workshops, and resume preparation assistance at state 

Workforce Career or American Job Centers. These offices also have 

specialists to help disabled Veterans find employment. 

Unemployment Compensation: Veterans who do not begin civilian 

employment immediately after leaving military service may receive 

weekly unemployment compensation for a limited time. The amount 

and duration of payments are determined by individual states. Apply 

by contacting the nearest state employment office listed in the local 

telephone directory.

Veterans Preference for Federal Jobs: Veterans’ preference in 

its present form comes from the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, 

as amended, and now codified in Title 5, United States Code. By 

law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the 

U.S. Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others when hiring 

from competitive lists of eligible candidates as well as with retention 
52

during a reduction in force. To receive preference, a Veteran must 

have been discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. Armed 

Forces under honorable conditions (honorable or general discharge). 

Preference is also provided for certain widows and widowers of deceased Veterans who died in service, spouses of service-connected 

disabled Veterans, and mothers of Veterans who died under honorable conditions on active duty or have permanent and total serviceconnected disabilities. For more information, visit www.fedshirevets.

gov.

Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment: This appointment allows 

Federal Agencies to appoint eligible Veterans to jobs without competition. These appointments can be converted to career or career-conditional positions after 2 years of satisfactory work. Veterans should 

apply directly to the agency where they wish to work. 

VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise: VA’s Center for Veterans 

Enterprise helps Veterans interested in forming or expanding small 

businesses, and helps VA contracting offices identify Veteran-owned 

small businesses. Like other Federal Agencies, VA is required to 

place a portion of its contracts and purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses. VA has a special office to help small and 

disadvantaged businesses get information on VA acquisition opportunities. For information, write to the Department of Veterans Affairs 

(OOSB), 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420-0001, 

call toll-free 1-800-949-8387, or visit www.va.gov/osdbu/. 

Dependents and Survivors Health Care - Civilian Health and 

Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): Under CHAMPVA, certain dependents and survivors can receive reimbursement for most medical expenses including inpatient, 

outpatient, mental health, prescription medication, skilled nursing 

care, and durable medical equipment. To be eligible for CHAMPVA, 

an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE (the medical program 

for civilian dependents provided by DoD) and must be one of the following:

1. The spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA has rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.

2. The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VArated service-connected disability, or who, at the time of death, 
53

was rated permanently and totally disabled.

3. The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died on active 

duty service and in the line of duty, not due to misconduct. 

However, in most of these cases, these family members are eligible 

for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA.

A surviving spouse under age 55 who remarries loses CHAMPVA 

eligibility at midnight of the date on remarriage. He/she may re-establish eligibility if the remarriage ends by death, divorce, or annulment effective the first day of the month following the termination of 

the remarriage or 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 and B to maintain CHAMPVA eligibility. For 

additional information, write to CHAMPVA, P.O. Box 469028, Denver, 

CO 80246, call 1-800-733-8387, or visit www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/champva.asp.

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;

• 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, since family members are a 

key part of Veterans’ good health and support networks. Dependents 

and Survivors enrolled in 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 
54

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 www.healthcare.

gov or call 1-800-318-2596. For additional information about the 

VA and the health care law, visit www.va.gov/aca or call 1-877-222-

VETS (8387).

Dependents and Survivors Benefits - Death Gratuity Payment: 

Military services provide payment, called a death gratuity, in the 

amount of $100,000 to the next of kin of Servicemembers who die 

while on active duty (including those who die within 120 days of 

separation as a result of service-connected injury or illness). If there 

is no surviving spouse or child, then parents or siblings designated 

as next of kin by the Servicemember may be provided the payment. 

The payment is made by the last military command of the deceased. 

If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, application may be made 

to the military service concerned.

Dependents and Survivors Benefits - Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid 

to eligible Survivors of military Servicemembers 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 serviceconnected conditions at the time of death, even though their serviceconnected disabilities did not cause their deaths. The survivor qualifies if the Veteran was: 

• Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately preceding death; or 

• Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death; or

• A former POW who was continuously rated totally disabled for a 

period of at least one year immediately preceding death. 

For more detailed information, visit www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/current_rates_DIC.asp.
55

DIC Eligibility (Surviving Spouse): To qualify for DIC, a surviving 

spouse must meet the requirements below:

• Married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty 

for training, or inactive duty training, OR

• Validly married the Veteran before January 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 at 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 remarries on or after December 

16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, is entitled to continue 

to receive DIC.

Payments will be offset by any amount received from judicial proceedings brought on by the Veteran’s death. When the surviving 

spouse is eligible for payments under the military’s Survivor Benefit 

Plan (SBP), only the amount of SBP greater than DIC is payable. If 

DIC is greater than SBP, only DIC is payable.

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.

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): Parents’ DIC is a tax-free, 

income-based, monthly benefit for the parent(s) of a Servicemember 

who died in the line of duty or a Veteran whose death resulted from 
56

a service-related injury or disease. The surviving parent(s) must 

have an income below a limit established by law. The term “parent” 

includes:

• Biological

• Adoptive

• Foster parents (A foster parent is a person who stood in the relationship of a parent to the Veteran for at least one year before 

the Veteran’s last entry into active service.)

DIC and Aid and Attendance/Housebound Benefits: Surviving 

spouses of Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 1993, may receive 

additional benefits for aid and attendance if they are patients in a 

nursing home or require the regular assistance of another person, or 

if they are permanently housebound.

DIC 8-Year Kicker Special Allowance: If the Veteran was totally 

disabled 8 continuous years prior to death, an additional special allowance of $261.87 will be added to the monthly DIC award. If there 

are dependent children under age 18, an additional $266.00 will be 

added for the initial 2 years of entitlement for DIC awards commencing on or after Jan. 1, 2005. 

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors: Survivors of Veterans who died of service-connected causes incurred or aggravated 

prior to Aug. 13, 1981, may be eligible for a special benefit payable 

in addition to any other benefits to which the family may be entitled. 

The amount of the benefit is based on information provided by the 

Social Security Administration.

Survivors Pension: Survivors pension is a tax-free monetary benefit 

payable to a low-income, unremarried surviving spouses and/or 

unmarried child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service. 

Survivors pension is based on yearly family income, which must be 

less than the amount set by Congress to qualify. Survivors pension 

provides a monthly payment to bring an eligible person’s income to 

a level established by law. The payment is reduced by the annual income from other sources, such as Social Security. The payment may 

be increased if the recipient has unreimbursed medical expenses 

that can be deducted from countable income. 
57

To be eligible, the deceased Veteran must have met the following 

service requirements: 

• For service on or before Sept. 7, 1980, the Veteran must have 

served at least 90 days of active military service, with at least 

one day during a war time period.

• If the Veteran entered active duty after Sept.7, 1980, generally the Veteran must have served at least 24 months or the full 

period for which called or ordered to active duty with at least one 

day during a war time period.

• Was discharged from service under other than dishonorable 

conditions

While an unremarried spouse is eligible at any age, a child of a deceased wartime Veteran must be: 

• Under 18, OR

• Under 23 if attending a VA-approved school, OR

• Permanently incapable of self-support due to a disability before 

age 18

Survivors Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Survivors who are eligible for pension and require the aid and attendance 

of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for a higher 

maximum pension rate. These benefits cannot be 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 surviving spouse may not receive aid and 

attendance benefits and housebound benefits at the same time. 

To apply for aid and attendance or housebound benefits, write to a 

VA regional office. Please include copies of any evidence, preferably

a report from an attending physician or a nursing home, validating 

the need for aid and attendance or housebound type care. 

The report should contain sufficient detail to determine whether there 

is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of 

coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, 

to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordi-
58

narily clean and presentable. In addition, it is necessary to determine 

whether the claimant is confined to the home or immediate premises.

Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): VA 

provides educational assistance to qualifying dependents 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. 

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. 

Eligible dependents include:

• The spouse or child of a Servicemember or Veteran who either 

died of a service-connected disability, or who has permanent and 

total service-connected disability, or who died while such a disability existed.

• The spouse or child of a Servicemember currently listed for more 

than 90 days as MIA, captured in the line of duty by a hostile 

force, or detained or interned by a foreign government or power. 

• The spouse or child of a Servicemember who is hospitalized 

or receives outpatient care or treatment for a disability that is 

determined to be totally and permanently disabling, incurred or 

aggravated due to active duty, and for which the Servicemember 

is likely to be discharged from military service. 

The period of eligibility for Veterans’ spouses expires 10 years from 

either the date they become eligible or the date of the Veteran’s 

death. Children generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 

to receive educational benefits. VA may grant extensions to both 

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

of death. If the spouse’s marriage to the Veteran ends in divorce, 

eligibility for DEA benefits ends on that date. Dependent children do 

not lose eligibility if they marry.

Dependents over age 14 with physical or mental disabilities that 
59

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. 

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, birthrelated 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 a VA 

regional office, medical center, or National Cemetery Administration 

office. Typical issues appealed are disability compensation, pension, 

education benefits, recovery of overpayments, reimbursement for 

unauthorized medical services, and denial of burial and memorial 

benefits. A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of 

a VA decision to file an appeal. The first step in the appeal process 

is for a claimant to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA 

office that made the decision. 

Following receipt of the written notice, VA will furnish the claimant a 

“statement of the case” describing what facts, laws, and regulations 

were used in deciding the case. To complete the request for appeal, 

the claimant must file a “substantive appeal” within 60 days of the 

mailing of the statement of the case, or within one year from the date 

VA mailed its decision, whichever period ends later.

Board of Veterans’ Appeals: The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (“the 

Board”) makes decisions on appeals on behalf of the Secretary of 

Veterans Affairs. Although it is not required, a Veterans Service Organization, an agent, or an attorney may represent a claimant. Appellants may present their cases in person to a member of the Board at 

a hearing in Washington, D.C., at a VA regional office, or by videoconference. Decisions made by the Board can be found at www.
60

index.va.gov/search/va/bva.html. The pamphlet, “Understanding the 

Appeal Process,” is available on the website or may be requested by 

writing to Mail Process Section (014), Board of Veterans’ Appeals, 

810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., 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, and is 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 www.uscourts.cavc.gov/. The court’s 

decisions can also be found in West’s Veterans Appeals Reporter, 

and on the Westlaw and LEXIS online services. For questions, write 

the Clerk of the Court, 625 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004, or call (202) 501-5970

Replacement Military Medals and Records: Medals awarded while 

in active service are replaced 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 at www.va.gov/vaforms. Forms, addresses, 

and other information on requesting medals can be found on the Military Personnel Records section of NPRC’s Website at www.archives.

gov/st-louis/military-personnel/index.html. For questions, call Military 
61

Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800, or email questions to MPR.

center@nara.gov. 

When requesting medals include the Veteran’s full name, branch of 

service, service number or Social Security number, and exact or approximate dates of military service. The request must contain the signature of the Veteran, or the 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 Standard Form 180, Request 

Pertaining to Military Records, found at www.archives.gov/research/

index.html or by writing to the NPRC Military Personnel Records, 

One Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138-1002, and specify that a 

duplicate separation document is needed.

Correcting Military Records: The Secretary of a military department, acting through a Board for Correction of Military Records, has 

authority to change any military record when necessary to correct 

an error or remove an injustice. A correction board may consider 

applications for correction of a military record, including a review of a 

discharge issued by court-martial. Application is made with DD Form 

149, available at VA offices, Veterans Service Organizations or visit 

www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm.

Review of Discharge from Military Service: Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty may qualify for medical 

or related benefits regardless of the type of separation or discharge 

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. 

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 
62

Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.” 

This form may be obtained at a VA regional office, from veterans 

organizations or online at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/

formsprogram.htm. Questions regarding the review of a discharge 

should be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at 

the address listed on the DD Form 293.

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.

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 www.health.mil/pdbr. Questions regarding 

the review of a discharge should be addressed to the appropriate 

discharge review board at the address listed on the DD Form 293.
63

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 LIHEAP. The LIHEAP can also assist with 

insulating homes to make them more energy efficient and reduce 

energy costs. The LIHEAP in the Veteran’s community determines 

if their household’s income qualifies for the program. To find out 

where to apply call 1-866-674-6327 or e-mail energy@ncat.org. 

More information can be found at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/

liheap/#index.html.

Federal Recovery Coordination Program

The Federal Recovery Coordination Program (FRCP), a joint program of DoD and VA assists severely wounded, ill, or injured Service 

members, Veterans, and their families navigate, coordinate, and access healthcare, services, and benefits provided by DoD, VA, other 

federal agencies, state, and private organizations. 

The Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRCs) provide personalized 

assistance to Service members and Veterans with complex care 

coordination needs. Service members or Veterans may benefit from 

FRCP care coordination if they: a) have been diagnosed with one or 

more acute conditions; b) have a high potential for life-long care; or 

c) need assistance with advocacy and navigating VA or DoD healthcare and benefits. 

To make a referral to the program or get more information please 

visit www.va.gov/icbc/frcp 
64

Burial and Memorial Benefits

Burial in a VA 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 or while performing training duty 

or who have 20 years of service creditable for retired pay, or were 

called to active duty by executive federal order and served the full 

term of service may also be eligible for burial. The Veterans’ spouse, 

minor children and under certain conditions dependent unmarried 

adult children may be eligible for burial even if they predecease the 

Veteran.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a VA national cemetery is available at no cost and includes the gravesite, grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, 

a headstone or marker, and perpetual care as part of a national 

shrine. For Veterans and Servicemembers, benefits may also 

include a burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) and 

military funeral honors provided by the Department of Defense.

With certain exceptions, active duty service beginning after Sep. 

7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and after Oct 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the full 

period of active duty (as in the case of reservists or National Guard 

members called to active duty for a limited duration by executive 

Federal order). Active duty for training, by itself, while serving in 

the reserves or National Guard, is not sufficient to confer eligibility; 

however, circumstances surrounding the death of a Servicemember 

while in training may influence eligibility for burial or memorial benefits. Reservists and National Guard members, as well as their 

spouses and dependent children, are eligible if they were entitled 

to retired pay at the time of death, or would have been upon 

reaching requisite age.

Eligible individuals found to have committed federal or state capital 

crimes o r c e r t a i n s e x o f f e n s e s are barred from burial in a 

VA national cemetery and from receipt of a Government-furnished 

headstone, marker, medallion, burial flag, and Presidential Memo-
65

rial Certificate. Veterans and other claimants for VA burial benefits 

have the right to appeal decisions made by VA regarding eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery or other memorial benefits. 

Chapter 13 discusses the procedures for appealing VA claims. 

This chapter contains information on the full range of VA burial 

and memorial benefits. Readers with questions may contact the 

nearest VA national cemetery, listed by state in the VA Facilities 

section of this book; call 1-800-827-1000; or visit the web site at 

www.cem.va.gov/.

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 2000, 

do not lose eligibility for burial in a VA 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 Servicemembers who die as a result of hostile 

activity or from combat training-related injuries may be eligible for 

burial in a VA national cemetery with their child. The biological 

or adopted parents of a Servicemember who died in combat or 

while performing training in preparation for a combat mission, who 

leaves no surviving spouse or dependent child, may be buried 

with the deceased Servicemember if there is available space. 

Eligibility is limited to Servicemembers who died on or after Oct. 7, 

2001, and biological or adoptive parents who died on or after Oct. 

13, 2010.

VA is establishing a formal Pre-Need program that provides a determination of eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery in advance 

of need. This program will provide an opportunity for individuals to 

learn if they are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery and the 

ability to communicate their final wishes to loved ones and funeral 

service providers. 

If the individual is deceased, the next of kin or authorized representative (e.g., funeral director) should contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office to schedule a burial (see information 

available at www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/need.asp). VA 

normally does not conduct burials on weekends. Gravesites are 
66

assigned at the time VA receives a request for burial at a national 

cemetery with available space and cannot be reserved in advance.

The National Cemetery Scheduling Office verifies eligibility for 

burial. A copy of the Veteran’s discharge document that specifies the period(s) of active duty and character of service is usually 

sufficient to determine eligibility. A copy of the deceased’s death 

certificate and proof of relationship to the Veteran (for eligible family members) may be required.

VA operates 134 VA national cemeteries, of which 76 are currently 

open for both new casket and cremation interments and 17 may 

accept new interment of cremated remains only. Burial options are 

limited to those available at a specific cemetery and may include 

in ground casketed gravesite, or interment of cremated remains in 

a columbarium niche, in-ground gravesite, or in a scattering area. 

Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office or a VA national 

cemetery directly, or visit our website at http://www.cem.va.gov to 

determine whether a particular cemetery is open for new burials, and 

what other options are available.

Headstones, Markers and Medallions

Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, retired Reservists and National Guard members, and Reservists and National Guard members 

with creditable active duty service, are eligible for an inscribed headstone or marker for their unmarked gravesite at any national, state 

Veterans, tribal, or private cemetery. VA will deliver a headstone or 

marker at no cost, anywhere in the world.

For eligible Veterans or Servicemembers buried in a private cemetery whose deaths occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may provide 

a Government-furnished headstone or marker (even if the grave is 

already marked with a private one); or VA may furnish a medallion to 

affix to an existing privately-purchased headstone or marker.

Spouses and dependent children are eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker only if they are buried in a VA national 

or state o r t r i b a l Veterans cemetery and their death occurs prior 

to the Veteran’s death. After the Veteran’s death, their inscription 

will share the Government-furnished headstone or marker.

Flat markers are available in bronze, granite or marble. Upright 
67

headstones come in granite or marble. The style provided will 

be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. 

Niche markers are available to mark columbarium niches used for 

inurnment of cremated remains. Medallions are made of bronze 

and are available in three sizes: Large, 5-inch ( 6 3/8” W x 4 3⁄4” H 

x 1⁄2” D), Medium, 3-inch ( 3 3⁄4” W x 2 7/8” H x 1⁄4” D) and Small, 1 

1⁄2-inch (2” W x 1 1⁄2” H x 1/3” D). Headstones, markers and medallions previously furnished by the Government may be replaced at 

Government expense if badly deteriorated, illegible, vandalized or 

stolen.

Headstones or markers for VA national cemeteries will be ordered 

by the cemetery director using information provided by the individual making burial arrangements or the authorized representative. Before ordering a headstone or marker for placement 

in a private cemetery, the applicant or authorized representative 

should check with the cemetery to ensure that the type of Government-furnished headstone or marker will be appropriate for the 

burial section within their cemetery. All installation fees at private 

cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant. 

To submit a claim for a headstone or marker for a gravesite in a 

private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330, Application for Standard 

Government Headstone or Marker (available at http://www.va.gov/

vaforms/. A copy of the Veteran’s military discharge document is 

required for processing. Mail forms to Memorial Programs Service, 

Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 

22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may also be 

faxed toll free to 1-800-455-7143.

“In Memory Of” Markers: VA provides memorial headstones 

and markers with “In Memory Of” as the first line of inscription for 

those whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were 

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

Eligibility is the same as for regular headstones and markers. 

There is no fee when the “In Memory Of” marker is placed in a 

VA national cemetery. All installation fees at private cemeteries 

are the responsibility of the applicant. Memorial headstones and 

markers for spouses and dependents may only be provided for 

placement in a VA national or state or tribal Veterans cemetery.

Inscriptions: The mandatory inscription for headstones and mark-
68

ers must include the full 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; military rank; war 

service such as “World War II;” complete dates of birth and death; 

military awards; and military units or organizations. Space permitting, additional inscriptions may also be included such as civilian or 

Veteran affiliations; and personalized words of endearment. 

Medallion in lieu of government headstone or marker for private cemeteries: For Veterans or Servicemembers whose death 

occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA is authorized to provide a 

medallion instead of a headstone or marker if the gravesite is in a 

private cemetery and already marked with a privately-purchased 

headstone or marker. 

To submit a claim for a medallion to be affixed to a private headstone/marker in a private cemetery, use VA Form 40-1330M, 

Claim for Government Medallion (available at http://www.va.gov/

vaforms). A copy of the Veteran’s military discharge document is 

required. Mail forms to Memorial Programs Service, Department 

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

The form and supporting documents may also be faxed toll free to 

1-800-455-7143.

To check the status of a claim for a headstone or marker for placement in a VA national, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, please 

call the cemetery. 

To check the status of a headstone or marker to be placed in a 

private cemetery, please contact the Applicant Assistance Unit at 

1-800-697-6947, or via email at mps.headstones@va.gov.

Other Memorialization

Presidential Memorial Certificates: Presidential Memorial Certificates are issued to recognize the military service of honorably 

discharged deceased Veterans and persons who died in the 

active military, naval, or air service. Next of kin, relatives and 

other loved ones may apply for a certificate by mailing or faxing a 

completed and signed VA Form 40-0247, Presidential Memorial 

Certificate Request Form (available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms), 

along with a copy of the Veteran’s military discharge documents 

or proof of honorable military service. The processing of requests 
69

sent without supporting documents will be delayed until eligibility 

can be determined. Eligibility requirements can be found at http://

www.cem.va.gov.

Burial Flags: Generally, VA will furnish one U.S. burial flag to 

memorialize each Veteran who received a n other than dishonorable discharge. This includes certain persons who served in the 

organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines 

while in service of the U.S armed forces and who died on or after 

April 25, 1951. Also eligible for a burial flag are Veterans who 

were entitled to retired pay for service in the Reserve or National 

Guard, or would have been entitled if over age 60; and members 

or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their 

initial obligation, or were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or died while a member of the Selected Reserve. The applicant may apply for the flag at any VA Regional O ffice or U.S. Post Office by completing VA Form 21-2008, 

Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes (available at 

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/. In most cases, a funeral director will 

help the family obtain the flag.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: VA will pay a burial allowance up to $2,000 if the Veteran’s death is service-connected. In 

such cases, the person who bore the Veteran’s burial expenses 

may claim reimbursement from VA.

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

a Veteran whose death was service-connected to the nearest VA 

national cemetery with available gravesites. There is no time limit 

for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected death cases.

Unclaimed Remains of Veterans: “Unclaimed Veterans” are defined as those who die with no next of kin to claim their remains and 

insufficient funds to cover burial expenses. A VA pension or other 

compensation is no longer a pre-requisite for these “Unclaimed Veterans” to receive monetary burial benefits. In addition to burial in a 

VA national, state or tribal Veterans cemetery and a government-furnished headstone or marker, there are monetary benefits associated 

with burial of unclaimed Veterans remains. These monetary benefits 

may include reimbursement for the cost of the casket or urn used for 

burial in a VA national cemetery, reimbursement for transportation 

to a VA national cemetery, a burial allowance and a plot allowance 

if burial is in a state, tribal or private cemetery. More information 
70

on burial benefits for Unclaimed Veterans can be found at http://

www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/factsheets/CasketUrn_Reimbursement.

pdf. For Veterans who die while at a VA facility under authorized VA 

admission or at a non-VA facility under authorized VA admission, and 

whose remains are unclaimed, the closest VA healthcare facility is 

responsible for arranging proper burial.

Casket or Urn Reimbursement: The U.S. Department of Veterans 

Affairs (VA) will reimburse the cost of a casket or urn used to inter an 

Unclaimed Veteran in a VA national cemetery, who died on or after 

January 10, 2014, and was interred on or after May 13, 2015. The 

individual or entity that pays for a casket or urn may be reimbursed 

the actual cost of a casket or urn, not to exceed an annually established average cost. The reimbursement payable in calendar year 

2015 is $1,967 for a casket and $172 for an urn. The reimbursement 

amount will be adjusted for inflation annually. 

Applicants must submit VA Form 40-10088, Request for Reimbursement of Casket/Urn. Part I should be submitted with documentation 

of qualifying military service to the National Cemetery Scheduling 

Office (NCSO). Part I may be faxed (toll-free) to 1-866-900-6417; 

emailed to nca.scheduling@va.gov; or mailed to PO Box 510543, 

St. Louis, MO 63151. Applicants (who may differ from the individual 

or entity that requested burial), must submit Part II of VA Form 40-

10088 with the required reimbursement documentation to NCSO at 

the time of the burial request, OR to the VA national cemetery before 

the actual interment. More information is available in the fact sheet 

“Unclaimed Veteran Remains Casket or Urn Reimbursement Program” located at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/factsheets/CasketUrn_Reimbursement.pdf.

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 $734 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.
71

Plot Allowance: VA will pay a plot allowance of up to $734 when a

Veteran is buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction if: the Veteran was discharged from active duty because 

of disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; the Veteran 

was receiving compensation or pension or would have been if the 

Veteran was not receiving military retired pay; or the Veteran died 

in a VA facility. The plot allowance may be paid to the state for 

the cost of a plot or interment in a state-owned cemetery reserved 

solely for Veteran burials if the Veteran is buried without charge. 

Burial expenses paid by the deceased’s employer or a state 

agency will not be reimbursed.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies:

Department of the Army: Administers Arlington National Cemetery 

and other Army installation cemeteries. Eligibility is generally more 

restrictive than at VA national cemeteries. For information, call 

(703) 607-8000, write Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, 

Arlington, VA 22211, or visit www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/.

Department of the Interior: Administers two active national cemeteries which are Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia, 

and Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in Tennessee. Eligibility 

is similar to VA national cemeteries. For information, call (202) 

208-4747, o r write: Department of Interior, National Park Service 

1849 C. St. NW, Washington, D. C. 20240.

State and Tribal Veterans Cemeteries: There are currently 97 VA 

grant-funded Veterans cemeteries operating in 47 states and U.S. 

Territories that offer burial options for Veterans and their eligible 

dependents. Five of these cemeteries are operated by 

federally recognized tribal organizations. VA grant-funded 

cemeteries have similar eligibility requirements and certain states/

tribal organizations may require state or tribal residency/membership. Some services, particularly for family members, may require 

a fee. Contact the state or tribal Veterans cemetery or the state 

Veterans A ffairs office for information. To locate a state or tribal 

Veterans cemetery, visit www.cem.va.gov/grants/veterans_

cemeteries.asp.

Military Funeral Honors: Upon request, t h e Department of 

Defense (DoD) may provide military funeral honors consisting of 

folding and presenting the United States flag and the playing of 
72

“Taps.” A funeral honors detail consists of two or more uniformed 

members of the Armed F orces, with at least one member from the

deceased’s branch of service.

Family members should inform their funeral director if they 

want military funeral honors. DoD maintains a toll-free number 

(1-877-MILHONR) for use by funeral directors only to request honors. VA may help arrange honors for burials at VA national cemeteries. Veterans service organizations or volunteer groups may 

help provide honors. For more information, visit www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/.
73

Federal Benefits for Veterans,

Dependents and Survivors

VA Pamphlet 80-16-01

P94663

OFFICIAL BUSINESSWashington, DC 20420U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs