Phone Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Loans................................................................1-888-244-6711

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

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

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline............................1-800-273-8255

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

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

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

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

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

Women Veterans.........................................................1-202-461-1070

Web Sites

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

Caregier Support ............................................. www.caregiver.va.gov

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

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

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

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

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.nationalresourcedirectory.gov

Prosthetics.................................................. www.prosthetics.va.gov

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

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

Women Veterans...................www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth

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
Federal Benefits for

Veterans, Dependents and 

Survivors

2011 Edition

Department of

Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave., N.W. 

Washington, DC 20420

Cover: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kenneth Toole
U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE

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

of this publication and is herein identified to 

certify its authenticity. Use of the 0-16 ISBN 

prefix is for U.S. Government Printing Office 

Official Editions only. The Superintendent of 

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

clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic 

work with a new ISBN. 

Legal Status and Use of Seals and Logos

The seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs authenticates the 2011 edition of Federal Benefits for 

Veterans, Dependents and Survivors as the official 

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

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

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

person using official seals and logos of the Department of Veterans 

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

Federal Regulations 1.9 may be subject to the penalties specified in 

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

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

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

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

978-0-16-088330-9
Contents iii

Contents

Chapter 1: VA Health Care Benefits 1

Chapter 2: Veterans with Service- 

 Connected Disabilities 25

Chapter 3: VA Pensions 37

Chapter 4: Education and Training 39

Chapter 5: Home Loan Guaranty 51

Chapter 6: VA Life Insurance 63

Chapter 7: Burial and Memorial Benefits 69

Chapter 8: Reserve and National Guard 75

Chapter 9: Special Groups of Veterans 83

Chapter 10: Transition Assistance 91

Chapter 11: Dependents and Survivors

 Health Care 99
iv Contents

Chapter 12: Dependents and Survivors 

 Benefits 103

Chapter 13: Appeals of VA Claims Decisions

 113

Chapter 14: Military Medals and Records 

 115

Chapter 15: Other Federal Benefits 119

VA Facilities 125

Index 182
Introduction

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

broad range of programs and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits are legislated in Title 

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

these benefits effective Jan. 1, 2011. For additional information, visit 

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

La versión en español de este folleto se encuentra disponible en 

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

index.asp. 

General Eligibility 

Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active 

military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active 

service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, 

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

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

Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and 

Geodetic Survey. Generally, men and women veterans with similar 

service may be entitled to the same VA benefits. 

Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courtsmartial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees must 

contact a VA regional office to determine eligibility. VA benefits will 

not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant. 

Certain VA Benefits Require Wartime Service

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

recognizes these war periods:

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

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

World War I: April 6, 1917, through Nov. 11, 1918; for veterans who 
served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended 

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

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

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

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

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

Gulf War: Aug. 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation.

Important Documents Needed to Expedite 

VA Benefits Delivery

In order to expedite benefits delivery, veterans seeking a VA benefit 

for the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge form 

(DD-214, DD-215, or for World War II veterans, a WD form), which 

documents service dates and type of discharge, or give their full 

name, military service number, and branch and dates of service. 

The veteran’s service discharge form should be kept in a safe location accessible to the veteran and next of kin or designated representative. 

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

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

 or children.

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

 health care facility.

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

 children’s benefits.

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

ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

CHAMPVA – Civilian Health and Medical Program of VA

CLC – Community Living Center

C&P – Compensation and Pension

COE – Certificate of Eligibility

CRDP – Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payments

CRSC – Combat-Related Special Compensation

CWT – Compensated Work Therapy

CZTE – Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

DIC – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

DoD -- Department of Defense 

FHA – Federal Housing Administration

FSGLI – Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

HUD – Department of Housing and Urban Development

IRR – Individual Ready Reserve

MGIB – Montgomery GI Bill

MIA – Missing in Action

NPRC – National Personnel Records Center

NSLI – National Service Life Insurance

OEF – Operation Enduring Freedom

OIF – Operation Iraqi Freedom

OPM – Office of Personnel Management

POW -- Prisoner of War

PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

SAH – Specially Adapted Housing

SBA – Small Business Administration

SSI – Supplemental Security Income

S-DVI – Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance

SGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

SSB – Special Separation Benefits 

TAP – Transition Assistance Program

TSGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection

USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USDA – U.S. Department of Agriculture

VA – Department of Veterans Affairs

VEAP – Veterans Educational Assistance Program

VEOA – Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act

VGLI – Veterans’ Group Life Insurance

VHA – Veterans Health Administration

VMET – Verification of Military Experience and Training

VMLI – Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

VR&E – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

VSI – Voluntary Separation Incentive

WAAC – Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps

WASPs – Women Air Force Service Pilots

Chapter 1 VA Health Care 1 

Chapter 1

VA Health Care Benefits 

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

more than 1,400 sites of care, including hospitals, community clinics, community living centers, domiciliary, readjustment counseling 

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

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

Basic Eligibility

A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and 

who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits. Reservists and 

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

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

called or ordered to active duty. 

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 

7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have 

served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were 

called to active duty in order to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to veterans discharged for hardship, early 

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

Enrollment

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

applying for enrollment. To apply, complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits, which may be obtained from any VA health 

care facility or regional benefits office, on line at www.1010ez.med.

va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/ or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Once 

enrolled, veterans can receive health care at VA health care facilities 

anywhere in the country. 

Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system are afforded privacy 

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

is also available on line at www.va.gov/vhapublications/viewpublication.asp?pub_ID=1089 
2 VA Health Care Chapter 1

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

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

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

 more.

2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined 

 was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA

 has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.

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

4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (Ionizing Radiation,

 Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Iraqi Freedom and 

 Depleted Uranium).

Priority Groups

During enrollment, each veteran is assigned to a priority group. VA 

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

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

publicize the changes and notify affected enrollees. A description of 

priority groups follows:

Group 1: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or more and/or veterans determined by VA to be unemployable 

due to service-connected conditions.

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

percent.

Group 3: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 10 and 

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

were awarded a Purple Heart medal; veterans awarded the Medal 

of Honor (MOH) veterans awarded special eligibility for disabilities 

incurred in treatment or participation in a VA Vocational Rehabilitation 

program; and veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred 

or aggravated in the line of duty. 

Group 4: Veterans receiving aid and attendance or housebound 

benefits and/or veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically 

disabled. 

Group 5: Veterans receiving VA pension benefits or eligible for 

Medicaid programs, and non service-connected veterans and non-
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 3 

compensable, zero percent service-connected veterans whose gross 

annual household income and/or net worth are below the VA national 

income threshold and geographically-adjusted income threshold for 

their resident area.

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

certain conditions associated with exposure to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of Hiroshima and 

Nagasaki; for any illness associated with participation in tests conducted by the Department of Defense (DoD) as part of Project 112/

Project SHAD; veterans with zero percent service-connected disabilities who are receiving disability compensation benefits; veterans who 

served in the republic of Vietnam between 1962 and 1975; veterans 

of the Persian Gulf War that served between August 2, 1990 and 

November 11, 1998 and veterans who served in a theater of combat 

operations after Nov. 11, 1998 as follows: 

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

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

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

 discharge 

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

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

 2011 

Group 7: Veterans with gross household income below the geographically-adjusted income threshold (GMT) for their resident location and who agree to pay copays. 

Group 8: Veterans, enrolled as of January 16, 2003, with gross 

household income and/or net worth above the VA national income 

threshold and the geographically-adjusted income threshold for their 

resident location and who agree to pay copays. 

Note: Due to income relaxation rules implemented on June 15, 2009 

Veterans with household income above the VA national threshold or 

the GMT income threshold for their resident location by 10 percent or 

less, who agree to pay copays, are eligible for enrollment in Priority 

Group 8. 

VA’s income thresholds can be located at: http://www4.va.gov/

healtheligibility/Library/AnnualThresholds.asp.
4 VA Health Care Chapter 1

Recently Discharged Combat Veterans

Veterans, including activated reservists and members of the National 

Guard, are eligible for the enhanced “Combat Veteran” benefits if 

they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after 

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

dishonorable conditions.

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

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

placement into Priority Group 6 (unless eligible for higher enrollment 

Priority Group placement) for five-years post discharge. 

Veterans with combat service after Nov. 11, 1998, who were discharged from active duty before Jan. 28, 2003, and who apply for 

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

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

enhanced enrollment benefits, these veterans receive VA care and 

medications at no cost for any condition that may be related to their 

combat service. 

 Veterans who enroll with VA under this “Combat Veteran” authority 

will retain enrollment eligibility even after their five-year post discharge period ends. At the end of their post discharge period, VA will 

reassess the Veteran’s information (including all applicable eligibility 

factors) and make a new enrollment decision. For additional information, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387). 

Special Access to Care

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

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

appointments. 

Women Veterans

Women veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male veterans. Comprehensive health services are available to women veterans including primary care, specialty care, mental health care and 

reproductive health care services

VA provides management of acute and chronic illnesses, preventive 

care, contraceptive services, menopause management, and cancer 

screenings, including pap smear and mammograms, and gynecol-
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 5 

ogy. Maternity care is covered in the Medical Benefits package to 

include care for newborn children of women veterans receiving 

maternity care until discharge and referrals are made to appropriate 

clinicians in the community for services that VA is unable to provide. 

.Infertility evaluation and limited treatments are also available. For 

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

Women Veterans Program Managers are available at all VA facilities. See the facility locator at www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.

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

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

Sexual Trauma

VA health care professionals provide counseling and treatment to 

help veterans overcome psychological issues resulting from sexual 

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

training if service was in the National Guard or Reserves. Veterans 

who are not otherwise eligible for VA health care may still receive 

these services. Appropriate services are provided for any injury, 

illness or psychological condition resulting from such trauma. For additional information visit: www.ptsd.va.gov/public/index.asp

Financial Assessment

Most veterans not receiving VA disability compensation or pension 

payments must provide information on their gross annual household 

income and net worth to determine whether they are below the annually adjusted financial thresholds. VA is currently not enrolling new 

applicants who decline to provide financial information unless they 

have a special eligibility factor exempting them from such disclosure. 

This financial assessment includes all household income and net 

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

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

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

accounts and cash. 

VA Medical Services and Medication Copays

Some veterans are required to make copays to receive VA health 

care and/or medications.
6 VA Health Care Chapter 1

Inpatient Care: : Priority Group 7 and certain other Veterans are 

responsible for paying 20 percent of VA’s inpatient copay or $226 for 

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

For each additional 90 days, the charge is $113. In addition, there is 

a $2 per diem charge. 

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

inpatient copay of $1,132 for the first 90 days of care during any 

365-day period. For each additional 90 days, the charge is $566. In 

addition, there is a $10 per diem charge. 

Extended Care: For extended care services, veterans may be 

subject to a copay determined by information supplied by completing 

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

their eligibility and copay requirements. The copay amount is based 

on each veteran’s financial situation and is determined upon application for extended care services and will range from $0 to $97 a day.

Outpatient Care: A three-tiered copay system is used for all outpatient services. The copay is $15 for a primary care visit and $50 for 

some specialized care. Compensable Service-connected Veterans 

and Veterans determined to be Catastrophically Disabled are exempt 

from copay requirements for inpatient and outpatient medical care for 

service-connected and non-service connected treatment. Non compensable zero percent service-connected Veterans may be required 

to complete a copay test to determine if copay requirements are 

required for treatment of their non service-connected conditions.

*Copay amount is limited to a single charge per visit regardless of 

the number of health care providers seen in a single day. The copay 

amount is based on the highest level of service received. There is no 

copay requirement for preventive care services such as screenings 

and immunizations.

Outpatient Visits Not Requiring Copays: Certain services are not 

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

health fairs or outpatient visits solely for preventive screening and/

or vaccinations, such as vaccinations for influenza and pneumococcal, or screening for hypertension, hepatitis C, tobacco, alcohol, 

hyperlipidemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer by 

fecal occult blood testing, education about the risks and benefits of 

prostate cancer screening, HIV testing and counseling, and weight 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 7 

reduction or smoking cessation counseling (individual and group). 

Laboratory, flat film radiology, electrocardiograms, and hospice care 

are also exempt from copays. While hepatitis C screening and HIV 

testing and counseling are exempt, medical care for HIV and hepatitis C are NOT exempt from copays. 

Medication: Non-service connected veterans in Priority Group 7 

and 8 are charged $9 for each 30-day or less supply of medication 

provided by VA for treatment of non-service connected conditions. 

Veterans enrolled in Priority Groups 2 through 6 are charged $8 for 

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

medications that will be charged in calendar year 2010 is $960 for 

non-service connected medications The following groups of veterans 

are not charged medication copays: veterans with a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more; veterans receiving medication for 

service-connected conditions; veterans whose annual income does 

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

who are determined to be Catastrophically Disabled; veterans enrolled in Priority Group 6 who receive medication under their special 

authority; veterans receiving medication for conditions related to 

sexual trauma related to service on active duty; certain veterans 

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

veterans receiving medication for a VA-approved research project; 

and former POWs. 

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

pharmacy. However, veterans may prefer to purchase over-thecounter drugs, such as aspirin or vitamins, at a local pharmacy rather 

than making the copay. Copays are not charged for medications 

injected during the course of treatment or for medical supplies, such 

as syringes or alcohol wipes. 

HSA/HRA: Health Savings Accounts (HSA) cannot be utilized to 

make VA copays. In addition, if the Veteran receives any health 

benefits from the VA or one of its facilities, including prescription 

drugs, in the last three months, he/she will not be eligible for an HSA. 

Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) is not considered health 

plans and third party payers cannot be billed.

Private Health Insurance Billing

VA is required to bill private health insurance providers for medical 
8 VA Health Care Chapter 1

care, supplies and prescriptions provided for treatment of veterans’ 

non-service-connected conditions. Generally, VA cannot bill Medicare, but can bill Medicare supplemental health insurance for covered services. VA is not authorized to bill a High Deductible Health 

Plan (which is usually linked to a Health Savings Account).

All veterans applying for VA medical care are required to provide 

information on their health insurance coverage, including coverage 

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

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

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

responsibility. 

Reimbursement of Travel Costs

Certain veterans may be provided special mode travel (e.g. wheelchair van, ambulance) or reimbursed for travel costs when traveling 

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

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

and $6 for a round trip; with a maximum deductible of $18 or the 

amount after six one-way trips (whichever occurs first) per calendar 

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

compensation or pension examination and travel requiring a special 

mode of transportation. The deductible may be waived when their 

imposition would cause a severe financial hardship.

Eligibility: The following are eligible for VA travel:

1. Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated 30 

 percent or more.

2. Veterans traveling for treatment of service-connected 

 conditions. 

3. Veterans who receive a VA pension.

4. Veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension 

 examinations.

5. Veterans whose gross household income does not exceed the 

 maximum annual VA pension rate. 

 6. Veterans in certain emergency situations.

7. Veterans whose medical condition requires a special mode of 

 transportation, if they are unable to defray the costs and 

 travel is pre-authorized. Advance authorization is not 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 9 

 required in an emergency if a delay would be hazardous to

 life or health.

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

 (attendants & donors).

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

include: incorrect addresses provided resulting in increase mileage; 

driving/riding together and making separate claims; and taking no 

cost transportation, such as DAV, and making claims. Veterans making false statements for beneficiary travel reimbursement may be 

prosecuted under applicable laws.

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

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

VAOIG hotline: 1-800-488-8244

E-mail: vaoighotline@va.gov

Fax: (202) 565-7936

VA Inspector General Hotline 

P.O. Box 50410

Washington, DC 20091-0410

VA Medical Programs

Veteran Health Registries 

Certain veterans can participate in a VA health registry and receive 

free medical examinations, including laboratory and other diagnostic 

tests deemed necessary by an examining clinician. VA maintains 

health registries to provide special health examinations and healthrelated information. To participate, contact the Environmental Health 

(EH) Coordinator at the nearest VA health care facility or visit www.

publichealth.va.gov/exposures, where a directory of EH Coordinators 

is maintained.

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, including Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). 

The Gulf War examination registry was established after the first Gulf 

War to identify possible diseases resulting from U.S. military personnel service in certain areas of Southwest Asia. These diseases were 

endemic to the area or may have been due to hazardous exposures, 

including heavy metals. Furthermore, air pollutants, i.e., carbon monoxide sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and nitrogen 
10 VA Health Care Chapter 1

oxides, singly or in combination, could have caused chronic health 

problems.

Depleted Uranium Registries: Depleted uranium is natural uranium 

left over after most of the U-235 isotope has been removed, such as 

that used as fuel in nuclear power plants. DU possesses about 60 

percent of the radioactivity of natural uranium; it is a radiation hazard 

primarily if internalized, such as in shrapnel, contaminated wounds, 

and inhalation. In addition to its radioactivity, DU has some chemical 

toxicity related to being a heavy metal (similar to lead).

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

have concerns about possible depleted uranium (DU) exposure are 

eligible for a DU evaluation. VA maintains two registries for veterans possibly exposed to depleted uranium. The first is for veterans 

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

second is for veterans who served elsewhere, including Bosnia and 

Afghanistan. 

Agent Orange Registry: For veterans possibly exposed to dioxin or 

other toxic substances in herbicides used during the Vietnam War, 

between 1962 and 1975, regardless of length of service, or while 

serving in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) between April 

1, 1968 through August 31, 1971, or as a result of testing, transporting, or spraying herbicides for military purposes. DoD has provided a 

list of locations and dates where herbicides, including Agent Orange, 

were used. This DoD list is available at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures. For those sites not listed, the Veteran should provide some 

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

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

Ionizing Radiation Registry: For Veterans possibly exposed to and 

who are concerned about possible adverse effects of their atomic 

exposure during the following activities -- On-site participation in:

an atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device, whether or not the 

testing nation was the United States; occupation of Hiroshima or 

Nagasaki from Aug. 6, 1945, through July 1, 1946; or internment as a 

POW in Japan during World War II, which the Secretary of Veterans 

Affairs determines resulted in an opportunity for exposure to ionizing 

radiation comparable to that of Veterans involved in the occupation 

of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 11 

In addition, VA regulations provide that “radiation-risk activity” means 

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

Tennessee for at least 250 days before Feb. 1, 1992. If the Veteran 

was monitored for each of the 250 days using dosimetry badges to 

monitor radiation to external body parts or if the Veteran served for 

at least 250 days in a position that had exposures comparable to a 

job that was monitored using dosimetry badges; Longshot, Milrow 

or Cannikin underground nuclear tests at Amchitka Island, Alaska, 

before Jan. 1, 1974 or Veterans who received nasopharyngeal (NP) 

– nose and throat - radium irradiation treatments while in the active 

military, naval, or air service.

Readjustment Counseling Services

VA provides outreach and readjustment counseling services through 

232 community-based Vet Centers located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands.

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

combat theater during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam 

War, the Gulf War, or the campaigns in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, 

Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Global War on 

Terror. Veterans, who served in the active military during the Vietnam-era, but not in the Republic of Vietnam, must have requested 

services at a Vet Center before Jan. 1, 2004. Vet Centers do not 

require enrollment in the VHA Health Care System.

Services Offered: Vet Center counselors provide individual, group, 

and family readjustment counseling to combat veterans to assist 

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

counseling services treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder 

(PTSD) and help with any other military related problems that affect 

functioning within the family, work, school or other areas of everyday life; other psycho-social services include outreach, education, 

medical referral, homeless veteran services, employment, VA benefit 

referral, and the brokering of non-VA services. The Vet Centers also 

provide military sexual trauma counseling to Veterans of both genders and of any era of military service.

Bereavement Counseling related to Servicemembers: Bereavement counseling is available through Department of Veterans Affairs 
12 VA Health Care Chapter 1

(VA’s) Vet Centers to all immediate family members (including spouses, children, parents, and siblings) of servicemembers who die in the 

line of duty while on active service. This includes federally-activated 

members of the National Guard and reserve components. Vet Center 

bereavement services for surviving family members of service members 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/. 

Prosthetic and Sensory Aids

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

therapy, artificial limbs, orthopedic braces and therapeutic shoes, 

wheelchairs, powered mobility, crutches, canes, walkers, and other 

durable medical equipment and supplies. 

VA medical services include diagnostic audiology and diagnostic 

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

eyeglasses to Veterans who receive increased pension based on the 

need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound; receive compensation for a service-connected disability; are 

former POWs or a Purple Heart award recipient. 

Otherwise, hearing aids and eyeglasses are provided only in special 

circumstances, and not for normally occurring hearing or vision loss. 

For additional information, contact the Prosthetic Chief or Representative at the nearest VA health care facility or go to the web site: 

prosthetics.va.gov

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations 

VA provides up to $4,100 lifetime benefit for service-connected veterans and up to $1,200 for non-service-connected veterans to make 

home improvements necessary for the continuation of treatment or 

for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary 

facilities. 

Home Improvement and Structural Alterations grants provide for 

medically necessary improvements and/or structural changes to the 

Veteran’s residence for the following purposes: 

(1) Allowing entrance to, or exit from, the Veteran’s residence. 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 13 

(2) Use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. 

(3) Allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or 

 counters. 

(4) Improving entrance paths or driveways in immediate area of 

 the home to facilitate access to the home by the Veteran. 

(5) Improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary

 due to installation of dialysis equipment in the home. 

For application information, contact the prosthetic representative at 

the nearest VA health care facility.

Special Eligibility Programs

Special Eligibility for Children with Spina Bifida: VA provides 

comprehensive health care benefits, including outpatient, inpatient , 

pharmacy, prosthetics, medical equipment, and supplies for certain 

Korea and Vietnam Veterans’ birth children diagnosed with Spina 

Bifida (except spina bifida occulta).

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

program may receive VA health care benefits including prosthetics, 

medical equipment, and supplies. 

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

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

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Veterans

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

or for admission to an inpatient or outpatient VA blind rehabilitation 

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

system may receive:

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

obtaining benefits that may be due to the veteran but have 

not been received.

2. Adjustment to blindness training and counseling.

3. Home improvements and structural alterations.

4. Specially adapted housing and adaptations.

5. Automobile grant.

6. Rehabilitation assessment and training to improve 

independence and quality of life.
14 VA Health Care Chapter 1

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

8. Electronic and mechanical aids for the blind, including 

 adaptive computers and computer-assisted devices such as 

 reading machines and electronic travel aids.

9. Facilitation and recommendation for guide dogs and training 

 in the use of guide dogs.

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

11. Talking books, tapes and Braille literature.

12. Family support.

Eligible visually impaired veterans (who are not blind) enrolled in the 

VA health care system may be eligible for services at a VA medical 

center or for admission to an outpatient VA blind rehabilitation program and may also receive:

1. A total health and benefits review.

2. Adjustment to vision loss counseling. 

3. Rehabilitation assessment and training to improve 

independence and quality of life.

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

5. Electronic and mechanical aids for the visually impaired, 

 including adaptive computers and computer-assisted 

 devices, such as reading machines and electronic travel 

 aids, and training in their use.

6. Family support. 

Mental Health Care Treatment

Veterans eligible for VA medical care may apply for general mental 

health treatment including specialty services.Mental health services 

are available in specialty clinics, primary care clinics, nursing homes, 

and residential care facilities where veterans receive health care. 

Specialized programs, such as mental health intensive case management, day centers, work programs and psychosocial rehabilitation are provided for those with serious mental health problems. 

The list of services and programs that Mental Health supports include: inpatient care, residential care, outpatient mental health care, 

homeless programs, programs for incarcerated veterans, specialized 

PTSD services, military sexual trauma, psychosocial rehabilitation 

& recovery services, substance use disorders, suicide programs, 

geriatrics, violence prevention, evidence-based psychotherapy pro-
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 15 

grams, mental health disaster response/post deployment activities 

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

mentalhealth.va.gov/VAMentalHealthGroup.asp

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Veterans experiencing an emotional distress/crisis or who need to 

talk to a trained mental health professional may call the National 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK 

(8255). The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Callers are immediately connected with a qualified and caring provider who can help.

On July 3, 2009, the VA launched a pilot on-line Chat Service, in 

partnership with Lifeline. The Veterans Chat Service is located at the 

VA National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Veterans Chat enables Veterans, their families and friends to go online where they can anonymously chat with a trained VA counselor. Veterans Chat can be 

accessed through the suicide prevention Web site www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. by clicking on the Veterans Chat tab on the right 

side of the Web page.

Work Restoration Programs

VA provides vocational assistance and therapeutic work opportunities through several programs for veterans receiving VA health care. 

Each program offers treatment and rehabilitation services to help 

veterans live and work in their communities. 

Participation in the following VA Work Restoration Programs cannot 

be used to deny or discontinue VA compensation or pension benefits. Payments received from Incentive Therapy and Compensated 

Work Therapy transitional work are not taxable. 

Incentive Therapy (IT) provides a diversified work experience at VA 

medical centers for Veterans who exhibit severe mental illness and/

or physical impairments. IT services may consist of full or part time 

work with nominal remuneration limited to the maximum of one half 

of the Federal minimum wage. 

CWT/ Sheltered Workshop (CWT) operates sheltered workshops 

at approximately 35 VA Medical Centers. CWT sheltered work shop 
16 VA Health Care Chapter 1

is a pre-employment vocational activity that provides an opportunity 

for work hardening and assessment in a simulated work environment. Participating Veterans are paid on a piece rate basis. 

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

program that operates in VA medical centers and/or local community 

business and industry. CWT/TW participants are matched to real life 

work assignments for a time limited basis. Veterans are supervised 

by personnel of the sponsoring site, under the same job expectations experienced by non-CWT workers. CWT/TW participants are 

not considered employees and receive no traditional employee 

benefits. 

 Participants receive the greater of Federal or state minimum wage, 

or more depending on the type of work. Over forty percent of participants secure competitive employment at the time of discharge. 

CWT/Supported Employment (CWT/SE) consists of full-time or 

part-time competitive employment with extensive clinical supports. 

The focus of CWT/SE is to assist Veterans with psychosis and 

other serious mental illness gain access to meaningful competitive 

employment. CWT/SE follow along support services are generally 

phased out after the Veteran is able to maintain employment independently.

Mental Health Residential Rehab Treatment Program 

Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (MH 

RRTP) (including Domiciliary RRTPs) provides residential rehabilitative and clinical care to Veterans who have a wide range of problems, illnesses, or rehabilitative care needs which can be medical, 

psychiatric, substance use, homelessness, vocational, educational, 

or social. 

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

milieu of peer and professional support. The programs provide a 

strong emphasis on psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery services that instill personal responsibility to achieve optimal levels of 

independence upon discharge to independent or supportive community living. MH RRTP also provides rehabilitative care for veterans 

who are homeless. 

Eligibility: VA may provide domiciliary care to veterans whose annual gross household income does not exceed the maximum annual 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 17

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

determines have no adequate means of support. The copays for 

extended care services apply to domiciliary care. Call your nearest 

benefits or health care facility to obtain the latest information.

Outpatient Dental Treatment

Dental benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs 

(VA) according to law. In some instances, VA is authorized to provide 

extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited 

by law. This Fact Sheet table describes dental eligibility criteria and 

contains information to assist Veterans in understanding their eligibility for VA dental care.

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

for most other VA medical benefits. It is categorized in classes. If 

you are eligible for VA dental care under Class I, IIC, or IV you are eligible for any necessary dental care to maintain or restore oral health 

and masticatory function, including repeat care. Other classes have 

time and/or service limitations.

If you: You are eligible for: Through 

Have a service-connected 

compensable dental disability 

or condition.

Any needed dental care. Class I

Are a former prisoner of war. Any needed dental care. Class IIC

Have service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling, 

or are unemployable and 

paid at the 100% rate due to 

service-connected conditions.

Any needed dental care. 

[note: Veterans paid at the 

100% rate based on a temporary rating, are not eligible 

for comprehensive outpatient dental services.

Class IV

Apply for dental care within 

180 days of discharge or 

release from a period of active duty (under conditions 

other than dishonorable) of 

90 days or more during the 

Persian Gulf War era.

One-time dental care if 

your DD214 certificate of 

discharge does not indicate that a complete dental 

examination and all appropriate dental treatment 

had been rendered prior to 

discharge.*

Class II
18 VA Health Care Chapter 1

Have a service-connected 

noncompensable dental condition or disability resulting from combat 

wounds or service trauma.

Needed care for the serviceconnected condition(s). 

A Dental Trauma Rating 

(VA Form 10-564-D) or 

VA Regional Office Rating 

Decision letter (VA Form 

10-7131) identifies the tooth/

teeth eligible for care.

Class IIA

Have a dental condition clinically determined by VA to be 

associated with and aggravating a service-connected medical condition.

Dental care to treat the oral 

conditions that are determined by a VA dental professional to have a direct and 

material detrimental effect 

to your service connected 

medical condition.

Class III

Are actively engaged in a 38 

USC Chapter 31 vocational 

rehabilitation program

Dental care to the extent 

necessary to: 

• Make possible to enter, 

achieve goals, and prevent 

interruption of a rehabilitation program, or

 • Hasten the return to a 

rehabilitation program for 

leave status, or placed in 

discontinued status because 

of a dental condition, or

• Secure and adjust to 

employment during employment assistance, or enable 

to achieve maximum independence in daily living

ClassV

Are receiving VA care or are 

scheduled for inpatient care 

and require dental care for a 

condition complicating a medical condition currently under 

treatment.

Dental care to treat the oral 

conditions that are determined by a VA dental professional to complicate your 

medical condition currently 

under treatment.

Class VI

Are an enrolled Veteran who 

may be homeless and receiving care under VHA Directive 

2007-039.

A one-time course of dental 

care that is determined 

medically necessary to 

relieve pain, assist in gaining employment, or treat 

moderto severe gingival and 

periodontal conditions.

Class IIB

*Note: Public Law 83 enacted June 16, 1955, amended Veterans’ eligibility for outpa-
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 19 

tient dental services. As a result, any Veteran who received a dental award letter from 

VBA dated before 1955 in which VBA determined the dental conditions to be noncompensable are no longer eligible for Class II outpatient dental treatment.

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

services that are professionally determined by a VA dentist, in consultation with the 

referring physician, to be essential to the management of the patient’s medical condition under active treatment.

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

1-877-222-8387 or www.va.gov/healtheligibility

Nursing Home Care

VA provides nursing home services to veterans through three national programs: VA owned and operated Community Living Centers 

(CLC), state veterans’ homes owned and operated by the states, and 

the contract community nursing home program. Each program has 

admission and eligibility criteria specific to the program. 

VA Community Living Centers: Community Living Centers (CLC) 

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

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

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

maintenance care for veterans awaiting placement in the community. Short stay services are available for veterans who are enrolled 

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

available for enrolled veterans who need nursing home care for life 

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

and those rated 60 percent service-connected and unemployable; or 

veterans or who have a 70 percent or greater service-connected disability. All others are based on available resources. 

State Veterans’ Home Program: State veterans homes are owned 

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

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

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

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

Specialized services offered are dependent upon the capability of the 

home to render them.

Contract Community Nursing Home Program: VA health care 

facilities establish contracts with community nursing homes. The pur-
20 VA Health Care Chapter 1

pose of this program is to meet the nursing home needs of veterans 

who require long-term nursing home care in their own community, 

close to their families and meet the enrollment and eligibility requirements. 

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

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

to require inpatient nursing home care, and is assessed by an appropriate medical provider to be in need of institutional nursing home 

care. Furthermore, the veteran must meet the specific eligibility criteria for community living center care or the contract nursing home program and the eligibility criteria for the specific state veterans home. 

Non-Institutional Long-term Care Services: In addition to nursing 

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

directly or by contract with community-based agencies. Such services include adult day health care, respite care, geriatric evaluation 

and management, hospice and palliative care, home based skilled 

nursing, and home based primary care. Veterans receiving these 

services may be subject to a copay.

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

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

emergency non-VA medical care not previously authorized that is 

provided to certain eligible Veterans when VA or other federal 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. If emergency inpatient services are 

required, VA will assist in transferring the Veteran to a Department 

facility, if available. Claim timely filing limitations apply. For additional 

information, contact the nearest VA medical facility. Please note that 

reimbursement criteria for Veterans living or traveling outside the 

United States fall under VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP), and 

differ from the criteria for payment of emergency treatment received 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 21 

in the United States. Please refer to the section below VA’s Foreign 

Medical Program.

Foreign Medical Program

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

any disability associated with and found to be aggravating a serviceconnected disability for those veterans living or traveling outside the 

United States. This program will also reimburse for the treatment of 

foreign medical services needed as part of an approved VA vocational rehabilitation program. Veterans living in the Philippines should 

register with the U.S. Veterans Affairs office in Pasay City, telephone 

011-632-838-4566 or by email at manlopc.inqry@vba.va.gov. All 

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

register with the Denver Foreign Medical Program office, P.O. Box 

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

For information visit: www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/fmp/fmp.asp.

Some veterans traveling or living overseas can telephone the 

Foreign Medical Program toll free from these countries: Germany 

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

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

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

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

first dial the United States country code.) 

Online Health Services

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

online Personal Health Record. Access is easy and convenient anywhere the Internet is available. My HealtheVet is for Veterans, active 

duty Service members, their dependents, and caregivers. With My 

HealtheVet users access trusted and secure VA health information 

to better manage their health care and facts about other VA benefits 

and services to which they may be entitled. My HealtheVet helps users to partner with their health care teams and provides them opportunities and tools to make informed decisions.

To register, simply go to www.myhealth.va.gov and follow the directions. Users can then record and track health information and history 

for their family and themselves; enter past and present military service events; keep activity and food journals; record, track, and graph 

vital signs; and, maintain other health measures. 
22 VA Health Care Chapter 1

Veterans enrolled at a VA health care facility can also access advanced features of My HealtheVet and can link their Personal Health 

Record with information from their VA electronic health record. To 

access the advanced features, Veterans must complete a one-time 

process called In-Person Authentication or “IPA.” This includes 

making a visit to their VA facility to verify their identity in person. After 

completing the IPA, VA patients can use My HealtheVet to:

• Refill their VA prescriptions by name, not just by the 

prescription number

• Record non-VA medications

• Receive VA Wellness Reminders

• Access new features as they become available

Expected in 2010, VA patients who complete the IPA also will see 

their VA appointments, VA lab test results, and VA list of allergies. 

They may also communicate with their health care teams through 

“Secure Messaging” as this feature becomes available at their local 

VA facility.

Register for My HealtheVet today at www.myhealth.va.gov. If you are 

a VA patient and want to access advanced features, don’t forget to 

complete the one-time IPA process which takes only a few minutes. 

Start now and benefit from using My HealtheVet. It’s quick, easy and 

it’s for you. My HealtheVet: 24/7 Access to VA Health Care Services 

and Information.

Caregiver Programs and Services

VA has long advocated for caregivers as vital partners in providing 

care worthy of the sacrifices by America’s Veterans and Servicemembers with each VA medical center containing a designated 

Caregiver Support point of contact to coordinate caregiver activities 

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

providers. Several programs are available for all Veteran caregivers 

including:

• In-Home and Community Based Care: Skilled home health 

care, homemaker/home health aide services, community adult day 

health care and Home Based Primary Care. 

• Respite Care: Designed to relieve the family caregiver from 

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

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

• Caregiver Education and Training Programs: VA currently 

provides multiple training opportunities which include pre-discharge 
Chapter 1 VA Health Care 23 

care instruction and specialized caregiver programs in multiple 

severe traumas such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord 

Injury/Disorders, and Blind Rehabilitation. VA has a caregiver assistance healthy living center on My HealtheVet, www.myhealth.

va.gov, as well as caregiver information on the VA’s main Web page 

health site; both Web sites include information on VA and community 

resources and caregiver health and wellness.

• Family Support Services: These support groups can be 

face-to-face or on the telephone. They include family counseling, 

spiritual and pastoral care, family leisure and recreational activities 

and temporary lodging in Fisher Houses. 

• Other Benefits: VA provides durable medical equipment and 

prosthetic and sensory aides to improve function, financial assistance with home modification to improve access and mobility, and 

transportation assistance for some Veterans to and from medical 

appointments.

On May 5, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Caregivers 

and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law. Title I 

of the Act will allow VA to provide unprecedented benefits to eligible 

caregivers who support the Veterans who have given so much for 

this Nation. The law distinguishes between Veterans who incurred 

or aggravated a serious injury or illness in the line of duty on or after 

Sept. 11, 2001 (post-9/11 Veterans), and those Veterans whose 

injuries or illnesses were incurred prior to Sept. 11, 2001 (pre-9/11 

Veterans). Post-9/11 Veterans are eligible for three levels of caregivers: one primary caregiver, one or more family caregivers, and one 

or more general caregivers. 

 • General caregivers for both pre- and post-9/11 Veterans may 

be eligible to receive educational sessions in person and online, 

training in how to provide caregiver services, counseling and other 

services, and information about supportive services available from 

other public, private and non-profit agencies.

• Family caregivers may be eligible for all general caregiver benefits plus may be eligible for ongoing technical support, counseling, 

lodging, subsistence, and travel benefits. 

• Primary caregivers may be eligible to receive these same 

benefits, as well as, a stipend, mental health services, and access to 

health care coverage, if they are not already entitled to care or services under a health plan contract, including Medicare, Medicaid or 

worker’s compensation. Primary caregivers must be a family mem-
24 VA Health Care Chapter 1

ber or a person who resides with the Veteran. 

• Respite services of not less than 30 days per year, are made 

available to primary and family caregivers while attending appointments or undergoing caregiver training for post-9/11 Veterans. 

• All caregivers of both pre- and post-9/11 Veterans are eligible 

to receive respite care under VA’s existing program, which provides 

up to 30 days per year.

The Caregiver support line (1-855-260-3274 ) and Web site (www.

caregiver.va.gov ) provides general information on caregiver services. For questions on caregiver eligibility or to apply for benefits, 

contact the VA Health Administration Center for information at 1-877-

733-7927, or visit www.va.gov/hac. 
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 25

Chapter 2

Service-Connected Disabilities

Disability Compensation

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who 

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

during active military service. These disabilities are considered to be 

service-connected. 

Disability compensation varies with the degree of disability and the 

number of a veteran’s dependents, and is paid monthly. Veterans 

with certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special 

monthly compensation. The benefits are not subject to federal or 

state income tax. 

The payment of military retirement pay, disability severance pay and 

separation incentive payments, known as SSB (Special Separation Benefits) and VSI (Voluntary Separation Incentives) affects the 

amount of VA compensation paid to disabled veterans. 

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

through separation or discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. For additional details, visit the Web site at www.vba.va.gov/

bln/21/. 

Receiving Disability Benefit Payments

Most veterans receive their disability benefit payments by direct 

deposit to a bank, savings and loan or credit union account. Other 

veterans may still be receiving benefits by paper check. Compensation and pension beneficiaries can establish direct deposit through 

the Treasury’s Go Direct helpline. Call toll-free 1-800-333-1795, or 

enroll online at www.GoDirect.org. 

Veterans also have the option of receiving their benefits via a prepaid debit card, even if they do not have a bank account. There is no 

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

free. To sign up for the debit card program, call toll-free 1-888 544-

6347.
26 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

2011 VA Disability Compensation Rates for 

Veterans

Veteran’s 

Disability Rating

Monthly Rate Paid 

to Veterans

10 percent $123

20 percent $243

30 percent* $376

40 percent* $541

50 percent* $770

60 percent* $974

70 percent* $1,228

80 percent* $1,427

90 percent* $1,604

100 percent* $2,673

*Veterans with disability ratings of at least 30 percent are eligible for additional allowances for dependents, including spouses, minor children, children between the ages 

of 18 and 23 who are attending school, children who are permanently incapable of 

self-support because of a disability arising before age 18, and dependent parents. The 

additional amount depends on the disability rating and the number of dependents. 

Presumptive Conditions for Disability Compensation

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

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

service may be eligible for compensation for that disability.

Certain veterans are eligible for disability compensation based on the 

presumption that their disability is service-connected

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

length of time, the following disabilities are presumed to be serviceconnected if they are rated at least 10 percent disabling anytime 

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

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

atherosclerotic heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease and 

their complications, stroke and its complications, residuals of stroke 
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 27

and effective October 10, 2008, osteoporosis if the veteran has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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

following conditions are also presumed to be service-connected: 

avitaminosis, beriberi, chronic dysentery, helminthiasis, malnutrition 

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

or other nutritional deficiencies, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic 

ulcer disease, peripheral neuropathy except where related to infectious causes, cirrhosis of the liver, and effective September 28, 2009, 

osteoporosis.

Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange and Other Herbicides: : A 

veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962, and 

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

herbicides used in support of military operations. 

Fourteen illnesses are presumed by VA to be service-connected for such 

veterans: AL amyloidosis, chloracne or other acneform disease similar to 

chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, soft-tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma or mesothelioma), Hodgkin’s 

disease, multiple myeloma, respiratory cancers (lung, bronchus, larynx, 

trachea), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus (Type 2), all chronic B-cell leukemias 

(including, but not limited to, hairy-cell leukemia and chronic lymphocytic 

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

Veterans Exposed to Radiation: For veterans who participated in “radiation 

risk activities” as defined in VA regulations while on active duty, active duty 

for training, or inactive duty training, the following conditions are presumed 

to be service-connected: all forms of leukemia (except for chronic lymphocytic leukemia); cancer of the thyroid, breast, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, 

small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary tract 

(renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder and urethra), brain, bone, lung, colon, 

and ovary; bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma; multiple myeloma; lymphomas 

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

or hepatitis B is indicated). 

To determine service connection for other conditions or exposures not 

eligible for presumptive service connection, VA considers factors such as the 

amount of radiation exposure, duration of exposure, elapsed time between 

exposure and onset of the disease, gender and family history, age at time of 

exposure, the extent to which a non service-related exposure could contribute to disease, and the relative sensitivity of exposed tissue.
28 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

Gulf War Veterans with Chronic Disabilities may receive disability 

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

The undiagnosed illnesses must have appeared either during active 

service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations during the Gulf 

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

least 10 percent at any time since then through Dec. 31, 2011. This 

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

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

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

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

locations.

Examples of symptoms of an undiagnosed illness and medically 

unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness defined by a cluster of 

signs and symptoms include: chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, 

irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, signs or symptoms involving the 

skin, skin disorders, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, neurological 

signs or symptoms, neuropsychological signs or symptoms, signs or 

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

disturbances, gastrointestinal signs or symptoms, cardiovascular 

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

Presumptive service connection may be granted for the following infectious diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, 

Coxiella burnetti (Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 

Nontyphoid Salmonella, Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis, and West 

Nile virus. Qualifying periods of service for these infectious diseases 

include active military, naval, or air service in the above stated Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War period of August 

2, 1990, to July 30, 1991, or active military, naval, or air service on or 

after September 19, 2001, in Afghanistan. 

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

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

 Guard duty, or satisfactory service as a reservist, or 

2. Be in a retired status.

3. Be receiving retired pay (must be offset by VA payments).
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 29

Retirees do not need to apply for this benefit. Payment is coordinated between VA and the Department of Defense (DoD).

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

monthly payments to eligible retired veterans with combat-related 

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

retirement pay and their VA disability compensation if the injury is 

combat-related. 

Eligibility: Retired veterans with combat-related injuries must meet 

all of the following criteria to apply for CRSC: 

1. Active or Reserve component with 20 years of creditable

 service or medically retired.

2. Receiving military retired pay.

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

4. Military retired pay is reduced by VA disability payments 

 (VA Waiver).

In addition, veterans must be able to provide documentary evidence 

that their injuries were a result of one of the following:

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

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

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

 Agent Orange)

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

For information, visit www.defenselink.mil, or call the toll free phone 

number for the veteran’s branch of service: (Army) 1-866-281-3254; 

(Air Force) 1-800-616-3775; (Navy) 1-877-366-2772. The Army has 

its own Web site at https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/index.html and 

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

Programs for Service-Connected Disabilities

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)Program assists veterans who have service-connected disabilities obtain and 

maintain suitable employment. Independent living services are also 

available for severely disabled veterans who are not currently ready 

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

site at www.vetsuccess.gov.

Eligibility: A veteran must have a VA service-connected disability 

rated at least 20 percent with an employment handicap, or rated 10 
30 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

percent with a serious employment handicap, and be discharged or 

released from military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Servicemembers pending medical separation from active duty 

may also apply if their disabilities are reasonably expected to be 

rated at least 20 percent following their discharge.

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

employment handicap based upon the results of a comprehensive 

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

counselor will work together to develop a rehabilitation plan. The rehabilitation plan will specify the rehabilitation services to be provided.

Services: Rehabilitation services provided to participants in the 

VR&E program are under one of five tracks. VA pays the cost of approved training that is included in an individual’s rehabilitation plan. 

Subsistence allowance may also be provided. The tracks are:

Reemployment with Previous Employer: For individuals who are 

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

are returning to work for their previous employer.

Rapid Access to Employment: For individuals who either wish to 

obtain employment soon after separation or who already have the 

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

occupation.

Self-Employment: For individuals who have limited access to 

traditional employment, need flexible work schedules, or who require 

more accommodation in the work environment due to their disabling 

conditions or other life circumstances.

Employment Through Long-Term Services: For individuals who 

need specialized training and/or education to obtain and maintain 

suitable employment.

Independent Living Services: For veterans who are not currently 

able to work and need rehabilitation services to live more independently. 

Period of a Rehabilitation Program: Generally, veterans must 

complete a program within 12 years from their separation from 

military service or within 12 years from the date VA notifies them that 
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 31

they have a compensable service-connected disability. Depending 

on the length of program needed, veterans may be provided up to 

48 months of full-time services or their part-time equivalent. These 

limitations may be extended in certain circumstances.

VetSuccess on Campus: The VetSuccess on Campus Program 

was started in June 2009 as a pilot at the University of South Florida. 

The program is designed to provide on-campus benefits assistance 

and adjustment counseling to assist veterans in completing their college educations and entering the labor market in viable careers. Pilot 

sites have been expanded to include Cleveland State University, San 

Diego State University, Rhode Island Community College, Rhode 

Island College, Texas A&M, Salt Lake City Community College, and 

Arizona State University.

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

may participate in VA’s work-study program and provide VA outreach services, prepare/process VA paperwork, work at a VA medical facility, or perform other VA-approved activities. A portion of the 

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

advance.

Specially Adapted Housing Grants 

Certain veterans and servicemembers with service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant 

from VA to help build a new specially adapted house, to adapt a 

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

disability-related requirements. Eligible veterans or servicemembers 

may now receive up to three grants, with the total dollar amount of 

the grants not to exceed the maximum allowable. Previous grant 

recipients who had received assistance of less than the current maximum allowable may be eligible for an additional SAH grant.

Eligibility for up to $63,780: 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 $63,780. In certain 

instances, the full grant amount may be applied toward remodeling 

costs. Veterans and servicemembers must be determined eligible 

to receive compensation for permanent and total service-connected 

disability due to one of the following:

1. Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to
32 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

 preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, 

 canes or a wheelchair.

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

 elbow.

3. Blindness in 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

Eligibility for up to $12,756: VA may approve a grant for the cost, 

up to a maximum of $12,756, for necessary adaptations to a veteran’s or servicemember’s residence or to help them acquire a 

residence already adapted with special features for their disability, to 

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

home in which they will reside. 

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

entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected 

disability due to one of the following:

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

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

3. Severe burn injuries.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA): Eligible veterans and 

servicemembers who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a 

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

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

special needs. Those eligible for a $63,780 grant would be permitted 

to use up to $14,000 and those eligible for a $12,756 grant would be 

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

annually based on a cost-of-construction index. 

The first adjustment occurred on Oct. 1, 2009, with future adjustments each Oct. 1 thereafter. These adjustments will increase the 

grant amounts or leave them unchanged; they will not decrease the 

grant amounts. The maximum amount for a TRA grant is not indexed 

and remains unchanged. The property may be located outside the 

United States, in a country or political subdivision which allows 
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 33

individuals to have or acquire a beneficial property interest, and 

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

has determined that it is reasonably practicable for the Secretary to 

provide assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing. For more 

information on the use of such grants, contact Brian Bixler, Specially 

Adapted Housing via e-mail at brian.bixler@va.gov. 

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

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

lender will vary, but the maximum direct loan from VA is $33,000. Additional information about the Specially Adapted Housing Program is 

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

sah.asp.

Automobile Allowance

Veterans and servicemembers may be eligible for a one-time payment of not more than $11,000 (effective October 1, 2011, the maximum payment is $18,900) toward the purchase of an automobile or 

other conveyance if they have service-connected loss or permanent 

loss of use of one or both hands or feet, permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a certain degree, or ankylosis (immobility) of one 

or both knees or one or both hips. 

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

replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability or for the 

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

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

health care facility.

Clothing Allowance

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

she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive an annual 

clothing allowance. This allowance also is available to any veteran 

whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages outer garments. To apply, contact the 

prosthetic representative at the nearest VA medical center. 

Additional Allowances for Veterans who Need Aid 

and Attendance are Housebound

A veteran who is determined by VA to be in need of the regular aid 
34 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

and attendance of another person, or a veteran who is permanently 

housebound, may be entitled to additional disability compensation or 

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

in need of the aid and attendance of another person. 

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Rates 

In some cases, a veteran requires additional education or training to 

become employable. A subsistence allowance is paid each month 

during training and is based on the rate of attendance (full-time or 

part-time), the number of dependents, and the type of training. The 

charts below show the rates as of Oct. 1, 2010. 

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates for 

training in an institution of higher learning.

Training 

Time

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Full-time $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

 3/4-time $416.43 $516.35 $605.69 $45.41

1/2-time $278.64 $345.23 $405.81 $30.30

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

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

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

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

rehabilitation facility or sheltered workshop.

Training 

Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Full-time $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

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

and other on-job training. Payments are variable, based on the 
Chapter 2 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities 35

wages received. The maximum rates are:

Training 

Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Full-time $484.57 $585.99 $675.36 $43.93

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

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

local or federally recognized Indian tribe agency. 

Training 

Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Full-time $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

3/4-time $416.43 $516.35 $605.69 $45.41

1/2-time $278.64 $345.23 $405.81 $30.30

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

for training programs that include a combination of institutional 

and on-job training.

Greater 

Than 

Half-Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Institutional $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

On-job $484.57 $585.99 $675.36 $43.93

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

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

training and non-farm cooperative on-job training.

Training 

Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Institiontional $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

On-job $484.57 $585.99 $675.36 $43.93

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

during the period of enrollment in a rehabilitation facility when 

a veteran is pursuing an approved independent living program 
36 Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Chapter 2

plan.

Training 

Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Full-time $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

3/4-time $416.43 $516.35 $605.69 $45.41

 1/2–time $278.64 $345.23 $405.81 $30.30

Subsistence allowance is paid at the following monthly rates 

during the period of enrollment in a rehabilitation facility when a 

veteran requires this service for the purpose of extended evaluation.

Training 

Time 

Veterans 

With No 

Dependents

Veterans 

With One

Dependent

Veterans 

With Two

Dependents

Additional 

Dependent

Full-time $554.22 $687.47 $810.13 $59.05

3/4-time $416.43 $516.35 $605.69 $45.41

1/2-time $278.64 $345.23 $405.81 $30.30

 1/4–time $139.30 $172.63 $202.90 $15.11

Fiduciary Program

VA’s Fiduciary Program is designed to protect the benefits paid to 

Veterans and beneficiaries who are unable to manage their own 

financial affairs. To qualify for this service, a VA beneficiary must be 

either a minor or an adult who has been determined to be unable 

to manage their financial affairs by VA, or under legal disability by 

reason of court action. When VA benefits are payable to an individual 

who meets the above criteria, then a third party payee or fiduciary 

is appointed to ensure the beneficiary’s funds are expended for the 

care, support, welfare, and needs of the beneficiary and their recognized dependents. The Fiduciary Program’s duty, mandated by 

Congress, is to provide oversight to fiduciaries by ensuring that they 

are providing the proper services for those beneficiaries who have 

shown a need of the program’s protection. For more information 

please visit the VA Fiduciary Program webpage at http://www.vba.

va.gov/bln/21/Fiduciary/index.htm. 
Chapter 3 VA Pensions 37

Chapter 3

VA Pensions

Eligibility for Veterans Pension

Veterans with low incomes who are either permanently and totally 

disabled, or age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support 

if they have 90 days or more of active military service; at least one 

day of which was during a period of war. The 90-day active service 

requirement does not apply to veterans with a service-connected 

disability justifying discharge from the military. (Veterans who entered 

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

duty on or after Oct. 16, 1981, may have to meet a longer minimum 

period of active duty). The veteran’s discharge must have been under conditions other than dishonorable and the disability must be for 

reasons other than the veteran’s own willful misconduct. 

Payments are made to bring the veteran’s total income, including 

other retirement or Social Security income, to a level set by Congress. Un-reimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable 

income for VA purposes. 

Protected Pension

Pension beneficiaries, who were receiving a VA pension on Dec. 31, 

1978, and do not wish to elect the Improved Pension, will continue 

to receive the pension rate received on that date. This rate generally 

continues as long as the beneficiary’s income remains within established limits, or net worth does not bar payment, and the beneficiary 

does not lose any dependents.

Beneficiaries must continue to meet basic eligibility factors, such as 

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

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

Medal of Honor Pension

VA administers pensions to recipients of the Medal of Honor. Congress set the monthly pension at $1,194.

Improved Veterans Pension

Congress establishes the maximum annual improved Veterans 

pension rates. Payments are reduced by the amount of countable 
38 VA Pensions Chapter 3

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.

2010 VA Improved Disability Veterans Rates

Status of Veteran’s 

Family Situation and 

Caretaking Needs 

Maximum 

Annual Rate

Veteran without 

dependents

$11,830

Veteran with one 

dependent

$15,493

Veteran permanently 

housebound, no 

dependents

$14,457

Veteran permanently 

housebound, one 

dependent

$18,120

Veteran needing regular 

aid and attendance, no 

dependents

$19,736

Veteran needing regular 

aid and attendance,

one dependent

$23,396

Two veterans married to 

one another

$15,493

Increase for each additional dependent child

$2,020

* Additional information can be found in the Compensation and Pension 

Benefits section of VA’s Internet pages at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm.
Chapter 4 Education and Training 39

Chapter 4

Education and Training

This chapter provides a summary of VA educational and training 

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

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

Post – 9/11 GI Bill

Eligibility: The Post- 9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program 

for servicemembers and veterans who served on active duty on or 

after Sept.11, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or 

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

training pursued before that date. 

To be eligible, the servicemember or veteran must serve at least 90 

aggregate days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and remain on 

active duty or be honorably: 

1. Discharged from active duty status; 

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

 temporary disability retired list; 

3. Released from active duty and transferred to the Fleet 

 Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve; 

4. Released from active duty for further service in a reserve 

 component of the Armed Forces. 

Veterans may also be eligible if they were honorably discharged from 

active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001. Generally, servicemembers or veterans may receive up to 36 months of entitlement under the Post-9/11 

GI Bill. 

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

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

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

Montgomery GI Bill; the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve; or 
40 Education and Training Chapter 4

the Reserve Educational Assistance Program, and qualifies for the 

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

benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. 

In most instances, once the election to receive benefits under the 

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

receive benefits under the relinquished program.

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

entitled to receive a percentage of the following: 

1. Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most expensive 

 in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher 

 education (paid directly to the school); 

2. Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for 

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

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

 servicemember or veteran); 

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

 (paid directly to the servicemember or veteran); and 

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

 relocating from highly rural areas. 

* The housing allowance is not payable to individuals on active duty and to 

those pursuing training at half time or less.

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

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

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

information about attending school in a foreign country.

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

from the Montgomery GI Bill; the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve; or the Reserve Education Assistance Program, recipients may 

also receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for flight training, apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs, and correspondence courses.

Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 

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

service: 
Chapter 4 Education and Training 41

Active Duty Service Maximum Benefit

At least 36 months 100%

At least 30 continuous days 

and discharged due to serviceconnected disability

100%

At least 30 months < 36 months 90%

At least 24 months < 30 months 80%

At least 18 months < 24 months 70%

At least 12 months < 18 months 60%

At least 6 months < 12 months 50%

At least 90 days < 6 months 40%

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

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

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

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

Armed Forces approved for the TOE may only transfer any unused 

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

Armed Forces, subject to their period of eligibility. 

The Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program was 

enacted to potentially assist eligible individuals with payment of their 

tuition and fees in instances where costs exceed the most expensive 

in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher education. To be eligible, the student must be: a veteran receiving benefits 

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

dependent child, or a transfer-of-entitlement eligible spouse of a 

veteran. 

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

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

program during the current academic year. VA will match the school’s 

percentage (up to 50%) to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for 

eligible participants. 

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

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

may be eligible for a work-study program in which they work for VA 
42 Education and Training Chapter 4

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

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

relate to VA. The types of work allowed include: 

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

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

 facilities.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries. 

4. Various jobs within any VA regional office. 

5. Other VA-approved activities.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: This 

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

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

Eligible children: 

• are entitled to 36 months of benefits at the 100% 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 

PL 111-377, “Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance 

Improvements Act of 2010”

On Jan. 4, 2011, President Obama signed into law the “Post 9/11 

Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010”. A summary of the changes is outlined below.

Effective now but not payable until October 1, 2011:

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is expanded to include Active Service performed by National Guard members under title 32 U.S.C. for the 

purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or under section 502(f) for the purpose of 

responding to a national emergency.

Effective March 5, 2011:

Active duty members pursuing a degree at more than half-time are 

limited to the net cost for tuition and fees prorated based on the eligibility tiers (40%-100%) previously established for Veterans.

Effective August 1, 2011:

The new law simplifies the tuition and fee rates for those attending a 

public school and creates a national maximum for those enrolled in a 
Chapter 4 Education and Training 43

private or foreign school

• All public school in-state tuition and fees are covered

• Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500

 annually

• The Yellow Ribbon Program still exists for out-of-state fees 

 and costs above the cap

Allows VA to pay MGIB (chapter 30) and MGIB-SR (chapter 1606) 

“kickers”, or college fund payments, on a monthly basis instead of a 

lump sum at the beginning of the term

Prorates housing allowance by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded 

to the nearest tenth)

• A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% 

 of the BAH rate

Break or interval pay is no longer payable under any VA education 

benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or 

due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike. 

• This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 

 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of 

 December only and begins again when your next semester 

 begins (e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of 

 January. 

• Students using other VA education programs are included in 

 this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same 

 manner.

• Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay 

 will be available for use during a future enrollment. 

 Allows reimbursement for more than one “license or certification” 

test (previously only one test was allowed).

Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for 

admission to an institution of higher learning (e.g., SAT, ACT, GMAT, 

LSAT) 

 Allows those who are eligible for both Vocational Rehabilitation 

 and Employment (chapter 31) benefits and Post-9/11 GI Bill 

 (chapter 33) benefits to choose the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s monthly 

 housing allowance instead of the chapter 31 subsistence 

 allowance.
44 Education and Training Chapter 4

Effective October 1, 2011: Allows students to use the Post-9/11 GI 

Bill for—

• Non-college degree (NCD) programs: Pays actual net cost for 

 in-State tuition and fees at public NCD institutions. At private 

 and foreign institutions, pays the actual net costs for in-state

 tuition and fees or $17,500, whichever is less. Also pays up to 

 $83 per month for books and supplies. 

 On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit 

 amount prorated based on time in program and up to $83 per 

 month for books and supplies. 

• Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs 

 for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or $10,000, 

 whichever is less. This limit is applicable to flight programs at 

 both IHLs and non-IHLs.

• Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual 

 net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or 

 $8,500, whichever is less.

 Allows students on active duty to receive a books and supplies 

 stipend.

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

services. 

Montgomery GI Bill

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

from active duty with a fully honorable military discharge. Discharges 

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

Eligibility generally expires 10 years after the servicemember’s 

discharge. However, there are exceptions for disability, re-entering 

active duty, and upgraded discharges.

All participants must have a high school diploma, equivalency certificate, or have completed 12 hours toward a college degree before 

applying for benefits. 

Previously, servicemembers had to meet the high school requirement 

before they completed their initial active duty obligation. Those who 
Chapter 4 Education and Training 45

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

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

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

is later. 

Additionally, every veteran must establish eligibility under one of four 

categories. 

Category 1: Service after June 30, 1985

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

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

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

apply after completing two continuous years of service. Veterans 

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

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

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

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

one year of discharge. 

Servicemembers or veterans who received a commission as a result 

of graduation from a service academy or completion of an ROTC 

scholarship are not eligible under Category 1 unless they received 

their commission:

1. After becoming eligible for MGIB benefits (including 

 completing the minimum service requirements for the initial

 period of active duty); or

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

 during any one year under ROTC scholarship. 

Servicemembers or veterans who declined MGIB because they 

received repayment from the military for education loans are also 

ineligible under Category 1. If they did not decline MGIB and received loan repayments, the months served to repay the loans will 

be deducted from their entitlement. 

Early Separation from Military Service: Servicemembers who did 

not complete the required period of military service may be eligible 

under 

Category 1: If discharged for one of the following: 

1. Convenience of the government—with 30 continuous months

 of service for an obligation of three or more years, or 20 

 continuous months of service for an obligation of less than
46 Education and Training Chapter 4

 three years

2. Service-connected disability 

3. Hardship

4. A medical condition diagnosed prior to joining the military.

5. A condition that interfered with performance of duty and did 

 not result from misconduct

6. A reduction in force (in most cases).

7. Sole Survivorship (if discharged after 9/11/01)

Category 2: Vietnam Era GI Bill Conversion

For veterans who had remaining entitlement under the Vietnam Era 

GI Bill on Dec. 31, 1989, and served on active duty for any number 

of days during the period Oct. 19, 1984, to June 30, 1985, for at least 

three continuous years beginning on July 1, 1985; or at least two 

continuous years of active duty beginning on July 1, 1985, followed 

by four years in the Selected Reserve beginning within one year of 

release from active duty. 

Veterans not on active duty on Oct. 19, 1984, may be eligible under Category 2 if they served three continuous years on active duty 

beginning on or after July 1, 1985, or two continuous years of active 

duty at any time followed by four continuous years in the Selected 

Reserve beginning within one year of release from active duty. 

Veterans are barred from eligibility under Category 2 if they received 

a commission after Dec. 31, 1976, as a result of graduation from a 

service academy or completion of an ROTC scholarship. 

However, such a commission is not disqualifying if they received the 

commission after becoming eligible for MGIB benefits, or received 

the commission after Sept.30, 1996, and received less than $3,400 

during any one year under ROTC scholarship. 

Category 3: Involuntary Separation/Special Separation

For veterans who meet one of the following requirements: 

1. Elected MGIB before being involuntarily separated; or

2. were voluntarily separated under the Voluntary Separation

 Incentive or the Special Separation Benefit program, elected 

 MGIB benefits before being separated, and had military pay 

 reduced by $1,200 before discharge. 

\
Chapter 4 Education and Training 47

Category 4: Veterans Educational Assistance Program

For veterans who participated in the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) and: 

1. Served on active duty on Oct. 9, 1996.

2. Participated in VEAP and contributed money to an account.

3. Elected MGIB by Oct. 9, 1997, and paid $1,200. 

Veterans who participated in VEAP on or before Oct. 9, 1996, may 

also be eligible even if they did not deposit money in a VEAP account if they served on active duty from Oct. 9, 1996, through April 

1, 2000, elected MGIB by Oct. 31, 2001, and contributed $2,700 to 

MGIB. 

Certain National Guard service members may also qualify under 

Category 4 if they:

1. Served for the first time on full-time active duty in the National 

 Guard between June 30, 1985, and Nov. 29, 1989, and 

 had no previous active duty service.

2. Elected MGIB during the nine-month window ending on July 9,

 1997; and

 3. Paid $1,200. 

Payments: Effective Oct. 1, 2010, the rate for full-time training in 

college, technical or vocational school is $1,426 a month for those 

who served three years or more or two years plus four years in the 

Selected Reserve. For those who served less than three years, the 

monthly rate is $1,158. 

Benefits are reduced for part-time training. Payments for other types 

of training follow different rules. VA will pay an additional amount, 

called a “kicker” or “college fund,” if directed by DOD. Visit www.

gibill.va.gov for more information. The maximum number of months 

veterans can receive payments is 36 months at the full-time rate or 

the part-time equivalent. 

The following groups qualify for the maximum: veterans who 

served the required length of active duty, veterans with an obligation 

of three years or more who were separated early for the convenience 

of the government and served 30 continuous months, and veterans 

with an obligation of less than three years who were separated early 

for the convenience of the government and served 20 continuous 
48 Education and Training Chapter 4

months.

Types of Training Available: 

1. Courses at colleges and universities leading to associate, 

 bachelor or graduate degrees, including accredited 

 independent study offered through distance education. 

2. Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business, 

 technical or vocational schools. 

3. Apprenticeship or on-the-job training for those not on active 

 duty, including self-employment training begun on or after 

 June 16, 2004, for ownership or operation of a franchise

4. Correspondence courses, under certain conditions.

5. Flight training, if the veteran holds a private pilot’s license 

 upon beginning the training and meets the medical 

 requirements.

6. State-approved teacher certification programs.

7. Preparatory courses necessary for admission to a college or 

 graduate school.

8. License and certification tests approved for veterans. 

9. Entrepreneurship training courses to create or expand small

 businesses. 

 10. Tuition assistance using MGIB as “Top-Up” (active duty 

 service members). 

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized.

Work-Study Program: Veterans who train at the three-quarter or 

full-time rate may be eligible for a work-study program in which they 

work for VA and receive hourly wages. Students under the workstudy program must be supervised by a VA employee and all duties 

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

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

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

 facilities.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries. 

4. Various jobs within any VA regional office. 

5. Other VA-approved activities.

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

services.
Chapter 4 Education and Training 49

Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program

Eligibility: Active duty personnel could participate in the Veterans’ 

Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) if they entered active duty 

for the first time after Dec. 31, 1976, and before July 1, 1985, and 

made a contribution prior to April 1, 1987. 

The maximum contribution is $2,700. Active duty participants may 

make a lump-sum contribution to their VEAP account. For more information, visit the Web site at www.gibill.va.gov.

Servicemembers who participated in VEAP are eligible to receive 

benefits while on active duty if: 

1. At least 3 months of contributions are available, except for 

 high school or elementary, in which only one month is needed.

2. And they enlisted for the first time after Sept. 7, 1980, 

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

Servicemembers must receive a discharge under conditions other 

than dishonorable for the qualifying period of service. Servicemembers who enlisted for the first time after Sept.7, 1980, or entered 

active duty as an officer or enlistee after Oct. 16, 1981, must have 

completed 24 continuous months of active duty, unless they meet a 

qualifying exception. 

Eligibility generally expires 10 years from release from active duty, 

but can be extended under special circumstances. 

Payments: DOD will match contributions at the rate of $2 for every 

$1 put into the fund and may make additional contributions, or “kickers,” as necessary. For training in college, vocational or technical 

schools, the payment amount depends on the type and hours of 

training pursued. The maximum amount is $300 a month for full-time 

training. 

Training, Work-Study, Counseling: VEAP participants may receive 

the same training, work-study benefits and counseling as provided 

under the MGIB with the exception of preparatory courses. 
50 Education and Training Chapter 4
Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 51

Chapter 5

Home Loan Guaranty

VA home loan guaranties are issued to help eligible servicemembers, 

veterans, reservists and certain unmarried surviving spouses obtain 

homes, condominiums, residential cooperative housing units, and 

manufactured homes, and to refinance loans. For additional information or to obtain VA loan guaranty forms, visit www.homeloans.

va.gov/. 

Loan Uses: A VA guaranty helps protect lenders from loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. It can be used to obtain a loan to: 

1. Buy or build a home. 

2. Buy a residential condominium unit.

3. Buy a residential cooperative housing unit.

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

 and occupied as a home.

5. Refinance an existing home loan.

6. Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

7. Install a solar heating or cooling system or other energy-

 efficient improvements. 

Eligibility: In addition to the periods of eligibility and conditions of 

service requirements, applicants must have a good credit rating, 

sufficient income, a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and agree to 

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

loan. 

A COE can be obtained either directly from the VA Eligibility Center 

(in hard-copy form), or electronically, either through your lender, or 

by applying online at VA’s COE website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/

homeloans/docs/Veteran_registration_coe.pdf. 

In applying for a hard-copy COE from the VA Eligibility Center, it is 

typically necessary that the eligible veteran present a copy of his/

her report of discharge or DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or 

Discharge From Active Duty or other adequate substitute evidence to 

VA. An eligible active duty servicemember should obtain and submit 
52 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 5

to the VA Eligibility Center a statement of service signed by an appropriate military official. To obtain a COE, complete VA Form 26-1880 

-- “Request for a Certificate of Eligibility” -- and mail to: VA Eligibility 

Center, P.O. Box 20729, Winston-Salem, NC 27120.

Please note that while VA’s Internet-based system can establish eligibility and issue an online COE in a matter of seconds, not all cases 

can be processed online. The system can only process those cases 

for which VA has sufficient data in their records. 

However, veterans and servicemembers are encouraged to apply 

online before seeking a hard-copy COE from the VA Eligibility Center. 

For more information, or to apply for a COE online, visit http://www.

benefits.va.gov/homeloans/elig_center.asp 

Periods of Eligibility: World War II: (1) active duty service after 

Sept.15, 1940, and prior to July 26, 1947; (2) discharge under other 

than dishonorable conditions; and (3) at least 90 days total service 

unless discharged early for a service-connected disability. 

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

1947, and prior to June 27, 1950; (2) discharge under other than 

dishonorable conditions; and (3) 181 days continuous active duty 

service unless discharged early for a service-connected disability.

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

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

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

service-connected disability. 

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

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

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

for a service-connected disability.

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

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

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

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

Post-Vietnam period: (1) active duty after May 7, 1975, and prior 
Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 53

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) reductionin-force, (4) certain medical conditions, or (5) service-connected 

disability.

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

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

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

dishonorable conditions. 

Exceptions are allowed if the veteran completed at least 90 days of 

active duty but was discharged earlier than 24 months for (1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, (3) reduction-in-force, 

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

Reservists and National Guard members are eligible if they were 

activated after Aug. 1, 1990, served at least 90 days, and received 

an honorable discharge.

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

active duty are eligible after serving 90 continuous days.

Surviving Spouses: Some spouses of veterans may have home 

loan eligibility. They are:

• the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a 

 result of service or service-connected causes

• the surviving spouse of a veteran who dies on active duty or 

 from service-connected causes, who remarries on or after 

 attaining age 57 and on or after December 16, 2003

• the spouse of an active duty member who is listed as missing 

 in action (MIA) or a prisoner of war (POW) for at least 90 days. 
54 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 5

Eligibility under this MIA/POW provision is limited to one-time use 

only

VA Guaranty Amount Varies with the size of the loan and the location of the property. Because lenders are able to obtain this guaranty 

from VA, borrowers do not need to make a down payment, provided 

they have enough home loan entitlement. 

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

maximum guaranty. The maximum guaranty varies depending upon 

the location of the property. 

For all locations in the United States other than Alaska, Guam, 

Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum guaranty is the 

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

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

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

single-family residence in the county in which the property securing 

the loan is located. 

This translates to a potential loan amount of $1,094,625 with no 

down payment for the period of January 1, 2011, through September 

30, 2011.

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

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

percent of the area median price for a single-family residence, but 

in no case will the guaranty exceed 175 percent of the Freddie Mac 

loan limit for a single-family residence in the county in which the 

property securing the loan is located. This translates to a potential 

loan amount of $1,641,937 for the period of January 1, 2011, through 

September 30, 2011.

A list of 2010 county loan limits can be found at the following Web 

site: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/faqpreln.asp 

The VA funding fee and up to $6,000 of energy-efficient improvements can be included in VA loans. Other closing costs must be paid 

by the veteran, except most costs can be included in refinancing 

loans. 
Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 55

Loan Amount Maximum Guaranty Special Provisions

Up to $45,000 50% of loan amount

25% on Interest Rate 

Reduction Refinancing Loans

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

$56,251 - $144,000

40% of the loan 

amount, with a maximum of $36,000

Same as above

$144,000 or more

Up to an amount 

equal to 25% of the 

county loan limit

Same as above

An eligible borrower can use a VA-guaranteed Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan to refinance an existing VA loan to lower the 

interest rate and payment. Typically, no credit underwriting is required for this type of loan. The loan may include the entire outstanding balance of the prior loan, the costs of energy-efficient improvements, as well as closing costs, including up to two discount points. 

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

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

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

manufactured home loan is 40 percent of the loan amount or the 

veteran’s available entitlement, up to a maximum amount of $20,000. 

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

placed on a permanent foundation. 

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

appraised by a VA-assigned fee appraiser. A lender can request a 

VA appraisal through VA systems. The veteran borrower typically 

pays for the appraisal upon completion, according to a fee schedule 

approved by VA. This VA appraisal estimates the value of the property. It is not an inspection and does not guarantee the house is free 

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

A thorough inspection of the property by you or a reputable inspection firm may help minimize any problems that could arise after loan 

closing. In an existing home, particular attention should be given to 

plumbing, heating, electrical, and roofing components. 

Closing Costs: For purchase home loans, payment in cash is 
56 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 5

required on all closing costs, including title search and recording 

fees, hazard insurance premiums and prepaid taxes. For refinancing 

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

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

rate reduction loans may include closing costs, including a maximum 

of two discount points. 

All veterans, except those receiving VA disability compensation, 

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

result of pre-discharge disability examination and rating, and unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or as a result 

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

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

Required Occupancy: To qualify for a VA home loan, a veteran or 

the spouse of an active duty servicemember must certify that he or 

she intends to occupy the home. When refinancing a VA-guaranteed 

loan solely to reduce the interest rate, a veteran need only certify to 

prior occupancy. 

Financing, Interest Rates and Terms: Veterans obtain VA-guaranteed loans through the usual lending institutions, including banks, 

credit unions, and mortgage brokers. VA-guaranteed loans can have 

either a fixed interest rate or an adjustable rate, where the interest 

rate may adjust up to one percent annually and up to five percent 

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

rates are negotiable between the lender and borrower on all loan 

types.

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

fixed for three to 10 years. If the rate remains fixed for less than five 

years, the rate adjustment cannot be more than one percent 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 
Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 57

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

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

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

Loan Assumption Requirements and Liability: VA loans made 

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

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

ensure that the borrower is a satisfactory credit risk and will assume 

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

will have to pay a funding fee that the lender sends to VA, and the 

veteran will be released from liability to the federal government. 

A release of liability does not mean that a veteran’s guaranty entitlement is restored. That occurs only if the borrower is an eligible 

veteran who agrees to substitute his or her entitlement for that of the 

seller. If a veteran allows assumption of a loan without prior approval, 

then the lender may demand immediate and full payment of the loan, 

and the veteran may be liable if the loan is foreclosed and VA has to 

pay a claim under the loan guaranty.

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

but veterans should still request VA’s approval in order to be released 

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

usually have no liability to the government following a foreclosure, 

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

as allowing an unapproved assumption. However, for the entitlement 

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

2011 VA Funding Fees

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

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

The fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan. Closing costs 

such as VA appraisal, credit report, loan processing fee, title search, 

title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges, or 

hazard insurance may not be included in the loan. 

Note: The funding fee structure is set to change on October 1, 2011. 

Please consult http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans for updates on 

this scheduled change. 
58 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 5

Loan Category Active Duty and 

Veterans

Reservists and 

National Guard

Loans for purchase 

or construction with 

downpayments of 

less than 5%, refinancing, and home 

improvement

2.15 percent 2.40 percent

Loans for purchase 

or construction with 

downpayments of 

at least 5% but less 

than 10%

1.50 percent 1.75 percent

Loans for purchase 

or construction with 

downpayments of 

10% or more

1.25 percent 1.50 percent

Loans for manufactured homes1 percent 1 percent

Interest rate reduction refinancing 

loans

.50 percent .50 percent

Assumption of a VAguaranteed loan.50 percent .50 percent

Second or subsequent use of 

entitlement with no 

downpayment

3.3 percent 3.3 percent

VA Assistance to Veterans in Default: VA urges all veterans who 

are encountering problems making their mortgage payments to 

speak with their servicers as soon as possible to explore options to 

avoid foreclosure. Contrary to popular opinion, servicers do not want 

to foreclose because foreclosure costs a lot of money. Depending on 

a veteran’s specific situation, servicers may offer any of the following 

options to avoid foreclosure: 

• Repayment Plan – The borrower makes regular installment 

 each month plus part of the missed installments.

• Special Forbearance – The servicer agrees not to initiate fore
Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 59

 closure to allow time for borrowers to repay the missed 

 installments. An example of when this would be likely is when a 

 borrower is waiting for a tax refund. 

• Loan Modification - Provides the borrower a fresh start by 

 adding the delinquency to the loan balance and establishing a 

 new payment schedule. 

• Additional time to arrange a private sale – The servicer agrees 

 to delay foreclosure to allow a sale to close if the loan will be 

 paid off. 

• Short Sale – When the servicer agrees to allow a borrower to 

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

 required to payoff the loan. 

• Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure - The borrower voluntarily agrees 

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

 lengthy foreclosure process. 

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 

Veteran borrowers may be able to request relief pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). In order to qualify for certain 

protections available under the Act, their obligation must have originated prior to their current period of active military service. SCRA 

may provide a lower interest rate for up to one year, and provide 

forbearance, or prevent foreclosure or eviction up to nine months 

from period of military service.

Assistance to Veterans with VA-Guaranteed Home Loans 

When a VA-guaranteed home loan becomes delinquent, VA provides 

supplemental servicing assistance to help cure the default. The 

servicer has the primary responsibility of servicing the loan to resolve 

the default. 

However, in cases where the servicer is unable to help the veteran 

borrower, VA has loan technicians in eight Regional Loan Centers 

and two special servicing centers who take an active role in interceding with the servicer to explore all options to avoid foreclosure. 

Veterans with VA-guaranteed home loans can call 1-877 827-3702 

to reach the nearest VA office where loan specialists are prepared to 

discuss potential ways to help save the loan.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans 

Veterans who feel they may be facing homelessness as a result of 
60 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 5

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

http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp to receive 

immediate assistance from VA.

Assistance to Veterans with Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loans 

For veterans or servicemembers who have a conventional or subprime loan, VA has a network of eight Regional Loan Centers 

and two special servicing centers that can offer advice and guidance. Borrowers may visit VA’s website at www.benefits.va.gov/

homeloans/, or call toll free -1-877- 827-3702 to speak with a VA loan 

technician. However, unlike when a veteran has a VA-guaranteed 

home loan, VA does not have the legal authority to intervene on the 

borrower’s behalf. It is imperative that a borrower contact his/her 

servicer as quickly as possible.

VA Refinancing of a Non-VA Guaranteed Home Loan 

Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for 

refinancing to a VA-guaranteed home loan. These new options are 

available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 

2008. Veterans who wish to refinance their subprime or conventional 

mortgage may now do so for up to 100 percent of the value of the 

property, which is up from the previous limit of 90 percent. 

Additionally, Congress raised VA’s maximum loan guaranty for these 

types of refinancing loans. Loan limits were effectively raised from 

$144,000 to $417,000. High-cost counties have even higher maximum loan limits. VA county loan limits can be found at http://www.

benefits.va.gov/homeloans/. These changes will allow more qualified 

veterans to refinance through VA, allowing for savings on interest 

costs and avoiding foreclosure. 

Other Assistance for Delinquent Veteran Borrowers 

If VA is not able to help a veteran borrower retain his/her home 

(whether a VA-guaranteed loan or not), the HOPE NOW Alliance 

may be of assistance. HOPE NOW is a joint alliance consisting of 

servicers, counselors, and investors whose main goal is to assist 

distressed borrowers retain their homes and avoid foreclosure. They 

have expertise in financial counseling, as well as programs that take 

advantage of relief measures that VA cannot. HOPE NOW provides 

outreach, counseling and assistance to homeowners who have the 

willingness and ability to keep their homes but are facing financial 

difficulty as a result of the crisis in the mortgage market. The HOPE 
Chapter 5 Home Loan Guaranty 61

NOW Alliance can be reached at (888) 995-HOPE (4673), or by visiting www.hopenow.com. 

For more information go to http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/, or 

call (877) 827-3702

VA Acquires Property Foreclosures 

VA acquires properties as a result of foreclosures. A private contractor is currently marketing the properties through listing agents using 

local Multiple Listing Services. A listing of “VA Properties for Sale” 

may be found at http://va.equator.com. Contact a real estate agent 

for information on purchasing a VA-acquired property. 

Loans for Native American Veterans

Eligible Native American veterans can obtain a loan from VA to 

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

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

Loans are only available if a memorandum of understanding exists 

between the tribal organization and VA. 

Veterans who are not Native American, but who are married to Native American non-veterans, may be eligible for a direct loan under 

this program. To be eligible for such a loan, the qualified non-Native 

American veteran and the Native American spouse must reside on 

Federal Trust Land, and both the veteran and spouse must have a 

meaningful interest in the dwelling or lot.

The following safeguards have been established to protect veterans:

1. VA may suspend from the loan program those who take unfair

 advantage of veterans or discriminate because of race, color, 

 religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin. 

2. The builder of a new home (or manufactured) is required to 

 give the purchasing veteran either a one-year warranty or

 a 10-year insurance-backed protection plan.

3. The borrower obtaining a loan may only be charged closing 

 costs allowed by VA. 

4. The borrower can prepay without penalty the entire loan or 

 any part not less than one installment or $100. 

5. VA encourages holders to extend forbearance if a borrower 

 becomes temporarily 

 unable to meet the terms of the loan.
62 Home Loan Guaranty Chapter 5
Chapter 6 VA Life Insurance 63

Chapter 6

VA Life Insurance

For complete details on government life insurance, visit the VA 

Internet site at www.insurance.va.gov/ or call VA’s Insurance Center 

toll-free at 1-800-669-8477. Specialists are available between the 

hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Eastern Time, to discuss premium 

payments, insurance dividends, address changes, policy loans, naming beneficiaries and reporting the death of the insured. 

If the insurance policy number is not known, send whatever information is available, such as the veteran’s VA file number, date of birth, 

Social Security number, military serial number or military service 

branch and dates of service to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

Regional Office and Insurance Center

Box 42954

Philadelphia, PA 19101

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

Traumatic Injury Protection, or Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage, visit the Web site above or call the Office of 

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

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance

The following are automatically insured for $400,000 under Service 

members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI): 

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

 Marines and Coast Guard. 

2. Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and 

 Atmospheric Administration (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 
64 VA Life Insurance Chapter 6

 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 

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

not qualify for full-time coverage. Premiums are automatically deducted from the service member’s pay. At the time of separation from 

service, SGLI can be converted to either Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) or a commercial plan through participating companies. 

SGLI coverage continues for 120 days after separation at no charge. 

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

children of members insured under SGLI with no premium required. 

SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection

Members of the armed services serve our nation heroically during 

times of great need, but what happens when they experience great 

needs of their own because they have sustained a traumatic injury? 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection 

(TSGLI) helps severely injured service members through their time of 

need with a one-time payment. The amount varies depending on the 

injury, but it could make a difference in the lives of service members 

by allowing their families to be with them during their recovery. TSGLI helps them with unforeseen expenses; or gives them a financial 

head start on life after recovery. 

TSGLI is an insurance program that is bundled with Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). An additional $1.00 has been 

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

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

are automatically also covered by TSGLI, regardless of where their 

qualifying traumatic injury occurred. However, TSGLI claims require 

approval. 

In addition, there is retroactive TSGLI coverage for service members 

who sustained a qualifying traumatic injury while in theater supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom 

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

area from Oct. 7, 2001, through Nov. 30, 2005. TSGLI coverage is 

available for these service members regardless of whether SGLI 

coverage was in force. Beginning on October 1, 2011, TSGLI ben-
Chapter 6 VA Life Insurance 65

efits can be paid for qualifying traumatic injuries incurred during this 

period, regardless of where the injury occurred. The member is not 

required to have served under OEF/OIF orders to be eligible for a 

TSGLI payment. 

For more information, and branch of service contact information, 

visit the Web site at www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/TSGLI/TSGLI.

htm, or call 1-800-237-1336 (Army); 1-800-368-3202 (Navy); 1-877-

216-0825 (Marine Corps); 1-800-433-0048 (Active Duty Air Force); 

1-800-525-0102 (Air Force Reserves); 1-703-607-5093 (Air National 

Guard); 1-202-493-1931 (U.S. Coast Guard); 1-301-594-2963 (PHS); 

or 1-301-713-3444 (NOAA). 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Family Coverage (FSGLI) 

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

service members with full-time SGLI coverage, not to exceed the 

amount of SGLI the member has in force. FSGLI is a service members’ benefit; the member pays the premium and is the only person 

allowed to be the beneficiary of the coverage. FSGLI spousal coverage ends when: 1) the service member elects in writing to terminate 

coverage on the spouse; 2) the service member elects to terminate 

his or her own SGLI coverage; 3) the service member dies; 4) the 

service member separates from service; or 5) the service member 

divorces the spouse. The insured spouse may convert his or her 

FSGLI coverage to a policy offered by participating private insurers 

within 120 days of the date of any of the termination events noted 

above.

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance

SGLI may be converted to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), 

which provides renewable term coverage to: 

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

 active duty or the reserves. 

2. Members of the Ready Reserves/National Guard with 

 part-time SGLI coverage who incur a disability or aggravate 

 a pre-existing disability during a period of active duty or a 

 period of inactive duty for less than 31 days that renders them 

 uninsurable at standard premium rates.

3. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve and Inactive 

 National Guard. 
66 VA Life Insurance Chapter 6

SGLI can be converted to VGLI up to the amount of coverage the 

service member had when separated from service. Veterans who 

submit an application and the initial premium within 120 days of leaving the service will be covered regardless of their health. Veterans 

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

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

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

Beginning on October 1, 2011, current VGLI policyholders who are 

under the age of 60 and are not insured by the maximum amount of 

VGLI as prescribed by law will have an opportunity to increase their 

VGLI coverage by $25,000, once every 5 years.

SGLI Disability Extension

Servicemembers who are totally disabled at the time of separation 

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

They must apply to the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) at 80 Livingston Ave., Roseland, New Jersey 07068-

1733. 

Those covered under the SGLI Disability Extension are automatically 

converted to VGLI at the end of their extension period. VGLI is convertible at any time to a permanent plan policy with any participating 

commercial insurance company. 

Accelerated Death Benefits 

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

of nine months or less to live) have a one-time option of requesting 

up to 50 percent of their coverage amount (in increments of $5,000) 

paid in advance.

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance

A veteran who was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions and who has a service-connected disability but is otherwise 

in good health may apply to VA for up to $10,000 in life insurance 

coverage under the Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) 

program. Applications must be submitted within two years from the 

date of being notified of the approval of a new service-connected disability by VA. This insurance is limited to veterans who left service on 

or after April 25, 1951. 
Chapter 6 VA Life Insurance 67

Veterans who are totally disabled may apply for a waiver of premiums and additional supplemental insurance coverage of up to 

$20,000. Effective October 1, 2011, the supplemental insurance 

coverage will be increased to $30,000. However, premiums cannot 

be waived on the additional supplemental insurance. To be eligible 

for this type of supplemental insurance, veterans must meet all of the 

following three requirements: 

1. Be under age 65.

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

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

 notification of waiver approval on the S-DVI policy. 

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

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

disabled veterans who have been approved by VA for a Specially 

Adapted Housing Grant (SAH). Maximum coverage is the amount of 

the existing mortgage up to $90,000, and is payable only to the mortgage company. Effective October 1, 2011, maximum coverage will be 

increased to $150,000. The maximum coverage amount will increase again on January 1, 2012, to $200,000. Protection is issued 

automatically following SAH approval, provided the veteran submits 

information required to establish a premium and does not decline 

coverage. Coverage automatically terminates when the mortgage 

is paid off. If a mortgage is disposed of through sale of the property, 

VMLI may be obtained on the mortgage of another home.

Other Insurance Information

The following information applies to policies issued to World War I, 

World War II, Korean, and Vietnam-era veterans and any ServiceDisabled 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 I, World War II, 

and Korean-era veterans with active policies beginning with the letters V, RS, W, J, JR, JS, or K are issued tax-free dividends annually 

on the policy anniversary date. (Policies prefixed by RH do not earn 

dividends.) Policyholders do not need to apply for dividends, but 

may select from among the following dividend options:

1. Cash: The dividend is paid directly to the insured either by a 

 mailed check or by direct deposit to a bank account. 
68 VA Life Insurance Chapter 6

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

 purchase additional insurance coverage.

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

 policyholder with interest. Withdrawals from the account can

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

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

 to pay the annual policy premium. If the dividend exceeds 

 the premium, the policyholder has options to choose how the

 remainder is used. If the dividend is not enough to pay an 

 annual premium, the policyholder is billed the balance. 

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

 repay a loan or pay premiums in advance. 

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

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

an additional five years. Lapsed permanent plans may be reinstated 

within certain time limits and with certain health requirements. Reinstated permanent plan policies require repayment of all back premiums, plus interest.

Converting Term Policies: Term policies are renewed automatically 

every five years, with premiums increasing at each renewal. Premiums do not increase after age 70. Term policies may be converted to 

permanent plans, which have fixed premiums for life and earn cash 

and loan values.

Paid-up Insurance Available on Term Policies: Effective September 2000, VA provides paid-up insurance on term policies whose 

premiums have been capped. Veterans with National Service Life 

Insurance (NSLI) term insurance that has renewed at age 71 or older 

and who stop paying premiums on their policies will be given a termination dividend. This dividend will be used to purchase a reduced 

amount of paid-up insurance, which insures the veteran for life with 

no premium payments required. The amount of insurance remains 

level. This does not apply to S-DVI (RH) policies.

Borrowing on Policies: Policyholders with permanent plan policies 

may borrow up to 94 percent of the cash surrender value of their insurance after the insurance is in force for one year or more. Interest 

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

be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-669-8477.
Chapter 7 Burial and Memorial Benefits 69

Chapter 7

Burial and Memorial Benefits

Eligibility

Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than 

dishonorable and service members who die while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, as well as spouses and 

dependent children of Veterans and active duty servicemembers, 

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

does not have to die before a spouse or dependent child for them to 

be eligible. 

With certain exceptions, active duty service beginning after Sept. 7, 

1980, as an enlisted person, and after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, 

must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the full period of 

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

called to active duty for a limited duration). Active duty for training, by 

itself, while serving in the reserves or National Guard, is not sufficient 

to confer eligibility. Reservists and National Guard members, as well 

as their spouses and dependent children, are eligible if they were 

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

reaching requisite age. See Chapter 8 for more information. 

VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office or local national cemetery 

directors verify eligibility for burial. A copy of the Veteran’s discharge 

document that specifies the period(s) of active duty and character of 

discharge is usually sufficient to determine eligibility. In some instances, a copy of the deceased’s death certificate and proof of relationship to the Veteran (for eligible family members) may be required.

Under Section 2411 of Title 38 of the United States Code, certain 

otherwise eligible individuals found to have committed federal or 

state capital crimes are barred from burial or memorialization in a VA 

national cemetery, and from receipt of government-furnished headstones, markers, medallions, burial flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates. Veterans and other claimants for VA burial benefits 

have the right to appeal decisions made by VA regarding eligibility 
70 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 7 

for national cemetery burial 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 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/. 

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

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

their spouses and dependents at no cost to the family and includes 

the gravesite, grave-liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care as part of a national shrine. For 

Veterans, benefits also include a burial flag (with case for active duty) 

and military funeral honors. Family members and other loved ones of 

deceased Veterans may request Presidential Memorial Certificates. 

VA operates 131 national cemeteries, of which 72 are open for 

new casketed interments and 18 are open to accept only cremated 

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

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

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

the national cemetery directly, or visit our Web site at: www.cem.

va.gov/ to determine if a particular cemetery is open for new burials, 

and which other options are available. 

The funeral director or the next of kin makes interment arrangements 

by contacting the National Cemetery Scheduling Office or, in some 

cases, the national cemetery in which burial is desired. VA normally does not conduct burials on weekends. Gravesites cannot be 

reserved; however, VA will honor reservations made under previous 

programs. 

Surviving spouses of Veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 2000, 

do not lose eligibility for burial in a national cemetery if they remarry. 

Burial of dependent children is limited to unmarried children under 21 

years of age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational institution. Unmarried adult children who become 

physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before 

age 21, or age 23 if a full-time student, also are eligible for burial. 

Certain Eligible Parents. A new federal law passed in 2010 (Public 

Law 111-275) extends burial benefits to certain parents of service-
Chapter 7 Burial and Memorial Benefits 71

members who die as a result of hostile activity or from training-related injuries who are buried in a national cemetery in a gravesite with 

available space. 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 the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that there is available space. The 

law applies to servicemembers who died on or after Oct. 7, 2001 and 

to parents who died on or after Oct. 13, 2010.

Headstones, Markers and Medallions: Veterans, active duty service members, and retired Reservists and National Guard service 

members, are eligible for an inscribed headstone or marker for their 

grave at any cemetery – national, State Veterans, or private. VA will 

deliver a headstone or marker at no cost, anywhere in the world. For 

eligible Veterans whose deaths occurred on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA 

may provide a government headstone or marker even if the grave 

is already marked with a private one, or VA may provide a medallion instead of a headstone or marker for Veterans’ graves in private 

cemeteries when the grave is already marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker. Spouses and dependent children are 

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

in a national or State Veterans cemetery.

Flat markers are available in bronze, granite or marble. Upright headstones come in granite or marble. In national cemeteries, the style 

provided will be consistent with existing monuments at the place 

of burial. Niche markers are available to mark columbaria used for 

inurnment of cremated remains. Medallions are made of bronze and 

are available in three sizes: 5-inch, 3-inch, and 1 1⁄2-inches.

Headstones, markers and medallions previously provided by the 

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

deteriorated, illegible, vandalized or stolen. To check the status of a 

claim for a headstone or marker for placement in a national or State 

Veterans cemetery, call the cemetery. To check the status of one being placed in a private cemetery, call 1-800-697-6947.

Inscription: Headstones and markers must be inscribed with the 

name of the deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and 

death. They also may be inscribed with other optional information, 

including an authorized emblem of belief and, space permitting, 
72 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 7 

additional text including military rank; war service such as “World 

War II;” complete dates of birth and death; military awards; military 

organizations; civilian or Veteran affiliations; and personalized words 

of endearment. 

Private Cemeteries: To submit a claim for a headstone, marker or 

medallion for a private cemetery, mail a completed VA Form 40-1330 

(available at www4.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-1330.pdf), Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker, and a copy of 

the Veteran’s military discharge document to Memorial Programs 

Service (41A1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Rd., 

Quantico, VA 22134-3903. The form and supporting documents may 

also be faxed toll free to 1-800-455-7143. 

Before ordering, check with the cemetery to ensure that the Government-furnished headstone or marker will be accepted. All installation 

fees are the responsibility of the applicant. 

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

markers with “In Memory Of” as the first line of inscription, to memorialize those whose remains have not been recovered or identified, 

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

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

is no fee when the “In Memory Of” marker is placed in a national 

cemetery. All installation fees at private cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant. 

Medallions in Lieu of Government Headstone/Marker: Public 

Law 110-157 enacted December 26, 2007, expanded VA authority to 

provide a medallion instead of a headstone or marker for Veterans’ 

graves in private cemeteries when the grave is already marked with 

a privately-purchased headstone or marker. Claimants will have the 

option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker to place 

on the grave, or a medallion to affix to a privately-purchased headstone or marker. VA anticipates the medallion will be available during 

2010. Current information regarding medallion availability is located 

at www.cem.va.gov. 

Presidential Memorial Certificates are issued upon request to 

recognize the United States military service of honorably discharged 

deceased Veterans. Next of kin, relatives and other loved ones may 

apply for a certificate by mailing, e-mailing, or faxing a completed 
Chapter 7 Burial and Memorial Benefits 73

and signed VA Form 40-0247 along with a copy of the Veteran’s military discharge documents or proof of honorable military service. The 

form and eligibility requirements can be found at www.cem.va.gov. All 

requests must be sent with supporting military documents or proof of 

honorable military service. 

Burial Flags: VA will furnish a U.S. burial flag to memorialize: 

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

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

 Reserve or National Guard, or would have been entitled if 

 over age 60. 

3. Members or former members of the Selected Reserve who 

 served their initial obligation, or were discharged for a 

 disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or

 died while a member of the Selected Reserve.

The next of kin may apply for the flag at any VA regional office or 

U.S. Post Office by completing VA Form 21-2008, Application for 

United States Flag for Burial Purposes, available at http://vbaw.vba.

va.gov/bl/20/cio/20s5/forms/VBA-21-2008-ARE.pdf. 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 national 

cemetery with available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing 

reimbursement claims in service-connected death cases.

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

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

or compensation or would have been entitled if they were not receiving military retirement pay. Eligibility also may be established when 

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

State Veterans nursing home. In cases in which the Veteran’s death 

was not service-connected, claims must be filed within two years 

after burial or cremation.

Plot Allowance: VA will pay a plot allowance when a Veteran is 
74 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 7 

buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction if: 

the Veteran was discharged from active duty because of disability 

incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; the Veteran was receiving 

compensation or pension or would have been if the Veteran was not 

receiving military retired pay; or the Veteran died in a VA facility. 

The plot allowance may be paid to the state for the cost of a plot or 

interment in a state-owned cemetery reserved solely for Veteran burials if the Veteran is buried without charge. Burial expenses paid by 

the deceased’s employer or a state agency will not be reimbursed. 

Military Funeral Honors: Upon request, DoD will provide military 

funeral honors consisting of folding and presentation of the United 

States flag and the playing of “Taps.” A funeral honors detail consists 

of two or more uniformed members of the armed forces, with at least 

one member from the deceased’s branch of service. 

Family members should inform their funeral director if they want 

military funeral honors. DoD maintains a toll-free number (1-877-MILHONR) for use by funeral directors only to request honors. VA can 

help arrange honors for burials at VA national cemeteries. Veterans 

service organizations or volunteer groups may help provide honors. 

For more information, visit www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil/.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies

Arlington National Cemetery: Administered by the Department of the 

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

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

National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, or visit www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/.

Department of the Interior: Administers two active national cemeteries – Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia and Andrew 

Johnson National Cemetery in Tennessee. Eligibility is similar to VA 

national cemeteries.

State Veterans Cemeteries: Seventy-nine State Veterans cemeteries offer burial options for Veterans and their families. These 

cemeteries have similar eligibility requirements but many require 

state residency. Some services, particularly for family members, may 

require a fee. Contact the State cemetery or State Veterans affairs 

office for information. To locate a State Veterans cemetery, visit www.

cem.va.gov/cem/scg/lsvc.asp.
Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 75

Chapter 8

Reserve and National Guard

Eligibility for VA Benefits

Reservists who serve on active duty establish veteran status and 

may be eligible for the full-range of VA benefits, depending on the 

length of active military service and a discharge or release from 

active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. In addition, 

reservists not activated may qualify for some VA benefits.

National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA benefits if 

activated for federal service during a period of war or domestic emergency. Activation for other than federal service does not qualify guard 

members for all VA benefits. Claims for VA benefits based on federal 

service filed by members of the National Guard should include a 

copy of the military orders, presidential proclamation or executive 

order that clearly demonstrates the federal nature of the service.

Qualifying for VA Health Care

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, veterans discharged from active duty on or 

after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible for enhanced enrollment placement 

into Priority Group 6 (unless eligible for higher Priority Group placement) for 5 years post discharge. Veterans with combat service after 

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

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

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

Activated reservists and members of the National Guard are eligible 

if they served on active duty in a theater of combat operations after 

Nov. 11, 1998, and, have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. 

Veterans who enroll with VA under this “Combat Veteran” authority 

will retain enrollment eligibility even after their five-year post discharge period ends. At the end of their post discharge period, VA will 

reassess the veteran’s information (including all applicable eligibility 

factors) and make a new enrollment decision. For additional information, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387). 
76 Burial and Memorial Benefits Chapter 7 

Disability Benefits

VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or 

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

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

or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training. For additional 

information see Chapter 2, “Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities”.

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve

Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 

Corps and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard 

and the Air National Guard, may be entitled to up to 36 months of 

educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Selected Reserve. To be eligible, the participant must: 

1. Have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve or 

 National Guard signed after June 30, 1985, or, if an officer, 

 agree to serve six years in addition to the original obligation.

2. Complete initial active duty for training.

3. Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before 

 applying for benefits.

4. Remain in good standing in a Selected Reserve or National 

 Guard unit.

Reserve components determine eligibility for benefits. VA does not 

make decisions about eligibility and cannot make payments until the 

reserve component has determined eligibility and notified VA. 

Period of Eligibility: Benefits generally end the day a reservist or 

National Guard member separates from the military. Additionally, if in 

the Selected Reserve and called to active duty, VA can generally extend the eligibility period by the length of time on active duty plus four 

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

it will not be taken away if you leave the Selected Reserve. 

Eligible members separated because of unit deactivation, a disability that was not caused by misconduct, or otherwise involuntarily 

separated during Oct. 1, 1991, through Dec. 31, 2001, have 14 years 

after their eligibility date to use benefits. Similarly, members involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve due to a deactivation of 

their unit between Oct. 1, 2007, and Sept. 30, 2014, may receive a 

14-year period of eligibility.

Payments: The rate for full-time training effective Oct. 1, 2010, is 
Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 77

$337 a month for 36 months. Part-time benefits are reduced proportionately. For complete current rates, visit www.gibill.va.gov/. DOD 

may make additional contributions. 

Training: Participants may pursue training at a college or university, 

or take technical training at any approved facility. Training includes 

undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate courses; State licensure 

and certification; courses for a certificate or diploma from business, 

technical or vocational schools; cooperative training; apprenticeship 

or on-the-job training; correspondence courses; independent study 

programs; flight training; entrepreneurship training; remedial, deficiency or refresher courses needed to complete a program of study; 

or preparatory courses for tests required or used for admission to an 

institution of higher learning or graduate school. 

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized 

effective Jan. 28, 2008. 

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized 

effective Jan. 28, 2008.

Work-Study: Participants who train at the three-quarter or full-time 

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

VA and receive hourly wages. Students under the work-study program must be supervised by a VA employee and all duties performed 

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

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

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

 facilities.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries. 

4. Various jobs within any VA regional office. 

5. Other VA-approved activities.

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

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

Guard, or National Guard facilities. 

Educational and Vocational Counseling: Refer to Chapter 10, 

“Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available services.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

This program provides educational assistance to members of Nation-
78 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8

al Guard and reserve components – Selected Reserve and Individual 

Ready Reserve (IRR) – who are called or ordered to active duty service in response to a war or national emergency as declared by the 

President or Congress. Visit www.gibill.va.gov/ for more information.

Eligibility: Eligibility is determined by DOD or the Department of 

Homeland Security. Generally, a servicemember who serves on active duty on or after Sept.11, 2001, for at least 90 consecutive days 

or accumulates a total of three or more of years of service is eligible. 

Payments: Reserve or National Guard members whose eligibility is 

based upon continuous service receive a payment rate based upon 

their number of continuous days on active duty. Members who qualify 

after the accumulation of three or more years aggregate active duty 

service receive the full payment allowable. 

Reserve Educational Assistance Rates

Active Duty Service Monthly Payment

Rate for Full-Time Students

90 days but less than one year $570.40

One year but less than two 

years

$855.60

Two or more continuous years $1,140.80

* Effective Oct. 1, 2010

Training: Participants may pursue training at a college or university, 

or take technical training at any approved facility. Training includes 

undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate courses; state licensure 

and certification courses; courses for a certificate or diploma from 

business, technical or vocational schools; cooperative training; apprenticeship or on-the-job training; correspondence courses; independent study programs; flight training; entrepreneurship training; 

remedial, deficiency, or refresher courses needed to complete a 

program of study; or preparatory courses for tests required or used 

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

Accelerated payments for certain high-cost programs are authorized. 

Period of Eligibility: Prior to Jan. 28, 2008, members of the Selected Reserve called to active duty were eligible as long as they 

continued to serve in the Selected Reserve. They lost eligibility if 

they went into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). Members of the 
Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 79

IRR called to active duty were eligible as long as they stayed in the 

IRR or Selected Reserve. 

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, members who are called up from the Selected Reserve, complete their REAP-qualifying period of active duty 

service, and then return to the Selected Reserve for the remainder 

of their service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after 

separation. 

In addition, members who are called up from the IRR or Inactive National Guard (ING), complete their REAP-qualifying period of active 

duty service, and then enter the Selected Reserve to complete their 

service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after separation. 

Work-Study Program: Reserve Education Assistance Program 

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

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

Guard, or National Guard facilities. 

Educational and Vocational Counseling: Refer to Chapter 10, 

“Transition Assistance”, for detailed information on available services.

Home Loan Guaranty

National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home 

loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, 

are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, 

or are discharged because of a service-connected disability. 

Reservists who do not qualify for VA housing loan benefits may be 

eligible for loans on favorable terms insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of HUD. Additional information can be 

found in Chapter 5 -- “Home Loan Guaranty.” 

Life Insurance

National Guard members and reservists are eligible to receive 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance (VGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). They may also be eligible for SGLI Traumatic Injury 

Protection if severely injured and suffering a qualifying loss, ServiceDisabled Veterans Insurance if they receive a service-connected 

disability rating from VA, and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance if 
80 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8

approved for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant. 

Complete details can be found in Chapter 6 -- “VA Life Insurance.” 

Burial and Memorial Benefits

VA provides a burial flag to memorialize members or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their initial obligation, or 

were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of 

duty, or died while a member of the Selected Reserve. Information 

about other benefits that may be available can be found in Chapter 

7 – “Burial and Memorial Benefits.” 

Re-employment Rights

A person who left a civilian job to enter active duty in the armed 

forces is entitled to return to the job after discharge or release from 

active duty if they: 

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

2. Did not exceed five years cumulative absence from the 

 civilian job (with some exceptions).

3. Submitted a timely application for re-employment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service 

(VETS) in the state of the employer. 

Federal employees not properly re-employed may appeal directly to 

the Merit Systems Protection Board. Non-federal employees may file 

complaints in U.S. District Court. For information, visit www.dol.gov/

vets/programs/userra/main.htm. 

National Guard and VA Partnership to Assist Veterans

The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program within the National 

Guard (NG) Office of Warrior Support places a NG/VA trained expert 

at the NG Headquarters in each of the 50 states and PR, GU, VI and 
Chapter 8 Reserve and National Guard 81

District of Columbia, as an advocate for Guard members and their 

families as well as other geographically dispersed military members 

and families. In collaboration with state directors of Veterans Affairs 

and other state and local coalition partners, the Transition Assistance Advisor provides enrollment, referrals and facilitates access 

for Veterans through the overwhelming maze of programs, with the 

compassion of someone who knows what it’s like to transition from 

Guard to active duty and to civilian status. 

Transition Assistance Advisors receive annual training by VA experts 

in VA health care and benefits to assist Guard members and their 

families’ to access to VA health care facilities and TRICARE facilities 

in their network. To find a local Transition Assistance Advisor call 1 

877 577-6691 or go to http://www.taapmo.com/TAAprogram.htm

Outreach for OEF/OIF (New Dawn) Veterans 

VA’s OEF/OIF New Dawn Outreach Teams focus on improving 

outreach to members of the National Guard and Reserve by engaging Guard members throughout the deployment cycle with targeted 

messages and face-to-face encounters with VA staff. These Teams 

are located at VA Medical Centers to help ease the transition from 

military to civilian life. Cost-free VA health care and medications may 

be provided for conditions potentially related to combat service, including full access to VA’s medical benefits package. To learn more, 

visit www.oefoif.va.gov .

When separating from active service, OEF/OIF veterans are eligible 

for a one-time dental evaluation and treatment, if the veteran did not 

have any dental treatment in theater. Veterans must call to request 

a dental appointment within the first 180 days post separation from 

active duty. 

A full list of facilities can be found beginning on page 123 of this 

guide. Veterans can also call the toll-free OEF/OIF New Dawn Help 

Line at 1-866-606-8216 for answers to questions about VA benefits, 

health care and enrollment procedures.
82 Reserve and National Guard Chapter 8
Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 83

Chapter 9

Special Groups of Veterans

Homeless Veterans

VA’s homeless programs constitute the largest integrated network of 

homeless assistance programs in the country, offering a wide array 

of services to help veterans recover from homelessness and live as 

self-sufficiently and independently as possible. 

The VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program provides a gateway to VA and community supportive services for eligible 

Veterans. Through the HCHV Program, Veterans are provided with 

case management and residential treatment in the community. The 

program also conducts outreach to homeless Veterans who are not 

likely to come to VA facilities on their own.

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (NCCHV) assists 

homeless veterans, at-risk Veterans, their families and other interested parties with linkages to appropriate VA and community-based resources. The call center provides trained VA staff members 24 hours 

a day, seven days a week that assess a caller’s needs and connect 

them to appropriate resources. The call center can be accessed by 

dialing 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838).

The VA Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program provides funds to nonprofit community agencies providing transitional housing (up to 24 

months) and/or offering services to homeless veterans, such as case 

management, education, crisis intervention, counseling, and services 

targeted towards specialized populations including homeless women 

Veterans. The goal of the program is helping homeless Veterans 

achieve residential stability, increase their skill levels and/or income, 

and obtain greater self-determination.

The Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program provides permanent housing 

and ongoing case management for eligible homeless veterans who 

would not be able to live independently without the support of case 

management. 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 
84 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 9

communities served by their VA medical facility where case management services can be provided. HUD-VASH services include outreach and case management to ensure integration of services and 

continuity of care. This program enhances the ability of VA to serve 

homeless women veterans, and homeless veterans with families. 

Through the Supportive Services for Low-Income Veterans 

Program, VA aims to improve very low-income Veteran families’ 

housing stability by providing supportive services to very low-income 

Veteran families in or transitioning to permanent housing. VA funds 

community-based organizations to provide eligible Veteran families 

with outreach, case management and assistance in obtaining VA and 

other benefits. Grantees may also provide time-limited payments to 

third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies 

and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veterans’ 

families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis. 

In VA’s Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence

(CWT/TR) Program, disadvantaged, at-risk, and homeless Veterans 

live in CWT/TR community-based supervised group homes while 

working for pay in VA’s CWT Program, to learn new job skills, relearn 

successful work habits, and regain a sense of self-esteem and selfworth.

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

outreach, referrals and short-term case management assistance for 

incarcerated veterans who may be at risk for homelessness upon 

their release.

For more information on VA homeless programs and services, Veterans currently enrolled in VA health care can speak with their VA 

mental health or health care provider. Other Veterans and interested 

parties can find a complete list of VA health care facilities at www.

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

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

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

Mental Health service manager. Information is also available on the 

VA Homeless program Web-site at www.va.gov/homeless.

Filipino Veterans 

World War II era Filipino veterans are eligible for certain VA benefits. 

Generally, Old Philippine Scouts are eligible for VA benefits in the 
Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 85

same manner as U.S. veterans. Commonwealth Army veterans, 

including certain organized Filipino guerrilla forces and New Philippine Scouts residing in the United States who are citizens or lawfully 

admitted for permanent residence, are also eligible for VA health care 

in the United States on the same basis as U.S. veterans. 

Certain Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts 

may be eligible for disability compensation and burial benefits. Other 

veterans of recognized guerrilla groups also may be eligible for certain VA benefits. Survivors of World War II era Filipino veterans may 

be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation. Eligibility 

and the rates of benefits vary based on the recipient’s citizenship and 

place of residence. Call 1-800-827-1000 for additional information. 

VA Benefits for Veterans Living Overseas

VA monetary benefits, including disability compensation, pension, 

educational benefits, and burial allowances are generally payable 

overseas. Some programs are restricted. Home loan guaranties are 

available only in the United States and selected U.S. territories and 

possessions. Educational benefits are limited to approved, degreegranting programs in institutions of higher learning. Beneficiaries 

living in foreign countries should contact the nearest American embassy or consulate for help. In Canada, contact an office of Veterans 

Affairs Canada. For information, visit http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/

Foreign/index.htm.

World War II Era Merchant Marine Seamen 

Certain Merchant Marine seamen who served in World War II may 

qualify for veterans benefits. When applying for medical care, seamen must present their discharge certificate from the Department of 

Defense. Call 1-800-827-1000 for help obtaining a certificate. 

Allied Veterans Who Served During WWI or WWII

VA may provide medical care to certain veterans of nations allied or 

associated with the United States during World War I or World 

War II if authorized and reimbursed by the foreign government. VA 

also may provide hospitalization, outpatient care and domiciliary care 

to former members of the armed forces of Czechoslovakia or Poland 

who fought in World War I or World War II in armed conflict against 

an enemy of the United States if they have been U.S. citizens for at 

least 10 years.
86 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 9

World War Service by Particular Groups 

A number of groups who provided military-related service to the 

United States can receive VA benefits. A discharge by the Secretary 

of Defense is needed to qualify. Service in the following groups has 

been certified as active military service for benefits purposes: 

1. Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs).

2. World War I Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit.

3. World War I Engineer Field Clerks. 

4. Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC).

 5. Quartermaster Corps female clerical employees serving with 

 the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. 

6. Civilian employees of Pacific naval air bases who actively 

 participated in defense of Wake Island during World War II. 

7. Reconstruction aides and dietitians in World War I.

8. Male civilian ferry pilots. 

9. Wake Island defenders from Guam. 

 10. Civilian personnel assigned to OSS secret intelligence. 

 11. Guam Combat Patrol. 

 12. Quartermaster Corps members of the Keswick crew on 

 Corregidor during World War II. 

 13. U.S. civilians who participated in the defense of Bataan. 

 14. U.S. merchant seamen on block ships in support of 

 Operation Mulberry in the World War II invasion of Normandy.

 15. American merchant marines in oceangoing service during

 World War II.

 16. Civilian Navy IFF radar technicians who served in combat 

 areas of the Pacific during World War II. 

 17. U.S. civilians of the American Field Service who served 

 overseas in World War I.

 18. U.S. civilians of the American Field Service who served 

 overseas under U.S. armies and U.S. army groups in World

 War II. 

 19. U.S. civilian employees of American Airlines who served 

 overseas in a contract with the Air Transport Command

 between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945. 

 20. Civilian crewmen of U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey vessels

 who served in areas of immediate military hazard while 

 conducting cooperative operations with and for the U.S.

 armed forces between Dec. 7, 1941, and Aug. 15, 1945

 Qualifying vessels are: the Derickson, Explorer, Gilber, 

 Hilgard, E. Lester Jones, Lydonia Patton, Surveyor, 

 Wainwright, Westdahl, Oceanographer, Hydrographer and 
Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 87

 Pathfinder. 

 21. Members of the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) 

 who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and July 18, 1942. 

 22. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of United Air Lines who served overseas in a 

 contract with Air Transport Command between Dec. 14, 

 1941, and Aug.14, 1945.

 23. U.S. civilian flight crew, including pursers, and aviation 

 ground support employees of Transcontinental and 

 Western Air, Inc. who served overseas in a contract with the

 Air Transport Command between Dec. 14, 1941, and 

 Aug. 14, 1945.

 24. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. who served

 overseas in a contract with Air Transport Command between 

 Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945. 

 25. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employees of Pan American World Airways and its subsidiaries and

affiliates, who served overseas in a contract with the Air 

 Transport Command and Naval Air Transport Service

between Dec. 14, 1941, and Aug. 14, 1945. 

26. Honorably discharged members of the American Volunteer

Guard, Eritrea Service Command, between June 21, 1942,

 and March 31, 1943.

27. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of Northwest Airlines who served overseas under 

 the airline’s contract with Air Transport Command from 

 Dec. 14, 1941, through Aug. 14, 1945. 

28. U.S. civilian female employees of the U.S. Army Nurse 

 Corps who served in the defense of Bataan and Corregidor 

 between Jan. 2, 1942, and Feb. 3, 1945.

29. U.S. flight crew and aviation ground support employees of 

Northeast Airlines Atlantic Division, who served overseas as

a result of Northeast Airlines’ contract with the Air Transport 

 Command from Dec. 7, 1941, through Aug. 14, 1945.

30. U.S. civilian flight crew and aviation ground support 

 employees of Braniff Airways, who served overseas in the

 North Atlantic or under the jurisdiction of the North Atlantic 

 Wing, Air Transport Command, as a result of a contract with 

 the Air Transport Command between Feb. 26, 1945, and 

 Aug. 14, 1945.

31. Chamorro and Carolina former native police who received 
88 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 9

 military training in the Donnal area of central Saipan and 

 were placed under command of Lt. Casino of the 6th 

 Provisional Military Police Battalion to accompany U.S. 

 Marines on active, combat patrol from Aug. 19, 1945, to 

 Sept. 2, 1945. 

32. Three scouts/guides, Miguel Tenorio, Penedicto Taisacan, 

and Cristino Dela Cruz, who assisted the United States 

 Marines in the offensive operations against the Japanese on 

 the Northern Mariana Islands from June 19, 1944, through 

September 2, 1945.

33. The operational Analysis Group of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, Office of Emergency 

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

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

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

World War II or any individual who was honorably discharged

 under section 8147 of the Department of Defense Appropria-

 tions Act of 2001. 

Incarcerated Veterans 

VA benefits are affected if a beneficiary is convicted of a felony and 

imprisoned for more than 60 days. Disability or death pension paid to 

an incarcerated beneficiary must be discontinued. Disability compensation paid to an incarcerated veteran rated 20 percent or more 

disabled is limited to the 10 percent rate. For a veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent, the payment is reduced to half of the rate 

payable to a veteran evaluated as 10 percent disabled. 

Any amounts not paid may be apportioned to eligible dependents. 

Payments are not reduced for participants in work-release programs, 

residing in halfway houses or under community control. 

Failure to notify VA of a veteran’s incarceration can result in overpayment of benefits and the subsequent loss of all VA financial benefits 

until the overpayment is recovered. VA benefits will not be provided 

to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant. 

The Healthcare for Reentry Veterans Program (HCRV) offers outreach to veterans incarcerated in state and federal prisons, and 

referrals and short-term case management assistance upon release 

from prison. The Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO) offers 
Chapter 9 Special Groups of Veterans 89

outreach and case management to veterans involved in law enforcement encounters, overseen by treatment courts, and incarcerated in 

local jails. Visit http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/VJO.asp .
90 Special Groups of Veterans Chapter 9
Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 91

Chapter 10

Transition Assistance

Joint Transition Assistance

The Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Labor relaunched a new and improved Web site for wounded warriors – the 

National Resource Directory (NRD). This directory (www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov) provides access to thousands of services and 

resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, 

rehabilitation and community reintegration. The NRD is a comprehensive online tool available nationwide for wounded, ill and injured 

servicemembers, Veterans and their families. 

The NRD includes extensive information for Veterans seeking 

resources on VA benefits, including disability benefits, pensions for 

Veterans and their families, VA health care insurance and the GI 

Bill. The NRD’s design and interface is simple, easy-to-navigate and 

intended to answer the needs of a broad audience of users within the 

military, Veteran and caregiver communities. 

Transition From Military to VA

VA has stationed personnel at major military hospitals to help seriously injured servicemembers returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) as they transition from 

military to civilian life. OEF/OIF servicemembers who have questions 

about VA benefits or need assistance in filing a VA claim or accessing services can contact the nearest VA office or call 1-800-827-

1000. 

eBenefits

The eBenefits portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov) is a joint VA and DoD 

project that provides veterans, servicemembers, their families, and 

caregivers with self-service access to online benefits-related tools 

and information. 

eBenefits is a “one-stop shop” for benefit applications, benefits information, and access to personal information, such as official military 

personnel documents. The portal provides two main services. It is a 

catalog of links to information on other websites about military and 
92 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

veterans benefits, and it provides a personalized workspace called 

My eBenefits, which gives quick access to all the online tools currently integrated into eBenefits. 

Registered users can complete various tasks, including the following:

• apply for benefits 

• download the DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge 

 from Active Duty

• see the status of their disability compensation claims

• view payments

• update direct deposit information for certain benefits

• obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan Certificate of Eligibility

Transition Assistance Program

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) consists of comprehensive three-day workshops at military installations designed to help 

servicemembers as they transition from military to civilian life. The 

program includes job search, employment and training information, as well as VA benefits information, for servicemembers who 

are within 12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement. A 

companion workshop, the Disabled Transition Assistance Program, 

provides information on VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, as well as other programs for the disabled. Additional 

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

programs/tap/tap_fs.htm. 

Pre-Discharge Program 

The Pre-Discharge Program is a joint VA and DoD program that 

affords servicemembers the opportunity to file claims for disability 

compensation and other benefits up to 180 days prior to separation 

or retirement. 

The two primary components of the Pre-Discharge Program, Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) and Quick Start, may be utilized 

by separating and retiring servicemembers on active duty, including 

members of the Coast Guard, and members of the National Guard 

and Reserves in CONUS and some overseas locations (activated 

under Titles 10 or 32). 

BDD is offered to accelerate receipt of VA disability benefits, with a 

goal of providing benefits within 60 days after release or discharge 
Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 93

from active duty. 

To participate in the BDD program, servicemembers must:

1. have at least 60 days, but not more than 180 days, 

 remaining on active duty.

2. have a known date of separation or retirement.

3. provide VA with service treatment records, originals or 

 photocopies.

4. be available to complete all necessary examinations prior 

 to leaving the point of separation.

Quick Start is offered to servicemembers who have less than 60 

days remaining on active duty or are unable to complete the necessary examinations prior to leaving the point of separation.

To participate in the Quick Start Program, servicemembers must:

1. have at least one day remaining on active duty.

2. have a known date of separation or retirement. 

3. provide VA with service treatment records, originals or 

 photocopies.

Servicemembers should contact the local Transition Assistance 

Office or Army Career Alumni Program Center to schedule appointments to attend VA benefits briefings and learn how to initiate a predischarge claim. Servicemembers can obtain more information by 

calling VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000 or by visiting www.vba.va.gov/

predischarge.

Federal Recovery Coordination Program

The Federal Recovery Coordination Program, a joint program of 

DOD and VA, helps coordinate and access federal, state and local 

programs, benefits and services for seriously wounded, ill, and injured Service Members, and their families through recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. 

Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRCs) have the delegated authority for oversight and coordination of the clinical and non-clinical care 

identified in each client’s Federal Individual Recovery Plan (FIRP). 

Working with a variety of case managers, FRCs assist their clients 

in reaching their FIRP goals. FRCs remain with their clients as long 

as they are needed regardless of the client’s location, duty or health 

status. In doing so, they often serve as the central point of contact 
94 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

and provide transition support for their clients.

Military Services Provide Pre-Separation Counseling

Servicemembers may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months 

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

These sessions present information on education, training, employment assistance, National Guard and reserve programs, medical 

benefits, and financial assistance. 

Verification of Military Experience and Training

The Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) Document, DD Form 2586, helps servicemembers verify previous experience and training to potential employers, negotiate credits at 

schools, and obtain certificates or licenses. VMET documents are 

available only through Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps 

Transition Support Offices and are intended for servicemembers who 

have at least six months of active service. Servicemembers should 

obtain VMET documents from their Transition Support Office within 

12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement. 

Transition Bulletin Board 

To find business opportunities, a calendar of transition seminars, job 

fairs, information on veterans associations, transition services, training and education opportunities, as well as other announcements, 

visit the Web site at www.turbotap.org 

DOD Transportal 

To find locations and phone numbers of all Transition Assistance 

Offices as well as mini-courses on conducting successful job-search 

campaigns, writing resumes, using the Internet to find a job, and 

links to job search and recruiting Web sites, visit the DOD Transportal at www.veteranprograms.com/index.html 

Educational and Vocational Counseling

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program 

provides educational and vocational counseling to servicemembers, 

veterans, and certain dependents (U.S.C. Title 38, Section 3697) at 

no charge. These counseling services are designed to help an individual choose a vocational direction, determine the course needed to 

achieve the chosen goal, and evaluate the career possibilities open 
Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 95

to them. 

Assistance may include interest and aptitude testing, occupational 

exploration, setting occupational goals, locating the right type of 

training program, and exploring educational or training facilities which 

can be utilized to achieve an occupational goal. 

Counseling services include, but are not limited to, educational and 

vocational counseling and guidance; testing; analysis of and recommendations to improve job-marketing skills; identification of employment, training, and financial aid resources; and referrals to other 

agencies providing these services. 

Eligibility: Educational and vocational counseling services are available during the period the individual is on active duty with the armed 

forces and is within 180 days of the estimated date of his or her 

discharge or release from active duty. The projected discharge must 

be under conditions other than dishonorable. 

Servicemembers are eligible even if they are only considering 

whether or not they will continue as members of the armed forces. 

Veterans are eligible if not more than one year has elapsed since the 

date they were last discharged or released from active duty. Individuals who are eligible for VA education benefits may receive educational and vocational counseling at any time during their eligibility period. 

This service is based on having eligibility for a VA program such as 

Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill); Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment); Chapter 32 (Veterans Education Assistance 

Program – VEAP); Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill); Chapter 35 (Dependents’ Education Assistance Program) for certain spouses and 

dependent children; Chapter 18 (Spina Bifida Program) for certain 

dependent children; and Chapter 1606 and 1607 of Title 10.

Veterans and servicemembers may apply for counseling services 

using VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling. Veterans and 

servicemembers may also write a letter expressing a desire for counseling services. 

Upon receipt of either type of request for counseling from an eligible 

individual, an appointment for counseling will be scheduled. Counseling services are provided to eligible persons at no charge. 
96 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program

Recently separated veterans and those with service-connected disabilities, significant barriers to employment or who served on active 

duty during a period in which a campaign or expedition badge was 

authorized can contact the nearest state employment office for employment help through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program. 

The program may be conducted through state or local public agencies, community organizations or private, nonprofit organizations. 

State Employment Services

Veterans can find employment information, education and training 

opportunities, job counseling, job search workshops, and resume 

preparation assistance at state Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers. These offices also have specialists to help disabled veterans 

find employment. 

Unemployment Compensation

Veterans who do not begin civilian employment immediately after 

leaving military service may receive weekly unemployment compensation for a limited time. The amount and duration of payments 

are determined by individual states. Apply by contacting the nearest 

state employment office listed in your local telephone directory.

Veterans Preference for Federal Jobs

Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the U.S. armed forces 

have been given some degree of preference in appointments to 

federal jobs. Veterans’ preference in its present form comes from the 

Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944, as amended, and now codified in 

Title 5, United States Code. By law, veterans who are disabled or 

who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces during certain 

specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others when hiring from competitive lists of eligible candidates, and also in retention during a reduction in force (RIF). 

To receive preference, a veteran must have been discharged or 

released from active duty in the U.S. armed forces under honorable conditions (honorable or general discharge). Preference is also 

provided for certain widows and widowers of deceased veterans who 

died in service; spouses of service-connected disabled veterans; and 

mothers of veterans who died under honorable conditions on active 
Chapter 10 Transition Assistance 97

duty or have permanent and total service-connected disabilities. For 

each of these preferences, there are specific criteria that must be 

met in order to be eligible to receive the veterans’ preference. 

Recent changes in Title 5 clarify veterans’ preference eligibility 

criteria for National Guard and Reserve members. Veterans eligible 

for preference include National Guard and Reserve members who 

served on active duty as defined by Title 38 at any time in the armed 

forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days, any part of 

which occurred during the period beginning on Sept.11, 2001, and 

ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law 

as the last date of OEF/OIF. The National Guard and Reserve service members must have been discharged or released from active 

duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions. 

Another recent change involves veterans who earned the Global 

War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for service in OEF/OIF. Under 

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

in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been 

authorized also qualifies for veterans’ preference. Any Armed Forces 

Expeditionary medal or campaign badge qualifies for preference. 

Medal holders must have served continuously for 24 months or the 

full period called or ordered to active duty. 

As of December 2005, veterans who received the Global War on 

Terrorism Expeditionary Medal are entitled to veterans’ preference 

if otherwise eligible. For additional information, visit the Office of 

Personnel Management (OPM) Web site at www.opm.gov/veterans/

html/vetguide.asp#2.

Veterans’ preference does not require an agency to use any particular appointment process. Agencies can pick candidates from a 

number of different special hiring authorities or through a variety of 

different sources. For example, the agency can reinstate a former 

federal employee, transfer someone from another agency, reassign 

someone from within the agency, make a selection under merit promotion procedures or through open, competitive exams, or appoint 

someone noncompetitively under special authority such as a Veterans Readjustment Appointment or special authority for 30 percent or 

more disabled veterans. The decision on which hiring authority the 

agency desires to use rests solely with the agency. 
98 Transition Assistance Chapter 10

When applying for federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on their application or resume. Veterans should apply for a 

federal job by contacting the personnel office at the agency in which 

they wish to work. For more information, visit www.usajobs.opm.gov/ 

for job openings or help creating a federal resume. 

Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act: When an agency accepts applications from outside its own workforce, the Veterans’ 

Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 allows preference eligible 

candidates or veterans to compete for these vacancies under merit 

promotion procedures.

 Veterans who are selected are given career or career-conditional 

appointments. Veterans are those who have been separated under 

honorable conditions from the U.S. armed forces with three or more 

years of continuous active service. For information, visit www.usajobs.opm.gov or www.fedshirevets.gov. 

Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment: Allows federal agencies to 

appoint eligible veterans to jobs without competition. These appointments can be converted to career or career-conditional positions 

after two years of satisfactory work. Veterans should apply directly to 

the agency where they wish to work. For information,www.fedshirevets.gov/.

Small Businesses

VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise helps veterans interested in 

forming or expanding small businesses and helps VA contracting 

offices identify veteran-owned small businesses. For information, 

write the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (OOVE), 810 Vermont 

Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20420-0001, call toll-free 1-866-584-

2344 or visit www.vetbiz.gov/. 

Small Business Contracts: Like other federal agencies, VA is 

required to place a portion of its contracts and purchases with small 

and disadvantaged businesses. VA has a special office to help small 

and disadvantaged businesses get information on VA acquisition 

opportunities. For information, write the U.S. Department of Veterans 

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

0001, call toll-free 1-800-949-8387 or visit www.va.gov/osdbu/. 
Chapter 11 Dependents and Survivors Health Care 99

Chapter 11

Dependents and Survivors 

Health Care

Health Care Benefits

Under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of 

Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), certain dependents and survivors can 

receive reimbursement for most medical expenses – inpatient, outpatient, mental health, prescription medication, skilled nursing care 

and durable medical equipment. 

Eligibility: To be eligible for CHAMPVA, an individual cannot be 

eligible for TRICARE (the medical program for civilian dependents 

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

1. The spouse or child of a Veteran whom VA has rated permanently 

and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability.

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

rated permanently and totally disabled.

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

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

in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA.

A surviving spouse under age 55 who remarries loses CHAMPVA eligibility on midnight of the date of remarriage. He/she may re-establish eligibility if the remarriage ends by death, divorce or annulment 

effective the first day of the month following the termination of the 

remarriage or Dec. 1, 1999, whichever is later. A surviving spouse 

who remarries after age 55 does not lose eligibility upon remarriage. 

For those who have Medicare entitlement, CHAMPVA is secondary 

payer to Medicare. For additional information, contact the VA Health 

Administration Center, CHAMPVA, P.O. Box 469028, Denver, CO 

80246, call 1-800-733-8387 or visit the Web site at www.va.gov/hac/

forbeneficiaries/champva/champva.asp. 

Many VA health care facilities provide services to CHAMPVA beneficiaries under the CHAMPVA In-house Treatment Initiative (CITI) 
100 Dependents and Survivors Health Care Chapter 11

program. Contact the nearest VA health care facility to determine if it 

participates. Those who use a CITI facility incur no cost for services; 

however, services are provided on a space-available basis, after the 

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

The coverage of services is dependent upon the CHAMPVA benefit 

coverage. CHAMPVA beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare 

cannot use CITI. 

Children Born with Spina Bifida to Certain Vietnam or Korean 

Veterans: Program (SB) is a comprehensive health care benefits 

program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for 

birth children of certain Vietnam and Korea Veterans who have been 

diagnosed with spina bifida (except spina bifida occulta). The SB 

program provides reimbursement for medical services, pharmacy, 

durable medical equipment, and supplies. Effective October 10, 

2008, Public Law 110-387, Section 408, expanded the coverage 

of health care benefits beyond the spina bifida condition. The VA’s 

Health Administration Center in Denver, Colorado, manages the SB 

Program, including the authorization of benefits and the subsequent 

processing and payment of claims. For more information about spina 

bifida health care benefits, call 1-888-820-1756 or visit the Web site 

at www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/spina/spina.asp

Eligibility: To be eligible for the SB Program, you must be eligible 

for a monetary award under the Veterans Benefit Administration 

(VBA). The Denver VA Regional Office makes determination regarding this entitlement. The VBA notifies the VA Health Administration 

Center after an award is made and the eligible child is enrolled in SB. 

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV) Born with Certain 

Birth Defects: The CWVV Health Care Program is a federal health 

benefits program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for children of women Vietnam Veterans born with certain birth 

defects. The CWVV Program provides reimbursement for medical 

care related to covered birth defects and conditions associated with 

the covered birth defect except for spina bifida. For more information 

about benefits for children with birth defects, call 1-888-820-1756 

or visit the Web site at www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries and select 

Spina Bifida/Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWVV.)

Eligibility: To be eligible for the CWVV Program, you must have received an award under VBA. The Denver VA Regional Office makes 
Chapter 11 Dependents and Survivors Health Care 101

determination regarding this entitlement. The VBA notifies the VA 

Health Administration Center after an award is made and the eligible 

child is enrolled in CWVV.

Bereavement Counseling

VA Vet Centers provide bereavement counseling to all family members including spouses, children, parents, and siblings of servicemembers who die while on active duty. This includes federally 

activated members of the National Guard and reserve components. 

Bereavement services may be accessed by calling (202) 461-6530. 

Bereavement Counseling related to Veterans: Bereavement 

counseling is available through any Veterans Health Administration 

medical center to immediate family members of veterans who die unexpectedly or while participating in a VA hospice or similar program, 

as long as the immediate family members had been receiving family 

support services in connection with or in furtherance of the veteran’s 

treatment. (In other cases, bereavement counseling is available to 

the veteran’s legal guardian or the individual with whom the veteran 

had certified an intention to live, as long as the guardian or individual 

had been receiving covered family support services.) This bereavement counseling is of limited duration and may only be authorized up 

to 60 days. However, VA medical center directors have authority to 

approve a longer period of time when medically indicated. Contact 

the Social Work Service at your closest VA Medical Center to access 

bereavement counseling services.
102 Dependents and Survivors Health Care Chapter 11
Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 103

Chapter 12

Dependents and Survivors Benefits

Death Gratuity Payment

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

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

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

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

If there is no surviving spouse or child, then parents or siblings 

designated as next of kin by the servicemember may be provided the 

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

deceased. If the beneficiary is not paid automatically, application may 

be made to the military service concerned.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Eligibility: For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the veteran’s death must have resulted from 

one of the following causes: 

1. A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty 

 while on active duty or active duty for training.

2. An injury, heart attack, cardiac arrest, or stroke incurred or

 aggravated in the line of duty while on inactive duty for 

 training.

3. A service-connected disability or a condition directly related 

 to a service-connected disability. 

DIC also may be paid to certain survivors of veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death, 

even though their service-connected disabilities did not cause their 

deaths. The survivor qualifies if the veteran was: 

1. Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years 

 immediately preceding death; or 

2. Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military

 discharge and for at least 5 years immediately preceding

 death; or

3. A former POW who died after Sept. 30, 1999, and who was

 continuously rated totally disabled for a period of at least one

 year immediately preceding death. 
104 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 12

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

must have been under conditions other than dishonorable.

Payments for Deaths After Jan. 1, 1993: Surviving spouses of 

veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 1993, receive a basic rate, 

plus additional payments for dependent children, for the aid and 

attendance of another person if they are patients in a nursing home 

or require the regular assistance of another person, or if they are 

permanently housebound.

DIC Payment Rates for Surviving Spouses*

 Allowances Monthly Rate

Basic Payment Rate $1,154

Additional Allowances:

Each Dependent Child $286

Aid and Attendance $286

Housebound $135

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

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

eight continuous years prior to death. 

Add $250 to the additional allowance if there are dependent children 

under age 18 for the initial two years of entitlement for DIC awards 

commencing on or after Jan. 1, 2005. 

Payments for Deaths Prior to Jan. 1, 1993: Surviving spouses of 

veterans who died prior to Jan. 1, 1993, receive an amount based on 

the deceased’s military pay grade. 

DIC Rates for Surviving Spouses*

Enlisted Rate Warrant 

Officer

Rate Officer Rate

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

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

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

E-4 $1,154 W-4 $1,380 O-4 $1,427
Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 105

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

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

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

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

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

O-10 $2,463 *

Veterans who died prior to Jan. 1, 1993.

Parents’ DIC: VA provides an income-based monthly benefit to the 

surviving parent(s) of a servicemember or veteran whose death was 

service-related. When countable income exceeds the limit set by law, 

no benefits are payable. The spouse’s income must also be included 

if living with a spouse. 

A spouse may be the other parent of the deceased veteran, or a 

spouse from remarriage. Unreimbursed medical expenses may be 

used to reduce countable income. Benefit rates and income limits 

change annually. 

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

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

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

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

Social Security Administration.

Death Pension

VA provides pensions to low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased veterans with wartime service. 

Eligibility: To be eligible, spouses must not have remarried and 

children must be under age 18, or under age 23 if attending a VAapproved school, or have become permanently incapable of selfsupport because of disability before age 18.

The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than 

dishonorable and must have had 90 days or more of active military 

service, at least one day of which was during a period of war, or a 

service-connected disability justifying discharge. Longer periods of 
106 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 12

service may be required for veterans who entered active duty on or 

after Sept. 8, 1980, or Oct. 16, 1981, if an officer. If the veteran died 

in service but not in the line of duty, the death pension may be payable if the veteran completed at least two years of honorable service. 

Children who become incapable of self-support because of a disability before age 18 may be eligible for the death pension as long 

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

exceeds the applicable limit. 

A surviving spouse may be entitled to a higher income limit if living in a nursing home, in need of the aid and attendance of another 

person, or permanently housebound.

Payment: The death pension provides a monthly payment to bring 

an eligible person’s income to a level established by law. The payment is reduced by the annual income from other sources such as 

Social Security. The payment may be increased if the recipient has 

unreimbursed medical expenses that can be deducted from countable income. 

Death Pension Rates 

Recipient of Pension Maximum Annual Rate

Surviving spouse $7,933

(With dependent child) $10,385

Permanently housebound $9,696

(With dependent child) $12,144

Needs regular aid & attendance $12,681

(With dependent child) $15,587

Each additional dependent child $2,020

Pension for each surviving child $2,020

Survivors' & Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Eligibility: VA provides educational assistance to qualifying dependents as follows: 

1. The spouse or child of a servicemember or veteran who either 

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

 and total service-connected disability, or who died while such 

 a disability existed.
Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 107

2. The spouse or child of a servicemember listed for more than 

 90 days as currently Missing in Action (MIA), captured in the 

 line of duty by a hostile force, or detained or interned by a

 foreign government or power. 

3. The spouse or child of a servicemember who is hospitalized or 

 is receiving outpatient care or treatment for a disability that is

 determined to be totally and permanently disabling, incurred

 or aggravated due to active duty, and for which the service 

 member is likely to be discharged from military service. 

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

living with another person who has been held out publicly as their 

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

or divorce or if they cease living with the person. Dependent children 

do not lose eligibility if the surviving spouse remarries. Visit www.

gibill.va.gov/ for more information.

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

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

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

generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive educational benefits, though extensions may be granted.

The period of eligibility for spouses of servicemembers who died on 

active duty expires 20 years from the date of death. This is a change 

in law that became effective Dec. 10, 2004. Spouses of servicemembers who died on active duty whose 10-year eligibility period expired 

before Dec. 10, 2004, now have 20 years from the date of death to 

use educational benefits. Effective Oct. 10, 2008, Public Law 110-

389 provides a 20-year period of eligibility for spouses of veterans 

with a permanent and total service-connected disability rating effective within 3 years of release from active duty.

Payments: The The payment rate effective Oct. 1, 2010, is $936 a 

month for full-time school attendance, with lesser amounts for parttime. Benefits are paid for full-time training up to 45 months or the 

equivalent in part-time training. 

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

independent study; cooperative training study abroad certificate or 

diploma from business, technical or vocational schools, apprentice-
108 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 12

ships, on-the-job training programs; farm cooperative courses; and 

preparatory courses for tests required or used for admission to an 

institution of higher learning or graduate school. Benefits for correspondence courses under certain conditions are available to spouses only. 

Beneficiaries without high-school degrees can pursue secondary 

schooling, and those with a deficiency in a subject may receive tutorial assistance if enrolled half-time or more. 

Special Benefits: Dependents over age 14 with physical or mental 

disabilities that impair their ability to pursue an education may receive specialized vocational or restorative training, including speech 

and voice correction, language retraining, lip reading, auditory 

training, Braille reading and writing, and similar programs. Certain 

disabled or surviving spouses are also eligible. 

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Children of those who die in the line of duty on or since September 

11, 2001, are potentially eligible to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. 

Refer to Chapter 4, “Education and Training”, for more details. 

Work-Study: Participants who train at the three-quarter or full-time 

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

VA and receive hourly wages. The types of work allowed include: 

1. Outreach services.

2. VA paperwork.

3. Work at national or state veterans’ cemeteries. 

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

5. Other VA-approved activities. 

Counseling: VA may provide counseling to help participants pursue 

an educational or vocational objective.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Death Benefit: VA will pay a special 

MGIB death benefit to a designated survivor in the event of the 

service-connected death of a servicemember while on active duty or 

within one year after discharge or release. 

The deceased must either have been entitled to educational assistance under the MGIB program or a participant in the program 
Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 109

who would have been so entitled but for the high school diploma or 

length-of-service requirement. The amount paid will be equal to the 

participant’s actual military pay reduction, less any education benefits 

paid. 

Children of Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects Children 

of Vietnam or Korean Veterans Born with Spina Bifida: Biological 

children of male and female Veterans who served in Vietnam at any 

time during the period beginning January 9, 1962 and ending May 7, 

1975, or who served in or near the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) 

during the period beginning September 1, 1967 and ending August 

31, 1971, born with spina bifida may be eligible for a monthly monetary allowance, and vocational training if reasonably feasible.

The law defines “child” as the natural child of a Vietnam Veteran, 

regardless of age or marital status. The child must have been conceived after the date on which the Veteran first entered the Republic 

of Vietnam. For more information about benefits for children with 

birth defects, visit www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/spina/spina.asp. 

A monetary allowance is paid at one of three disability levels based 

on the neurological manifestations that define the severity of disability: impairment of the functioning of extremities, impairment of bowel 

or bladder function, and impairment of intellectual functioning. 

2011 VA Benefits for Children of Vietnam or Korean 

Veterans Born with Spina Bifida

Level I Level II Level III

Monthly 

Rate* $286 $984 $1,687

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 February 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 
110 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 12

disorders, birth-related injuries, or fetal or neonatal infirmities with 

well-established causes. A monetary allowance is paid at one of four 

disability levels based on the child’s degree of permanent disability. 

2011 VA Benefits for Children of Women Vietnam 

Veterans Born with Certain Birth Defects 

Level I Level II Level III Level V

Monthly 

Rate*

$131 $286 $984 $1,678

*Effective Dec. 1, 2008

Vocational Training: VA provides vocational training, rehabilitation 

services, and employment assistance to help these children prepare 

for and attain suitable employment. To qualify, an applicant must be 

a child receiving a VA monthly allowance for spina bifida or another 

covered birth defect and for whom VA has determined that achievement of a vocational goal is reasonably feasible. A child may not 

begin vocational training before his/her 18th birthday or the date he/

she completes secondary schooling, whichever comes first. Depending on need and eligibility, a child may be provided up to 24 months 

of full-time training with the possibility of an extension of up to 24 

months if it is needed to achieve the identified employment goal. 

VA Home Loan Guaranty 

A VA loan guaranty to acquire a home may be available to an unmarried spouse of a veteran or servicemember who died as a result of 

service-connected disabilities, a surviving spouse who remarries after age 57, or to a spouse of a servicemember officially listed as MIA

or who is currently a POW for more than 90 days. Spouses of those 

listed MIA/POW are limited to one loan.

“No-Fee” Passports

“No-fee” passports are available to immediate family members 

(spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters) for the expressed 

purpose of visiting their loved one’s grave or memorialization site 

at an American military cemetery on foreign soil. For additional 

information, write to the American Battle Monuments Commission, 

Courthouse Plaza II, Suite 500, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, 

VA 22201, or telephone 703-696-6897, or visit the Web site at www.

abmc.gov
Chapter 12 Dependents and Survivors Benefits 111

Burial and Memorial Benefits for Survivors

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several burial and memorial benefits for eligible survivors and dependents. These benefits 

may include internment at a state or national Veterans cemetery, 

plot, marker and more. To learn more about these and other benefits 

please refer to Chapter 7 of this guide.
112 Dependents and Survivors Benefits Chapter 12 Chapter 13
Chapter 13 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions 113

Chapter 13

Appeals of VA Claims 

Decisions

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

decisions made by a VA regional office, medical center or National 

Cemetery Administration (NCA) office. Typical issues appealed are 

disability compensation, pension, education benefits, recovery of 

overpayments, reimbursement for unauthorized medical services, 

and denial of burial and memorial benefits.

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

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

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

office, medical center or NCA 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 makes decisions on appeals on 

behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Although it is not required, a veterans service organization, an agent, or an attorney may 

represent a claimant. Appellants may present their cases in person 

to a member of the Board at a hearing in Washington, D.C., at a VA 

regional office or by videoconference.

Decisions made by the Board can be found on the Web site at www.

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

Appeal Process,” is available on the Web site or may be requested 

by writing: Hearings and Transcription Unit (014HRG), Board of Veterans’ Appeals, 811 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. 
114 Appeals of VA Claims Decisions Chapter 13

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims 

A final Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision that does not grant a 

claimant the benefits desired may be appealed to the U.S. Court of 

Appeals for Veterans Claims, an independent court, not part of the 

Department of Veterans Affairs.

Notice of an appeal must be received by the court with a postmark 

that is within 120 days after the Board of Veterans’ Appeals mailed 

its decision. The court reviews the record considered by the Board of 

Veterans’ Appeals. It does not hold trials or receive new evidence. 

Appellants may represent themselves before the court or have lawyers or approved agents as representatives. Oral argument is held 

only at the direction of the court. Either party may appeal a decision 

of the court to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and 

may seek review in the Supreme Court of the United States.

Published decisions, case status information, rules and procedures, 

and other special announcements can be found on the court’s Web 

site at www.vetapp.gov/. The court’s decisions can also be found in 

West’s Veterans Appeals Reporter, and on the Westlaw and LEXIS 

online services. For questions, write the Clerk of the Court, 625 

Indiana Ave. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004, or call (202) 

501-5970.
Chapter 14 Military Medals and Records 115

Chapter 14

Military Medals and 

Records

Replacing Military Medals

Medals awarded while in active service are issued by the individual 

military services if requested by veterans or their next of kin. Requests for replacement medals, decorations, and awards should be 

directed to the branch of the military in which the veteran served. 

However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army veterans, 

the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) verifies awards and 

forwards requests and verification to appropriate services. 

Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on Standard 

Form 180, “Request Pertaining To Military Records,” which may be 

obtained at VA offices or the Internet at www.va.gov/vaforms/. Forms, 

addresses, and other information on requesting medals can be found 

on the Military Personnel Records section of NPRC’s Web site at 

www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/index.html. For questions, call Military Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800 or e-mail 

questions to: MPR.center@nara.gov. 

When requesting medals, type or clearly print the veteran’s full 

name, include the veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security number and provide the veteran’s exact or approximate 

dates of military service. The request must contain the signature 

of the veteran or next of kin if the veteran is deceased. If available, 

include a copy of the discharge or separation document, WDAGO 

Form 53-55 or DD Form 214. 

Replacing Military Records

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

kin of deceased veterans may obtain duplicate copies by completing 

forms found on the Internet at www.archives.gov/research/index.html 

and mailing or faxing them to the NPRC. 

Alternatively, write the National Personnel Records Center, Military 
116 Military Medals and Records Chapter 14

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

Specify that a duplicate separation document is needed. The veteran’s full name should be printed or typed so that it can be read 

clearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the veteran 

or the signature of the next of kin, if the veteran is deceased. Include 

the veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Security 

number and exact or approximate dates and years of service. Use 

Standard Form 180, “Request Pertaining To Military Records.” 

It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran’s discharge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim 

for VA benefits. If complete information about the veteran’s service is 

furnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service. 

Correcting of Military Records 

The secretary of a military department, acting through a Board for 

Correction of Military Records, has authority to change any military 

record when necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice. A 

correction board may consider applications for correction of a military 

record, including a review of a discharge issued by court-martial. 

The veteran, survivor or legal representative must file a request for 

correction within three years after discovering an alleged error or 

injustice. The board may excuse failure to file within this time, however, if it finds it would be in the interest of justice. It is an applicant’s 

responsibility to show why the filing of the application was delayed 

and why it would be in the interest of justice for the board to consider 

it despite the delay. 

To justify a correction, it is necessary to show to the satisfaction of 

the board that the alleged entry or omission in the records was in error or unjust. Applications should include all available evidence, such 

as signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments supporting 

the correction. Application is made with DD Form 149, available at 

VA offices, veterans organizations or visit www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm.

Review of Discharge from Military Service

Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with 

authority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals not 

issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The board has no 
Chapter 14 Military Medals and Records 117

authority to address medical discharges. 

The veteran or, if the veteran is deceased or incompetent, the surviving spouse, next of kin or legal representative, may apply for a 

review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned, 

using DD Form 293 -- “Application for the Review of Discharge from 

the Armed Forces of the United States.” This form may be obtained 

at a VA regional office, from veterans organizations or from the Internet at www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm. 

However, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, a veteran 

must petition the appropriate Service’s Board for Correction of 

Military Records using DD Form 149 -- “Application for Correction of 

Military Records Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 

1552.” A discharge review is conducted by a review of an applicant’s 

record and, if requested, by a hearing before the board.

Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period of unauthorized absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible for 

VA benefits regardless of action taken by discharge review boards, 

unless VA determines there were compelling circumstances for the 

absence. Boards for the Correction of Military Records also may 

consider such cases.

Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty 

may qualify for medical or related benefits regardless of separation 

and characterization of service. Veterans separated administratively 

under other than honorable conditions may request that their discharge be reviewed for possible recharacterization, provided they file 

their appeal within 15 years of the date of separation. 

Questions regarding the review of a discharge should be addressed 

to the appropriate discharge review board at the address listed on 

DD Form 293.
118 Military Medals and Records Chapter 14
Chapter 15 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies 119

Chapter 15

Benefits Provided by 

Other Federal Agencies

USDA Provides Loans for Farms and Homes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and 

guarantees to buy, improve or operate farms. Loans and guarantees 

are generally available for housing in towns with a population up 

to 20,000. Applications from veterans have preference. For further 

information, contact Farm Service Agency or Rural Development, 

USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250, or 

apply at local Department of Agriculture offices, usually located in 

county seats. A complete listing of services and support can be found 

at: http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/prevention.asp

Housing and Urban Development (HUDVET)

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Veteran 

Resource Center (HUDVET), which works with national veterans 

service organizations to serve as a general information center on all 

HUD-sponsored housing and community development programs and 

services. To contact HUDVET, call 1-800-998-9999, TDD 800-483-

2209, or visit its Web site at www.hud.gov/hudvet.

Veterans Receive Naturalization Preference

Honorable active-duty service in the U.S. armed forces during a 

designated period of hostility allows an individual to naturalize without being required to establish any periods of residence or physical 

presence in the United States. A servicemember who was in the 

United States, certain territories, or aboard an American public vessel at the time of enlistment, re-enlistment, extension of enlistment or 

induction, may naturalize even if he or she is not a lawful permanent 

resident.

On July 3, 2002, the president issued Executive Order 13269 establishing a new period of hostility for naturalization purposes beginning 

Sept. 11, 2001, and continuing until a date designated by a future 

Executive Order. Qualifying members of the armed forces who have 
120 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies Chapter 15

served at any time during a specified period of hostility may immediately apply for naturalization using the current application – Form 

N-400 – “Application for Naturalization.” Additional information about 

filing and requirement fees and designated periods of hostility are 

available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 

Web site at www.uscis.gov.

Individuals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, but were 

no longer serving on active duty status as of Sept. 11, 2001, may 

still be naturalized without having to comply with the residence and 

physical presence requirements for naturalization if they filed Form 

N-400 while still serving in the U.S. armed forces or within six months 

of termination of their active duty service. 

An individual who files the application for naturalization after the 

six-month period following termination of active-duty service is not 

exempt from the residence and physical presence requirements, 

but can count any period of active-duty service towards the residence and physical presence requirements. Individuals seeking 

naturalization under this provision must establish that they are lawful 

permanent residents (such status not having been lost, rescinded or 

abandoned) and that they served honorably in the U.S. armed forces 

for at least one year.

If a servicemember dies as a result of injury or disease incurred or 

aggravated by service during a time of combat, the servicemember’s 

survivor(s) can apply for the deceased servicemember to receive 

posthumous citizenship at any time within two years of the servicemember’s death. The issuance of a posthumous certificate of citizenship does not confer U.S. citizenship on surviving relatives. However, 

a non-U.S. citizen spouse or qualifying family member may file for 

certain immigration benefits and services based upon their relationship to a servicemember who died during hostilities or a non-citizen 

servicemember who died during hostilities and was later granted 

posthumous citizenship. 

For additional information, USCIS has developed a web page – www.

uscis.gov/military – that contains information and links to services 

specifically for the military and their families. Members of the U.S. 

military and their families stationed around the world can also call 

USCIS for help with immigration services and benefits using a dedicated, toll-free Military help line at 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645).
Chapter 15 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies 121

Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Historically, veterans do very well as small business entrepreneurs. 

Veterans interested in entrepreneurship and small business ownership should look to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of 

Veterans Business Development (www.sba.gov/vets) for assistance. 

OVBD conducts comprehensive outreach to veterans, service-disabled veterans and Reserve Component members of the U.S. military. OVBD also provides assistance to veteran- and reservist-owned 

small businesses. SBA is the primary federal agency responsible 

for assisting veterans who own or are considering starting their own 

small businesses. 

Among the services provided by SBA are business-planning assistance, counseling and training through community based Veterans 

Business Outreach Centers. For more information, go to www.sba.

gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd/OVBD_VBOP.html. More than 

1,000 university-based Small Business Development Centers; nearly 

400 SCORE chapters (www.score.org/topics/veteran-guards-reservists ) with 11,000 volunteer counselors, many of whom are veterans; 

and 100 Women’s Business Centers. 

SBA also manages a range of special small business lending programs at thousands of locations, ranging from Micro Loans to the 

Military-community-targeted Patriot Express Pilot Loan, to venture 

capital and Surety Bond Guarantees (www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/index.html). Veterans also participate in all SBA 

federal procurement programs, including a special 3 percent federal 

procurement goal specifically for service-connected disabled veterans, and SBA supports veterans and others participating in international trade.

A special Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (www.sba.

gov/reservists) is available for self-employed Reservists whose small 

businesses may be damaged through the absence of the owner or 

an essential employee as a result of Title 10 activation to Active Duty. 

A Veterans Business Development Officer is stationed at every SBA 

District Office to act as a guide to veterans, and SBA offers a full 

range of self-paced small business planning assistance at www.

sba.gov/content/veterans-business-outreach-centers for veterans, 

reservists, discharging service members and their families. Information about the full range of services can be found at www.sba.gov/
122 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies Chapter 15

vets/ and at www.sba.gov/reservists/, or by calling 202-205-6773 or 

1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722). 

Social Security Administration 

Monthly retirement, disability and survivor benefits under Social 

Security are payable to veterans and dependents if the veteran has 

earned enough work credits under the program. Upon the veteran’s 

death, a one-time payment of $255 also may be made to the veteran’s spouse or child. In addition, a veteran may qualify at age 65 

for Medicare’s hospital insurance and medical insurance. Medicare 

protection is available to people who have received Social Security 

disability benefits for 24 months, and to insured people and their 

dependents who need dialysis or kidney transplants, or who have 

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Since 1957, military service earnings for active duty (including active 

duty for training) have counted toward Social Security and those 

earnings are already on Social Security records. Since 1988, inactive 

duty service in the Reserve Component (such as weekend drills) has 

also been covered by Social Security. Servicemembers and veterans 

are credited with $300 credit in additional earnings for each calendar 

quarter in which they received active duty basic pay after 1956 and 

before 1978. 

Veterans who served in the military from 1978 through 2001 are 

credited with an additional $100 in earnings for each $300 in active 

duty basic pay, up to a maximum of $1,200 a year. No additional 

Social Security taxes are withheld from pay for these extra credits. 

Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, and did not complete at 

least 24 months of active duty or their full tour of duty, may not be 

able to receive the additional earnings. Check with Social Security 

for details. Additional earnings will no longer be credited for military 

service periods after 2001. 

Also, non-contributory Social Security earnings of $160 a month may 

be credited to veterans who served after Sept. 15, 1940, and before 

1957, including attendance at service academies. For information, 

call 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/. (Note: Social 

Security cannot add these extra earnings to the record until an application is filed for Social Security benefits).
Chapter 15 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies 123

Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

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

may be eligible for monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

payments if they have little or no income or resources. States may 

supplement the federal payments to eligible persons and may disregard additional income. 

Although VA compensation and pension benefits are counted in 

determining income for SSI purposes, some other income is not 

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

example, a person’s home and the land it is on do not count. Personal effects, household goods, automobiles and life insurance may not 

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

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

Armed Forces Retirement Homes

Veterans are eligible to live in the Armed Forces Retirement Homes 

located in Gulfport, Miss., or Washington, D.C., if their active duty 

military service is at least 50 percent enlisted, warrant officer or limited duty officer if they qualify under one of the following categories: 

1. Are 60 years of age or older; and were discharged or released

 under honorable conditions after 20 or more years of active 

 service.

2. Are determined to be incapable of earning a livelihood 

 because of a service-connected disability incurred in the line 

 of duty.

3. Served in a war theater during a time of war declared by 

 Congress or were eligible for hostile-fire special pay and 

 were discharged or released under honorable conditions;

 and are determined to be incapable of earning a livelihood 

 because of injuries, disease or disability. 

4. Served in a women’s component of the armed forces before 

 June 12, 1948; and are determined to be eligible for 

 admission due to compelling personal circumstances. 

Eligibility determinations are based on rules prescribed by the 

Home’s Chief Operating Officer. Veterans are not eligible if they have 

been convicted of a felony or are not free from alcohol, drug or psychiatric problems. Married couples are welcome, but both must be 

eligible in their own right. At the time of admission, applicants must 
124 Benefits Provided by Other Federal Agencies Chapter 15

be capable of living independently. 

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is an independent federal 

agency. For information, call 1-800-332-3527 or 1-800-422-9988, or 

visit www.afrh.gov/. 

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

Commissary and Exchange Privileges 

Unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United 

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

spouses of veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 

100 percent at the time of death, un-remarried surviving spouses of 

members or retired members of the armed forces, recipients of the 

Medal of Honor, and their dependents and orphans. Certification of 

total disability is done by VA. Reservists and their dependents also 

may be eligible. Privileges overseas are governed by international 

law and are available only if agreed upon by the foreign government 

concerned. 

Though these benefits are provided by DOD, VA does provide assistance in completing DD Form 1172, “Application for Uniformed 

Services Identification and Privilege Card.” For detailed information, 

contact the nearest military installation. 
VA Facilities 125

VA Facilities 

For the most up to date and accurate VA telephone and address 

information, visit our Facility Locator to find the nearest VA facility or 

paste: http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp into your Web 

browser.