VA Benefits I and II | Participant Guide
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 1

Table of Contents

Welcome to VA Benefits I and II ................................................................................................................. 6

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 6

Key Resources..................................................................................................................................... 6

VA Overview............................................................................................................................................ 8

VA Mission .......................................................................................................................................... 8

How VA Supports You ......................................................................................................................... 8

DD Form 214/Separation Documents................................................................................................. 9

Module 1: Navigating Your Journey.......................................................................................................... 12

Your Transition Journey ........................................................................................................................ 12

Navigating Your Journey ................................................................................................................... 13

Establish and Prioritize Your Goals....................................................................................................... 13

Activity: Self-Reflection..................................................................................................................... 14

Module 2: Supporting Yourself and Your Family...................................................................................... 18

Overview of VA Benefits, Support Services, and Tools......................................................................... 19

Activity: Use the VA Benefits Explorer Tool...................................................................................... 19

Navigating VA Employment Resources and Tools................................................................................ 20

Explore Career Opportunities............................................................................................................... 21

Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) ................................................................................... 21

Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36)................................................................................ 21

Monetary Benefits: Disability Compensation....................................................................................... 22

Disability Compensation Overview................................................................................................... 23

Applying for Disability Compensation .............................................................................................. 24

Claim Effective Date.......................................................................................................................... 27

Separation Health Assessment......................................................................................................... 27

Apply for Disability Compensation ................................................................................................... 28

Monetary Benefits: Ancillary Benefits.................................................................................................. 28

Clothing Allowance ........................................................................................................................... 28
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Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment Grant .................................................................. 29

Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI).................................................................................... 29

Service Dog........................................................................................................................................ 29

Monetary Benefits: Additional Benefits ............................................................................................... 30

Veterans Pension .............................................................................................................................. 30

DoD Benefits..................................................................................................................................... 30

Family Caregiver Support Program – Stipend Benefit...................................................................... 31

Navigate Housing Options .................................................................................................................... 31

Planning for Loved Ones: Life Insurance............................................................................................... 31

Planning for Loved Ones: Memorial Benefits....................................................................................... 35

VA Burial Benefits ............................................................................................................................. 35

Arlington National Cemetery ............................................................................................................ 36

State Veterans Cemeteries............................................................................................................... 36

Private Plot Allowance...................................................................................................................... 36

Pre-Need Program ............................................................................................................................ 36

Planning for Loved Ones: Survivor Benefits.......................................................................................... 37

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) ................................................................................................ 38

How to Locate a VSO......................................................................................................................... 39

Veteran Peer Groups ............................................................................................................................ 39

Community Connections....................................................................................................................... 40

Emotional and Social Health Support............................................................................................... 40

Support with Benefits and Services.................................................................................................. 41

Working with Community Organizations.......................................................................................... 41

eBenefits............................................................................................................................................... 42

Access Requirements........................................................................................................................ 42

Registering for an Account................................................................................................................ 42

Activity: Create a DS Logon............................................................................................................... 43

Activity: Explore eBenefits................................................................................................................ 43

Activity Worksheet: Start Your Personal Action Plan ........................................................................... 45
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Module 3: Getting Career-Ready.............................................................................................................. 48

Understanding Career Counseling Opportunities ................................................................................ 49

Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36)................................................................................ 49

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)............................................................................ 49

Education Benefits................................................................................................................................ 52

Forever GI Bill.................................................................................................................................... 55

Eligibility for Multiple GI Bill Benefits............................................................................................... 55

GI Bill Comparison Tool..................................................................................................................... 56

Activity: Use GI Bill Comparison Tool................................................................................................ 57

GI Bill Feedback Tool......................................................................................................................... 57

Applying for VA Education Benefits.................................................................................................. 58

On Campus Support.......................................................................................................................... 59

Additional Education Resources....................................................................................................... 59

Research Employment Opportunities................................................................................................... 61

VA for Vets........................................................................................................................................ 61

Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) Program ................................................................................... 61

Other Resources................................................................................................................................ 62

Establish Your Network......................................................................................................................... 64

LinkedIn Subscription........................................................................................................................ 64

eBenefits............................................................................................................................................... 64

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan....................................................................... 65

Module 4: Finding a Place to Live ............................................................................................................. 67

Comparing Locations – Influences........................................................................................................ 68

Cost of Living and Job Availability..................................................................................................... 68

VA Facility Locators........................................................................................................................... 69

Activity: Use VA Facility Locator Tools.............................................................................................. 69

Discovering Housing Options................................................................................................................ 69

VA Home Loan Guaranty................................................................................................................... 70

Housing Grants.................................................................................................................................. 73
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Homeless Veterans Support ............................................................................................................. 75

Community Connections....................................................................................................................... 76

State and Local Benefits.................................................................................................................... 76

Activity: Explore the National Resource Directory (NRD)................................................................. 77

eBenefits............................................................................................................................................... 77

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan....................................................................... 78

Module 5: Maintaining Your Health ......................................................................................................... 80

Your Whole Health................................................................................................................................ 81

VA and the Whole Health Approach................................................................................................. 81

Explore VA Health Care Options........................................................................................................... 82

Primary Care ..................................................................................................................................... 83

Specialty Care.................................................................................................................................... 84

Other Care Programs........................................................................................................................ 87

Transition and Care Management (TCM) ......................................................................................... 88

Your Emotional Wellness.................................................................................................................. 89

Vet Centers ....................................................................................................................................... 90

How VA Mental Health Can Help...................................................................................................... 92

Other Programs and Resources........................................................................................................ 92

Coping with Traumatic Events.......................................................................................................... 96

Apply for and Access VA Health Care ................................................................................................... 98

VA Health Care Portal ....................................................................................................................... 98

Eligibility for VA Health Care............................................................................................................. 99

Make an Informed Decision............................................................................................................ 100

Activity: VA Health Benefits Explorer ............................................................................................. 102

Activity: Apply for VA Health Care .................................................................................................. 103

VA Health Care Facilities................................................................................................................. 106

Family Support.................................................................................................................................... 107

Fisher House Program..................................................................................................................... 107

Family Caregiver Support Program................................................................................................. 108
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My HealtheVet.................................................................................................................................... 108

Levels of Access............................................................................................................................... 109

Activity: Register for a My HealtheVet Account............................................................................. 110

eBenefits............................................................................................................................................. 111

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan..................................................................... 113

Module 6: Connecting with Your Community ........................................................................................ 115

Connecting with Your Community...................................................................................................... 115

Online Resources ............................................................................................................................ 116

Activity: Update Your Personal Information in eBenefits............................................................... 117

Face-to-Face Resources for Ongoing Support .................................................................................... 118

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan..................................................................... 119
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Welcome to VA Benefits I and II

Introduction

Welcome to VA Benefits I and II. These two sessions are going to be key to your understanding of VA 

benefits, services, and tools that you have earned through your service to our country. The information 

included pertains to all members of the armed forces, including members of the National Guard and 

Reserve Components. 

For more details concerning VA benefits and services and how they apply to you, please see your 

Benefits Advisor to set up a one-on-one session. Write their contact information below. Additional 

information and resources can also be listed here.

My VA Benefits Advisor: _____________________________________________________________

My VA Regional Office: ______________________________________________________________

My VA Health Facility: _______________________________________________________________

My Vet Center: _____________________________________________________________________

My VSO: ___________________________________________________________________________

Other Key Resource: _________________________________________________________________

Other Key Resource: _________________________________________________________________

Key Resources

VA Benefits I & II Participant Guide: In this Participant Guide, you’ll find information on eligibility, how 

to apply for benefits, key links and resources, and more—all the details about VA benefits beyond what 

we can cover in this briefing. This document and your notes from these briefings will be a valuable 

resource after you leave these briefings.

• Online Resources: Several key VA websites (Table 0-1) will be important to you going forward.

We will discuss and explore many of these websites. Screenshots and steps for these 

demonstrations are provided in Appendix C for offline reference.
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Table 0-1: VA Online Resources

Resource Description

eBenefits

www.ebenefits.va.gov

A joint DoD/VA web portal with resources and self-service capabilities that 

enable Service members, Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to 

apply for, research, access, and manage their VA and military benefits

va.gov

www.va.gov

VA’s primary website, which offers current information, resources, tools, 

and contact information for all VA benefits

My HealtheVet

www.myhealth.va.gov

VA’s online personal health record designed for active duty Service 

members, Veterans, families, and caregivers, which makes it easier to 

partner with your health care team and make informed decisions to 

manage your health care

ExploreVA

explore.va.gov

A website that is linked to the eBenefits portal and allows Service 

members, Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to learn about and 

apply for VA and military benefits

Asking Questions

As you participate in these briefings, you are encouraged to ask general questions, but please hold 

your personal questions about your individual situation for a one-one-one session with your Benefits 

Advisor. 

If your Benefits Advisor cannot answer your general questions during class, he/she will place the 

questions in a “parking lot” and will provide an answer as soon as possible (during a break, after class, 

or in your one-on-one session).

Course Evaluation

At the end of these briefings, you’ll be asked to complete an assessment to share how you would rate 

these briefings. When instructed by your Benefits Advisor or Transition Assistance Program (TAP) 

Manager, complete the assessment at www.dmdc.osd.mil/tgpsp.
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VA Overview

VA Mission

You made sacrifices to keep our country—and everything it represents—safe. This is at the very core of 

our mission (Figure 0-1) to fulfill Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, 

and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s 

Veterans.

Figure 0-1: VA Mission Statement 

How VA Supports You

As you make important choices about your family, finances, and career, we want you to choose VA. VA 

provides an exceptional level of service and we want you to take advantage of the benefits, services, 

and tools that VA offers to Service members, Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.

VA is divided into three administrations that work together to deliver these benefits to you:

• The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) takes your applications and determines your 

eligibility for compensation, pension, education, home loan guaranty, life insurance, and 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), as well as benefits assistance. 

• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is America’s largest integrated health care system 

with over 1,200 sites of care and serves nearly 9 million Veterans each year. VHA provides

health care in all its forms at medical centers, clinics, and Vet Centers. 

• The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provides burial and memorial benefits and

maintains VA national cemeteries. NCA honors you and your eligible family members with 

lasting tributes that commemorate your service and sacrifice to our nation.
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DD Form 214/Separation Documents 

Your key to most of the VA benefits, services, and tools is the DD Form 214―Certificate of Release or 

Discharge from Active Duty, often referred to as DD214. This form is proof of your military service, and 

shows: 

• The character of your discharge 

• Your record of service

• Your current classification code 

To get a copy of your DD Form 214, go to the eBenefits website, select Military Personnel File under 

the Manage Benefits section, and then sign in or create an account. Keep your DD Form 214 in a safe 

and accessible location, and make sure that your next of kin or designated representatives know how 

to access it. Before you leave active duty, confirm the accuracy of the information on your form. 

Check basic information such as name and date of birth, and important information in other sections. 

For example:

• Block 10 lists your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage while in service. This 

is used by VA to determine your eligibility for life insurance after separation.

• Block 13 lists all awards you received during service. This is used by VA to determine your 

eligibility for programs that may have specific service requirements.

• Block 17 indicates the status of your service-provided dental care. This is used by VA to 

determine your eligibility for dental care after separation.

If this information is incorrect, it can affect your access to benefits to which you are entitled. Review 

Figure 0-2 and take time to check and validate all information before you separate. It is much more

difficult to make changes after separation.

• If you are changing your DD214 while in service, see your Military Personnel Organization. 

• After service, use the Correcting Military Records section at this link:

www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/Chapter_2_non_healthcare_benefits.asp.

Army or Air National Guard Service members will need NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record 

of Service (or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting). This supporting documentation of your 

service is issued upon separation. Be sure to check the following items for accuracy: 

• Item 10a, which provides information on service for the current period

• Item 24, which indicates character of service

Additionally, be sure to save your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) information before you 

separate. 
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Figure 0-2: Sample DD Form 214 
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Proof of Military Service

While in the military, you have used your DoD ID or Common Access Card, or CAC, as proof of your 

military service. But after separation, there may also be times when you need to provide proof of your 

military service.

You can access and print a Veterans identification proof of service letter at eBenefits. In some cases, 

your DD214 will work.

But wouldn’t it be easier if you had a card you can carry with you for the simple things, like discounts at 

restaurants? We have options for you.

• If you are retiring, you’ll get a retiree ID card. This serves as proof of your Veteran status and 

you don't need any other proof. 

• If you are not a retiree, you have some other options after separation to use as proof of service:

o If you register for VA health care, you will get a Veterans Health Identification Card

(VHIC) (Figure 0-3). This card serves as proof of your Veteran status and you don't need 

any other proof of service. You must be registered for the VA health care system to 

receive a VHIC. Once your registration is verified, you may have your picture taken at 

your local VA medical center, so that a VHIC can be mailed to you. We will talk more 

later about how to register in VA health care. 

o If you live in one of many participating states, you can add a Veteran indicator to your 

driver's license. Just go to your DMV to learn more. 

o Finally, if none of the above options are available to you, VA can provide a Veteran ID 

card for you. 

Figure 0-3: Veterans Health Identification Card
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Module 1: Navigating Your Journey

As you begin your transition journey, a good place to start is to ask yourself:

What do I want to do, and what do I want my life to be like?

VA can help ease your transition by:

• Supporting you and your loved ones throughout your transition

• Helping you identify the key benefits, services, and tools to support your goals

Your Transition Journey

Your transition journey (Figure 1-1) begins with asking yourself what you want to do and what you 

want your quality of life to be like. Taking time to establish your goals and priorities is important—it 

serves as the foundation for determining how you can take advantage of what is available to you.

This figure represents your transition journey. It covers some of the major themes in your life. Using 

the steps in the journey, you can start to understand the benefits and tools that can help you through 

these common areas of your transition.

During your transition journey, you will:

• Establish your personal goals and priorities

• Discover how VA benefits, support services, and tools can help you support yourself and your 

family

• Learn how to put your benefits to use to build the education, skills, or credentials you need to 

obtain the career you want

• Find a place to live and housing options

• Maintain your health and understand VA health care options

• Find ongoing community connections
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Figure 1-1: Your Transition Journey

Navigating Your Journey

You’re getting ready to transition, and there are decisions to be made. Not all your peers are in the 

same place in life—you each have different circumstances surrounding your family, your health, your 

employment, and more. One thing you all have in common is that you are transitioning back to civilian 

life. But no matter where you are on your transition journey, VA is here for you.

Take what you learn today to discover how you can get the most of out of your VA benefits during your 

transition and beyond. These sessions are meant to be a discussion that will help you understand how 

VA benefits and services might apply to your life and your own personal circumstances.

Establish and Prioritize Your Goals

Your individual goals and priorities determine how you may make use of VA benefits, services, and 

tools during your transition and beyond. Not all the benefits apply to you, and you may not choose to 

take advantage of every benefit that is available. 

The goal is for you to have enough information and resources available to make an informed decision 

about what is best for you. To make these decisions, you’ll need to assess your goals.

How do you measure “quality of life”? What does “quality of life” mean to you?

Don’t plan just for today but for tomorrow as well. If you don’t have a family now, do you see having a 

family in the future? This could change how you prepare your action plan regarding your benefits.
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Activity: Self-Reflection

Think about how you want your life to look. Write down your personal plans, goals, or concerns under 

each topic on the following pages. Be sure to include priority—is the goal a high, medium, or low 

priority for you?

Keep this information and use it as your guide going forward. After this briefing:

• Take time to think through the activity and make changes, if appropriate.

• Discuss this information in one-on-one sessions with your Benefits Advisor to learn more about 

how VA benefits, support services, and tools can help make your plans a reality.

• Discuss with your family members, if applicable.

Activity Worksheet: Self Reflection

Education
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Employment

Housing
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Financial

Health
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Community Connections
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Module 2: Supporting Yourself and Your Family 

You are preparing to leave the military now and enter the civilian world. There are opportunities and 

challenges in civilian life, but you are probably still forming a complete picture of how this change will 

affect you, and how you can make the best use of the skills you obtained during service. You expect 

there’s a lot to learn and are wondering where to start. 

At this stage of your journey (Figure 2-1), the first thing to ask yourself is: 

How am I going to support myself and my family?

Figure 2-1: Your Transition Journey

VA can support you and your family during your transition and into the future by helping you:

• Plan and prepare for a job or career to fit your goals

• Understand the appropriate education, skills, and credentials that fit your goals

• Discover housing options

• Maintain support for your loved ones

• Establish social and community connections
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Overview of VA Benefits, Support Services, and Tools

Now that you have started thinking about your quality of life and personal goals, think next about how 

VA benefits, support services, and tools can help you achieve them and build the life you want.

Activity: Use the VA Benefits Explorer Tool

explore.va.gov 

The VA Benefits Explorer (Figure 2-2) is an excellent tool to help you learn more about all VA benefits in 

one place. This tool is easy to navigate and provides information about each benefit that is simple and 

easy to understand. It includes eligibility information, links to apply, and more.

On your own time, review this Participant Guide and appendices in depth to get more detailed 

information. Take notes and discuss any questions with your Benefits Advisor.

Figure 2-2: VA Benefits Explorer
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Use this tool to help determine what benefits, services, and tools may be available to meet the goals 

you’ve outlined.

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and applying for all VA benefits in Appendix A. 

Navigating VA Employment Resources and Tools

For many of you, a key part of your transition is planning to reenter the workforce so you can support 

yourself and your family. Maybe you have an idea of what you want out of the next phase of your 

career, but maybe you don’t. Regardless of where you choose to work, helping you prepare for a new

career is a priority for VA. 

As you consider civilian career options, reflect on some things about yourself to guide your exploration. 

Use your military skills, your interests, and your career goals (Figure 2-3) to narrow your options and

help you find a satisfying career.

Some military jobs translate very well into the civilian world, but that’s not the case for everyone. For 

example, civilian jobs in human resources, personnel, and management often require specific degrees, 

certifications, or other credentials. Military experience often is not an acceptable substitute. 

In this situation, you might need to look at either going back to school to get required education and 

training, or choosing another route.

Maybe you have a job that translates well, but you are ready to change your career path. No matter 

what job you did in the military, you gained valuable skills like leadership, discipline, timeliness, 

teamwork, and a strong work ethic. These skill sets are all valuable in the civilian sector, too.

Figure 2-3: Translating Your Experience
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Finding your path to a rewarding career might involve:

• Attending a two- or four-year college

• Enrolling in a vocational or technical training program 

• Obtaining a new certification

• Doing an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program

• Becoming licensed in a trade

VA and our partner agencies have benefits, support services, and tools available to help you explore 

career interests and options.

Explore Career Opportunities

VA has benefits, services, and tools related to education and employment. VA may help fund your 

education for some of the programs. We offer education and career counseling services to help you

plan for your career and make the most out of your education benefits. 

These benefits can provide the type of top-notch professional career services that civilians sometimes 

pay thousands of dollars for.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets about these benefits are available in 

Appendix D.

Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO)

www.vaforvets.va.gov

The Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) offers employment and career management resources 

designed to attract, retain, and support Veterans as employees at VA and across the federal 

government. 

Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36)

www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/edu_voc_counseling.asp

VA’s Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36) program is a great opportunity for you to get 

personalized career counseling and support to help guide your career path, ensure the most effective 

use of VA benefits, and help you achieve your education and career goals.

Chapter 36 benefits include:

• Guidance on the effective use of VA benefits and other resources

• Help selecting the best career options based on your interests and aptitudes

• Personalized academic or adjustment counseling to help remove barriers to success
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• Assistance understanding your academic strengths and weaknesses

• One-on-one career counseling with a qualified career counselor to help you evaluate your skills 

and strengths, and compare them to your personal career goals

• Information on other resources to help you achieve your education and career goals

Eligibility

All the following are eligible for this benefit:

• Transitioning Service members within six months prior to discharge from active duty

• Veterans within one year following discharge from active duty

• Any Service member/Veteran currently eligible for a VA education benefit

• All current VA education beneficiaries

It's simple to apply. Just follow these steps:

• Log in to eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

• Select Apply.

• Select Education and Training.

• Select Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.

• Apply for Educational and Career Counseling.

• If you are eligible, you will be contacted for an appointment.

If you do not have access to eBenefits you may:

• Print VA Form 28-8832- Application for Counseling.

• Complete and mail the form to your nearest VA Regional Office to the attention of Vocational 

Rehabilitation and Employment. You can find your Regional Office at: 

www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp.

Monetary Benefits: Disability Compensation

VA offers disability compensation to eligible Veterans and additional benefits for Veterans with specific 

service-connected disabilities. If you are disabled because of your service, you may be entitled to these 

monetary benefits that can help you support yourself and your family.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for disability compensation and 

related benefits in Appendix A of this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are 

available in Appendix D.
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Disability Compensation Overview

https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation

Disability compensation is a tax-free, monetary benefit paid to Veterans who are disabled by an injury 

or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active duty military service. These disabilities are 

considered service-connected. Compensation varies with the degree of disability and is paid monthly. 

Service-connected disabilities are rated from 0 percent to 100 percent, in 10 percent increments, and 

monetary payments begin at 10 percent. Veterans with a combined evaluation of 30 percent or more 

are eligible for an additional allowance for their dependents. Your compensation may be offset if you 

receive military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive pay. 

VA does not compensate for acute conditions or conditions that come and go and leave no lasting 

effects—a cold, for example, or a mild injury that heals completely.

Establishing Service Connection

To be eligible for disability compensation, you must: 

• Have served in the Uniformed Services on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty 

training, AND

• Be discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, AND

• Be at least 10% disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated during active 

duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training

There must also be medical evidence to support your claim. To support a claim for service connection, 

the evidence must show the following: 

• Current physical or mental disability, AND

• Injury or disease incurred in service or experience of an event in service that caused or 

aggravated an injury or disease, AND

• A link between your current disability and the event, injury, or disease in military service 

Examples:

• During a weekend drill, an Army Reservist injures her knee while participating in a physical 

training class. She is eligible to apply for compensation for lasting effects of the knee injury. 

• An individual enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June of 2002 and served for a period of 4 years. He 

was honorably discharged in 2006. During his active duty, he fell from a bunk and injured his 

back. Based on his active service, he may be entitled to service-connected benefits for the 

lasting effectives of his back injury.
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Disability service ratings are determined by VA. Service connection is established as follows:

• Direct: A disability resulting from an in-service injury, illness, disease, or incident, and there is 

no evidence of a preservice incurrence

o For example: Prior to service, your feet were fine. During service, you were diagnosed 

with bilateral flat feet. Or, you underwent back surgery during service and you are 

diagnosed with lower back limitations, chronic pain, and weakness.

• Aggravated: A pre-existing condition that became worse in service

o For example: You broke your leg in high school, and it healed without permanent 

disability. You annotated the injury at a Military Entrance Processing Station, or MEPS, 

and it became worse beyond the natural progression of the disability due to your 

military service.

• Presumptive: A condition presumed to be service-connected if the disability manifested to a 

compensable degree within time limits set by law

o Example 1: In the early 1980s, contaminants were found in several wells that provided 

water at Camp Lejeune, N.C. There is evidence of an association between certain 

diseases and the contaminants found in the water supply, so VA may presume a serviceconnection for these identified disabilities.

o Example 2: You worked with asbestos during service as part of the motor pool. You are 

diagnosed with asbestos-related symptoms and you’ve had no other exposure to 

asbestos since your separation from service. VA may presume a service connection for 

asbestos exposure.

• Secondary: A new condition caused by a previously established service-connected condition

o For example: Refer back to the example of flat feet, above (direct service connection). 

You have now been rated by VA for service connection for this condition. Your knees 

were fine before, and you did not suffer with pain or limitations of your knees. However, 

you now have chronic knee pain and limitations. Your doctor states that your gait (walk) 

has been altered due to your flat feet, which has resulted in your current knee problem. 

Your knee condition may be considered service-connected as secondary to your direct 

service-connected flat feet condition.

Applying for Disability Compensation

Applying for disability benefits is called “filing a claim.” There are multiple ways to apply (Table 2-1) 

depending on where you are in your transition.

VA encourages all Service members to use the methods that allow you to file pre-discharge because it 

makes the claim process easier and faster. Also, if you file your claim soon enough, it provides an 

opportunity to have your VA examinations conducted while still on active duty. 
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Table 2-1: Pre-Discharge Disability Claim Programs

Time Frame Method to Apply

PRE-DISCHARGE:

90 to 180 days prior to 

separation

Submit a claim using the pre-discharge method called Benefits Delivery 

at Discharge (BDD).

• Submit your claim from 90 to 180 days prior to separation (as 

close as possible to 180 days prior).

• Submit copies of your service treatment records for your 

current period of service, health treatment records, and mental 

health records, if applicable.

• Attend the required VA medical exam(s) at your last station of 

duty.

PRE-DISCHARGE:

Less than 90 days prior to 

separation

Work with an accredited VSO to submit a claim using the method 

called Decision Ready Claims (DRC).

• Submit your intent to file a claim through your VSO up to 89 

days prior to discharge to receive your examination while on 

active duty.

• Submit your formal VA claim through your VSO the day after 

your discharge from active duty.

• Attend the required VA medical exam at your last station of 

duty.

Anytime Post-Separation Submit a claim using the traditional claims process. 

OR

Expedite your post-separation claim using the DRC or the Fully

Developed Claims (FDC) method. You may actually submit an FDC claim 

up to 90 days pre-separation, but your claim will not begin processing 

until after your separation.

If you are a demobilizing National Guard or Reserve member, you are exempt from the requirement to 

provide a copy of your Service Treatment Records (STRs) for your current period of service at the time 

you file your pre-discharge claim.

The Disability Claims Process

When filing a disability claim, VA may need to gather additional evidence to support your claim. There 

is an eight-step process (Figure 2-4). that your claim will go through and your VA representative will 

work directly with you on the process after submission. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 26

Figure 2-4: Disability Claims Process

The length of time each step requires may vary depending on the complexity of the claim, the amount 

of evidence that must be gathered to support the claim, and the type of evidence needed. To help 

minimize processing time, submit as much evidence as possible with your claim.

Step 1: Claim Received

The claim has been received by VA. If you applied online, you should see a record of receipt in your list 

of open claims within one hour. If you applied by mail, please allow mailing time plus one week for VA 

to process and record receipt of the claim.

Step 2: Under Review

The claim is assigned to a Veteran Service Representative (VSR) and is reviewed to determine if 

additional evidence is needed. If no additional information is needed, the claim will move directly to 

Step 5: Preparation for Decision.

Step 3: Gathering of Evidence

If more information is needed, the VSR will request it from the required sources. Requests for evidence 

may be made to you, a medical professional, a government agency, or another authority. It is common 

for claims to return to this phase should additional evidence be required.

Step 4: Review of Evidence

VA has received all needed evidence. If, upon review, more evidence is required, the claim will be sent 

back to Step 3: Gathering of Evidence.

Step 5: Preparation for Decision

The VSR recommended a decision and is preparing required documents detailing that decision. If more 

evidence is required, the claim will be sent back in the process for more information or evidence.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 27

Step 6: Pending Decision Approval

The recommended decision is reviewed. If it is favorable, a final award approval is made. If it is 

determined that more evidence or information is required, the claim will be sent back in the process 

for more information or evidence.

Step 7: Preparation for Notification

The entire claim decision packet is prepared for mailing.

Step 8: Complete

A decision packet is sent via U.S. mail. The packet includes details of the decision or award. Standard 

mailing time should be allowed for the packet to arrive before contacting a VA call center.

Questions concerning disability ratings or payments due from VA should be directed to VA by phone at 

800-827-1000.

Claim Effective Date 

You should file your claim within one year of separating. If VA receives your claim within one year of 

the day you left active service, the effective date can be as early as the day following separation. If you 

did not file your claim within one year, your effective date may be the date VA receives your claim.

Example 1

Shaun is a Veteran who ended his active service on Sept. 30, 2013 with a hearing disability. He filed a 

claim for his hearing problem more than a year later.

VA received Shaun’s claim on Nov. 15, 2014. On Mar. 10, 2015, VA awarded Shaun a 30% disability 

rating with an effective date of Nov. 15, 2014—the date VA received the claim.

Example 2

Ric is a Veteran who ended his active service on Sept. 30, 2013 with a hearing disability. He filed a 

claim for his hearing problem less than a year later.

VA received Ric’s claim on Jul. 5, 2014. Because they received it within one year of his separation from 

active service, VA awarded Ric a 30% disability rating with an effective date of Oct. 1, 2013—the day 

after Ric’s separation from the military.

Separation Health Assessment

The Separation Health Assessment is a comprehensive standardized physical examination conducted 

prior to separation from the military. The DD Form 2807-1, Report of Medical History, is used to 

complete the physical exam.

This form documents current or past medical conditions and allows for more efficient identification of 

service-connected conditions and subsequent delivery of current or future disability benefits.

It is mandatory for every Service member to have an exam conducted prior to separation. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 28

If you are filing a disability claim at least 90 days prior to separation and your examination is requested 

with at least 90 days remaining on active duty, you will undergo the Separation Health Assessment, 

which meets the needs of both VA’s compensation examination and DoD’s separation or retirement 

physical.

If you are filing your claim less than 90 days prior to separation or if you are not filing a disability claim 

at all, you will undergo DoD’s Separation History and Physical Examination.

Apply for Disability Compensation

It's simple to apply. Remember, for faster processing, it is important for you to have copies of all your 

STRs to submit with your claim.

Just follow these steps:

• Log in to eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

• Select Apply.

• Select Disability Compensation.

If you do not have access to eBenefits you may:

• Print VA Form 21-526EZ―Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation 

Benefits.

• Complete the form and submit it with copies of your service treatment records to the address 

listed on the form.

If you don’t have online access:

• You may go to a VA Regional Office and have a VA employee assist you or mail your form to 

your local office.

• And, you can contact and work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative 

who can assist you in submitting your claim.

Monetary Benefits: Ancillary Benefits

VA has additional ancillary benefits that may be available to those with certain conditions or serious 

disabilities. This might not apply to you right now, but later in life your service-connected disability may 

lead to certain limitations and may make you eligible for these additional benefits.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Clothing Allowance

www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claims-special-clothing_allowance.asp
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 29

Veterans who have unique clothing needs due to a service-related disability or injury may receive a 

supplement to their disability compensation. If you are eligible, you can receive a one-time or yearly 

clothing allowance, which reimburses you if your clothing gets permanently damaged by a prosthetic 

or orthopedic appliance or by a prescribed medication used on your skin.

You must have a previously submitted claim for disability prior to applying for a clothing allowance.

Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment Grant

www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-auto-allowance.asp

Some Service members or Veterans have permanent disabilities resulting from injury or disease 

incurred or aggravated during active duty. If you are eligible, you may get a one-time payment toward 

the purchase of a new or used automobile or other conveyance to accommodate your disability. The 

funds are paid directly to the seller of the automobile.

Certain Service members and Veterans may also be eligible for adaptive equipment. Adaptive 

equipment includes, but is not limited to:

• Power steering, power brakes, power windows, and power seats

• Special equipment to assist you with getting in and out of the vehicle

You must have prior VA approval before purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/s-dvi.asp

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) provides life insurance coverage up to $10,000 to Veterans 

who incurred a service-connected disability while in service. Applications must be submitted within 

two years from the date of notification that a new service-connected disability was approved by VA. To 

apply, Veterans must have separated from service on or after Apr. 25, 1951. 

Service Dog

VA partners with certain accredited dog organizations to provide service dogs to eligible Veterans. VA 

also provides a veterinary insurance benefit so the service dogs can do their jobs to assist Veterans

with mobility limitations. Covered benefits include equipment such as a harness or backpack that 

allows for optimal use of the dog, prescribed medications, veterinary office visits, dental procedures 

where the dog is sedated, and all required vaccinations. If you qualify, there are no out-of-pocket 

expenses for this benefit. You can find more information about this benefit in Appendix A.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 30

Monetary Benefits: Additional Benefits

There may be additional benefits available to you depending on your circumstances. You can find 

detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of this 

Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Veterans Pension

www.benefits.va.gov/pension/vetpen.asp

Veterans Pension is a benefit paid to wartime Veterans who have limited or no income and meet 

congressional net worth mandates. Veterans who are seriously disabled may qualify for Aid &

Attendance (A&A) or Housebound allowance. This allowance is paid in addition to the basic pension 

rate.

• VA's pension program provides monthly benefit payments to certain wartime Veterans with 

financial need, and their survivors.

• Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an increased monthly pension amount paid to a Veteran or 

surviving spouse.

• Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid to a Veteran or surviving spouse 

who is substantially confined to his or her home because of permanent disability.

DoD Benefits

Congress created two programs to allow eligible military retirees to receive monthly entitlements in 

addition to retired pay: Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement and 

Disability Pay (CRDP).

In general, the law prohibits concurrent receipt of VA disability compensation and military retired pay, 

unless the amount of retired pay equal to the amount of disability compensation paid is waived. Most 

retirees choose this waiver to receive their VA disability compensation because it is tax-free income, 

while their military pension is taxed by the federal government and by most states. Veterans who 

choose this option will never receive less than their full retired pay amount.

Note: These are DoD benefits, so you would need to contact your branch of service for more 

information.

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crsc.html

CRSC is a benefit administered by DoD. It is a monthly, tax-free compensation payable to qualified 

Veterans who have their military retired pay offset due to their receipt of VA compensation for 

combat-related disabilities.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 31

Payment Amount

The CRSC benefit is equal to the amount of VA compensation that is determined to be attributable to

your combat-related disabilities. However, the CRSC benefit amount may not exceed the total amount 

that is offset from your military retired pay because you are getting VA disability compensation. In 

addition, if you are receiving disability retired pay, your CRSC entitlement is subject to an offset by the 

amount which your retired pay based on disability exceeds your retired pay based on your years of 

service.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)

https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp.html

CRDP is a benefit administered by DoD. CRDP restores retired pay to retirees with a 50 to 100 percent

VA-rated disability. Enrollment is automatic if you are eligible.

Family Caregiver Support Program – Stipend Benefit

www.caregiver.va.gov

A primary family caregiver may play an important role in your health and well-being. The Family 

Caregiver Support Program offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help you 

succeed. A monthly stipend may be paid to a primary family caregiver for providing personal care 

services to an eligible Veteran enrolled in the Caregiver Support Program.

Navigate Housing Options

It’s important to consider where you’re going to live, whether that’s moving in with family or buying a 

home. Factors you may want to consider include: 

• Do you already know where you will live? 

• Do you have a home you’re moving back into? 

• Are you planning to rent? Buy? Build? 

It is important to understand early on how VA benefits and services help support you and your family, 

because that may be another factor in your decision. 

Planning for Loved Ones: Life Insurance

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/index.asp

explore.va.gov/life-insurance

https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/overviewinsurance.html
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 32

VA life insurance benefits are especially important to separating Service members who have conditions 

that might make them uninsurable or insurable at higher premium rates.

VA offers several types of life insurance benefits for Service members and Veterans (Table 2-2). Life 

insurance can provide financial peace of mind for your family when you pass away. Decisions on life 

insurance are personal and should be based on your own financial needs and goals.

You may be thinking you can get life insurance through an employer. But if you leave your job, you’ll 

lose your insurance.

VA has life insurance options that you can take with you wherever you work or live. It is important to 

consider these options early on because there are strict deadlines you don’t want to miss. The table 

below provides an overview of these options and deadlines. 

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Table 2-2: VA Life Insurance Programs

Life Insurance Program Features

Servicemembers’ Group 

Life Insurance (SGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp

SGLI is low-cost term life insurance coverage for eligible Service 

members.

• Eligible Service members are automatically issued the maximum 

amount.

• Eligible Service members can extend full-time SGLI coverage under 

the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Disability Extension for 

up to two years from separation at no cost, if they are totally 

disabled (then convert to VGLI at end of extension.)

• If insured by SGLI, Service members have free coverage for 120 

days after separation.

• Service members with SGLI coverage have options available to 

them upon release from service: 

o Convert full-time SGLI coverage to term insurance under the 

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program

o Convert to a permanent plan of insurance with one of the 

participating commercial insurance companies
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 33

Life Insurance Program Features

Family Servicemembers’ 

Group Life Insurance 

(FSGLI)

https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp

FSGLI provides coverage for spouses and dependent children of Service 

members insured under the SGLI program.

• Coverage is available in increments of $10,000 up to a 

maximum of $100,000, not to exceed the amount of SGLI the 

insured Service member has.

• Premiums are charged based on age for spousal coverage.

• Dependent children are covered for $10,000 automatically at 

no cost.

For Service members insured full-time under SGLI, spousal coverage is 

impacted as follows:

• If a spouse is not a member of the Uniformed Services, the 

spouse is automatically covered for the maximum spouse 

coverage, unless they elect to reduce or cancel this coverage.

• A spouse may convert their coverage to an individual policy 

offered by a participating insurer within 120 days from the 

Service member’s date of separation. The same 120-day period 

applies for converting an FSGLI policy in the event of divorce, 

death, or termination of coverage.

www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/forms/SGL_133_ed2017-06.pdf

Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance (VGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/VGLI.html

Veterans may convert their SGLI coverage to VGLI, which is postseparation renewable term life insurance. 

• Premiums are charged based on age.

• Lifetime coverage is guaranteed as long as premiums are paid.

• Veterans may only convert the same amount of SGLI coverage 

they had at discharge to VGLI. Lesser amounts of coverage are 

also available in increments of $10,000.

Once enrolled in VGLI, Veterans can increase coverage by $25,000 

every five years, up to the legislated maximum of $400,000, until age 

60.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 34

Life Insurance Program Features

Servicemembers’ Group 

Life Insurance Traumatic 

Injury Protection (TSGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/pdfs/TSGLI.pdf

TSGLI provides automatic traumatic injury coverage to all Service 

members covered under the SGLI program to assist in recovery from 

traumatic injuries that occurred in service.

• TSGLI is not only for combat injuries; it also provides insurance 

coverage for injuries incurred on or off duty.

• Payments range from $25,000 to $100,000 based on the 

qualifying loss suffered.

The Service member’s branch determines eligibility.

Servicemembers’ Group 

Life Insurance Disability 

Extension (SGLI-DE)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sglidisabled.asp

Service members who are disabled and unable to work can apply to 

have SGLI coverage extended for up to two years after separation at no 

cost. To be eligible, Service members must be totally disabled or have 

certain conditions regardless of employment status at the time of 

separation from service. Coverage can be converted to VGLI at the end 

of the disability extension period upon payment of premiums.

Service-Disabled 

Veterans’ Insurance 

(S-DVI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/pdfs/sdvi.pdf

S-DVI is life insurance for Veterans who have service-connected 

disabilities (even 0 percent) and are otherwise in good health.

• S-DVI is available in a variety of permanent plans and as term 

insurance, and policies are issued for a maximum amount of 

$10,000.

• Veterans who are totally disabled for at least six consecutive 

months prior to age 65 may be able to obtain a waiver of 

premiums.

• Supplemental S-DVI is additional insurance coverage of up to 

$30,000 available to Veterans who qualify for waiver of 

premiums and have not yet reached age 65.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life 

Insurance (VMLI) Program

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/pdfs/VMLI.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 35

Life Insurance Program Features

VMLI provides mortgage life insurance designed to pay off the home 

mortgages of severely disabled Service members and Veterans upon 

death.

• VMLI provides up to $200,000 of coverage and is payable only 

to the mortgage holder (that is, a bank or mortgage lender), not 

to a beneficiary.

• The amount of coverage issued equals the lesser of the amount 

of the mortgage still owed, or $200,000.

• To be eligible to apply for VMLI, Service members and Veterans 

must have received an SAH grant, have at least partial 

ownership of the home, have a mortgage on the home, and be 

under age 70.

Planning for Loved Ones: Memorial Benefits

VA Burial Benefits

www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/

explore.va.gov/memorial-benefits

Burial in a VA National Cemetery is available for eligible Veterans, their spouses, and dependents. 

Burial benefits include all the following, at no cost to the family:

• A gravesite in any VA National Cemetery with available space

• The opening and closing of the grave

• Continuous care of the grave

• A government headstone, marker, medallion, or burial flag (including faith-based markers)

• A Presidential Memorial Certificate

A full list of faith-based markers can be found at www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/emblems.pdf.

Presidential Memorial Certificates are issued upon request to recognize the U.S. military service of 

honorably discharged deceased Veterans. Next of kin, relatives, and other loved ones may apply for a 

certificate at www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 36

Arlington National Cemetery 

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Scheduling-a-Funeral/Establishing-Eligibility

Laying our Nation’s Veterans and their eligible family members to rest with dignity and honor, while 

treating their loved ones with respect and compassion, is the cornerstone of Arlington National 

Cemetery’s mission. Visit the Arlington National Cemetery website to determine eligibility.

State Veterans Cemeteries

www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp

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.

Private Plot Allowance

www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/factsheets/burials/Burial.pdf

VA will pay a plot allowance for Veterans buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction 

in any of the following circumstances.

• The Veteran was discharged from active duty because of a 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.

• 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.

Pre-Need Program

www.cem.va.gov/cem/pre-need

The Pre-Need burial eligibility determination program assists anyone who would like to know if they 

are eligible for burial in a VA National Cemetery. You and your eligible family members are encouraged 

to plan a final resting place in advance to eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on your

family at a difficult time. Families of those registered with the Pre-Need Program will have increased 

confidence that their loved ones are eligible for burial in a VA National Cemetery at their time of need.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 37

Planning for Loved Ones: Survivor Benefits

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor_dependent_assistance.asp

explore.va.gov/spouses-dependents-survivors

VA offers educational and other assistance for eligible surviving spouses and/or dependents of 

Veterans (Table 2-3).

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Table 2-3: Survivor Benefits

Essential Information

Survivors’ Pension www.benefits.va.gov/pension/spousepen.asp

• VA provides a pension to qualifying surviving spouses and 

unmarried dependent children of deceased Veterans who had 

wartime service.

• Surviving spouses and dependents must meet dependency, 

income, and net worth requirements.

Dependency and 

Indemnity Compensation 

(DIC)

benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/typesdependency_and_indemnity.asp

• DIC is a tax-free, monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of 

Service members who died in the line of duty.

• DIC is available for eligible survivors of Veterans whose death 

resulted from a service-related injury or disease, or death 

occurred after an extended period of 100% service-connected 

disability.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant 

John David Fry Scholarship

www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Fry_scholarship.asp

• This benefit is also called the Fry Scholarship. 

• It provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and 

surviving spouses of Service members who died in the line of 

duty while on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001.

• Eligible beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 36 

months of benefits at the 100% level.

• Spouses must use before remarriage.

• Beneficiaries of this benefit are ineligible for the Yellow Ribbon 

Program.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 38

Essential Information

Dependents’ Educational 

Assistance (DEA)

www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/DEA.asp

• This benefit is also called the Chapter 35 benefit.

• It provides education and training opportunities to eligible 

dependents of certain Service members and Veterans.

• DEA offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

• Benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, 

apprenticeships, correspondence courses, on-the-job training, 

certifications, and other education programs.

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are organizations that serve the needs of Veterans, their 

families, and survivors. Some VSOs are “chartered,” which means they are federally chartered and/or 

recognized or approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for purposes of preparation, presentation, 

and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nonchartered organizations do not constitute or reflect VA recognition of said organization and its 

representatives for purposes of representation of VA claimants.

The VA Office of General Counsel accredits chartered organizations through an intense process that 

requires approval by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Once accredited, VSOs routinely participate in 

extensive training programs and receive comprehensive continuing education to maintain the most 

current information concerning Veterans’ benefits.

VSOs are trained and knowledgeable in all areas of Veterans benefits. VSOs, together with state, 

county, and local Veteran Service Representatives (VSRs), help Veterans, their families, and survivors 

understand and navigate benefits programs such as compensation, survivor benefits, pension, health 

care, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans, life insurance, and burial 

benefits. They will also assist claimants with health care eligibility, VA Home Loan Guaranty, and other 

Veterans benefits, including those offered by the state. These services are provided free of charge by 

chartered VSOs.

There are many VSOs across the country that can help you fill out VA forms, tell you about VA benefits, 

and provide other forms of assistance. VSOs are either “recognized” or “nonrecognized.” A recognized 

organization can legally represent you before VA, while a nonrecognized organization cannot represent 

you before VA, but can provide you with information. If an organization’s help requires unusual 

expenses, such as extensive photocopying, you should inquire about its policies for reimbursement. 

Most organizations that provide these services are free. Check with the organization for specifics.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 39

If you want to appoint a recognized VSO as your representative, that organization or VA can provide 

you with VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative, 

which acts as a limited power of attorney (POA). This limited POA allows the VSO to represent you only 

for VA-related claim issues. Find the form at www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-22-ARE.pdf.

How to Locate a VSO

• Search the database at www.va.gov/vso. This database includes all recognized VSOs as well as 

accredited national, state, and local VSO representatives, attorneys, and claims agents. 

• Search on the eBenefits portal to find a VSO near you. 

o Go to eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/apply and click Manage Your VA 

Representative.

o On the next page, you can choose Representative Request (to find a claims agent, 

attorney, or VSO to assist you) or Representative Search (to search by state, city, ZIP 

code, or the name of a VSO).

o Your search results will include the VSOs in a geographic area in alphabetical order.

• Some VA Medical Centers, VA Regional Offices, or military installations have VSOs on premises. 

Veteran Peer Groups 

There are more Veteran Peer Group organizations to help support you than we can mention here. 

These grassroots support groups are not only focused on benefits, but also community reintegration, 

service, and legislative advocacy. 

Also, there are peer support services at VHA facilities. No one knows what you have been through like 

someone who has been through it themselves. These groups offer peer support from people who 

share your experiences and have also navigated the transition journey before you.

Here are just a few of these support groups:

• Student Veterans of America aims to provide Veterans with the resources, support, and 

advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. 

www.studentveterans.org

• Team Red White and Blue aims to enrich the lives of America’s Veterans by connecting them to 

their community through physical and social activity. www.teamrwb.org

• The Mission Continues aims to empower Veterans who are adjusting to life at home to find 

purpose through community impact. www.missioncontinues.org

• Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of Veterans with first responders to rapidly 

deploy emergency response teams. www.teamrubiconusa.org

Additionally, the United Service Organizations (USO) supports Service members by keeping them 

connected to family, home, and country throughout their service. Their Pathfinder program extends 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 40

these services to you and your family as you transition from the military and settle in to your new 

community. Learn more at www.uso.org.

Community Connections

There are many resources to support your transition and your use of VA benefits and services to help 

support yourself and your family. This includes applying for benefits, finding employment and housing, 

getting emotional and social support, and more. 

VA has specific services, such as Social Work and Mental Health Services, to help Veterans with a 

mental health diagnosis find employment. Finding satisfying work that supports your financial health is 

important to maintaining happiness and balance. If you have a hard time finding work or educational 

programs that match your skills, interests, and abilities, VA has resources to support you. 

Emotional and Social Health Support

www.mentalhealth.va.gov

www.ptsd.va.gov

VA is here to support you and your family in many situations and circumstances. There are multiple 

programs in place to help support your emotional and social health: 

• VA Mental Health and Social Work Services programs can help you find employment, 

resources to assist with food insecurity, housing, caregiving resources, and more.

www.socialwork.va.gov

• The Compensative Work Therapy (CWT) program helps Veterans living with mental illness or 

physical impairment find and keep competitive employment. Veterans are not required to have 

a service-connected disability to be eligible for CWT services. www.va.gov/health/cwt

• Vet Centers provide a Veteran-centered place where you can seek counseling for various 

issues, support for substance abuse, employment support, and more. Service members and 

family members can also use Vet Centers. www.vetcenter.va.gov

• The About Face program provides resources focused on support for PTSD.

www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/Index.html#

• The Make the Connection Campaign helps connect you with information, resources, and 

solutions to handle a variety of issues that impact your life. www.maketheconnection.net

• VA Voluntary Service is a great way to stay engaged in your community and support positive 

emotional and social health. www.volunteer.va.gov/index.asp
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 41

Support with Benefits and Services

You can also get help with your questions about a variety of benefits and services. Find your VA 

Regional Benefits Office to get assistance with VA benefits and services at 

www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp.

Working with Community Organizations

There are a lot of community organizations available to provide services and support to Veterans.

Nongovernmental organizations have tremendous talent and resources that can expand and enhance 

VA services to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. However, beware, not all 

organizations are the same. Before agreeing to work with a local organization, it is important to 

perform some due diligence to increase the odds that you’ll have a positive experience. You can search 

in the National Resource Directory (NRD) to see if the organization is listed. www.nrd.gov

When beginning to explore if an organization may be a good match for you, it can be helpful to start 

with a simple web search and to read reviews, if there are any. You can gain some insight into other 

individuals’ experiences, as well as determine if the organization is presenting itself honestly. Speaking 

to people who have worked with the organization can also be helpful.

GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) is just one website that can be used to get information about nonprofit organizations and how they choose to spend their money. For example, if an organization spends 

more than half of the money it receives on administrative tasks and not on providing services to the 

people they’re supposed to be serving, then perhaps it might not be an organization that you would 

want to consider working with. Perhaps their focus isn’t on their stated mission. 

Things to consider include:

• Does this organization appear reputable? 

• Does the information that has shown up through Internet searches, reviews, and speaking to

people support what the organization states its mission to be?

• Is there anything that seems too good to be true?

If, after your initial due diligence, the organization still seems like one you’d like to work with, then 

consider reaching out directly and schedule some time to either talk on the phone or in person.

Things to consider include:

• Does the person you’re speaking to sound well-informed? Are they listening to you and your 

specific needs?

• If you’re visiting the organization, does the building feel safe and well-maintained? Do you feel 

comfortable being in the building?

• Are they promising anything that sounds too good to be true or something that is completely 

different from what other people, organizations, and/or resources have stated about the same 

topic?
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 42

• Does this organization work with VA? If so, how do you know?

eBenefits

www.ebenefits.va.gov

The DoD and VA eBenefits website provides resources and self-service capabilities to Service members, 

Veterans, and their families to research, access, and manage their VA and military benefits and 

personal information. It also provides a list of links to other sites that offer information about military 

and Veteran benefits.

eBenefits uses secure credentials to allow you to access your personal information and gives you the 

ability to perform numerous self-service functions. Some of the features within eBenefits allow you to: 

• Access official military personnel documents

• View the status of your disability compensation claim

• Register for and update direct deposit information for certain benefits

• Apply for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

Access Requirements

Before you can access and use eBenefits, you must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility 

Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS Logon. Service members can access eBenefits with a DS 

Logon or Common Access Card (CAC). A DS Logon is a secure identity used by several DoD and VA 

websites, including eBenefits. A DS Logon account provides you with access to a host of additional sites

beyond eBenefits, including DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Spouse Education Career 

Opportunities (SECO), multiple TRICARE sites, milConnect, and My HealtheVet. If you are already 

registered in DEERS, you are eligible for a DS Logon. Once you have a DS Logon, it’s valid for the rest of 

your life.

Note: If a Veteran attempts to register and the system says they have no DEERS record, VA will first 

need to verify their military service and add them to DEERS. All VA Regional Offices have staff familiar 

with procedures for adding a Veteran to DEERS.

Registering for an Account

You can register for an eBenefits account online using the eBenefits DS Logon Account Registration 

Wizard. You will walk through a series of questions to assist you in obtaining a Premium Access 

account, which gives you the highest level of access to eBenefits features. With a Premium Access 

account, you can view personal data about yourself in VA and DoD systems, apply for benefits online, 

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

• Most people will be able to verify their identity online by answering a few security questions. 

• Service members may verify their identity online by using their CAC. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 43

• Military retirees may verify their identity online using their Defense Finance and Accounting 

Service (DFAS) Logon. 

If you are not able to verify your identity online, you will automatically receive a Basic Account, which 

lets you customize the site and access information you enter into eBenefits. This account will not allow 

you to see your personal information in VA or DoD systems. Veterans who receive VA benefits through 

direct deposit may have their identity verified by calling 1-800-827-1000 and selecting option 7, 

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Others may need to visit a VA Regional 

Office or TRICARE Service Center to have their identity verified in person.

Activity: Create a DS Logon

Your facilitator will lead you through the steps to create a DS Logon account. 

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.

Activity: Explore eBenefits

Open the eBenefits site on your computer at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Your facilitator will lead you through a tour of eBenefits (Table 2-4). On your screen, you may notice a 

[P] next to some of the topics. This means they require a Premium Access account.

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.

Table 2-4: eBenefits Navigation

eBenefits Tab What You Can Do

Apply On the Apply tab, you can apply for burial, education, VA health care,

housing, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, insurance, and

pension benefits.

Manage On the Manage tab:

• Select Status Tracking to review your current application status 

if you have applied for benefits. This includes disability 

compensation, health care, insurance, education, and housing, 

as well as any personal information you may have uploaded. 

• Select VA Representative to find a VA representative to help you 

with your benefit claims.

• Select Documents and Records to access VA letters and official 

military personnel files. You can create VA letters for a variety of 

purposes, including the Standard Form 15, Application for 10-

Point Veteran Preference, which is necessary to claim Veterans’ 

Preference in federal hiring.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 44

eBenefits Tab What You Can Do

• Select Health Care to access TRICARE online and the My 

HealtheVet site. 

Learn On the Learn tab:

• Learn more about benefit categories and eligibility.

• Find out how to apply for benefits.

• Track your application status.

Contact On the Contact tab: 

• Find eBenefits help desk information. 

• Submit a question to VA’s Inquiry Routing and Information 

System (IRIS).

• Chat online with a live agent.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 45

Activity Worksheet: Start Your Personal Action Plan

Think about the goals you created earlier today. What did you learn about VA benefits, services, and 

tools that can help you get there? What goals relate to what we just covered? List them again here.

Then, work in Table 2-5 to create your own action plan. Note which actions you need to complete to 

take advantage of VA benefits, support services, and tools that can help you build the kind of life you 

want to have. Cross through the things that don’t apply to you, or use the blank spaces at the bottom 

to add more items to your list. 

You will have the opportunity to update your plan throughout the briefings.

Be sure to note the deadlines and important timeframes for completing each action. 

Related Personal Goals

Table 2-5: Module 2 Personal Action Plan

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Register for DS Logon and access eBenefits Today/As soon as possible

 Check my separation documents for accuracy As soon as I receive them



Store my separation documents in a safe location and share 

that location with those who may need access if I am not 

available

As soon as I receive them

 Establish personal goals and priorities Today/As soon as possible

 Set up a one-on-one session with my Benefits Advisor Before I leave this briefing

 Determine my insurance coverage needs and eligibility for 

myself and my spouse and/or dependents As soon as possible

 Apply to convert my SGLI coverage to Veterans’ Group Life 

Insurance (VGLI) or SGLI Disability Extension (SGLI-DE)

One year and 120 days from 

separation (if I apply in first 

240 days from separation,

there is no health review)
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 46

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Apply for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic 

Injury Protection (TSGLI) (If applicable)

As soon as possible, if I did not 

apply while in service (if 

eligible)

 Apply for Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI)

(If applicable)

Basic: Within two years of the 

date VA notifies me of a new 

service-connected disability 

Supplemental: Within one 

year of VA approval of 

premium waiver or prior to 

age 65, whichever occurs first



Apply to convert Family Servicemembers’ Group Life 

Insurance (FSGLI) to a policy with a participating commercial 

insurer (If applicable)

No later than 120 days after 

my separation

 Gather copies of my service treatment records to support my 

pre-discharge disability compensation claim (If applicable)

Prior to submitting my 

disability claim

 Submit a pre-discharge disability claim under the BDD or DRC 

programs (If applicable)

90 to 180 days prior to my 

separation (as close as 

possible to 180 days prior)

 Complete my Separation Health Assessment required for 

disability claims (If applicable)

Less than 180 days prior to my 

separation



Appoint a Veterans Service Officer from an accredited 

Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to prepare and submit 

my claim on my behalf (If applicable)

Before my separation



Apply for Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) if I have 

been granted a Specially Adaptive Housing Grant and own a 

home with an outstanding mortgage (If applicable)

Discuss with my Loan 

Guaranty representative 

 Work with my VA health care provider to determine if I am 

eligible for and in need of a service dog (If applicable)

After my VA provider 

determines there is a need

 Apply for VA Pension (If applicable)

As soon as possible once I am 

65 or older or have limited or 

no income

 Register for the VA burial pre-need program As soon as possible

 Tell my family how to apply for burial benefits upon my 

death

As soon as possible

 Tell my family how to apply for Presidential Memorial 

Certificate upon my death

As soon as possible

 Tell my family about all my insurance and how to file a claim As soon as possible
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 47

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Find and connect to my local Vet Center Before I leave this briefing










Participant Guide – Version 1.1 48

Module 3: Getting Career-Ready

Now that you’ve started to think about how you will support yourself and your family across the board, 

it’s time to focus specifically on building your career.

At this stage of your journey (Figure 3-1), you might be asking yourself:

Am I prepared to obtain my preferred career?

Figure 3-1: Your Transition Journey

As you learned earlier, getting career-ready may mean going back to school, getting new certifications, 

or otherwise building your credentials to get qualified for the career you want. VA stands ready to 

support you in:

• Building the career that fits your goals

• Obtaining the appropriate education, skills, and credentials that fit your goals

• Finding the right job or career opportunity

• Developing professional and community connections
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 49

Understanding Career Counseling Opportunities

At this stage of your transition, you may be focused on career preparation and ready to apply for 

benefits that can help you achieve your career goals.

Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36)

You can get Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36) benefits, guidance, coaching, and one-onone assistance in charting your academic and career path. Remember, you’ll need to apply for this 

free, personalized education and career counseling service. 

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for Education and Career 

Counseling in Appendix A of this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are 

available in Appendix D.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) 

If you have service-connected disabilities and employment handicaps, Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment (VR&E), also known as Chapter 31, can help. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) 

will work with you to assess your interests and abilities, develop your goals for employment and 

maximum independence, and explore employment opportunities.

VR&E also has education benefits. If you are eligible, VR&E may provide additional support and 

resources not provided by the GI Bill. 

• In general, you must use all VR&E services within 12 years from the date you separated from 

active military service, or from the date VA officially notified you of your disability rating 

(whichever is later).

• The basic period of eligibility may be extended if you have a serious employment handicap.

After you apply and VA determines you are eligible for VR&E services, VA will schedule a meeting for 

you with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC).

The VRC will assess your interests, aptitudes and abilities, and whether your service-connected 

disabilities impair your ability to find and/or hold a job using the training and occupational skills you 

already have. If you are eligible, we can help you evaluate the following employment or lifestyle goals

(Table 3-1).
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 50

Table 3-1: VR&E Information

Track Goals of Rehabilitation Plan Who It Is For

Reemployment Consultation with the employer, job 

accommodations, job modification, and 

case management; coordination and 

referral for services, such as VA health 

care, reemployment rights advice, and 

work adjustment services

Service members leaving active duty 

due to medical issues and Veterans with 

service-connected disabilities

Rapid Access to 

Employment

Job readiness preparation, résumé 

development, job search assistance, 

employment resource development, 

job accommodations, and postemployment follow-up

Those who express a desire to seek 

employment soon after separation or 

who already have the necessary skills 

and/or training to be competitive in the 

job market in an appropriate occupation

SelfEmploymentAnalysis of your business concept, 

development of a business plan, 

training in operating small businesses, 

marketing and financial assistance, and 

guidance in obtaining adequate 

resources to implement the business 

plan

Those who have limited access to 

traditional employment, need flexible 

work schedules, or need an 

accommodating work environment due 

to disabling conditions or other life 

circumstances

Employment 

Through LongTerm Services

Training and education, including: Onthe-Job Training (OJT), apprenticeships, 

internships, job shadowing, work 

monitoring, work-study, public-private 

job partnering, or higher education 

sufficient to qualify for and enter 

suitable employment

Those who need specialized training 

and/or education to obtain and 

maintain suitable employment

Independent 

Living Services

Assistive technology, independent 

living skills training, and connection to 

community-based support services

Those who are not currently ready for 

employment and need rehabilitation 

services to live more independently
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 51

Basic Period of Eligibility

The law generally provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility in which VR&E services may be used. 

The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:

• Date of separation from active military duty

• Date the Veteran was first notified of a service-connected disability rating

Who Is Entitled to Receive VR&E Services?

As an active duty Service member, you are entitled if you:

• Expect to receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge upon separation from 

active duty, AND

• Obtain a VA memorandum rating (VA Form 28-0588 – Notice to VA Veterans Service Center) of 

20% or more.

OR (until Sept. 2018) if you:

• Are participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) or are certified by the 

military as having a severe injury or illness that may prevent you from performing your military 

duties (Service members who are participating in IDES are presumed entitled), AND

• Report for an evaluation with a VR&E counselor before separating for active duty.

As a Veteran, you are entitled if you:

• Have received, or will receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge, AND

• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% with a serious employment handicap or 

20% or more with an employment handicap.

It's simple to apply. Just follow these steps:

• Log in to eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov.

• Select Apply.

• Select Education and Training.

• Select Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.

• Apply for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program.

• If it is determined that you are eligible, you will be invited to attend an orientation session at 

the nearest VA Regional Office. You can find your Regional Office at: 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp.

If you do not have access to eBenefits you may:

• Print VA Form 28-1900 – Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation.

Remember, if you are Active Duty, you need to attach VA Form 28-0588 – Notice to VA 

Veterans Service Center.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 52

• Complete and mail the form to your nearest VA Regional Office to the attention of Vocational 

Rehabilitation and Employment. You can find your Regional Office at: 

https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp.

If you don’t have online access:

• You may go to a VA Regional Office and have a VA employee assist you or mail your form to 

your local office.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for VR&E in Appendix A of this 

Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Education Benefits

Career readiness may involve going back to school or participating in skills training. VA education

benefits can fund that dream by helping you pay for tuition and fees and maybe even books, supplies, 

and monthly housing costs. GI Bill benefits are not just for a four-year degree—you can apply them to 

on-the-job training, flight training, or certification tests, just to name a few. 

There are different types of GI Bill Education Benefits (Table 3-2).

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Table 3-2: Types of GI Bill Benefits

GI Bill Type Essential Information

Post-9/11 

GI Bill

(Chapter 33)

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp

Basic Information 

• This is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active 

duty and received an honorable discharge.

• It may be used for college; business, technical, or vocational school; degree 

or certificate programs; apprenticeship and on-the-job training; and 

correspondence courses.

• Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training is available under certain 

circumstances.

Tuition and fees 

• Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school on your behalf. 

• If you are attending a public institution of higher learning, all in-state tuition 

and fees will be paid. Section 702 of the Choice Act requires public 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 53

GI Bill Type Essential Information

institutions of higher learning to offer in-state tuition and fees to all eligible 

individuals identified, for terms that began after Jul. 1, 2015.

• If you are attending a private institution of higher learning, actual tuition 

and fees will be paid, or a capped amount (whichever amount is less). The 

capped amount changes yearly, and the rate can be found at the link listed 

above. 

Monthly Housing Allowance

• The amount is based on the length of your active duty service.

• The amount is equal to the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) 

payable to an E-5 with dependents, and is based on the ZIP code of the 

primary location of the school.

• The allowance is paid directly to the beneficiary, but is not available if the 

Service member is on active duty or enrolled at half-time or less (as 

determined by the school).

• The allowance is not available for spouses while the Service member is on 

active duty.

• Distance learners receive half the MHA national average.

Books and Supplies Stipend

• The stipend is issued directly to the student when the school certifies 

enrollment.

• The amount is pro-rated based on length of service and the number of 

credits/hours being taken.

• The stipend is available for those enrolled in non-college degrees, 

apprenticeships, or on-the-job training programs.

Yellow Ribbon Program

• Colleges can partner with VA to help pay tuition and fee expenses that 

exceed the in-state tuition rate.

o Note: Tuition and fees may exceed this amount due to attending a 

private institution or graduate school or because of an out-of-state 

or nonresident status.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 54

GI Bill Type Essential Information

• If Service members are enrolled in a school that participates in the Yellow 

Ribbon Program, additional funds may be available for tuition and fees that 

exceed the highest public, in-state, undergraduate rates.

• Only Veterans (or their child transferees) entitled to the 100% benefit rate 

may receive this funding.

Transfer of Entitlement (TOE)

• You can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to your spouse 

or children.

• To transfer your entitlement, you may incur additional service obligation.

• You have to transfer the entitlement before you leave the service, but you 

can adjust the transferred entitlement after leaving the service.

• Education Support Services at your local installation can answer your 

specific questions about TOE.

Montgomery 

GI Bill –

Active Duty 

(Chapter 30)

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_ad.asp

Basic Information

• MGIB-AD provides up to 36 months of educational benefits for college;

business, technical, or vocational school; degree or certificate programs;

apprenticeship and on-the-job training; and correspondence courses.

• Remedial or refresher courses and flight training may be approved under 

certain circumstances.

• Payments are made directly to the Service member.

Montgomery 

GI Bill –

Selected 

Reserve 

(Chapter 1606)

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp

Basic Information

• MGIB-SR provides education and training benefits to eligible members of 

the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force 

Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, 

and Air National Guard.

• It may be used for degree programs, certificate or correspondence courses, 

cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship and onthe-job training, and vocational flight training programs.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 55

GI Bill Type Essential Information

• Remedial, refresher, and deficiency training are available under certain 

circumstances.

Forever GI Bill

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the Forever GI Bill, 

contains several changes that affect the GI Bill recipients past and future.

The biggest change in the Forever GI Bill is that the 15-year limitation to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is 

eliminated for:

• Veterans who left active duty on or after Jan. 1, 2013,

• Children who became eligible for the Fry Scholarship on or after Jan. 1, 2013, AND

• All Fry scholarship-eligible spouses.

More changes roll out after 2018, and most of the changes enhance or expand education benefits. 

Eligibility for Multiple GI Bill Benefits

You may be eligible for more than one VA education benefit program. However, you may only receive 

payments from one program at a time.

• If you are eligible for MGIB-SR or MGIB-AD, you must elect to give up eligibility under the 

program for which you are eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This is a 

choice that cannot be reversed.

• Having multiple periods of service may result in a potential entitlement of an additional 12 

months. You can receive a maximum of 48 months of benefits under any combination of 

benefits. For example: if you qualify for both MGIB-AD and MGIB-SR, you can receive 36 

months of entitlement at your MGIB-AD payment rate, and then an additional 12 months of 

entitlement at your MGIB-SR payment rate, up to the maximum total of 48 months.

Review Table 3-3 to compare some key features of GI Bill benefits.

Table 3-3: Comparing GI Bill Benefits

Post-9/11 GI Bill Montgomery GI Bill

Distribution of Funds Some funds are sent directly to 

you and some funds are sent 

directly to the school where 

you’re enrolled.

All funds are sent directly to 

you.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 56

Post-9/11 GI Bill Montgomery GI Bill

Amount Distributed Post-9/11 GI Bill pays actual 

tuition, fees, and a monthly 

benefit.

MGIB pays a flat cash benefit.

Buy-Up Option (or “Kicker”) No buy-up option is available. A $600 buy-up option is

available.

Tuition Assistance “Top-Up” A Top-Up option is available. A Top-Up option is available for 

MGIB-AD only.

To learn more about these options and help decide which GI Bill benefits to apply for, ask yourself the

questions presented on the VA fact sheet titled Post-9/11 GI Bill: Factors to Consider – the link is 

available in Appendix D.

GI Bill Comparison Tool

There are so many opportunities, how do you evaluate your options? The GI Bill Comparison Tool 

(Figure 3-2) lets you learn about education programs and compare benefits by school. You can filter 

down to compare cost specifically to the type of GI Bill benefit you want to use.

Figure 3-2: GI Bill Comparison Tool
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 57

Activity: Use GI Bill Comparison Tool

Access the GI Bill Comparison Tool from the Education Benefits website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 

Help your facilitator compare benefit options for a hypothetical Veteran—or try entering your own 

information into the GI Bill Comparison Tool and select the options that interest you. Then review and 

compare the results.

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.

GI Bill Feedback Tool

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/feedback.asp

The VA GI Bill Feedback Tool provides a platform to submit a concern or an issue about a school. 

To submit a concern or issue, select the Submit Your Feedback Now button (Figure 3-3), and follow the 

instructions on each screen.

Note: This tool is not for submitting concerns or issues about VA. 

.

Figure 3-3: VA GI Bill Feedback Tool
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 58

VA reviews the following types of issues submitted through this tool:

• Recruiting/marketing practices

• Accreditation

• Financial issues (e.g., tuition/fee charges)

• Student loans

• Post-graduation job opportunities

• Change in degree plan/requirements

• Quality of education

• Grade policy

• Release of transcripts

• Transfer of credits

• Refund issues

• Other issues

If you have a question about your specific GI Bill benefits, you can click the FAQs button to learn more, 

or submit a question by clicking the Submit a Question button on the right-hand side of the page.

Applying for VA Education Benefits

Once you’ve completed your research and have all the information you need, you’ll be ready to apply 

for education benefits.

You can apply for GI Bill education benefits online, by mail, in person, or over the phone—the fastest 

way is online through eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov. 

To apply online: 

• From the eBenefits home page, click Education Benefits under the Apply section.

• Next to Education and Training, click Education Benefits.

• Click Select Correct Form.

• Answer the questions and follow the prompts to get to and complete the online form.

There are other ways to apply:

• Visit your nearest VA regional office to apply in person.

• Consult with the VA Certifying Official—who is usually in the Registrar’s or Financial Aid office—

at the school of your choice. This official has application forms and can help you apply.

• Call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to have the application mailed to you.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 59

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for GI Bill benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, a fact sheet showing step-by-step instructions is available in 

Appendix D.

VA Education Call Center

If you or a school certifying official ever have a question about your GI Bill education benefits, you can 

call the VA Education Call Center.

If you’re stateside, call the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) (7 a.m. to 6 

p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday). 

From outside the U.S., call 001-918-781-5678 during business hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Time, 

Monday through Friday). This is not a toll-free number, but you will be routed to the next available 

customer service representative.

On Campus Support

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/vsoc.asp

VA’s Education and Career Counseling, or Chapter 36, benefit offers a wide range of free, personalized 

education and career counseling services to you and your eligible dependents. The VetSuccess on 

Campus, or VSOC, program makes career counseling benefits accessible at participating schools by 

placing professionally trained VA career counselors on many college campuses. 

VSOC can help you get oriented into the campus environment and support your education goals. The 

program’s aim is to see you graduate, so you can go on to thrive in the career field and community of 

your choice.

Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL)

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/studentveteran/vital.asp#sthash.kj1TAcU9.dpbs

The Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program provides VA coordinators on some 

colleges and universities to help Veterans integrate into college and university life. 

The VITAL program collaborates with your local VA Medical Center, the Veterans Benefits 

Administration, campus faculty and staff, and community resources to provide on-campus clinical care 

and coordination.

Additional Education Resources

Accessing Higher Education (AHE) Track

The Accessing Higher Education (AHE) track is an additional track in the Transition GPS curriculum, and 

it is your first step toward selecting the right school for you. This track focuses on topics like how to 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 60

achieve academic success, how to research and compare institutions, and how to finance higher 

education. The track will lead you through the steps and provide a wealth of resources to help you 

become an informed education consumer and maximize the return on your GI Bill.

Career Technical Training Track (CTTT)

Like the AHE track, the Career Technical Training Track (CTTT) is an additional track in the Transition 

GPS curricula. Whether you want to use the skills you learned in the military or are looking to pursue a 

new challenge, the CTTT will give you the information you need to plan for career success. CTTT is 

designed to prepare you to enter the workforce quickly after separation. This two-day optional 

workshop will help you choose a field and target a position, identify required credentials, and select 

and apply for a technical training program. Be sure to contact your local TAP office to register for the 

class. We highly encourage spouse participation in this course.

Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) 

www.afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL

www.cool.army.mil

www.cool.navy.mil/usmc

www.cool.navy.mil/usn

The Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy have Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) 

programs. Using these tools, individuals can find information related to their military occupation,

training, and career progression goals; and investigate equivalent civilian jobs, professional 

certifications, and professional organizations, along with certification funding opportunities. 

Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/onthejob_apprenticeship.asp

Both on-the-job (OTJ) and apprenticeship training programs are available for Veterans using their VA 

education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These programs allow Veterans to learn a trade or 

skill through training on the job rather than attending formal classroom instruction. A Veteran 

generally enters into a training contract for a specific period with an employer or union, and at the end 

of the training period, the Veteran gains job certification or journeyman status.

Employers generally pay a reduced OTJ/apprenticeship wage (must be at least 50% of journeyman

wage). Unless the training establishment is operated by a federal, state, or local government, periodic 

wage increases must be granted and by the last full month of training, the wage must be at least 85% 

of the wage for a fully trained employee. Veterans in an approved program can use their GI Bill benefit 

and receive a tax-free stipend. The Post-9/11 GI Bill stipend is the equivalent to the Monthly Housing 

Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents, which is paid in addition to the entry-level wage.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 61

DoD SkillBridge

www.dodskillbridge.com

The DoD SkillBridge initiative promotes the Civilian Job Training Authority available for transitioning 

Service members. Those who meet specific qualifications can participate in civilian job and 

employment training, including apprenticeships and internships. This training can take place starting 

up to six months prior to a Service member’s separation. The training must offer a high probability of 

employment and be provided to the Service member at little or no cost. Tremendous potential exists 

for Service members, companies, trade unions, and others to leverage this DoD authority. 

VA Work-Study

https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/workstudy.asp

VA work-study programs may allow you to receive a work-study allowance (in addition to your 

education benefits) for performing certain types of VA-related work while enrolled in a college degree, 

vocational, or professional program. You must be attending at least three-quarter time, and your 

allowance is based on the number of hours of work you perform. Learn more at the link above.

As a Veteran, you can also apply for other government financial aid not provided by VA. Those aid 

programs will have their own requirements.

Research Employment Opportunities

VA for Vets

When it’s time to find a job, remember that VESO manages the VA for Vets program, because VA is 

interested in what you have to offer. VA values Veterans because they’re highly skilled and dedicated 

employees, and VA for Vets can help you find tools and resources to find a job at VA or at any Federal 

agency that interests you. 

In fact, VA may have a program for you and your specific skillset. For example, if you served as a medic 

in your military job, you might be able to put your skills to work in a clinical setting immediately. 

The Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) is a health care occupation in VA. ICTs are former military 

medics and corpsmen who work in VA clinical areas where there is a need for their skills.

Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) Program

https://www.vacareers.va.gov/careers/intermediate-care-technician/index.asp

ICTs are expected to function in a health care role commensurate with their military experience and 

training without the need for a license or additional credential. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 62

ICTs bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise into the VA health care system. Some of the jobs they 

can immediately perform are starting an intravenous (IV) catheter into the external jugular vein, 

venipuncture, ear irrigation, splinting, suture removal, and so much more. 

The ICT program has a career pathway for former medics and corpsmen who are interested in 

academic degrees leading to advanced professional clinical positions. 

Other Resources

VA and our partner agencies offer several resources to help you find employment. 

Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) Resources

Veterans Preference

https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/veterans.aspx

By law, Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty during specific timeframes are entitled 

to preference over others in certain hiring and retention decisions.

Preference is also offered to certain widows and widowers of Veterans who died in service, spouses of 

service-connected disabled Veterans, and mothers of Veterans who died under honorable conditions 

on active duty or have permanent and total service-connected disabilities. 

Other OPM Resources 

The Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) has partnered to build a great collection of online 

employment tools:

• FedsHireVets.gov is the preeminent source for Federal employment information for our 

Veterans, transitioning Service members, their families, Federal HR professionals and hiring 

managers. The goal is to provide consistent and accurate information and useful training and 

other resources in a way that will inform both the applicant and the hiring agency.

• There is a federal employment training module titled Transitioning to Federal Employment: A 

Guide. You can access this training module through your Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) account.

Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW)

To prepare you for today’s civilian job market, the DOLEW focuses on practical skills required to find 

and obtain civilian employment. DOLEW consists of four core focus areas:

• Developing and executing a job search plan

• Planning for success in a civilian work environment

• Creating résumés, cover letters, and other self-marketing materials

• Refining interviewing and networking skills

Live DOLEW workshops are offered at military installations, and military spouses are also eligible to 

attend. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 63

SBA Introduction to Entrepreneurship Workshop

The SBA offers Boots to Business, a training program for transitioning Service members interested in 

owning their own businesses. Boots to Business includes an Introduction to Entrepreneurship 

workshop, followed by opportunities to enroll in additional entrepreneurship development courses, 

which assist transitioning Service members in navigating the business start-up process. 

Find SBA’s Boots to Business at www.SBA.gov/bootstobusiness.

Additional DoL Career and Employment Resources

Multiple government organizations have collaborated to design, develop, and incorporate the best 

features of online employment tools to give you career advice, assistance with building your résumé, 

and access to employers who want to hire Veterans and military spouses. 

The Department of Labor web site (www.dol.gov/vets) links to several resources where you can get 

one-on-one assistance, search for jobs, explore careers, and find training. 

If you have attended the DOLEW, you are already familiar with this site and these tools. If you haven’t 

attended, you’ll get your chance to explore all these tools during the workshop.

Get One-on-One Assistance

www.careeronestop.org/Veterans/Toolkit/find-american-job-centers.aspx

Find workforce services in your neighborhood or across the country at American Job Centers (AJC)

where you can receive guidance as you look for work, participate in job search workshops, get free 

computer access, and more. Use the web address above to find an AJC near you. 

Search for Jobs and Find Training Now

www.careeronestop.org

Put together a successful job search by visiting CareerOneStop, sponsored by the DoL, which has 

resources on developing résumés, interviewing, networking, and finding job openings. CareerOneStop 

can also help you search training programs, colleges, and universities in your local area.

Explore Careers

www.mynextmove.org/vets

My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about career options. 

My Next Move lists tasks, skills, salary information, and more for over 900 different careers. Users can 

find careers through keyword searches, by browsing industries that employ different types of workers, 

or through the O*NET Interest Profiler (www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip), a tool that offers 

personalized career suggestions based on a person’s interests and level of work experience.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 64

Establish Your Network

Think about building your local and professional network. Getting connected and have a larger network 

makes you more visible to employers and can ultimately help you grow your career.

LinkedIn Subscription

LinkedIn, a social media site for networking professionals, offers eligible military and Veteran LinkedIn 

members one year of free access to LinkedIn Premium Subscriptions, including the LinkedIn Learning 

Platform—a value of $360. In the DOLEW, you’ll learn more about LinkedIn and how to make that free 

access to LinkedIn Premium Subscriptions work for you. Learn more at

www.linkedinforgood.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform. 

eBenefits

Remember that eBenefits is the website where you can update your information and apply for 

benefits. Through eBenefits, you not only have access to benefits related to your health, home 

ownership, and more—you also have access to Education Benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment Benefits. The eBenefits website is a great place to start when getting career ready. Visit 

eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 65

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan

Think back to your personal goals that relate to this part of your transition journey. What new 

information have you learned about VA benefits, services, and tools that can help you get careerready? List your relevant goals below and work in Table 3-4 to update your action plan. Cross through 

the things that don’t apply to you, or use the blank spaces at the bottom to add more items to your 

list. 

Related Personal Goals

Table 3-4: Module 3 Personal Action Plan

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Apply for Education and Career Counseling benefit As soon as I determine I need 

it

 Connect with a Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) 

representative

When I need more 

information, or am ready to 

apply for a Federal/VA job

 Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

(If applicable)

When I am ready for job 

training and employment 

opportunity, if eligible

 Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to compare schools and do 

other useful research

After/if I determine going to 

school is the next step



Apply for one of the following GI Bill benefits:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Montgomery Active Duty (MGIB-AD) GI Bill

• Montgomery Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) GI Bill

As soon as I determine if I will 

use the benefit 

 Find out more about Veterans Success on Campus (VSOC) at 

participating schools I might be interested in attending

As soon as I identify schools 

that might be right for me

 Sign up for a free year of the LinkedIn Premium Subscription Now 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 66

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Explore potential careers using resources at 

www.dol.gov/vets

When I am ready to explore 

the workforce

 Complete the Department of Labor Employment Workshop Within 12 months of leaving 

active duty

 Register for the Small Business Administration (SBA) 

Entrepreneurship Workshop (If applicable)

As soon as possible, if I am 

interested in owning my own 

business

 Contact my local TAP office to register for the Accessing 

Higher Education (AHE) track

As soon as I determine I want 

to go to school

 Find out more about the Credentialing Opportunities On-Line 

(COOL) program for my branch of service

As soon as I determine a 

desired relevant occupation

 Contact my local TAP office to register myself and my spouse 

for the Career Technical Training Track (CTTT)

As soon as I determine a 

desired relevant technical field

 Visit an American Job Center When I am ready to plan for 

entering the workforce

 Determine if the DoD SkillBridge initiative is right for me Up to six months prior to my 

separation

 Obtain a Veterans’ Preference letter from eBenefits

As soon as I determine I want 

to apply for federal 

government jobs

 Find and connect to my local Vet Center Before I leave this briefing










Participant Guide – Version 1.1 67

Module 4: Finding a Place to Live

One of the most important things to plan is your housing. Some Service members may know where 

they will live after separation, some don’t. Still others are considering whether to rent, build, buy, or 

something else. 

It might seem like a simple question, but at this stage of your journey (Figure 4-1), it’s important to ask

yourself:

Where will I live?

Figure 4-1: Your Transition Journey

It may not be as simple a question as it seems. Where you live will impact every other aspect of your 

life—your opportunities for education and employment, your housing budget, your access to health 

care, and more. 

Whether you have a solid plan for where you will live or are still deciding, VA can help you to:

• Assess potential locations

• Secure housing 

• Establish social and community connections
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 68

Comparing Locations – Influences

What is the number one most important factor you should consider when deciding where to live?

The truth is, we all have different priorities and different ideas about what is most important (Figure 4-

2). And that’s how it should be, because your goals are based on your own personal circumstances. 

Consider factors that are most important to you personally—for example, maybe you want to be close 

to your parents, or maybe you’re planning to relocate near the college where you got accepted. 

VA has resources to help you make this decision. 

Figure 4-2: Factors that Influence Where to Live

Cost of Living and Job Availability

If you don’t yet know where you will settle, it’s important to research the cost of living and the job 

market in the areas you are considering. 

• What type of work do you want to do?

o Are there available jobs in that industry in the area where you want to live? 

o What is the expected income for that type of job in the area? 

• Consider your housing expenses.

o What is the average cost of housing in the area? 

o Does it fall within your budget based on your estimated income? 

• What are your personal goals and how may they impact your decision?
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 69

VA Facility Locators

VA has various facility locator tools to help you find the locations that offer VA benefits and services 

that meet your needs. This is something you might want to consider in deciding where to live.

Refer to Appendix B for a list of locator tools to find different types of VA facilities, like:

• Hospitals and clinics

• Regional Benefits Offices

• Regional Loan Centers

Activity: Use VA Facility Locator Tools

Take a few minutes to explore some VA facility locator tools on your own, based on services you think 

you may need. Your facilitator will demonstrate some of these tools. 

To complete this activity:

• On your computer, go to www.va.gov.

• Select Hospitals & Clinics from the Locations drop-down menu on the right. Use the tool to 

search for hospitals, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers near where you might live. 

• Then select Locations Home from the left-hand menu to bring up the tool that allows you to 

search for multiple facility types. Use this tool to search for Regional Benefits Offices, Regional 

Loan Centers, or VA Cemetery locations, and more.

• If time allows, explore more options:

o Explore additional options on the left-hand menu, including options to explore facilities 

by state.

o Refer to Appendix B for additional websites to locate other facilities, such as VA Fisher 

Houses.

o Access the VA facility locator from the eBenefits site. Go to www.ebenefits.va.gov. At 

the bottom of the page, select VA Facility Locator.

• When you find your VA medical center, Vet Center, VA Regional Office, and other key 

resources, write the information in the available spaces at the beginning of this guide.

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.

Discovering Housing Options

No matter your situation, VA can help you explore housing options and secure a place to live. You can 

get help from a VHA provider to find housing, or take advantage of benefits like the home loan 

guaranty or housing grants—whatever path you take, VA is here to support you. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 70

VA Home Loan Guaranty 

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans

VA helps Service members, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. As part of 

its mission to serve you, VA provides a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related 

programs to help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own personal occupancy 

(Figure 4-3).

Figure 4-3: VA Home Loan Guaranty Mission

The VA Home Loan Guaranty program can help you buy a home or refinance your existing mortgage. 

Loans are made by private lenders (banks and mortgage companies), and VA guarantees a portion of 

the loan, which allows lenders to provide favorable terms to you; for example, the lender may choose 

to waive the down payment. 

This benefit requires the Service member or Veteran to pay a funding fee unless eligible for disability 

compensation. Funding fees may be reimbursed if you purchased your home after filing a disability 

compensation claim and your claim is approved. This benefit may be used more than once if specific 

criteria are met.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

You can use the VA Home Loan Guaranty to:

• Buy, build, repair, alter, renovate, or improve a home

• Refinance an existing home loan to reduce the interest rate

• Buy a manufactured (mobile) home and lot or buy and improve a lot for your existing 

manufactured home

• Refinance an existing loan on a manufactured home and purchase the lot to which the home 

will be affixed

• Improve a home by installing energy-efficient features like solar heating/cooling systems, water 

heater insulation, storm windows/doors, or other approved improvements
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 71

This is a lifetime benefit that can be used more than once. Some of the advantages of this program 

include:

• Little to no down payment

• Negotiable interest rates

• Limitations on closing costs

• No mortgage insurance premiums

• Fully assumable mortgages

• Long repayment terms

• Right to prepay without penalty

• Assistance for borrowers in default

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Getting a VA-Backed Home Loan

VA offers crucial information about things to consider when buying a home (Figure 4-4). To learn about 

home ownership costs and get information about buying and owning a home, visit 

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

Figure 4-4: Your Road to Buying a VA Home
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 72

The process for obtaining a VA Home Loan Guaranty is not difficult. Review the six-step process below.

Step 1

Apply online for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at www.ebenefits.va.gov, or have your lender apply via 

WebLGY. Don’t print your COE until you are ready to apply for a loan, because printed certificates may 

expire for certain reasons.

Step 2

If you have not selected a lender, do so. Ensure the lender has your COE and complete the loan 

application.

Step 3

Decide on a home you want to buy, and sign a purchase agreement that contains a VA Option Clause.

You may also want the purchase agreement to allow you to “escape” from the contract without 

penalty if you can’t get a VA loan.

Step 4

The lender will request that VA assign a licensed appraiser to determine the reasonable value for the

property. A Notice of Value will be issued.

Step 5

The lender will let you know the decision on the loan. You should be approved if the property meets 

VA’s minimum property requirements and the established value, your credit rating, and income are 

acceptable.

Step 6

Attend the loan closing. The lender or closing attorney will explain the loan terms and requirements, as 

well as where and how to make the monthly payments. All relevant papers are signed and you move 

in. 

Note: At closing, you may have to pay a funding fee unless you’re eligible for VA disability 

compensation. If you filed a claim for VA disability compensation prior to discharge, remind your 

lender that you need to fill out VA Form 26-8937, Verification of VA Benefits, and submit it to VA. This 

will help determine if you are exempt from the funding fee. The fee may be paid in cash or included in 

your loan. If you file for disability prior to closing on your home, you may be able to get your funding 

fee refunded.

Predatory Lending Practices

Be aware of predatory lending practices. Some lenders have taken advantage of Service members and 

Veterans with home loans in the past. You might get mailers or calls with offers to refinance 

mortgages, and they may make some misleading claims. Many of these solicitations promise extremely 

low interest rates, thousands of dollars in cash back, skipped mortgage payments, and no out-ofpocket costs or waiting period. Be sure to research all offers you receive to make sure they are 

legitimate and that refinancing is in your best financial interest.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 73

Foreclosure Resources

Veterans who have VA home loans have the lowest foreclosure rates in the country, because VA has 

resources to assist you.

If you are a borrower and want to contact the VA Loan Guaranty Office regarding any aspect of your 

mortgage, call 1-877-827-3702, or access the website: 

www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/contact_rlc_info.asp

VA Regional Loan Centers have technicians available to conduct financial counseling. This counseling is 

designed to help you avoid foreclosure. If you want this assistance, call 1-877-827-3702 to reach a Loan 

Service Representative.

Below is the link to six short videos that provide guidance on how to avoid foreclosure: 

www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/resources_video.asp#Anchor1

Mortgage delinquency assistance can be found in the fact sheet at the following location: 

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/documents/docs/foreclosure_avoidance_fact_sheet.pdf

Housing Grants

Earlier you learned that VA provides housing grants to Service members and Veterans with certain 

permanent and total service-connected disabilities (Table 4-1). These grants can be used to help 

purchase or construct an adapted home or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability.

You can find detailed information about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits in Appendix A of 

this Participant Guide. In addition, links to detailed VA fact sheets are available in Appendix D.

Remember, Veteran’s Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI), is the type of life insurance that can protect 

your investment if you have a Specially Adapted Housing Grant and a mortgage on the home. Talk with 

your Specially Adapted Housing Agent about VMLI during the grant application and interview process.

Table 4-1: Types of Housing Grants

Housing Grant Type Essential Information

Specially Adapted Housing 

(SAH) Grant

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

SAH grants help Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities 

live independently in barrier-free environments. 

SAH grants can be used in one of the following ways:

• Constructing a specially adapted home on land to be acquired

• Building a home on land already owned (if suitable for SAH)

• Remodeling an existing home (if it can be made suitable for 

SAH)
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 74

Housing Grant Type Essential Information

• Applying the grant against the unpaid principal mortgage 

balance of an adapted home already acquired without the 

assistance of a VA grant

Special Housing 

Adaptation (SHA) Grant

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

SHA grants help Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities 

modify or purchase a home to accommodate the disability. 

SHA grants can be used in one of the following ways:

• Modifying an existing home the Veteran or a family member 

already owns in which the Veteran lives

• Modifying a home the Veteran or family member intends to 

purchase in which the Veteran will live

• Helping a Veteran purchase a home already modified in which 

the Veteran will live

Temporary Residence 

Adaptation (TRA) Grant

https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/adaptedhousing.asp

TRA grants may be available for Service members and Veterans who 

qualify for either an SAH or an SHA grant to adapt the home of a family 

member with whom the Service member or Veteran is temporarily 

living. This grant can be used one time up to the maximum allowable 

amount.

Home Improvements and 

Structural Alterations 

(HISA) Program

www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp

The HISA program can provide medically necessary improvements and 

structural changes to a Veteran’s residence for the following purposes:

• Allow entrance to, or exit from, the residence

• Enable use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities

• Allow accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters

• Improve entrance paths or driveways in the immediate area of 

the home to facilitate access to the home by the Veteran

• Improve plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to 

installation of dialysis equipment in the home
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 75

Homeless Veterans Support

www.va.gov/homeless

VA is committed to ending Veteran homelessness. The focus of the Homeless Veterans Program is to:

• Conduct coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance

• Connect homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community 

employment services, and other required support

• Collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies; employers; housing providers; faith-based 

and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options 

for Veterans exiting homelessness

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline ensures that homeless Veterans or Veterans at 

risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors (Figure 4-5). The hotline is intended 

to assist homeless Veterans and their families; VA medical centers; federal, state, and local partners; 

community agencies; service providers; and others in the community in finding needed resources and 

support for Veterans. 

Call the hotline to connect with trained VA staff at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

Figure 4-5: VA Homeless Support

Housing Resources for Homeless Veterans

Rental Assistance Vouchers

www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) provides 

rental assistance vouchers for privately owned housing to Veterans who are eligible for VA health care 

services and are experiencing homelessness. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 76

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

www.va.gov/homeless/SSVF

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) provides very low-income Veterans with case 

management and supportive services to prevent the loss of a Veteran’s home or identify a new, more 

suitable housing situation for the individual and their family. They can also rapidly re-house Veterans 

and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without this assistance.

Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program

www.va.gov/homeless/gpd.asp

State, local, and tribal governments, and nonprofits receive capital grants and per diem payments to 

develop and operate transitional housing and/or service centers for Veterans who are homeless.

Enhanced Use Lease Program (EUL)

www.va.gov/assetmanagement/index.asp

VA’s Enhanced-Use Lease program allows certain land and buildings to be used for supportive housing 

and related projects for homeless and at-risk Veterans. 

EUL partners also often provide Veterans with job training, financial management, haircuts, computer 

and laundry facilities, fitness centers, and other services. Veterans and their families are prioritized for 

EUL developments, which are also convenient to VA health care facilities.

Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV) Program 

www.va.gov/homeless/dchv.asp

The Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV) Program encompasses residential care for 

sheltered and unsheltered Veterans with multiple challenges, illnesses, or rehabilitative care needs. 

DCHV provides a structured setting to foster Veterans’ independence and mutual support.

Community Connections

State and Local Benefits

www.va.gov/statedva.htm

There may be various state, local, and commercial benefits available to you as a Service member or 

Veteran. In addition to state and local benefits, various commercial benefits may be available. For 

example, stores, airlines, and restaurants may offer Veteran discounts. It is always a good idea to 

mention you are a Veteran to see if there are any discounts available to you. As was mentioned earlier, 

eligibility may vary depending on disability status. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 77

You can use the National Resource Directory (available at eBenefits and www.nrd.gov) to determine 

state services in your area. You can also discuss state and local resources with your Benefits Advisor 

during your one-on-one session, or contact your state Veterans Affairs office for more information.

Also, remember that your local Vet Center can help with outreach and education, and may offer events 

for Veterans in your community. 

Activity: Explore the National Resource Directory (NRD)

The National Resource Directory (NRD) can be a valuable resource with financial help and information. 

It provides access to services and resources at the national, state, and local levels to support recovery, 

rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

For example, you can search by category for things like financial planning, day care, and many more. 

Using this site can save you and your family time and money. 

Go to www.nrd.gov and take some time to explore the directory on your own. 

eBenefits

eBenefits can help you learn more or apply for housing benefits. Use eBenefits to:

• Download your COE as the first step to using the VA Home Loan Guaranty.

• Apply for the SAH or SHA housing grants by selecting Housing from the Apply menu.

• Learn more about state and local benefits at eBenefits.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 78

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan

Think back to your personal goals that relate to this part of your transition journey. What new 

information have you learned about VA benefits, services, and tools that can help you find a place to 

live? List your relevant goals below and work in Table 4-2 to update your action plan. Cross through the 

things that don’t apply to you, or use the blank spaces at the bottom to add more items to your list. 

Related Personal Goals

Table 4-2: Module 4 Personal Action Plan

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe



Compare cost of living, job availability, and 

other factors that are important to me in areas 

where I want to live

Before my separation

 Determine if I will rent, buy, or build a home 

and where I will live Before my separation



Get my Certificate of Eligibility for a VA Home 

Loan Guaranty from eBenefits or my lender, 

and apply for a home loan

Before I buy a house, if that’s what I 

decide to do

 Apply for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) 

grant (If applicable)

As soon as I determine that I’d like to 

apply for one, if eligible

 Apply for the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) 

grant (If applicable)

As soon as I determine that I’d like to 

apply for one, if eligible



Contact my VA Regional Office to find out if I 

am eligible for a Temporary Residence 

Adaptation (TRA) grant (If applicable)

As soon as I determine that I’d like to 

apply for one, if eligible



Apply for the Home Improvements and 

Structural Alterations (HISA) program

(If applicable)

As soon as I determine that I’d like to 

apply, if eligible
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 79

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe



Apply for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance 

(VMLI) if I get a Specially Adapted Housing 

Grant or Special Housing Adaptation Grant

(If applicable)

As soon as I have title and a 

mortgage on the home, and prior to 

age 70, if eligible

 Locate a Homeless Coordinator if I don’t have a 

permanent place to stay

As soon as I determine that I’m 

struggling with finding adequate 

housing

 Find and connect to my local Vet Center Before I leave this briefing










Participant Guide – Version 1.1 80

Module 5: Maintaining Your Health

One of the most important things to consider when planning your transition is your overall health. 

Some of you may be in good health, and others may have varying degrees of service-connected 

disabilities. You need to think about how to take accountability for your health going forward. 

So, at this stage of your journey (Figure 5-1), it’s a good time to ask yourself:

How will I maintain my health and that of my family?

Figure 5-1: Your Transition Journey

VA can provide total health solutions to help you:

• Attend to your health care needs

• Take care of your mental health

• Manage your health care needs

• Find health care options for your family
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 81

Your Whole Health

VA and the Whole Health Approach

Often when you think of VA benefits, the first thing that comes to mind is VA health care. The VA 

health care system today is vast and offers the full spectrum of traditional and specialty health care 

services. 

VA takes a modern approach to health care with a focus on whole health. Whole health is a 

comprehensive, patient-centered approach that is rooted in forming continuous healing partnerships 

to help you achieve your greatest well-being. 

Self-Care

Who plays the biggest role in maintaining your health—you or your care providers? Hint: It’s you. Selfcare is at the core of the whole health approach. Review the eight areas of self-care (Figure 5-2) and 

begin to think about your own self-care in 

these terms.

Maintaining your health is critical to your 

long-term success. As you transition out of 

the military, it’s important to be proactive 

with your overall health. In the Service, 

maintaining your health was an expectation. 

Once you leave, your health care is more 

self-driven. 

8 Areas of Self-Care

• Working Your Body

• Surroundings

• Personal Development

• Food and Drink

• Recharge

• Family, Friends, and Co-Workers

• Spirit and Soul

• Power of the Mind

Figure 5-2: Components of Proactive Health and Well-Being 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 82

Personal Health Inventory

www.va.gov/PATIENTCENTEREDCARE/resources/personal-health-inventory.asp

Consider taking the MyStory: Personal Health Inventory. This self-assessment tool can help you explore 

areas of your life as it relates to your health. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and will help you 

assess your health and begin planning for your care. 

Completing this assessment is a valuable first step toward helping you and your health care team start 

a conversation and begin to build a personalized health plan. This tool will ask you to consider things 

like:

• Are you getting enough sleep at night to refresh your body and mind?

• Are you eating foods and beverages that will nourish and fuel you?

• Are you surrounding yourself with people you love and care about?

To learn more about the MyStory: Personal Health Inventory, visit the link listed above.

Explore VA Health Care Options

VA health care has many types of health benefits and services that may be available to you as a 

Veteran, including:

• Inpatient care, which includes the full spectrum of treatment services

• Preventive care, which includes periodic medical exams, preventive health screening, 

immunizations, routine vision testing and eye care services, and health education

• Specialty care, which includes services such as cardiology, diabetes and endocrinology, 

neurology, oncology, gynecology, optometry, mental health, and ophthalmology

• Patient-centered care teams, which provide accessible, coordinated, comprehensive, patientaligned care and are managed by primary care providers with the active involvement of other 

staff, including nurses, mental health providers, dietitians, and Social Workers

Comprehensive VA health care benefits include all the necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient 

services to promote, preserve, or restore a Veteran’s health. VA operates the largest integrated health 

care system in the nation, including more than 1,200 facilities—hospitals, community-based outpatient 

clinics, residential care facilities, rehabilitation centers, readjustment and counseling centers, and other 

facilities. 

A grant of service connection for any injury or illness, even those rated at 0 percent, entitles you to nocost VA medical treatment, including required medication and supplies for those granted conditions.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 83

Primary Care

https://www.patientcare.va.gov/primarycare/index.asp

Primary Care gives eligible Veterans easy access to health care professionals familiar with their needs. 

This benefit promotes team-based, patient-centered care, focusing on a personalized, integrated, 

comprehensive, and coordinated approach to health care. 

Primary Care also helps develop and evaluate innovative programs used in the Patient Aligned Care 

Team (PACT) model. PACTs are built around the idea of whole health and team-based care. PACTs 

involve each Veteran working together with health care professionals to plan for whole-person care, 

and life-long health and wellness. PACTs (Figure 5-3) focus on:

• Building partnerships with Veterans

• Creating access to care using multiple methods (secure messaging, office visits, educational 

seminars, etc.)

• Coordinating care by collaborating with team members

• Keeping team-based care with Veterans at the center of the program

Figure 5-3: Your VA Primary Care Team
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 84

Specialty Care

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/access/specialty_care_services.asp

VA offers specialized health care services to certain groups. Specialty care encompasses all specialty 

fields like dermatology, oncology, cardiology, podiatry, and others. 

VA has other specialty programs like Gender-Specific Care, Complex Care, Foreign Medical Care, and 

Homeless Services. 

Gender-Specific Care

Gender-Specific Care provides specialized care for men and women, who experience many of the same 

diseases, but in different ways. 

Women Veterans Health Care

www.womenshealth.va.gov

Women Veterans health care addresses the unique health care needs of women Veterans and works to 

ensure that timely, equitable, high-quality, comprehensive health care services are provided in a 

sensitive and safe environment at VA facilities nationwide. VA strives to be a national leader in the 

provision of health care for women, raising the standard of care for all women.

To fulfill this mission, women Veterans’ health care works to make certain that all eligible women 

Veterans requesting VA care are assured of:

• Comprehensive primary care by a proficient and interested primary care provider

• Privacy, safety, dignity, and sensitivity to gender-specific needs

• The right care at the right place and time

• State-of-the-art health care equipment and technology

• High-quality preventive and clinical care, equal to that provided to male Veterans

A full continuum of health care, including comprehensive primary care (care for acute and chronic 

illness and gender-specific care), specialty care, mental health care, disease prevention and screening, 

emergency care, and women’s health specialty care (e.g., advanced breast and gynecological care, 

maternity care, and some infertility treatments), is available at every VA medical facility. 

For more information, call 1-855-VAWOMEN (Figure 5-4).

Note: If you (or your spouse) are pregnant at the time of transition, you may be eligible to extend your 

in-service health care benefits through six weeks post-delivery. You should contact your DoD counselor 

for more information.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 85

Figure 5-4: VA Women Veterans Call Center 

Complex Care Coordination

https://www.patientcare.va.gov/primarycare/pact/Coordination.asp

Complex Care Coordination provides a Care Management Team to Veterans that live with complex 

medical or health issues, including but not limited to:

• Polytrauma

• Spinal cord disorders

• Blindness

• Amputations

• Cognitive, psychological, and emotional disorders

Service members and Veterans who meet criteria for complex care coordination will have a Care 

Management Team, including an assigned lead coordinator, to serve as the primary point of contact to 

establish and update an Interagency Comprehensive Plan and to facilitate care, benefits, services, and 

transfers across facilities.

Dental Care

https://www.va.gov/dental/

VA dental services are provided for Veterans and range from simple to complex care. Eligibility isn’t the 

same as for other VA medical benefits, and is categorized into different classes. If you qualify for VA 

dental care benefits, you may be able to get some or all of your dental care through VA. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 86

You may be entitled to a one-time free dental exam if:

• You served in active duty for 90 days or more, AND

• Your DD Form 214 does not show that you received a complete dental examination and all 

appropriate dental care prior to your separation, AND

• You apply to VA for this free dental care within 180 days (6 months) after discharge.

VA provides dental care to Veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements. Covered services may 

include cleaning and x-rays, fillings, crowns, bridges, and more. 

Note: If you experienced “dental trauma” while on active duty status, you may be eligible for lifelong 

dental care associated with this trauma and receive a service-connected disability.

If you don’t meet any of these criteria, you may be able to buy dental insurance through VA.

VA Dental Insurance Program

www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip

We offer all eligible Veterans and family members the opportunity to purchase dental insurance at 

reduced cost through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). VA has implemented a comprehensive 

national program to give enrolled Veterans and beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical 

Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) the opportunity to purchase dental 

insurance through Delta Dental and MetLife at a reduced cost. Participation is voluntary. Purchasing a 

dental plan does not affect a Veteran’s eligibility for VA dental services and treatment.

Covered services include diagnostic, preventive, surgical, emergency, and endodontic/restorative 

treatment. Each participant pays the fixed monthly premiums for coverage and any copayments 

required, depending on the type of plan selected. 

Prescription Services

www.va.gov/healthbenefits/access/prescriptions.asp

VA runs a national mail-order pharmacy for prescriptions. All Veterans using VA health care will have 

access to VA pharmacy services for medications ordered by their VA providers. Copays may apply. Your 

prescription refills can be managed on My HealtheVet (www.myhealth.va.gov).

Telehealth

www.telehealth.va.gov

Telehealth helps VA provide clinical care in circumstances where distance separates you from your care 

team. Telehealth allows your provider to monitor your condition remotely using home monitoring 

equipment.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 87

Other Care Programs

Homeless Veterans Support

www.va.gov/homeless

Veterans who might not otherwise qualify for VA health care benefits may be eligible for homeless 

services. 

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline ensures that homeless Veterans or Veterans at 

risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist 

homeless Veterans and their families; VA medical centers; federal, state, and local partners; 

community agencies; service providers; and others in the community in finding needed resources and 

support for Veterans. Call the hotline (Figure 5-5) to connect with trained VA staff at 1-877-4AID-VET 

(1-877-424-3838).

Figure 5-5: VA Homeless Veterans Call Center 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 88

Foreign Medical Program

www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/fmp

The Foreign Medical Program enables Veterans living or traveling outside of the U.S. to receive 

reimbursement for medical services for service-connected disabilities or any disability associated with 

and found to be aggravating a service-connected disability. 

This program may also reimburse for foreign medical services needed as part of an approved VA 

vocational rehabilitation program. 

For more information, visit the link above or contact the Foreign Medical Program office.

Transition and Care Management (TCM)

www.oefoif.va.gov/caremanagement.asp

The Transition and Care Management (TCM) team at your home VA medical center can assist you in 

connecting with the appropriate VA health care and resources as needed to help ease your transition 

from active duty to Veteran status. 

The TCM program provides the following services.

• System navigation: TCM teams at each medical center are ready to welcome you into the VA 

health care system as your guide.

• Access to VA health care: TCM teams assist you in fully registering for VA health care and 

scheduling your initial appointments. 

• Case management: TCM Case Managers speak with you about your individual needs and 

discuss whether you could benefit from case management. 

• Linkage to community resources: TCM teams connect you with local community services and 

resources that may provide you additional assistance.

• VA care and benefits assistance: TCM Case Managers work with you to ensure you maximize 

your VA health care benefits and services.

• Veteran advocacy: TCM teams support you to promote your whole health and successful 

return home.

Connecting with Transition and Care Management

www.oefoif.va.gov/caremanagement.asp

To get connected with the TCM team at your home VA health care facility, you can find the contact 

information for the TCM Program Manager on the TCM webpage at the link above. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 89

VA Liaison Program

https://www.oefoif.va.gov/valiaisons.asp

If you are located at one of the following sites, there is a VA Liaison for Health Care on-site available to 

start getting you connected with VA health care:

Ft. Belvoir, VA Ft. Eustis, VA Ft. Sam Houston, TX

Ft. Benning, GA Ft. Gordon, GA Ft. Stewart, GA

Ft. Bliss, TX Ft. Hood, TX Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, NC

Ft. Bragg, NC Ft. Knox, KY Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, CA

Ft. Campbell, KY Ft. Lewis, WA Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA

Ft. Carson, CO Ft. Polk, LA Tripler Army Medical Center, HI

Ft. Drum, NY Ft. Riley, KS Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, MD

The VA Liaison for Health Care can:

• Educate you about VA health care and services

• Help you identify the VA health care facility closest to your home or most appropriate for your 

individual needs

• Communicate your needs to that VA facility

• Connect you to the VA facility’s TCM team

The goal is that you leave the facility registered for VA health care and with a scheduled VA 

appointment. The VA Liaisons’ contact information can be found at the link above.

Your Emotional Wellness

www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Your emotional wellness is a significant part of caring for your whole health. It is about the state of

your emotional well-being, and it affects your life every day in how you think, feel, and act. 

Since the brain and body affect one another, problems in your emotional state can cause physical 

problems, along with changes in thinking, feeling, and behavior. In addition to commonly recognized 

emotional symptoms, like feeling very sad or nervous, other indicators and signs may include:

• Changes in sleep, appetite, weight, or sex life

• Headaches or other physical pain

• Muscle tension and weakness

• Decreased energy, motivation, or interest

• Problems with attention, concentration, or memory

• Irritability, anger, or having a “short temper”

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 90

• Unhealthy behaviors (misusing drugs, alcohol, food, or sex; or other behaviors like gambling or 

spending too much money to cope with stress or emotions)

• Problems functioning at home, work, or school

Your emotional well-being is especially important considering the growing number of Veterans 

diagnosed with depression and the issue of suicide. VA believes every Veteran suicide is a tragic 

outcome. Regardless of the numbers or rates, one Veteran suicide is one too many. And because 

suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, VA takes this issue to heart.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, 

caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their 

loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or send a 

text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

VA recently began offering one year of post-transition mental health care, regardless of whether you 

are eligible for VA health care. You might also find support in your local community or faith-based 

organization, regardless of denomination. If your community or faith-based organization is not familiar 

with services for Veterans, families, and survivors, they can contact the Center for Faith-Based and 

Neighborhood Partnerships to learn more. (https://www.va.gov/cfbnpartnerships/) 

Vet Centers

www.vetcenter.va.gov

Vet Centers are community-based centers that offer readjustment counseling in a safe and confidential 

environment to you and your family. 

A core goal of Vet Centers is to promote access to care by helping you and your family overcome any 

barrier you might be experiencing. For example, all Vet Centers have evening and Saturday hours to 

accommodate your busy schedule. In addition, over 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans, the majority

of whom served in combat theaters. Some communities even have mobile Vet Centers (Figure 5-6) that 

travel to places where there is no permanent local Vet Center.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 91

Figure 5-6: Mobile Vet Center

Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Centers offer readjustment counseling and a wide range of 

psychosocial services so you can make successful transitions from military to civilian life. The list of 

services includes the following:

• Individual and group counseling for Veterans, Service members, and their families

• Family and marriage counseling for military related issues

• Bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death

• Counseling and referral for those who experience a military sexual trauma

• Outreach and education including Post-Deployment Health Reassessment Program, 

community events, etc.

• Substance abuse assessment and referral

• Employment assessment and referral

• VA benefits explanation and referral

• Screening and referral for medical issues including traumatic brain injury, depression, etc.

All Vet Center services are available without time limitation and at no cost. To use Vet Center services:

• You do not need to be registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Centers.

• You do not need a disability rating or service connection for injuries from either the VA or the 

Department of Defense.

• You can access Vet Center services regardless of discharge character, to include dishonorable 

discharges.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 92

Vet Center staff maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality. No information will be released to any 

person or agency without the written consent from the Veteran or Service member, except in 

circumstances averting a crisis.

You can call 1-877-927-8387 (WAR-VETS) 24 hours a day, toll free, to talk to another combat Veteran 

or spouse about your military experience, your transition home, or to get connected to a Vet Center.

How VA Mental Health Can Help

www.socialwork.va.gov

Social workers are an invaluable resource and vital team members. They may provide counseling, 

therapy, supportive services, and case management. If you have questions or problems, a social worker 

will be able to help you or can refer you to the right person for help.

Social workers provide a variety of services within the VA system and the community, including:

• Information linkage and referral

• Discharge planning

• Caregiver information, resources, and support

• Outreach to homeless Veterans

• Counseling and psychotherapy

• Intimate partner violence assistance and resources

• Case management

• Financial assistance referral

• Housing and community living options

• Assessment and treatment of substance abuse problems

• Advance directives, mental health preferences, and long-term planning

Other Programs and Resources

VA has specific programs in place to help Veterans with emotional wellness-related issues. 

Mobile Apps

VA also provides helpful resources at its online app store at mobile.va.gov/appstore. More than 40 

apps are available at the site including:

• Mindfulness Coach: mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach

• PTSD Coach: mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 93

Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)

www.veteranscrisisline.net

The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) connects you and your family to qualified, caring, and supportive VA 

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

circumstances. Counselors can be contacted to offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 

days a year:

• Call the confidential, toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

• Send a text message to 838255.

• Chat online by clicking the Chat Online link on the homepage.

The VCL is a key source of support for Veterans, Service members, and their families. VCL has many 

national resources to which it can refer you, regardless of enrollment status in VA health care. VCL’s 

main referral is to the Suicide Prevention Coordinator closest to where you live. Every day, more than 

400 VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators and their teams, located at every VA medical center, connect 

Veterans to care.

Make the Connection

www.maketheconnection.net

www.maketheconnection.net/stories/177

Difficult experiences can be harder to cope with when it feels like no one, not even family or friends, 

understands what you went through. Connecting with other Veterans and reaching out for support can 

help to overcome isolation and increase enjoyment of life.

The Make the Connection program (Figure 5-7) provides support for PTSD, preparing for deployment, 

and transitioning from the service. There are also resources for self-help strategies, and selfassessments including screening for depression, PTSD, and alcohol or substance abuse.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 94

Figure 5-7: Make the Connection Website
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 95

About Face

www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/

About Face (Figure 5-8) is a web-based public awareness campaign to help recognize PTSD and 

motivate Veterans to seek evidence-based care. It features personal stories of Veterans and is 

designed to improve mental health treatment engagement among those with PTSD. 

Figure 5-8: About Face Website

VA Substance Abuse Programs

www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/substance-abuse-screening

VA substance abuse programs are available to help those struggling with addiction. The My HealtheVet

portal has a screening tool that can help you determine if you need support. The tool is anonymous,

confidential, and gives you immediate results. You can also speak with your existing VA health care 

provider, contact the Transition and Care Management Program Manager at your local VA Medical 

Center, contact your local Vet Center, or call VA’s general information hotline if you have concerns 

about substance abuse.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 96

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

www.patientcare.va.gov/ipv/Intimate_Partner_Violence_IPV.asp

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of 

Americans. “Intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current 

or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples 

and does not require sexual intimacy. If you are concerned for your safety, you can talk to the Intimate 

Partner Violence Coordinator at your VA, or talk to any of your VA providers about IPV or any safety 

concerns.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 or chat at www.thehotline.org

The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program partners with the National Domestic Violence 

Hotline to offer additional outreach, resources, and safety planning for Veterans and their intimate 

partners. Hotline advocates are available to chat every day. 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

www.nami.org

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a community resource for family members of 

individuals affected by mental illness who may need support and education.

Coping with Traumatic Events

One of the most helpful coping strategies for people living with mental conditions is therapy or 

counseling. Whether it’s on an individual basis or in a group setting, VA makes these services available 

to you. VA also partners with Chaplain Services to provide faith-based counseling for mental health, 

grief and loss, and conflict resolution.

Military Sexual Trauma

www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp

Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or repeated, threatening 

sexual harassment that occurred while the Veteran was in the military. It includes any sexual activity in 

which someone is involved against his or her will. He or she may have been pressured into sexual 

activities (for example, with threats of negative consequences for refusing to be sexually cooperative 

or with implied faster promotions or better treatment in exchange for sex), may have been unable to 

consent to sexual activities (for example, when intoxicated), or may have been physically forced into 

sexual activities. Other experiences that fall into the category of MST include unwanted sexual 

touching or grabbing; threatening, offensive remarks about a person’s body or sexual activities; and 

threatening or unwelcome sexual advances.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 97

Both women and men can experience MST during their service. All Veterans seen at Veterans Health 

Administration facilities are asked about experiences of sexual trauma, because we know that any type 

of trauma can affect a person’s physical and mental health—even many years later. We also know that 

people can recover from trauma. VA has free services to help Veterans do this. You do not need to 

have a VA disability rating (be “service-connected”) to receive these services, and you may be able to 

receive services even if you are not eligible for other forms of VA health care.

Free MST-related care is available for both male and female Veterans at every VA health care facility 

and Vet Center. In addition, Veterans may apply for disability compensation from physical or 

psychological disabilities related to sexual or other trauma.

Eligibility for MST-related health care is independent of receipt of other VA benefits. There are no 

length-of-service or income requirements to receive MST-related care. Veterans do not need to have 

reported the incident(s) when they happened or have other documentation that they occurred.

For help with treatment and health care related to experiences of MST, please contact your local VA 

Medical Center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator, or use the link above.

For help with disability compensation related to MST, please contact the MST Coordinator at your local 

Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office, or use the link above.

You can find more information about MST in Appendix D.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

www.ptsd.va.gov

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after you have been through a traumatic event, but 

may not surface until months or years later. A traumatic event is something overwhelming and hard to 

cope with or move past that you see, that you hear about, or that happens to you, such as:

• Combat exposure

• Child sexual or physical abuse

• Terrorist attack

• Sexual or physical assault

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Natural disasters such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake

During a traumatic event, you may think your life or others’ lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or 

feel like you have no control over what is happening around you. Most people have some stressrelated reactions after a traumatic event, but not everyone gets PTSD. If your reactions don’t go away 

over time and they disrupt your life, you may have PTSD. 

For more information, visit the link provided above.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 98

Apply for and Access VA Health Care

VA Health Care Portal

www.va.gov/healthbenefits

VA’s main source in providing health care information is its health benefits website (Figure 5-9). From 

this site, you can get information on the health benefits and services available to you from VA, locate 

medical facilities, apply for health care, update your information in the VA health care system, and 

more.

Figure 5-9: VA Health Benefits Website
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 99

Eligibility for VA Health Care

The VA health care registration system is based on priority groups to ensure health care benefits are 

readily available to all registered Veterans (Table 5-1). More specific information about VA health care 

eligibility can be found in Appendix A.

Table 5-1: VA Health Care Priority Groups

Priority Group Who is Included

Priority Group 1 • Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 50% or more 

disabling

• Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to serviceconnected conditions

Priority Group 2 • Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 30% or 40% 

disabling

Priority Group 3 • Veterans who are Former Prisoners of War (POWs)

• Veterans awarded a Purple Heart medal

• Veterans whose discharge was for a disability that was incurred or 

aggravated in the line of duty

• Veterans with VA-rated service-connected disabilities 10% or 20% 

disabling

• Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., 

§ 1151, “benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational 

rehabilitation”

• Veterans awarded the Medal Of Honor (MOH)

Priority Group 4 • Veterans who are receiving aid and attendance or housebound 

allowance from VA

• Veterans who have been determined by VA to be catastrophically 

disabled

Priority Group 5 • Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable serviceconnected Veterans rated 0% disabled by VA with annual income below 

the VA’s and geographically (based on your resident zip code) adjusted 

income limits

• Veterans receiving VA pension benefits

• Veterans eligible for Medicaid programs

Priority Group 6 • Compensable 0% service-connected Veterans

• Veterans exposed to Ionizing Radiation during atmospheric testing or 

during the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 100

Priority Group Who is Included

• Project 112/SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense) participants

• Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 

and May 7, 1975

• Veterans of the Persian Gulf War who served between Aug. 2, 1990 and 

Nov. 11, 1998

• Veterans who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 

days between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987

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

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

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

the enhanced benefits for five years post discharge

Priority Group 7 • Veterans with gross household income below the geographicallyadjusted income limits (GMT) for their resident location and who agree 

to pay copays

Priority Group 8 • Veterans with gross household income above VA and geographicallyadjusted income limits for their resident location and who agree to pay 

copays

Make an Informed Decision

Part of making an informed decision about VA health care is knowing how to apply. Did you know that 

26% of Veterans say they don't know how to apply for VA health benefits?

While not everyone is eligible, we encourage you to apply for VA health care even before you separate. 

Why? Maybe you think you have a job lined up that will provide health insurance for you. But what if it 

falls through? And you should know that unlike private coverage, there are no monthly premiums. You 

may have to pay a copay, but that’s it. VA health care can help you meet all your medical needs – you 

don’t have to have a service-connected condition to be eligible.

TRICARE Eligibility for Retirees 

www.tricare.mil

It’s also important to understand TRICARE coverage requirements. To be eligible for continuous health 

care coverage as a retiree, you and your eligible family members must choose to enroll in either 

TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select before your effective date of retirement, or you will not have 

TRICARE coverage at all. You can submit a request to enroll in a qualifying retiree TRICARE plan up to 

90 days prior to your retirement date. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 101

To continue your TRICARE coverage, you must choose to enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select 

during the annual open season enrollment period, or when a qualifying life event occurs (like a birth of 

a child, marriage, PCS move, separation from active duty, or retirement).

If you fail to enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, you will only be eligible for space-available care 

coverage in a military hospital or clinic. Any other care delivered outside a military facility will not be 

covered. 

Note: TRICARE Select replaced TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Prime.

For more information, go to www.tricare.mil. 

Other Considerations

Information about how VA health care works with other types of coverage can help you make an 

informed decision (Table 5-2).

Table 5-2: Health Coverage Dependencies

If... Then...

You have a family, AND

You are retiring, and are 

eligible for TRICARE

You may be eligible for care at VA facilities.

You have a family, AND

You have the option to enroll 

in a job-based health plan

You can enroll in your job-based coverage AND use the VA health 

care system.

You have a family, AND

You are ineligible for 

TRICARE, AND

You do not have access to a 

job-based health plan

You may be eligible for subsidies on Affordable Care Act coverage 

through the Health Insurance Marketplace for you and your 

family. You cannot use a Marketplace plan at VA facilities.

Also, if you register for VA health care, you may lose your 

eligibility for subsidies on your Marketplace plan. 

You are single or have no 

family members to cover, 

AND

You are eligible for VA health 

care

VA will cover your health care at VA facilities. You won’t need any 

other form of health coverage.

If you aren’t ready to make a decision today, there are various resources, other than your Benefits 

Advisor, available to support you. You’re not on your own to find information about VA health care 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 102

benefits and the registration process. The Health Benefits Explorer can help, but we also have 

Concierge for Care (C4C), which helps you build a relationship with VA early on and make your 

transition from active duty health care to Veteran health care easier than ever before. Our goal is for 

you to have the information you need to make informed decisions about your post-separation health 

care options. Under C4C:

• A registration representative will contact you as you prepare for military separation to provide 

information regarding VA health care benefits and to answer any questions you may have. 

• Once you’ve transitioned, a representative will contact you by telephone to answer any 

additional questions you may have and, if you’re interested, assist you in applying for VA health 

care registration. 

• The representative also can help you make your first VA medical appointment.

The C4C program was designed to make your Veteran health care transition easier, but it only works if 

VA has your correct contact information. Because your military telephone number and email address 

don’t follow you after separation, it is important that you provide VA with your personal telephone 

number and email address. Updates to your contact information can be made through the eBenefits 

website at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Your information will not be shared with other businesses and VA 

makes every effort to ensure you are contacted only regarding your important VA benefits and 

services. 

And remember, another resource is your TCM team or VA health care liaison. If you have further 

questions about your health care options, you can call 1-877-222-8387 for assistance. 

Activity: VA Health Benefits Explorer 

http://hbexplorer.vacloud.us

The Health Benefits Explorer tool (Figure 5-10) can help you determine what health benefits you may 

be eligible for. This tool only takes a few minutes to complete and, while not an official eligibility 

determination, can give you an idea about your eligibility based on your service. 

Go ahead and take a few minutes now to complete the tool and see what results you get. If you’re at 

the Health Benefits home page, just click the Health Benefits Explorer link from the left-hand menu. 

Or, you can just go straight to http://hbexplorer.vacloud.us.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 103

Figure 5-10: VA Health Benefits Explorer

Activity: Apply for VA Health Care

Take time now to apply for VA health care benefits (Figure 5-11), or complete the application as much 

as possible. You can get to the application from the Health Benefits Explorer, or follow your facilitator 

to get there through eBenefits.

Be sure to sign in with your DS Logon before completing the application.

You can also find information about eligibility and how to apply for VA health care in Appendix A. And 

there are links to additional fact sheets available in Appendix D. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 104

Figure 5-11: Apply for VA Health Care Through eBenefits

To fill out this application, you’ll need your:

• CAC or DS Logon

• Social Security number

• Copy of your military discharge papers (DD Form 214 or other separation documents)

• Financial information, and your dependents’ financial information

• Most recent tax return

• Account numbers for any health insurance you currently have (such as Medicare, private 

insurance, or insurance from an employer)
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 105

To apply for VA health care benefits, follow the steps below. 

• Navigate to the eBenefits portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage), and log in using 

either your DS logon or CAC. 

• Select VA Health Benefits from the Apply menu on the left.

• On the Health Care Application Process page, scroll down to the Ready to apply? section and 

click the Apply for Health Care Benefits button.

• On the Apply for Health Care Benefits page, read through the steps to apply for VA health care 

benefits.

• Begin your application by clicking the Start the Health Care Application button, located at the 

beginning and end of the page.

• Complete the screens as follows. Note there is a Save and finish this application later link at 

the bottom of each screen. 

o Complete Section 1: Veteran Information. This section has five parts.

o Complete Section 2: Military Service Information. This section has two parts.

o Complete Section 3: VA Benefits Information. This section has one part.

o Complete Section 4: Household Information. This section has four parts.

o Complete Section 5: Insurance Information. This section has three parts.

o Complete Section 6: Review Application. Review each section by clicking the plus (+) 

sign to view the details for each. Make changes to information by clicking the Edit

button.

• Check the box that acknowledges you have read and accept the privacy policy.

• Click the Submit Application button to send your application for approval.

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 106

You can apply for VA health care in multiple ways (Figure 5-12).

Figure 5-12: Methods of Applying for VA Health Care

VA Health Care Facilities

https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

There are many VA health care facilities located across the U.S. that offer a wide range of services, such 

as basic or preventive care and traditional hospital-based services (for example, surgery, critical care, 

women’s health care, and emotional well-being programs). 

Use the VA locator tools to locate outpatient clinics, hospitals, and Vet centers near you.

• To access the VA locator tools, go to va.gov, select Hospitals & Clinics from the Locations menu 

to search for hospitals, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers.

• From there, select Facilities by State or Interactive US Map from the left-hand menu to view 

different facilities by state.

Types of Health Care Facilities

There are many types of VA health care facilities. 

• VA Medical Centers are located throughout the nation. They offer a wide range of services such 

as basic or preventive care and traditional hospital-based services, such as surgery, critical care, 

and emotional well-being programs.

• Community-based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) bring access to care closer to home and offer the 

most common outpatient services, including health and wellness visits.

• Residential Care Facilities, or domiciliary care facilities, provide residential treatment and 

rehabilitative services to eligible Veterans who have a wide range of concerns, illnesses, or 

rehabilitative care needs. These can include mental health disorders; substance use disorders;

post-traumatic stress disorder; homelessness; and vocational, educational, or social issues. 

• Community Living Centers for short- and long-term nursing home care are available for 

Veterans whose needs no longer require acute hospitalization. The focus is on restoring or 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 107

maintaining the highest degree of functional independence possible. Although some Veterans 

can receive indefinite Community Living Center services, others may qualify for a limited period. 

Among those who automatically qualify for indefinite community living care are Veterans 

whose service-connected conditions are clinically determined to require nursing home care and 

Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more and are unemployable.

A copay may be charged for Community Living Center care based on your VA service-connected 

disability status and financial information. Contact your VA social worker or case manager to 

complete VA Form 10-10EC―Application for Extended Care Benefits to determine the cost of 

your copay. This form can be found at www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-10EC-fill.pdf.

VA Care in the Community

www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/322

The Veteran Choice Program may allow VA to authorize a non-VA health care facility to provide 

necessary medical care services when such services are not feasibly available at a VA health care 

facility, or when it is determined that such services can be obtained outside the VA more economically 

or more appropriately due to geographic inaccessibility.

VA community care must be authorized by VA in advance, unless the medical event is an emergency. 

Emergency events may be reimbursed on behalf of the Veteran in certain cases. 

To participate, you must be registered for the VA health care system (or qualify based on one of the 

exceptions in the law) and have a character of discharge or service under conditions other than 

dishonorable. However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of 

dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.

To inquire about authorized hospital care and medical services in non-VA health care facilities, contact 

your nearest VA health care facility or call 1-877-222-8387.

Family Support

Fisher House Program

www.socialwork.va.gov/fisher.asp

The Fisher House Program is another example of how VA links you to your community’s resources. 

Fisher House has a network of comfortable homes where Service members’ and Veterans’ families can 

stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. Fisher House is “a home away from home” for 

families and caregivers of Veterans and Active Duty Military receiving treatment at major military and 

VA medical facilities. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. 

If you’re interested in Fisher House locations, go to the link above and select Fisher House Locations 

from the left-hand menu. From there, you can view the locations of Fisher Houses in each state. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 108

Knowing where Fisher Houses are located may help you determine where you and your family may be 

able to stay while you are receiving care from VA. 

Family Caregiver Support Program

www.caregiver.va.gov/Care_Caregivers.asp

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides support and assistance to caregivers of post-9/11 

Veterans being medically discharged. Eligible primary family caregivers can receive a stipend, training, 

mental health services, travel and lodging reimbursement, and access to health insurance if they are 

not already under a health care plan. 

The Caregiver Support website is designed to provide you with a wealth of information, tools, and 

resources on family caregiving. The program also offers services to help you succeed, including:

• Education resources, like self-care activities and tips on staying organized 

• Medication logs

• Crisis Symptom Reporting Guide

• Self-Care Assessment

• Daily Attention Diary

• VHA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program

VA also provides financial support for Service members and Veterans recovering from severe injuries 

through the TSGLI program. Some Service members and Veterans are eligible for both TSGLI and the 

Family Caregiver Support Program. 

More information can be obtained from a Caregiver Support Coordinator at the nearest VA health care 

facility or by calling 1-855-260-3274. 

My HealtheVet

www.myhealth.va.gov

My HealtheVet (Figure 5-13) is VA’s award-winning e-health website that offers Veterans, active duty 

Service members, dependents, and caregivers access to VA health care information and services. It is a 

free online Personal Health Record that empowers Veterans to become informed partners in their 

health care. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 109

Figure 5-13: My HealtheVet Website

VA also has a mobile app to help maintain your health. Find the My VA Health app at 

mobile.va.gov/app/my-va-health.

Levels of Access

My HealtheVet offers three account types: Basic, Advanced, and Premium.

Basic Account: Anyone who registers on My HealtheVet starts with a basic account. A basic account 

limits your access to features requiring you to enter personal data, such as journals and other tools to 

track your health measures. 

Advanced Account: This account is for those who register as Veterans and/or VA Patients. It provides a 

higher level of access to features offered in My HealtheVet, and you can view some information in your 

VA and/or DoD records. With this type of account, you can refill and track your prescriptions, and view 

your allergies and their adverse reactions.

Premium Account: This account is only for Veterans and/or VA Patients and gives users the highest 

level of access to My HealtheVet features. In addition to the features of advanced level access, you also 

get access to things like admissions and discharge summaries, past and future appointments, lab 

results and medication history, secure messaging with your health care team, and more. You must first 

have a basic account before you are eligible for a premium account.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 110

There is no cost to upgrade to an advanced or a premium account, but you must meet the 

requirements and complete the necessary documents.

Activity: Register for a My HealtheVet Account

Take a few moments now to register for a My HealtheVet basic account. You can find steps and 

screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.

Navigate to www.myhealth.va.gov and click the Register button. Complete the required fields, then 

click the Create Your Account button.

After you have registered for a My HealtheVet account as a Veteran or a VA Patient, your profile is 

linked to VA/DoD records and you are automatically upgraded to the advanced level. An advanced 

account entitles you to additional features such as: 

• VA Prescription Refill

• VA Prescription Tracker

• VA Allergies

As an advanced account member, you are eligible for, and may want to upgrade to a premium account. 

A premium account gives you access to the features of a basic and an advanced account with the 

addition of the following: 

• VA Health Summary

• Secure messaging

• VA appointments

• DoD military service information

Once you have been upgraded to an advanced account, the Authorize VA to Release Electronic Copies 

of Your VA Record page appears in your account, and you have the option to upgrade to a premium 

account. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 111

To upgrade to a premium account, you will need to complete a VA Release of Information Form (10-

5345a-MHV) using one of the following options. 

• Select the By Mail radio button to download a PDF version of the VA Release of Information 

Form.

• Call a local VA health care facility to have the VA Release of Information Form mailed to you.

Once you have received the form and completed the information, you may mail it to a local VA health 

care facility, Attention: Release of Information Office, or you may bring the form with you on your next 

visit to the local VA health care facility. If you are delivering the form in person, make sure to bring a 

government-issued photo ID (Veteran’s Identification Card or valid driver’s license) to prove your 

identity. 

For more information, navigate to www.myhealth.va.gov.

eBenefits

www.ebenefits.va.gov

Remember to use eBenefits to keep you and your health care team up to date. One way to do this is to 

share your VA health care records by signing up for Connect Your Docs. This service allows you to 

securely share your electronic health records with your participating community doctors, nurses, 

pharmacists and other health care providers—when they are needed—for your routine office visits and 

medical emergencies. 

Benefits of this service include: 

• Fewer repeated tests

• Improved health care safety

• Improved quality of care

• Privacy protection using advanced security

To register for this service, you must be an eBenefits Premium account holder. Follow the steps below: 

1. Select Health Care from the Manage menu.

2. Select Health Records Sharing from the Health Records section.

3. Select the Login to Manage My Authorizations and Preferences button (Figure 5-14).

4. Sign the form using your DS Logon credentials.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 112

Figure 5-14: Enabling Connect Your Docs Access
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 113

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan

Think back to your personal goals that relate to this part of your transition journey. What new 

information have you learned about VA benefits, services, and tools that can help you maintain your 

health? List your relevant goals below and work in Table 5-3 to update your action plan. Cross through 

the things that don’t apply to you, or use the blank spaces at the bottom to add more items to your

list.

Related Personal Goals

Table 5-3: Module 5 Personal Action Plan

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Submit my application for VA health care As soon as possible

 Establish my overall health and weight goals As soon as possible

 Complete the Personal Health Inventory

Before my first postseparation health care 

appointment

 Register for a My HealtheVet account

Basic account: As soon as 

possible 

Premium account: After my 

separation

 Make an appointment to connect with my VA health care 

team

After I am registered for VA 

health care

 Seek any needed dental treatment I am eligible for When dental care is needed, if 

eligible

 Apply for VA Dental Insurance After separation

 Apply for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic 

Injury Protection (TSGLI) (If applicable)

As soon as possible, if I did not 

apply while in service
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 114

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Connect my primary family caregiver to the Family Caregiver 

Support Program (If applicable) As soon as possible

 Learn more about Fisher House services available for my 

family At my earliest convenience

 Find and connect to my local Vet Center Before I leave this briefing

 Sign up for Connect Your Docs At my earliest convenience










Participant Guide – Version 1.1 115

Module 6: Connecting with Your Community

In this course, you’ve learned about several benefits, tools, and resources available to you as you 

transition to civilian life. As you know, all resources are listed in this guide, but you may be wondering 

what ongoing support is available to you after transition and after taking care of your living situation, 

career, and health. 

At this final step in your journey (Figure 6-1), you might be asking:

Where will my support come from?

Figure 6-1: Your Transition Journey

VA can help you identify and connect with resources that:

• Address your social and emotional health

• Establish social and community connections

Connecting with Your Community

At this point you might be asking yourself, how will I stay connected in my community? So, let’s recap 

how VA can support you and your family, caregivers, and survivors using resources we pointed out 

during this course (Table 6-1). 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 116

Online Resources

Table 6-1: Module 5 Personal Action Plan

Resource Description

va.gov

www.va.gov

• Get information about VA

• Learn about VA benefits and eligibility

• Locate VA facilities

• Connect with emotional health resources

• Access GI Bill Feedback Tool

ExploreVA

explore.va.gov

• Explore VA benefits

• View details about benefit eligibility

• See testimonials and informational videos

• Get information for families & survivors

• Link to other resources

My HealtheVet

www.myhealth.va.gov

• Refill and track prescriptions

• Manage medication allergy information

• Manage medical appointments

• Communicate with health care team

• Access electronic health records

eBenefits

www.ebenefits.va.gov

• Learn about and apply for benefits

• Check status of applications

• Print letters and other documents

• Update personal information

• Sign up for Connect Your Docs

• Find a VSO
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 117

Activity: Update Your Personal Information in eBenefits

Knowing how important it is to keep your personal information updated in eBenefits, we’ll look at how 

you update information in eBenefits (Figure 6-2).

Figure 6-2: eBenefits Home Page

Log in to eBenefits: www.ebenefits.va.gov.

You need Premium access to log in. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to refer to the My 

HealtheVet section of this Participant Guide for detailed information on how you can upgrade your 

account to Premium access. By beginning the upgrade process now, you won’t have to worry about 

that later. Although you don’t need to update personal information now, it’s good to know how easy it 

is to do it.

Look at the home page to see where you might go to update your personal information. Under the 

Manage Benefits section, select the Personal Contact and Direct Deposit link. 

One thing that is critical for you to do is change your email address from your .mil address when you 

separate, since you won’t have access to that email address anymore. When you turn in your CAC ID, 

make sure to come back to eBenefits and update your email address to one you check regularly.

You can find steps and screenshots for this activity in Appendix C.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 118

Face-to-Face Resources for Ongoing Support

You’ve got important online resources that can help you throughout all the phases of your transition. 

But you’re not on your own—you’ve also got face-to-face support as well. You can reach out to your 

VA Benefits I and II facilitator, your local Benefits Advisor, or one of the many other organizations 

available in your community to help with benefits or offer other support.

• VSOs can not only help you file your disability compensation claim, but they also help with 

survivor benefits, pension, health care, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, 

home loans, life insurance, and burial benefits. There are many VSOs across the country that 

can help you fill out VA forms, tell you about VA benefits, and provide other forms of 

assistance. 

• Veteran Peer Groups like SVA, Team RWB, Team Rubicon, and The Mission Continues can help 

you reintegrate into civilian life and find ways to continue serving your community.

There may be representatives from organizations like these in your classroom today. Your facilitator 

will provide an opportunity to greet them after class.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 119

Activity Worksheet: Update Your Personal Action Plan

Think back to your personal goals that relate to this part of your transition journey. What new 

information have you learned about VA benefits, services, and tools that can help you connect with 

your community? List your relevant goals below and work in Table 6-2 to update your action plan. 

Cross through the things that don’t apply to you, or use the blank spaces at the bottom to add more 

items to your list.

Related Personal Goals

Table 6-2: Module 6 Personal Action Plan

Action to Take Deadline or Timeframe

 Ensure I have a DS Logon and access to eBenefits As soon as possible

 Make sure my contact information stays up to date in 

eBenefits On an ongoing basis

 Set up a one-on-one session with my Benefits Advisor As soon as possible

 Find and connect to VSOs and other face-to-face support 

resources in my community

Before I leave this briefing










Participant Guide – Version 1.1 120

Appendix A: Glossary of VA Benefits and Services

EDUCATION................................................................................................................................. 122

Education and Career Counseling........................................................................................... 122

Post-9/11 GI Bill ...................................................................................................................... 123

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)........................................................................ 126

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)................................................................ 127

Career Technical Training Track (CTTT) .................................................................................. 128

Accessing Higher Education (AHE) Track ................................................................................ 129

EMPLOYMENT............................................................................................................................. 130

Veterans’ Preference .............................................................................................................. 130

Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) ......................................................................... 130

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) .............................................................. 131

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) ............................................................................................... 133

Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW) ....................................................... 133

SBA Introduction to Entrepreneurship Workshop.................................................................. 134

Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) ......................................................................... 134

SkillBridge................................................................................................................................ 135

LinkedIn Subscription.............................................................................................................. 136

HOUSING..................................................................................................................................... 137

Home Loan Guaranty .............................................................................................................. 137

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant ................................................................................. 138

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant................................................................................ 139

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant ...................................................................... 140

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Program ......................................... 140

Homeless Services................................................................................................................... 142

LIFE INSURANCE.......................................................................................................................... 143

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) ....................................................................... 143

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) .......................................................... 144
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 121

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)........................ 145

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).................................................................................... 146

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Disability Extension (SGLI-DE) ................................. 147

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) ......................................................................... 148

Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI).............................................................................. 149

DISABILITY COMPENSATION....................................................................................................... 151

Disability Compensation ......................................................................................................... 151

Clothing Allowance ................................................................................................................. 154

Automobile and Adaptive Equipment .................................................................................... 155

Service Dog.............................................................................................................................. 156

Veterans Pension .................................................................................................................... 157

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)...................................................................... 158

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) ................................................................. 159

HEALTH........................................................................................................................................ 161

VA Health Care........................................................................................................................ 161

VA Dental Care........................................................................................................................ 162

Foreign Medical Program (FMP)............................................................................................. 165

Fisher House............................................................................................................................ 166

Family Caregiver Support Program......................................................................................... 166

Vet Centers ............................................................................................................................. 167

BURIAL BENEFITS ........................................................................................................................ 168

Burial Benefits (VA Cemetery) ................................................................................................ 168

Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC)................................................................................ 170

SURVIVORS’ BENEFITS................................................................................................................. 171

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) .............................. 171

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA).................................................... 172

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) .................................................................. 173

Survivors’ Pension................................................................................................................... 174
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 122

EDUCATION

Education and Career Counseling

www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/edu_voc_counseling.asp

Description

VA’s Education and Career Counseling (or Chapter 36) benefit is a program for Service members 

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

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

career goals. Services range from personalized benefits coaching to one-on-one career 

counseling. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

These counseling services are available for:

• Transitioning Service members, up to six months prior to discharge from active duty,

• Veterans, within one year following discharge from active duty,

• Any Service member or Veteran currently eligible for a VA education benefit, AND

• All current VA education beneficiaries.

Apply/Access

To connect with a VA counselor and receive this personalized assistance, you can apply in one 

of the following ways:

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling, or write a letter requesting 

services. Mail the application or drop it off in person at your nearest VA Regional Office

(Attn: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment). The application can be found on 

www.va.gov.

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

After VA receives your application or letter, VA will contact you to schedule a time to meet with 

a counselor.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 123

Post-9/11 GI Bill

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp

Description

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (or Chapter 33) benefit is an education benefit program for individuals 

who served on active duty and received an honorable discharge. Benefits may be used for 

college; business, technical, or vocational school; degree or certificate programs; 

apprenticeship and on-the-job training; and correspondence courses. Remedial, refresher, and 

deficiency training are available under certain circumstances.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

To be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Service members or Veterans must meet the following 

requirements:

• The individual must have served honorably for at least 90 aggregate (total) days on 

active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, or have been honorably discharged from active duty for 

a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001.

• To receive 100% of the benefit, the individual must have served an aggregate of 36 

months of active duty service or have been discharged for a service-connected disability 

after 30 days of continuous service.

• For those who served fewer than 36 months, the percentage of benefit ranges from 40 

to 90%:

o 90% — 30 total months*

o 80% — 24 total months*

o 70% — 18 total months**

o 60% — 12 total months**

o 50% — 6 total months**

o 40%— 5 total months**

*Including entry-level training and skill training 

**Excluding entry-level training and skill training
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 124

Title 32

Effective Oct. 1, 2011, VA began paying benefits to members of the Army National Guard and 

Air National Guard based on qualifying service under Title 32. Payments may be made 

retroactively for enrollment(s) at an approved educational institution for attendance on or after 

Aug. 1, 2009. The following service may qualify:

• Full-time service in the National Guard for the purpose of organizing, administering, 

recruiting, instructing, or training

• Activations in support of a national emergency under Section 502(f) of Title 32

If individuals affected by these changes were previously using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, they will be 

paid for any additional benefits they would have been entitled to because of a higher benefit 

level.

Apply/Access

To apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits: 

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. Mail the application 

or drop it off in person at your nearest VA Regional Office. The application can be found 

on www.va.gov.

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Tuition and Fees

Eligible active duty Service members, Veterans, and transferees can receive compensation for 

full tuition and fees at public, in-state schools. These benefits are paid directly to the school by 

VA on the student’s behalf.

For those attending private or foreign schools, compensation for tuition and fees is capped at 

the national maximum rate. Information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill rates for each year can be 

found at:

www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefits_resources/rates/ch33/ch33rates080117.asp. 

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay you:

• All resident tuition and fees for a public school

• The lower of the actual tuition and fees or the national maximum per academic year for 

a private school
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 125

Your actual tuition and fees costs may exceed these amounts if you are attending a private 

school or are attending a public school as a nonresident student.

Degree-granting institutions of higher learning participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow 

Ribbon Program agree to make additional funds available for your education program without 

an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement. These institutions voluntarily enter into a 

Yellow Ribbon Agreement with VA and choose the amount of tuition and fees that will be 

contributed. VA matches that amount and issues payments directly to the institution.

Only Veterans entitled to the 100% benefit rate (based on service requirements) or their 

designated transferees may receive this funding. Active duty Service members and their 

spouses are not eligible for this program. Child transferees of active duty Service members may 

be eligible if the Service member is qualified at the 100% rate.

A list of institutions that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program can be found online at 

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp under “How Will I Know if My School is 

Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program?”

Books and Supplies Stipend

This payment is issued directly to the student when the school certifies and VA processes the 

enrollment. The benefit is prorated based on length of service and number of credits/hours 

pursued. This benefit is also available if you are enrolled in a non-college degree, an 

apprenticeship, or an on-the-job training program.

Monthly Housing Allowance

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

percentage of the monthly housing allowance equal to the military Basic Allowance for Housing 

(BAH) payable to an E-5 with dependents for the ZIP code of the primary location of the school. 

This is paid directly to the student. The housing allowance is not payable to individuals on active 

duty, their spouses, or to those pursuing training at half time or less. Distance learners receive 

half the BAH national average.

Transfer of Entitlement

The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows Service members to transfer all or 

some unused benefits to their eligible spouse or dependent children. Benefits must be 

transferred while you are still a member of the armed forces (including Selected Reserve). The 

DoD or the Department of Homeland Security (depending on your branch of service) 

determines whether you can transfer benefits to your family. 

Each service has its own rules about a Service member’s eligibility for this program. This is a 

DoD retention tool and you may incur additional service obligation. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 126

If you choose to transfer at least one month to your eligible dependents before leaving military 

service, the dependent may be eligible to receive additional months of entitlement. 

To apply for benefits under this program, eligible dependents must complete and submit VA 

Form 22-1990e, Application of a Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits, online at 

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_transfer.asp. 

Tutorial Assistance

Tutorial assistance is available for students who are receiving VA educational assistance 

through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), or Survivors’ and Dependents’ 

Educational Assistance at the half-time or higher rate, and have a deficiency in a subject that 

makes tutoring necessary. To apply, complete VA Form 22-1990t, Application for Individualized 

Tutorial Assistance. The school certifying official and the tutor must sign the form.

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD) 

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_ad.asp

Description

The MGIB-AD (or Chapter 30) benefit provides up to 36 months of educational benefits for 

college; business, technical, or vocational school; degree or certificate programs; 

apprenticeship and on-the-job training; and correspondence courses. In special circumstances, 

some remedial and refresher courses and flight training may be approved. Veterans have 10 

years from their last date of discharge from active duty to use MGIB-AD. Payments are made 

directly to the student.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

You may be eligible if you have an honorable discharge and you have a high school diploma or 

General Education Development (GED) (or in some cases 12 hours of college credit).

Apply/Access

To apply for MGIB-AD education benefits: 

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. Mail the application 

or drop it off in person at your nearest VA Regional Office. The application can be found 

on www.va.gov.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 127

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp

Description

The MGIB-SR (or Chapter 1606) benefit provides education and training benefits to eligible 

members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force 

Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, and Air National 

Guard. This education assistance program may be used for degree programs, certificate or 

correspondence courses, cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship 

and on-the-job training, and vocational flight training programs. Remedial, refresher, and 

deficiency training are available under certain circumstances. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components, and VA makes 

the payments. Eligibility ends on the day of separation from the Selected Reserve, unless you 

were mobilized.

To be eligible for this benefit you must meet the following requirements: 

• Have a 6-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after Jun. 30, 1985. If 

you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original 

obligation.

• Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT).

• Receive a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate before completing IADT.

• Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit. You will also 

retain MGIB-SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a 

disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if 

you are ordered to active duty.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 128

Apply/Access

To apply for MGIB-SR education benefits:

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. Mail the application 

or drop it off in person at your nearest VA Regional Office. The application can be found 

on www.va.gov.

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Irrevocable Election

If you are eligible for MGIB-SR or MGIB-AD, you must elect to give up eligibility under the 

program for which you are eligible to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This is an 

irrevocable election. Having multiple periods of service may result in a potential entitlement of 

an additional 12 months. However, you may not receive more than a total of 48 months of 

education benefits under two or more programs.

Career Technical Training Track (CTTT)

Description

The Career Technical Training Track (CTTT) workshop offers a unique opportunity to identify 

skills, increase awareness of training and credentialing programs, and develop an action plan to 

achieve career goals. Service members and spouses who attend the two-day Department of 

Labor CTTT workshop will complete a personalized career development assessment of 

occupational interest and ability. This industry-standard assessment will present workshop 

participants with a variety of tailored job recommendations aligned with their interests and 

aptitudes, some of which are classified as “high demand” or “high growth” occupations. 

Participants will learn to use self-sustaining tools to narrow their career focus by establishing 

achievable career goals and development strategies. Workshop facilitators will guide 

participants through a variety of career considerations, including labor market projections, 

education, apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure requirements.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 129

Apply/Access

Contact the local Transition Assistance Program office to register for the class.

Accessing Higher Education (AHE) Track

https://www.dodtap.mil/tracks.html

Description

The Accessing Higher Education (AHE) track is a Veteran’s first step toward selecting the right 

school. This track focuses on topics like how to achieve academic success, how to research and 

compare institutions, and how to finance higher education. The track will lead the Veteran 

through the steps and provide a wealth of resources to help them become an informed 

education consumer and maximize the return on their GI Bill.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Apply/Access

Contact the local Transition Assistance Program office to register for the class.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 130

EMPLOYMENT

Veterans’ Preference

Description

Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain 

specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others in hiring 

for virtually all federal government jobs. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

 

To be eligible for this benefit you must meet the following requirements: 

• A Veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. Armed 

Forces under honorable conditions (honorable or general discharge).

• Retired members of the armed forces are not included unless they are disabled 

Veterans or retired below the grade of O-4.

• A five-point preference is available for nondisabled Veterans who meet specific service 

criteria. 

• A 10-point preference is available for service-connected disabled Veterans or those who 

received a Purple Heart.

Preference is also offered to certain widows and widowers of Veterans who died in service, 

spouses of service-connected disabled Veterans, and mothers of Veterans who died under 

honorable conditions on active duty or have permanent and total service-connected disabilities.

Apply/Access

You may obtain a Veterans’ preference letter from eBenefits.

Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO)

www.vaforvets.va.gov
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 131

Description

VESO leads VA’s efforts to recruit qualified Veterans to join VA’s workforce. At VA, Veterans will 

find a place where they can continue to serve, supported by programs including VA for Vets, 

Feds for Vets, Recruitment and Career Readiness Support, Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action 

Program (DVAAP), and Honor Resources Support. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

  

Apply/Access

Explore resources and information available at www.vaforvets.va.gov. 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp

Description

Veterans may receive VR&E (or Chapter 31) services to help with job training, employment 

accommodations, résumé development, and job seeking skills. Other services may be provided 

to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who 

are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

Active duty Service members are entitled if they:

• Expect to receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge upon separation 

from active duty, and

• Obtain a VA memorandum rating (VA Form 28-0588 – Notice to VA Veterans Service 

Center) of 20% or more.

OR (until Sept. 2018) if they:

• Are participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) or are certified 

by the military as having a severe injury or illness that may prevent them from 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 132

performing their military duties (Service members who are participating in IDES are 

presumed entitled), and

• Report for an evaluation with a VR&E counselor before separating for active duty.

Veterans are entitled if they:

• Have received, or will receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge, and

• Have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% with a serious employment 

handicap or 20% or more with an employment handicap.

The basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from the date of notification of one of the following:

• Date of separation from active military service

• Date the Veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating

The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) 

determines that a Veteran has a serious employment handicap.

Apply/Access

To apply for VR&E benefits: 

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational 

Rehabilitation. Mail the application or drop it off in person at your nearest VA Regional 

Office (Attn: Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment). The application can be found on 

www.va.gov.

o If you are Active Duty, you need to attach VA Form 28-0588 – Notice to VA 

Veterans Service Center. This form is not available online. 

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Service members who have a disability that began or became worse during active duty, and 

who have not yet received a service-connected disability rating, do not need to wait to apply. 

See VA Form 28-0588 for further instructions.

If it is determined that you are eligible, you will be invited to attend an orientation session, inperson, at the nearest VA Regional Office.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 133

VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC)

www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/vsoc.asp

Description

VA is developing innovative ways to help Veterans make the transition to college life. The VSOC 

program aims to help Veterans, Service members, and their qualified dependents succeed and 

thrive through a coordinated delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling, leading 

to completion of their education and preparing them to enter the labor market in viable 

careers. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Services may be accessed by:

• Service members and Veterans eligible for any of VA’s educational programs, including 

the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill

• Service members and Veterans attending training through VA’s VR&E program

• Eligible dependents of Veterans who are in receipt of VA education benefits, including

spouses attending school through the Post-9/11 GI Bill and eligible children

Apply/Access

To apply for VSOC counseling, access the website to find your local resources. 

Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW)

Description

The DOLEW provides the skills and knowledge Service members need to attain their post-active 

duty transition goals. Service members will need additional assistance and services to select a 

career objective, write a résumé, find a job opportunity, apply for a job, and prepare for an 

interview. They can schedule these additional services and complete them over a number of 

weeks and months and around mission requirements by using a variety of resources. In 

addition to this regular menu of additional services, many centers schedule special events. 

These can be attended in-person or online, and military spouses are also eligible to attend.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 134

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Apply/Access

See your TAP Manager.

SBA Introduction to Entrepreneurship Workshop

Description

An additional track within TAP, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers Boots to 

Business, a training program for transitioning Service members interested in owning their own 

businesses. Boots to Business includes an Introduction to Entrepreneurship workshop, followed 

by opportunities to enroll in additional entrepreneurship development courses, which assist 

transitioning Service members in navigating the business start-up process. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Apply/Access

See your TAP Manager.

Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL)

Branch COOL Website

Air Force afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL

Army www.cool.army.mil

Marine Corps www.cool.navy.mil/usmc

Navy www.cool.navy.mil/usn
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 135

Description

The Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy have COOL programs. Using these tools, 

individuals can find information related to their military occupation, training, and career 

progression goals and investigate equivalent civilian jobs, professional certifications, and 

professional organizations, along with certification funding opportunities.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

Apply/Access

Contact your branch of service to learn more.

SkillBridge

www.dodskillbridge.com

Description

The DoD SkillBridge initiative promotes the civilian job training authority available for 

transitioning Service members. Those meeting specific qualifications can participate in civilian 

job and employment training, including apprenticeships and internships. This training can take 

place starting up to six months prior to a Service member’s separation. In addition, the training 

must offer a high probability of employment and be provided to the Service member at little or 

no cost. Tremendous potential exists for Service members, companies, trade unions, and others 

to leverage this DoD authority.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

  

The requirements for the program state that the Service member must be within 180 days of 

being discharged, and have served 180 days of continuous active duty. 

Apply/Access

Contact your branch of service to learn more.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 136

LinkedIn Subscription

www.linkedinforgood.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/premiumform

Description

LinkedIn offers Service members and Veterans a free one-year Premium Career subscription, 

including one year of access to LinkedIn Learning. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

Apply/Access

To apply for this offer:

1. You must not currently have a Premium subscription. If you are paying for Premium 

now, or are currently on a 30-day free trial, you must cancel your subscription (via 

LinkedIn or iOS) and let it lapse before you apply for this offer.

2. You must properly identify your military service on your profile. When selecting 

Company in the experience section of your profile, please select the proper military 

branch as opposed to listing your unit (for example, US Army, not 2nd Infantry Division).

3. Once upgraded, you will see “Premium” in the upper-left corner of your homepage. You 

may not receive an email confirming the upgrade. Please allow 7-10 days to upgrade 

your account.

4. To learn more about how to make the most of this offer, follow the LinkedIn blog for 

tips and information about new features.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 137

HOUSING

Home Loan Guaranty

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans

Description

VA provides a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs to help obtain, 

retain, or adapt a home for personal occupancy.

VA-guaranteed loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, 

and not by VA directly. Through the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program, VA guarantees a portion 

of the loan against loss and helps lenders provide Veterans with more favorable financing 

terms.

Eligibility 

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

You must have satisfactory credit, sufficient income, and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to 

be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan. The home must be for your own personal 

occupancy. The eligibility requirements to obtain a COE for Service members and Veterans, 

spouses, and other eligible beneficiaries are listed at: 

www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/purchaseco_eligibility.asp

Apply/Access

To obtain a home loan using the VA Home Loan Guaranty, you will need to obtain a COE. 

1. Obtain a COE from eBenefits, or have your lender apply for it via WebLGY (a system 

specific to lenders). 

2. Complete the loan application with your lender and ensure they have your COE. 

3. Follow the guidance of your lender for loan closing instructions. You may have to pay a 

funding fee at closing. 

Remember, the Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) program provides mortgage life 

insurance to severely disabled Service members and Veterans designed to pay off the home 

mortgages of disabled Service members and Veterans upon death. For more information, refer 

to www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/pdfs/VMLI.pdf.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 138

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

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

Description

SAH Grants provide financial resources to Veterans for home modifications to make their place 

of residence accessible. This grant can be used to build a specially-adapted home or to remodel 

a current home. However, unlike the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) 

Grant, this assistance is available only to Veterans with service-connected disabilities that 

include the loss, or loss of function, in at least one of their legs; the loss, or loss of function, of 

both arms; or in certain conditions, severe burns.

As this grant is for service-related disabilities only, most elderly Veterans are not eligible. 

However, there is no time limit to apply for this grant. Therefore, some individuals may be 

eligible if they have a disability related to their military service that has become progressively 

worse with age and eventually has required them to use a wheelchair.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Seriously injured and very seriously injured Service members or Veterans are eligible, and the 

determination is based on disability rating. Specifically, this grant is offered to Service members 

or Veterans who have one of the following:

• Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, OR

• Loss or loss of use of both upper extremities at or above the elbow, OR

• Blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower 

extremity, OR

• Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (a) lasting effects of organic 

disease or injury or (b) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity that so affects the 

functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the use of braces, 

canes, or a wheelchair, OR

• Severe burn injuries

The grant may be used a maximum of three times, up to the maximum allowable dollar 

amount. There is no deadline or time limit to use the SAH grant.

Eligibility determinations are made by raters at the Veterans Service Center based on a 

Veteran’s service-connected disabilities.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 139

It must be medically feasible for you to reside in the home. The property must be suitable for 

adaptation and must meet (or be adapted to meet) applicable minimum property 

requirements. It must be financially feasible for you to acquire and maintain the property. You 

and/or your family member will have to satisfy ownership requirements.

Apply/Access

To apply for an SAH grant: 

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or 

Special Home Adaptation Grant. Mail the application or drop it off in person at your 

nearest VA Regional Office. The application can be found on www.va.gov.

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

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

Description

SHA Grants are provided to Veterans with service-connected disabilities to make home 

modifications necessary to allow them to continue to live independently despite blindness, the 

loss of use of their hands resulting from an injury sustained during their military service, some 

injuries resulting from serious burns, or some serious respiratory injuries. This grant can also be 

used to help an eligible person buy an existing home that has already been modified.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Service members or Veterans are eligible for compensation for permanent and total serviceconnected disabilities due to:

• Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less, OR

• The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands, OR

• Severe burn injuries, OR

• Severe respiratory injuries

There is no end date to apply. Current law authorizes up to three uses of grant benefits, up to 

the maximum allowable dollar amount.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 140

It must be medically feasible for you to reside in the home. The property must be suitable for 

adaptation and must meet (or be adapted to meet) applicable minimum property 

requirements. It must be financially feasible for you to acquire and maintain the property. You 

and/or your family member will have to satisfy ownership requirements.

Apply/Access

To apply for an SHA grant: 

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or 

Special Home Adaptation Grant. Mail the application or drop it off in person at your 

nearest VA Regional Office. The application can be found on www.va.gov.

• Call VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

Description

TRA Grants are for eligible Veterans and Service members who are temporarily residing in a 

home owned by a family member that needs modifications to accommodate the Veteran’s or 

Service member’s needs.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Apply/Access

Apply for a TRA grant as part of your SHA or SAH grant process. 

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) 

Program

www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 141

Description

HISA Grants offer financial resources to disabled Veterans to make medically necessary 

modifications to their homes to improve access and mobility and, in particular, to facilitate use 

of the lavatory facilities. For instance, this grant may cover the addition of handrails, ramps, 

electrical outlets for installation of medical equipment, roll in showers, and widening of 

doorways. The Veteran’s disability does not have to be related to their military service. 

However, those whose disability is service-connected are eligible for a higher grant amount.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Veterans who receive qualifying medical services or have a qualifying disability are eligible for a 

HISA grant.

Apply/Access

To receive a HISA grant, the Veteran must first have a prescription from a VA or fee-based 

physician.

This must include:

• Specific items required,

• Diagnosis with medical justification, AND

• Veteran’s name, address, Social Security number (SSN), and phone number(s).

The Veteran must also provide the following:

• Completed VA Form 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home 

Improvement and Structural Alterations, submitted to the Prosthetic and Sensory Aid 

Service at the local VA Medical Center

• Written permission from the owner if it is a leased or rented property

• Quotes from at least three licensed contractors (if required by state law), to include: 

contractor’s name, address, phone number, and federal tax ID number or SSN

• Veteran’s name, address, and phone number

• Plans and drawings

• Itemized list of estimated materials cost and labor cost

• All permits required (it is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain these)

• A picture of the worksite prior to construction
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 142

Homeless Services

www.va.gov/homeless

Description

VA’s specialized programs for homeless Veterans serve hundreds of thousands of homeless and 

at-risk Veterans each year. Independently and in collaboration with federal and community 

partners, VA programs provide Veterans with housing solutions, employment opportunities, 

health care, justice- and reentry-related services, and more. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Eligibility for assistance with health care, housing, mental health, and employment may vary. 

Apply/Access

• Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call or visit 

their local VA Medical Center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA 

staff members are ready to help.

• Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access VA 

services.

• Explore www.va.gov/homeless to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are 

homeless and share that information with others.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 143

LIFE INSURANCE 

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp

Description

SGLI is low-cost group term insurance for members of the uniformed services. SGLI is a group 

life insurance policy purchased by VA from a commercial life insurance company.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

  

Service members are eligible for SGLI coverage if they are:

• Serving on active duty, OR

• Members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard and are scheduled to perform at least 

12 periods of inactive training per year, OR

• Commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the 

Public Health Service, OR

• Cadets or midshipmen of the four service academies, OR

• Members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (part-time coverage)

Part-time coverage is available for eligible members of the Reserves and National Guard who do 

not qualify for full-time coverage 

Apply/Access

Eligible Service members are automatically enrolled.

Service members can increase, decrease, cancel, and restore coverage as well as change their 

beneficiary designations through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) available during 

service at www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 144

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp

Description

FSGLI is a program extended to the spouses and dependent children of Service members 

insured under the SGLI program. FSGLI provides coverage for spouses in increments of $10,000 

up to a maximum of $100,000, not to exceed the amount of SGLI the insured member has in 

force. Age-based premiums are charged for spousal coverage. Dependent children are covered 

for $10,000 automatically at no cost.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



Spouses and dependent children of the following are eligible for FSGLI:

• Active duty Service members covered by full-time SGLI

• Members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve of a uniformed service covered by 

full-time SGLI

Family coverage is available only to members insured under the SGLI program. It is not available 

to those insured under the VGLI program. If you are covered under full-time SGLI, you are 

eligible to insure your spouse, regardless of whether your spouse is on active duty, retired, or a 

civilian.

Spouse and dependent child coverage ends 120 days after separation. Spouses may convert 

their coverage to an individual policy of insurance with a participating private insurer within 

120 days from the Service member’s date of separation without any health review. This is a 

valuable benefit if your spouse has health conditions that may make it difficult to obtain 

insurance.

Spouses can also convert to an individual policy within 120 days of a divorce, death, or a 

termination of coverage. Dependent child coverage cannot be converted and is not available 

after the 120-day free period from separation.

The list of participating insurance companies can be found at: 

www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/forms/ParticList.htm

Apply/Access

If you are covered under full time SGLI and your spouse is not automatically covered, you may 

apply for spouse coverage, depending on your branch of service.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 145

Service members can increase, decrease, cancel, and restore spousal coverage through the SGLI 

Online Enrollment System (SOES) available during service at www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury 

Protection (TSGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/tsgli.asp

Description

TSGLI provides automatic traumatic injury coverage to all Service members covered under the 

SGLI program. It provides short-term financial assistance to severely injured Service members 

and Veterans to assist them in their recovery from traumatic injuries. TSGLI is not only for 

combat injuries; it also provides insurance coverage for injuries incurred on or off duty. TSGLI 

payments range from $25,000 to $100,000 based on the qualifying loss suffered. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

  

The Service member’s branch of service determines eligibility. Service members who are 

insured under full-time SGLI are automatically covered by TSGLI. TSGLI coverage applies to 

active duty members, Reservists, National Guard members, funeral honors duty, and one-day 

muster duty.

To be eligible for payment of TSGLI, you must meet all the following requirements:

• Be insured by SGLI when you experience a traumatic injury, AND

• Incur a scheduled loss as a direct result of a traumatic injury, AND

• Have suffered the traumatic injury prior to midnight of the day that you separate from 

the uniformed services, AND

• Suffer a scheduled loss within two years (730 days) of the traumatic injury, AND

• Survive for a period of not less than seven full days from the date of the traumatic injury
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 146

Apply/Access

To apply for TSGLI benefits:

1. Complete Form SGLV-8600, Application for TSGLI Benefits, available on the VA 

Insurance website.

2. Complete Part A of the TSGLI application. Part B must be completed by a medical 

professional.

3. Submit the application and any additional medical documentation available to the 

Service member’s branch of service. Contact information can be found on the first 

page of the TSGLI application.

Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/vgli.asp

Description

VGLI provides for the conversion of SGLI coverage to lifetime renewable group term insurance 

protection after a Service member’s separation from service.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



Service members with full-time SGLI coverage are eligible for VGLI upon separation from 

service. SGLI will continue for an additional 120 days at no charge upon separation from service.

In addition, you have one year and 120 days from your date of separation to apply for VGLI. If 

you apply for coverage within 240 days of your date of separation and pay the first premium, 

you will not be required to prove good health.

Apply/Access

To convert SGLI to VGLI:

• Apply online at giosgli.prudential.com/osgli/web/OSGLIMenu.html. 

• Complete VA SGLV-8714, Application for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. Mail the 

application to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance. The application can 

be found on www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/vgli.asp.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 147

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Disability Extension 

(SGLI-DE)

www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/sglidisabled.asp

Description

A Service member can apply to have their SGLI coverage to be extended for up to two years 

after separation at no cost. To be eligible, the Service member must be totally disabled at the 

time of separation from service or have a statutory condition regardless of employment status 

(conditions listed below). Coverage can be converted to VGLI at the end of the disability 

extension period upon payment of premiums. To apply, complete Form SGLV-8715, SGLI 

Disability Extension Application.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



You are eligible for the SGLI-DE if you are totally disabled at time of discharge. To be considered 

totally disabled, you must have a disability that prevents you from being gainfully employed, OR 

have one of the following conditions, regardless of your employment status:

• Permanent loss of use of both hands

• Permanent loss of use of both feet

• Permanent loss of use of both eyes

• Permanent loss of use of one hand and one foot

• Permanent loss of use of one foot and one eye

• Permanent loss of use of one hand and one eye

• Total loss of hearing in both ears

• Organic loss of speech (lost ability to express oneself, both by voice and whisper, 

through normal organs for speech—being able to speak with an artificial appliance is 

disregarded in determination of total disability)

Apply/Access

To apply for SGLI-DE:

• Complete VA Form SGLV-8715, Application for the Servicemembers’ Group Life 

Insurance (SGLI) Disability Extension. The application can be found on the website. 

• Mail the application to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 148

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/s-dvi.asp

Description

S-DVI provides life insurance coverage to Veterans who have service-connected disabilities 

(even 0 percent) and are otherwise in good health. S-DVI is available in a variety of permanent 

plans and as term insurance. S-DVI policies are issued for a maximum amount of $10,000. 

Veterans covered by S-DVI are eligible to apply for a waiver of premium if they are totally 

disabled for six consecutive months prior to age 65 due to their service-connected disability or 

disabilities.

Supplemental S-DVI is additional insurance coverage of up to $30,000 available to Veterans 

who are covered by S-DVI and have received a waiver of premiums on their coverage. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



To apply for S-DVI, the following four criteria must be met. The Veteran must:

• Be released from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions on or after Apr.

25, 1951, AND

• Be rated for a service-connected disability (even if only 0 percent) AND

• Be in good health except for any service-connected conditions, AND

• Apply within two years from the date VA grants a new service-connected disability. An 

increase in an existing service-connected disability or the granting of Individual 

Unemployability of a previously rated condition does not entitle a Veteran to this 

insurance. 

S-DVI policyholders are eligible for supplemental coverage if they:

• Are eligible for a waiver of premiums, AND

• Apply for the coverage within one year from notice of the grant of waiver, AND

• Are under age 65
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 149

Apply/Access

To apply:

• Apply online at the website above

• Complete and submit:

o VA Form 29-4364, Application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance

o VA Form 29-357, Claim for Disability Insurance – Government Life Insurance (for 

a total disability waiver of S-DVI premiums) 

o VA Form 29-0188, Application for Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans 

Insurance (this form will be sent to the insured if granted a waiver of premiums 

and they are under age 65)

Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/vmli.asp

Description

VMLI is mortgage protection insurance that can help families of severely disabled Service 

members or Veterans pay off the home mortgage in the event of their death. VMLI can only be 

paid to the mortgage holder in the event of the Service member’s or Veteran’s death.

Premiums for VMLI are based on age, amount of the mortgage, and length of the mortgage. To 

obtain a premium estimate, visit our VMLI premium calculator at

insurance.va.gov/Vmli/Calculator.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

VMLI is available only to Service members and Veterans with severe service-connected 

disabilities who have:

• An SAH/SHA grant to help build, remodel, or purchase a home, AND

• The title to the home, AND

• A mortgage on the home.

Veterans must apply for VMLI before their 70th birthday.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 150

Apply/Access

To apply for VMLI, complete the following steps:

1. Access VA Form 29-8636, Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance Statement, on the website

and provide information about the current mortgage.

2. Complete the application with an SAH Agent during the scheduled interview for the 

SAH/SHA grant, or after obtaining the grant.

3. Mail the form, along with proof of current mortgage, to the address on the 

application. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 151

DISABILITY COMPENSATION

Disability Compensation

www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-disability.asp

Description

Disability compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are 

the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

 

To be eligible, the Veteran must have served in the uniformed services on active duty, active 

duty for training, or inactive duty training, and be:

• Discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, AND

• At least 10% disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during 

active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training

Claim Method Eligibility requirements 

Benefits Delivery at Discharge 

(BDD) Claims

• Have a known date of separation or retirement 

within 90 to 180 days

• Submit copies of service treatment records for 

your current period of service, and mental health 

records, if applicable, or health treatment records 

when filing a claim

• Be available at the last duty station to undergo 

the required VA medical exam(s), including the 

Separation Health Assessment

Decision Ready Claims (DRC) • Have a known date of separation or retirement 

within 89 days 

• Work with a VSO to gather evidence, apply, and 

complete the required questionnaires and 

medical exams
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 152

Claim Method Eligibility requirements 

Traditional Claims • Medical evidence of a current physical or mental 

disability; AND

• Evidence of an event, injury, or disease in service; 

AND

• Evidence of a link between your current disability 

and the event, injury, or disease in military 

service. Medical records or medical opinions are 

usually required to establish this relationship

Fully Developed Claims (FDC) • Veterans may file an FDC for disability 

compensation for the following reasons:

o An injury, disability, or condition believed 

to have occurred or been aggravated by 

military service

o A condition caused or aggravated by an 

existing service-related condition

Apply/Access

Claim Method Timeframe for Submission and Form Information

Benefits Delivery at Discharge 

(BDD) Claims

• Submit your claim with 90-180 days remaining on 

duty.

• File via eBenefits or complete and submit VA Form 

21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation 

and Related Compensation Benefits 

(www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZARE.pdf) and visit a military installation with a VA 

representative or your local Regional Office.

Decision Ready Claims (DRC) • Submit your intent to file a claim through your VSO 

up to 89 days prior to discharge to receive your 

examination while on active duty.

• Submit your formal VA claim through your VSO the 

day after your discharge from active duty.

Traditional Claims • Submit your claim during active duty or after 

separation (no time limit).
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 153

Claim Method Timeframe for Submission and Form Information

• Apply online using eBenefits, OR work with an 

accredited representative or agent, OR visit a 

military installation with a VA representative or 

your local VA Regional Office and have a VA 

employee assist you.

Fully Developed Claims (FDC) • Submit your claim during active duty or after 

separation (no time limit).

• Submit your claim with 1-89 days remaining on 

duty.

• File via eBenefits or complete and submit VA Form 

21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation 

and Related Compensation Benefits 

(www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZARE.pdf) and visit a military installation with a VA 

representative or your local Regional Office.

Service members can apply for disability while on active duty, but there is no time limit to 

apply. If you apply within one year from the date of separation or retirement, your effective 

date of entitlement is retroactive to the first of the month after the date of separation or 

retirement.

Be sure to gather discharge or separation papers (DD Form 214), service treatment records, 

nonservice treatment records (private doctor and hospital reports), and dependency records 

(marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, and SSNs).

To apply, complete VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related 

Compensation Benefits (www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZ-ARE.pdf). To assist with 

the process, Service members and Veterans can work with a VA representative at a VA Regional 

Office or an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or claims agent.

Form 21-22, Declaration of Appointment (www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-22-are.pdf), 

designates a VSO as your representative for VA purposes only. VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of 

Individual as Claimant’s Representative (www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-21-22a-are.pdf), is 

used for accredited agents, attorneys, and non-licensed individuals; neither form is a power of 

attorney for any other purposes.

Once you gather your records, you can apply for VA disability compensation in several ways:

• In Person: VA Representatives are available at several military installations to accept 

disability claims for the Pre-Discharge Programs. You may locate these facilities by using 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 154

the Locations tab on the va.gov website to select your state and identify the nearest 

intake site.

o BDD claims must be submitted at the Service member’s last duty station.

• Online: When you apply online through eBenefits, certain information will prepopulate 

in the form and help you complete your claim for disability compensation.

• Mail: You may also mail your claim by sending it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs 

Claims Intake Center

PO Box 4444

Janesville, WI 53547-4444

Clothing Allowance

www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-clothing_allowance.asp

Description

Veterans who have unique clothing needs as a result of a service-related disability or injury may 

receive a supplement to their disability compensation. The clothing allowance reimburses you if 

your clothing gets permanently damaged by a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance you wear, or 

by a prescribed medication you use on your skin. If eligible, you can receive a one-time or yearly 

allowance for reimbursement.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

A Veteran may receive a clothing allowance for either of the following:

• Prosthetic or orthopedic appliances, such as a wheelchair or crutches, because of a 

service-connected disability, OR

• Medication prescribed by a physician for a service-connected skin condition that causes 

permanent stains or otherwise damages outer garments

Additional clothing allowances may be provided if more than one prosthetic or orthopedic 

appliance or medication described above, is used and affects more than one type of clothing.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 155

Apply/Access

Submit VA Form 10-8678, Application for Annual Clothing Allowance to the prosthetic 

representative at your local VA Medical Center. The form can be found at 

www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-8678-fill.pdf. 

A claim for disability must have been submitted prior to applying for the clothing allowance.

Automobile and Adaptive Equipment

www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claims-special-auto-allowance.asp

Description

Service members and Veterans may be eligible for a one-time payment toward the purchase of 

an automobile or other conveyance if they have certain service-connected disabilities. The 

grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile and the Service member or Veteran may 

only receive the automobile grant once in his or her lifetime.

Certain Service members and Veterans may also be eligible for adaptive equipment. Adaptive 

equipment includes, but is not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, 

power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the 

vehicle.

VA may provide financial assistance in purchasing adaptive equipment more than once. This 

benefit is payable to either the seller or the Veteran or Service member.

Eligibility – Automobile Grant

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

You must be either a Service member who is still on active duty or a Veteran, and you must 

have one of the following disabilities that is either rated as service-connected or treated as if 

service-connected, or, for a Service member, is the result of disease incurred or injury 

contracted in or aggravated by active duty:

• Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, OR

• Loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands, OR

• Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree, OR

• Severe burn injury, OR

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 156

Eligibility – Adaptive Equipment Program

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

You must be either a Service member who is still on active duty or a Veteran and:

• Meet the disability requirements for the automobile grant (see above), OR

• Have ankylosis (immobility of the joint) of one or both knees or hips that is recognized 

as being service-connected or treated as if service-connected

Apply/Access

• Complete VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and 

Adaptive Equipment (www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4502-ARE.pdf), and mail it 

to your VA Regional Office.

• Work with an accredited representative or agent.

• Go to a VA Regional Office and have a VA employee assist you.

• If you are entitled to adaptive equipment only, complete VA Form 10-1394, Application 

for Adaptive Equipment-Motor Vehicle (www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-1394-

fill.pdf), and submit it to your local VA Medical Center.

Service Dog

www.assistancedogsinternational.org

https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp

www.igdf.org.uk/

Description

The VA considers a service dog a prosthetic device. Therefore, it must provide a specific trained 

function and the loss of the dog would severely impact a Veteran’s ability to recover from a 

substantial mobility limitation. 

Eligibility 

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



VA does not provide service dogs. Instead, VA partners with certain accredited dog 

organizations to provide the service dog to the Veteran. VA provides the veterinary insurance 

benefit so service dogs can do their jobs to assist Veterans with mobility limitations. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 157

Veterans have no out-of-pocket expenses for this benefit. Covered benefits include:

• Equipment such as a harness or backpack that allows for optimal use of the dog

• Prescribed medications

• Veterinary office visits

• Dental procedures where the dog is sedated

• All required vaccinations

VA does not cover grooming or food. However, if food is prescribed by a veterinarian, coverage 

will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Treats, over the counter medications, and dental care 

where the dog is fully awake are not covered.

VA provides this veterinary benefit to Veterans who have a significant mobility limitation from 

either a physical or mental health condition. More specifically, a health condition must 

adversely affect gait, balance, strength, dexterity, or someone’s ability to transition to a safe 

environment in the event of potential physical or emotional harm to be considered eligible for 

this benefit.

Veterans should work with their VA health care providers to determine if they are eligible for 

this benefit. A VA health care treatment team will conduct an individualized health assessment 

to evaluate whether the service dog is the optimal means to mitigate the Veteran’s chronic 

mobility limitation.

Apply/Access

To obtain a service dog, Veterans should work with an organization that is accredited by either 

Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). There are 

listings on each organization’s website of affiliated local organizations. Additionally, the 

Veteran’s local VA medical center may be able to provide recommendations for local service 

dog organizations that provide service dogs to other Veterans.

While there are many organizations that train dogs, VA is bound by law to only cover service 

dogs from these two accrediting organizations.

Veterans Pension

www.benefits.va.gov/pension/vetpen.asp

Description

VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental 

income through the Veterans Pension benefit. Veterans Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit 

payable to low-income wartime Veterans.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 158

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



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

during a wartime period, to qualify for a VA pension. If you entered active duty after Sept. 7, 

1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were 

called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions), with at least one day during a wartime 

period.

In addition to meeting minimum service requirements, the Veteran must be:

• Age 65 or older, OR

• Totally and permanently disabled, OR

• A patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR

• Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, OR

• Receiving Supplemental Security Income

Apply/Access

To apply for a VA pension:

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 21-527EZ, Application for Pension. Mail your application to your local 

VA Regional Office. The application can be found at www.va.gov. 

To apply for increased pension payments based on an Aid and Attendance or Housebound

allowance, write to the local VA Regional Office and provide medical evidence, such as a 

doctor’s report, that validates the need for an increased rate.

Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crsc.html

Description

CRSC is a program that was created for disabled and non-disabled military retirees with 

combat-related disabilities. It is a tax-free entitlement that Veterans will be paid each month 

along with any retired pay they may already be receiving. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 159

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



Veterans must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for CRSC:

• Be eligible to receive military retired pay

• Have a disability that has been deemed combat-related by their military service branch 

and determined to be service-connected to a compensable degree by VA

• Have military retired pay offset by VA compensation

Upon receipt of an application for CRSC, the respective branch of service will determine 

whether a disability is combat-related. Disabilities that may be considered combat-related 

include injuries and diseases that were the direct result of one of the following:

• Armed conflict (e.g., gunshot wounds or receipt of a Purple Heart)

• Engagement in hazardous duty (e.g., flight, diving, or parachute duty)

• Performance of duty under conditions simulating war (e.g., field training or tactical road 

march)

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

Exceptions under CRSC

The following exceptions apply:

• If you have a compensable VA service-connected disability rating of 10% or greater, then 

you may be eligible for CRSC.

• An application for CRSC benefits must be submitted to your military service department, 

which will make an eligibility determination. If it is determined you have a serviceconnected disability or disabilities that are considered combat-related, then you may be 

eligible for CRSC benefits.

• CRSC will replace an equivalent portion of any VA disability offset, and CRSC will then be 

paid in addition to your non-offset VA compensation rate.

Apply/Access

Contact your branch of service.

Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)

www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp.html
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 160

Description

CRDP allows military retirees to receive both military retired pay and VA compensation. This 

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

CRDP was a “phase in” of benefits that gradually restored a retiree’s VA disability offset. This 

means that an eligible retiree’s retired pay gradually increased each year until the phase in was 

completed effective Jan. 2014.

Veterans do not need to apply for CRDP. If qualified, they will be enrolled automatically.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



To qualify, Veterans must also meet all the following criteria:

• Retired based on length of service, or a Reserve retiree with 20 qualifying years of 

service and reached retirement age

• Be entitled to receive retired pay (must be offset by VA payments)

Payment is coordinated between VA and DoD. If a Veteran receives retired pay based on a 

disability, CRDP is subject to an offset in the amount by which disability retired pay exceeds 

retired pay based on length of service.

Exceptions under CRDP

• If you have a combined disability rating of 50% or greater, and are in receipt of or 

otherwise entitled to receive military retired pay based on your length of service, you 

should be eligible to receive CRDP benefits.

• If you are entitled to receive CRDP, you will receive full military retirement pay and full 

VA disability compensation.

Apply/Access

For more information on how to apply, contact your parent military branch, visit

www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/payment.html, or call 1-800-321-1080.

If you’re entitled to receive any retroactive benefits, based on a previously waived amount, VA 

will work directly with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to release the proper 

amount of those offset funds.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 161

HEALTH

VA Health Care

www.va.gov/healthbenefits

Description

VA provides world-class health care to eligible Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration 

(VHA) is America’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,200 sites of care, 

and it is consistently ranked among the nation’s top health care providers.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

   

To be eligible for this benefit you must meet the following requirements: 

• Enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, AND

• Must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to 

active duty (not applicable to all Veterans)

Enhanced Eligibility may be offered to the following Veterans:

• Former Prisoners of War (POWs)

• Purple Heart or Medal of Honor recipients

• VA-awarded service-connected disability of 10% or more

• VA Pension recipient

• Discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting), early out, or 

hardship

• Served in a Theater of Operations for five years post discharge

• Served in the Republic of Vietnam from Jan. 9, 1962, to May 7, 1975

• U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships associated with military service in Vietnam

• Served in the Persian Gulf from Aug. 2, 1990, to Nov. 11, 1998

• Stationed or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between Aug. 1, 1953, and 

Dec. 31, 1987

• Found by VA to be Catastrophically Disabled

• Previous years’ household income is below VA’s National Income or GeographicalAdjusted Thresholds
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 162

Apply/Access

To apply for VA health care:

• Apply online at eBenefits

• Complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits and drop it off at your local 

VA medical center or mail it to:

Health Eligibility Center

2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200

Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

• Call 1-877-222-VETS

This application covers applying for health benefits (including enhanced eligibility programs) as 

well as dental benefits.

Your DD Form 214 or a copy of orders may be required to establish eligibility. VA encourages all 

Veterans to apply for VA health care.

If you have eligibility or registration questions, call 1-877-222-8387.

VA Dental Care

www.va.gov/dental

Description

VA offers comprehensive dental care benefits to certain qualifying Veterans. In addition, 

Veterans registered for VA health care may purchase dental insurance at a reduced cost 

through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). Beneficiaries of VA’s Civilian Health and 

Medical Program—a health insurance program for dependents of Veterans—are also eligible 

for VADIP.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 163

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

If you: You are eligible for:

Apply for dental care within 180 days of discharge 

or release from a period of active duty (under 

conditions other than dishonorable) for 90 days or 

more during the Persian Gulf War era

One-time dental care if Block 17 on your DD 

Form 214 does not indicate a complete 

dental examination and all appropriate dental 

treatment had been rendered prior to 

discharge

Have a dental condition clinically determined by VA 

to be associated with and aggravating a serviceconnected medical condition

Dental care to treat the oral conditions 

determined by a VA dental professional to 

have a direct and detrimental effect on your 

service-connected medical condition

Have a service-connected compensable dental 

disability or condition Any needed dental care

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, such as extended 

hospitalization for a service-connected 

disability, convalescence, or pre-stabilization, 

are not eligible.

Have a service-connected noncompensable dental 

condition or disability resulting from combat 

wounds or trauma

Any dental care necessary to provide and 

maintain a functioning dentition 

Note: A Dental Trauma Rating (VA Form 10-

564-D) or VA Regional Office Rating Decision 

letter (VA Form 10-7131) identifies the 

tooth/teeth that are trauma-rated.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 164

If you: You are eligible for:

Are actively engaged in a 38 U.S. Code 

Chapter 31 vocational rehabilitation 

program

Dental care to the extent necessary as determined by a VA 

dental professional to:

• Make possible your entrance into a rehabilitation 

program

• Achieve the goals of your vocational rehabilitation 

program

• Prevent interruption of your rehabilitation program

• Hasten the return to a rehabilitation program if you 

are in interrupted or leave status

• Hasten the return to a rehabilitation program if you 

are placed in discontinued status because of illness, 

injury, or a dental condition

• Secure and adjust to employment during the period 

of employment assistance, or enable you to achieve 

maximum independence in daily living

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

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 you to gain 

employment, or treat moderate, severe, or complicated 

and severe gingival and periodontal conditions
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 165

Apply/Access

To register for VA health care:

• Complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits and drop it off at your local 

VA medical center or mail it to:

Health Eligibility Center

2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200

Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

• Call 1-877-222-VETS

This application covers applying for health benefits (including enhanced eligibility programs) as 

well as dental benefits.

Your DD Form 214 may be needed by the dental office.

If you have eligibility or registration questions, call 1-877-222-8387.

Foreign Medical Program (FMP)

www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/fmp/index.asp

Description

The FMP is a VA health care benefits program for Veterans with VA-rated service-connected 

conditions who are residing or traveling abroad.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Apply/Access

Enrolling in FMP is simple. Send your full name, mailing address, address of residence (including 

country), U.S. SSN, and VA claim number to:

VHA Office of Community Care

Foreign Medical Program (FMP)

P.O. Box 469061

Denver, CO 80246-9061

The VHA Office of Community Care will confirm your service-connected disabilities and send 

you a benefits authorization letter, which outlines the medical conditions covered.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 166

Fisher House

www.socialwork.va.gov/fisher.asp

Description

A Fisher HouseTM is “a home away from home” for families and caregivers of Veterans and 

active duty Service members receiving treatment at major military and VA medical facilities. VA 

Fisher House accommodations are provided at no cost to guests and located within walking 

distance of the treatment facility.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

  

Eligibility may vary by location. Contact your Fisher House Program Manager for more 

information.

Apply/Access

Contact your Social Worker or Fisher House Program Manager representative.

Family Caregiver Support Program

www.caregiver.va.gov

Description

Caregivers play an important role in the health and well-being of Veterans. The Caregiver 

Support Program offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help them 

succeed. 

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

 

Apply/Access

Visit us online at www.caregiver.va.gov or call the Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 167

Vet Centers

Description

Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral 

services to combat Veterans and their families. Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families 

through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a Veteran returns 

from combat. Services for a Veteran may include individual and group counseling in areas such 

as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention 

referrals. All services are free of cost and are strictly confidential. Find out more about and 

locate your local Vet Center at www.vetcenter.va.gov.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Any Veterans and active duty Service members, to include members of the National Guard and 

Reserve components, who:

• Have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility, OR

• Experienced a military sexual trauma, OR

• Provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services, while serving on active 

military duty, to the casualties of war, OR

• Served as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to 

operations in a combat zone or area of hostility, OR

• Are Vietnam Era Veterans who have accessed care at a Vet Center prior to Jan. 1, 2004

Vet Center services are also provided to family members of Veterans and Service members for 

military-related issues when it is found to aid in the readjustment of those that have served. 

This includes bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death. 

Apply/Access

Use the locator tool at www.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp.
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BURIAL BENEFITS

Burial Benefits (VA Cemetery)

www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claims-special-burial.asp

Description

VA is authorized to pay, without a written application, most eligible surviving spouses basic 

monetary burial benefits at the maximum amount authorized by law through automated 

systems rather than reimbursing them for actual costs incurred.

Service-Related Death

VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or up to 

$1,500 for deaths prior to Sept. 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA National Cemetery, 

some or all the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Non-Service Related Death

VA will pay up to $762 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after Oct. 1, 2017 (if 

hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not 

hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $762 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a 

National Cemetery). For deaths on or after Dec. 1, 2001, but before Oct. 1, 2011, VA will pay up 

to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. For deaths 

on or after Apr. 1, 1988, but before Oct. 1, 2011, VA will pay $300 toward burial and funeral 

expenses (for Veterans hospitalized by VA at the time of death).

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

To be eligible for this benefit you must meet the following requirements: 

• You paid for a Veteran’s burial or funeral, AND

• You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, 

such as the deceased Veteran’s employer, AND

• The Veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, AND 

• One of the following:

o The Veteran died because of a service-related disability, OR
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o The Veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, 

OR

o The Veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided 

not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, OR

o The Veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA 

contract at a non-VA facility, OR

o The Veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense 

to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care, 

OR

o The Veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death 

and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to 

the date of death, OR

o The Veteran died on or after Oct. 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved 

state nursing home.

Note: VA does not pay burial benefits if the deceased:

• Died during active military service,

• Was a member of Congress who died while holding office, or

• Was a Federal prisoner.

Apply/Access

You can apply through any of the following ways:

• Apply online at eBenefits.

• Complete VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial Allowance, and mail it to the Pension 

Management Center that serves your state.

• Work with an accredited representative.

• Go to your local regional benefit office and turn in your application for processing.

Pre-Need Program

www.cem.va.gov/pre-need

To determine Pre-Need eligibility, download and complete the VA Form 40-10007, and submit 

the form according to the instructions on the website.

For burial in a state VA cemetery, contact the state cemetery or state Veterans Affairs office for 

information.
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Plot Allowance (Non-VA Cemetery)

Families should make arrangements with a funeral provider or cremation office; VA does not 

make funeral arrangements or perform cremations.

Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC)

www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp

Description

The Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the 

current President, to honor the memory of deceased Veterans who are eligible for burial in a 

national cemetery.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member

    

Apply/Access

An eligible recipient (i.e., next of kin, a relative or friend upon request, or an authorized service 

representative acting on behalf of such relative or friend) may apply for a PMC by completing a 

VA Form 40-0247, Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form. More than one PMC may be 

requested. To expedite the processing of the claim, please submit copies of the Veteran’s 

military discharge documents and death certificate. Do not send original documents, as they 

will not be returned.
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SURVIVORS’ BENEFITS

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry 

Scholarship)

www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Fry_scholarship.asp

Description

The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of 

Service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001. Eligible 

beneficiaries attending school may receive up to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



Children and surviving spouses of an active duty member of the armed forces who died in the 

line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. Children are eligible as of 

their 18th birthday, unless they have already graduated from high school. A child may be 

married or over 23 and still be eligible. A spouse will lose eligibility for this benefit upon 

remarriage.

Apply/Access

To apply, complete VA Form 22-5490, Dependents Application for VA Education Benefits. You 

can download the application at www.va.gov. Send it to the VA Regional Office with jurisdiction 

over the state where you plan to attend school or training. If you are a dependent child under 

legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

If you are eligible for both the Fry Scholarship and Dependents’ Educational Assistance benefit 

(see below), you will be required to make an irrevocable election unless you are a child of a 

Service member who died in the line of duty prior to Aug. 1, 2011.

If you have started your educational program, take your application to your school or employer. 

Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send it with VA Form 22-

5490 to VA. You can download the application at www.va.gov.
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Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/DEA.asp

Description

The DEA (or Chapter 35) benefit offers education and training opportunities to eligible 

dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related 

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

condition.

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



An individual may be eligible for DEA benefits if he or she is the spouse or child of:

• A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a serviceconnected disability

• A Veteran who died from any cause while a permanent and total service-connected 

disability existed

• A Service member who died during active military service

• A Service member missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force

• A Service member forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign 

government or power

• A Service member who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a 

permanent and total service-connected disability, and is likely to be discharged for that 

disability

Apply/Access

To apply, complete VA Form 22-5490, Dependents Application for VA Education Benefits. You 

can download the application at www.va.gov. Send it to the VA Regional Office with jurisdiction 

over the state where you plan to attend school or training. If you are a son or daughter under 

legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

If you are eligible for both the Fry Scholarship and DEA, you will be required to make an 

irrevocable election, unless you are a child of a Service member who died in the line of duty 

prior to Aug. 1, 2011.
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If you have started your educational program, take your application to your school or employer. 

Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999, Enrollment Certification, and send it with VA Form 22-

5490 to VA. You can download the application at www.va.gov.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp

Description

DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of Service members who died in the 

line of duty, eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or

disease, and eligible survivors of Veterans who died after an extended period of 100% serviceconnected disability.

Eligibility – Surviving Spouse

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse must meet the following requirements:

• Married to a Service member who died on active duty, active duty for training, or 

inactive duty training, OR

• Married the Veteran before Jan. 1, 1957, OR

• Married the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of military service in 

which the disease or injury that caused the Veteran’s death began or was aggravated, 

OR

• Was married to the Veteran for at least one year, OR

• Had a child with the Veteran, AND

• Cohabited with the Veteran continuously until the Veteran’s death or, if separated, was 

not at fault for the separation, AND

• Is not currently remarried

o A surviving spouse who remarried on or after Dec. 16, 2003, and on or after 

attaining age 57 is entitled to continue to receive DIC.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 174

Eligibility – Surviving Child

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



To qualify for DIC, a surviving child must be:

• Not included on the surviving spouse’s DIC

• Unmarried

• Under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school

Apply/Access

You can apply through any of the following ways:

• Complete VA Form 21-534ez, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, 

Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child, and mail it to your 

VA Regional Office. You can download the application at www.va.gov.

• Work with an accredited representative or agent.

• Go to a VA Regional Office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your VA 

Regional Office on VA’s Facility Locator webpage.

• If the Service member died in service, your Military Casualty Assistance Officer will assist 

you in completing VA Form 21-534a, Application for Dependency and Indemnity 

Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child, and 

mail it to the Philadelphia Regional Office. You can download the application at

www.va.gov.

Survivors’ Pension

www.benefits.va.gov/pension/spousepen.asp

Description

Survivors Pension is provided to qualifying surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children 

of deceased Veterans who had wartime service. Surviving spouses and dependents must meet 

dependency, income, and net worth requirements.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 175

Eligibility

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family Member



You may be eligible if:

• The deceased Veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable 

conditions, AND

• The deceased Veteran served at least 90 days of active military service and at least one 

day was during a wartime period. If the Veteran entered active duty after Sept. 7, 1980, 

generally he or she must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which he 

or she was called or ordered to active duty, and at least one day during a wartime 

period (there are exceptions to this rule), AND

• You are the unmarried surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased Veteran 

who meets the age or disability requirements, AND

• Your income and net worth determination, for VA purposes, is below the maximum 

annual pension rate set by Congress.

Apply/Access

Download and complete VA Form 21-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or 

Accrued Benefits, and mail or return it to your local VA Regional Office. You can download the 

application at www.va.gov.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 176

Appendix B: Facility Locator Tools

Facility Type Locator Tool

Hospitals and Clinics www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=1

Regional Benefits Offices www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=3

Regional Loan Operations benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/contact_rlc_info.asp

Care Managers www.oefoif.va.gov/map.asp

Caregiver Support 

Coordinators www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp

Fisher House www.socialwork.va.gov/Fisher_House_Locations.asp

Social Work Services www.socialwork.va.gov 

Vet Centers www.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp

Veterans Service 

Organizations (VSOs) www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search

Post-Traumatic Stress 

Disorder (PTSD) Support www.ptsd.va.gov/public/where-to-get-help.asp

Military Sexual Trauma 

(MST) Coordinators www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp

VA Cemeteries www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=4
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 177

Appendix C: Activity Screenshots

Use VA Benefits Explorer Tool – Module 2............................................................................................. 178

Use the Interactive VA Insurance Website – Module 2.......................................................................... 180

Find Your Local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) – Module 2........................................................ 185

Create a DS Logon – Module 2................................................................................................................ 186

Explore eBenefits – Module 2................................................................................................................. 191

Explore GI Bill Information – Module 3 .................................................................................................. 193

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool – Module 3.......................................................................................... 196

Use the GI Bill Feedback Tool – Module 3 .............................................................................................. 200

Apply for VA Education Benefits – Module 3 ......................................................................................... 202

Use VA Facility Locator Tools – Module 4............................................................................................... 206

Getting Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – Module 4 ......................................................................... 208

Explore the National Resource Directory (NRD) – Module 4 ................................................................. 210

Use the VA Health Benefits Explorer – Module 5................................................................................... 211

Apply for VA Health Care – Module 5..................................................................................................... 214

Register for a My HealtheVet Account – Module 5................................................................................ 218

Update Your Personal Information in eBenefits – Module 6 ................................................................. 219
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 178

Use VA Benefits Explorer Tool – Module 2

It's important to know about the VA health care benefits you may be eligible for. This job aid will show 

you how to navigate to and use the VA Benefits Explorer tool. This tool will help you determine what 

benefits and services may be available to meet the goals you’ve outlined earlier in your Participant 

Guide.

Step 1 – Navigate to the ExploreVA website. 

Navigate to www.explore.va.gov.

Step 2 – Select Disability Compensation

Click the first icon at the top of the screen, Disability 

Compensation, to learn more about this benefit.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 179

Step 3 – Explore Other VA Benefits 

When you are finished exploring Disability 

Compensation, click the next icon at the top of the 

screen to learn more information about that benefit. 

Repeat this process until you have explored all the 

categories on the ExploreVA home page.
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Use the Interactive VA Insurance Website – Module 2

The interactive VA Insurance website has links to resources and timelines for each of the life insurance 

benefits offered by VA.

Step 1 – Navigate to the Overview of VA Insurance 

Benefits Website

Navigate to the VA interactive insurance website at

benefits.va.gov/insurance/overviewInsurance.html.

Step 2 – Select SGLI

From the Overview screen, select SGLI from the lefthand side of the graphic. This link opens the SGLI 

homepage on the VA website

(www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp).

Once you have finished reviewing this website, use your

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 181

Step 3 – Select FSGLI

From the Overview screen, select FSGLI from the lefthand side of the graphic. A pop-up timeline will appear 

in your browser or in a PDF viewer (depending on your 

computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.

Step 4 – Select TSGLI

From the Overview screen, select TSGLI from the righthand side of the graphic. A pop-up timeline to apply for 

TSGLI will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 182

Step 5 – Select VGLI

From the Overview screen, select VGLI from the righthand side of the graphic. An interactive VGLI page will 

appear in your browser. 

Once you have finished reviewing sub-steps 1 through 4, 

use your Back button to navigate back to the Overview

screen or close the new tab.

Sub-step 5a – Select Active

Select Active on the right-hand side of the house. A popup timeline to apply for VGLI will appear in your 

browser or in a PDF viewer (depending on your 

computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.

Sub-step 5b – Select National Guard and Reserve

Select National Guard and Reserve on the right-hand 

side of the house. A pop-up timeline to apply for VGLI 

will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 183

Sub-step 5c – Select Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) 

Select Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) on the 

left-hand side of the house. A pop-up timeline to apply 

for VGLI will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.

Sub-step 5d – Select Individual Ready Reserve

Select Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) on the left-hand 

side of the house. A pop-up timeline to apply for VGLI 

will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.

Step 6 – Select SGLI-DE

From the Overview screen, select SGLI-DE from the lefthand side of the graphic. A pop-up timeline to apply for 

the SGLI-DE will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 184

Step 7 – Select S-DVI

From the Overview screen, select S-DVI from the lefthand side of the graphic. A pop-up timeline to apply for SDVI will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.

Step 8 – Select VMLI

From the Overview screen, select VMLI from the righthand side of the graphic. A pop-up timeline to apply for 

VMLI will appear in your browser or in a PDF viewer 

(depending on your computer settings).

Once you have finished reviewing this timeline, use your 

Back button to navigate back to the Overview screen or 

close the new tab.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 185

Find Your Local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) –

Module 2

VSOs support you both during transition and for the rest of your lives. Use the online VSO directory to 

find the VSO locations nearest to you.

Step 1 – Navigate to the Directory of VSOs

First, navigate to the online Directory of VSOs at 

www.va.gov/vso.

Step 2 – Open the Directory of VSOs

Click the Directory of Veterans Service Organizations 

for 2017 link. The Directory of VSOs will open online. 

This directory is a PDF file, which means that you can 

download or print it.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 186

Create a DS Logon – Module 2

A DS Logon Premium (Level 2) account allows you to view personal data about yourself in VA and DoD 

systems, apply for benefits online, check the status of your claims, update your address information, 

and much more.

Step 1 – Register for a DS Logon Account

First, navigate to the https://www.ebenefits.va.gov

webpage. Select the Register button.

Step 2 – Select Registration Method

Select the I have a Common Access Card (CAC) with 

accessible card reader radio button, and then select the 

Continue button. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 187

Step 3 – Select Register

The Registration Process screen appears. Select the 

Register button.

Step 4 – Select a Certificate 

The Select a Certificate window appears. Select your DoD 

certificate, and then select the OK button. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 188

Step 5 – Create Password

Create your password according to the security 

requirements.

Enter your password in the Password field, and enter it 

again in the Confirm Password field. 

• To view the password as you enter it, select the 

Show Passwords check box.

• Green checkmarks appear when the password 

has met each of the password security 

requirements listed.

Select the Continue button.

Step 6 – Select Security Questions

The Challenge Question screen appears. Select your 

challenge questions from the drop-down menus, and 

enter your answers in the fields provided below each 

question. 

Select the Continue button. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 189

Step 7 – Review Security Image Options

The Security Image screen appears. You have the 

option to set a security image for your account. 

• If you do not want to select a security image, 

select No. (Skip to Step 9.)

• To set a security image, select Yes.

Step 8 – Select Security Image (Optional)

The Security Image Selection screen appears. 

• To view additional images, select the arrow at 

the bottom right of the screen.

• Select a security image, and then click the Save 

button.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 190

Step 9 – DS Logon Confirmation

A confirmation screen appears. Select the Continue

button. 

Step 10 – Add Email (Optional)

A screen listing your email address(es) on file in DEERS 

appears. 

• If you do not want to add an email address, 

select the Continue button. 

• If you want to add an email (recommended), 

select the Add E-mail button. Enter an email 

address and select the Save E-mail button.

Step 11 – Log in with New Account

A confirmation screen appears. 

The next time you log in, you will be prompted to enter 

the validation token that was sent to the email address 

provided. 

Your registration is complete. You can now login with 

your new DS Logon username and password.

Click the Continue button to log in with your new 

account.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 191

Explore eBenefits – Module 2

eBenefits is a joint VA/DoD web portal that provides you with a secure, self-service environment where 

you can locate employment resources; and apply for, learn about, and manage a variety of benefits 

available to Service members, Veterans, and their families. 

Step 1 – Navigate to eBenefits

Navigate to www.ebenefits.va.gov to open the 

eBenefits homepage.

Click the Register button to register for a new 

eBenefits account, or click the Log In button to log into 

your current account.

Step 2 – Explore the Apply Tab

Scroll down the page of benefits, and select the benefit 

you would like to apply for. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 192

Step 3 – Explore the Learn Tab

Select the Benefits Explorer link to view the benefits 

you may be eligible for based on your eBenefits profile. 

Select the State Benefits Information Packet link to 

request benefits information packets from your State 

Veterans Affairs office.

Select the Transition GPS Training link to take online 

courses covering the benefits you may be entitled to as 

you transition into Veteran status. 

Step 4 – Explore the Manage Tab

Scroll down the page of benefits activities, and select a 

task you’d like to perform to manage an application or 

a benefit.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 193

Explore GI Bill Information – Module 3

Use these charts to compare the GI Bill programs, to determine which GI Bill benefit might be right for 

you, or explore the programs that interest you online. 

• Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)

• Montgomery GI Bill – Select Reserve (MGIB-SR)

The website for each GI Bill is below the charts. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 194
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 195

Option 1 – Navigate to the Post-9/11 GI Bill Page

To learn more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, visit 

benefits.va.gov/gibill/post9 11_gibill.asp.

Option 2 – Navigate to the MGIB-AD Page

To learn more about the MGIB-AD, visit 

benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_ad.asp.

Option 3 – Navigate to the MGIB-SR (chapter 1606)

Page

To learn more about the MGIB-SR (chapter 1606), visit 

benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 196

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool – Module 3

The GI Bill Comparison Tool enables you to compare VA-approved institutions by affordability and 

value. You can filter down to compare cost specifically to the type of GI Bill benefit you want to use.

Step 1 – Navigate to the GI Bill Website

Navigate to www.va.gov, and select GI Bill from the 

Benefits menu.

Step 2 – Navigate to the GI Bill Comparison Tool

Select the GI Bill Comparison Tool link from the 

horizontal menu. Then select the image, or select the 

Try out our comparison tool today link.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 197

Step 3 – Enter Your Information

Select your status at the time you will begin using GI Bill 

benefits (Veteran, active duty, National Guard/Reserve, 

spouse, or child).

Select the GI Bill benefit you will be using (Post-9/11, 

Montgomery Active Duty, or Montgomery Selected 

Reserve).

Select the number of months you will be receiving 

benefits (36, 20, 24, 18, etc.)

Step 4 – Enter School Information

Select the appropriate radio button to indicate classes in 

person, online, or both.

Enter a city, school, or employer name in the text field.

Click the Search Schools button. 

Step 5 – Review Results

The GI Bill Comparison Tool search results page opens. 

Review and compare the resulting calculated figures. 

The figure at right shows an example of results from a 

search entry of a city: Pensacola, Florida. Note that 

results show both employers and schools in Pensacola. 

To review only schools, select the Schools Only radio 

button.

The types of results you’ll review from your search are 

detailed below.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 198

Results: About the School

• Number of students at the school using GI Bill

benefits

• Location

Results: Benefits 

• Annual in-state and out-of-state student tuition 

cost 

• Monthly housing cost

• Annual cost of books

Step 6 – Filter Results by Programs

Filter the school search results by selecting programs 

and the type of institute that interest you. The search 

filter results will appear on the current web page.

Click the View Details link to learn more about a school.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 199

Step 7 – Review Results

The school’s details show your estimated benefits 

annually and by school term.

Step 8 – Use the Benefits Calculator

Use the Benefits Calculator options to the left of the 

school details to estimate your costs in various 

situations.

• In-state and out-of-state student tuition cost 

comparison

• Yellow Ribbon Program (to demonstrate the 

program’s effect on tuition cost, enter a 

monetary figure into the out-of-state student 

data field)

• Scholarships (enter a scholarship amount)

• Enrollment

• School calendar

• Kicker bonus
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 200

Use the GI Bill Feedback Tool – Module 3

The VA GI Bill Feedback Tool provides a platform to submit a concern or an issue about a school – not a 

concern or issue against VA.

Step 1 – Navigate to the GI Bill Feedback Tool

First, navigate to the VA GI Bill Feedback System Tool at 

benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp.

Step 2 – Begin Feedback Process

To begin the process to submit a concern or issue, select 

the Submit Your Feedback Now button.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 201

Step 3 – Submit a Concern or Issue

The Complaint Intake Questionnaire page opens. Follow 

the instructions to complete the questionnaire and 

submit the concern or issue. 

VA will review the following types of issues submitted 

through this tool:

• Recruiting/Marketing Practices

• Accreditation

• Financial Issues (e.g., Tuition/Fee charges)

• Student Loans

• Post-Graduation Job Opportunities

• Change in Degree Plan/Requirements

• Quality of Education

• Grade Policy

• Release of Transcripts

• Transfer of Credits

• Refund Issues

• Other Issues
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 202

Apply for VA Education Benefits – Module 3

To apply for GI Bill benefits you will need to complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education 

Benefits. The form is accessible online.

Step 1 – Navigate to the eBenefits Website

First, navigate to www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Step 2 – Select Apply for Education Benefits

Select Education Benefits from the Apply section. 

(Alternatively, you can select Education and Training 

from the Apply menu at the top of the page.)
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 203

Step 3 – Select Apply for Education Benefits

Select Education Benefits from the Education and 

Training section.

Step 4 – Click the Select Correct Form Button

The Education Benefits Application Process page opens. 

Click Select Correct Form.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 204

Step 5 – Follow through to the Online Form

Answer the questions that appear before the Select 

Correct Form button, according to your situation. 

(Answers in the figure at right are just an example.) 

Then, click the Apply Now button.

Step 6 – Start the Education Application

The Apply for Education Benefits page opens. This page 

provides information that will help you fill out VA Form 

22-1990. It tells you what to expect after you’ve 

submitted the completed form. It also gives you a phone 

number to call if you need more help. When you’re 

ready, click the Start the Education Application button.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 205

Step 7 – Complete and Submit the Online Form

Populate the form with your personal and military 

information. At any time, you can save the application 

to finish later.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 206

Use VA Facility Locator Tools – Module 4

VA has various facility locator tools to help you find the locations that offer VA benefits and services 

that meet your needs. You can explore VA facility locator tools, based on what services you think you 

may need. 

Step 1 – Navigate to the VA Website

First, navigate to the www.va.gov webpage. 

Step 2 – Open the Locations Menu

Select Hospitals & Clinics from the Locations menu. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 207

Step 3 – Explore the VHA Facility Locator

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility 

locator opens. Use this tool to find hospitals, outpatient 

clinics, and Vet Centers. 

Step 4 – Explore the VA Facility Locator

Or, select Locations Home from the left-hand menu to 

bring up a tool that allows you to search for multiple 

facility types. Use this tool to find:

• VA Central Offices

• VA Benefits Offices

• Intake Sites

• Cemeteries

• VISN Offices

• Hospitals

• Outpatient Clinics

• Vet Centers

Step 5 – Explore Additional Facility Locators

Explore additional facility locators in Appendix B.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 208

Getting Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – Module 4

To obtain a VA home loan, you’ll just need to get a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility, or COE. You 

can get this quickly through eBenefits. (You can also have your lender apply online at WebLGY.)

Step 1 – Navigate to the eBenefits Portal

First, navigate to the eBenefits.va.gov webpage.

Step 2 – Select Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan

Click the Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan link in 

the middle column of the page.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 209

Step 3 – Log in to DS Logon

The Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan page opens. 

Log in to DS Logon to access the application for the COE. 

You’ll need a DS Logon Premium Access account, but if 

you don’t have one, you can upgrade via this page.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 210

Explore the National Resource Directory (NRD) – Module 4

The National Resource Directory (NRD) provides access to services and resources at the national, state, 

and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Using the site can 

save you time and money.

Step 1 - Navigate to the NRD website

First, navigate to the online National Resource Directory 

at www.nrd.gov.

Step 2 – Search Resource Categories

Access resources one of three ways:

• Type the name of the resource into the Find a 

Resource search field.

• Browse resources by category listed on the 

home page.

• Click the Resources link at the top of the page. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 211

Use the VA Health Benefits Explorer – Module 5

The Health Benefits Explorer tool can help you determine what health benefits you may be eligible for. 

This tool only takes a few minutes to complete and, while not an official eligibility determination, can 

give you an idea of what you may be eligible for, based on your service.

Step 1 – Navigate to the Health Benefits Explorer

Navigate to the Health Benefits Explorer web website at

http://hbexplorer.vacloud.us. 

Step 2 – Begin the Application

Click the drop-down menu at the bottom and select the 

option that best describes you.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 212

Step 3 – Answer a Short Questionnaire

Answer a few questions about yourself to learn about 

the VA health care benefits you could receive as a 

Veteran registered for VA health care.

Once you complete the questionnaire, you can apply to 

receive official determination of your eligibility.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 213

Step 4 – Submit the Application

From this screen, you can print the form.

When you are finished, submit the form by clicking the 

Apply for VA health care enrollment now button.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 214

Apply for VA Health Care – Module 5

It's important to know how to apply for your VA health care benefits. This job aid will take you through 

the steps required to complete and submit Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Care Benefits.

Note: You can also download and complete Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Care Benefits 

(including instructions, at www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/1010EZ-fillable.pdf). Mail the original 

application and supporting materials to the Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200 

Atlanta, GA 30329.

Step 1 – Navigate to the eBenefits Portal

First, navigate to the eBenefits.va.gov webpage. 

Step 2 – Select Health Care

Hover over the Apply tab located at the page’s top 

menu. Select Health Care from the drop-down menu.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 215

Step 3 – Click VA Health Care 

The Apply for Benefits page opens. In the Health Care 

section, click VA Health Care to apply online for health 

benefits.

Step 4 – Click Explore Benefits

The Health Care Application Process page opens. Click 

Explore benefits from the menu at the top of the page.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 216

Step 5 – Select the Health Care Tab

Click Health Care from the drop-down menu.

Step 6 – Click Apply Now

Click the Apply now button. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 217

Step 7 – Complete the Online Application Form

The Apply for Health Care Benefits page opens. Here 

you complete and submit the online VA Form 10-10EZ. 

This web page provides information that will help you 

fill out the form. It tells you what to expect after you’ve 

submitted the completed form. It also gives you a phone 

number to call if you need more help. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 218

Register for a My HealtheVet Account – Module 5

My HealtheVet is VA’s award-winning e-health website that offers Veterans, active duty Service 

members, their dependents, and caregivers access to VA health care information and services. It is a 

free online Personal Health Record that empowers Veterans to become informed partners in their 

health care. 

Step 1 – Navigate to the My HealtheVet Portal

First, navigate to www.myhealth.va.gov. 

Step 2 – Click the Register Button

Click the Register button. 

Step 3 – Complete Account Registration

Populate the required information in the account 

registration form, then click the Create Your Account 

button.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 219

Update Your Personal Information in eBenefits – Module 6

It is important to keep your personal information updated in eBenefits.

Step 1 – Navigate to eBenefits

Navigate to the eBenefits website at 

www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Step 2 – Locate the Link to Information You Will Update

On the eBenefits home page, see where you might go to 

update your personal information. For example, under 

the Manage Benefits section, you’d select the Personal 

Contact and Direct Deposit link if it related to 

information you wanted to update.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 220

Step 3 – Log in to eBenefits

You will need Premium access to update personal 

information on eBenefits. If you haven’t already done 

this, take a few minutes to upgrade your Basic account 

access to Premium. Start by clicking the Register button.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 221

Appendix D: VA Fact Sheets and Benefit Summaries

General.................................................................................................................................................... 222

Education and Employment.................................................................................................................... 223

Housing ................................................................................................................................................... 225

Insurance................................................................................................................................................. 226

Disability Compensation and Related Benefits....................................................................................... 228

Burial Benefits......................................................................................................................................... 229

Survivors’ Benefits .................................................................................................................................. 230

Additional Information – Military Sexual Trauma .................................................................................. 231

Note: All Fact Sheets can be downloaded from www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets.asp
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 222

General

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Overview of VA Benefits www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/general/Servicemembers

FactSheet.pdf

COD Claims for VA Benefits and 

Character of Discharge www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/docs/COD_Factsheet.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 223

Education and Employment

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Summary of VA Education 

Benefits

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefitssummary/SummaryofVAEducationBenefits.pdf

Summary of VA Vocational 

Rehabilitation and Employment 

Benefits

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefitssummary/SummaryofVAVocRehabandEmpolymentBenefits.pdf

VetSuccess on Campus www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/vocrehab/VetSuccessOnC

ampus.pdf

5 Tracks to Employment –

Vocational Rehabilitation 

Benefits – 5 Tracks to 

Employment

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/5tracks

.pdf

Non-Paid Work Experience –

VRE

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/vocrehab/NonpaidWorkExperience.pdf

Special Employer Incentives –

VRE www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/docs/seiflyerfinal.pdf

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty 

(Chapter 30) www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/ch30.pdf

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected 

Reserve (Chapter 1606) www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/CH1606.pdf

Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment Program (Chapter 

31)

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/Ch31Fa

ctSheet.pdf

Education and Career 

Counseling (Chapter 36) www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/vocrehab/chapter36.pdf

Post-9/11 GI Bill – General 

Information

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/Post911_General_info.pdf

Post-9/11 GI Bill – Study 

Abroad Programs

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/Post911_Study_Abroad.pdf

Post-9/11 GI Bill – Yellow 

Ribbon Program

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/Post911_Yellow_Ribbon.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 224

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Post-9/11 GI Bill –

Transferability

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/Post911_Transferability.pdf

Post-9/11 GI Bill: Factors to 

Consider

www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/factsheets/education/Post911_Factors_To_Consider.pdf

Section 702 of the Choice Act https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/factsheets/Section_702_Fa

ctsheet.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 225

Housing

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Summary of VA Home Loan 

Guaranty Benefits

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefitssummary/SummaryofVAHomeLoanGuarantyBenefits.pdf

Delinquent Loan Assistance 

(Assistance with)

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/homeloans/DelinquentL

oanAssistance.pdf

Farm Loans – VA Home Loans 

for Rural Residents

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/homeloans/FarmLoans.p

df

Specially Adapted Housing 

(SAH) Program 

https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-HousingAdaptation-Programs.pdf

Native American Direct Home 

Loan (NADL)

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/homeloans/NADLFactSh

eet.pdf

VA Guaranteed Loan – Home 

Loan Guaranty

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/homeloans/VA_Guarant

eed_Home_Loans.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 226

Insurance

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance 

(SGLI)

www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/585

https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insuranc

e/SGLI.pdf

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life 

Insurance (FSGLI)

www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/590

https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insuranc

e/FSGLI.pdf

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance 

Traumatic Injury Protection (TSLGI)

https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/4765

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insurance/TSGLI.

pdf

Veteran’s Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/281

https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insuranc

e/VGLI.pdf

Service Disabled Veterans Insurance 

(S-DVI)

www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/4755

https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insuranc

e/SDVI.pdf

Veteran’s Mortgage Life Insurance 

(VMLI)

www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/587

https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insuranc

e/VMLI.pdf

Supplemental Service Disabled 

Veterans Insurance (SRH) www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/2644

Gratuitous Service-Disabled Veterans 

Insurance (ARH) www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/4757

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance

Disability Extension (SGLI-DE) www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/4763

Veterans Life Insurance Policy Loans 

and Cash Surrenders www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1512
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 227

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Waiver of Insurance Premiums for 

Disabled Veterans www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/4759
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 228

Disability Compensation and Related Benefits

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Disability Compensation www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/Com

pensation.pdf

Presumptive Disability Benefits www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/pres

umption.pdf

Individual Unemployability www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/IU.p

df

Military Sexual Trauma www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/MST

.pdf

Special Monthly Compensation 

(SMC)

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/smc.

pdf

Automobile and Special 

Adaptive Equipment Grants

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/Auto

.pdf

Aid and Attendance (A&A) or 

Housebound

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/limitedincome/Enhanc

edorSpecialPension.pdf

Veteran’s Additional Payment 

for a Dependent Parent

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/DependentParen

t.pdf

Benefits Delivery at Discharge www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/general/BDDFactSheet.

pdf

Separation Health Assessment 

for Service members

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/Sepa

rationHealthAssessment.pdf

Disability Benefit Questionnaire www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/DBQ

s.pdf

What is VA Pension? www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/limitedincome/livepen

sion.pdf

VA Pension Benefits www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/limitedincome/pension

program-and-representation.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 229

Burial Benefits

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Burial and Plot Interment 

Allowance www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/burials/Burial.pdf

Burial Flag www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/burials/flag.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 230

Survivors’ Benefits

Fact Sheet/Summary Name Link

Summary of VA Education 

Benefits

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/benefitssummary/SummaryofVAEducationBenefits.pdf

Survivors’ & Dependents’

Educational Assistance (DEA) www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/survivors/CH35.pdf

Dependency and Indemnity 

Compensation (DIC) www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/survivors/dic.pdf

Survivors’ Pension Benefit www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/survivors/Survivorspens

ion.pdf

Parent’s Dependency and 

Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/survivors/parentsdic.pd

f

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John 

David Fry Scholarship

www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/education/Fry_Scholars

hip.pdf
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 231

Additional Information – Military Sexual Trauma

This section summarizes important information about benefits and services that may be available to 

Veterans who experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment during their military service. Please 

carefully review the information below as a first step.

Military sexual trauma, or MST, is the term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to refer to 

sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced by a Veteran during his or her 

military service. Both men and women can experience MST, which involves any sexual activity where a 

Veteran is involved against his or her will. He or she may have been:

• Pressured into sexual activities (for example, with threats of negative consequences for refusing

to be sexually cooperative or with implied better treatment in exchange for sex)

• Unable to consent (such as when asleep or intoxicated) or physically forced into sexual

activities

Other experiences of MST include unwanted sexual touching or grabbing, threatening, offensive 

remarks about a person's body or sexual activities, and threatening and unwelcome sexual advances. 

The identity or characteristics of the perpetrator(s), whether a Veteran was on or off duty at the time, 

or whether a Veteran was on or off base at the time, do not impact whether an experience is MST. 

Why am I provided this information at the Separation Health Assessment exam? 

Veterans are incredibly resilient after stressful events during their service, but some struggle with 

mental or physical health difficulties afterwards, even many years later. VA knows that Veterans who 

experienced MST may face unique challenges in their recovery. This section provides information

about issues related to filing a VA disability claim for a condition related to MST, and also addresses 

free health care services for conditions related to MST. 

Although the goal of the Separation Health Assessment exam is to document any conditions that might 

be related to your service prior to your discharge, here are some things to know before discussing MST 

with your examiner:

• What you discuss during the exam will be included in the exam report, which becomes part of

your Service Treatment Records and may compromise a Restricted Report (see below to learn

more).

• Some state laws require that clinicians report sexual assault experiences to civilian authorities.

What should I do if I would like to talk to someone about MST at my exam?

The best option is to call the Safe Helpline at 1-877-995-5247 or visit https://safehelpline.org. They can 

provide immediate support and connect you with specially trained Department of Defense (DoD) staff.

Depending on the nature of your experiences, you may have several reporting options. For example, if 

you experienced sexual assault, Safe Helpline staff can tell you more about making a formal report to 

authorities. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 232

• One option is a Restricted Report, which al lows you to confidentially disclose the crime to a 

DoD Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), DoD Victim Advocate, or certain DoD health 

care professionals so that you can receive medical treatment and services. In this case, your 

chain of command will not be notified, and there will be no official investigation. Only SARCs, 

Victim Advocates, or specific DoD health care staff (not VA staff), can take a Restricted Report.

• Another option is an Unrestricted Report. If you want to pursue criminal charges, you must file 

an Unrestricted Report. Staff at the Safe Helpline can help you decide on your options.

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Benefits Related to MST

VBA administers VA's non-health care-related benefits, including disability compensation for a mental 

or physical health condition that developed or got worse as a result of experiences of MST. If you 

apply, VBA will need to establish that:

• You currently have physical or mental health symptoms that are disabling;

• You had an experience(s) during your military service that had an impact upon your health; and

• There is a link between your current symptoms and your military service.

For claims related to most mental or physical health conditions, VBA needs direct evidence that you 

experienced MST and that your injury or disability began or got worse during your military service. 

Direct evidence can include copies of DoD investigative reports or forms used to report sexual assault 

or sexual harassment, can be used to support a disability claim.

For certain claims, such as those for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to MST, VBA 

developed special policies to assist individuals, because direct evidence can be difficult to obtain. For 

these claims, VBA also accepts indirect evidence, or “markers”, such as evidence of behavior changes 

around the time of an MST experience. Markers can include:

• Records from police, rape crisis centers, mental health counseling, hospitals, or physicians

• Statements from others such as family members, fellow Service members, clergy, or counselors

• Request for transfer to another military duty assignment or deterioration in work performance

• Pregnancy tests or tests for sexually transmitted diseases around the time the MST occurred

• Episodes of depression, panic attacks, or anxiety

• Difficulties with substance abuse

• Unexplained economic or behavioral changes; increased use of leave without obvious reason

• Increased or decreased use of prescription medications

• Letters shared in confidence, diary or journal entries, emails, text messages, or tweets

• Relationship conflicts, divorce, or increased disregard for military or civilian authority

• Sexual dysfunction
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 233

How can I collect this evidence?

VBA has a duty to assist Veterans in collecting evidence to support their disability compensation claims. 

Many VBA Regional Offices have specifically identified point people (“MST specialists”) that can help 

with MST-related claims. All Regional Offices also have Women Veterans Coordinators who can assist 

both male and female Veterans filing claims related to MST.

VBA knows that often it can be difficult for Veterans to locate direct and indirect evidence, particularly 

if they decide to file a claim many years after their experiences. Because of this, VA encourages Service 

members to hold onto any materials that might later serve as evidence, such as copies of reports to 

authorities, copies of treatment records, or anything documenting your difficulties while you were on 

Active Duty. For example, if you told a friend or family member about your experiences of MST, 

consider asking him or her to write a brief note stating this, or at least keep a list of people you told. 

Even if you do not want to file a claim now, this evidence will be useful to you if you later decide to file.

More information is available by calling 1-800-827-1000 or visiting the following website: 

http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/MST.pdf.

Veteran Health Administration (VHA) Service for Military Sexual Trauma

In VHA, Veterans can receive free treatment for any mental or physical health condition related to 

MST.

• You do not need to have reported your experiences or have any documentation that they 

occurred to receive this care.

• You do not need to have filed for disability compensation with VBA.

• Some Veterans ca receive this free MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA 

health care services. For example, length of Active Duty service does not affect eligibility for 

MST-related treatment through VHA.

Free outpatient MST-related treatment is available at every VA health care facility. VHA also has 

residential and inpatient mental health programs for Veterans who need more intense treatment and 

support. VHA's treatment services are designed to meet Veterans where they are at in their recovery, 

whether that is focusing on strategies for coping with challenging emotions and memories or, for 

Veterans who are ready, talking about their MST experiences with a counselor.

How can I access VHA's treatment services related to MST once I am fully separated?

You can contact your nearest VA Medical Center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator, a point 

person who can help you access VHA services and may know of additional resources. You can also 

contact your local Vet Center. You can find a list of facilities and contact information at www.va.gov

and www.vetcenter.va.gov. More information is also available at 

www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp or by calling 1-800-827-1000. 
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 234

Appendix E: Benefits Matrices

VA Education Benefits Matrix

The following matrices describe who can access/apply for VA benefits, services, and tools. A more 

comprehensive listing of VA benefits can be found at www.va.gov.

Benefit

Who Can Access/Apply

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family 

Member

Education and Career Counseling • • • • •*

Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty 

(MGIB‐AD) • • • •

Montgomery GI Bill – Selected 

Reserve (MGIB-SR) • • •

Post-9/11 GI Bill • • • • •**

Transfer of Entitlement (Post-9/11) • • •

Survivors’ and Dependents’ 

Educational Assistance (DEA) 

Program

•*

Tutorial Assistance • • • • •

* Benefit is available to eligible survivors.

** Family members may be eligible if Service member transferred benefits.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 235

VA Benefits Matrix

Benefit

ServiceConnected 

Disability 

Required

Who Can Access/Apply

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family 

Member

Automobile and 

Adaptive 

Equipment 

Allowance

• • • • •

Burial Benefits • • • • •*

Civilian Health 

and Medical 

Program of the 

Department of 

Veterans Affairs 

(CHAMPVA)

 

•

 

•*

Clothing 

Allowance • •

Dental Care •

Dependency 

and Indemnity 

Compensation 

(DIC)

• •*

Disability 

Compensation • • • • •

Employment 

Resources • • • • •*

Health Care • • • • •

Home Loan 

Guaranty • • • • •*

Insurance: Family 

Servicemembers’ 

Group Life 

Insurance (FSGLI)

• • • •

Insurance: ServiceDisabled Veterans’ 

Life Insurance (SDVI)

• •

Insurance: 

Servicemembers’ 

Group Life 

Insurance (SGLI)

• • •

Insurance: 

Servicemembers’ 

Group Life 

Insurance 

Traumatic Injury 

Protection (TSGLI)

• • •
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 236

Benefit

ServiceConnected 

Disability 

Required

Who Can Access/Apply

Active Duty National Guard Reserve Veteran Family 

Member

Insurance: 

Veterans’ Group 

Life Insurance 

(VGLI)

•

Insurance: 

Veterans’ 

Mortgage Life 

Insurance (VMLI)

• • • • •

Veterans 

Pension

•

Specially Adapted 

Housing Grant/ 

Temporary 

Residence 

Adaptation Grant

• • • • •

Vet Center 

Readjustment 

Counseling • • • • • •*

Vocational 

Rehabilitation and 

Employment 

(VR&E)

• • • • •

* Benefit is available to eligible survivors.
Participant Guide – Version 1.1 237

Required Documentation Matrix

The following matrix lists the requisite personal information and documentation needed to apply for 

benefits such as disability compensation, health care, and education. More specific information can be 

found at www.va.gov. 

Required 

Information

Benefit

Health Care Disability 

Compensation

Home Loan 

Guaranty

Vocational 

Rehabilitation 

and 

Employment

Education

Education 

and Career 

Counseling

Insurance 

Benefit

Spouses – full 

names, birth 

dates, SSNs, 

date and place 

of marriage(s), 

termination 

date and place 

[of previous 

marriage(s)] 

(Information 

only needed if 

converting 

Spousal FSGLI to 

commercial 

policy)

  

Last leave and 

earning 

statement (for 

VGLI/SGLI-DE)



Home Mortgage 

Documentation 

(for indicate 

VMLI)



Proof of total 

disability (for 

SGLI-DE/VGLI)



Medical 

Statement from 

Physician (only 

in certain 

limited 

circumstances)


Participant Guide – Version 1.1 238

Required 

Information

Benefit

Health Care Disability 

Compensation

Home Loan 

Guaranty

Vocational 

Rehabilitation 

and 

Employment

Education

Education 

and Career 

Counseling

Insurance 

Benefit

Children – full 

names, dates 

and places of 

birth, SSNs, 

complete 

addresses, and 

name of person 

child lives with; 

if child is 

severely 

disabled, a 

medical 

statement from 

a doctor

  

Copies of orders 

(if activated 

from the 

Guard/Reserve)

  

Any previous 

vocational 

rehabilitation 

programs and 

dates

 