For retirees and their families, this means better access to medical care and more health services at a lower cost than what most retirees pay now. It provides the lowest cost for each service. Which one to choose depends on such factors as home location, health status and preference of health care providers. As Standard or Extra participants, another alternative open to retirees and their families is use of MTFs on a space available basis. Veterans benefits for retirees VA is the agency responsible for administering the federal veterans' programs authorized by Congress.
Retirement is considered the same as discharge for the purpose of veterans benefits.
Therefore, the benefits administered by VA which are available to personnel being separated or discharged from active duty are available under the same conditions to retirees. DON has no control over benefits authorized by law and payable by other government agencies. The percentage of disability determined by the Navy for retirement purposes does not affect the determination of percentage of disability determined by the VA for veterans benefits. The VA has regional offices in each state, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Questions concerning veterans benefits should be addressed to the nearest regional office.