What benefits are available to Vietnam Veterans?
The war was officially ended by Presidential Proclamation on May 7, 1975. Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Are Vietnam veterans eligible for disability compensation?
In addition to disability compensation, Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a variety of other VA benefits, including monthly pension payments, home loans, life insurance, burial services and more. You can access the 2021 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors booklet here.
Are Vietnam Veterans exempt from federal taxes?
The Vietnam War ran from August 1964 (fiscal year 1965) to January 1973. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides tax-free disability compensation to veterans with medical injuries or conditions that were incurred or aggravated during active-duty military service. Other income sources may be subject to taxation.
Are you eligible for veterans pension benefits?
Am I eligible for Veterans Pension benefits? You may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program if you meet the requirements listed below. Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress.
Are Vietnam era Veterans considered Vietnam veterans?
Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn't set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it's surrounding waters.
What does the VA consider Vietnam era?
(c) Vietnam era means the period be- ginning August 5, 1964 and ending May 7, 1975. (d) Veterans readjustment appointment (VRA) is an excepted appointment made after April 8, 1970, under this part, to a position otherwise in the competitive service of eligible veterans of the Vietnam era and the post-Viet- nam era.
Are all Veterans eligible for VA benefits?
All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.
Do Vietnam era Veterans qualify for the GI Bill?
Vietnam-era Veterans may convert their Vietnam-era GI Bill benefits to the MGIB Bill. Veterans may be eligible if they: Entered active duty before January 1, 1977.
What benefits did Vietnam era veterans receive?
VA Benefits Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Do Vietnam vets get more Social Security?
In general, Vietnam veterans received more money from Social Security and retirement plans than nonveterans; nonveterans had more earnings and more investment income.
How long do you have to be in military to get VA benefits?
24 continuous monthsTo be eligible for most veterans benefits, a minimum period of active duty of 24 continuous months or the full period for which a person is called or ordered to active duty must be completed. This rule has been in effect since October 16, 1981 for new enlistees.
Do Veterans get free healthcare for life?
You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.
How many years do you have to serve to be a veteran?
"Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran," he said. The change in law, said Krenz, simply recognizes those who serve.
Is there a Vietnam era ribbon?
The medal is awarded to recognize service during the Vietnam War by all members of the U.S. Armed Forces provided they meet the award requirements....Vietnam Service MedalFirst awarded4 July 1965 Retroactive to 1 July 1958Last awarded30 April 1975Service ribbon and campaign streamerPrecedence13 more rows
When did Vietnam Era GI Bill End?
The program was terminated on 31 December 1989. However, members with remaining entitlement under the VEGIB after 31 December 1989 were automatically converted to the MGIB Program if certain criteria was met. See the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Website for current rates.
Do veterans have automatic life insurance?
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) SGLI coverage is automatic. All Servicemembers with full-time coverage should use the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) to designate beneficiaries, or reduce, decline or restore SGLI coverage.
Am I eligible for Veterans Pension benefits?
You may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program if you meet these requirements. Both of these must be true: You didn’t receive a dishonorable...
How do I know if I served under an eligible wartime period?
Under current law, we recognize the following wartime periods to decide eligibility for VA pension benefits: Mexican Border period (May 9, 1916, to...
What should I do if I received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge?
If you’ve received one of these discharge statuses, you may not be eligible for VA pension benefits. There are 2 ways you can try to qualify: Find...
When did the Vietnam War end?
Vietnam War era (February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)
How long did you serve in the military in 1980?
And at least one of these must be true about your service. You: Started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or. Started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called ...
Question
I was denied VA health benefits due to higher income . VA stated that Vietnam veterans don’t need to prove income. I am a Vietnam era veteran. Does that apply to Vietnam era veterans also?
Jim's Reply
Many years ago every veteran was given free health care for life. In the era during 2006-2007, the rules changed and eligibility for health care became much more restricted. Today you must have a service connected disability rating or be eligible for pension to receive VA health care.
Quick Answer: How Can A Vietnam Veteran Apply For Va Benefits?
Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
Are all Vietnam veterans eligible for VA benefits?
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Are all Vietnam veterans considered combat veterans?
Generally, combat veterans are those that served in a combat zone during their military service. This can include service in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and certain areas of Iraq and Afghanistan, among other locations.
How much money do Vietnam veterans get?
In 2018, the average income of Vietnam veterans and nonveterans was roughly comparable: For veterans, who were 63 to 78 years old at that point, it was $63,300, slightly less than the $65,000 average for nonveterans. The veterans’ average includes the disability compensation that some receive from VA.
Do all Veterans get benefits?
All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care. The full list of your covered benefits depends on: Your priority group, and.
Do Vietnam veterans get GI Bill?
Vietnam-era Veterans may convert their Vietnam-era GI Bill benefits to the MGIB Bill. Veterans may be eligible if they: Entered active duty before January 1, 1977. Have entitlement left from Vietnam-Era GI Bill.
What qualifies you as a combat veteran?
A combat veteran is generally one who has a military record indicating they received Hostile Fire Pay, or were deployed to and served in a combat zone. that need to be provided or affirmed for combat veterans to claim certain VA or non-VA benefits related to combat status.
When did the Vietnam War end?
Vietnam War era (February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975, for Veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam.)
How long did you serve in the military in 1980?
And at least one of these must be true about your service. You: Started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or. Started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called ...
What years are considered Vietnam era veteran?
We measure our service as those periods of active duty, not reserves. The Code of Federal Regulations Chapter 38 Paragraph 3.2 (f), the Vietnam Era is ” The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period.
Is a Vietnam era veteran considered a Vietnam veteran?
However, the more common usage distinguishes between those who served “in country” and those who did not serve in Vietnam by referring to the “in country” veterans as “Vietnam veterans” and the others as “Vietnam-era veterans”. The U.S. government officially refers to all as “Vietnam-era veterans”.
Did you have to serve in Vietnam to be a Vietnam veteran?
In association with (A) above, the Commemoration uses the term “Vietnam veteran” to describe those who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of duty location. We do NOT use the phrase “Vietnam-era veteran.”
Are Vietnam-era Veterans eligible for VA benefits?
VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Who is considered a Vietnam combat veteran?
A combat veteran is generally one who has a military record indicating they received Hostile Fire Pay, or were deployed to and served in a combat zone.
What benefits do Vietnam era veterans receive?
VA Benefits Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Is there a Vietnam era medal?
The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award of the United States Armed Forces established on 8 July 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The medal is awarded to recognize service during the Vietnam War by all members of the U.S. Armed Forces provided they meet the award requirements.
How many priority groups are there for VA?
When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.
What does enhanced eligibility mean?
You may qualify for enhanced eligibility status (meaning you’ll be placed in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true.
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
Hypertension and Agent Orange Exposure
Health advocates have long maintained that there is a strong link between hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, and Agent Orange exposure. But it’s not on the presumptive list of diseases and conditions that are automatically presumed to be connected to service in Vietnam.
Bladder Cancer, Hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism Added to Presumptive Benefits List
Most of the progress on Agent Orange benefits has come through Congressional acts, not internal VA processes. That’s why we’re optimistic about a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress last year that would change the way the VA deals with illnesses caused by toxic exposures altogether.
Why is Presumption of Service Connection So Important?
Presumptive service connection is important because it allows the VA to skip the “nexus” requirement, meaning you don’t need a doctor to say that all your symptoms stem from a particular event or events that occurred during your deployment overseas. In other words, it cuts through a layer of red tape.
Dementia and Agent Orange Exposure
As veterans of the Vietnam era are aging, doctors and researchers are starting to see more and more cases of dementia. Scientists have known for a long time that different types of cancer — lung cancer, bladder cancer and even brain cancer — are higher in individuals who were exposed to Agent Orange.
Getting Disability Benefits for Service-Connected Dementia
To get benefits for dementia, the veteran must prove, through medical records, that the dementia is service-connected.
Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans eligible for presumptive benefits
Until 2020, only Vietnam veterans who met the VA’s “boots on the ground requirement” were presumed to have been exposed to the herbicide. That changed with the passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, which extended presumption of exposure the water off Vietnam, making approximately 62,000 more veterans eligible for benefits.
The Truth About Agent Orange Exposure in Guam
While Agent Orange use is most commonly associated with Vietnam, tens of thousands of service members stationed in Guam may have been exposed to the toxic herbicide.
What benefits do Vietnam veterans get?
Spouses, children and dependant parents of Vietnam-era veterans who died from diseases related to Agent Orange exposure may be eligible for benefits such as health care, home loans and compensation. Biological children of Vietnam-era veterans who suffer from certain birth defects due to the effects of Agent Orange may also qualify ...
Can veterans get benefits from Agent Orange?
There are also a variety of health benefits that Vietnam- era veterans may qualify for if they have an illness related to exposure to Agent Orange.