
Reservist Benefits
- Qualifying for VA Health Care. Effective Jan. 28, 2008, Veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003,...
- Disability Benefits. VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty...
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve. Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps...
What benefits do honorably discharged reservist get?
You:
- Receive financial compensation (payments) from VA for a service-connected disability
- Were discharged for a disability resulting from something that happened to you in the line of duty
- Were discharged for a disability that got worse in the line of duty
- Are a recently discharged combat Veteran
- Get a VA pension
- Are a former prisoner of war (POW)
Do reservists get VA home loan?
VA home loans offer a guaranteed program for National Guard and reserve members. The loans also provide better interest rates and other benefits such as a lack of a down payment requirement. Reservists and National Guard members can qualify for this benefit if they served 90 days or more on active duty during wartime.
Do National Guard veterans qualify for VA benefits?
Yes, generally, all National Guard and Reserve members qualify for some VA benefits. Different VA benefits may consider different factors to determine eligibility, such as length of service, type of service (such as under Title 10 or Title 32), wartime service, and/or service-related disability. Can you be in the reserves for 20 years?
Are reservists considered veterans?
Reservists are at least potential veterans. After reenlisting they are actual veterans as a reenlistment comes with an Honorable Discharge. Many qualified for medical benefits before switching to the reserves. Are they veterans or potential veterans? It sort of does not matter.

Is a 6 year Reservist considered a veteran?
A former Reservist is not a veteran unless called to active duty. The Reserves can be called to active duty by the President or the Secretary of Defense. Approximately, 65,000 reserve troops are on active duty at any given moment, supporting military operations around the world.
How long do you have to be in the Reserves to get VA benefits?
National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, or are discharged because of a service-connected disability.
Do you get full benefits in the reserves?
Active-duty members may be stationed within the United States or abroad. They can retire with full benefits after 20 years of service. Reservists receive full medical and dental benefits only if called for active-duty service.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
How long do you have to serve in the military to get a VA pension?
Typically, individuals must have served for a minimum of anywhere from 90 days to 24 months, depending on the timing of their service. For example, individuals enlisted in or before 1980 will need to serve for at least 90 days during wartime. After 1980, enlisted individuals would need to serve 24 continuous months during wartime to qualify for this pension.
What is the VA's education benefit?
Education Benefits. The VA provides certain educational funding and training for National Guard and reserve members. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate program, graduate degree, technical training, vocational training, certification tests, or licensing, you might benefit from VA education funding.
What documents do you need to file an appeal for VA disability?
Veterans applying for disability benefits will need to provide detailed documents, including medical and hospital records and supporting statements related to their disability. Applying for VA disability benefits can be confusing and complicated. If the VA denies your claim, you do have the right to file an appeal.
What is VA disability compensation?
VA disability compensation is just one of the benefits veterans can receive because of their time serving their country. If you qualify for disability compensation, you will receive monthly tax-free benefits. The VA rates injuries and ailments in terms of percentages.
What happens if the VA denies your claim?
If the VA denies your claim, you do have the right to file an appeal. Some denials are improper or incorrect, while other times, you may not have provided enough or the correct information to support your claim. A behind-the-scenes look at who works for you at Woods and Woods, The Veteran’s Firm.
What is the military technician service?
Technician Service Benefits Eligibility. Military technicians perform jobs for the army or the Air Force. To qualify as a military technician, you must also be a member of the National Guard or reserves. These individuals have similar training schedules as other members of the reserves and the National Guard.
How many days of training does the National Guard have?
Members of the National Guard attend training on the weekend each month and another 15 days of full-time training each year.
How long does the VA extend the eligibility period?
Additionally, if in the Selected Reserve and called to active duty, VA can generally extend the eligibility period by the length of time on active duty plus four months for each period of active duty.
Why do veterans have flags?
VA provides a burial flag to memorialize members or former members of the Selected Reserve who served their initial obligation, or were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or died while a member of the Selected Reserve.
What is the Air Reserve Personnel Center?
The Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) is available to assist with various personnel issues, including requests for personnel records, copies of DD Form 214, or other military documents. Many Veterans file an Air Force Board Correction of Military Records (AFBCMR) or write their Congressman to get these basic issues resolved which requires that the request be routed through appropriate authorities, sometimes taking up to 180 days. Alternately, the ARPC routinely handles these actions on a much quicker basis. Members should call the ARPC for assistance at 1-800-525-0102 or logon to gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.
How long do you have to use your ING benefits after separation?
In addition, members who are called up from the IRR or Inactive National Guard (ING), complete their REAP-qualifying period of active duty service, and then enter the Selected Reserve to complete their service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after separation.
How long is the National Guard's home loan guarantee?
Home Loan Guaranty. National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, or are discharged because of a service-connected disability.
How long does the Army National Guard receive the MGIB?
Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, may be entitled to up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Selected Reserve. To be eligible, the participant must:
What is the Reserve Educational Assistance Program?
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) This program provides educational assistance to members of National Guard and Reserve components who are called or ordered to active duty service in response to a war or national emergency as declared by the President or Congress.
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.
How long does the VA extend the eligibility period?
Additionally, if in the Selected Reserve and called to active duty, VA can generally extend the eligibility period by the length of time on active duty plus four months for each period of active duty.
What are the types of work that are allowed by the VA?
The types of work allowed include: • VA paperwork processing at schools or other training facilities. • Assistance with patient care at VA hospitals or domiciliary care facilities.
How long do you have to use your ING benefits after separation?
In addition, members who are called up from the IRR or Inactive National Guard (ING), complete their REAP-qualifying period of active duty service, and then enter the Selected Reserve to complete their service contract, have 10 years to use their benefits after separation.
How to contact VA about post discharge?
For additional information, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
How many years of active duty do you have to be to receive the full pay?
Members who qualify after the accumulation of three or more years aggregate active duty service receive the full payment allowable. Training: Participants may pursue training at a college or university, or take technical training at any approved facility.
How long does the Army National Guard receive the MGIB?
Members of reserve elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and members of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, may be entitled to up to 36 months of educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) – Selected Reserve. To be eligible, the participant must:
What is VA disability?
Disability Benefits. VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty and active duty for training as a result of injury or disease, and for disabilities due to injury, heart attack, or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training.
Characteristics of National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers
The US Military Force is approximately 2,083,100 personnel. Why this is important to know? The National Guard and Reserve Forces make up 801,200 of this number (38.5%). There is a huge pool of Veterans needing assistance.
Can National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Receive VA Benefits?
Many National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers question if they are eligible for disability benefits from the VA. The short answer is yes, but certain criteria must be met.
Benefits for National Guard and Reservists
Benefits available to National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers include:
Your Status and How it Relates to Benefits
National Guard and Reserve Servicemembers have different statuses, which can impact their eligibility for benefits. There are:
Finding Evidence of Your Duty Status
Servicemembers injured during IDT or ADT need to show evidence of duty status, which is usually a Line of Duty form (DD 261).
Call Us Today
If you are a National Guard or Reserve Veteran who has been denied disability benefits, we can help. Call our team today to schedule a free case evaluation and take the next step in getting the VA benefits you deserve.
How the VA Compensates Reservists
Since reservists are not always on duty, the government does not accept responsibility for injuries not medically documented as occurring while on orders to drill or annual training.
What a Reservist Must Show the VA
Reservists need to show medical treatment when injuries occur while on orders and sustained care for that injury from the time of the event on orders to be eligible for compensation. As with any VA claim documentation of an injury is key to service connection; however, it is even more critical for Reservists to show the event happened on orders.
Veterans Serving Veterans
The team at Berry Law is dedicated to helping Veterans in their fight for disability benefits. If you served in the Reserves and you were denied disability benefits by the VA or given a lower than expected rating, Berry Law can help you appeal.
What is the title of the Army National Guard?
Armed Forces and was activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code, that person qualifies for many of the same benefits provided to full-time military personnel. Reservists in this case would receive ...
What is the difference between a DD214 and a NGB22?
Reservists in this case would receive a DD214 and National Guard members would receive an NGB22 (Report of Separation and Record of Service), both of which can be used to show proof of eligibility when applying for veteran benefits. Like the DD214, the NGB22 provides a detailed account of an individual’s military career, ...
Do you need a DD214 for the National Guard?
Are National Guard and Reserve Members Eligible for Veteran Benefits, and Do They Need a DD214? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the majority of National Guard and Reserve members are eligible for some VA benefits, provided they were discharged or released under honorable (or anything other than dishonorable) ...
