What benefits does the VA offer veterans?
You may be able to get help with some non-medical services, like:
- Beneficiary travel benefits (help paying for travel related to treatment)
- Caregiver support (help for the person who cares for you)
- Veterans transportation service (help getting to and from appointments)
Do all veterans get free health care?
While many Veterans qualify for enrollment and cost-free health care services based on a compensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factors, certain Veterans will be asked to complete a financial assessment at the time of enrollment to determine their eligibility for free medical care, medications and/or travel benefits.
Do Veterans need Medicare if they get VA benefits?
Veterans who receive health care benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can also enroll in Medicare upon turning 65. Because each offers different benefits, having both at your disposal will broaden your health insurance coverage options.
How do I determine if I am eligible for veterans?
- Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
- Were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
- Served prior to September 7, 1980
Do all Veterans get 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 Veterans get paid for life?
The SSA evaluates military records when claimants apply for benefits, and qualifying veterans can get a lifetime earnings credit for wages during service. Eligibility is based on length of service.
Do all veterans get free healthcare?
If you are a 50% or greater disabled veteran or a former POW, all your medical care from the VA is free. There are other groups that may get some, or all VA medical care for free, see our VA Copay page for details.
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.
VA Disability Compensation Benefits
Veterans who have a service-related injury or illness may be entitled to VA disability compensation. It’s a tax-free monthly benefit.Visit VA.gov t...
Disabled Veteran Housing Assistance
Veterans with certain service-connected or aging-related disabilities can get housing help. You may qualify for special housing grants from the Dep...
VA Pensions for Veterans and Survivors With a Low Income
Wartime veterans with a low income and their survivors may qualify for a tax-free pension. These monthly payments from the Department of Veterans A...
What is gender alteration?
Gender alteration (gender reassignment surgery) Health club or spa membership. Medicines and medical devices that aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), except in 2 special cases: You’re in an approved clinical trial, or.
What is VA approved walk in clinic?
This may include care at a VA-approved: Walk-in retail health clinic for minor illnesses like a sore throat or earache. Urgent care facility for more pressing (but not life-threatening) illnesses or injuries that require treatment like splinting, casting, or wound care.
What does https://ensure?
The https://ensures that you're connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and sent securely.
What are the benefits of being a veteran?
Treat illnesses and injuries. Prevent future health problems. Improve your ability to function. Enhance your quality of life. 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:
Do you have to pay a VA copay if you live in Alaska?
You don't need us to approve (or "preauthorize") your care before you get treated, and. You don't need to pay a VA copay. If you live in A laska. You may be able to receive care through an Indian Health Service facility or Tribal Health facility even if you're not an eligible American Indian or Alaska Native Veteran.
Does VA health insurance meet the ACA?
You should also know that being signed up for VA health care meets your Affordable Care Act (ACA) health coverage requirement of having “minimum essential health coverage.” We’ll update this site if the ACA changes with new laws.
Do veterans need to complete a financial assessment?
This will depend on factors like your income level, disability rating, and military service history. Most Veterans need to complete a financial assessment when they enroll. This helps us determine if you qualify for free VA health care. Learn more about VA copays.
When will VA extend the presumptive period for chronic disabilities?
VA has extended the presumptive period to Dec. 31, 2026 for qualifying chronic disabilities rated 10% or more resulting from undiagnosed illnesses in Persian Gulf War Veterans.
Does the VA endorse external links?
External Link Disclaimer: This site contains links that may take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
What is the eligibility for VA benefits?
Eligibility for VA Benefits. Your eligibility for most VA benefits is based on discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.
Is the military pay changing?
Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by subscribing to Military.com, and get access to up-to-date pay charts and more with all latest benefits delivered straight to your inbox.
Can a veteran receive a VA benefit?
Honorable and general discharges qualify a veteran for most VA benefits. Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits.
What are the benefits of veterans with disabilities?
These include compensation, pensions, and grants for veterans with certain service-connected disabilities as well as pensions for some veterans 65 and older and grants for vets with age-related disabilities.
What is VA disability compensation?
Disability compensation is for an illness or injury that happens because of or was made worse by your military service. It’s not income-based and war service is not required. A VA pension is for war veterans with a low income and who may have a disability that is not service-related.
Is VA disability tax free?
Veterans who have a service-related injury or illness may be entitled to VA disability compensation. It’s a tax-free monthly benefit.
Do survivors of veterans receive compensation?
Survivors of veterans may receive compensation benefits in certain situations.
Can you get Aid and Attendance if you receive a VA pension?
Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits. If you receive a VA pension, you may also qualify for Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits . You can only get one of them. Each has its own qualifications.
Is VA pension taxable?
Here are two ways to tell the difference: Military retirement is taxable but a VA pension is tax-free. Military retirement uses years of service (not necessarily wartime). But a VA pension is based on wartime service and financial need.
Can veterans get housing assistance?
Veterans with certain service-connected or aging-related disabilities can get housing help. You may qualify for special housing grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Apply for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant. You can use it to:
How to apply for VA benefits?
You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways: 1 Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state.#N#Find your PMC 2 Work with an accredited representative.#N#Get help filing your claim 3 Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.#N#Find a VA regional office near you
How to apply for VA education benefits?
The best way to apply for your education benefits is by going to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. You can also apply for education benefits by doing any of the following options: By mail. Call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, to request that we send the application to you.
How to file for VA life insurance?
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI): To file for VMLI, complete and submit VA Form 29-8636, "Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance" to your Specially Adapted Housing Agent. The agent will help you complete your application. Also, you must provide information about your current mortgage.
How to get VA form 26-1817?
Download and complete VA Form 26-1817, "Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility - Unmarried Surviving Spouses. You can also call 1-877-827-3702 and follow the prompts for "Eligibility" and we will send the form to you. Mail your completed application to the Regional Loan Center that serves your state.
How to apply for VA disability?
To submit a paper application, download and complete a VA Form 28-1900, "Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation" and mail it to your local regional office. You may also go to your local regional office and turn in your application for processing.
What to do before leaving the military?
If you are a member of the armed forces serving on either active duty or full-time National Guard duty, you should apply through the VA Pre-discharge claim program before leaving service. Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits for service members and Veterans.
Where to apply for VA pension?
You can apply for pension benefits online at www.va.gov/pension. To submit a paper application Pension benefits, download and complete VA Form 21P-527EZ, "Application for Pension" and mail it to the Pension Management Center that serves your state.
How many months of active duty do you have to serve?
If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981,you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless any of the descriptions below are true for you.
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 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 ...
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.)
What to do if denied VA benefits?
You gave years of your life to your country, and you deserve compensation for your service. But sometimes the VA may be reluctant to grant you the benefits you deserve. If you have been denied your VA benefits, call Jackson and MacNichol today at 800-524-3339 for a free consultation with a veterans disability compensation lawyer.
What to do if VA disability is denied?
If you are having difficulty with SSA benefits, we can help you find a lawyer to assist you. Back to News.
Do veterans get VA disability?
The exact interplay between VA and SSA benefits depends on the circumstances that are specific to your case , but it is very common for veterans to receive VA disability compensation in addition to Social Security Disability Insurance.
Does Social Security take military service into account?
When you apply for your social security retirement benefits, the SSA will automatically take into account your military service. If you served in the military before 2001, this means that the SSA will count extra credits towards your lifetime earnings record, which is used to determine your SSA retirement benefits.
Does the SSA help disabled people?
The SSA and the VA generally do a good job of getting retired and disabled persons the benefits they need to live in dignity. But sometimes, they fall short of this objective. When this happens, the veterans and social security benefits lawyers of Jackson & MacNichol can help.
