For a veteran to show they’re eligible for benefits, they must first present the VA office with an official copy of their DD Form 214/215, or NGB 22/22A, which are some of the most significant documents issued by the military.
What benefits are you eligible for as a veteran?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as:
- Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability
- Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease
- Severe hearing loss
- Scar tissue
- Loss of range of motion (problems moving your body)
- Ulcers
- Cancers caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other dangers
Who qualifies for VA medical benefits?
- You were discharged or separated for medical reasons, early out, or hardship
- You served in theater of combat operations within the past 5 years
- You were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting)
- You are a former Prisoner of War
- You received a Purple Heart Medal
- You receive VA pension or disability benefits
How to access veterans benefits?
- Search for and open the Military Protection product on DoNotPay.
- Select whether you want to 1) locate the nearest VA office, 2) access veteran benefits, or 3) locate service records.
- Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to help you and find the nearest office or fill out the appropriate forms.
How to qualify for VA benefits?
- You require help performing daily functions, which may include bathing, eating or dressing.
- You are bedridden.
- You are a patient in a nursing home.
- Your eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
How do you check if you qualify for VA benefits?
You can get help in any of these ways:Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.Get help from an accredited representative (a trained professional trusted to help with VA-related claims). Request a representative.Find your state's Veterans agency.
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.
Why would a veteran not be eligible for VA benefits?
But because of rules that changed in 2003, veterans are no longer eligible for VA Health Care because of their veteran status. The reason for this is rather straightforward: budget cuts. In 2003, Congress passed a budget that included a freeze on veterans qualifying for benefits, what the VA calls Priority 8.
How long did you have to serve to get VA benefits?
24 monthsVA pension is a tax-free benefit paid to Veterans with limited income and net worth who served during a wartime period (see the FAQ section for a list of wartime periods). Generally, you must have 90 days or 24 months of active service (depending on when you served) to qualify.
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.
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.
Does having a DD214 make you a veteran?
Even in the private sector, your DD214 proves you are a veteran, letting you apply with companies looking to support or hire vets.
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.
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...
What is it called when you get sick while serving in the military?
You: Got sick or injured while serving in the military—and can link this condition to your illness or injury (called an inservice disability claim), or. Had an illness or injury before you joined the military—and serving made it worse (called a preservice disability claim), or.
Can you get VA disability for lung disease?
You may be able to get VA disability benefits for conditions such as : Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability. Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease. Severe hearing loss. Scar tissue.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
What do veterans get for their rehabilitation?
While enrolled in a rehabilitation program, veterans receive a monthly subsistence allowance in addition to compensation or retirement pay.
What are the benefits of a VA national cemetery?
Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the grave site, opening and closing of the grave and perpetual care. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or special grave sites for cremated remains. Headstones, markers and their placement are provided at government expense.
What is the DVA for alcohol?
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment. Eligible veterans are admitted to any of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical centers for the treatment of alcohol or drug dependence or associated medical conditions.
Why are veterans hospitalized?
They are hospitalized in a military hospital for a condition likely to be compensable; They were discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions; The VA determines they need vocational rehabilitation services to achieve suitable employment because of an employment handicap.
How much is the Federal Benefits booklet?
It is sold for $5.50 a copy through the U.S. Government Printing Office.
How many cemeteries does the VA have?
Veterans, service members and family members are eligible for burial in one of the VA’s 114 national cemeteries. An eligible veteran must have been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service.
How long does medical coverage last?
Medical coverage is for specific time periods. For separated members coverage is for a maximum of 18 months . Unremarried former spouses, emancipated children, children placed for adoption or legal custody each have a maximum 36 months of coverage.
What is the VA loan number?
If you have any questions about your eligibility for a VA home loan, please call your VA regional loan center at 877-827-3702. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
How long do you have to be discharged for a hardship?
At least 181 days if you were discharged for a hardship, a reduction in force, or for convenience of the government, or. Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability.
How long do you have to serve to be considered active duty?
You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you served for at least this amount of time: 24 continuous months, or. The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, or.
How long do you have to be on active duty in the Gulf War?
The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, or.
Can a spouse of a veteran get a COE?
You may be able to get a COE if you’re the surviving spouse of a Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran who's missing in action or being held as a prisoner of war (POW). Find out how to apply for a COE as a surviving spouse.
Are there any income requirements associated with a VA home loan?
While there are no minimum income standards to receive a VA mortgage, you must have consistent income and be able to pay for your monthly expenses as well has have a certain percentage of income beyond what is needed to cover your monthly expenses and mortgage payment.
You will need to acquire a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before being approved
Luckily, you don’t need to receive a COE in order to start the application process. A COE is a document issued by the VA that lists the rights you possess pertaining to receiving VA Benefits.
What additional requirements do private lenders need in order to qualify for a VA Loan?
Once the VA determines those who are eligible for a VA home mortgage, the lender who finances the loan may require certain standards are met before issuing the financing. These requirements may include minimums on your credit, income, and debt.
