how do you get va benefits

You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:

• Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state. Find your PMC
• Work with an accredited representative. Get help filing your claim
• Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee. Find a VA regional office near you

Full Answer

How does someone know if they qualify for VA benefits?

• 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

How long does it take to get VA benefits?

You will generally get an initial rating within six months of filing a claim, but the actual length of time for claims has varied widely from 90 days to 2 years. To understand why the process takes so long and is so variable, it helps to understand how the process works. First Things First: Who Can Qualify To Receive VA Benefits?

How do I Check my VA benefits?

You can also use this tool to check the status of a claim or appeal for other benefits like these:

• VA health care
• GI Bill or other education benefits
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
• A home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• A Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant
• Life insurance
• A pre-need determination of eligibility to be buried in a VA national cemetery

How to find out if you are eligible for veterans benefits?

Determining Veteran Status – Eligibility Service Records: Proving Your Eligibility 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.

How do you qualify for VA benefits?

Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.

Do all Veterans qualify 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 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.

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 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.

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:

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.

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.

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.