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
Can a veteran pursue VA disability benefits following a discharge?
Veterans can pursue VA disability benefits in a number of ways following a veteran’s discharge. Who is eligible for VA disability benefits? What does VA consider a disability? What is an “issue” according to VA? What is a Claims File, or “C-File”? How long do you have to submit evidence for your VA claim? VA Claim Denied – What next?
What is the VA benefits delivery at discharge program?
This is done through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. This program allows Service members to apply for VA disability compensation benefits prior to separation. Claims must be filed between 180 to 90 days prior to separation.
How do I apply for VA benefits?
Applying for Benefits. 1 Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state. 2 Work with an accredited representative. 3 Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee.
What are the character of discharge requirements for VA benefits?
Specific Benefit Program Character of Discharge Requirements Discharge Requirements for Compensation Benefits To receive VA compensation benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).
What are the discharge requirements for VA compensation?
What is the Montgomery GI Bill?
Can you get VA benefits for bad conduct?
Can you get a VA home loan with a character of discharge?
Is there a character of discharge bar for veterans?
Can you receive VA benefits if you are dishonorable?
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How long after discharge can you apply for VA benefits?
180 to 90 daysBenefits Delivery at Discharge A joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) program gives service members the opportunity to file VA disability claims from 180 to 90 days prior to their separation or retirement from active duty.
What disqualifies you from VA benefits?
If you're a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.
Do I get VA benefits with a general discharge?
Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.
What benefits do I get with honorable discharge?
Accordingly, veterans with an Honorable Discharge are entitled to all VA benefits, including applicable disability compensation, educational, healthcare, and vocational benefits.
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.
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.
Who is eligible for VA benefits?
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.
What are the 5 types of discharges?
In general, there are five different types of discharges from the Army: Honorable; General, Under Honorable Conditions; Under Other than Honorable Conditions; Bad Conduct; and Dishonorable.
How long do you have to be in the military to get benefits?
Troops now on active duty become eligible after 90 days of service for as long as they remain on active duty. Reserve and National Guard members become eligible after six creditable years in service. Troops discharged for a service-connected disability are eligible regardless of service length.
Complete List Of Discharge Documents | Veterans Affairs
If you want to be buried in a national cemetery or get memorial items, you’ll need to show the National Cemetery Association (NCA) proof of honorable active military service. Find out which documents the NCA accepts. You may also need one or more of these documents so you can get other benefits.
If you have an uncharacterized discharge from the military, do you have ...
Answer (1 of 5): Ask the VA, not a bunch of people who may or may not know. My recollection is you had to serve 180 days of active duty to be a veteran. What does your DD214N say?
38 CFR § 3.12 - Character of discharge. | CFR | US Law | LII / Legal ...
(a) If the former service member did not die in service, pension, compensation, or dependency and indemnity compensation is not payable unless the period of service on which the claim is based was terminated by discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable. (38 U.S.C. 101(2)).A discharge under honorable conditions is binding on the Department of Veterans Affairs as to character ...
Claims for VA Benefits and Character of Discharge
• desertion • resignation by an officer for the good of the service • absence without official leave (AWOL) for a continuous period of 180 days or more, without
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 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.
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 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.
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 VGLI?
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI): To file for VGLI, you can apply online at eBenefits . You may also download and complete SGLV 8714, "Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance".
What benefits do veterans get after discharge?
Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND), and their families, are eligible for certain benefits immediately following military discharge, ranging from healthcare to life insurance.
How long does it take to file a VA disability claim?
This joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) program gives service members the opportunity to file VA disability claims from 180 to 90 days prior to their separation or retirement from active duty.
What are the services that VA Vet Centers offer?
Veterans who served in any combat zone have access to VA Vet Centers following their discharge. Vet Centers offer help for veterans and their families through free readjustment counseling and outreach services. Services include individual and group counseling for conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug addiction, and suicide prevention, as well as family counseling.
What are the benefits of returning from active duty?
Veterans returning from active duty are eligible for various benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND), and their families, are eligible for certain benefits immediately following military discharge, ranging from healthcare to life insurance.
What is the post 9/11 GI bill?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill helps veterans with eligible service pay for education and housing. Benefits under the Bill can also transfer to eligible dependents. Benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill include up to 36 months of educational benefits. Veterans who meet any of the below criteria can be eligible for benefits:
How long does it take for a VA disability to manifest?
Certain conditions are eligible for service connection on a presumptive basis if they manifest within one year after a veteran’s discharge. For these conditions, VA presumes that the disability is related to military service even if it is not present during military service.
How long does it take to convert to VGLI?
Within 1 year and 120 days after separation, veterans can convert from Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). If the veteran converts within 120 days (4 months) after discharge, they do not need to prove good health.
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.
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.
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 is VA presumptive disability?
A presumptive disability is an illness or injury we believe is related to military service. You can also learn more about dependent eligibility.
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.
What is a post service disability?
You have a disability related to your active-duty service that didn’t appear until after you ended your service (called a postservice disability claim)
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 to apply for VA disability?
How do I prepare before starting my application? 1 Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation 2 Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your VA disability claim. 3 Be sure your claim is filled out completely and you have all the supporting documents ready to send in along with your claim. This will help us process your claim quickly.#N#Learn about fully developed claims 4 Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional forms with your claim
How to file a VA disability claim?
File your claim by mail using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ).
Where to bring VA application?
Bring your application to a VA regional office near you.
Do you have to do anything while waiting for a test?
You don’t need to do anything while you’re waiting unless we send you a letter asking for more information. If we schedule exams for you, be sure not to miss them.
How long after discharge can you get disability?
You may be eligible for disability benefits if you have an illness that’s at least 10% disabling that appears within 1 year after discharge, and you meet both of the requirements listed below.
How long does it take for a symtom to appear after discharge?
Multiple sclerosis (a long-lasting illness that can cause numbness, weakness, and many other symptoms) can appear within 7 years after discharge.
How long does it take to get disability benefits?
Disabilities that appear within 1 year after discharge. You may be able to get disability benefits if you have signs of an illness like hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, diabetes, or peptic ulcers that started within a year after you were discharged from active military service. If your symptoms appear within one year ...
Do you have to show if you have an illness in the military?
If you have an illness listed in Title 38, Code of Federal Regulation, 3.09 (a), you won’t need to show the problem started during—or got worse because of—your military service. This is because we believe that certain diseases that appear within one year of your discharge are related to your service.
How to contact VA about benefits?
At this briefing, you’ll learn how to start your claim. You can also call us toll-free at 800-827-1000.
How to file a VA disability claim?
You can file a claim online, by mail, or in person. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation. To complete the process, you’ll need to: Submit your service treatment records along with your application, and. Be available for 45 days from the date you apply for a VA medical exam, and. Finish all phases of the VA/DoD medical separation ...
How long do you have to file for disability benefits?
If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner.
How long do you have to be on active duty to file a disability claim?
You can also call us toll-free at 800-827-1000. If you have less than 90 days left on active duty: File a fully developed or standard claim. If you have less than 90 days left on active duty, you have a few options for filing a disability claim: File a fully developed or standard claim. The difference in these claim types is based on how you gather ...
How many days do you have to be on active duty to get BDD?
If you have 180 to 90 days left on active duty, you’ll need to apply for benefits through the BDD program. The application process depends on where you’re stationed.
How long do you have to go to VA exam?
You're available to go to VA exams for 45 days from the date you submitted your claim, and. You can provide a copy of your service treatment records for your current period of service when you file your claim.
Can you use BDD if you are on active duty?
You can’t use the BDD program if your claim requires special handling—even if you’re on full-time active duty, with more than 90 days left of service. You can’t use the BDD program if any of these are true. You: Need case management for a serious injury or illness, or. Are terminally ill, or.
How long does it take to file a VA disability claim?
A joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) program gives service members the opportunity to file VA disability claims from 180 to 90 days prior to their separation or retirement from active duty.
How long does it take for a symtom to show up after discharge?
Multiple sclerosis (a long-lasting illness that can cause numbness, weakness, and many other symptoms) if it appears within seven years after service discharge.
How long does it take for a service connection to be presumptive?
There are some chronic conditions that qualify for presumptive service connection even if they appear more than one year after you are separated from service: Hansen’s disease (a long-lasting infection that affects your skin, nerves, and mucous membranes) if it appears within three years after service discharge.
Can a veteran get disability benefits after discharge?
Veterans can pursue VA disability benefits in a number of ways following a veteran’s discharge.
Do you get dishonorable discharge?
You did not receive a dishonorable discharge. In order to receive benefits under these conditions, veterans must file a claim for disability compensation and submit evidence to VA. The evidence should show that your condition is at least 10 percent disabling and it appeared within one year after being discharged from service.
What are the discharge requirements for VA compensation?
Discharge Requirements for Compensation Benefits#N#To receive VA compensation benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).
What is the Montgomery GI Bill?
To receive VA education benefits and services through the Montgomery GI Bill program or Post-9/11 GI Bill program, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be honorable. To receive VA education benefits and services through any other VA educational benefits program, including the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) ...
Can you get VA benefits for bad conduct?
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA. Read the factsheet on claims for benefits involving other-than-honorable discharges.
Can you get a VA home loan with a character of discharge?
Generally, there is no character of discharge bar to benefits to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance.
Is there a character of discharge bar for veterans?
Generally, there is no character of discharge bar to benefits to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. However, for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance benefits, the Veteran’s character of discharge must be other than dishonorable.
Can you receive VA benefits if you are dishonorable?
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.#N#Read the factsheet on claims for benefits involving other-than-honorable discharges.
Healthcare After Military Discharge
Disability Benefits After Military Discharge
- Benefits Delivery at Discharge
This joint VA-Department of Defense (DoD) program gives service members the opportunity to file VA disability claims from 180 to 90 days prior to their separation or retirement from active duty. - Prestabilization Ratings
Prestabilization ratings apply to veterans who were discharged from service with an unstable medical condition. These ratings are designed to compensate newly separated service members for any impact their disability could have on their ability to work in the year following their militar…
Education & Career Services
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill helps veterans with eligible service pay for education and housing. Benefits under the Bill can also transfer to eligible dependents. Benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill include up to 36 months of educational benefits. Veterans who meet any of the below criteria can be eligible for benefits: 1. Have been discharged honorably 2. Have at least 90 days of aggregate se…
Other Benefits
- Life Insurance
Within 1 year and 120 days after separation, veterans can convert from Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). If the veteran converts within 120 days (4 months) after discharge, they do not need to prove good health. For more information o…