how to find out about veterans benefits

You can obtain this information directly from the VA by submitting your question by e-mail to the VA through the Ask A Question link on https://iris.va.gov, or contact a benefits representative at 1-800-827-1000 (Monday-Friday from 8 to 8 Eastern time). These VA specialists can answer any questions you may have. Vernon Wesley

Full Answer

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

What benefits are available for veterans?

Veteran's Benefits Explained

• Major Veteran Benefit Programs. The VA has a number of programs providing financial, medical and other assistance to veterans.
• Important Documents Needed to Get Your Benefits. ...
• Eligibility for VA Benefits. ...
• Stay on Top of Your Veteran Benefits. ...

Who is eligible for veterans benefits?

• Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service
• Were discharged for a hardship
• Served prior to September 7, 1980

Can you get SSDI if you are 100 disabled veteran?

Social Security disability for veterans is easier to get if you have a 100% permanent and total (P&T) VA rating. These men and women would receive Social Security disability benefits in addition to monthly VA compensation. Though the programs may sound similar, you must meet two different sets of totally unique criteria to qualify for both ...

How do I find out about my VA benefits?

Need more help?VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000.MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411.If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.

Does every veteran get benefits?

All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care.

What Veterans are 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.

How long do you receive Veterans benefits?

If VA assigns you a 100% rating, it has the option of also designating you permanently and totally disabled. If you receive this designation, your benefits are safe for the rest of your life. The only exception is if VA later determines you obtained your benefits via fraud.

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.

Do VA benefits expire?

Your VA benefits will last for your whole life. Even if your disability is classified as less than total and not permanent, if you've been collecting benefits for 20 years or more, the amount of your benefit won't go down.

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.

What are the 4 types of veterans?

What is the difference between a combat, war, or peacetime veteran?Combat Veteran. Every service member who meets the active duty requirement is a veteran, but combat veterans and war veterans are entitled to additional VA benefits other veterans do not receive. ... War Veteran. ... Peacetime Veteran.

How much is a veterans pension?

Calculate Your 2022 Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)Veteran with no dependentsMaximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR)If you don't qualify for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits$14,753If you qualify for Housebound benefits$18,029If you qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits$24,6101 more row•Dec 21, 2021

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.

Can you lose your veterans benefits?

Even if you have been receiving service-connected benefits for less than ten years, it is still quite rare for the VA to terminate these benefits. In any case, the VA cannot terminate your benefits unless you first receive a notice from the VA telling you about your right to have a hearing.

At what age does VA disability become permanent?

The “disability from disease is permanent in character and of such nature that there is no likelihood of improvement;” You are over 55 years of age, although some exceptions may apply; The rating you received is the prescribed minimum rating; or. If a lower rating would not affect your combined disability rating.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 a military retirement home?

Military Retirement Homes. A wide range of services and benefits are available to help veteran-eligible military members who leave the service after retirement or after their military obligations have been met. This is part of what you earn when you serve your country.

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 VA payment information can I view when I sign in?

If you’re a Veteran, you’ll see a history of your past VA payments for:

When can I expect my first disability compensation payment?

If your decision notice shows at least a 10% disability rating, you’ll get your first payment within 15 days.

What should I do if I need to change my direct deposit or contact information?

Change your information online, or Contact your nearest VA regional benefit office or eligibility office

Should I contact VA if I have other changes to my information?

Yes. It’s important to update your information with us if you change your marital status, have a baby, adopt a child, or experience any other life change that could affect your rating or payment.

More information

Check the status of debt related to VA disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, or education benefits. You can also make payments or request help.