how to find out if i have va benefits

How Do I Find Out My VA Benefits? The online platform makes VA benefits easily accessible for veterans. To review your VA benefits, use the following two government-endorsed websites. VA.gov is the official website of the United States government for Veterans. The site allows vets to manage their prescriptions, appointments, and health records, including the Summary of Benefits Letter that can be used to apply for a Distinguished Veteran Pass.

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

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

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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 can I find out if I have any VA benefits?

Call or walk in to any VA medical center—anytime, day or night. Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Call us at 877-222-8387.

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.

How do I check my veteran status?

Once I'm signed in, how do I check my VA claim or appeal status?Go to your "My VA" dashboard. You'll find the link for this dashboard in the top right corner of the page once you're signed in.Scroll down to the "Track Claims" section. ... Click on the "View Status" button for a specific claim.

How long do you have to be in the military to get Veterans benefits?

24 continuous monthsPeriod of Active Duty Service To be eligible for most veterans benefits, a minimum period of active duty of 24 continuous months or the full period for which a person is called or ordered to active duty must be completed. This rule has been in effect since October 16, 1981 for new enlistees.

Who is eligible for VA pension benefits?

Pension is a needs-based benefit program for wartime Veterans, who are age 65 or older or have a permanent and total non-service connected disability, and who have limited income and net worth. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for pension at the increased housebound or aid and attendance rates.

Who qualifies for military veterans benefits?

1. Definitions(i) injury suffered by a military veteran;(ii) psychological and neuro-psychiatric trauma suffered by a military veteran; or.(iii) disease contracted by a military veteran as result of participating in military. activities,for the purposes of compensation;

Are you a veteran if you did not serve during wartime?

Under the law, a "veteran" is anyone discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service in the armed forces. 5.

Can I call myself a veteran?

Yes, just recently signed legislation allows you to call yourself a Veteran. During the December 2016 transition period, President Obama signed H.R. 6416, a bill that says National Guard and Reserve retirees who had zero active duty time are now eligible to be referred to as Veterans.

How do I look up someone's military service records?

You can request a copy of the Veteran's military records in any of these ways:Mail or fax a Request Pertaining to Military Records (Standard Form SF 180) to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). ... Write a letter to the NPRC. ... Visit the NPRC in person.Contact your state or county Veterans agency.More items...•

Why would a veteran not be eligible for 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.

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.

Do veterans get free healthcare for life?

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.

Can any veteran use the VA?

All veterans, regardless of priority group, are generally entitled to the same medical services after enrollment. Visit the VA website for a comprehensive description of the medical benefits provided, including doctors' visits, mental health care, emergency care, in-patient hospital services, and more.

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.

Do all veterans get a monthly check?

The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits.

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.

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.

How much money do you need to be a veteran to receive VA benefits?

The net worth of your relative must fall below $130,773, which is the limit set by Congress until November 30, 2021. The amount may change annually.

What is the VA?

There are many vital services provided to America’s veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Former military personnel and their dependents have access to VA health care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries.

What is tricare insurance?

Tricare is a health insurance program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to military personnel. It is available in four varieties: Tricare Prime, Tricare Extra, Tricare Standard, and Tricare for Life. It covers all service members – active-duty personnel, retired military personnel, and their families.

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 long can a veteran be in rehabilitation?

Eligible veterans may be provided training and rehabilitation services up to a total of 48 months although additional training may be authorized under certain conditions. Employment services may be provided for up to 18 months.

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.

Why are medical records important to the VA?

Medical records are important for the VA offices as well because they use them as evidence when defining whether or not a medical condition was caused or worsened by service time.

Where to get a copy of NGB form 22/22A?

For a copy of the NGB Form 22/22A, a request must be made to the National Guard Adjutant General’s Office in the state from which the service member carried out their National Guard service.

What is military medical record?

Military medical records. Every time a service member is given medical care from a military medical facility—including the very first physical examination each member must take part in during the initial stages of service— their specifics are documented in their military medical record.

Is DD 214/22A secure?

Because DD Form 214/215 and NGB Form 22 /22A are sensitive documents, it is important to ensure the protection of these forms. Safe-deposit boxes at a bank or other lock boxes are secure locations for such records.

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 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".

How to see my claim status?

There, you'll see a summary of the latest status information for any open claims or appeals you may have. Click on the "View Status" button for a specific claim. You'll go to a page with more details about that claim's status and supporting evidence. Evidence may include documents like a doctor's report or medical test results.

What is disability compensation?

Disability compensation ( including claims based on special needs like an automobile or clothing allowance) Veterans or Survivors Pension benefits. Special monthly compensation (such as Aid and Attendance) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Burial allowance to help pay for a Veteran’s burial and funeral expenses.