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.
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 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.
How do you check veteran status?
You can find veterans' military service records from World War I to the present from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC houses many types of records, including Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF).
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.
How long do you have to be in the military to get VA benefits?
24 continuous monthsTo 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.
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.
Inside Veterans Benefits
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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.
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.
What is the purpose of NGB 22A?
NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Military Service, encloses information concerning an Army or Air National Guard service member’s National Guard service time, military job, decorations, the reason for discharge, and discharge characterization , similar to the DD Forms 214 and 215 for active-duty and reserves. NGB Form 22A is used in making changes to a military record after submission.
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.
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.
Am I eligible to use this tool?
You can view your disability ratings online if you got a decision notice from us in the mail confirming your disability rating.
What can I see once I sign in?
You’ll see your VA combined disability rating and a list of your individual disability ratings. You’ll also be able to see which of your individual disability ratings are service-connected. Service-connected disabilities are injuries or illnesses that were caused—or made worse—by your active-duty military service.
Why do I need to know my disability rating?
It’s important to know your rating, and confirm that we have the right information, because we use it to decide what disability benefits you’ll get.
What if I have more questions?
If you have questions about your benefits or how to access the tool, you can call us at 800-827-1000. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.