how to receive 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 long does it take to receive 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 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 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

What VA benefits Am I eligible to receive?

by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA is here to help you and your family understand the benefits for which you may be eligible and how to apply for them. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, home loan guaranty, education, health care, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.

How do I qualify for VA benefits?

Open to Veterans (active duty, Guard, and Reserve) If you served on active duty during wartime, are at least 65 years old or have a service-connected disability, and have limited or no income, find out if you qualify for Veterans Pension benefits.

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 long do you have to be in 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.

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.

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".

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.

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 to apply for VA health benefits?

Why apply for VA health benefits? 1 There is no cost to apply. 2 Enroll once – comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them. 3 Remain enrolled, even if you don't use VA for your health care. 4 Enrollment in VA health care meets health care law requirements; you don't need any other coverage. 5 If you are not eligible to enroll at this time, VA will save your application and contact you if eligibility criteria change.

How to apply for VA 10-10EZ?

You will need Adobe Reader 9.2 or newer to open the 10-10EZ form. You can also apply by phone by calling our toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387) or in person at your local VA medical center.

Is it expensive to apply for VA health insurance?

There is no cost to apply. Enroll once – comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them. Remain enrolled, even if you don't use VA for your health care. Enrollment in VA health care meets health care law requirements; you don't need any other coverage.

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.

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.

Do veterans get benefits?

As a veteran you know you are eligible for benefits. However, it can be very difficult knowing exactly what you are eligible for and how to go about getting everything you're entitled to.

Is the military pay changing?

Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by subscribing to Military.com, and get access to up-to-date pay charts and more with all latest benefits delivered straight to your inbox.