Applying for Benefits
| Benefits | How To Apply |
| Before leaving military service – pre-di ... | If you are a member of the armed forces ... |
| Veteran Readiness and Employment benefit ... | The best way to file for Veteran Readine ... |
| Disability compensation benefits for Vet ... | The best way to file for disability comp ... |
| VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation ... | If you’re the surviving spouse or child ... |
- Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Get help from an accredited representative (a trained professional trusted to help with VA-related claims). Request a representative.
- Find your state's Veterans agency.
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 to find out if you are eligible for veterans benefits?
Determining Veteran Status – Eligibility Service Records: Proving Your Eligibility For a veteran to show they’re eligible for benefits, they must first present the VA office with an official copy of their DD Form 214/215, or NGB 22/22A, which are some of the most significant documents issued by the military.
How do I know if I qualify for veterans benefits?
- 24 continuous months, or
- The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty, or
- At least 181 days if you were discharged for a hardship, a reduction in force, or for convenience of the government, or
- Less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
What VA benefits Am I eligible for?
You may be eligible for VA disability benefits or compensation if you meet both of these requirements. Both of these must be true: You have a current illness or injury (known as a condition) that affects your mind or body, and You served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training And at least one of these must be true:
Am I eligible for Veterans Pension benefits?
You may be eligible for the Veterans Pension program if you meet these requirements. Both of these must be true: You didn’t receive a dishonorable...
How do I know if I served under an eligible wartime period?
Under current law, we recognize the following wartime periods to decide eligibility for VA pension benefits: Mexican Border period (May 9, 1916, to...
What should I do if I received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge?
If you’ve received one of these discharge statuses, you may not be eligible for VA pension benefits. There are 2 ways you can try to qualify: Find...
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 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 do I know if I served under an eligible wartime period?
Under current law, we recognize the following wartime periods to decide eligibility for VA pension benefits:
What should I do if I received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge?
If you’ve received one of these discharge statuses, you may not be eligible for VA pension benefits.
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.
What are the benefits of VA disability?
List Of VA Disability Benefits. VA loans come with several benefits like no down payment facility, lower interest rates and easier refinance options. However, a current/former military member who suffers or died from any service-related disability is open to additional benefits too. No Funding Fees Required- VA loans come with a variety ...
How much is military disability compensation?
The rates depend upon the various factors and can reach up to $5000 and even $10000 in some cases.
Can a veteran with a service related disability get VA disability?
Rather, a Veteran who has a service-related disability is open to avail VA disability benefits provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Do VA loans have a down payment?
No Funding Fees Required- VA loans come with a variety of benefits like no down payment options, lower interest rates and flexible guidelines. However, one of the downsides applicants have to endure is the funding fee. This fee can range up to 2.3% of the borrowed amount. But, if you meet the requirements for VA disability benefits, ...
Can disability be counted as income?
Disability compensation can be counted as your income- To qualify for a VA mortgage, you need to have a credit score of at least 600 and have sufficient residual income to support other expenses. But in the case of a qualified disabled, the compensation he/she receives can be counted as a stable income, helping veterans meet these unique requirements.
Can a veteran with a disability get a VA loan?
The VA guidelines clearly state that an active military member, a Veteran and their family member can avail VA loan and health benefits, given they meet the eligibility criteria. So, a disability or an ailment will not stop you from reaping the benefits of VA mortgages. Rather, a Veteran who has a service-related disability is open to avail VA disability benefits provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
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.
What are the benefits of VA education?
VA education benefits can help you pay your tuition, pick out a school, choose a career, and more. If you’re an active-duty service member or Veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a qualified survivor or dependent, find out if you can get VA education benefits through the GI Bill and other educational assistance programs.
How long can you transfer GI Bill benefits to spouse?
Also, if you haven’t used all of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you may be able to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to your spouse or a dependent child. Learn more about transferring benefits.
How long do you have to serve to get MGIB?
You can get benefits through MGIB-AD if you served at least 2 years on active duty and you meet all of the requirements listed below.
Can dependent children get VA education?
Can my spouse or dependent children get VA education benefits? In some cases, the dependent or surviving spouse and children of a Veteran can get educational assistance through a GI Bill program . Also, if you haven’t used all of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you may be able to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to your spouse ...
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.
