What-Benefits.com

how to start va benefits

by Kariane Spencer III Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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

The best way to file for disability compensation is to apply online at www.va.gov/disability. Or, you can fax it to: (844) 531-7818 (inside the U.S.)
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You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:
  1. Mail the form to the Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state. ...
  2. Work with an accredited representative.

What are the best VA benefits to have and use?

  • VA loans, VA IRRRL, and VA refinance loans are a focus area for the NBKC
  • Features customized rates and fee estimates without needing to input personal information
  • Application process and loan tracking can be done fully online

How long does it take to get 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 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 benefits does the VA offer veterans?

You may be able to get help with some non-medical services, like:

  • Beneficiary travel benefits (help paying for travel related to treatment)
  • Caregiver support (help for the person who cares for you)
  • Veterans transportation service (help getting to and from appointments)

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How do I start the VA benefits process?

Go to eBenefits.va.gov to find a Veterans Service Officer who can provide free, expert assistance. Gather supporting documents, including your DD-214, service and private medical records, and buddy statements. Initiate your claim at eBenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.

How long does it take to start receiving VA benefits?

Factors That Can Affect the Time it Takes to Begin Receiving VA Disability Benefits. The VA estimates that it takes them 94 days to review a VA disability application. However, many cases take much longer than that.

How does a veteran qualify for 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.

What is the first step in applying for VA disability benefits?

4 Steps To File a VA Disability ClaimSubmit Intent To File. Intent to File in an informal claim that can be important to the overall success of your VA benefits claim. ... Gather Medical Evidence. Medical evidence is key for a successful VA disability claim. ... Submit Application. ... Verify If Any Other Forms Are Needed.

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 easiest things to claim for VA disability?

According to a recent Veterans Administration report to Congress, the ten most commonly awarded medical conditions that are getting approved for benefits are as follows:Tinnitus.Limitation of flexion (knee)Hearing loss.Lumbosacral or cervical strain (back and neck strains)Limitation of arm motion.General scars.More items...•

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.

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.

Are all honorably discharged Veterans eligible for VA benefits?

Veterans who receive general discharges under honorable conditions are entitled to all VA benefits, with the exception of GI Bill education benefits.

Is it hard to get VA disability?

As you might expect, it is difficult to obtain a 100% VA disability rating with just one service-connected disability. Most veterans who receive a 100% rating have two or more disabling conditions. Often, these conditions have a secondary service connection.

What medical conditions qualify for VA disability?

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.More items...•

What do I say to VA disability?

Tell the complete story of how your disability came to be, including every detail of the incident. Talk to someone familiar with VA law to make sure you understand how the process works. Don't forget your mental disabilities (PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc.)

Inside Veterans Benefits

We appreciate your patience as we continue to work with you during this time of crisis.

VA Outreach Events

Veterans benefits help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy, and more. Join an event for conversation and information.

How to apply for VA disability?

How do I prepare before starting my application? 1 Find out if you’re eligible for VA disability compensation 2 Gather any evidence (supporting documents) you’ll submit yourself when you file your VA disability claim. 3 Be sure your claim is filled out completely and you have all the supporting documents ready to send in along with your claim. This will help us process your claim quickly.#N#Learn about fully developed claims 4 Find out if you’ll need to turn in any additional forms with your claim

What are VA medical records?

VA medical records and hospital records that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your rated disability has gotten worse. Private medical records and hospital reports that relate to your claimed illnesses or injuries or that show your disability has gotten worse.

How to submit intent to file?

You can submit your intent to file by phone or by written form. Note: If you file your claim online, you don't need to separately send an intent to file form. The online application already includes your intent to file.

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.

You can still file a claim and apply for benefits during the coronavirus pandemic

Get the latest information about in-person services, claim exams, extensions, paperwork, decision reviews and appeals, and how best to contact us during this time. Go to our coronavirus FAQs

What evidence will I need to provide to support my claim?

You can help to support your VA disability claim by providing documents, such as:

Should I submit an intent to file form?

If you plan to file for disability compensation using a paper form, you may want to submit an intent to file form first. This can give you the time you need to gather your evidence while avoiding a later potential start date (also called an effective date).

What happens after I file my VA disability claim?

You don’t need to do anything while you’re waiting unless we send you a letter asking for more information. If we schedule exams for you, be sure not to miss them.

More information about filing disability claims

Learn about standard claims, supplemental claims, secondary claims, and more.

What time do you call VA for GI Bill?

You can’t make changes to your application, but if you have questions about VA education benefits, please call 888-442-4551, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. If we’ve asked you for documents, please upload them through the GI Bill website. Go to the GI Bill website.

How to contact VA claims office?

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. Fill it out and mail it to the VA regional claims processing office that’s in the same location as your school. See a list of regional claims processing offices.

How to contact VA Solid Start?

Find your nearest Vet Center ». If you have questions about enrolling in VA health care, call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET). If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 1-800-877-8339. Yes, VA Solid Start is Calling.

What is the VA Solid Start number?

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m. (ET). Take the call and save 1-800-827-0611 as the contact for VA Solid Start! Stay connected to your benefits and resources by updating your information at VA.gov.

Is VA Solid Start calling?

Yes, VA Solid Start is Calling. Newly separated service members can expect three calls from qualified Solid Start representatives over the first year of separation. VA will attempt to contact you several times around 90, 180 and 365 days post-separation, so make sure your contact information is up to date in eBenefits.

Does Solid Start ask for financial information?

VA Solid Start representatives will not ask you for financial information and will only discuss topics you are comfortable with. Remember that phone scammers often target Veterans, so always be vigilant and protect your financial information when talking to someone you don’t know over the phone.

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