VA Benefits for Soldiers

By Gilberto Fuentes

Soldiers serving in the United States Army may be eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA administers a variety of benefits programs, each with different eligibility criteria. VA benefits programs are available for soldiers currently serving on active duty, the Reserves and National Guard.

Home loan benefits from the VA assists soldiers on active duty or reserve components to purchase a home. The VA mortgage loan program works through approved lenders throughout the U.S. and does not make any direct loans to veterans. The VA mortgage benefit allows soldiers and veterans to obtain a mortgage insured by the federal government, with limited closing costs and no down payment. According to the VA, about 27 million soldiers and veterans are currently eligible for benefits to buy or refinance a home. A certificate of eligibility is required to obtain a VA mortgage loan, which is obtained by filing VA Form 26-1880 to the

Department of Veterans Affairs at the address on the form (see Resources).

Soldiers and veterans are also eligible for VA education and training benefits. According to the VA, soldiers qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill after completing a minimum of 90 days of continuous service. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays the tuition bill for soldiers on active duty but not the housing or book allowance. The amount of the tuition benefit is based on the highest tuition rate of a public university in the state in which you want to pursue college education, technical training or vocational school. Soldiers in private colleges or universities may supplement more expensive tuition by applying to the Yellow Ribbon Program for additional tuition assistance benefits.

Soldiers who become disabled as a result of military service are eligible for disability benefits from the VA. The disability benefits program pays disabled veterans depending on the severity of the disability. According to the VA, disabled veterans are assigned a disability rating and each rating corresponds to a specific amount of monthly benefits. Veterans with dependents like spouses, children or parents receive additional disability compensation. All disability benefits are tax-free regardless of the amount of the benefit.

Soldiers who pass away on active duty and qualifying veterans are eligible for military funeral honors. The U.S. Department of Defense provides a funeral detail of at least two service members, a U.S. flag to drape the casket of the deceased soldier, flag presentation to the soldier's next of kin and playing "Taps" at the interment. In addition, a burial expense reimbursement allowance is available from the VA, the option to bury the deceased soldier in a national or state cemetery and the recognizable marble or granite headstone to mark the grave of the soldier.

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VA Benefits for Children of Veterans

By Colette Larson

The Department of Veterans Administration operates four major programs that provide financial and medical assistance to veterans' dependent children as well as the surviving children of deceased veterans. These benefits typically are available to unmarried children up to age 19 if they are full-time high school students, and disabled dependent children of any age who were disabled before age 22. Benefits also may be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children under certain conditions. Eligibility for most benefits is based on the veteran's discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) subsidizes up to 45 months of training and educational opportunities to eligible veteran dependent children between the ages of 18 and 26. Eligible recipients must be the dependent child of a veteran who died during active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability, is totally and permanently disabled as the result of a service-connected disability, or missing in action or captured in the line of duty by enemy forces. The DEA may be used to enroll in approved degree or certificate programs, as well as apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs.

The last military command of a service member provides a $100,000 death gratuity payment to the next of kin of those who die while on active duty or within 120 days of separation as a result of service-connected injury or illness. Veterans' dependent children may also be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if death resulted from an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty or a service-connected disability. Dependents of veterans who were totally disabled from service-connected conditions at the time of death may also qualify for DIC. Payments will be adjusted to reflect any amounts awarded from judicial proceedings resulting from the veteran's death.

Unmarried low-income disabled dependent children of deceased veterans may be entitled to monthly death pension benefit payments if a deceased veteran served over 90 days of active duty military service, at least one day of which was during a period of wartime. The veteran must have received a discharge other than dishonorable for dependents to be eligible for a death pension. The dependent child must be under the age of 18, permanently unable to support themselves due to disability occurring before the age of 18, or under the age of 23 if attending a VA-approved educational institution.

CHAMPVA is a health care program in which the Veterans Administration shares the cost of covered medically and psychologically necessary services with eligible dependent children. To be considered eligible, the sponsoring veteran must be totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition, have died as a result of a service-connected condition, or died on active duty. The dependent must not be entitled to standard Department of Defense Tricare benefits.

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VA Appraisal Guidelines

By Jackie Lohrey

Before closing a VA-guaranteed mortgage loan, the home you choose must pass a VA inspection and appraisal. Although this is a common step with most any type of mortgage loan, a VA appraiser follows a set of guidelines specific to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs when assessing the value of your property. The appraisal value must correspond to the amount of your loan or the VA may deny your loan request.

The appraiser the VA randomly assigns to inspect your home must adhere not only to process guidelines but also to ethical guidelines. He cannot misstate the appraisal to ensure the value of the home is in line with your loan request. In most cases, the VA expects your appraiser to perform the inspection on his own. However, VALoans.com reports that if he requires any type of assistance, guidelines require the name of the assistant, as well as a list of the tasks the assistant performs, to appear on the inspection report.

The inspection provides a base for establishing value. Guidelines require the VA appraiser to personally inspect all elements that contribute to, or detract from, the value of your home. These include elements such as the plumbing or septic system, electrical system, water heater, home insulation, roof and walkways and/or driveway. If the inspection is for a new home still under construction, your appraiser may conduct the inspection by viewing approved blueprints or by inspecting a model home using the same floor plan. If the inspection uncovers any items in need of repair or servicing, appraisal guidelines require not only a listing of necessary repairs, but also a cost estimate for the repair or service.

An important part of establishing value is to compare your home to others in the area. Although guidelines do not provide a specific number of homes your appraiser must use for this comparison, they do require, except in rare circumstances your appraiser must be able to explain, the homes be sold within the past six months, all be in close proximity and within a narrow price range and be verifiable sales. In addition, your appraiser must include a picture of each home he uses as a comparison.

At the completion of the inspection, your appraiser completes and submits a signed valuation report following established guidelines. This report includes a listing statement, a map showing the location of your home as well as the comparison homes, a sketch of the perimeter of your home that includes square footage calculations, pictures of the front, rear and street view of your home as well as the front of each comparable and the repairs list. The final valuation of your home is almost always complete by using the sales comparison approach, according to DVA.

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USA Government VA Benefits

By Maureen Malone

Veteran benefits have been provided in the United States since 1636, when the pilgrims of Plymouth Colony passed a law to support veterans disabled in the war against the Pequot Indians. Today, veterans benefits are delivered through the three branches of the Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration and National Cemetery Administration. Benefits include medical treatment, education and vocational training, home loan guarantee and disability benefits.

Veterans, uniformed service members and members of the National Guard or reserve forces are eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dishonorable discharge disqualifies the veteran from benefits. Children and spouses of deceased veterans are also eligible for some program. Other requirements for benefits vary by program.

Individuals can apply for benefits at a local VA office or online using the Veterans online application (see the link in Resources).

Individuals on active duty may apply for benefits prior to leaving service with the pre-discharge program. This program allows service members to receive disability benefits immediately when they are discharged.

Several education benefits are available depending on when the veteran served in the military. For example, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, for military personnel who served on or after Sept. 11, 2001, provides college costs up to the amount of in-state tuition plus an allowance for books and living expenses.

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment helps disabled veterans find and keep jobs. This program develops a plan for the veteran that includes rehabilitation planning and counseling, job-related training and education and employment assistance.

Health benefits are available to service members who served at least 24 months of active duty. Veterans receive treatment of injury and illness, preventative care, prosthetic services, alcohol and drug dependency treatment and mental health care. Some services require a small co-pay. Some veterans, such as those who are more than 30 percent disabled, may receive reimbursement for travel costs to the VA medical facilities. In addition, some veterans may qualify for a lifetime benefit of $4,100 to make home improvements necessary because of their disability.

Monthly compensation is available to veterans with at least a 10 percent, service-related disability. A pension plan is offered to veterans age 65 and older and to veterans whose disability is total and permanent.

Other benefits include a home loan guarantee that generally does not require a down payment and access to several life insurance options.

Veterans may be buried in a VA national cemetery in most cases. The VA will provide a headstone and a flag to drape over the coffin. If the death was service related, a $2,000 allowance is provided for burial expenses.

Disability and indemnity compensation is a benefit paid to the dependents of a veteran who dies while on active duty or who dies from a service-related injury or disability. A death pension is available if the service member dies in a war.

Claimants have up to 12 months to appeal a decision made by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Claimants first file an appeal with the department that made the decision. If the decision is upheld, the claimant may take the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims within 120 days of the appeal decision. Claimants appeal many decisions including denial of medical or burial payments, education benefits or disability compensation.

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Unemployment VA Benefits

By Tim Anderson

Veteran soldiers returning from service are often unable to work due to injuries. Others have spent their entire careers serving in the armed forces and may find themselves entering a civilian population that has no direct need for their particular skills. There are a number of reasons why veterans may find themselves unemployed, but thankfully, there are a variety of unemployment benefits that come down from the federal level to ensure that the people who keep the country safe are taken care of.

VA home loans ensure that eligible veterans can obtain or maintain an abode despite their unemployed status. While the specific guidelines vary state to state, the home loan guaranty helps veterans buy or build their own home, whether it be a condo, a house or an apartment. In addition, the loan can help veterans refinance an existing mortgage if required, as well as enable them to repair an existing facility if it is in need of such.

Health care benefits are one of the most important aspects of veteran unemployment aid. Whether a veteran is retiring after a career of service or is someone who has been injured in a past battle, there are a number of situations where the health of the veteran is compromised in some way, and without a job they cannot pay for the necessary health insurance. The government runs over 1,400 facilities to cover the needs of veterans, with a comprehensive program that depends upon the level of service a veteran has performed.

Whether a veteran is permanently or temporarily disabled or is over the age of employment, an individual might find themselves faced with an income that is too low to cover their cost of living. As long as a veteran has performed enough time in service and either retired or was given an honorable discharge, they are eligible for a federal pension to help them cover their costs of living.

On their own, many veterans find themselves unable to cover the cost of many amenities that regular citizens take for granted, such as life insurance. The government offers life insurance policies for unemployed veterans as a way of compensation for time served. Any member of the armed forces is eligible so long as they meet the requirements for time served. Coverage varies from personal life insurance to family policies.

While it is an unpleasant situation, many veterans face serious health issues after their time in the military. When there are dependents in the family who rely upon the income of that soldier, it can lead to disparaging circumstances. Unemployed veterans can rest assured that their dependents and families will be taken care of should they pass on, as well as if they are too disabled to work.

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Underwriting Guidelines for VA Mortgage Refinancing

By David Rouse

Americans started providing benefits for veterans before the U.S. was even a country. The Pilgrims passed laws requiring the colony to take care of soldiers hurt or disabled during the Pequot Indian war. Post-WWII, the government decided to give housing benefits to soldiers. Today, Veterans Affairs (VA) does not give loans directly to veterans but encourages lenders to give $0 down payment loans to veterans by guaranteeing the loans against losses.

The VA guarantees up to 25 percent of a veteran's loan amount. If a home with a $100,000 mortgage is foreclosed upon, the VA will pay for up to $25,000 in losses to the lender if the home does not sell for enough to recoup the mortgage balance and foreclosure fees. The standard loan limit is $417,000 for a VA loan, but in certain high balance counties the limit may be as high as $1,094,625 as of 2011. These limits are subject to change; check with your lender for the limits in your county. VA loans allow $0 down payment and can even include loan balances that exceed the purchase price if the funding fee or energy-efficient items are included in the loan amount.

The VA only offers loan guarantees for eligible veterans and their spouses or widows. Each applicant must provide a copy of his DD214 discharge paperwork and provide a certificate of eligibility from the VA. This information is included in the loan application, along with all of the other qualifying documentation required. Veterans must provide proof of income and employment, along with proof of the funds to close if required.

VA loans require the borrower to pay a funding fee. The funding fee varies, depending on the type of loan and how many times the benefit has been used previously. If the benefit has not been used before, then the funding fee is 2 percent of the loan balance when the down payment 5 percent or less of the purchase price. If the veteran used the benefit to purchase a prior home, then the funding fee is 3 percent of the purchase price. If the veteran did not serve on active duty but was a reservist or national guardsman, then the first time use funding fee is 2.75 percent.

Only a VA-approved appraiser may provide an appraisal for a VA-guaranteed loan. Mortgage lenders must also have an underwriter that has successfully completed the Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP) and has received a Staff Appraisal Reviews (SARS) approval from the VA to examine the appraisal. Many VA loans require very little equity in the home, so the lender must diligently examine the appraisals for fraud or excessive values.

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U.S. Army Reserve Veterans Benefits

By Maggie O'Leary

Veterans of the United States Army Reserve are entitled to many benefits. The benefits for veterans who retire after 20 years of reserve service are greater than for those who retire with less than 20 years of service. These benefits cover health care, burial and funeral benefits, and other privileges.

Veterans who leave the Army Reserves after less than 20 years of service are not entitled to health care from the Veterans Administration (VA), unless they leave the Reserves due to a disability. Those who retire with more than 20 years of service are entitled to full health care benefits at any VA hospital or medical facility.

Only Army Reserve veterans who retire with over 20 years of service are granted a retiree military identification card and lifetime access to military installations.

Army Reserve veterans must be retired with over 20 years of military service to enjoy unlimited shopping privileges at any Army/Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Post Exchange or Base Exchange, or any Defense Commissary location.

Army Reserve veterans who retire with over 20 years of military service may take advantage of SGLI policies in amounts of up to $400,000 at very low premiums.

All Army Reserve veterans are entitled to military funeral benefits, to include a flag and a bugler to sound "Taps." Those who retire with more than 20 years of service are entitled to a full color guard with firing squad.

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Types of First Time Home Buyer Loans

By Shauna Zamarripa

First time home buyers are normally a huge segment of the real estate market. However, most first time home buyers do not know the differences in home loan financing. Being educated about the choices and programs available can save a first time home buyer thousands of dollars in interest and fees over the term of the mortgage. Enclosed is information pertaining specifically to the types of first time home buyer loans available.

Due to the low down payment requirements of 3.5% and the minimum credit score requirements, FHA is one of the best programs for first time home buyers. Terms will range from 10 to 30 years for most of the fixed rate loans available to first time home buyers. Monthly payments are calculated with property taxes and insurance factored in to determine affordability for the first time home buyer.

FHA HUD loan programs are designed for first time home buyers who are interested in purchasing a FHA foreclosure home. This loan program offers down payments as low as $100, closing cost assistance up to $2,500 and a small amount of repair escrow on select homes that require repairs. This mortgage is a fixed rate mortgage that factors in taxes and insurance into the monthly payment. Terms range from 10 to 30 years.

First time home buyers with excellent credit should consider a conventional loan. The down payment requirements are 5-20% of the home's purchase price. However, buyers with higher credit scores will benefit from lower interest rates, saving thousands of dollars over time. Terms on fixed rate conventional loans range from 10 to 30 years, and the interest rate starts at the market rate. Interest rates will decrease based on the creditworthiness of the buyer.

Military veterans who have been honorably discharged or active duty military can qualify for a VA loan that requires no down payment. The interest rate on a VA loan is typically up to 1 percent less than the market rate, and the term ranges from 10 to 30 years. Property taxes and insurance are also factored into escrow for the monthly payment on these loans to determine affordability for the veteran. Veterans must pay a 1% funding fee on their loan at closing.

Disabled veterans or veterans who have been discharged from service due to medical conditions are eligible for VA loans with no down payment, no funding fee and rates up to 2% less than the standard market rate. First time home buyers that have been in military service can take advantage of this loan with qualifying documents from the VA. Property taxes and insurance are factored into this loan to determine an affordable monthly payment. Terms range from 10 to 30 years.

USDA loans offer first time home buyers 102% financing on their home. USDA guidelines stipulate that only certain areas of a city or state qualify for this funding program and must be deemed as "rural" (having a population less than 10,000). There is no down payment required for a USDA loan and no monthly fee for mortgage insurance. However the rate can be 1 percentage point higher than the standard market rate in some areas. Terms range from 15 to 30 years.

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TRICARE Eligibility for Veterans

By Amy Pike

TRICARE provides affordable health care for active duty military members and their families. There are several plans from which to choose and include pharmacy benefits, dental options, and a vision plan. Transitional benefits may be available when a service member separates from the military.

A service member must enroll in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). While on active duty, they are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan. Upon retirement, the service member can change the type of plan for themselves and their family. Moving to a different location can impact the service member's eligible benefits.

Active duty service members do not pay fees for their TRICARE benefits and there are minimal fees for family members. As a retiree, there are enrollment fees and copayments.

Any service member who served on active duty is eligible to enroll in Veterans Administration (VA) health care benefits. The VA no longer only provides services to those with service-connected disabilities. Veterans are assigned to one of eight categories based on service-connected disability, income level and other factors. VA coverage includes preventative medicine and primary care as well as nursing home care and dental services.

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Top Veterans Administration Drug & Alcohol Rehabs

By John Willis

If you're a veteran suffering from substance abuse, you may qualify for treatment through the Department of Veteran's Affairs. If you think you have a problem, immediately go to "Locations" page in the resource section or the "National Veteran's Helpline" listed here, for top Veterans Administration drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

The best VA drug and alcohol rehab for you is probably the closest. At least it's the one you should consider first. VA care has been highly criticized, but that's true of private healthcare, too. VA healthcare has reformed itself over the last twenty years. In many cases, VA care is equal to or exceeds the care you would find in any private hospital. All states have Veterans Affairs facilities, but not all states have facilities specializing in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

50 Irving St NW

Washington, DC 20422-0001

(202) 745-8251

Drug Dependence Treatment Program

10701 East Boulevard

Cleveland, OH,

(440) 526-3030

11301 Wilshire Blvd,

Los Angeles, CA 90073

(310) 471-3711

If you need further assistance locating the best VA treatment facility for you, check the locator website or call the National Veterans Helpline:

1-800-507-4571

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Tips on Applying for VA Disability

By Lee Grayson

Disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits to current or former service members for injuries or diseases incurred while on active duty in the military. Conditions aggravated by military service may also qualify for benefits. Recipients discharged from service under dishonorable conditions usually do not qualify for benefits, even if the disability is service-related. Spouses, children or parents of disabled veterans may also qualify for benefits. Applications may be filed in person, by mail or online.

Letters to the Department of Veterans Affairs or local VA office must include a specific claim, dates and copies of any documentation and proof you have in your possession. Do not, under any circumstances, send original documents. Send the application forms and paperwork to the exact return address on the form or letter or deliver in person to a VA office. If an agent is listed, send the package to the full address listed for correspondence and note the name of the agent requesting the forms, if there is one.

#1, #3 & #4

Specific requirements must be met to confirm a disability. Documents showing proof that the claimant served in the military and that the illness or injury was sustained while on active duty should be included if possible. Current medical records describing the condition may also be supplied. VA investigators have access to service and battle records, but specific dates of service and a narrative of the causes of the condition help staff research records. Some medical conditions, classified as "presumptive service related," are recognized by the VA as directly linked to service even though diagnosed later in life. Examples include exposure to chemicals such as Agent Orange, which has been linked to certain diseases.

Disability claims work through the system in an organized fashion. Filing a duplicate requires the claim to return to the original status for processing. Claims may be amended at any time to include additional conditions, but these changes require additional documentation and processing. Continually adding conditions to an open claim generally delays the VA's decision on the claim. Follow up with a letter or telephone call to determine the status of your claim, but avoid sending a duplicate claim.

Legal counsel may assist in filing claims and requesting status information on current claims, but a lawyer is not required for filing a disability claim. Local VA offices assist in completing forms and collecting documentation necessary to make claims. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and other veterans' service organizations offer free or low-cost assistance in completing forms and putting together documentation to accompany claims. VA does not recognize power of attorney for a family member.

Send as many relevant documents as possible either with the original claim or in response to VA requests for evidence. Many documents arriving at various times can delay the claims process by becoming separated or misfiled. Send information with a confirmation of delivery so you'll know that the package arrived. Be aware that VA compensation and pension claims are deeply backlogged at various offices due to many returning veterans from current conflicts.

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The History of the Veterans Health Administration

By Lisa Roner

The Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated health system in the United States, has a rich history which can be traced back to the earliest settlers of our nation. Since the pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony passed a law that provided support for disabled soldiers of its war with the Pequot Indians, the U.S. has made caring for its military veterans a national priority.

From pensions for disabled veterans of the Revolutionary War and veterans homes and hospitals for soldiers of the Civil War to disability benefits, health insurance and vocational rehabilitation for veterans of World War I, the U.S. has continuously expanded and refined its veterans programs. But with an increase in the veteran population after World War I, the system grew more complex and cumbersome with oversight of veterans' affairs the responsibility of a number of federal agencies, including the Veterans Bureau, the Bureau of Pension of the Interior Department and the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.

In 1930, the U.S. Congress authorized the President to "consolidate and coordinate activities affecting war veterans" and established the Veterans Administration (VA). The need for services grew rapidly following World War II as more than 1 million returning troops were guaranteed specialized assistance with rehabilitative physical and emotional care under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, also known as the GI Bill of Rights. According to the House of Representatives Committee on Veteran's Affairs, in 1946, the Department of Medicine and Surgery was established (this department later became known as the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration).

In 1989, the VA was elevated to Cabinet level status, and health care services were consolidated in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The Veterans Administration is overseen by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, while the Under Secretary for Health serves as the chief executive officer of the VHA.

"There is only one place for the veterans of America, in the Cabinet Room, at the table with the President of the United States of America," said President Bush as he marked the occasion.

According to a November 2004 examination by Perlin, Kolodner and Roswell in "The American Journal of Managed Care," the VA transitioned from a hospital system made of independent and sometimes even competing facilities, to a true health care system in the mid-1990s. In 1995, 22 geographically defined Veterans Integrated Service Networks were established to more effectively administer resources and reflect the geographically shifting veteran population.

According to the Veteran's Administration, the VA health care system has grown from 54 hospitals in 1930, to 171 medical centers, more than 350 outpatient and community clinics, 126 nursing home care units and 35 domiciliary facilities today. In 2009, more than 8 million veterans and their family members were enrolled in the VA health care system.

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The Effects of a Foreclosure in VA

By Bill Herrfeldt

Foreclosures happen for a variety of reasons. For example, you suddenly lose your job and you have no wherewithal to pay your mortgage. Or you suffer a debilitating illness and the medical bills are more than you can handle, both financially and emotionally. If you live in Virginia, and the foreclosure of your real estate is imminent, it pays to know the effects that a foreclosure can have on your life.

With some exceptions, the equity in one's home goes up periodically. In addition, you'll continue making payments on your mortgage, thus reducing what you owe. You will be walking away from the combination of increased value and the reduction of your loan balance. Over time, this could amount to a loss of thousands of dollars.

When a lender recovers less from a foreclosure and sale than what he is owed, he is obligated to report that loss to the Internal Revenue Service. That loss represents ordinary income to you and you will possibly owe taxes on the amount.

In Virginia, a lender can sue you for the balance of what you owe after the proceeds of the real estate sale are applied.

A foreclosure has a devastating effect on your credit rating. It will appear on your three credit reports for about seven years, during which time you will have trouble getting new credit; and if you do, you are likely to pay dearly for it. Furthermore, your bad credit will impede your ability to rent an apartment and it might even affect your ability to find employment.

Many employers have turned to credit reports to determine the long-term worth of an employee. In some cases, when they are aware that an employee has been foreclosed upon, employers have the right to terminate that employee. Even if you do keep your job, the foreclosure could hinder your advancement.

Going through foreclosure can have a serious effect on your emotional well-being and possibly your health. You can become depressed and develop a feeling of less worth which can lead to a lack of motivation and even serious physical problems. If these begin happening to you, seek professional help.

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The Difference Between Veterans Affairs & Veterans Administration

By Pamela Hilliard Owens, M.

The Veterans Affairs Department, which is a Cabinet-level administration, is a government-run benefits administration program. The United States Veterans Administration, which provides financial and other types of benefits to veterans and their dependents, is a part of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Affairs Department is responsible for patient care and the distribution of federal benefits to veterans and their dependents.

America's veterans have been cared for by either the states or the federal government since the pre-colonial days. After the Revolutionary War, veterans were offered pensions or public land grants. After the U.S. Constitution was ratified, Congress passed the first pension law in 1789 for disabled veterans; and a Bureau of Pensions was established in 1808 for all veterans.
After the Civil War, the number of veterans increased from 80,000 to 1.9 million; but Confederate veterans were neither counted nor entitled to benefits until 1958 when Congress pardoned all Confederate soldiers. In 1890, the Pension Act was expanded to include dependents and all veterans at age 62, whether they were disabled or not.
After World War I, a Federal Board for Vocational Education was established for veterans. In 1919, Congress established the Veteran's Bureau to consolidate three of the five veteran's programs; and expanded to include veterans from the Spanish American War.
President Herbert Hoover signed an executive order establishing the Veterans Administration on July 21, 1930. In 1944, during World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the "GI Bill of Rights" which extended many economic, financial, and medical benefits to all veterans and their dependents. ("GI" stands for "Government Issue.") The "GI Bill" provided 1) four years of education training with paid books and subsistence aid; 2) federally guaranteed home, farm and business loans; and 3) unemployment compensation. By the end of the original 1944 "GI Bill or Rights" in 1956, 7.8 million veterans had received training, and 5.9 million home loans had been guaranteed by the VA totaling $50.1 billion.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to make the Veterans Administration a Cabinet-level agency, and on March 15, 1989, the Veterans Administration became the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs includes the Veterans Health Services and Research Administration (now called the Veterans Health Administration), the Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery System. The Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration, which are part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, are usually what many people think of when they hear the term "the VA"; although "VA" should stand for "Veterans Affairs." The Veterans Health Administration now includes divisions specifically for women's health issues and diseases from toxic and environmental exposure from Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.

The Veterans Administration is the second-largest federal agency of the United States. As of September 2008, there were 275,000 employees and approximately 63 million people, including veterans and their dependents, were eligible for benefits. The Veterans Administration issues millions of checks monthly for disability, education and pensions; operates hundreds of medical facilities, and supervises over 125 national cemeteries.

Building on the legacy of the "GI Bill," the function of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs---according to the website of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs---continues to oversee several types of veterans' benefits packages. These include: transitioning to civilian life, education and job training, finding good employment, starting a small business, re-employing reservists, buying first homes, compensating the disabled, serving the former POW (Prisoner of War), caring for widows/widowers and burying loved ones.

The Veterans Benefits Administration, which is the most well known division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, oversees six major benefits areas: 1) education, 2) home loans, 3) compensation and pensions, 4) survivor's benefits, 5) vocational rehabilitation and 6) life insurance.

For any and all Americans who receive a general or honorable discharge from any branch of the United State military service, the Department of Veterans Administration operates four major benefits programs: disability compensation, veterans' pensions programs, medical care through VA facilities or hospitals, and education programs. Additionally, other benefits include housing, home loan guarantees, job training, small business loans, counseling, burials and memorials.

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The Difference Between FHA & VA Loans

By JaKaye Jesse

The main purpose of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA) is to provide an opportunity for individuals with lower income to purchase a home. Both departments do not actually provide loans; they insure loans that are made to individuals by private lenders. Each program will take into consideration your credit rating. The main difference between the two programs is that FHA loans are open to the general public and VA loans are open to military personnel.

In 1934, during the Great Depression the Federal Housing Administration was created to give lower income individuals the chance to own a piece of the American dream. The department is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD provides an added level of security by insuring the loans made by private insurers. One of the advantages of applying for a FHA loan is that you don’t need a high level of income to qualify.

The Veterans Administration Home Loan Guaranty Program was enacted as a part of the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944. The program is a part of the Veterans Administration and it insures loans made by private lenders to eligible program participants. The main advantage is that any current or former reservist of the armed service can apply to the home loan program without income level restriction. Eligibility is determined by the VA.

FHA loans requires a down payment as low as 3 percent of the home purchase price versus the 20 percent down payment usually required to purchase a home.

VA loans do not have a required minimal down payment. The down payment for a VA loan can be as low as 0 percent on a home up to $417,000. All program participants can apply for a loan over and over again as long as they meet the VA requirements.

FHA and VA loans both offer low interest rates that are generally below the standard market rate. Monthly payments will be low on a newly purchased home.

FHA and VA loans prohibit certain types of fees charged by private lenders, escrow companies, settlement agencies and title companies. These fees are usually paid by the seller, but the catch is that the seller may not want to negotiate or be flexible with the price of the home.

FHA loans require the program participant to pay a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MID) which is usually higher than for a conventional program loan. For FHA loans, the program participant will be charged an MID that is equal to 1.5 percent of the purchase price of the home and a renewal premium of .500 percent for the subsequent years of the loan. The MID can be financed into the mortgage.

VA loans usually require that the participant pay a funding fee, but the fee can be added and financed into the loan. If the program participant can prove disability, a fee exemption is applied.

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The Best Ways to Qualify for a VA Home Loan

By Kristie Lorette

VA loans assist those who have served their country in the military realize the dream of owning a home. Because VA loans are government-backed, it may seem like qualifying for a VA home loan may be more complicated than a traditional loan program. There are ways you can maneuver the process that makes it simpler and easier to qualify.

To qualify for a VA home loan, you first have to obtain your certificate of eligibility. The form for requesting your certificate is Form 26-1880 and can be obtained from any VA Eligibility Center around the country or online at https://www.va.gov/vaforms/form_detail.asp?FormNo=26-1880.

Once you submit the form to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, your paperwork will be processed and a certificate will be mailed to the address you included on your application. To qualify for a certificate, you must prove that you have been a member of active duty since Sept. 16, 1940. You also have to prove what type of discharge you obtained from the military if you are no longer active duty.

It's also easier to qualify for a VA loan if you know the types of properties that are eligible for VA financing. This will help to narrow your options when you're shopping for a property and keep you from wasting time looking at properties that aren't eligible.

You can finance the purchase of a property with a VA loan if it is a single-family home, an apartment, condo or townhouse. You can also finance the construction of a single-family home. You cannot finance commercial properties, investment properties, and second homes with a VA loan, so the home you are purchasing must be your primary residence--the home where you will live.

Various lenders, banks and mortgage brokers offer VA loans. Check with the bank where you have your savings and checking account to see if they offer VA loan financing options. If you apply for a mortgage with a lender where you already have some form of an established financial relationship, it can make it easier for you to qualify for the loan.

You can also shop and compare local credit unions or mortgage brokers in your area. Because the VA is not the lender, you have to obtain the mortgage through a bank, mortgage lender or mortgage broker that offers VA loans. All VA loan lenders are not the same, however, so you want to shop and compare at least three lenders before deciding which mortgage option is the right one or you.

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The Best Way to Appeal a VA Disability Ruling

By Andrea Lott

If the Veterans Benefits Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, also called the VA, denies your claim for disability benefits, or if you disagree with the label at which your disability has been rated, you can appeal the decision. Appeals are processed through the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). You can appeal an unsatisfactory decision to the national BVA after receiving it from your local VA.

First, apply for disability benefits by filling out the paperwork provided at your local VA. Find your local VA and get help on filing your claim by visiting a veteran's organization. You can retain an attorney to help with your VA disability claim or file it yourself. After you file a disability claim, your local VA reviews it and comes to a decision. After you receive the decision, if you disagree with it for any reason, you may appeal.

The first step to appeal a decision from the VA is to write a letter, called a Notice of Disagreement, letting the VA know that you disagree with its decision regarding your disability claim. Send the Notice of Disagreement to your local VA within one year of having received its decision on your claim. Ask a Decision Review Officer to review your claim, either in your Notice of Disagreement, or after sending it.

You'll receive a Statement of the Case (SOC) from your local VA after it receives your Notice of Disagreement. The SOC outlines the facts and evidence used by the VA to make the ruling you received. Along with your SOC, you'll receive a Form 9 to fill out and return.

Fill out and return the Form 9 within 60 days. State what you are looking for from your appeal, and exactly what decision you would like the VA to make. Point out any errors you find in the VA's statement of your case as outlined in the SOC sent to you. Ask for a personal hearing, if you like, to present your case. If you have a personal hearing, it can take place in Washington, D.C., at your local VA, or by videoconference. Request a videoconference hearing for the fastest results.

During a personal hearing, present any evidence you want the VA to consider in your appeal. If you are asked questions, answer truthfully to the best of your ability. Do not expect an answer the day of your hearing. The BVA reads a transcript from your hearing, considers the evidence and notifies you of its decision at a later time.

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The Average Closing Costs for a VA Loan

By Carol Deeb

Qualifying for a loan through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) allows you to obtain a mortgage for a home purchase. There are many benefits to using your VA loan privileges, but not everyone meets the requirements. Once you have been approved, you will find that closing the loan comes with certain costs and fees, but it still may be less expensive than a traditional mortgage.

Closing costs for a VA loan consist of charges by the lender you use. The origination cost of the loan is a processing fee for the lender to recoup expenses. It averages about 1 percent of the loan amount. This fee pays for the application, document preparation, settlement, notary and other administrative costs. Another charge is in the form of loan discount points. If you want to lower your interest rate, you will pay 1 percent of the loan amount for each incremental deduction in your rate. Your credit report and the appraisal fee also are necessary costs of obtaining the VA loan.

There is no private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement for VA loans. However, a one-time "funding fee" is charged instead. The less money you put down, the higher the fee. For no money down, the fee is 2.15 percent, as of 2011. Ten percent down will require a 1.5 percent funding fee. The cost is 1.25 percent for down payments of more than 10 percent. If you do not have the money to pay the cost upfront, the VA allows you to roll it into the loan principal to be paid off over time. You also will be responsible for paying your hazard insurance premium, title insurance and a recording fee at the close.

The VA allows the seller to pay concessions to reduce your closing costs. As of 2011, sellers can contribute up to 4 percent of the amount of your loan to cover the funding fee, property taxes, insurance premiums and discount points. Other closing costs are not counted in the 4 percent seller concession amount. Therefore, the seller may be able to contribute more than the maximum allowed if other costs are covered separately.

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The Advantages of VA Refinance Vs. Conventional Refinance

By Lynn Lauren

A Veterans Administration (VA) loan has different rules and regulations than a conventional loan. These rules are similar for purchases and refinances.

VA loans were created to help veterans secure housing with little to no down payment. It is a government-backed program that allows veterans with lower income, lower credit score and no down payment purchase or refinance a home. Conventional mortgages, however, are available to every homebuyer and require higher credit scores, income and down payment.

A refinance allows a borrower to take advantage of a lower interest rates. For VA mortgages, if the borrower is already using a VA mortgage, the borrower is exempt from paying a number of closing fees. A conventional refinance, however, requires the same fees as a purchase, and be quite expensive.

A VA refinance can be streamlined to avoid the need for a new appraisal. This option is only available, however, if the borrower is not receiving any cash out from the mortgage. All conventional mortgage refinances require an appraisal.

A VA Mortgage does require a significant funding fee--2 percent or more depending on the situation--which can be rolled into the mortgage. If the borrower did not have a down payment, this could mean that he didn't owe more on the house than they paid for it. With a conventional mortgage, a minimum of 5 percent equity in the home is required for refinancing.

All veterans are not automatically eligible for a VA loan. It depends on the time served and other factors. In addition, if a borrower has defaulted on a VA loan in the past, he may not be able to get another VA loan.

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The Advantages of a VA Mortgage

By Melvin Richardson

For those who qualify for a VA loan there are advantages that provide opportunities to save money. It's a good idea to first see if you qualify, then contact a representative in order to receive more information. A VA loan is guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, which insures the lender from loss.

With a VA loan there is no down payment requirement, which helps to ease the burden of saving for a home. There also is no need for private mortgage insurance, or PMI, saving $25 to $100 per month for an average-price home.

The maximum amount for a VA loan is $729,000. With all of the other financial benefits you may be able to take on larger payments than you could have otherwise.

A VA loan is available for the surviving spouse of those who served in the armed forces and meet the qualifying guidelines, if she has not remarried.

If you want to receive a conventional loan the credit-granting criteria can be very strict. The income and credit requirements for a VA loan are less stringent.

VA loans allow you to receive low interest rates and you can pay a fee if you wish to receive an even lower rate. A low interest rate allows you to have a lower monthly payment and you can save thousands of dollars in finance charges over the life of the loan. VA loans do not have a prepayment penalty.

There is a funding fee, which can range from 0 percent to 3.3 percent, based on the total loan. There is no out-of-pocket expense because the funding fee can be financed by adding it to the total loan. This fee can be waived for veterans who are considered to be at least 10 percent disabled because of active military service. People who are required to pay the fee can make a down payment, which will lower their funding fee.

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Texas Veteran State Benefits

By Jane Amar

According to the Texas Veterans Commission, there are over 1.7 million Texans who are U.S. veterans, including 100,000 who served in the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Texas organizations such as the Texas Veterans Commission have helped veterans and their dependents to receive over $1.5 billion in benefits. Various agencies in Texas help veterans with issues ranging from health to home-buying.

The Texas Veterans Commission employs 75 counselors trained by the Veterans Administration on VA programs. These experts, located within the Veteran Administration's facilities throughout the state, assist veterans, their dependents, or survivors with their applications for benefits, appeals of denials, questions about VA benefits, and help completing various VA forms. Some counselors participated in a pilot program in 2008 to expedite processing of VA claims at the VA's Waco Regional Office. The Texas counselors reduced claims processing time for Texas veterans to 11 days compared to the average processing time of 132 days for claims filed directly with the Veterans Administration.

The Texas Veterans Commission has a Veterans Education staff that helps veterans or their eligible family members reach their educational goals. The staff assists with completing paperwork, and helps veterans understand the rules of school officials and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and works with those who are having difficulty receiving their educational benefits. Counselors also help veterans with job placement. Staff members conduct informational outreach activities with schools, veterans' groups, employers and current military members to inform them about VA educational programs.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a partnership between the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service. The program sponsors training for staff from organizations such as the Texas Veterans Commission, who then visit military installations and assist service members being discharged with the transition to civilian life. The program provides a three-day workshop on employment opportunities, job-searching techniques, how to write resumes, and career guidance. Workshop attendees on average find a job three weeks sooner than those who do not attend. The related Disabled Transition Assistance Program provides vocational and informational services geared toward disabled veterans.

Texas Veterans Commission representatives located at VA facilities throughout the state provide free vocational or rehabilitation counseling to veterans or current military personnel and their eligible dependents. The counselors have training on helping veterans select a career, and guide them to special programs that provide education or job experience for veterans, such as jobs with employers who have received incentives to provide on-the-job training to veterans. Counselors help veterans locate jobs, prepare for job interviews, or select the right schools for additional education that the VA may finance. If the veteran has medical issues, counseling includes help with obtaining medical care and locating independent living services. Eligibility for counseling varies and veterans should contact the nearest Texas Veterans Commission counselor for guidance on their eligibility for services.

The Texas Veterans Land Board offers three different loans to eligible veterans-- land loans, housing loans, or home-improvement loans. Financing for the program is independent of federal housing programs, so Texas veterans who have received VA assistance are still potentially eligible for these programs. The Texas Veterans Land Board helps veterans purchase vacant tracts of land, and may provide up to $325,000 to finance the purchase of a home, or up to $25,000 for veterans who need to make substantial repairs to their home. The Land Board programs do not include refinancing.

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Tax Deductions for Disabled Veterans

By Danielle Langberg

The United States thanks its disabled veterans for their sacrifice and service to the nation by extending a variety of tax credits and deductions -- some are offered on the federal level, other benefits vary from state to state.

Many states that levy annual property taxes on residential and investment properties offer tax abatements to disabled veterans who served in the armed forces.

The Internal Revenue Service ruled in 2007 that money paid to disabled veterans through the Compensated Work Therapy Program run by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs does not constitute taxable income.

Surviving spouses of disabled veterans who remain unmarried are eligible for property tax exemptions on the veteran's place of residence and any property that the veteran owned prior to passing away.

The Veterans Administration provides tax claim forms and instructions to disabled veterans seeking to take advantage of tax deductions.

Disabled veterans residing in the State of California or owning property in that state are not eligible for property tax exemptions.

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Stroke Benefits of the VA Administration

By Joshua Smyth

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the government agency responsible for administering a wide-ranging system of services and benefits extended to veterans of the armed services. It provides support for education, pensions and life insurance, among other things. Most visibly, through the Veterans Administration it operates a system of hospitals and clinics and employs health-care professionals devoted exclusively to veterans' care. Veterans who have suffered strokes are eligible for a variety of benefits through this system.

If you have served active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Merchant Marines (during WWII), then you will likely qualify for these benefits. If you were a Reservist or National Guard soldier called to active duty by executive order, these benefits may extend to you as well. Anyone who has served in a combat theater in the past five years has special eligibility for Returnees Benefits. (reference 1). To determine your specific eligibility, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387). If ruled eligible, you may receive comprehensive care and rehabilitation at a Veterans' Administration Facility without paying premiums. There are co-payments on a service-by-service basis, including a $50 fee for each visit to specialty care service (reference 2). This is the category that most stroke care would fall under. You do not have to be a combat veteran to qualify for these benefits.

If the stroke occurred as a result of an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during active service, the victim is eligible for service-connected disability benefits. The level of benefits depends on an assessment of the level of disability. These benefits are cash payments that range from $123/month for a 10%-disabled veteran (as of September 2010) to $2,673/month for 100%-disabled veterans. If the disability is above 30%, there are benefits available for spouses and dependents. (reference 3)

For service members imprisoned as POWs for any length of time during their military service, strokes will be presumed to be service-related and will grant access to service-connected disability benefits. (reference 3)

For veterans with a service-related disability of 20% or greater, the VA will assist with placement in workplace, work-study and vocational rehabilitation.

If a service-connected disability results in lost use of limbs or eyes, the VA provides grants of up to 50% of the cost of buying or adapting accessible housing. As of September 2010, this benefit paid up to $63,780, depending on the severity of the disability.

The VA offers grants toward the purchase or adaptation of an automobile for veterans with mobility impairment.

If the veteran is housebound, there is additional aid available to cover the cost of care.

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Steps to Processing a VA Loan

By Shauna Zamarripa

The first thing that a veteran is required to do is find a VA approved lender. The lender will then obtain a certificate of eligibility for the Veteran and will also locate eligibility for any additional state or local VA programs. The certificate of eligibility is required prior to moving forward with the loan application process. Once the certificate is received, the lender can then move through the rest of the steps to obtain VA-approved financing.

The lender will then review the income documents and credit documents to determine the financing aspects of the loan. Once the lending institution has reviewed all required documentation, it will forward the completed file and application through to a VA underwriter for approval. The underwriting process can be lengthy, taking as much as 30 days for full approval. The veteran can then begin home shopping. Upon finding a suitable home, the contract can be completed, sent into the lender for review and the loan processing can begin in tandem with the underwriting process.

VA loan underwriters require that an independently approved VA appraiser review the property that the veteran intends to purchase to guaranty the value of the property. If the appraised value matches up with the amount that is being financed, the veteran is able to complete the purchase a property. After the appraiser has issued a green light for financing, the veteran will be issued a clear to close on the property. At that point the veteran can get their keys and move into her new home.

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State Benefits & VA Disability Benefits

By Smokey Yokems

You have served in the United States military at its most extreme demand and now you are permanently injured. Re-orientation to civilian life, finding career and living arrangements that suit your skills and your health requirements are top priorities. You are not on your own, however, as both the Veterans Administration and your state government have benefit programs to assist you.

The relationship between the federal government and the individual states regarding benefits for disabled veterans dates back to the First Continental Congress. In the beginning, the federal program for soldiers injured in the Revolutionary War could not be fully covered by the new government budget. The burden of making up the difference fell to the states until 1808. State compensation was not mandated, however, and each state made its own decisions on what coverage would include.

In 1808, The Federal Bureau of Pensions was formally established and a national tax base had developed sufficiently to cover the full cost of disabled veterans' benefits directly from the federal budget. By the end of the Civil War, federally funded veteran's homes and hospital level medical facilities had also become standard. Most states continued to fund disabled veterans' benefits as a supplement to federal programs. Many of those benefits are still in place today.

State to state comparisons of benefit programs for disabled veterans vary significantly. Options range from relief of vehicle registration fees and free hunting licenses to direct financial compensation, additional health care, tuition payments and employment preference programs. Attention to veteran needs and assistance to disabled veterans re-entering the society they have honorably served, is on the rise. The best place to start for help at home is your state Veteran's Affairs office.

Two primary challenges for disabled veteran's seeking full activation of their benefits are complications related to travel and extensive paperwork and disputes that result from improper duplication of state and federal benefits. It is very important to get all of the information before making decisions about what to accept as assistance from any source. Create a long term plan that includes your housing, health, education and employment needs and design a package of both federal and state benefits that will support your goals without conflict. If you are unable to drive, include provisions for how you will travel for benefits processing and health care. Be sure you have the help you need to fill forms in correctly, saving time and future complication.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a national non-profit organization created and managed by disable veterans for nearly 90 years. With a mission to ensure that those who have defended the Nation's freedoms are able to enjoy the benefits they have earned, the DAV provides benefits assistance and veteran's advocacy in every state. If you are overwhelmed by the process of sorting through your VA and state disabled veterans options, or have a dispute that needs perspective to settle, consider contacting DAV. They can, at the very least, help steer you to clarity.

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SSI Guidelines for Disabled Veterans

By Leslie McClintock

Military veterans who have become disabled often have questions about qualifying for disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program, administered by the Social Security Administration, or SSA. The SSA has established a number of special programs and provisions for veterans. The extra income can be invaluable in helping the disabled veteran adjust to civilian life with a disability.

The Social Security Administration has a different definition of disability than that used by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify for SSI, you must be totally disabled and unable to perform any kind of work due to your disability, and your disability must be at least a year long or be expected to culminate in your death. SSI does not pay benefits for partial disability.

If you are disabled and a military veteran, the Social Security Administration will expedite your application for Supplemental Security Income. This is important for veterans, because the normal SSI application process can take months. This program is for military veterans who became disabled after October 1, 2001 -- regardless of where the injury or illness that caused he disability took place.

Although SSI benefits are means-tested for civilians, the fact that you draw military pay while on active duty while disabled does not disqualify you for benefits. The Social Security Administration encourages disabled military veterans to apply while still on active duty.

You can apply online at socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors, by telephone at 800-772-1213, or by stopping by the nearest Social Security Administration office. Those who are hearing-impaired may call the Social Security Administration's TTY service at 800-325-0778.

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South Carolina Veterans Administration Handicapped Parking Rules

By Audrey Brown

Disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses living in South Carolina can receive special license plates and placards from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles allowing them to park in marked handicapped spots. To park legally in a handicapped zone, the disabled person must be riding in or driving the vehicle.

Disabled veterans can receive a free, permanent Handicapped Disabled Veteran license plate. Along with a DMV application, the veteran must submit a form from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying that he was totally and permanently disabled as a result of war, has lost the use of one or both legs or arms, or is virtually blind. He must also submit a prescription order with an original signature from his doctor. Each veteran can apply for two license plates for vehicles, two for motorcycles, or one of each. A surviving spouse who has been certified as disabled by her doctor can also receive a handicapped disabled veteran plate, unless she remarries.

South Carolina veterans who are Purple Heart recipients can receive South Carolina Purple Heart Disabled license plates. In addition to the DMV application, the veteran must submit a signed prescription order from his doctor certifying he is permanently disabled, as well as a letter from the Veterans Administration proving he is a Purple Heart recipient. The veteran can receive two license plates for vehicles, two for motorcycles, or one of each. There is no fee for Purple Heart plates, and they're available by mail only.

The applicant's doctor must complete a Physician's Statement at the bottom of the DMV application. Here the doctor must certify that the veteran or spouse can't walk 100 feet without stopping; must use a brace, crane, crutch, prosthetic device or wheelchair to get around; is restricted by lung disease; uses portable oxygen; has a severe, limiting heart condition; is hindered from walking due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition; or is blind.

Each disabled veteran and his disabled spouse may also buy one disabled veterans' placard to hang on a rear-view mirror. Each placard is valid for four years and costs $1. As of Jan. 1, 2010, any placard issued by the DMV must contain a photo of the person using the placard. Older placards that don't have a photo can be used until Dec. 31, 2012 or until they expire. After that, the veteran or spouse must submit a new application and doctor's statement to receive a new disabled photo placard.

Any veteran or surviving spouse who receives a disabled license plate or placard must also carry a registration certificate issued by the DMV. The certificate lists the names of all eligible disabled people from that household who are allowed to drive or ride in the vehicle. Drivers who park in a handicapped spot without this certificate are subject to citation.

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South Carolina Disabled Veterans Benefits

By Jane Meggitt

Honorably discharged disabled veterans residing in South Carolina may qualify for state benefits besides those offered by to all Palmetto State veterans. Certain benefits depend on the level of disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or whether the disability occurred during wartime.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources provides free hunting and fishing licenses to veterans certified as totally and permanently disabled by the VA. They may also receive reduced admission to any state park, as long as documentation of disability is presented at the time of the visit.

Federal disability benefits are not subject to South Carolina state tax. Veterans certified by the VA as 100-percent totally and permanently disabled from service-related causes are exempt from property taxes on their primary dwelling. The exemption continues for surviving spouses. It may also transfer upon purchase of another dwelling in the state as long as it is the primary residence. Veterans losing the use of the lower extremities or paralyzed on one half of their body due to service-related causes may qualify for exemption from municipal, county and state taxes on the prinicipal residence.

Veterans qualifying for state Disabled Veterans license plates are exempt from municipal meter parking fees.

Although the state does not provide specific education benefits for disabled veterans, the children of certain disabled veterans may qualify for free tuition at South Carolina state institutions of higher learning. The veteran parent's disabilities must occur during active duty in wartime. Children must be under age 25 and reside in the state of South Carolina.

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Social Security Retirement Benefits for Veterans

By Kenneth V. Oster

One quarter of Social Security retirement benefit recipients are veterans. According to statistics provided by the Social Security Administration, "veterans and their families make up almost 40 percent of the adult Social Security beneficiary population." Although as of 2010 living veterans from World War II through the Korean War are declining, veterans of the Vietnam conflict and subsequent wars will continue to be a significant portion of the Social Security retirement population.

With few exceptions, veterans receiving military retirement payments are also able to receive full Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security benefits are based on the money you made working in your civilian career, and are not reduced by benefits earned for military retirement. Military members who did not remain in the service until retirement have Social Security earnings that were accredited to their account based on wages earned while working for the government. Social Security wage credits earned during military service will be added to the credits earned working in the civilian workforce.

Active duty military members began paying Social Security taxes in 1957, and veterans serving in the reserve forces began paying Social Security taxes on inactive duty pay in 1988. Veterans serving during the period extending from 1957 through 2001 had extra earning credits applied to their Social Security account to adjust for the lower earnings that veterans earned during military service. If you served sometime during 1957 through 1967, the extra credits will be added to your account when you apply for Social Security retirement benefits. Veterans who served after 1967 already have the extra credits applied to their Social Security account. There are no extra wage credits after 2001 for military pay.

Veterans with military service prior to 1957 also will receive extra credits applied to their Social Security account. From the beginning of the Social Security program through 1956, military members did not have Social Security taxes deducted from their wages. Veterans who served from September 16, 1940 through December 31, 1956 will have an additional $160.00 credit applied to their Social Security account for each month of service. Veterans must have been honorably discharged to be eligible for these additional benefits. If you are already receiving a government retirement benefit for the 1940 through 1956 period, you will not be eligible to have the extra credit added to your Social Security account. If you were still on active duty after 1956, the extra credits will be added to your account.

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Social Security Questions for Veterans

By Leonard Dozier

As a result of disabilities caused by battle, many veterans become entitled to Social Security benefits well before the federally-mandated retirement age. Others become entitled upon retirement at the age of 65. Because the Social Security system can be complex, many veterans are unsure of how to go about applying for benefits or finding out other benefits to which they might be entitled. Thus, understanding key questions to be asked is the most effective way to begin pursuing these benefits.

The question of "What benefits are available?" refers not only to monetary compensation but also to health insurance coverage. The benefits available to veterans are Social Security Disability Insurance payments (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI payments are based on the amount of earnings a veteran earned while working as an adult. Conversely, SSI payments are distributed based on the Social Security Administration's "pool" of revenue.

Additionally, Medicare is available to veterans needing health coverage. Under Social Security, veterans may also receive free transportation services for health services such as doctor visits.

Applying for benefits begins with contacting the Social Security office closest to your location. An appointment will be set and a claim will be filed. Those receiving veterans benefits may still apply for Social Security benefits. Disabled veterans will have to prove disability and may need to seek the services of an attorney to obtain benefits. Disability examiners often reject many initial applications. In fact, roughly 70 percent of initial applications are denied. Veterans may then file a "request for consideration" at their nearest social security office. If denied again, veterans may ask to receive a hearing before an administrative judge.

According to Military.com, "military veterans who served between 1940 and 2001 may be credited for special extra earnings" which may increase Social Security benefits for veterans upon retirement. These special extra earnings are broken down according to the following: $100 for every $300 of active duty pay earned between 1978 and 2001, $300 dollars each calendar quarter for active duty pay between 1957 and 1977 or $160 each monthly for active duty pay between 1940 and 1956. However, for the period between 1940 and 1956, veterans must currently must be on active duty, honorably discharged after 90 days or relieved of duties because of a disability, or a survivor of a veteran of this time period who died while on active duty.

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Service Connected VA Disability Benefits

By Samantha Volz

According to the 2008 United States Census, there are approximately 5.5 million disabled veterans living in the United States. Each of these disabled veterans has a right to benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Based on disability rating (a percentage that represents how much functionality the veteran has lost as a result of his or her disability), those benefits can vary from person to person.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines disability compensation as a monetary benefit that is paid to veterans who are disabled from an injury or illness that was caused or worsened by active military service. Only veterans who incurred these service-connected disabilities qualify for disability compensation.

Veterans receive their money for disability compensation monthly, and the amount they receive depends on their disability rating (the higher the percentage, the more money) and the number of dependents they have (including spouse and children). Benefit money is not subjected to federal or state income taxes.

The VA also provides disability compensation for any veteran who develops Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, at any time after their separation from the military. Other illnesses, such as cancer from radiation or Agent Orange exposure, may also be covered by disability compensation.

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 20 percent with an employment handicap, or those with a 10 percent rating and a serious employment handicap, may be eligible to participate in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program (VR&E).

This program is designed to help veterans with disabilities that can affect their employment to find and keep suitable jobs. The program provides rehabilitation services, which are paid for by the VA. Services including training for reemployment with a previous employer, help developing self-employment endeavors and training or education for those who need substantial help in finding a suitable job.

In general, veterans have up to 12 years from the date that the VA verifies their service-connected disabilities to complete the VR&E program. Most of the training and education programs last up to 48 months of full-time service, but the time period can changed depending on the circumstances.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for Specialty Adapted Housing (SAH) grants to build new homes or to modify their existing homes to compensate for their disabilities.

Like the other benefits, the amount of money allowed for these grants depends on the extent of the disability. Disabilities that qualify veterans for SAH assistance including loss or loss of use of both of their lower or upper extremities, blindness or loss of vision and severe burn injuries. Veterans who temporarily reside in a family member's home can also receive funds from the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant.

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Salary for Social Workers in Veterans Affairs

By Madison Hawthorne

The Veteran Health Administration employs licensed masters-level social workers from an accredited university to provide clinical services for veteran patients. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management oversees the General Schedule pay scale for federal employees with an annual salary based on experience. Positions outside the continental U.S. are provided a cost-of-living allowance rather than a salary. Social workers employed by independent personnel systems should consult the hiring agency for other pay scales different from the GS. Agencies may offer career advancement, employee childcare, employee health wellness programs and practicum field placements.

Higher pay scales require post-MSW experience gained prior to graduation, however field placements will not count toward meeting fulfillments. Fellowships or post-graduate training will count toward meeting grade requirements if training aligns with the position qualifications and is at the level below the grade requirement of the position for which the applicant is applying.

The GS-9 grade for 2009 is the entry-level social worker position with a starting annual salary of $40,949. The step increase is $1,365 with a maximum salary of $53,234. This social worker generally has less than one year post-graduate experience, but meets the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide psychosocial care with supervision. Social workers with more experience may work at a higher step within the GS-9 grade.

The GS-11 grade for 2009 is the full performance level social worker position with a starting annual salary of $49,544. The step increase is $1,651 with a maximum salary of $64,403. This social worker has a minimum of one year post-graduate health care experience and must have a license as an independent practitioner. A doctoral degree in social work can replace the post-graduate experience requirement.

The GS-12 grade for 2009 is the advanced social work level with a starting annual salary of $59,383. The step increase is $1,979 with a maximum salary of $77,194. Social workers have an advanced level licensure requiring a clinical examination and two years experience in a specialized field of practice.

The GS-13 and GS-14 grades for 2009 are program administrators with pay scales determined by required knowledge, skills and abilities. This manager may have an additional post-master's degree. The GS-13 grade has a starting annual salary of $70,615, a step increase of $2,354 and maximum salary of $91,801. The GS-14 grade for 2009 has an annual salary of $83,445, a step increase of $2,782 and maximum salary of $108,483.

Vacancies for the Veteran Health Administration provide pay ranges. Current pay scale listings for federal positions are available at the federal U.S. Office of Personnel Management website. You can also visit USAJOBS.gov to find social work job opportunities.

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Rules of a VA Mortgage

By Mark Kennan

One of the programs run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the home loan program, which helps veterans get approved for mortgages with little or no down payment. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not issue the mortgages; instead, it guarantees a portion of the mortgage which makes the loan less risky for the lender.

In order to qualify for a VA loan, you must meet the minimum time in service requirements. If you were enlisted and served before Sept. 7, 1980 or were an officer serving before Oct. 16, 1981, you must have served at least 90 days during wartime on active duty or served at least 180 days during peacetime. If you served after these dates, you must have served for 24 months or the full time that you were called to active duty, unless you were discharged with a disability related to your service. In addition, you cannot have been dishonorably discharged.

Any size mortgage can be a VA mortgage. However, the VA only backs a mortgage up to 25 percent of the maximum amount for the county the home is located in. The maximum amount adjusts each year and varies between counties. For most counties in 2010, the limit is 25 percent up to $417,000. The limit in some counties is as high as 25 percent of over $1 million.

VA loans do not require a down payment, which can help veterans get a mortgage if they have little or no savings. VA loan rules also allow the seller to pay closing costs and the VA funding fee. The VA funding fee is a one-time charge, ranging from 0.5 to 3.3 percent of the loan, depending on the size of the down payment and whether the borrower has used VA loans in the past. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs allows this fee to be added to the amount of the mortgage.

In order to be approved for a VA loan, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. to do so, complete VA form 26-1880 and mail it, along with a photocopy of your proof of service, to the Winston-Salem Eligibility Center. Proof of service depends on whether you are an active service member or if you have been discharged. For those still on active duty, you need an original statement of duty with your name, social security number, date of entry on your current active duty period and any period of time you were not serving. Those who have already been discharged use DD Form 214. Your proof of service can be obtained by filing Standard form 180. You can also apply online at the Veterans Information Portal (see Resources). Your lender may also be able to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility on your behalf through the Web LGY system, but according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the system does not have enough records on every service person to guarantee that all veterans will be documented.

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Retired Veterans Benefits

By Alexis Writing

A veteran is an individual who served for the military, usually in areas of military conflicts. In recognition of the amount of danger these individuals put themselves in, and the devotion they show to their country, the government of the United States awards certain benefits to retired veterans.

Veterans receive memorial benefits in return for their service. Veterans receive partial reimbursements toward burial and the cost of a funeral. This reimbursement is separated into two payments---payments for the burial and funeral cost, and payments for the plot interment allowance. Additionally, the amount of money you receive depends if your death occurred during service or not. For veteran service-related deaths that occurred on or after Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Veteran Affairs will pay up to $2,000 toward the burial expenses. If the veteran death occurred before this date, the VA will pay up to $1,500 toward the burial costs. For non-service-related veteran deaths, the VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, as well as a $300 plot-internment allowance.

If you have a service-related disability and you were not dishonorably discharged, you may qualify for VA disability compensation. Depending on the disability, your benefits can range from $123 per month to as high as $3,100 per month. Additionally, the number of dependents you have influences the amount of money you receive each month. Some of the things that may increase the amount of money you receive each month include the following: whether your disability is quite severe, such as a loss of limbs; whether you are supporting a spouse or dependent parents; or whether your spouse is extremely disabled.

Veterans also might qualify for a special monthly compensation. This is additional compensation if you lost certain organs or limbs in your service to the country. Some of the following disabilities that would qualify a veteran for special monthly compensation include: loss of a hand or a foot; loss of sight; deafness; loss of speech; loss of a reproductive organ; or immobility of a joint.

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Requirements for VA Benefits

By Steve Gross

The programs provided by the Veteran's Administration (VA) represent the primary benefit provided by the United States to the men and women who have served (or are serving) in its armed forces. VA services range from hospitals located across the country to financial aid, vocational rehabilitation, work for disabled veterans, guaranteed financing (and refinancing) of no-down-payment home loans and financial assistance of veterans seeking further education. If you're a veteran, or simply want to know more about the VA, this will serve as a good place for you to start.

Specific VA program eligibility requirements vary by program. Some programs are needs based, some require you to apply before a time limit expires and others require that your service resulted in partial or total disability.
Available VA programs include compensation, pension, health care, vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans (mortgage guarantees) and education and training.

If, because of your military service, you are at least 10 percent disabled, you are eligible for monthly compensation from the VA.
If you are a wartime veteran (see VA Loan Eligibility) with limited income and are disabled--or at least 65 years old--you can receive a monthly pension from the VA.

The VA bases its health care eligibility on household income. On June 15, 2009, the administration reopened its health care program to veterans with household incomes up to 10 percent greater than current VA income thresholds. If you would like to determine whether you meet the income test, visit the VA health care website (see References).

You must have had wartime service of at least 90 days between September 16, 1940, and July 25, 1947 (WWII), from June 27, 1950, to January 21,1955 (Korea) or from August 5,1964, to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam). You must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
Peacetime service eligibility requires 181 days of active service between July 16, 1947, and June 26, 1950; February 1, 1955, and August 4, 1964; or May 8, 1975, and September 7, 1980 (enlisted); or May 8, 1975, and October 16, 1981 (officer). You must not have received a dishonorable discharge.

The VA helps support eligible veterans, reservists and active duty service members who are enrolled in an approved education or training program. Veterans have 10 years from their release date to use this benefit.

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Requirements for a VA Refinance

By Gilberto Fuentes

Veterans who want to refinance specifically in order to obtain a lower mortgage interest rate have the option to do so through the Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan. The IRRRL is a mortgage refinancing program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, this is only one option for veterans, and other private lenders may offer more favorable refinancing terms. Basic requirements are necessary to obtain a VA refinance.

Eligibility for a VA refinance with the IRRRL is open to all veterans whose mortgage payments are current and the mortgage is originally insured by the VA. Since veteran status is established when the VA mortgage is originated, proof of veteran status is not necessary for an IRRRL. According to the VA, refinancing lenders can obtain verification of veteran status from a separate email confirmation process.

The VA does not directly refinance VA mortgages and instead insures refinanced mortgages through approved banks that participate in the IRRRL program. The VA encourages banks to make IRRRL loans by insuring refinanced mortgages against losses if the homeowner forecloses on the home. In addition, IRRRL lenders are required to follow certain rules to help veterans obtain and qualify for the refinancing. For example, the VA limits the types of closing costs veterans pay. For example, the VA only requires a 1.5 percent funding fee of the amount of the loan. In addition, some of the allowable closing fees include the VA funding fee, discount points and prepaid insurance and taxes. Compare and negotiate the fees each potential IRRRL lender charges to obtain refinancing with the lowest costs.

The main purpose of the IRRRL program is to allow veterans an opportunity to refinance specifically to secure a lower interest rate. Veterans are not allowed to refinance with the IRRRL if the refinanced mortgage results in a higher interest rate. The lower rate is helpful to reduce the amount of monthly mortgage payments. However, the VA cautions that refinancing may increase the long-term cost of home ownership by increasing the amount of time veterans pay principal and interest.

Veterans who own a home and wish to refinance with the IRRRL program through the VA are not required to meet credit requirements. However, some lenders may require veteran borrowers to meet certain credit standards. The VA does not prohibit lenders from evaluating the credit report of veteran borrowers. Banks may conduct additional credit evaluation to determine the riskiness of veteran borrowers. The bank may impose a higher interest rate if the veteran is a risky borrower.

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Rent Assistance for Veterans

By Christopher Cross

Homeless veterans can find help with rental assistance through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The agencies have set up a program called HUD-VASH to help veterans get the housing assistance they need.

HUD-VASH provides 20,000 Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans. The vouchers allow veterans to receive rental assistance while choosing their own housing. They also get case management and rehabilitative services, which they must use and participate in.

Beneficiaries of the program must be eligible for VA health care and must meet the definition of homelessness as stated in the McKinney Act. This means that either the veteran does not have a nighttime residence or that his or her nighttime residence is a shelter, an institution or a place that is not designed to accommodate humans.

Veterans can be single or have families, but they must be able to live independently with help from their case manager and supportive services. There are undefined income requirements that are determined by each area’s Public Housing Authority.

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Refinancing Through the Veterans Administration

By Matt McGew

The Veterans Administration (VA) is in charge of protecting the welfare of veterans that have served in the United States armed forces. In addition to offering health care and many other services, the VA provides insurance on home loans issued by private lenders. This insurance allows private lenders to issue VA loans. These loans generally offer lower interest rates and better financing terms than other conventional home loans. If your original mortgage was not with the VA and you qualify, you can refinance into a VA loan.

Approval for a VA loan requires a certificate of eligibility. This document, known as Form 26-1880, lists your military service record and any VA loans you have taken out in the past.

The VA Loan Guaranty Service manages the home loan program for veterans and active members of the military. The Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan (IRRRL) gives homeowners with a VA loan an opportunity to refinance their loans and get a better interest rate. This special loan typically requires less paperwork than traditional refinances. Most lenders only require a current appraisal of your home's value and a credit report to process this type of loan. With an IRRRL, you can't receive any type of cash-out from the refinance. You do, however, have the option of including the closing costs in the loan in lieu of paying these costs out-of-pocket at the time of refinancing.

The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 has several provisions that benefit the Home Loan Guaranty Program and the refinancing of your VA loan. The act extended and improved adjustable loan mortgages (ARMs) and cash-out refinancing options. Under the act, cash-out loans no longer have any limitation or restrictions as they did under IRRRL. Additionally, up to 100 percent of the appraised value of the property is now available for refinance. The former cap of $417,000 on refinance loans was also lifted under the act. The new limit is now $729,750.

Qualifying for a VA loan doesn't mean you automatically get a great loan. It's your responsibility to find lenders that have the best rate for your VA refinance loan. Shop around with multiple private lenders to get the best available rate. Make sure that you also consider closing costs and fees associated with your VA refinance loan. Many private lenders offer fee reduction programs and special interest rates for VA loans.

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