List of VA Benefits

By Sharon Penn

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of benefits to those who have served in the military. A surviving spouse, child or parent may also be eligible for benefits. The Veterans Benefits Administration oversees such benefits as education and home loan guaranty. Veteran medical centers and outpatient clinics provide healthcare, and the National Cemetery Administration provides headstones, certificates and burial in a VA national cemeteries.

Veterans with a service-related disability may be eligible for VA disability compensation. The basic benefit ranges from about $100 to more than $3,000 monthly. The amount of the payment is calculated according to the level of disability and the number of dependents. Eligible veterans with severe disability or loss of limbs may qualify to receive additional monthly payments. Those with a spouse, children or dependent parents may also receive additional benefits.

Under the Veteran's Health Care Eligibility Reform Act, all veterans are entitled to a medical benefits package that is primarily focused on preventative and primary health care. A full range of outpatient and hospital services is available under the plan. Combat veterans who return from military service may also be eligible to receive nursing home care for up to two years free of charge, along with free health care services. To receive benefits, the veteran must undergo a physical examination to determine if health conditions are related to military combat operations.

Under programs like Military Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill, veterans can receive thousands of dollars yearly to cover expenses related to education. Included in the coverage are costs for tuition, books, fees and living expenses. In addition, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program provides servicemen with the option of passing equivalency examinations to avoid taking college-level classes. The American Council on Education helps veterans earn college credit for their experience and training.

The VA guaranteed home loan is made up of private lenders like banks and mortgage companies. The VA guarantees up to $417,000 of the loan. The VA home loan assists veterans in buying a home, building a home, home improvement, installation of solar heating and cooling and refinancing.

Veterans may be eligible for burial allowances for the partial reimbursement of funeral costs. If the cause of death is not related to the veteran's service, a burial and funeral allowance plus a plot interment allowance is provided. For service-related deaths, the VA will pay up to $2,000 for burial expenses. To receive benefits, the veteran must meet criteria such as being eligible to receive VA compensation or pension.

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