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.

http://www.lenderva.com