Welcome To VA Guide Print Version
User Manual:
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Page Count: 24
HELLO.
Welcome to VA.
Let’s get started.
2 YOUR BENEFITS
Understand how VA can meet your needs
3 YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Understand more about it and how it
aects your VA benets
4 YOUR DISABILITY RATING
Understand how your disability rating
aects your eligibility
5 YOUR JOURNEY
See how VA can support you
throughout your life
14 YOUR CHECKLIST
Learn about ways to access the benets
and services you deserve
15 YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES
Find mental health resources and access
immediate care
17 YOUR QUICK START GUIDES
Get additional details on accessing key
VA benets and services
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Learn what VA can do for you
VA can support you and your loved ones in dierent ways
throughout your life. Your VA Welcome Guide provides
a broad overview of services VA can oer you. To access
more information about VA benets and services, visit us
online at VA.gov
Employment
• Skills Training & Counseling
• Online Career Tools
Health Care
• Basic and Specialty Care
• Mental Health Care
• Long-Term Care
• Crisis Support
Housing
• Short-Term Housing
• Home Loans
• Renancing Options
Memorialization
• Burial and Committal Services
• Headstones and Markers
• Burial Flags
Finances
• Monthly Disability Payments
• Life Insurance
• Burial Allowances
Education
• GI Bill
• Training Programs
More Support
Organizations outside of VA can
help you nd the support you need:
• Veterans Service Organizations
• Local Community Resources
GET HELP FOR
YOURSELF OR A
FRIEND IMMEDIATELY
Call the Veterans Crisis Line
at (800) 273 - 8255 and press 1,
or refer to p15 to nd
additional resources and
access immediate care.
BENEFITS 2
Understand your eligibility
Access to VA benets and services depends on your
eligibility. Eligibility is determined using dierent factors
depending on the benet. While a lot of information is
used to determine your eligibility for benets, one critical
factor may be your disability rating.
What is eligibility?
VA uses “eligibility” to describe the benets and services a Veteran
can access. Each benet you are trying to access may require a dierent
set of eligibility factors. For example, you may be eligible for the GI Bill
but not for VA Health Care. If you are interested in a certain benet, work
with VA to determine your eligibility.
How is eligibility determined?
FACTORS CONSIDERED
VA considers a dierent
combination of factors for each
benet, which could include your
disability rating, service history,
medical need, and income level.
Employment Education Finances Health Care Housing Memorialization
YOUR ELIGIBILITY
YOUR ELIGIBILITY 3
Disability Rating Service History Medical Need Income Level
Understand your Disability Rating
Your disability rating is one of several factors that aects
your eligibility for benets and services. Your disability rating
is important because there are a number of services available
only to Veterans with a disability rating.
What is a disability rating?
A disability rating is a rating VA gives you to describe how much
your service-connected disability impacts your daily life.
A “service-connected” disability is an injury, disease, or condition that
you got or was made worse during your military service. Disability
ratings range from 0%–100%. A 0% rating means your disability does
not aect your everyday life. Any rating, including a 0%, makes you
eligible for certain services. While you might feel your condition is not
serious, you should still consider applying for a rating.
WHERE CAN YOU GET
IN-PERSON HELP?
You can receive help preparing
your claim from a Veterans
Service Organization (VSO).
To nd a VSO, visit www.va.gov/
ogc/apps/accreditation and
search by state. You can also nd
VSO information on eBenets:
www.ebenets.va.gov/
ebenets/vso-search
WHAT BENEFITS AND
SERVICES CAN YOU
ACCESS WITH A
DISABILITY RATING?
Some benets and services
include:
• Disability Compensation
• Vocational Rehabilitation
& Employment (VR&E)
• Increased Health Care
coverage
• Federal hiring preference
• VA Home Loan fee exemption
How is a disability rating determined?
You must le a claim for disability. VA determines your rating based
on the evidence you provide (which includes your medical records and
DD214) and the severity of your condition. Once your claim is processed,
you will receive a disability rating. To nd out more about ling a claim,
call (800) 827 - 1000 or visit va.gov/disability-benets
YOUR DISABILITY RATING 4
Translate your military skills
Build your professional reputation
Find the right job
VA can help you even
before separation from
the military. If you have
already separated, let
your Veteran buddies
know they can start
using VA now.
SEPARATEENLIST
GETTING
OUT
STARTING
UP
SERVING
TAKING
CARE OF
YOURSELF
BUILDING
YOUR
CAREER
PUTTING
DOWN
ROOTS
AGING
RETIRING
JOINING
Manage and maintain
your health
Attend to your health needs
Recognize and
address mental
health needs
Take care of your health
Manage primary care
and chronic health issues
Seek support for a severe
health event
Maintain your health
Find a place to live
Revisit housing
Adapt your support
network to your new needs
Decide how and where
to be memorialized
Schedule and plan
a funeral service
Seek survivor benefits
Balance finances
Save for your retirement
Find additional
sources of income
Engage VA to access
benefits and services
Take care of your family
Find something to do
Get the appropriate
education, skills, and credentials
Re-establish and
create relationships
Connect with and
serve your community
Maintain your health
Participate in
meaningful activities
Build your local network
Maintain social and
community connections
Complete your
paperwork
p7 p8
No two Veterans are the same. You might experience many of these
important life moments in a dierent order. Based on where you
are in your life, VA can serve you in dierent ways. Use this map
to explore how VA can support you both now and in the future.
Find out where VA ts into your life
How can I use this map?
• Determine where you are in your journey
• Review the benets information for where you are in your journey
• Read ahead to discover how VA may be able to support you in the future
If you are interested in a VA benet, make sure to work with VA to determine
your eligibility as soon as possible.
YOUR JOURNEY, PART ONE 5
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
Translate your military skills
Build your professional reputation
Find the right job
VA can help you even
before separation from
the military. If you have
already separated, let
your Veteran buddies
know they can start
using VA now.
SEPARATEENLIST
GETTING
OUT
STARTING
UP
SERVING
TAKING
CARE OF
YOURSELF
BUILDING
YOUR
CAREER
PUTTING
DOWN
ROOTS
AGING
RETIRING
JOINING
Manage and maintain
your health
Attend to your health needs
Recognize and
address mental
health needs
Take care of your health
Manage primary care
and chronic health issues
Seek support for a severe
health event
Maintain your health
Find a place to live
Revisit housing
Adapt your support
network to your new needs
Decide how and where
to be memorialized
Schedule and plan
a funeral service
Seek survivor benefits
Balance finances
Save for your retirement
Find additional
sources of income
Engage VA to access
benefits and services
Take care of your family
Find something to do
Get the appropriate
education, skills, and credentials
Re-establish and
create relationships
Connect with and
serve your community
Maintain your health
Participate in
meaningful activities
Build your local network
Maintain social and
community connections
Complete your
paperwork
YOUR JOURNEY, PART TWO 6
p9
p11
p12
p10
p13
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate facilities:
va.gov/facilities
Engage VA
to access
benets and
services
Continue your
education
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for
Veterans or their dependents
va.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
Your Regional
Benets Oice
blank cell Become a
homeowner
VA Home Loan
Home loan benets for Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Apply for
a disability
rating
Disability Compensation
Compensation paid to Veterans
for a disability that occurred
during service
va.gov/disability-benets VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
or through
your local
Veterans Service
Organization
(VSO)
blank cell Plan for
your family’s
nancial
future
VA Life Insurance
Life insurance for Veterans and
their families
www.benets.va.gov/
insurance
Life Insurance
Line:
(800) 419 - 1473
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Apply for
supplemental
income
Veterans Pension
Supplemental income available to
low-income wartime Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
pension/vetpen.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
blank cell Apply for
health care
VA Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers and
clinics
va.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Prepare to
nd a job
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills
translator, and resume builder
va.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
Complete
your
paperwork
Request
your service
records and
discharge
papers
eBenets www.eBenets.va.gov National
Personnel Records
Center: (314)
801 - 0800
blank cell
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
GETTING OUT
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
GETTING OUT 7
STARTING UP 8
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate
facilities:
va.gov/
facilities
Find something
to do
Continue your
education
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for
Veterans or their dependents
va.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
Your Regional
Benets Oice
blank cell Get help
nding a job
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills
translator, and resume builder
va.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
Balance your
nances
Apply for
a disability
rating
Disability Compensation
Compensation paid to Veterans
for a disability that occurred
during service
va.gov/disability-benets VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
or through
your local
Veterans
Service
Organization
(VSO)
Attend to your
health needs
Find a doctor VA Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers
and clinics
va.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Seek help for
mental health
needs
Mental Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient
mental health services
www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
gethelp.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
or Vet Center
Find a place
to live
Become a
homeowner
VA Home Loan
Home loan benets for Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
blank cell Find
housing to
accommodate
your disability
Adapted Housing Grants
Financial help for Veterans to
purchase or modify a home to meet
special housing needs
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans/adaptedhousing.
asp
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Re-establish
and create
relationships
Meet Veterans
and people
who can help
Veterans Service
Organizations (VSO)
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and
their loved ones
Find a VSO near you at:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
or
www.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
STARTING UP
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF 9
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate facilities:
va.gov/facilities
Recognize
and address
mental health
needs
Address
mental
health needs
Mental Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient mental
health services
www.
mentalhealth.va.gov/
gethelp.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
or Vet Center
Use
counseling
services
Vet Center
Counseling, outreach, and referral
services to combat Veterans and
their families
www.vetcenter.va.gov Vet Center Line:
(877) 927 - 8387
Your local
Vet Center
Manage
primary care
and chronic
health issues
Get regular
medical care
VA Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers
and clinics
va.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Seek support
for a severe
health event
Visit a doctor
in your
community
CHOICE Act / Care
in the Community
Covered access to non-VA
health care
www.va.gov/opa/
choiceact
Veterans Choice
Line:
(866) 606 - 8198
(press 1)
Your local
Medical Center
or an approved
CHOICE provider
blank cell Get help in an
emergency
Emergency Care
Emergency medical care at a VA
Medical Center or non-VA hospital
with prior authorization
www.va.gov/
healthbenets/access/
emergency_care.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Maintain
your health
Get regular
check-ups
Preventative Care
Services such as vaccinations and
health screenings
www.va.gov/health
benets/access/
preventative_care_
services.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Get women-
specic care
Women Veterans
Health Care
Women-specic health care
www.womenshealth.
va.gov
Women’s Health
Care Line:
(855) 829 - 6636
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Keep track of
your health
My HealtheVet
Online tool to make health decisions
and manage care
www.myhealth.va.gov My HealtheVet
Help Desk:
(877) 327 - 0022
blank cell
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
BUILDING YOUR CAREER 10
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate facilities:
va.gov/facilities
Translate
your military
skills
Put your
military skills
to use
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills
translator, and resume builder
va.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
Get the
appropriate
education,
skills, and
credentials
Continue your
education
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for Veterans
or their dependents
va.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
blank cell
blank cell Get help
nding a job
that suits your
disability
Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment (VR&E)
Personalized job training,
employment accommodations,
and resume development
www.benets.va.gov/
vocrehab/index.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Find the
right job
Explore your
job options
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills
translator, and resume builder
va.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
blank cell Consider
working for
the federal
government
Veterans’ Preference
Gives Veterans an advantage in
the application process for federal
government jobs
va.gov/employment VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Build your
professional
reputation
Compete
for federal
contracts
Veteran-Owned Small
Business Program (VOSB)
Helps Veteran-owned small
businesses compete for federal
contracts set aside for VOSBs
www.va.gov/osdbu Oice of
Small and
Disadvantaged
Business
Utilization:
(866) 584 - 2344
(press 1)
Meet with a
Verication
Assistance
Counselor in
your area
Build your
local network
Connect with
other Veterans
Veterans Service
Organizations (VSO)
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their
loved ones
Find a VSO near you at:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
or
www.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
BUILDING YOUR CAREER
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS 11
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate facilities:
va.gov/facilities
Revisit
housing
Become a
homeowner
VA Home Loan
Home loan benets for Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Renance
existing home
loans
VA Renancing
Home loan benets for renancing
a non-VA loan into a VA loan
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans/irrrl.asp
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Maintain your
health
Address
mental health
needs
Mental Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient
mental health services
www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
gethelp.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
or Vet Center
Improve your
well-being
Social Work
Social services to maximize
well-being for Veterans, families,
and caregivers
www.socialwork.va.gov Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Take care of
your family
Apply for VA
educational
benets
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for
Veterans or their dependents
va.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Save for your
retirement
Apply for
supplemental
income
Veterans Pension
Supplemental income available to
low-income wartime Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
pension/vetpen.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Connect
with and
serve your
community
Meet and
serve fellow
Veterans
Veterans Service
Organizations
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their
loved ones
Find a VSO near you at:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation
(search by state)
or
www.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-searchblank cell
blank cell
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
RETIRING 12
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate facilities:
va.gov/facilities
Find
additional
sources of
income
Get nancial
support for
your disability
Disability Compensation
Compensation paid to Veterans for
a disability that occurred during
service
va.gov/disability-benets VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
or through
your local
Veterans Service
Organization
(VSO)
Take care of
your health
Get regular
medical care
VA Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers
and clinics
va.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Address
hearing needs
Audiology
Care for hearing aids and/or
other hearing assistive devices for
Veterans
www.prosthetics.va.gov/
psas/hearing _ aids.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Address vision
needs
Optometry and Blind
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation services for blind
and low-vision Veterans
www.va.gov/optometry
or
www.prosthetics.va.gov/
features/blinded-veterans.
asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local
VA Medical
Center or Blind
Rehabilitation
Center
Participate
in meaningful
activities
Volunteer
in your
community
Veterans Service
Organizations
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their
loved ones
Find a VSO near you at:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
or
www.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
RETIRING
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
EducationHealth Care Employment
HousingFinances More Support
Memorialization
AGING 13
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
AGING
WHAT IS
YOUR GOAL?
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US
ONLINE
GIVE US
A CALL
VISIT US
IN PERSON
blank cell blank
cell
blank cell blank cell Find out more:
VA.gov
Ask us a question
VA311:
(844) 698 - 2311
Locate facilities:
va.gov/facilities
Manage and
maintain your
health
Get regular
medical care
VA Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers and
clinics
va.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Seek long-term
care for later
in life
Geriatric and Extended
Care
Nursing care, hospice, and assisted
living services
www.va.gov/geriatrics Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Adapt support
network
to your new
needs
Seek in-home
support
Skilled Home Health Care
In-home care by a professional
www.va.gov/geriatrics/
guide/longtermcare/
skilled_home_health_
care.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
blank cell Get nancial
support for
daily medical
assistance
Aid and Attendance and
Housebound Compensation
Payments for Veterans who are
housebound or require the aid of
another person in daily life
www.benets.va.gov/
pension/aid_attendance_
housebound.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Make burial
arrangements
Decide how and
where to be
memorialized
Burial Benets
Schedule and plan funeral and
burial arrangements
www.cem.va.gov
www.va.gov/vaforms/va/
pdf/VA40-10007.pdf
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Scheduling:
(800) 535 - 1117
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Finance your
burial
Get nancial
assistance for
burial services
Burial Allowance
Financial assistance for funeral and
burial services
www.benets.va.gov/
compensation/claims-
special-burial.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Seek survivor
benets
Talk about the
future with
loved ones
Survivor’s Benets
Various benets available to the
survivors of a deceased Veteran
www.va.gov/opa/persona/
dependent_survivor.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Maintain
social and
community
connections
Engage with
fellow Veterans
and people
who can help
Veterans Service
Organization (VSO)
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their
loved ones
Find a VSO near you at:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
or
www.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-searchblank cell
blank cell
More Support
Memorialization
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Health Care Employment
HousingFinances Education More Support
Memorialization
YOUR CHECKLIST 14
Get started today
1
2
3
4
□Identify VA services that can meet your goals
□Prioritize time-sensitive benets
□Work with VA to identify which benets and services you
and your loved ones might be eligible for:
→Visit explore.va.gov/benets-navigator
→Call (800) 827 - 1000 to speak with a VA representative
→Talk with a member of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
□Complete the form for the service you want to apply for:
→Online at eBenets.va.gov (all VA benets) or at
VA.gov (VA Health Care, Education, Pension, and Burial Allowance only)
→ In person or by mail to your Regional Benets Oice
(va.gov/facilities)
□Check back over time as your needs change. For example, you could:
□Apply for a higher disability rating if your disability gets worse
□Pass GI Bill benets on to your dependents if you do not use them
□Apply for a VA Pension when you are 65 or receiving home care
□Decide where and how to be memorialized using burial benets
RESEARCH
□Prioritize which benets you want to pursue now
□Consider applying for a disability rating
→Visit va.gov/disability-benets to learn more
□Get a copy of your discharge papers
□Collect other information as necessary, which may include:
□Military personnel records
□Orders (if activated from the Guard or Reserves)
□Military and private medical records
□Your most recent tax return
PREPARE
APPLY
REVISIT
Use the checklist below to get started accessing
the VA benets and services you deserve.
WHAT DOES A VSO DO?
Representatives from Veterans
Service Organizations may
oer free help to Veterans applying
for VA benets. Go to www.va.gov/
ogc/apps/accreditation for
more information.
WHAT ARE
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Your discharge papers—also known
as your DD214 member-4—are the
most important documents to keep.
They are necessary to get access
to VA benets. Request yours at
eBenets.va.gov
WHICH BENEFITS ARE
TIME SENSITIVE?
• Dental Care
(180 days post-separation)
• Life Insurance
(240 days post-separation)
• VA Health Care for recent
Combat Veterans
(5 years post-separation)
• Montgomery Bill
(10 years post-separation)
• Post 9/11 GI Bill
(15 years post-separation)
• Vocational Rehabilitation
& Employment
(12 years since receiving your
disability rating post-separation,
though there are exceptions. If you
are interested in VR&E, make sure
to work with VA to determine your
eligibility as soon as possible.)
WHAT SERVICES CAN
VA PROVIDE?
VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL
Veteran’s
Crisis Line
www.veteranscrisisline.net
(click “chat”)
(800) 273 - 8255
(press 1)
text 838255
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
National Suicide
Prevention
Lifeline
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
(click “chat”)
(800) 273 - 8255
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Military Sexual
Trauma Support
(VA oers free counseling
services for Military Sexual
Trauma (MST) survivors. You
don’t have to be enrolled in
VA Health Care to access
MST services.)
Find a Medical Center
va.gov/facilities
Find a Vet Center
www.va.gov/directory/guide/
vetcenter.asp
Call your local Medical Center
or Vet Center.
At Medical Centers, ask to
speak to the MST coordinator.
National Call
Center for
Homeless Vets
www.veteranscrisisline.net
(click “chat”)
(877) 424 - 3838
24 hours a day/
7 days a week
Women Veterans
Call Center
www.womenshealth.va.gov
(click “chat”)
(855) VA WOMEN
(855) 829 - 6636
M-F, 8 AM–10 PM EST
Sat, 8 AM–6:30 PM EST
VA Caregiver
Support Line
www.caregiver.va.gov (855) 260 - 3274
M - F, 8 AM–8 PM EST
YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES 15
WHERE CAN I FIND
IN PERSON HELP?
To locate your nearest VA
Medical Facility, Regional
Benets Oice, Regional Loan
Center, Vet Center, National
Cemetery, and other VA
facilities, visit va.gov/nd-
locations/
Contact the resources below to get immediate help for
yourself or a friend. These resources are designed to support
Veterans during diicult times.
Get help right now
HEAR FROM
OTHER VETERANS
To hear stories from Veterans
who sought help, visit
www.maketheconnection.net
APPLY FOR VA HEALTH CARE 17
Apply for VA Health Care
This guide will help you apply for VA Health Care, which
includes regular checkups, prescriptions, and access to
specialists, such as cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental
health providers.
1
□Collect the following information:
□Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
□Your most recent tax return
□Social security numbers for yourself and your dependents
□Account numbers for insurance programs you are enrolled in
□Your VA Disability Rating Decision (if applicable)
□Apply by completing the healthcare application form
(VA Form–10 EZ) in one of these ways:
→Visit us online at VA.gov and click on “Health Care”
→Give us a call at (877) 222 - 8387 (press 1); M–F, 8am–8pm EST
→Visit us in person at a VA Medical Center
→Print out and mail the completed form to the Health Eligibility
Center (2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329)
□Call (877) - 222 - 8387 (press 2) if you haven’t heard back from
VA more than one week aer you’ve submitted your application
If approved, take steps to access the benets you are eligible for:
□Review priority group assignment and personalized benets
handbook mailed by VA aer enrollment
□Contact your local VA Medical Center to set up an appointment
□Make an appointment to obtain your Veterans Health
Identicaton Card (VHIC)
PREPARATION
APPLICATION
REVIEW AND DECISION
NEXT STEPS
2
3
4
A checklist to help you apply for VA Health Care:
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Visit eBenets.va.gov to request
a copy of your DD214 records.
HOW WILL I FIND OUT
ABOUT VA’S DECISION?
If accepted, you’ll receive a
phone call from VA and
a personalized benets handbook
in the mail. If denied, you’ll receive
a letter indicating the reason.
WHAT ARE PRIORITY
GROUPS?
During enrollment, each Veteran
is assigned to one of eight priority
groups based on dierent factors.
Your priority group may aect
what type of VA Health Care
services you can access and how
much you will need to pay for
those services.
WHAT IS A VHIC?
A VHIC is a photo ID that gives
you access to VA Health Care
facilities. When you’re enrolled in
VA Health Care, you can get a VHIC
by making an appointment with
your local VA Medical Center to get
your picture taken for your VHIC.
APPLY FOR VA HEALTH CARE 18
Information you’ll need to know
to access VA Health Care:
How do I schedule my rst appointment?
• On your health care application you can ask VA to call you to
schedule your rst appointment
• Call your local VA Medical Center to schedule an appointment
What does it mean to be assigned to a priority group?
If you are eligible to enroll in VA Health Care, you will be assigned to
a priority group based on your eligibility. Your health care eligibility
determines what type of VA Health Care services you can access
and how much you will need to pay for those services.
Am I eligible for VA Health Care?
Some factors that VA may consider when determining eligibility include:
• VA has rated you for a service-connected disability
• You received a purple heart or are a former Prisoner of War
• You are a combat Veteran who separated within the last 5 years
• You are eligible for Medicaid benets
• Your family income is below the income threshold
• You served in Vietnam, Southwest Asia during the Gulf War,
or Camp Lejune during certain periods of time
Note: Not all Veterans are eligible for VA Health Care. Work with VA
to determine your eligibility as soon as possible.
What if I live far away or can’t get an appointment?
The Veterans CHOICE Program allows Veterans who live far from VA
facilities or who face long wait times for a VA appointment to seek the
care they need from an approved private doctor in their community.
• You are eligible if you live more than 40 miles from the nearest
VA Medical Center or you have to wait more than 30 days for a
VA appointment, or you face one of several specic travel burdens
• Visit www.va.gov/opa/choiceact to learn more
Will I be covered for emergency care?
The most important thing in an emergency is to get to the nearest
hospital. If this is a VA hospital, you may be covered under your
priority group eligibility. VA will only pay for emergency care at
non-VA facilities under certain circumstances.
• Aer receiving emergency care at a non-VA facility, call VA
immediately to understand what VA may cover.
Where is my nearest VA Medical Center?
• To locate your nearest VA facility, visit va.gov/facilities
What are my health care options
for myself and my family?
VA Health Care is one of many
health care options Veterans may
have, including TRICARE, Medicare/
Medicaid, and private insurance plans.
In most cases, family members and
dependents are not eligible for VA
Health Care. It’s important to gure
out which option is best for you.
VA Health Care counts as your health
insurance under the Aordable Care Act,
so you won’t have to pay a tax penalty.
However, Veterans enrolled in VA
Health Care are not eligible for health
insurance subsidies.
→Visit healthcare.gov/veterans
to learn more
How does VA support recent
combat Veterans?
Combat Veterans can get ve years
of “cost-free” health care following
separation and remain eligible for VA
Health Care as long as they enroll
within ve years of separation.
What services are included
in VA Health Care?
• Preventative Care (e.g. check-ups)
• Outpatient care (e.g. mental
health care and substance abuse
counseling)
• Inpatient care (e.g. surgery)
• Medications and supplies
How does VA support Military
Sexual Trauma (MST) (MST)
survivors?
VA oers free counseling and support
services that help Veterans recover from
trauma. You don’t have to be enrolled in
VA Health Care to access MST services.
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RATING 19
Apply for a Disability Rating
This guide will help you submit a disability claim and obtain
a disability rating, which is based on how much your
service-connected disability impacts your capacity to earn
a living. This rating is between 0%–100%. Your rating may
give you access to certain VA benets, such as compensation
and on-going health care.
1
2
3
4
□Learn about dierent types of claims you can le (refer to back)
□Collect the documents necessary to le a claim:
→ Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
→Military medical records
→VA medical records/hospital reports related to your disability
→Private medical records/hospital reports related to your disability
□Submit Disability Benets Questionnaires (DBQs) if desired
□Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→Submit a claim online using eBenets: eBenets.va.gov
→Complete a claim form in person at a VA Regional Oice
If approved, take steps to access the benets you are eligible for:
□Review your award letter to understand your rating
□Review the VA benets handbook that is sent to you
PREPARATION
APPLICATION
□Visit us online at eBenets.va.gov or VA.gov to track the status
of your claim
□Provide more information/documentation if requested by VA
□Attend VA medical examination(s) if requested by VA
REVIEW AND DECISION
NEXT STEPS
HOW LONG WILL
IT TAKE?
The length of time it takes to
process a claim depends on:
• The type of claim led
• How many injuries/
disabilities you claimed
• How long it takes for VA to
gather supporting evidence
• How many claims were in
line when yours was led
WHAT ARE DBQS?
DBQs are lled out by your
private doctor to provide
medical evidence to support
your claim. They may allow VA
to grant your claim without the
need for a medical examination
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Visit eBenets.va.gov to request
a copy of your DD214 records.
GET HELP
You can receive free help with
preparing your claim from
a VA accredited representative
or an employee at a local VA Oice.
Refer to back for more information.
A checklist to help you le your disability
claim and get your disability rating:
APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RATING 20
Who can help me?
You can receive free help with preparing your claim from a VA accredited
representative or an employee at a local VA Oice.
Accredited representatives are individuals or organizations who are familiar
with the process of ling a claim. Many accredited representatives work for
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and may provide help free of charge.
Note: It is unlawful to any person or organization to charge a fee for assistance in
preparing an application for VA benets. VA-accredited agents and attorneys
may charge fees for assisting with a claim for VA benets only aer VA has decided
the claim and claimant has led a notice of disagreement.
→To nd a representative, visit us online at www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation
(search by state) or eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
→To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit va.gov/facilities
Who can le a disability claim?
• Veterans
• Servicemembers preparing to separate from the military
• Survivors/family seeking benets owed to Veterans on a pending claim
• Veterans Service Organization (VSO) on behalf of Veterans/Servicemembers
What are the dierent types of claims?
The type of claim you want to apply for depends on if you’ve led before,
if your conditions have changed, and how much responsibility you want to
take to gather required documents. Review the chart below to determine
what type of claim you should le.
What if my condition doesn’t
aect my every day life?
A 0% disability rating does not qualify
you for compensation, but you
may be eligible for other VA services,
such as VA Health Care. While you
might feel your condition is not serious,
you should still consider applying for
a rating.
Am I eligible for benets?
You may be eligible for VA disability benets if VA nds you have a disease,
injury, or condition that resulted from service or was made worse during
your military service.
Common conditions include:
• Hearing loss/ringing in the ears
• Knee, ankle, or back pain/injury
• PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Traumatic brain injury
• Respiratory disease
• Ulcers
• Loss of range of motion
• Cancer (due to hazardous exposures)
Note: Work with VA to nd out if you are eligible for disability benets by
ling a disability claim as soon as possible.
Why is receiving a disability
rating important?
You need a service-connected disability
with a rating in order to access certain
VA benets and services, including:
• Disability compensation
• Vocational Rehabilitation
& Employment (VR&E)
• Level of VA health care coverage
• Increased preference in federal hiring
• Fee exemption for VA home loans
Note: You can apply for a disability
rating anytime throughout your life.
How does my disability rating
aect my family?
If you are eligible for disability
compensation, you may be paid
additional amounts if you have a
spouse, dependent child(ren), or
dependent parents, and they may
be eligible for additional benets.
→To learn more, call your Regional
Benets Oice or visit us online at
www.benets.va.gov/compensation
Information you’ll need to know
to le your claim and get your
disability rating:
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
WHEN YOU FILE TYPE OF CLAIM WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Pre-discharge
More information at: www.benets.
va.gov/predischarge/index.asp
Benet Delivery at Discharge
(BDD)
Filed 180 - 90 days before separation; processed faster than post discharge claims
Post- discharge
More information at: www.benets.
va.gov/fdc
Standard VA can help you gather documents
Fully-developed You gather your own documents; processed faster than a standard claim
APPLY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS 21
Apply for Education Benets
This guide will help you apply for VA Education Benets,
which include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill,
other educational assistance programs, on-the-job training,
and career counseling.
A checklist to help you apply for VA Education Benets:
1
2
3
4
□Decide which type of education benet you want to use (refer to back)
□Learn about schools that oer VA-approved programs by using the
GI Bill Comparison Tool (va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool) to:
→Determine your out-of-pocket costs for each school
→Compare school statistics (i.e., graduation and loan repayment rates)
□Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→Submit your application online using eBenets or VA.gov
→Complete an application in person at a VA Regional Oice
→Work with your school’s VA certifying oicial (this person is usually
in the Registrar or Financial Aid oice at the school of your choice)
□Apply to the program that is best for you
□Collect the following information
→ Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
→ Orders, if activated from the Guard or the Reserves
□For further information about your benet, call the Education Call Center
(888) 442 - 4551
RESEARCH
PREPARATION
APPLICATION
DECISION
HOW DO I DECIDE
WHAT IS BEST FOR ME?
VA oers tools and
counseling programs to
help you make the most of
your options. Visit www.
benets.va.gov/vocrehab/
edu_voc_counseling.asp
to research schools.
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Visit eBenets.va.gov to
request a copy of your DD214
records.
APPLY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS 22
What are the dierent types of education benets?
The GI Bill is the umbrella term for many VA Educational Benets programs.
Review the chart below to determine which GI Bill benet you should apply
for. (This is only a basic summary—these are NOT the only eligibility criteria.)
Montgomery GI Bill—
Selected Reserve
Six-year commitment to
Selected Reserve (usable
only while serving)
Monthly stipend for tuition and
fees (refer to rates table online)*
BENEFIT TYPE BASIC ELIGIBILITY* WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Post-9/11 GI Bill Qualifying active service
on or aer 9/11/01
Qualifying active
services, high school
diploma or GED
Monthly stipend for tuition and
fees (refer to rates table online)*
Payment for 50 - 100% of tuition;
stipend for housing and books
Montgomery GI Bill—
Active Duty
Spouse or dependent of
a qualifying Veteran
Monthly stipend for tuition and
fees (refer to rates table online)*
Information you’ll need to know
to apply for education benets:
Do I have to use education benets for college?
You can use the GI Bill for more than just academic programs, such as advanced
training and certications in your area of expertise. Examples include:
• Work Study
• On-the-Job Training and
Apprenticeships
• Co-op Training
• Non-College Degree Programs
• Entrepreneurship Training
• Flight Training
• National Tests (e.g., SAT, GRE)
• Licensing and Certications
Am I eligible for VA Education Benets?
Your eligibility depends on a number of factors including length and era
of service, type of discharge, and time since separation. It’s diicult to
summarize eligibility because requirements are dierent for each type
of GI Bill. Refer to the table below and visit va.gov/education/gi-bill to
learn more about eligibility.
Note: Work with VA to nd out if you are eligible for education benets
as soon as possible. Not all Veterans are eligible.
*To nd the rates for monthly stipends, visit va.gov/education/rates
Where is my nearest VA Regional Benets Oice?
→To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit va.gov/facilities
What is the Yellow Ribbon
Program?
The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover
costs that are not covered by the
Post-9/11 GI Bill, such as higher tuition
at private colleges or those paying out-
of-state tuition.
→Visit va.gov/education/gi-bill/yellow-
ribbon to learn more
Survivors’ and
Dependents’
Educational
Assistance
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
Can I transfer my Post-9/11 GI
Bill Benets to my family?
You may be eligible to transfer up to 36
months of benets to your spouse or
dependent children.
→Visit va.gov/education/gi-bill/transfer
to learn more
Are survivors and dependents
eligible for benets?
Dependents or survivors of a Veteran may
be eligible for educational assistance
through a GI Bill program if one of the
following applies to the Veteran:
• Died while on active duty, or
• Was a former prisoner of war, or
• Died or is permanently and totally
disabled due to a service-connected
disability, or
• Is hospitalized or receiving outpatient
treatment for a service-connected
permanent disability and is likely to
be discharged for that disability
→Visit va.gov/education/gi-bill/
survivors-dependent-assistance/
to learn more
How does my disability rating
aect my benets?
Additional benets, including
personalized job training and academic
counseling, may be available for Veterans
with disability ratings of at least 10%.
These programs are separate from the
GI Bill and must be applied for separately.
→Visit www.benets.va.gov/vocrehab
to learn more
GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS 23
Get started with Caregiver Benets
This guide will help caregivers of Veterans access support
at VA that may include caregiver education and training,
mental health services, peer support, access to health care
benets, nancial assistance, and respite care.
HOW DOES VA
SUPPORT CAREGIVERS
OF VETERANS?
Programs and services include:
· Caregiver Support Line
· Peer-support mentoring
· Monthly caregiver education groups
by telephone
· Mental health services for caregivers
· Building Better Caregivers™
(six-week online workshop)
· In-home health care
· Help with daily tasks (like bathing,
dressing, making meals, taking
medicine) and rehab programs
· Comfort care and help with
managing pain
· Adult day health care centers
· Telehealth
· Health care benets through
the Civilian Health and Medical
Program of the Department of
Veterans Aairs (CHAMPVA)
· Home care supplies and equipment
· Veteran clothing allowance
· Home modication benet
· Program of Comprehensive
Assistance for Family Caregivers
Am I a “caregiver”?
Oen people do not identify themselves as a “caregiver.” Most of us, at some point in
our lives, will be in a caregiver role. Caregivers are daughters, wives, husbands, sons,
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, partners and friends. Caregivers manage a wide range
of responsibilities. Here’s how you know if you are in a caregiver role.
Do you:
□Buy groceries, cook, clean house or do laundry for a Veteran who needs help
doing these things?
□Make medical appointments or drive to the doctor and pharmacy to pick up
prescriptions for a Veteran?
□Help a Veteran get dressed, take a shower, or take medicine?
□Help transfer a Veteran in and out of bed, or with physical therapy,
injections, feeding tubes or other medical procedures at home?
□Talk with doctors, nurses, social workers, and others to understand what
medical care or other benets a Veteran might need?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are a caregiver and may
be eligible for caregiver services at VA.
Who can help me determine which programs and services
are available to me and the Veteran I care for?
Caregiver Support Coordinators are social workers and nurses with extensive knowledge
of VA benets and can help connect you with the resources you need.
→ Call the Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274, Monday – Friday 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. (EST)
→ Visit us online at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp
Enter your zip code to nd Caregiver Support Coordinators at your local
VA Health Care center
→Find a Caregiver Support Coordinator in person at a VA Medical Center
GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS 23
GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS 24
Last updated: 12/04/18
What is the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for
Family Caregivers (PCAFC)?
PCAFC is a program of enhanced support for caregivers of eligible Veterans
who sustained or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or aer
September 11, 2001.
A Veteran can appoint one primary (main) caregiver and up to
two secondary caregivers (people who serve as backup support to the primary
caregiver when needed). Your benets will depend on
whether you’re the primary caregiver or a secondary caregiver.
Primary caregivers may be eligible for:
• Caregiver education and training
• A monthly stipend (nancial assistance)
• Travel, lodging, and nancial assistance when traveling with the Veteran to
receive care
• Access to health care benets through the Civilian Health and
Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Aairs (CHAMPVA)—
if you don’t already qualify for care under another health care plan
• Mental health services and counseling
• Up to 30 days per year of respite care (short-term support so caregivers can
work, travel, or run errands)
We do not qualify for the Program
of Comprehensive Assistance for
Family Caregivers but I am
a Caregiver for a disabled Veteran.
VA oers many long-term care options for sick
or disabled Veterans and support for their
caregivers.
If you need help accessing services,
help connecting with your nearest Caregiver
Support Coordinator, or just
a listening ear:
→Call the Caregiver Support Line
at (855) 260-3274, Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (EST)
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
Where is my nearest
VA Medical Center?
→To locate your nearest VA facility,
visit va.gov/nd-locations/
Where can I nd more
information about Family and
Caregiver Health Benets?
→Visit us online at va.gov/health-care/
family-caregiver-benets/
A checklist to help you apply for the
Program of Comprehensive Assistance
for Family Caregivers:
1
2
3
□Check eligibility in one of these ways:
→Online https://www.va.gov/healthbenets/resources/
Caregiver_Eligibility_Check.asp
→Call the Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274
□Collect identication and health coverage information for
both you and your Veteran to complete the application.
Note: you’ll both need to sign and date the form.
□Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→Download VA Form 10-10CG online at
https://www.va.gov/health-care/forms/vha-10-10CG.pdf
• Mail completed form to Program of Comprehensive
Assistance for Family Caregivers, Health Eligibility
Center (2957 Clairmont Road NE, Ste 200,
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647)
→ Apply in person with the Caregiver Support Coordinator
at your local VA Medical Center
PREPARATION
APPLICATION
The application process is multi-step and includes an assessment
of both the Veteran and caregiver, training and a home visit.
Your Caregiver Support Coordinator will remain in contact with
you during the review process.
DECISION
