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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 affects your VA benefits YOUR DISABILITY RATING 4 Understand how your disability rating affects your eligibility JOURNEY 5 YOUR Find out how VA can support you throughout your life CHECKLISTS 14 YOUR Learn how to access benefits and services YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES 21 Find mental health resources and access immediate care Learn what VA can do for you VA can support you and your loved ones in different ways throughout your life. Your VA Welcome Guide provides a broad overview of services VA can offer you. To access more information about VA benefits and services, visit us online at Vets.gov 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 find additional resources and access immediate care. Health Care Finances Housing • • • • • Monthly Disability Payments • Life Insurance • Burial Allowances • Short Term Housing • Home Loans • Refinancing Options Employment Education Memorialization • Skills Training & Counseling • Online Career Tools • GI Bill • Training Programs • Burial and Committal Services • Headstones and Markers • Burial Flags Basic and Specialty Care Mental Health Care Long Term Care Crisis Support More Support Organizations outside of VA can help you find the support you need: • Veteran Service Organizations • Local Community Resources BENEFITS 2 Understand your eligibility Access to VA benefits and services depends on your eligibility. Eligibility is determined using different factors depending on the benefit. While a lot of information is used to determine your eligibility for benefits, one critical factor may be your disability rating. What is eligibility? VA uses “eligibility” to describe the benefits and services a Veteran can access. Each benefit you are trying to access may require a different set of eligibilty factors. For example, you may be eligible for the GI Bill but not for VA Health Care. If you are interested in a certain benefit, work with VA to determine your eligibility. VA considers a different combination of factors for each benefit, which could include your disability rating, service history, medical need, and income level. How is eligibility determined? FACTORS CONSIDERED Disability Rating Service History Medical Need Income Level YOUR ELIGIBILITY Employment Education Finances Health Care Housing Memorialization YOUR ELIGIBILITY 3 Understand your disability rating Your disability rating is one of several factors that affects your eligibility for benefits 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 affect 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. How is a disability rating determined? You must file 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 find out more about filing a claim, call (800) 827 - 1000 or visit vets.gov/disability-benefits. WHAT BENEFITS AND SERVICES CAN YOU ACCESS WITH A DISABILITY RATING? Some benefits and services include: • Disability Compensation • Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) • Increased Health Care coverage • Federal hiring preference • VA Home Loan fee exemption WHERE CAN YOU GET IN-PERSON HELP? You can receive help preparing your claim from a Veteran Service Organization (VSO). To find a VSO, visit www.va.gov/ogc/ apps/accreditation and search by state. You can also find VSO information on eBenefits: www.ebenefits.va.gov/ ebenefits/vso-search YOUR DISABILITY RATING 4 Find out where VA fits into your life No two Veterans are the same. You might experience many of these important life moments in a different order. Based on where you are in your life, VA can serve you in different ways. Use this map to explore how VA can support you both now and in the future. WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education p7 JOINING SERVING ENLIST SEPARATE GETTING OUT Engage VA to access benefits and services 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. How can I use this map? • Determine where you are in your journey • Review the benefits information for where you are in your journey • Read ahead to discover how VA may be able to support you in the future More Support p8 STARTING UP Find something to do Balance finances Complete your paperwork Attend to your health needs Find a place to live Re-establish and create relationships If you are interested in a VA benefit, make sure to work with VA to determine your eligibility as soon as possible. YOUR JOURNEY, PART ONE 5 Translate your military skills Manage and maintain your health Get the appropriate education, skills, and credentials Adapt your support network to your new needs Find the right job Decide how and where to be memorialized Build your professional reputation Schedule and plan a funeral service Build your local network Seek survivor benefits BUILDING YOUR CAREER p9 p10 TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF p12 RETIRING p11 Recognize and address mental health needs Manage primary care and chronic health issues Maintain social and community connections PUTTING DOWN ROOTS AGING p13 Find additional sources of income Take care of your health Revisit housing Seek support for a severe health event Maintain your health Maintain your health Take care of your family Participate in meaningful activities Save for your retirement Connect with and serve your community YOUR JOURNEY, PART TWO 6 Some ways VA can help you while you’re... GETTING OUT WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? WHAT CAN YOU DO? WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL VISIT US IN PERSON Obtain information blank cell Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator Continue your education GI Bill vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center: (888) 442 - 4551 Your Regional Benefits Office Engage VA to access benefits and services Helps pay for education for Veterans or their dependents Become a homeowner VA Home Loan From Overseas: 001 - 918 - 781 - 5678 Home loan benefits for Veterans www.benefits.va.gov/ homeloans Regional Loan Office: (877) 827 - 3702 Your Regional Benefits Office Apply for a disability rating Disability Compensation vets.gov/disability-benefits VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office or through your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Engage VA to access benefits and services Plan for your family’s financial future VA Life Insurance www.benefits.va.gov/ insurance Life Insurance Line: (800) 419 - 1473 Your local VA Medical Center Engage VA to access benefits and services Apply for supplemental income Veterans Pension www.benefits.va.gov/ pension/vetpen.asp VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Engage VA to access benefits and services Apply for health care VA Health Care vets.gov/health-care Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 2) Your local VA Medical Center Prepare to find a job Careers and Employment vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell Request your service records and discharge papers eBenefits www.eBenefits.va.gov National Personnel Records Center: (314) 801 - 0800 blank cell Engage VA to access benefits and services Engage VA to access benefits and services Engage VA to access benefits and services Complete your paperwork Compensation paid to Veterans for a disability that occurred during service Life insurance for Veterans and their families Supplemental income available to low-income wartime Veterans Inpatient and outpatient health services at VA Medical Centers and clinics Job search database, skills translator, and resume builder WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support GETTING OUT 7 Some ways VA can help you while you’re... STARTING UP WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? WHAT CAN YOU DO? Obtain information blank cell Find something to do WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL VISIT US IN PERSON Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator Continue your education GI Bill vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center: (888) 442 - 4551 Your Regional Benefits Office Helps pay for education for Veterans or their dependents Get help finding a job Careers and Employment Balance your finances Apply for a disability rating Disability Compensation Attend to your health needs Find a doctor VA Health Care Attend to your health needs Seek help for mental health needs Mental Health Care Find a place to live Become a homeowner VA Home Loan Find a place to live Find housing to accommodate your disability Adapted Housing Grants Meet Veterans and people who can help Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) Find something to do Re-establish and create relationships From Overseas: 001 - 918 - 781 - 5678 vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell vets.gov/disability-benefits VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office or through your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO) vets.gov/health-care Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 2) Your local VA Medical Center www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ gethelp.asp Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 4) Your local VA Medical Center or Vet Center www.benefits.va.gov/ homeloans Regional Loan Office: (877) 827 - 3702 Your Regional Benefits Office www.benefits.va.gov/ homeloans/adaptedhousing. asp Regional Loan Office: (877) 827 - 3702 Your Regional Benefits Office Job search database, skills translator, and resume builder Compensation paid to Veterans for a disability that occurred during service Inpatient and outpatient health services at VA Medical Centers and clinics Inpatient and outpatient mental health services Home loan benefits for Veterans Financial help for Veterans to purchase or modify a home to meet special housing needs 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.eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/VSO-search WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support STARTING UP 8 Some ways VA can help you while you’re... TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? WHAT CAN YOU DO? WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL VISIT US IN PERSON Obtain information blank cell Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator 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 Recognize and address mental health needs Use counseling services Vet Center 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 vets.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 www.va.gov/opa/ choiceact Veterans Choice Line: (866) 606 - 8198 (press 1) Your local Medical Center or an approved CHOICE provider Get help in an emergency Emergency Care www.va.gov/ healthbenefits/access/ emergency_care.asp Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 4) Your local VA Medical Center Get regular check-ups Preventative Care Services such as vaccinations and health screenings www.va.gov/health benefits/access/ preventative_care_ services.asp Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 4) Your local VA Medical Center Get womenspecific care Women Veterans Health Care www.womenshealth. va.gov Women’s Health Care Line: (855) 829 - 6636 Your local VA Medical Center www.myhealth.va.gov My HealtheVet Help Desk: (877) 327 - 0022 blank cell Seek support for a severe health event Maintain your health Maintain your health Counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat Veterans and their families Inpatient and outpatient health services at VA Medical Centers and clinics Covered access to non-VA health care Emergency medical care at a VA Medical Center or non-VA hospital with prior authorization Women-specific health care Maintain your health Keep track of your health My HealtheVet Online tool to make health decisions and manage care WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF 9 Some ways VA can help you while you’re... BUILDING YOUR CAREER WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? WHAT CAN YOU DO? WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL VISIT US IN PERSON Obtain information blank cell Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator Translate your military skills Put your military skills to use Careers and Employment vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell Get the appropriate education, skills, and credentials Continue your education GI Bill vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center: (888) 442 - 4551 blank cell Get the appropriate educaton, skills, and credentials Get help finding a job that suits your disability Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) www.benefits.va.gov/ vocrehab/index.asp VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Find the right job Explore your job options Careers and Employment vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell Find the right job Consider working for the federal government Veterans’ Preference vets.gov/employment VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Build your professional reputation Compete for federal contracts Veteran-Owned Small Business Program (VOSB) www.va.gov/osdbu Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization: (866) 584 - 2344 (press 1) Meet with a Verification Assistance Counselor in your area Build your local network Connect with other Veterans Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) Job search database, skills translator, and resume builder Helps pay for education for Veterans or their dependents From Overseas: 001 - 918 - 781 - 5678 Personalized job training, employment accommodations, and resume development Job search database, skills translator, and resume builder Gives Veterans an advantage in the application process for federal government jobs Helps Veteran-owned small businesses compete for federal contracts set aside for VOSBs 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.eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/VSO-search WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support BUILDING YOUR CAREER 10 Some ways VA can help you while you’re... PUTTING DOWN ROOTS WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? WHAT CAN YOU DO? WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL VISIT US IN PERSON Obtain information blank cell Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator Become a homeowner VA Home Loan www.benefits.va.gov/ homeloans Regional Loan Office: (877) 827 - 3702 Your Regional Benefits Office Refinance existing home loans VA Refinancing www.benefits.va.gov/ homeloans/irrrl.asp Regional Loan Office: (877) 827 - 3702 Your Regional Benefits Office Address mental health needs Mental Health Care 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 www.socialwork.va.gov Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 4) Your local VA Medical Center Apply for VA educational benefits GI Bill vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center: (888) 442 - 4551 Your Regional Benefits Office Save for your retirement Apply for supplemental income Veterans Pension Connect with and serve your community Meet and serve fellow Veterans Veteran Service Organizations Revisit housing Revisit housing Maintain your health Maintain your health Take care of your family Home loan benefits for Veterans Home loan benefits for refinancing a non-VA loan into a VA loan Inpatient and outpatient mental health services Social services to maximize well-being for Veterans, families, and caregivers Helps pay for education for Veterans or their dependents Supplemental income available to low-income wartime Veterans Variety of services and community opportunities for Veterans and their loved ones From Overseas: 001 - 918 - 781 - 5678 www.benefits.va.gov/ pension/vetpen.asp VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Find a VSO near you at: www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state) or www.eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/VSO-search WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support PUTTING DOWN ROOTS 11 Some ways VA can help you while you’re... RETIRING WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL VISIT US IN PERSON Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator Find additional sources of income Get financial support for your disability Disability Compensation vets.gov/disability-benefits Compensation paid to Veterans for a disability that occurred during service VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office or through your local Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Take care of your health Get regular medical care VA Health Care vets.gov/health-care Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 2) Your local VA Medical Center Take care of your health Address hearing needs Audiology www.prosthetics.va.gov/ psas/hearing _ aids.asp Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 4) Your local VA Medical Center 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 WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? WHAT CAN YOU DO? Obtain information blank cell Take care of your health Address vision needs Inpatient and outpatient health services at VA Medical Centers and clinics Care for hearing aids and/or other hearing assistive devices for Veterans Optometry and Blind Rehabilitation Rehabilitation services for blind and low-vision Veterans Participate in meaningful activities Volunteer in your community Veteran 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.eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/VSO-search WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support RETIRING 12 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 Obtain information blank cell Contact VA blank cell Find out more: Vets.gov Ask us a question MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 Locate facilities: vets.gov/ facility-locator Manage and maintain your health Get regular medical care VA Health Care vets.gov/health-care Health Care Line: (877) 222 - 8387 (press 2) Your local VA Medical Center Manage and maintain your health Seek long-term care for later in life Geriatric and Extended Care 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 Adapt support network to your new needs Get financial support for daily medical assistance Aid and Attendance and Housebound Compensation www.benefits.va.gov/ pension/aid_attendance_ housebound.asp VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Decide how and where to be memorialized Burial Benefits www.cem.va.gov VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Finance your burial Get financial assistance for burial services Burial Allowance Seek survivor benefits Talk about the future with loved ones Survivor’s Benefits Maintain social and community connections Engage with fellow Veterans and people who can help Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Make burial arrangements Inpatient and outpatient health services at VA Medical Centers and clinics Nursing care, hospice, and assisted living services Payments for Veterans who are housebound or require the aid of another person in daily life Schedule and plan funeral and burial arrangements Financial assistance for funeral and burial services Various benefits available to the survivors of a deceased Veteran Variety of services and community opportunities for Veterans and their loved ones Scheduling: (800) 535 - 1117 www.benefits.va.gov/ compensation/claimsspecial-burial.asp VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office www.va.gov/opa/persona/ dependent_survivor.asp VA Benefits Line: (800) 827 - 1000 Your Regional Benefits Office Find a VSO near you at: www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state) or www.eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/VSO-searchblank cell blank cell WHAT DO YOU NEED? Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support AGING 13 Get started today Use the checklists below to get started accessing the VA benefits and services you deserve. 1 RESEARCH 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, □□ Identify VA services that can meet your goals □□ Prioritize time-sensitive benefits □□ Work with VA to identify which benefits and services you and your loved ones might be eligible for: →→ Visit explore.va.gov/benefits-navigator →→ Call (800) 827 - 1000 to speak with a VA representative →→ Talk with a member of a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) 2 PREPARE □□ Prioritize which benefits you want to pursue now □□ Consider applying for a disability rating →→ Visit vets.gov/disability-benefits 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 3 APPLY □□ Complete the form for the service you want to apply for: →→ Online at eBenefits.va.gov (all VA benefits) or at Vets.gov (VA Health Care, Education, Pension, and Burial Allowance only) → In person or by mail to your Regional Benefits Office (vets.gov/facility-locator) 4 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 DO VSOS DO? Representatives from Veteran Service Organizations may offer free help to Veterans applying for VA benefits. 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 benefits. Request yours at eBenefits.va.gov REVISIT □□ 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 benefits 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 benefits YOUR CHECKLISTS 14 Applying 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. A checklist to help you apply for VA Health Care: 1 PREPARATION □□ 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) 2 APPLICATION □□ Apply by completing the healthcare application form (VA Form–10 EZ) in one of these ways: →→ →→ →→ →→ 3 Visit us online at Vets.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) REVIEW AND DECISION □ Call (877) - 222 - 8387 (press 2) if you haven’t heard back from VA more than one week after you’ve submitted your application 4 WHERE CAN I FIND MY DISCHARGE PAPERS? Visit eBenefits.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 benefits 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 different factors. Your priority group may affect what type of VA Health Care services you can access and how much you will need to pay for those services. NEXT STEPS If approved, take steps to access the benefits you are eligible for: WHAT IS A VHIC? □□ Review priority group assignment and personalized benefits handbook mailed by VA after enrollment 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. □□ Contact your local VA Medical Center to set up an appointment □□ Make an appointment to obtain your Veterans Health Identificaton Card (VHIC) APPLYING FOR VA HEALTH CARE 15 Information you’ll need to know to access VA Health Care: Am I eligible for VA Health Care? Some factors that VA may consider when determining eligibilty 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 benefits 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 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. How do I schedule my first appointment? →→ On your health care application you can ask VA to call you to schedule your first appointment →→ Call your local VA Medical Center to schedule an appointment OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE: 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 figure out which option is best for you. VA Health Care counts as your health insurance under the Affordable 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 five years of “cost-free” health care following separation and remain eligible for VA Health Care as long as they enroll within five years of separation. 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 specific 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. →→ After 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 vets.gov/facility-locator How does VA support Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors? VA offers 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. 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 Applying 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 benefits, such as compensation and on-going health care. A checklist to help you file your disability claim and get your disability rating: 1 PREPARATION □□ Learn about different types of claims you can file (refer to back) □□ Collect the documents necessary to file 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 GET HELP You can receive free help with preparing your claim from a VA accredited representative or an employee at a local VA Office. Refer to back for more information. WHERE CAN I FIND MY DISCHARGE PAPERS? Visit eBenefits.va.gov to request a copy of your DD214 records. □□ Submit Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) if desired 2 APPLICATION WHAT ARE DBQS? □□ Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways: DBQs are filled 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 →→ Submit a claim online using eBenefits: eBenefits.va.gov →→ Complete a claim form in person at a VA Regional Office 3 REVIEW AND DECISION □□ Visit us online at eBenefits.va.gov or Vets.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 4 NEXT STEPS If approved, take steps to access the benefits you are eligible for: □□ Review your award letter to understand your rating □□ Review the VA benefits handbook that is sent to you HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? The length of time it takes to process a claim depends on: • The type of claim filed • How many injuries/ disabilities you claimed • How long it takes for VA to gather supporting evidence • How many claims were in line when your were filed APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RATING 17 Information you’ll need to know to file your claim and get your disability rating: OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE: Am I eligible for benefits? You need a service-connected disability with a rating in order to access certain VA benefits and services, including: Why is receiving a disability rating important? You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if VA finds 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) • 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: Work with VA to find out if you are eligible for disability benefits by filing a disability claim as soon as possible. Note: You can apply for a disability rating anytime throughout your life. Who can file a disability claim? How does my disability rating affect my family? • • • • Veterans Servicemembers preparing to separate from the military Survivors/family seeking benefits owed to Veteran on a pending claim Veteran Service Organization (VSO) on behalf of Veterans/Servicemembers 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 Office. Accredited representatives are individuals or organizations who are familiar with the process of filing a claim. Many accredited representatives work for Veteran 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 benefits. VA-accredited agents and attorneys may charge fees for assisting with a claim for VA benefits only after VA has decided the claim and claimant has filed a notice of disagreement. →→ To find a representative, visit us online at www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state) or eBenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/VSO-search → To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit vets.gov/facility-locator What are the different types of claims? The type of claim you want to apply for depends on if you’ve filed 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 file. 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 benefits. →→ To learn more, call your Regional Benefits Office or visit us online at www.benefits.va.gov/ compensation What if my condition doesn’t affect 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. WHEN YOU FILE TYPE OF CLAIM WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Pre-discharge Benefit Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Filed 180 - 90 days before separation; processed faster than post discharge claims Standard VA can help you gather documents Fully-developed You gather your own documents; processed faster than a standard claim More information at: www.benefits. va.gov/predischarge/index.asp Post- discharge More information at: www.benefits. va.gov/fdc Applying for Education Benefits This guide will help you apply for VA Education Benefits, 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 Benefits: HOW DO I DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR ME? 1 RESEARCH □□ Decide which type of education benefit you want to use (refer to back) □□ Learn about schools that offer VA-approved programs by using the GI Bill Comparison Tool (vets.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) 2 VA offers tools and counseling programs to help you make the most of your options. Visit www. benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/ edu_voc_counseling.asp to research schools. PREPARATION □□ 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 3 WHERE CAN I FIND MY DISCHARGE PAPERS? Visit eBenefits.gov to request a copy of your DD214 records. APPLICATION □□ Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways: →→ Submit your application online using eBenefits or Vets.gov →→ Complete an application in person at a VA Regional Office →→ Work with your school’s VA certifying official (this person is usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school of your choice) 4 DECISION □ For further information about your benefit, call the Education Call Center (888) 442 - 4551 APPLY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS 19 Information you’ll need to know to apply for education benefits: OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE: Am I eligible for VA Education Benefits? What is the Yellow Ribbon Program? Your eligibility depends on a number of factors including length and era of service, type of discharge, and time since separation. It’s difficult to summarize eligibility because requirements are different for each type of GI Bill. Refer to the table below and visit vets.gov/education/gi-bill to learn more about eligibility. 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 outof-state tuition. Note: Work with VA to find out if you are eligible for education benefits as soon as possible. Not all Veterans are eligible. →→ Visit vets.gov/education/gi-bill/ yellow-ribbon to learn more Do I have to use education benefits for college? How does my disability rating affect my benefits? You can use the GI Bill for more than just academic programs, such as advanced training and certifications 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 Certifications What are the different types of education benefits? The GI Bill is the umbrella term for many VA Educational Benefits programs. Review the chart below to determine which GI Bill benefit you should apply for. (This is only a basic summary-these are NOT the only eligibility criteria.) BENEFIT TYPE BASIC ELIGIBILITY* WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Post 9/11 GI Bill Qualifying active service on or after 9/11/01 Payment for 50-100% of tuition; stipend for housing and books Montgomery GI Bill— Active Duty Qualifying active services, high school diploma or GED Monthly stipend for tuition and fees (refer to rates table online)* 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)* Spouse or dependent of a qualifying Veteran Monthly stipend for tuition and fees (refer to rates table online)* Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Additional benefits, 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.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab to learn more Can I transfer my Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits to my family? You may be eligible to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to your spouse or dependent children. →→ Visit vets.gov/education/gi-bill/ transfer to learn more Are survivors and dependents eligible for benefits? 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: *To find the rates for monthly stipends, visit vets.gov/education/rates • • • Where is my nearest VA Regional Benefits Office? • →→ To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit vets.gov/facility-locator 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 vets.gov/education/gi-bill/ survivors-dependent-assistance/ to learn more Get help right now Contact the resources below to get immediate help for yourself or a friend. These resources are designed to support Veterans during difficult times. WHAT SERVICES CAN VA PROVIDE? Veteran’s Crisis Line VISIT US ONLINE www.veteranscrisisline.net (click “chat”) GIVE US A CALL (800) 273 - 8255 (press 1) text 838255 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week National Suicide Prevention Line suicidepreventionlifeline.org (800) 273 - 8255 (click “chat”) 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week Military Sexual Trauma Support vets.gov/facility-locator Call your local Medical Center or Vet Center. (VA offers free counseling services for Military Sexual Trauma survivors. You don't have to be enrolled in VA Health Care to access MST services.) (ask to speak to MST coordinator) www.va.gov/directory/ guide/vetcenter.asp WHERE CAN I FIND IN PERSON HELP? To locate your nearest VA Medical Facility, Regional Benefits Office, Regional Loan Center, Vet Center, National Cemetery, and other VA facilities, visit vets.gov/ facility-locator HEAR FROM OTHER VETERANS To hear stories from Veterans who sought help, visit www.maketheconnection.net At Medical Centers, ask to speak to the MST coordinator. (Find a Vet Center) National Call Center for Homeless Vets www.veteranscrisisline.net (877) 424 - 3838 (click “chat”) 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week Women Veterans Call Center www.womenshealth.va.gov (855) VA WOMEN (click “chat”) (855) 829 - 6636 VA Caregiver Support Line www.caregiver.va.gov M-F, 8 AM–10 PM EST Sat, 8 AM–6:30 PM EST (855) 260 - 3274 M - F, 8 AM–8 PM EST YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES 21 WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU. Can’t find what you need? To access a complete list of VA benefits and services VISIT US ONLINE Vets.gov GIVE US A CALL MyVA311: (844) 698 - 2311 VISIT US IN PERSON your nearest VA facility, vets.gov/facility-locator Last updated: 11/17
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