Welcome To VA Guide Print Version

WelcomeVA_Guide_print_version_

WelcomeVA_Guide_print_version_

WelcomeVA_Guide_print_version_

WelcomeVA_Guide_print_version_

WelcomeVA_Guide_print_version_

User Manual: Pdf

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Page Count: 22

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
aects your VA benets
4 YOUR DISABILITY RATING
Understand how your disability rating
aects your eligibility
5 YOUR JOURNEY
Find out how VA can support you
throughout your life
14 YOUR CHECKLISTS
Learn how to access benets and services
21 YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES
Find mental health resources and access
immediate care
Learn what VA can do for you
VA can support you and your loved ones in dierent ways
throughout your life. Your VA Welcome Guide provides
a broad overview of services VA can oer you. To access
more information about VA benets 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 nd
additional resources and
access immediate care.
Health Care
•Basic and Specialty Care
•Mental Health Care
•Long Term Care
•Crisis Support
Finances
• Monthly Disability Payments
• Life Insurance
• Burial Allowances
Housing
•Short Term Housing
• Home Loans
•Renancing Options
Employment
•Skills Training & Counseling
•Online Career Tools
Education
• GI Bill
•Training Programs
Memorialization
•Burial and Committal Services
• Headstones and Markers
• Burial Flags
More Support
Organizations outside of VA can
help you nd the support you need:
•Veteran Service Organizations
•Local Community Resources
BENEFITS 2
Understand your eligibility
Access to VA benets and services depends on your
eligibility. Eligibility is determined using dierent factors
depending on the benet. While a lot of information is
used to determine your eligibility for benets, one critical
factor may be your disability rating.
What is eligibility?
VA uses “eligibility” to describe the benets and services a Veteran
can access. Each benet you are trying to access may require a dierent
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 benet, work
with VA to determine your eligibility.
How is eligibility determined?
FACTORS CONSIDERED
VA considers a dierent
combination of factors for each
benet, which could include your
disability rating, service history,
medical need, and income level.
YOUR ELIGIBILITY 3
Disability Rating Service History Medical Need Income Level
YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Employment Education Finances Health Care Housing Memorialization
Understand your disability rating
Your disability rating is one of several factors that aects
your eligibility for benets 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 aect 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.
YOUR DISABILITY RATING 4
WHAT BENEFITS AND
SERVICES CAN YOU
ACCESS WITH A
DISABILITY RATING?
Some benets 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
nd a VSO, visit www.va.gov/ogc/
apps/accreditation and search
by state. You can also nd VSO
information on eBenets:
www.ebenets.va.gov/
ebenets/vso-search
Find out where VA ts into your life
Translate your military skills
Build your professional reputation
Find the right job
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 More Support
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
If you are interested in a VA benet, make sure to work with VA to determine
your eligibility as soon as possible.
JOINING
ENLIST
TAKING
CARE OF
YOURSELF
BUILDING
YOUR
CAREER
PUTTING
DOWN
ROOTS
AGING
RETIRING
Manage and maintain
your health
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
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
Save for your retirement
Find additional
sources of income
Take care of your family
Get the appropriate
education, skills, and credentials
Connect with and
serve your community
Maintain your health
Participate in
meaningful activities
Build your local network
Maintain social and
community connections
YOUR JOURNEY, PART ONE 5
SERVING
SEPARATE
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.
GETTING
OUT
Engage VA to access
benefits and services
Complete your
paperwork
p7
STARTING
UP
Find something to do
Balance finances
Attend to your health needs
Find a place to live
Re-establish and
create relationships
p8
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
Recognize and
address mental
health needs
Manage primary care
and chronic health issues
Seek support for a severe
health event
Maintain your health
p9
BUILDING
YOUR
CAREER
Translate your military skills
Get the appropriate
education, skills, and credentials
Find the right job
Build your professional reputation
Build your local network
p10
PUTTING
DOWN
ROOTS
Revisit housing
Maintain your health
Take care of your family
Save for your retirement
Connect with and
serve your community
p11
RETIRING
JOINING
Find additional
sources of income
Take care of your health
Participate in
meaningful activities
p12
AGING
Manage and maintain
your health
Attend to your health needs
Find a place to live
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
Engage VA to access
benefits and services
Find something to do
Re-establish and
create relationships
Maintain social and
community connections
Complete your
paperwork
YOUR JOURNEY, PART TWO 6
p13
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
Engage VA
to access
benets and
services
Continue your
education
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for Veterans
or their dependents
vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Engage VA to access
benefits and services
Become a
homeowner
VA Home Loan
Home loan benets for Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Apply for
a disability
rating
Disability Compensation
Compensation paid to Veterans for a
disability that occurred during service
vets.gov/disability-benets VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
or through
your local
Veteran Service
Organization
(VSO)
Engage VA to access
benefits and services Plan for
your family’s
nancial
future
VA Life Insurance
Life insurance for Veterans and their
families
www.benets.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
Supplemental income available to
low-income wartime Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
pension/vetpen.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Engage VA to access
benefits and services Apply for
health care
VA Health Care
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers and
clinics
vets.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Engage VA to access
benefits and services Prepare to
nd a job
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills translator,
and resume builder
vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
Complete
your
paperwork
Request
your service
records and
discharge
papers
eBenets www.eBenets.va.gov National
Personnel
Records Center:
(314) 801 - 0800
blank cell
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support
GETTING OUT 7
Engage VA to
access benefits
and services
STARTING UP 8
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
STARTING UP
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
Find something
to do
Continue your
education
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for
Veterans or their dependents
vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Find something to do Get help
nding a job
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills
translator, and resume builder
vets.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
vets.gov/disability-benets VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets
Oice or
through your
local Veteran
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
vets.gov/health-care Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 2)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Attend to your health needs 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 benets for Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Find a place to live 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.benets.va.gov/
homeloans/adaptedhousing.
asp
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Re-establish
and create
relationships
Meet Veterans
and people
who can help
Veteran 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.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
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...
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
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
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
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
Seek support for a
severe health event 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/
healthbenets/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
benets/access/
preventative_care_
services.asp
Health Care Line:
(877) 222 - 8387
(press 4)
Your local VA
Medical Center
Maintain your health Get women-
specic care
Women Veterans
Health Care
Women-specic health care
www.womenshealth.
va.gov
Women’s Health
Care Line:
(855) 829 - 6636
Your local VA
Medical Center
Maintain your health 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
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support
Recognize and
address mental
health needs
BUILDING YOUR CAREER 10
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
Job search database, skills
translator, and resume builder
vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
Continue your
education
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for Veterans
or their dependents
vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
blank cell
Get the appropriate
educaton, skills, and
credentials
Get help
nding a job
that suits your
disability
Vocational Rehabilitation
and Employment (VR&E)
Personalized job training,
employment accommodations, and
resume development
www.benets.va.gov/
vocrehab/index.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Find the
right job
Explore your
job options
Careers and Employment
Job search database, skills translator,
and resume builder
vets.gov/employment blank cell blank cell
Find the right job Consider
working for
the federal
government
Veterans’ Preference
Gives Veterans an advantage in
the application process for federal
government jobs
vets.gov/employment VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
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 Oice of
Small and
Disadvantaged
Business
Utilization:
(866) 584 - 2344
(press 1)
Meet with a
Verication
Assistance
Counselor in
your area
Build your
local network
Connect with
other Veterans
Veteran 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.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support
Get the
appropriate
education,
skills, and
credentials
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS 11
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
Revisit
housing
Become a
homeowner
VA Home Loan
Home loan benets for Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Renance
existing home
loans
VA Renancing
Home loan benets for renancing a
non-VA loan
into a VA loan
www.benets.va.gov/
homeloans/irrrl.asp
Regional Loan
Oice:
(877) 827 - 3702
Your Regional
Benets Oice
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
benets
GI Bill
Helps pay for education for Veterans
or their dependents
vets.gov/education/gi-bill Education Center:
(888) 442 - 4551
From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Save for your
retirement
Apply for
supplemental
income
Veterans Pension
Supplemental income available to
low-income wartime Veterans
www.benets.va.gov/
pension/vetpen.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Connect
with and
serve your
community
Meet and
serve fellow
Veterans
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
Revisit housing
Maintain your health
RETIRING 12
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
RETIRING
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
Find
additional
sources of
income
Get nancial
support for
your disability
Disability Compensation
Compensation paid to Veterans for a
disability that occurred during service
vets.gov/disability-benets VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
or through
your local
Veteran 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
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
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
Take care of your health 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
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.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education More Support
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
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
Inpatient and outpatient health
services at VA Medical Centers and
clinics
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
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
Adapt support
network to your new
needs
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.benets.va.gov/
pension/aid_attendance_
housebound.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Make burial
arrangements
Decide how and
where to be
memorialized
Burial Benets
Schedule and plan funeral and
burial arrangements
www.cem.va.gov VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Scheduling:
(800) 535 - 1117
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Finance your
burial
Get nancial
assistance for
burial services
Burial Allowance
Financial assistance for funeral and
burial services
www.benets.va.gov/
compensation/claims-
special-burial.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Seek survivor
benets
Talk about the
future with
loved ones
Survivor’s Benets
Various benets available to the
survivors of a deceased Veteran
www.va.gov/opa/persona/
dependent_survivor.asp
VA Benets Line:
(800) 827 - 1000
Your Regional
Benets Oice
Maintain
social and
community
connections
Engage with
fellow Veterans
and people who
can help
Veteran Service
Organization (VSO)
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their
loved ones
or
www.eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-searchblank cell
blank cell
Find a VSO near you at:
www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Health Care Employment
HousingFinances Education More Support
Memorialization
YOUR CHECKLISTS 14
Get started today
Use the checklists below to get started accessing
the VA benets and services you deserve.
1RESEARCH
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.)
□Identify VA services that can meet your goals
□Prioritize time-sensitive benets
□Work with VA to identify which benets and services you
and your loved ones might be eligible for:
→Visit explore.va.gov/benets-navigator
→Call (800) 827 - 1000 to speak with a VA representative
→Talk with a member of a Veteran Service Organization (VSO)
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.
2PREPARE
□Prioritize which benets you want to pursue now
□Consider applying for a disability rating
→Visit vets.gov/disability-benets to learn more
□Get a copy of your discharge papers
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 benets. Request yours at
eBenets.va.gov
□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
3APPLY
□Complete the form for the service you want to apply for:
→Online at eBenets.va.gov (all VA benets) or at
Vets.gov (VA Health Care, Education, Pension, and Burial Allowance only)
→ In person or by mail to your Regional Benets Oice (vets.gov/facility-locator)
4REVISIT
□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 benets 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 benets
APPLYING FOR VA HEALTH CARE 15
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:
1PREPARATION
□Collect the following information:
□Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Visit eBenets.va.gov to request
a copy of your DD214 records.
□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)
2APPLICATION
□Apply by completing the healthcare application form
(VA Form–10 EZ) in one of these ways:
→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)
3REVIEW AND DECISION
□ Call (877) - 222 - 8387 (press 2) if you haven’t heard back from
VA more than one week aer you’ve submitted your application
4NEXT STEPS
HOW WILL I FIND OUT
ABOUT VA’S DECISION?
If accepted, you’ll receive a
phone call from VA and
a personalized benets handbook
in the mail. If denied, you’ll receive
a letter indicating the reason.
If approved, take steps to access the benets you are eligible for:
□Review priority group assignment and personalized benets
handbook mailed by VA aer enrollment
□
WHAT ARE PRIORITY
GROUPS?
During enrollment, each Veteran
is assigned to one of eight priority
groups based on dierent factors.
Your priority group may aect
what type of VA Health Care
services you can access and how
much you will need to pay for
those services.
Contact your local VA Medical Center to set up an appointment
□Make an appointment to obtain your Veterans Health
Identicaton Card (VHIC)
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.
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 benets
• 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 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 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 specic 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.
→Aer 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
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 gure
out which option is best for you.
VA Health Care counts as your health
insurance under the Aordable 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.
How does VA support Military
Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors?
VA oers 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
APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RATING 17
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 benets, such as compensation
and on-going health care.
A checklist to help you le your disability
claim and get your disability rating:
1PREPARATION
GET HELP
You can receive free help with
preparing your claim from
a VA accredited representative
or an employee at a local VA Oice.
Refer to back for more information.
□Learn about dierent types of claims you can le (refer to back)
□Collect the documents necessary to le a claim:
□Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
to request
a copy of your DD214 records.
Visit eBenets.va.gov
□Military medical records
□VA medical records/hospital reports related to your disability
□Private medical records/hospital reports related to your disability
□Submit Disability Benets Questionnaires (DBQs) if desired
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
2APPLICATION
□Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→Submit a claim online using eBenets: eBenets.va.gov
→Complete a claim form in person at a VA Regional Oice
3REVIEW AND DECISION
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 your were led
□Visit us online at eBenets.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
4NEXT STEPS
If approved, take steps to access the benets you are eligible for:
□Review your award letter to understand your rating
□Review the VA benets handbook that is sent to you
Information you’ll need to know
to le your claim and get your
disability rating:
Am I eligible for benets?
You may be eligible for VA disability benets 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 benets by
ling a disability claim as soon as possible.
Who can le a disability claim?
• Veterans
• Servicemembers preparing to separate from the military
• Survivors/family seeking benets 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 Oice.
Accredited representatives are individuals or organizations who are familiar
with the process of ling 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 benets. VA-accredited agents and attorneys
may charge fees for assisting with a claim for VA benets only aer 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 eBenets.va.gov/ebenets/VSO-search
→ To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit vets.gov/facility-locator
What are the dierent 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.
WHEN YOU FILE TYPE OF CLAIM WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Pre-discharge
More information at: www.benets.
va.gov/predischarge/index.asp
Benet Delivery at Discharge
(BDD)
Filed 180 - 90 days before separation; processed faster than post discharge claims
Post- discharge
More information at: www.benets.
va.gov/fdc
Standard VA can help you gather documents
Fully-developed You gather your own documents; processed faster than a standard claim
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
Why is receiving a disability
rating important?
You need a service-connected disability
with a rating in order to access certain VA
benets 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
aect 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 benets.
→To learn more, call your Regional
Benets Oice or visit us online
at www.benets.va.gov/
compensation
What if my condition doesn’t
aect 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.
APPLY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS 19
Applying for Education Benets
This guide will help you apply for VA Education Benets,
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 Benets:
1RESEARCH
HOW DO I DECIDE
WHAT IS BEST FOR ME?
VA oers tools and
counseling programs to
help you make the most of
your options. Visit www.
benets.va.gov/vocrehab/
edu_voc_counseling.asp
to research schools.
□Decide which type of education benet you want to use (refer to back)
□Learn about schools that oer 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)
2PREPARATION
□Apply to the program that is best for you
□Collect the following information
→ Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Visit eBenets.gov to request a
copy of your DD214 records.
→ Orders, if activated from the Guard or the Reserves
3APPLICATION
□Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→Submit your application online using eBenets or Vets.gov
→Complete an application in person at a VA Regional Oice
→Work with your school’s VA certifying oicial (this person is usually
in the Registrar or Financial Aid oice at the school of your choice)
4DECISION
□ For further information about your benefit, call the Education Call
Center (888) 442 - 4551
Information you’ll need to know
to apply for education benets:
Am I eligible for VA Education Benets?
Your eligibility depends on a number of factors including length and era
of service, type of discharge, and time since separation. It’s diicult to
summarize eligibility because requirements are dierent for each type
of GI Bill. Refer to the table below and visit vets.gov/education/gi-bill to
learn more about eligibility.
Note: Work with VA to nd out if you are eligible for education benets as
soon as possible. Not all Veterans are eligible.
Do I have to use education benets for college?
You can use the GI Bill for more than just academic programs, such as advanced
training and certications 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 Certications
What are the dierent types of education benets?
The GI Bill is the umbrella term for many VA Educational Benets programs.
Review the chart below to determine which GI Bill benet 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)
Survivors’ and
Dependents’
Educational Assistance
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 aer 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)*
*To nd the rates for monthly stipends, visit vets.gov/education/rates
Where is my nearest VA Regional Benets Oice?
→To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit vets.gov/facility-locator
OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
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 vets.gov/education/gi-bill/
yellow-ribbon to learn more
How does my disability rating
aect my benets?
Additional benets, 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.benets.va.gov/vocrehab
to learn more
Can I transfer my Post-9/11 GI
Bill Benets to my family?
You may be eligible to transfer up to 36
months of benets to your spouse or
dependent children.
→Visit vets.gov/education/gi-bill/
transfer to learn more
Are survivors and dependents
eligible for benets?
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 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 diicult times.
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 Line
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
(click “chat”)
(800) 273 - 8255
24 hours a day/
7 days a week
Military Sexual
Trauma Support
(VA oers free counseling
services for Military Sexual
Trauma survivors. You don't
have to be enrolled in VA
Health Care to access MST
services.)
vets.gov/facility-locator
(ask to speak to MST coordinator)
Call your local Medical
Center or Vet Center.
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 21
WHERE CAN I FIND
IN PERSON HELP?
To locate your nearest VA
Medical Facility, Regional
Benets Oice, 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
www.va.gov/directory/
guide/vetcenter.asp
(Find a Vet Center)
At Medical Centers, ask to
speak to the MST coordinator.
WE LOOK FORWARD
TO SERVING YOU.
Can’t nd what you need?
To access a complete list of VA benets 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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