VETERANS BENEFITS: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE
VETERANS BENEFITS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
VA benefits are for veterans who were on active duty in the military and were injured or disabled during their service. Additionally, you can also win benefits if your post service medical condition relates to your time in service. This is true, even if your medical condition arose after service.
VA disability benefits are designed to compensate you for physical and mental health conditions that affect your ability to function in everyday life. These benefits are tax free and are not based on your income level. Instead, they are based on your disability and the connection between your condition and your military service.
If you are struggling with PTSD, back injuries, hearing loss, sleep apnea, or any other chronic medical condition related to your service, then you may qualify for monthly compensation through the VA. In some cases, you may also qualify for additional compensation for dependents, special monthly compensation, or total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
VETERANS SERVICE CONNECTED BENEFITS
Service connected disability compensation is one of the most important benefits available to you as a veteran. To qualify, you must prove that your medical condition was caused or aggravated by your time in active duty. This includes injuries sustained in combat, training accidents, or exposure to hazardous materials such as Agent Orange or burn pits. It can also include stress injuries that developed over time. Even if your symptoms did not fully appear until years after discharge, you may still qualify if medical evidence connects your condition to your service.
When you apply for service connected benefits, the VA assigns you a disability rating ranging from 0% to 100%. This rating determines how much monthly compensation you receive. The higher your rating, the greater your monthly benefit. You may also qualify for VA health care, vocational rehabilitation, housing grants, and other supportive programs. If the VA denies your claim or assigns a rating that is too low, you have the right to appeal the decision.
DISABILITY BENEFITS THROUGH THE VA THAT ARE NOT SERVICE CONNECTED
Not all VA disability benefits require a service connection. If you are a wartime veteran with limited income and permanent disabilities unrelated to your service, you may qualify for VA pension benefits. This program is needs based and is designed to support low income veterans who are elderly or totally disabled.
Non-service-connected pension benefits can provide monthly financial support to help you pay for housing, food, utilities, and medical expenses. If you require assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating, you may qualify for additional Aid and Attendance benefits. Housebound benefits are also available if you are largely confined to your home due to disability. These programs are especially helpful for aging veterans who may not qualify for traditional service connected disability compensation but still need financial assistance.
THE FOUR CRITERIA YOU NEED TO QUALIFY FOR VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS
In order to qualify for VA disability benefits, you must meet the following four criteria:
- You must have a diagnosis of a disability in your medical record
- There must be evidence of a service connected event, injury, disease, or aggravated medical condition that is related to your diagnosis.
- Your must have medical evidence that links your service to your condition through a medical nexus.
- You can prove you are actively dealing with the symptoms of your medical condition.
These four elements form the foundation of every successful VA disability claim. Without a current diagnosis, your claim will likely be denied. The VA requires evidence of an in-service event to establish service connection.
Without a medical nexus opinion, the VA may argue that your condition is unrelated to service. And without proof of ongoing symptoms, the VA may claim that your disability is not severe enough to warrant compensation. Gathering strong medical records, lay statements, and expert opinions can significantly increase your chances of approval.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS ACTIVE DUTY?
Those who served on active duty during the periods below can receive VA disability benefits. They can also receive VA health care services and pension benefits. In order to receive benefits you must have been part of the active duty military in:
- Gulf War 1990-1991
- Panama 1989
- Grenada 1983-84
- Lebanon 1983
- Iceland 1973 -74
- Vietnam 1965-1973
- Korea 1953-1955
Military personnel who qualify for veteran status can also get VA benefits. An award of VA benefits is known as “service connected disability compensation.” It is important for you to know that your VA benefits are not based on your past income. Instead, your benefits are based upon whether or not your disability connects to your time in service.
Active duty generally includes full-time duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain activated Guard and Reserve service under federal orders. If you are unsure whether your service qualifies, you should request a copy of your DD-214 and review your discharge status. In most cases, you must have received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions to qualify for VA benefits.
OTHER BENEFITS VETERANS CAN RECEIVE
In addition to disability compensation, you may qualify for a wide range of federal and state benefits. Many veterans do not realize they can receive benefits from multiple agencies at the same time. For example, if your medical condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits through The SSA in addition to your VA compensation. These programs operate under different rules, and approval under one does not automatically guarantee approval under the other. However, medical evidence used in a VA claim can often support a disability claim with The SSA as well.
Veterans may also qualify for job and employment services. They may also qualify for housing grants for specially adapted homes, mental health counseling, caregiver stipends, and burial benefits. State governments frequently offer additional benefits such as property tax exemptions, tuition assistance, and employment preferences. Taking full advantage of the benefits available to you can significantly improve your financial stability and quality of life.
VA LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
To get life insurance benefits for veterans, you must first apply for coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once the VA approves your application, you can choose between standard term policies and variable universal policies.
The process for getting life insurance benefits is relatively simple:
– You fill out an application with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The application includes some basic personal information (name, address, etc.) and health questions to determine if you qualify or not. If the VA approves your application, then you will receive a list of available policies.
– You choose the policy that best suits your needs and purchase it through the VA.
– Your policy is then in effect. So, you will receive monthly statements which include your account balance and investment performance.
There is a unique life insurance program, National Service Life Insurance, for veterans who were in active service during World War II. Visit the veterans affairs website for information on veterans’ life insurance options.
LONG TERM CARE BENEFITS FOR VETERANS
The Department of Veterans Affairs also offers long term care benefits for veterans and their families. These benefits can help pay for the cost of long term care, which can include nursing home care, assisted living facilities, and in home health services.
If you are disabled, elderly, or facing serious health conditions, then these programs can provide financial support and access to medical services. The VA may offer community living centers and home based primary care. They can also offer respite care and adult day health care programs.
If you are a surviving spouse, you may also qualify for long term care assistance through pension based programs such as Aid and Attendance. These benefits can make the difference between staying safely at home and facing financial hardship due to medical expenses.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT BENEFITS
Caregiver support benefits are available to veterans who need assistance with everyday activities. These benefits can help pay for the cost of hiring a home health aide or paying for other forms of care. If you rely on a spouse, family member, or loved one to assist with daily living, caregiver support benefits can provide monthly payments, training, and access to health insurance through the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This program recognizes the critical role of those who care for disabled veterans.
To be eligible for caregiver support benefits, the veteran must require assistance with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These activities can include bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom, and moving from bed to chair. Applying for these benefits can reduce stress on your family.
VA DEATH BENEFITS
The VA also offers veteran death benefits for veterans and their families. Death benefits can include covering funeral expenses and also monthly payments to the surviving spouse or dependent children of the veteran. The surviving spouse and dependents can also request the VA drape a flag over the veteran’s coffin.
If you are the surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent of a veteran, then you may qualify for VA death benefits. These benefits are designed to provide financial stability after the loss of a loved one who served in the military. The most common death benefit is Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which provides tax free monthly payments to eligible survivors when a veteran dies from a service connected condition. In some cases, you may also qualify for DIC if the veteran was rated 100% disabled for a certain period of time before death. This can happen even if the death was not directly caused by the service connected condition.
You may also be eligible for burial benefits, which can include funeral expenses, a grave in a national cemetery, a government issued marker, and a burial flag. Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for Survivors Pension benefits if they meet income and net worth limits. Education benefits through programs such as Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) may also be available to help pay for college or job training. If your claim for VA death benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal. Because these benefits can provide long-term financial support, it is important to ensure your application includes medical records, service records, and proof of your relationship to the veteran.
VA PENSION BENEFITS
The VA also offers veterans and their families pension benefits. These benefits can help pay for the cost of living expenses such as food, housing, utilities, and medical bills. A veteran must have served in the military during an active war period (i.e., World War II) to qualify for these benefits.
VA pension benefits are designed for wartime veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled or over age 65. These needs based benefits help you pay for everyday living expenses. Whether you qualify depends on your income, net worth, and length of wartime service.
If your medical expenses are high, then you may still qualify even if your income appears too high. Many veterans overlook pension benefits because they assume they do not qualify. Reviewing your financial situation with an experienced representative can help you determine whether you meet the requirements.
VETERANS STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS
The Veteran Student Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that helps veterans with their student loan debt. This program offers up to $50,000 in tax free cash assistance towards paying student loans. Also, it can make your monthly payments affordable through payment plans.
For example, if you are currently making $100 per month and your income driven payment plan is based on 15% of discretionary income, then you would only pay $15 each month instead of all $100. An income driven payment plan can make it easier for you to afford the cost of living while still paying back student loans.
Veterans who receive a 100% permanent and total disability rating from the VA may be eligible to have their federal student loan debt fully discharged. This can eliminate a significant financial burden and provide long term relief.
FREE TAX PREPARATION FOR VETERANS
The Free Tax Preparation and Filing Service is a federal initiative that helps veterans with their taxes. This program can do so by offering them free tax preparation services and an online tool to file their taxes electronically.
Many veterans qualify for free tax preparation services through IRS-sponsored programs such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). These programs help you file accurate returns, claim eligible credits, and avoid costly mistakes. If you receive VA disability compensation, remember that it is generally tax free. However, retirement pay and other forms of income may still be taxable.
Taking advantage of free tax preparation services. It will help you get a possible refund.
HEALTH CARE FOR TRANSITIONING MILITARY VETERANS & FAMILIES
Transitional Assistance Management Program:
TAMP is a short term health care program available to eligible military members and their families when the member separates from military service. TAMP provides up to 180 days of full TRICARE benefits to eligible participants. This program is for veterans who had to leave the service quickly. Eligibility is based on the reason the service member separated and you must have an honorable discharge to qualify. Learn about the Transitional Assistance Management Program.
Continued Health Care Benefit Program:
The CHCBP is a health care program for veterans that is similar to COBRA benefits in the civilian world. This benefit allows military members and their families to take TRICARE with them for up to 18 months when they leave active duty service. There is a catch, however. The member must pay 100% of the cost out of pocket. Learn about the Continued Health Care Benefit Program
Health Care Insurance After Separating from The Military:
In addition to the above programs, you may be able to find health care benefits through an employer, an individual health care plan, or through a college or university if you are going to school. Learn how to get health care coverage after leaving the military.
HEALTHCARE BENEFITS FOR VETERANS
The VA offers health care benefits to certain veterans. The good news is that many people are eligible for VA medical benefits, even if they don’t know about it.
An important note: Being eligible for VA medical care does not mean you will receive 100% free health care. Each veteran who is eligible for VA health care benefits is assigned a priority number which helps determine what types of health care they are eligible to receive and whether or not they need to pay a co-pay or other fees.
In general, VA health care is potentially available to anyone who served on active duty. Guard and Reserve members may also qualify if they were called up on Federal Executive Orders (active duty training may not qualify). Eligibility is based on several factors, including when and where the veteran served, service connected disabilities, whether an injury or illness occurred while on active duty, income, and other factors.
Veterans of the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War are generally eligible. Servicemembers returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns are usually eligible for VA health care for up to 5 years after returning from the AOR, and sometimes longer, depending on their status. Note: The following are not required to be eligible for VA health care benefits: a service connected disability, combat action, wounded in combat, etc.
If there is a doubt as to whether or not you are eligible for medical benefits, then you should still apply. You might be able to get some form of VA medical care.
RESOURCES FOR HOMELESS VETERANS
There are over 67,000 homeless veterans in the US. The US government has a goal to end homelessness among veterans. To do this, they created several programs to help homeless veterans find shelter and get the help they need. You can learn about these problems and some of the programs available for our veterans in the following resources:
- Homeless Veterans in America – Facts, figures, and resources.
- Homeless Veterans Call Center.
- HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program.
- VA Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program (HCHV).
- Homeless Veteran Supported Employment Program (HVSEP).
If you are homeless, then there are programs available to help you. The VA partners with federal agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide emergency shelter, housing, rental assistance, job training, and mental health services.
Programs such as HUD-VASH combine housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help you secure stable housing. The VA also operates a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, which provides free assistance 24/7. The VA has employment programs that can help you find work.
OUR LAW FIRM AND VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS
Veterans can contact us for free. We will answer your questions about service connected disability benefits and Social Security disability benefits. You can reach us through our contact page. Or, call us by phone. We offer a free case review about your benefits.
This free review of your case includes your questions about Veterans benefits. We want you to get all of the benefits you deserve. In order to do this, we need to know whether you qualify under the rules.
Therefore, we will ask you questions about your time in the service. We will also ask you questions about your work history. This will help us know if you can get benefits under both programs. Likewise, we will also ask about your physical and mental conditions. We need to know when your condition began. Also, you will need to describe daily symptoms. Finally, we will need to understand how your illness stops you from working.
Even if you qualify for Veterans benefits, you may not automatically win SSD benefits. The two programs are very different. The ability to win benefits is not the same in each program. However, don’t worry. Winning benefits is what we do. Therefore, we want you to take advantage of our free review of your case.
HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
In the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in SSD benefits for our clients. Also, we have helped hundreds of veterans before the VA. You need a lawyer to help you through the benefits process. Contact us today. We can help you win your veteran benefits and your SSDI benefits.
If you want to learn about our lawyers and staff, then review our About Us page. In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases for our clients. Also, we help our clients make sure they are getting the most from their Medicare benefits. Our experts can help you apply for SSD benefits using SSA’s website.
Likewise, if you need an appeal, then we can help you do that too. There are also many forms you will need to fill out. But, don’t worry. If you have questions about these forms, then we will answer them. You can learn about SSA’s appeal forms. Call us for free today.
If you are going to go through the benefit process, then start your application with the help of an attorney. Hire an attorney with experience. We will do our best to help you win veterans disability benefits.
