What types of V.A. benefits are available besides medical coverage?
There are several different types of benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) can offer. These benefits sometimes depend on the status of the person in question (are they on active-duty, a veteran, a spouse, or a dependent). This is far from an exhaustive list, but covers the most common types of benefits bestowed upon veterans and their dependants.
Education and Training
Any person who has entered active duty after June 30, 1985 and contributed to an education fund are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill. Others who may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill include some Vietnam Era veterans, veterans separated under special programs and some reservists and National Guard members. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is available to those who served on or after September 11, 2001 and pays tuition and fees up to the most expensive, public, in-state undergraduate program rate, provides a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. There are some options that even allow service members to transfer thee benefits to a spouse of a child.
Those who served over 90 continuous days or more after September 11, 2001 after being activated under Federal authority for a contingency operation may also be entitled to the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP/Chapter 1607).
Finally, Survivors’ & Dependents’ Educational Assistance is available to some family members of certain disabled or deceased veterans
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service provides outreach, motivation, evaluation, counseling, training, employment, and other rehabilitation services to service-connected disabled veterans. Vocational and educational counseling, as well as the evaluation of abilities, aptitudes and interests are provided to veterans and service persons. Sometimes these same services are available to a spouse or child of a veteran. However, all children with Spina Bifida who had at least one parent serve in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, or served in certain military units, in or near the demilitarized zone in Korea between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971 are entitled to vocational training and rehabilitation services.
Home Loan Guaranty
The VA will guarantee a loan to purchase a home, condominium or manufactured home and for refinancing purposes. Surprisingly, most of these loans are actually from private lenders, but the VA generally will guarantee these loans which will allow the homebuyer to avoid making a down payment.
Burial Benefits
The VA will furnish a monument to mark the grave of an eligible veteran. It can also provide a Presidential Memorial Certificate for eligible recipients. The VA will also provide an American flag to drape on an eligible veteran’s casket. Generally, the VA can pay a burial allowance of $2,000 for veterans who died of service-related causes. For other veterans the VA can pay $300 for burial and funeral expenses and $300 for a plot. Finally, most veterans and some dependents may be buried in a VA national cemetery.
Speak to an Experienced Veterans Disability Attorney Today
This article is intended to be helpful and informative. But even common legal matters can become complex and stressful. A qualified veterans disability lawyer can address your particular legal needs, explain the law, and represent you in court. Take the first step now and contact a local veterans disability attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.
Additional Veterans Disability Articles
- What Is Veterans’ Law?
- What Is The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (Scra)?
- What Types of V.A. Benefits Are Available In Terms of Medical Treatment For Veterans?
- Who Is Eligible For Benefits And Services Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
- Am I Entitled To Legal Protections Under The Scra?
- What Type of Life Insurance Is Available To Veterans?
- I Was Injured While Serving In The Military – Am I Eligible For Any Benefits?
- What Kind Of Legal Protections Am I Entitled To If I Qualify For The Protections Of The Scra?
- I Lied To The Department Of Veterans Affairs So That I Could Receive Benefits. What Can Happen To Me?
- How Does A Servicemember Or Dependent Request Relief Under The Scra?
- I Have Been Charged With A Crime. Can That Affect My Receipt Of Benefits?
- During What Time Period Do The Protections Of The Scra Apply?
- If I Have Forfeited My Rights To Benefits Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs, What Affect Does That Have On My Family Receiving Benefits?
- Do The Protections Of The Scra Automatically Take Effect, Or Must I Take Action To Invoke Scra Protections?
- My Husband Was Killed While Serving In The Armed Forces, Do I Have A Right To Compensation From The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
- Can Protection Of The Scra Be Waived?
- What Is The Veterans Benefits Administration?
- What Protections Does The Scra Provide To Servicemembers In Court And Administrative Proceedings?
- What Is The Veterans Health Administration?
- Does The Scra Offer Any Other Protections In Court Proceedings?
- I Served In The Military Am I Eligible For A Pension?
- Will Creditors Refuse To Lend Me Money Because, As A Member Of The National Guard Or Military Reserve, I Qualify For Indebtedness Protection Under The Scra?
- What Are Aid And Attendance And Housebound Benefits?
- How Does The Scra Protect Servicemembers From Lenders?
- How Much Will I Receive If I Am Eligible For A Department Of Veterans Affairs Pension?
- What Protections Does Scra Provide Servicemembers Who Have Automobile Leases?
- Can I Receive Pension Payments From The Department Of Veterans Affairs If I Am Also Receiving Compensation Payments From The Department For An Injury?
- What Protections Does Scra Provide Servicemembers Who Have Real Estate Leases?
- If My Deceased Husband/Wife Was A Veteran Am I Entitled To A Pension?
- What Protection Does The Scra Offer Servicemembers From Evictions?
- I Have Been Injured During Military Service, And Cannot Get A Job Because Of My Disability. What Services Can The Department Of Veterans Affairs Provide Me?
- How Do Scra Protections Affect Foreclosures And Repossessions?
- Will The Department Of Veterans Affairs Cover The Costs Of My Education?
- How Do Scra Protections Affect Insurance?
- What Should I Do If My Claim For Benefits Or Services Has Been Denied?
- How Does Deploying For Active Duty Or Be Ordered To Relocate Affect My Domicile (Legal Residence)?
- On What Grounds Can The Denial Of My Claim For Benefits Or Services Be Overturned?
- What Kind Of Tax Protection Does The Scra Provide?
- I Am A Veteran And I Am Homeless. Can The Department Of Veterans Affairs Help Me?
- As A Veteran, Am I Eligible For Home And Business Loans Administered By The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
- How Much Can I Borrow If I Am Eligible For A Home Loan Through The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
- My Spouse Who Was A Veteran Has Died. Will The Department Of Veterans Affairs Help Me Cover The Cost Of The Funeral And Burial?
- What Are The Requirements For Filing A Successful Claim For Benefits?
- Can I Hire An Attorney To Help Me Prepare A Claim Or Argue The Denial Of A Claim In Front Of The Secretary Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
- I Was Injured As A Result Of My Military Services, And Now I Cannot Obtain Life Insurance To Protect My Family. Can The Department Of Veterans Affairs Help Me?
