1.
Who qualifies as a Veteran eligible for VA benefits?
Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active
military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active
service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Current and
former members of the Selected Reserves may be eligible for certain
benefits, such as home loan guarantees and education, if they meet
time-in-service and other criteria. Men and women Veterans with
similar service are entitled to the same VA benefits.
2.
Does a Veteran have to have been in combat to qualify for VA benefits?
No. Combat service is not required, however, eligibility for certain
VA benefits requires at least one day of service during a wartime
period as recognized by the VA.
3.
Are dependents of deceased Veterans qualified for VA benefits?
Surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased Veterans may
be eligible for VA benefits depending upon the circumstances of
the Veteran's death and other criteria. These potential benefits
include compensation for a service-connected death (DIC), death
pension, education benefits, educational loans, CHAMPVA, and home
loan guaranties. In some cases, remarried spouses regain their eligibility
for DIC after marriage after the Veterans's death has been terminated.
Please check with our Veterans Service Officer nearest you for more
information and assistance with your claim.
4.
Where can I get free assistance in applying for VA benefits?
The Missouri Veterans Commission has Veterans Service Officers throughout
the state to assist Veterans and their families with benefits information
and claims assistance. The various service organizations also may
have a service officer near you.
5.
How do I sign up for VA medical care?
You must enroll in the VA health care system by completing a VA
Form 10-10EZ and sending it, along with a copy of your DD-214 or
discharge, to the VA Hospital or VA clinic of your choice. After
you are enrolled, you may make an appointment for health care. Contact
a Veterans Service Officer near you for VAH eligibility information
and assistance in obtaining and completing the necessary forms.
6.
What if I don't agree with a decision on my VA claim?
You may submit new and material evidence and ask the VA to reconsider
your claim. New and material evidence is something relevant to your
claim that the VA has not previously considered. You also have one
year from the date the VA notified you of their decision to appeal.
Sending the VA a Notice of Disagreement along with an explanation
of why you disagree starts this process. You have the right to have
a hearing in St. Louis or Washington, D.C. The Board of Veteran's
Appeals (BVA) in Washington, D.C. will make a decision on your appeal.
You may then appeal the BVA's decision to the Court of Veteran's
Appeals (CVA). You may retain an attorney at any time; however,
one is not required unless you appeal to the CVA. More information
can be obtained by visiting the VA's website discussing the Appeal
Process.
7.
What is non-service connection pension?
A non-service connected pension is payable to any Veteran who is
permanently and totally disabled and who meets certain income and
asset limits set by congress. The Veteran must have served a minimum
of 90 days active duty of which at least one day is during a wartime
period. Income, unreimbursed medical expenses and the number of
dependents could affect eligibility and the amount of the pension.
8.
What is service connected compensation?
Compensation is payment for a disability that started or was aggravated
while the Veteran was on active duty. The amount payable depends
on the degree of disability (10%, 20%, 30%,…) and the number
of dependents. The Veteran's income and assets have no effect on
the amount of compensation.
9.
Are VA benefits taxable?
No. Therefore, the Veteran will not receive a Form 1099 at the end
of each year showing the amount of benefits received for the previous
year.
10.
Will the VA pay for my burial?
No. However, for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, the VA will
pay a burial allowance of up to $2,000 if the Veteran's death was
service-connected and up to $300 if the Veteran was receiving compensation
or Veteran's pension at the time of death. Veterans who die in a
VA medical facility or a state Veterans home may also be eligible
for a burial allowance. The VA will also pay a plot allowance, with
some exceptions, of up to $300 if the Veteran is eligible for the
burial allowance and is buried in a private cemetery.
11.
Will my spouse get my VA pension and/or compensation when I die?
No. Compensation and pension end upon the death of the Veteran.
The surviving spouse must apply and qualify on her own merit for
either Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or a Death Pension.
A Veterans Service Officer in your area will assist with any claims.
12.
Are there benefits for children with Spina Bifida whose parent served
in Vietnam?
Yes. Certain requirements must be met in order to qualify, among
them the child must have been conceived after the Veteran was in
Vietnam, and the Spina Bifida must be documented, and not considered
Spina Bifida Occulta. Once qualified, a child with Spina Bifida
whose parent was a Vietnam Veteran can qualify for a VA monthly
payment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Education, and Healthcare.
13.
Do I qualify for a VA Home loan?
Possibly. Home Loan information from the VA is on their website,
and you can also contact a Veterans Service Officer in your area
for help in securing your Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan
purposes.
14.
What services are available to women Veterans?
A full range of comprehensive medical services including health
promotion and disease prevention, primary care, women’s gender-specific
health care; e.g., hormone replacement therapy, breast and gynecological
care, maternity and limited infertility (excluding In-vitro fertilization),
acute medical/surgical, telephone triage, emergency and substance
abuse treatment, mental health, domiciliary, rehabilitation and
long term care. VA researchers at many VA facilities also conduct
medical research on women’s health
15.
Where are the special PTSD treatment centers for women?
Women Veteran Stress Disorder Treatment Programs have been established
at the following VA sites:
Boston, MA
Brecksville, OH
Loma Linda, CA
New Orleans, LA
16.
How do I contact a coordinator for options for women Veterans who
are homeless with children?
Contact the local VA homeless coordinator (or point of contact),
Social Work Services department, or Women Veterans Coordinator at
your local VAMC. There are homeless women Veteran and homeless women
Veterans with children pilot programs located at eleven designated
VA facilities as well, and the Women Veterans Coordinator can discuss
what options are available in your area.
17.
How can I get a copy of my discharge papers (DD-214)?
If you are unable
to locate discharge and separation papers, duplicate copies may
be obtained by writing the National Personnel Records Center, Military
Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Specify
that a duplicate separation document or discharge is needed. The
veteran's full name should be printed or typed, and the request
must contain the signature of the veteran or the signature of the
next of kin, if the veteran is deceased. Include the veteran's branch
of service, service number or Social Security number (whichever
is appropriate), and the exact or approximate years of service.
If possible, use Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military
Records, which is available from VA offices, Veterans Service Officers,
and most veteran service organizations.
