Tables 73 7
Important Phone Numbers 78
VA on the Internet 79
VA Facilities 81
Index 113 8
8 Page 9 10
1
Introduction
This pamphlet describes federal benefits available to veterans and
their dependents as of Jan 1 2004 Changes may occur during the
year as a result of legislative or other requirements The Department
of Veterans Affairs VA World Wide Web pages are updated
throughout the year to present the most current information The VA
Web site http www va gov contains links to sections on compen
sation and pension benefits health care benefits burial and memo
rial benefits home loan guarantees and other information
 

Eligibility depends upon individual circumstances To determine
eligibility for VA health care contact the Health Benefits Service
Center at 1 877 222 8387 For VA benefits eligibility contact a VA
benefits office at 1 800 827 1000 from any location in the United
States Assistance is also available through Telecommunication
Device for the Deaf TDD at 1 800 829 4833 Phone numbers of VA
offices including those in the Philippines and Puerto Rico are listed
in the back of this book VA facilities also are listed in the federal
government section of telephone directories under Department of
Veterans Affairs
 

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 Public Health Service the Environmental Services Administration
or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Men and
women veterans with similar service are entitled to the same VA
benefits
 

Honorable and general ischarges qualify a veteran for most VA
benefits Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by
general courts martial may bar VA benefits Veterans in prison and
parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits VA regional offices
can clarify the eligibility of prisoners parolees and individuals with
multiple discharges issued under differing conditions VA benefits will
not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstand
ing felony warrant 9
9 Page 10 11
2
Wartime Service
Certain VA benefits require wartime service Under the law VA
recognizes these war periods
 

Mexican Border Period May 9 1916 through April 5 1917 for
veterans who served in Mexico on its borders or in adjacent waters
 

World War I April 6 1917 through Nov 11 1918 for veterans
who served in Russia April 6 1917 through April 1 1920 extended
through July 1 1921 for veterans who had at least one day of
service between April 6 1917 and Nov 11 1918
 

World War II Dec 7 1941 through Dec 31 1946
Korean War June 27 1950 through Jan 31 1955
Vietnam War Aug 5 1964 Feb 28 1961 for veterans who
served in country before Aug 5 1964 through May 7 1975
 

Gulf War Aug 2 1990 through a date to be set by law or
Presidential Proclamation
 

Special Groups A number of groups who have provided military
related service to the United States have been granted VA benefits
For the service to qualify the Secretary of Defense must certify that
the group has provided active military service Individuals must be
issued a discharge by the Secretary of Defense to qualify for VA
benefits Service in the following groups has been certified as active
military service for benefits purposes
 

1 Women Airforce Service Pilots WASPs
2 World War I Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit
3 Engineer Field Clerks
4 Women s Army Auxiliary Corps WAAC
5 Quartermaster Corps female clerical employees serving with
the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I
6 Civilian employees of Pacific naval air bases who actively
participated in defense of Wake Island during World War II
7 Reconstruction aides and dietitians in World War I
8 Male civilian ferry pilots
9 Wake Island defenders from Guam
10 Civilian personnel assigned to OSS secret intelligence
11 Guam Combat Patrol 10
10 Page 11 12
3
12 Quartermaster Corps members of the Keswick crew on
Corregidor during World War II
13 U S civilians who participated in the defense of Bataan
14 U S merchant seamen who served on blockships in support
of Operation Mulberry in the World War II invasion of Normandy
15 American merchant marines in oceangoing service during
World War II
16 Civilian Navy IFF radar technicians who served in combat
areas of the Pacific during World War II
17 U S civilians of the American Field Service who served
overseas in World War I
18 U S civilians of the American Field Service who served
overseas under U S armies and U S army groups in World War II
19 U S civilian employees of American Airlines who served
overseas in a contract with the Air Transport Command between
Dec 14 1941 and Aug 14 1945
20 Civilian crewmen of U S Coast and Geodetic Survey vessels
who served in areas of immediate military hazard while conducting
cooperative operations with and for the U S armed forces between
Dec 7 1941 and Aug 15 1945
21 Members of the American Volunteer Group Flying Tigers
who served between Dec 7 1941 and July 18 1942
22 U S civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employ
ees of United Air Lines who served overseas in a contract with Air
Transport Command between Dec 14 1941 and
Aug 14 1945
23 U S civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employ
ees of Transcontinental and Western Air Inc TWA who served
overseas in a contract with the Air Transport Command between
Dec 14 1941 and Aug 14 1945
24 U S civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employ
ees of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp Consairway Division who
served overseas in a contract with Air Transport Command between
Dec 14 1941 and Aug 14 1945
25 U S civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employ
ees of Pan American World Airways and its subsidiaries and affili
ates who served overseas in a contract with the Air Transport
Command and Naval Air Transport Service between Dec 14 1941
and Aug 14 1945
26 Honorably discharged members of the American Volunteer
Guard Eritrea Service Command between June 21 1942 and
March 31 1943
27 U S civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employ 11
11 Page 12 13
4
ees of Northwest Airlines who served overseas under the airline s
contract with Air Transport Command from Dec 14 1941 through
Aug 14 1945
28 U S civilian female employees of the U S Army Nurse Corps
who served in the defense of Bataan and Corregidor during the
period Jan 2 1942 to Feb 3 1945
29 U S flight crew and aviation ground support employees of
Northeast Airlines Atlantic Division who served overseas as a result
of Northeast Airlines contract with the Air Transport Command during
the period Dec 7 1941 through Aug 14 1945
30 U S civilian flight crew and aviation ground support employ
ees of Braniff Airways who served overseas in the North Atlantic or
under the jurisdiction of the North Atlantic Wing Air Transport
Command as a result of a contract with the Air Transport Command
during the period Feb 26 1942 through Aug 14 1945
 

Selected Reserve and National Guard Current and former mem
bers of the Selected Reserve who served on active duty establish
veteran status and may therefore be eligible for VA benefits depend
ing on the length of active military service and the character of
discharge or release In addition reservists not activated may qualify
for some VA benefits Members of the National Guard activated for
federal service during a period of war or domestic emergency may
be eligible for certain VA benefits such as VA health care compen
sation for injuries or conditions connected to that service and burial
benefits Activation for other than federal service does not qualify
guard members for all VA benefits Claims for VA benefits based on
federal service filed by members of the National Guard should
include a copy of the military orders presidential proclamation or
executive order that clearly demonstrates the federal nature of the
service
 

Filipino Veterans World War II era Filipino veterans are eligible for
certain VA benefits Generally Old Philippine Scouts are eligible for
VA benefits in the same manner as U S veterans Certain Common
wealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts may be eligible for
disability compensation hospital or nursing home care medical
services and burial benefits Other veterans of recognized guerrilla
groups also might be eligible for certain VA benefits Survivors of
World War II era Filipino veterans may be eligible for dependency
and indemnity compensation Eligibility for some VA benefits and the
rates of monetary benefits may vary based on the recipient s citizen
ship and place of residence 12
12 Page 13 14
5
Important Documents Those seeking a VA benefit for the first time
must submit a copy of their service discharge form DD 214 DD
215 or for WWII veterans a WD form which documents service
dates and type of discharge or give their full name military service
number branch and dates of service
 

The veteran s service discharge form should be kept in a safe
location accessible to the veteran and next of kin or designated
representative The veteran s preference regarding burial in a
national cemetery and use of a headstone provided by VA should be
documented and kept with this information The following documents
will be needed for claims processing related to a veteran s death
1 veteran s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving spouse or
children 2 veteran s death certificate if the veteran did not die in a
VA health care facility 3 children s birth certificates or adoption
papers to determine children s benefits 4 veteran s birth certificate
to determine parents benefits
 

Privacy Act The Privacy Act provides the right to access and
request amendment of information collected and used by the federal
government For information contact the Privacy Act officer at the
facility where the information is maintained or visit the Privacy and
Security section on VA s Home page http www va gov
 

Información Para V teranos
De Habla Hispana y Sus Dependientes
 

La versión en español de este folleto se encuentra disponible en
formato Adobe Acrobat a través de el link http www va gov opa
feature index htm en la página de la Oficina de Asuntos Públicos del
Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos VA en la red mundial del
internet Las oficinas del VA en areas de gran concentración de
veteranos y dependientes hispanos tienen disponibles consejeros
bilingües que le pueden ayudar a aplicar para obtener beneficios
Puede encotrar una lista de las oficinas del VA en la parte de atrás
de este folleto 13
13 Page 14 15
6
Health Care Benefits
Health Care Enrollment
For most veterans entry into the VA health care system begins with
applying for enrollment Veterans do not have to be enrolled if they
1 have a service connected disability of 50 percent or more
2 want care for a disability the military determined was incurred or
aggravated in the line of duty but which VA has not yet rated during
the 12 month period following discharge or 3 want care for a
service connected disability only To permit better planning of health
resources however these veterans also are urged to enroll
 

To apply veterans must complete VA Form 10 10EZ Application for
Health Benefits The form may be obtained from any VA health care
facility or regional benefits office or by calling the VA Health Benefits
Service Center toll free at 1 877 222 VETS 8387 It is also avail
able through the World Wide Web http www va gov 1010ez htm
Veterans may complete the form in person at a VA health care
facility or at home and mail it to a local VA health care facility for
processing Once enrolled a veteran is eligible to receive services at
VA facilities anywhere in the country Additional information can be
found on the VA Web site http www va gov elig
 

Priority Groups
Veterans will be enrolled to the extent Congressional appropriations
allow If appropriations are limited enrollment will occur based on the
following priorities
 

Priority Group 1 Veterans with service connected disabilities rated
50 percent or more
 

Priority Group 2 Veterans with service connected disabilities rated
30 or 40 percent
 

Priority Group 3 Veterans who are former POWs or were awarded
a Purple Heart veterans with disabilities rated 10 and 20 percent
and veterans awarded special eligibility for disabilities incurred in
treatment 14
14 Page 15 16
7
Priority Group 4 Veterans receiving aid and attendance or house
bound benefits and veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically
 

disabled although some may be responsible for copayments
 

Priority Group 5 Veterans who are determined to be unable to
defray the expenses of needed care
 

Priority Group 6 All other eligible veterans not required to make
copayments This includes veterans of the Mexican border period or
World War I veterans seeking care solely for certain conditions
associated with exposure to radiation for any illness associated with
combat service in a war after the Gulf War or during a period of
hostility after Nov 11 1998 for any illness associated with participa
tion in tests conducted by the Defense Department as part of Project
112 Project SHAD and veterans with zero percent service con
nected disabilities who are nevertheless compensated including
veterans receiving compensation for inactive tuberculosis
 

Priority Group 7 Nonservice connected veterans and noncompens
able zero percent service connected veterans with income above
VA s national means test threshold and below VA s geographic
means test threshold for the fiscal year ending on September 30 of
the previous calendar year or with income below both the VA na
tional threshold and the VA geographically based threshold but
whose net worth exceeds VA s ceiling currently 80,000 who agree
to pay copayments
 

Priority Group 8 All other nonservice connected veterans and zero
percent noncompensable service connected veterans who agree to
pay copayments Note Effective Jan 17 2003 VA no longer enrolls
new veterans in priority group 8
 

These groups are enrollment priorities only VA services and treat
ment available to enrolled veterans generally are not based on
priority groups Enrollment will be reviewed each year and veterans
will be notified in writing of any change in their enrollment status Call
the nearest VA health care facility or the Health Benefits Service
Center 1 877 222 8387 to obtain the latest information 15
15 Page 16 17
8
Special Access to Care
Service Disabled V terans Veterans with service connected
disabilities rated 50 percent or more based on one or more disabili
ties or unemployability and veterans receiving care for a service
connected disability receive priority in the scheduling of appoint
ments for outpatient medical services and admissions for inpatient
hospital care
 

Operation Iraqi Freedom Enduring Freedom V terans VA
provides two years of free health care for veterans who served in
certain combat locations during active military service beginning on
the date of separation from active duty This benefit covers all
illnesses and injuries except those clearly unrelated to active military
service For information call 1 877 222 8387
 

Financial Information
Financial Assessment
Veterans who want to enroll in priority group 5 based on their inability
to defray the cost of care must provide information on their annual
income and net worth to determine whether they are below the
annually adjusted means test financial threshold
 

A financial assessment covers household income plus net worth and
includes Social Security U S Civil Service retirement U S Railroad
retirement military retirement unemployment insurance any other
retirement income total wages from all employers interest and
dividends workers compensation black lung benefits and any other
gross income for the calendar year prior to application for care Also
considered are assets such as the market value of stocks bonds
notes individual retirement accounts bank deposits savings ac
counts and cash
 

VA also is required to compare veterans financial assessment
information with a geographically based income threshold If the
veteran s income is below the threshold where the veteran lives he
or she is eligible for an 80 percent reduction in the inpatient copay
ment rates VA may compare income information provided by the
veteran with information obtained from the Social Security Adminis
tration and the Internal Revenue Service 16
16 Page 17 18
9
Services Requiring Copayments
Nonservice connected veterans and noncompensable zero percent
service connected veterans whose income is above the national
means test threshold must agree to pay appropriate copayments
for care If they do not agree to make copayments they will be
ineligible for VA care Veterans whose income is determined to be
above the means test threshold and below VA s geographically
based income threshold are responsible for paying 20 percent of the
Medicare deductible for the first 90 days of inpatient hospital care
during any 365 day period For each additional 90 days of hospital
care they are charged 10 percent of the Medicare deductible In
addition the patient is charged 2 a day for hospital care
Nonservice connected veterans and noncompensable zero percent
service connected veterans with incomes above the geographic
income threshold will be charged the full Medicare deductible for the
first 90 days of care during any 365 day period For each additional
90 days they are charged one half of the Medicare deductible and
10 per day
 

With certain exceptions a veteran must agree to pay copayments for
extended care A veteran s application for extended care services
VAF 10 10EC requires financial information used to determine the
monthly copayment amount based on each veteran s financial
situation For outpatient medical care a three tiered copayment
system is effective for all outpatient services The copayment is 15
for a primary care visit and 50 for some specialized care Certain
services do not require a copayment
 

Outpatient Visits Not Requiring Copayments
Outpatient visits for which no copayment will be assessed include
publicly announced VA health initiatives e g health fairs or an
outpatient visit solely consisting of preventive screening and or
immunizations such as influenza immunization pneumococcal
immunization hypertension screening hepatitis C screening to
bacco screening alcohol screening hyperlipidemia screening breast
cancer screening cervical cancer screening screening for colorectal
cancer by fecal occult blood testing and education about the risks
and benefits of prostate cancer screening Laboratory flat film
radiology services and electrocardiograms are also exempt from
copayments 17
17 Page 18 19
10
Billing Insurance Companies
VA is authorized to recover reasonable charges for medical care and
services provided to nonservice connected veterans and to service
connected veterans for nonservice connected medical conditions
Money collected in this way is used to maintain and improve VA s
health care system for veterans Generally VA cannot bill Medicare
for medical services provided to veterans however VA can bill
Medicare supplemental health insurance for medical care and
services that are covered by the supplemental insurance but not
covered by Medicare All veterans applying for VA medical care will
be asked to provide information on their health insurance coverage
including coverage provided under policies of their spouses
Although veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining
balance of VA s insurance claim that is not paid or covered by their
health insurance veterans whose income is above the applicable
means test threshold are responsible for the VA copayments
required by federal law
 

Health Care Programs
Registry Programs
VA maintains databases called registries to help analyze health
conditions reported by veterans
 

Gulf War and Depleted Uranium Registries are for veterans who
served in the Gulf War Aug 2 1990 to a date not yet established
including Operation Iraqi Freedom
 

Agent Orange Registry is for veterans possibly exposed to dioxin
or other toxic substances in herbicides used during the Vietnam War
between 1962 and 1975 while serving in Korea between 1968 and
1969 or as a result of testing transporting or spraying herbicides for
military purposes
 

Ionizing Radiation Registry is for veterans possibly exposed to
atomic radiation during the following activities participation in tests
involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device occupation
of Hiroshima or Nagasaki from Aug 6 1945 through July 1 1946
internment as a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II serving
in official military duties at the Department of Energy gaseous
diffusion plants at Paducah Ky Portsmouth Ohio or the K 25 area
at Oak Ridge Tenn for at least 250 days before Feb 1 1992 or in 18
18 Page 19 20
11
Longshot Milrow or Cannikin underground nuclear tests at Amchitka
Island Alaska before Jan 1 1974 or treatment with nasopharyn
geal NP radium during active military service
 

Veterans eligible for participation in any VA registry may receive free
comprehensive registry medical examinations including laboratory
and other diagnostic tests deemed necessary by an examining
clinician Eligible veterans do not have to be enrolled in VA health
care to participate in registry examinations Veterans wishing to
participate should contact the nearest VA health care facility or visit
the Internet http www va gov environagents
 

Readjustment Counseling Service
Readjustment counseling is provided at 206 community based Vet
Centers located in all 50 states the District of Columbia Guam
Puerto Rico and the U S Virgin Islands and is designed to help
combat veterans in their readjustment to civilian life Vet Center staff
provide group individual and family counseling plus a wide range of
other services to include medical referral homeless veteran ser
vices employment services VA benefit referral and the brokering of
non VA services
 

Eligible veterans include those who served on active duty in a
combat theater during World War II the Korean War the Vietnam
War the Gulf War or the campaigns in Lebanon Grenada Panama
Somalia Bosnia Kosovo Afghanistan Iraq and the global War on
Terror Veterans who served in the active military during the Vietnam
Era but not in the Republic of Vietnam are also eligible provided
they requested services at a Vet Center before Jan 1 2004 Vet
Centers also provide bereavement counseling to the families of
military personnel killed in action and sexual trauma counseling to
veterans who suffered sexual trauma while on active duty
 

Readjustment difficulties can include post traumatic stress disorder
PTSD or any other problems that affect functioning within the
family work school or other areas of everyday life For additional
information contact the nearest Vet Center listed in the federal
government section of telephone directories or visit the Internet at
http www va gov rcs
 

Prosthetic and Sensory Aid Services
VA will furnish needed prosthetic appliances equipment and devices
such as artificial limbs orthopedic braces and shoes wheelchairs 19
19 Page 20 21
12
crutches and canes to veterans receiving VA care for any condition
VA will provide hearing aids and eyeglasses to veterans who receive
increased pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance
or being permanently housebound receive compensation for a
service connected disability or are former prisoners of war Other
wise hearing aids and eyeglasses will be provided only in special
circumstances and not for normally occurring hearing or vision loss
For additional information contact the prosthetic representative at
your local VA health care facility
 

Services and Aids for Blind Veterans
Blind veterans may be eligible for services at a VA medical center or
for admission to a VA blind rehabilitation center Services are avail
able at all VA medical facilities through the Visual Impairment Ser
vices coordinator In addition blind veterans enrolled in the VA health
care system may receive VA aids for the blind including
 

1 A total health and benefits review by a VA Visual Impairment
Services team
2 Adjustment to blindness training
3 Home improvements and structural alterations to homes
4 Specially adapted housing and adaptations
5 Automobile grant
6 Low vision aids and training in their use
7 Electronic and mechanical aids for the blind including adap
tive computers and computer assisted devices such as reading
machines and electronic travel aids
8 Guide dogs including the expense of training the veteran to
use the dog
9 Talking books tapes and Braille literature
 

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program pro
vides funding for eligible veterans to make home improvements
necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to
the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities Home im
provement benefits up to 4,100 for service connected veterans and
up to 1,200 for nonservice connected veterans may be provided
For application information contact the prosthetic representative at
the nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic 20
20 Page 21 22
13
Alcohol and Drug Dependence Treatment
Veterans eligible for VA medical care may apply for substance abuse
treatment Contact the nearest VA medical facility to apply
 

Compensated Work Therapy
VA s Mental Health Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs provide
therapeutic work opportunities for eligible veterans through Incentive
Therapy Vocational Assistance Transitional Residence and Com
pensated Work Therapy programs Each program offers rehabilita
tive treatment to help veterans live and work in their communities
Incentive Therapy is a token base payment program frequently used
as a precursor to Compensated Work Therapy CWT or as a
mainstay for veterans with serious mental illness Veterans referred
to CWT receive an individualized vocational assessment rehabilita
tion planning and work experience Vocational assistance services
are designed to help veterans achieve a maximum degree of self
sufficiency based on their needs preferences and abilities The CWT
program works closely with community based organizations employ
ers and state and federal agencies for direct job placement and
supportive follow up services
 

The CWT Transitional Residence program provides work based
residential treatment in a stable living environment This program
differs from other VA residential bed programs in that participants
contribute using their CWT earnings to the cost of operating and
maintaining their residences and are responsible for planning
purchasing and preparing their own meals The program offers a
comprehensive array of rehabilitation services including home
financial and life skills management in a therapeutic community
model
 

Outpatient Dental Treatment
Outpatient dental treatment provided by VA includes examinations
and the full spectrum of diagnostic surgical restorative and preven
tive procedures Veterans eligible to receive dental care include the
following 1 veterans having service connected and compensable
dental disabilities or conditions 2 former prisoners of war 3
veterans with service connected noncompensable dental conditions
as a result of combat wounds or service injuries 4 veterans with
nonservice connected dental conditions determined by VA to be
aggravating a service connected medical problem 5 veterans
having service connected conditions rated as permanently and 21
21 Page 22 23
14
totally disabling or rated 100 percent by reason of individual unem
ployability 6 veterans participating in a vocational rehabilitation
program under chapter 31 of title 38 7 certain enrolled homeless
veterans participating in specific health care programs 8 veterans
with nonservice connected dental conditions for which treatment was
begun while the veteran was an inpatient in a VA facility when it is
necessary to complete such treatment on an outpatient basis and
9 veterans requiring treatment for dental conditions clinically
determined to be complicating a medical condition currently under
treatment
 

Veterans may receive one time dental treatment for service con
nected and noncompensable dental disabilities if the following
conditions are met the dental condition can be shown to have
existed at time of discharge the veteran served on active military
duty for at least 180 days or 90 days during the Gulf War Era the
veteran applied to VA for dental care within 90 days of discharge or
release from active duty and the certificate of discharge does not
include certification that all appropriate dental treatment had been
rendered prior to discharge
 

Outpatient Pharmacy Services
Outpatient pharmacy services are provided free to 1 veterans with
a service connected disability of 50 percent or more 2 veterans
receiving medication for treatment of service connected conditions
3 veterans whose annual income does not exceed the maximum
VA annual rate of the VA pension 4 veterans receiving medication
for conditions related to exposure to ionizing radiation 5 veterans
receiving medication for conditions related to combat service in a war
after the Gulf War or against a hostile force in a period of hostilities
beginning after Nov 11 1998 6 veterans receiving medication for
conditions related to participation in Defense Department tests
conducted as part of Project 112 Project SHAD 7 veterans receiv
ing medication for conditions related to sexual trauma experienced
while serving on active duty 8 certain veterans receiving medica
tion for treatment of cancer of the head or neck and 9 veterans
receiving medication as part of a VA approved research project
Other veterans will be charged a copayment of 7 for each 30 day or
less supply of medication To eliminate a financial hardship for
veterans who require an unusually large amount of medications
there is a maximum copayment amount that veterans enrolled in
Priority Groups 2 through 6 pay in any single year Veterans do not
pay copayments for medications dispensed during the remainder of 22
22 Page 23 24
15
a calendar year in which this annual cap amount has been paid
For calendar year 2004 the cap is 840
 

The medication copayment applies to prescription and over the
counter medications such as aspirin cough syrup or vitamins
dispensed by a VA pharmacy Medication copayments are not
charged for medications injected during the course of treatment or
for medical supplies such as syringes or alcohol wipes In the event
over the counter drugs are ordered the veteran can choose to
purchase them at a local pharmacy rather than pay 7 for items such
as aspirin cough syrup or vitamins
 

Nursing Home Care
VA provides nursing home services through three national programs
VA owned and operated nursing homes state veterans homes
owned and operated by the state and contract community nursing
homes Each program has its own admission and eligibility criteria
 

VA owned and operated homes typically admit residents requiring
short term skilled care or who have a 70 percent or more service
connected disability or who require nursing home care because of a
service connected disability The state veterans home program is a
cooperative venture between VA and the states whereby VA provides
funds to help build the home and pays a portion of the costs for
veterans eligible for VA health care The states however set eligibil
ity criteria for admission The contract nursing home program is
designed to meet the long term nursing home care needs of veter
ans who may not be eligible and or qualify for placement in a VA or
state veterans home or if there is no VA or state home available
 

To be placed in a nursing home veterans generally must be medi
cally stable have a condition that requires inpatient nursing home
care and be assessed by an appropriate medical provider to be in
need of institutional nursing home care They also must meet the
eligibility requirements for the home to which they are applying For
VA nursing homes they may have to pay a copayment depending on
their financial status VA social workers can help interpret eligibility
and co payment requirements
 

In addition to nursing home care VA offers other extended care
services either directly or by contract with community agencies
including adult day care respite care geriatric evaluation and
management hospice and palliative care and home based primary
care These services may require copayment 23
23 Page 24 25
16
Domiciliary Care
Domiciliary care provides rehabilitative and long term health
maintenance care for veterans who require minimal medical care but
do not need the skilled nursing services provided in nursing homes
VA may provide domiciliary care to veterans whose annual income
does not exceed the maximum annual rate of VA pension or to
veterans the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines have no
adequate means of support The copayments for extended care
services apply to domiciliary care Call your nearest benefits or
health care facility for information
 

Medical Care for Dependents and Survivors
CHAMPVA the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Depart
ment of Veterans Affairs provides reimbursement for most medical
expenses inpatient outpatient mental health prescription medica
tion skilled nursing care and durable medical equipment To be
eligible for CHAMPVA an individual cannot be eligible for TRICARE
the medical program for civilian dependents provided by the Depart
ment of Defense and must be one of the following
 

1 The spouse or child of a veteran who VA has rated perma
nently and totally disabled for a service connected disability
2 The surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died from a
VA rated service connected disability or who at the time of death
was rated permanently and totally disabled
3 The surviving spouse or child of a military member who died in
the line of duty not due to misconduct However in most of these
cases these family members are eligible for TRICARE not
CHAMPVA
 

A surviving spouse under age 55 who remarries loses CHAMPVA
eligibility on midnight of the date of remarriage However eligibility
may be re established if the remarriage is terminated by death
divorce or annulment effective the first day of the month after the
termination of the remarriage or Dec 1 1999 whichever date is
later A CHAMPVA eligible surviving spouse who is 55 or older does
not lose eligibility upon remarriage
 

Individuals who have Medicare entitlement may also have
CHAMPVA eligibility secondary to Medicare However eligibility
limitations apply to those with Medicare Part A only The following
individuals must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to establish
CHAMPVA eligibility 1 under age 65 and entitled to Medicare 24
24 Page 25 26
17
Part A 2 65 or older when first eligible for CHAMPVA and entitled
to Medicare Part A 3 65 or older prior to June 5 2001 who are
otherwise entitled to CHAMPVA and have Medicare Part A and B
4 65 or older on or after June 5 2001 who are entitled to Medicare
Part A
 

For additional information or to apply for CHAMPVA benefits visit the
CHAPMVA Web site http www va gov hac call 1 800 733 8387 or
contact the VA Health Administration Center P O Box 65023
Denver CO 80206
 

Many VA medical centers provide services to CHAMPVA beneficia
ries under the CHAMPVA In House Treatment Initiative CITI
program Contact the nearest VA medical center to determine if it is a
participating facility Beneficiaries who use a CITI facility incur no
cost for services they receive however services are provided on a
space available basis after the needs of veterans are met There
fore not all services are available at all times nor are the same
services available every day CHAMPVA beneficiaries with Medicare
entitlement are not eligible to participate in the CITI program
 

Beneficiary Travel
Certain veterans may be eligible for payment or reimbursement for
travel costs to receive VA medical care Reimbursement is paid at
11 per mile and is subject to a deductible of 3 for each one way
trip and an 18 per month maximum payment Two exceptions to the
deductible are travel for a compensation or pension examination and
travel by special modes of transportation such as an ambulance or a
specially equipped van Beneficiary travel payments may be made to
the following 1 veterans whose service connected disabilities are
rated at 30 percent or more 2 veterans traveling for treatment of a
service connected condition 3 veterans who receive a VA pension
4 veterans traveling for scheduled compensation or pension
examinations 5 veterans whose income does not exceed the
maximum annual VA pension rate and 6 veterans whose medical
condition requires special mode of transportation if the veteran is
unable to defray the costs and travel is pre authorized Advance
authorization is not required in a medical emergency if a delay would
be hazardous to life or health
 

Emergency Medical Care in Non VA Facilities
VA may provide reimbursement or payment for medical care pro
vided to enrolled veterans by non VA facilities only in cases of 25
25 Page 26 27
18
medical emergencies where VA or other federal facilities were not
feasibly available Other conditions also apply To determine eligibility
or to initiate a claim contact the VA medical facility nearest to where
the emergency service was provided
 

Veterans Living or Traveling Overseas
VA will pay veterans living or traveling overseas for medical care
associated with a service connected condition See the Overseas
Benefits section for more information
 

Merchant Marine Seamen
Merchant Marine seamen who served in World War II may qualify for
veterans benefits When applying for medical care seamen must
present their discharge certificate from the Department of Defense to
the VA medical facility VA regional offices can assist in obtaining a
certificate
 

Allied Veterans
VA is authorized to provide medical care to certain veterans of
nations allied or associated with the United States during World War
I or World War II Such treatment is available at any VA medical
facility if authorized and reimbursed by the foreign government VA
also is authorized to provide hospitalization outpatient and domicili
ary care to former members of the armed forces of Czechoslovakia
or Poland who participated during World Wars I or II in armed conflict
against an enemy of the United States if they have been citizens of
the United States for at least 10 years 26
26 Page 27 28
19
Benefit Programs
Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who
are disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during
active military service The service of the veteran must have been
terminated through separation or discharge under conditions that
were other than dishonorable Disability compensation varies with
the degree of disability and the number of dependents and is paid
monthly The benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax
The payment of military retirement pay disability severance pay and
separation incentive payments known as SSB and VSI Special
Separation Benefits and Voluntary Separation Incentives also
affects the amount of VA compensation paid See the Tables
section of this booklet for more information
 

Receiving Benefit Payments
VA offers three methods for receiving benefit payments Most veter
ans and beneficiaries receive their payments by direct deposit
through an electronic funds transfer to their bank savings and loan
or credit union accounts In some areas benefit recipients who do
not have an account at a financial institution may open a federally
insured Electronic Transfer Account which costs about 3 a month
provides a monthly statement and allows cash withdrawals Recipi
ents may also choose to receive benefits by check To choose a
payment method call toll free 1 877 838 2778 Monday through
Friday 7 30 a m 4 00 p m Central Standard Time
 

Prisoners of War
Former prisoners of war POW are eligible for disability compensa
tion if they are rated at least 10 percent disabled from conditions
presumed to be related to the POW experience The following
presumptive conditions apply to former POWs who were imprisoned
for any length of time psychosis any of the anxiety states dysthy
mic disorder organic residuals of frostbite and post traumatic
osteoarthritis
 

Former POWs who were imprisoned for at least 30 days are also
eligible for the following additional presumptive conditions avitami
nosis beriberi including beriberi heart disease chronic dysentery 27
27 Page 28 29
20
helminthiasis malnutrition including optic atrophy pellagra and or
other nutritional deficiencies irritable bowel syndrome peptic ulcer
disease peripheral neuropathy and cirrhosis of the liver
 

Agent Orange and Other Herbicides
Eleven diseases are presumed by VA to be service related for
compensation purposes for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and
other herbicides used in support of military operations in the Repub
lic of Vietnam between Jan 9 1962 and May 7 1975 The diseases
presumed are chloracne or other acneform disease similar to chlo
racne porphyria cutanea tarda soft tissue sarcoma other than
osteosarcoma chondrosarcoma Kaposi s sarcoma or mesothe
lioma Hodgkin s disease multiple myeloma respiratory cancers
lung bronchus larynx trachea non Hodgkin s lymphoma prostate
cancer acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy diabetes mellitus
Type 2 and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
 

Veterans Exposed to Radiation
Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation while on active duty may be
eligible for disability compensation if they have disabilities related to
that exposure Conditions presumed to be service connected for
veterans who participated in radiation risk activities as defined by
VA regulations are all forms of leukemia except for chronic lympho
cytic leukemia cancer of the thyroid breast pharynx esophagus
stomach small intestine pancreas bile ducts gall bladder salivary
gland urinary tract renal pelvis ureter urinary bladder and urethra
brain bone lung colon and ovary bronchiolo alveolar carcinoma
multiple myeloma lymphomas other than Hodgkin s disease and
primary liver cancer except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated
To determine service connection for other conditions or exposures
not eligible for presumptive compensation factors considered
include amount of radiation exposure duration of exposure elapsed
time between exposure and onset of the disease gender and family
history age at time of exposure the extent to which a nonservice
related exposure could contribute to disease and the relative
sensitivity of exposed tissue
 

Gulf War Veterans
Gulf War veterans who suffer from chronic disabilities resulting from
undiagnosed illnesses medically unexplained chronic multi symptom
illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome fibromyalgia or irritable
bowel syndrome that are defined by a cluster of signs or symptoms
and any diagnosed illness that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 28
28 Page 29 30
21
determines warrants a presumption of service connection may
receive disability compensation The undiagnosed illnesses must
have appeared either during active duty in the Southwest Asia
Theater of Operations during the Gulf War or to a degree of at least
10 percent at any time since then through Dec 31 2006
 

The following symptoms are among the manifestations of an undiag
nosed illness fatigue skin disorders headache muscle pain joint
pain neurologic symptoms neuropsychological symptoms symp
toms involving the respiratory system sleep disturbances gas
trointestinal symptoms cardiovascular symptoms abnormal weight
loss and menstrual disorders A disability is considered chronic if it
has existed for at least six months
 

Amiotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS may also be service connected
if the veteran served in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations
 

Specially Adapted Homes
Disabled veterans may be entitled to a grant from VA for a home
specially adapted to their needs or for adaptations to a house
 

50,000 Grant VA may approve a grant of not more than 50 percent
of the cost of building buying or remodeling adapted homes or
paying indebtedness on those homes already acquired up to a
maximum of 50,000 Veterans must be entitled to compensation for
permanent and total service connected disability due to one of the
following
1 Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities such as to
preclude locomotion without the aid of braces crutches canes or a
wheelchair
2 Blindness in both eyes having only light perception plus loss
or loss of use of one lower extremity
3 Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with
a residuals of organic disease or injury or b the loss or loss of use
of one upper extremity which so affects the functions of balance or
propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the use of braces
canes crutches or a wheelchair
 

10,000 Grant VA may approve a grant for the actual cost up to a
maximum of 10,000 for adaptations to a veteran s residence that
are determined by VA to be reasonably necessary The grant also
may be used to help veterans acquire a residence that already has
adaptations for the veteran s disability 29
29 Page 30 31
22
Veterans must be entitled to compensation for permanent and total
service connected disability due to 1 blindness in both eyes with
5 200 visual acuity or less or 2 anatomical loss or loss of use of
both hands
 

Supplemental Financing Veterans with available loan guaranty
entitlement may also obtain a guaranteed loan or a direct loan from
VA to supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted home
 

Automobile Assistance
Veterans and servicemembers qualify for this benefit if they have
service connected loss or permanent loss of use of one or both
hands or feet or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes to a
certain degree Veterans entitled to compensation for ankylosis
immobility of one or both knees or one or both hips also qualify for
adaptive equipment for an automobile There is a one time payment
by VA of not more than 11,000 toward the purchase of an automo
bile or other conveyance VA pays for adaptive equipment and for
repair replacement or reinstallation required because of disability
and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with VA assistance
To apply contact a VA regional office 1 800 827 1000 or medical
center
 

Clothing Allowance
Any veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a service
connected disability for which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic
appliances may receive an annual clothing allowance The allowance
also is available to any veteran whose service connected skin
condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages
the veteran s outer garments Veterans with qualifying service
connected disabilities can apply for a clothing allowance by contact
ing the Prosthetic and Sensory Aid Service at your local VA health
care facility
 

Allowances for Dependents
Veterans whose service connected disabilities are rated at 30
percent or more are entitled to additional allowances for dependents
The additional amount is determined by the number of dependents
and the degree of disability A disabled veteran evaluated 30 percent
or more is entitled to receive a special allowance for a spouse who is
in need of the aid and attendance of another person 30
30 Page 31 32
23
Aid and Attendance or Housebound
A veteran who is determined by VA to be in need of the regular aid
and attendance of another person or a veteran who is permanently
housebound may be entitled to additional disability compensation or
pension benefits
 

Incarcerated Veterans
VA disability compensation and pension benefits are restricted if a
veteran surviving spouse child or dependent parent is convicted of
a felony and imprisoned for more than 60 days The disability com
pensation paid to an incarcerated veteran is limited to the 10 percent
disability rate For a surviving spouse child dependent parent or
veteran whose disability rating is 10 percent the payment is at the
5 percent rate Any amounts not paid may be apportioned to eligible
dependents Payments are not reduced for recipients participating in
work release programs residing in halfway houses or under commu
nity control Overpayments for failure to notify VA of a veteran s
incarceration result in the loss of all financial benefits until the
overpayment is recovered
 

Fugitive Felons
VA disability compensation and pension benefits may not be paid to
any veteran named on an outstanding felony warrant or their
dependents until the veteran has surrendered to authorities or the
warrant is cleared
 

Pension
Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled
or are age 65 and older may be eligible for monetary support if they
have 90 days or more of active military service at least one day of
which was during a period of war Generally veterans who entered
active duty on or after Sept 8 1980 or officers who entered active
duty on or after Oct 16 1981 may have to meet a longer minimum
period of active duty The discharge from active duty must have been
under conditions other than dishonorable The permanent and total
disability must be for reasons other than the veteran s own willful
misconduct Payments are made to qualified veterans to bring their
total income including other retirement or Social Security income to
a level set by Congress Unreimbursed medical expenses may
reduce countable income Veterans of a period of war who are age
65 or older and meet service and income requirements are also
eligible to receive a pension regardless of current physical condition 31
31 Page 32 33
24
Improved Pension
The Improved Pension program provides for the maximum annual
rates listed in the Tables section of this booklet The payment is
reduced by the amount of the countable income of the veteran and
the income of the spouse or dependent children When a veteran
without a spouse or a child is furnished nursing home or domiciliary
care by VA the pension is reduced to an amount not to exceed 90
per month after three calendar months of care The reduction may be
delayed if nursing home care is being continued for the primary
purpose of providing the veteran with rehabilitation services
 

Protected Pension Programs
Pensioners entitled to benefits as of Dec 31 1978 who do not elect
to receive a pension under the Improved Pension program continue
to receive pension benefits at the rate they were entitled to receive
on Dec 31 1978 as long as they remain permanently and totally
disabled do not lose a dependent a dependent pensioner retains
surviving spouse or child status net worth limitations are not ex
ceeded and their incomes do not exceed the income limitation
adjusted annually
 

Medal of Honor Pension
VA administers pensions to holders of the Medal of Honor Congress
set the monthly pension at 1000 effective Sept 1 2003
 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment is an employment
oriented program that helps veterans with service connected disabili
ties prepare for find and keep suitable employment Suitable em
ployment is work that is within the veterans physical mental and
emotional capabilities and matches their patterns of skills talents
and interests For veterans whose disabilities make employment
unlikely VA helps them attain as much independence in daily living
as possible Additional information is available on the Internet at
http www vba va gov
 

Eligibility
A veteran must have a VA established service connected disability
rated 10 percent disabling with a serious employment handicap or at
least 20 percent with an employment handicap and be discharged or 32
32 Page 33 34
25
released from military service under other than dishonorable condi
tions A servicemember pending medical separation from active duty
may apply but the disability rating must be at least 20 percent
 

Services
Depending on an individual s needs services provided by VA may
include
1 An evaluation of the individual s talents skills and interests
2 Assistance getting and keeping suitable employment
3 Vocational counseling and planning
4 Training such as on the job and work experience programs
5 Training such as certificate two or four year college or
technical programs
6 Supportive rehabilitation services and additional counseling
 

VA pays the cost of these services and pays a living allowance to
veterans who participate in training
 

Entitlement
Eligible veterans are evaluated to determine if they need vocational
rehabilitation services to help overcome barriers to employment
 

Period of a Rehabilitation Program
Generally veterans must complete a vocational rehabilitation pro
gram within 12 years from their separation from military service or
within 12 years from the date VA notifies them that they have a
compensable service connected disability Depending on the length
of program needed veterans may be provided up to 48 months of
full time services or their part time equivalent These limitations may
be extended in certain circumstances
 

Work Study
Participants may be paid a work study allowance if they train at the
three quarter or full time rate They may elect to be paid in advance
a portion of the allowance equal to 40 percent of the total Partici
pants under the supervision of a VA employee may provide VA
outreach services prepare and process VA paperwork and work at a
VA medical facility or perform other VA approved activities
 

Program for Unemployable Veterans
Veterans awarded 100 percent disability compensation based upon
unemployability may still request an evaluation If they are found
eligible they may participate in a vocational rehabilitation program 33
33 Page 34 35
26
and receive help in getting a job A veteran who secures employment
under the special program will continue to receive 100 percent
disability compensation until the veteran has worked continuously for
at least 12 months
 

Children of Vietnam V terans Born with
Certain Birth Defects
 

Children of Vietnam veterans born with certain birth defects may be
eligible for benefits under one of two separate programs the Spina
Bifida Program or the Children on Women Vietnam Veterans Pro
gram Benefits under both programs include a monthly monetary
allowance health care specific to the disability and vocational
training if reasonably feasible The law defines child as the natural
child of a Vietnam veteran regardless of age or marital status The
child must have been conceived after the date on which the veteran
first entered the Republic of Vietnam Qualifying service includes
active military naval or air service including service in the waters
offshore and other locations if the service involved duty or visitation
in Vietnam
 

Spina Bifida Program
This program applies to biological children of male and female
veterans who served in Vietnam during the period beginning
Jan 9 1962 and ending May 7 1975 or who served in or near the
Korean demilitarized zone DMZ during the period beginning
Sept 1 1967 and ending Aug 31 1971 A monetary allowance is
paid at three disability levels based on the neurological manifesta
tions that define the severity of disability impairment of the function
ing of extremities impairment of bowel or bladder function and
impairment of intellectual functioning
 

Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Program
This program applies to biological children of women veterans who
served in Vietnam during the period beginning on Feb 28 1961 and
ending on May 7 1975 The birth defects covered are those that are
associated with a mother s service in Vietnam and that resulted in
permanent physical or mental disability The covered birth defects do
not include conditions due to familial disorders birth related injuries
or fetal or neonatal infirmities with well established causes A mon
etary allowance is paid at four disability levels based on the child s
degree of permanent disability 34
34 Page 35 36
27
Allowances
The 2004 monthly rates for both programs can be found in the
Tables section of this booklet Contact a VA regional office to apply
for medical treatment or benefits payments Note a monetary
allowance paid to an individual under these programs shall not be
considered as income or resources in determining eligibility for or
the amount of benefits paid under any other federal or federally
assisted program
 

Vocational Training
The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program administers
a vocational training program to enable a qualified child to prepare
for and attain suitable employment Services may include counseling
and rehabilitative services education training and employment
services leading to suitable employment VA pays for the cost of
these services
 

Eligibility
To qualify for a vocational training program an applicant must be a
child
1 To whom VA has awarded a monthly allowance for spina
bifida or to whom VA has established the existence of another
covered birth defect and
2 For whom VA has determined that achievement of a voca
tional goal are reasonably feasible
A vocational training program may not begin before a child s 18th
birthday or the date the child completes secondary schooling
whichever comes first Depending on need and eligibility for VA
education benefits a child may be provided up to 48 months of full
time training
 

Education and Training
Education laws are complex The following is only a summary
Additional information for school officials veterans and dependents
can be found at http www gibill va gov VA s Education Services
Web page or by calling 1 888 GI BILL 1 1 888 442 4551
 

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
Eligibility
The Montgomery GI Bill MGIB Active Duty provides a program of
education benefits that may be used while on active duty or after 35
35 Page 36 37
28
separation from active duty Veterans must receive a fully honorable
military discharge for the period of service on which MGIB eligibility
is based Discharges under honorable conditions and general
discharges do not establish eligibility Veterans who do not receive a
qualifying discharge from one period of service may qualify based on
a discharge from another qualifying period of service
 

All participants must have a high school diploma or equivalency
certificate before applying for benefits Completing 12 hours toward a
college degree before applying for benefits also meets this require
ment Under previous law veterans were required to meet the high
school requirement before they completed initial active duty for
training Those who didn t may now meet the requirement and apply
or reapply for benefits If eligible they must use their benefits within
the following period 1 10 years from the date of last discharge from
active duty or 2 by Nov 2 2010 whichever is later
 

Additionally every veteran must establish eligibility under one of the
following four categories
 

Category 1 Service After June 30 198
To be eligible under Category 1 veterans must have entered active
duty for the first time after June 30 1985 and not have declined
MGIB in writing upon entry onto active duty The military reduces
their pay 100 a month for 12 months of active duty These pay
reductions are not refundable Eligible servicemembers can use the
MGIB benefit while on active duty after completing two continuous
years of service Veterans can use the MGIB benefit if they com
pleted three continuous years of active duty or two continuous years
of active duty if they first signed up for less than three years or have
an obligation to serve four years in the Selected Reserve the 2x4
program and enter the Selected Reserve within one year of release
from active duty
 

Servicemembers or veterans are barred from eligibility under Cat
egory 1 however if they received a commission as a result of
graduation from a service academy or completion of an ROTC
scholarship However such a commission isn t a bar if the applicant
1 received a commission after becoming eligible for MGIB benefits
including completing the minimum service requirements for the
initial period of active duty or 2 received a commission after
Sept 30 1996 and received less than 3,400 during any one year
under ROTC scholarship 36
36 Page 37 38
29
Under Category 1 applicants are also barred from benefits if they
declined MGIB because they received repayment from the military
for education loans If they did not decline MGIB and received loan
repayments the months served to repay the loans will be deducted
from MGIB entitlement Individuals who received loan repayments for
one period of active duty can still be eligible based on another
qualifying period of active duty as long as they did not decline MGIupon
entering active duty
 

Early Separation
Veterans who did not complete the required period of service may
still be eligible under Category 1 if discharged for one of the following
reasons 1 convenience of the government with 30 continuous
months of service for an obligation of three or more years or 20
continuous months of service for an obligation of less than three
years 2 service connected disability 3 hardship 4 a medical
condition diagnosed prior to joining the service 5 a condition that
interfered with performance of duty and didn t result from miscon
duct 6 a reduction in force in most cases Servicemembers
planning to separate early should ensure their separation reasons
are coded properly to avoid disqualification for MGIB benefits
 

Category 2 Vietnam Era GI Bill Conversion
To be eligible under Category 2 veterans must have had remaining
entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill on Dec 31 1989 Addition
ally they must have served on active duty for any number of days
during the period Oct 19 1984 to June 30 1985 and served on
active duty for at least three continuous years beginning on July 1
1985 or at least two continuous years active duty beginning on July
1 1985 followed by a minimum of four years in the Selected Re
serve beginning within one year of release from active duty
 

Veterans not on active duty on Oct 19 1984 may be eligible under
Category 2 if they served three continuous years on active duty at
any time beginning on or after July 1 1985 or two continuous years
of active duty at any time followed by four continuous years in the
Selected Reserve beginning within one year of release from active
duty
 

Veterans are barred from eligibility under Category 2 if they received
a commission after Dec 31 1976 as a result of graduation from a
service academy or completion of an ROTC scholarship 37
37 Page 38 39
30
However such a commission does not bar eligibility if the veteran
received the commission after becoming eligible for MGIB benefits
or received the commission after Sept 30 1996 and received less
that 3,400 during any one year under ROTC scholarship
 

Category 3 Involuntary Separation Special Separation
Veterans may be eligible under Category 3 if they meet one of the
following requirements 1 elected MGIB before being involuntarily
separated or 2 were voluntarily separated under the Voluntary
Separation Incentive or the Special Separation Benefit program
elected MGIB benefits before being separated and had military pay
reduced by 1,200 before discharge
 

Category 4 V terans Educational Assistance Program
Eligibility under Category 4 may be extended to veterans who
participated in the Veterans Educational Assistance Program VEAP
if they 1 served on active duty on Oct 9 1996 2 participated in
VEAP and contributed money to a VEAP account 3 elected MGIby
Oct 9 1997 and paid 1,200 Veterans who participated in VEAP
on or before Oct 9 1996 may also be eligible even if they did not
deposit money in a VEAP account if they served on active duty from
Oct 9 1996 through April 1 2000 elected MGIB by Oct 31 2001
and contributed 2,700 to MGIB
 

Certain National Guard servicemembers may also qualify under
Category 4 if they 1 served for the first time on full time active duty
in the National Guard under title 32 U S C between June 30 1985
and Nov 29 1989 and had no previous active duty service 2
elected MGIB during the nine month window ending on July 9 1997
and 3 paid 1,200
 

Period of Eligibility
Eligibility generally expires 10 years after discharge or release from
active duty However there are exceptions for disability re entering
active duty and for upgraded discharges
 

Payments
For training in college technical or vocational school eligible veter
ans qualify to receive the following monthly rates for full time training
effective Oct 1 2003 985 a month if they qualify for MGIB benefits
based on active duty for three continuous years or more or active
duty for two continuous years plus four years in the Selected Re
serve or 800 a month if they qualify for MGIB benefits based on
active duty of less than three years Benefits are reduced for part 38
38 Page 39 40
31
time training Payments for other types of training follow different
rules For complete rates visit http www gibill va gov
 

VA will pay an additional amount commonly called a kicker or the
college fund if directed by the Department of Defense Eligibility is
based on occupational specialties and is generally established upon
the servicemember s recruitment into active duty Servicemembers
potentially eligible under Category 1 or originally eligible under
Category 1 but subsequently eligible under Category 3 because of
the reason for discharge can make additional contributions up to
600 before leaving active duty to receive a higher rate of benefits
 

The maximum number of months veterans can receive MGIbenefits
is 36 months at the full time rate or the part time equivalent
The following groups qualify for the maximum 1 eligible veterans
who served the required length of active duty 2 eligible veterans
with an obligation of three years or more who were separated early
for the convenience of the government and served 30 continuous
months 3 eligible veterans with an obligation of less than three
years who were separated early for the convenience of the govern
ment and served 20 continuous months
 

Training Available
The following types of training are available under the Montgomery
GI Bill 1 courses at colleges and universities leading to associate
bachelor or graduate degrees including accredited independent
study which may be offered through distance education 2 courses
leading to a certificate or diploma from business technical or voca
tional schools 3 apprenticeship or on the job training programs for
individuals not on active duty including self employment training
begun on or after June 16 2004 necessary for ownership or opera
tion of a franchise 4 correspondence courses under certain
conditions 5 flight training if the veteran holds a private pilot s
license upon beginning the training program and meets the medical
requirements 6 state approved teacher certification programs
7 preparatory courses necessary for admission to a college or
graduate school and 8 licensing and certification tests approved for
veterans
 

Additional MGIB Benefits
1 Accelerated payment of MGIB benefits is available to those
enrolled in certain high cost programs leading to employment in the
technology industry 39
39 Page 40 41
32
2 Transfer of entitlement to dependents is currently provided by the
U S Air Force in limited circumstances
3 Tutorial assistance allowance is available for individual tutoring if
training in school at one half time or more The maximum benefit is
1,200 100 per month
4 Tuition Assistance Top Up provides for payment to an individual
for the difference between the tuition assistance amount paid by the
military and the total cost of tuition and approved charges
 

Work Study
Veterans may be eligible for a work study program in which they
work for VA and receive hourly wages Veterans must train at the
three quarter or full time rate The types of work allowed include
1 outreach services for VA and State Approving Agencies 2 VA
paperwork 3 work at national or state veterans cemeteries
4 work at VA medical centers or state veterans homes and
5 other VA approved activities
 

Counseling
VA counseling is available to help MGIB participants assess their
educational and vocational strengths and weaknesses Counseling is
also available to help plan education or employment goals Addition
ally individuals not eligible for the MGIB may still receive VA counsel
ing beginning 180 days prior to separation from active duty through
the first full year following honorable discharge
 

Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve
Eligibility
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve Chapter 1606 provides
education benefits to members of the reserve elements of the Army
Navy Air Force Marine Corps and Coast Guard and to members of
the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard To be eligible
for this program a reservist must 1 incur a six year obligation to
serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30 1985 or if an
officer agree to serve six years in addition to the original obligation
2 complete Initial Active Duty for Training 3 have a high school
diploma or equivalency certificate before applying for benefits and
4 remain in good standing in a Selected Reserve unit
 

Reserve components determine eligibility for Chapter 1606 VA does
not make decisions about eligibility and cannot make payments until
the reserve component has determined eligibility and notified VA 40
40 Page 41 42
33
Period of Eligibility
If a reservist separates from the Selected Reserve benefits gener
ally end the day of separation If an individual stays in the Selected
Reserve benefits generally end 14 years from the date the reservist
became eligible for the program For reservists who became eligible
before Oct 1 1992 benefits generally end 10 years from the date
they became eligible Under special circumstances eligibility may be
extended
 

Payments
The full time rate is 282 a month for 36 months for full time training
Part time benefits are reduced proportionately For complete current
rates visit http wwwgibill va gov The Department of Defense may
make additional contributions or kickers on behalf of individuals in
critical military fields as deemed necessary to encourage enlistment
 

Training Available
Eligible reservists may take undergraduate or technical training at
colleges and universities Those who have a six year commitment
beginning after Sept 30 1990 may also take the following training
graduate courses courses for a certificate or diploma from business
technical or vocational schools cooperative training apprenticeship
or on the job training correspondence courses independent study
programs flight training or remedial deficiency or refresher courses
needed to complete a program of study
 

Work Study
Eligibility for the Work Study program under the Selected Reserve
Montgomery GI Bill is the same as the Active Duty GI Bill
 

Tutorial Assistance
Benefits for tutorial assistance are the same as in the Active Duty
Montgomery GI Bill
 

Counseling
VA counseling is available to help Chapter 1606 participants assess
their educational and vocational strengths and weaknesses or to
help plan educational or employment goals 41
41 Page 42 43
34
Veterans Educational Assistance Program VEAP
Eligibility
Under VEAP active duty personnel voluntarily participated in a plan
for education or training in which their savings were administered
and added to by the federal government Servicemembers were
eligible to enroll in VEAP if they entered active duty for the first time
after Dec 31 1976 and before July 1 1985 Some contribution to
VEAP must have been made prior to April 1 1987 The maximum
participant contribution is 2,700 While on active duty participants
may make a lump sum contribution to their VEAP account
 

Servicemembers who participated in VEAP are eligible to receive
benefits while on active duty if 1 at least three months of contribu
tions are available except for high school or elementary school in
which case only one month is needed and 2 they enlisted for the
first time after Sept 7 1980 and completed 24 months of their first
period of active duty Visit http www gibill va gov for length of
service requirements for those who enlisted for the first time prior to
Sept 7 1980
 

To use benefits after separation from active duty veterans must
receive a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable for the
qualifying period of service Veterans who enlisted for the first time
after Sept 7 1980 or entered active duty as an officer or enlistee
after Oct 16 1981 must have completed 24 continuous months of
active duty unless they meet a qualifying exception
 

Period of Eligibility
Eligibility generally expires 10 years from the date of last discharge
or release from active duty Under special circumstances the
10 year period may be extended
 

Payments
The Department of Defense will match the participant s contribution
at the rate of 2 for every 1 the individual put into the fund The
Department of Defense may make additional contributions or
kickers on behalf of individuals in critical military fields as deemed
necessary to encourage enlistment For training in college voca
tional or technical schools the amount of money participants receive
each month depends on the type and hours of training pursued The
maximum basic rate is 300 a month for full time training 42
42 Page 43 44
35
Training Available
VEAP participants may pursue associate bachelor or graduate
degrees at colleges or universities including accredited independent
study which may be offered through distant education courses
leading to a certificate or diploma from business technical or voca
tional schools apprenticeship or on the job training programs
cooperative courses which consist of a full time program of alternat
ing school instruction and training in business or industry correspon
dence courses flight training tutorial assistance refresher remedial
or deficiency course if needed to complete a program of study
refresher training to update skills for technological advances that
occurred while the veteran was on active duty or after separation
and state approved alternative teacher certification programs VEAP
participants may also receive benefits for approved licensing and
certification tests
 

Work Study
Eligibility for the Work Study program under VEAP is the same as
under the Montgomery GI Bill
 

Tutorial Assistance
Benefits for tutorial assistance are the same as under the Montgom
ery GI Bill
 

Counseling
Eligibility for VA counseling under VEAP is the same as under the
Montgomery GI Bill
 

Home Loan Guaranties
VA loan guaranties are made to servicemembers veterans reserv
ists and unmarried surviving spouses for the purchase of homes
condominiums and manufactured homes and for refinancing loans
VA guarantees part of the total loan permitting the purchaser to
obtain a mortgage with a competitive interest rate even without a
down payment if the lender agrees VA requires that a down payment
be made for the purchase of a manufactured home VA also requires
a down payment for a home or condominium if the purchase price
exceeds the reasonable value of the property or the loan has a
graduated payment feature With a VA guaranty the lender is pro
tected against loss up to the amount of the guaranty if the borrower
fails to repay the loan 43
43 Page 44 45
36
A VA loan guaranty can be used to
1 buy a home
2 buy a residential condominium
3 build a home
4 repair alter or improve a home
5 refinance an existing home loan
6 buy a manufactured home with or without a lot
7 buy and improve a manufactured home lot
8 install a solar heating or cooling system or other
weatherization improvements
9 purchase and improve a home simultaneously with
energy efficient improvements
10 refinance an existing VA loan to reduce the interest rate
and make energy efficient improvements
11 refinance a manufactured home loan to acquire a lot
 

Eligibility
Applicants must have a good credit rating have an income sufficient
to support mortgage payments and agree to live in the property To
obtain a VA Certificate of Eligibility complete VA Form 26 1880
Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits and
mail it to one of the two VA Eligibility Centers Winston Salem and
Los Angeles In general those veterans living in the Western part of
the country mail their applications to the Los Angeles Eligibility
Center while those living in the Eastern part of the country mail
applications to Winston Salem Additional information on eligibility
and addresses for the Centers is available on VA s loan guaranty
eligibility page http www homeloans va gov elig htm on the World
Wide Web Veterans may also have their lenders obtain a Certificate
of Eligibility for them through VA s ACE Automated Certificate of
Eligibility system This is an online application that in some cases
can generate a certificate immediately Not all cases can be pro
cessed through this system but if all necessary information is
available ACE provides the quickest way to determine eligibility
 

Periods of Eligibility
World War II 1 active duty service after Sept 15 1940 and prior
to July 26 1947 2 discharge under other than dishonorable
conditions and 3 at least 90 days service unless discharged early
for a service connected disability
 

Post World War II 1 active duty service after July 25 1947 and 44
44 Page 45 46
37
prior to June 27 1950 2 discharge under other than dishonorable
conditions and 3 181 days continuous active duty unless dis
charged early for service connected disability
 

Korean War 1 active duty after June 26 1950 and prior to
Feb 1 1955 2 discharge under other than dishonorable condi
tions and 3 at least 90 days total service unless discharged early
for a service connected disability
 

Post Korean War 1 active duty between Jan 31 1955 and
Aug 5 1964 2 discharge under conditions other than dishonor
able 3 181 days continuous service unless discharged early for
service connected disability
 

Vietnam 1 Active duty after Aug 4 1964 and prior to
May 8 1975 2 discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
and 3 90 days total service unless discharged early for service
connected disability For veterans who served in the Republic of
Vietnam the beginning date is Feb 28 1961
 

Post Vietnam For veterans whose enlisted service began before
Sept 8 1980 or whose service as an officer began before
Oct 17 1981 1 active duty for 181 continuous days all of which
occurred after May 7 1975 and discharge under conditions other
than dishonorable or early discharge for service connected disability
 

24 Month Rule If service was between Sept 8 1980
Oct 16 1981 for officers and Aug 1 1990 veterans must gener
ally complete 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period
at least 181 days for which they were called or ordered to active
duty and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
Exceptions are allowed if the veteran completed at least 181 days of
active duty but was discharged earlier than 24 months for 1 hard
ship 2 the convenience of the government 3 reduction in force
4 certain medical conditions or 5 service connected disability
 

Gulf War Veterans of the Gulf War era which began Aug 2 1990
and will continue until Congress or the President declares it has
ended must generally complete 24 months of continuous active duty
or the full period at least 90 days for which they were called or
ordered to active duty and be discharged under conditions other
than dishonorable Exceptions are allowed if the veteran completed
at least 90 days of active duty but was discharged earlier than 24 45
45 Page 46 47
38
months for 1 hardship 2 the convenience of the government
3 reduction in force 4 certain medical conditions or 5 service
connected disability
 

Reservists and National Guard members are eligible if they were
activated after Aug 1 1990 served at least 90 days and received
an honorable discharge
 

Active Duty Personnel Until the Gulf War era is ended by law or
presidential proclamation persons on active duty are eligible after
serving on continuous active duty for 90 days
 

Members of the Selected Reserve Individuals are eligible if they
have completed at least six years in the reserves or National Guard
or were discharged because of a service connected disability This
eligibility expires Sept 30 2009 Reservists who do not qualify for VA
housing loan benefits may be eligible for loans on favorable terms
insured by the Federal Housing Administration FHA of the Depart
ment of Housing and Urban Development HUD
 

Others Other eligible individuals include unmarried spouses of
veterans or reservists who died on active duty or as a result of
service connected causes spouses of active duty servicemembers
who have been missing in action or a prisoner of war for at least 90
days U S citizens who served in the armed forces of a U S ally in
World War II and members of organizations with recognized contri
butions to the U S World War II effort Eligibility may be determined
at the VA Eligibility Centers
 

Guaranty Amount
The guaranty amount is the amount of the VA guaranty available to
an eligible veteran and may be considered the equivalent of a down
payment by lenders The basic VA guaranty amount is 36,000 but
up to 60,000 in entitlement may be available to veterans purchasing
or constructing homes to be financed with a loan of more than
144,000 and to veterans who obtain an Interest Rate Reduction
Refinancing Loan of more than 144,000 The amount of entitlement
varies with the loan amount Loan guaranty limits are listed in the
Tables section of this booklet
 

VA does not establish a maximum loan amount However no loan for
the acquisition of a home may exceed the reasonable value of the
property which is based on an appraiser s estimate A buyer seller 46
46 Page 47 48
39
real estate agent or lender can request a VA appraisal by completing
VA Form 26 1805 Request for Determination of Reasonable Value
The requester pays for the appraisal often called a VA appraisal
according to a fee schedule approved by VA This VA appraisal
estimates the value of the property but is not an inspection and does
not guarantee that the house is free of defects VA guarantees the
loan not the condition of the property
 

A loan for the purpose of refinancing existing mortgage loans or
other liens secured on a dwelling is generally limited to 90 percent of
the appraised value of the dwelling A loan to reduce the interest rate
on an existing VA guaranteed loan however can be made for an
amount equal to the outstanding balance on the old loan plus closing
costs up to two discount points and energy efficient improvements
A loan for the purchase of a manufactured home or lot is limited to
95 percent of the amount that would be subject to finance charges
The VA funding fee and up to 6,000 in energy efficient improve
ments also may be included in the loan
 

A veteran who previously obtained a VA loan can use the remaining
entitlement for a second purchase The amount of remaining entitle
ment is the difference between 36,000 60,000 for certain loans as
previously described and the amount of entitlement used on prior
loans Remaining entitlement is not necessary for veterans to
refinance an existing VA loan with a new one at a lower interest rate
 

Required Occupancy
Veterans must certify that they intend to live in the home they are
buying or building with a VA guaranty A veteran who wishes to
refinance or improve a home with a VA guaranty also must certify to
being in occupancy at the time of application A spouse may certify
occupancy if the buyer is on active duty In refinancing a VA guaran
teed loan solely to reduce the interest rate veterans need only certify
to prior occupancy
 

Closing Costs
Payment in cash is required on all home loan closing costs including
title search and recording hazard insurance premiums prepaid
taxes and a one percent origination fee which may be required by
lenders in lieu of certain other costs In the case of refinancing loans
all such costs may be included in the loan as long as the total loan
does not exceed 90 percent of the reasonable value of the property
Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans may include closing
costs and a maximum of two discount points 47
47 Page 48 49
40
Loans including refinancing loans are charged a funding fee by VA
except for loans made to disabled veterans and unmarried surviving
spouses of veterans who died as a result of service The VA funding
fee is based on the loan amount and at the discretion of the veteran
and the lender may be included in the loan Funding fee rates are
listed in the Tables section of this booklet
 

Financing Interest Rates and T rms
Veterans obtain VA guaranteed loans through the usual lending
institutions including banks savings and loan associations building
and loan associations and mortgage loan companies Veterans may
obtain a loan with a fixed interest rate which may be negotiated with
the lender Veterans also may obtain a hybrid Adjustable Rate
Mortgage where the initial interest rate remains fixed for at least
three years After three years the rate cannot be adjusted upward
any more than one percent annually and five percent over the life of
the loan If the lender charges discount points on the loan the
veteran may negotiate with the seller as to who will pay points or if
they will be split between buyer and seller Points paid by the veteran
may not be included in the loan except that a maximum of two
points may be included in Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing
Loans The loan may be for as long as 30 years and 32 days
 

VA does not require that a down payment be made except in the
following instances 1 a manufactured home or lot loan 2 a loan
with graduated payment features and 3 to prevent the amount of a
loan from exceeding VA s determination of the property s reasonable
value If the sale price exceeds the reasonable value the veteran
must certify that the difference is being paid in cash without supple
mentary borrowing A cash down payment of five percent of the
purchase price is required for manufactured home or lot loans
 

Release of Liability Loan Assumption
When a veteran sells a home financed through a VA guaranty to a
purchaser who assumes the loan the veteran may request release
from liability to the federal government provided the loan is current
the purchaser has been obligated by contract to purchase the
property and assume all of the veteran s liabilities and VA is satisfied
that the purchaser is a good risk A release of liability does not mean
that a veteran s guaranty entitlement is restored If the new veteran
buyer agrees to substitute entitlement for that of the veteran seller
entitlement may be restored to the veteran seller 48
48 Page 49 50
41
A VA loan for which a commitment was made on or after
March 1 1988 is not assumable without approval of VA or its
authorized agent The person who assumes a VA loan for which a
commitment was made on or after March 1 1988 must pay a fee to
VA If a person disposes of the property securing a VA guaranteed
loan for which a commitment was made after March 1 1988 without
first notifying the holder of the loan the holder may demand immedi
ate and full payment of the loan Veterans whose loans were closed
after Dec 31 1989 have no liability to the government following a
foreclosure except in cases involving fraud misrepresentation or
bad faith
 

Loans for Native American V terans
VA direct home loans are available to eligible Native American
veterans who wish to purchase construct or improve a home on
Native American trust land These loans may be used to simulta
neously purchase and improve a home Direct loans also are avail
able to reduce the interest rate on existing loans obtained under this
program VA direct loans may be limited to the cost of the home or
80,000 whichever is less A funding fee must be paid to VA The
fee is 1.25 percent for loans to purchase construct or improve a
home For loans to refinance an existing loan the fee is 0.5 percent
of the loan amount Veterans receiving compensation for service
connected disability are not required to pay the funding fee The
funding fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan The follow
ing may not be included in the loan VA appraisal credit report loan
processing fee title search title insurance recording fees transfer
taxes survey charges or hazard insurance
 

Repossessed Homes
VA acquires properties as a result of foreclosures on VA guaranteed
loans These properties are marketed through a property manage
ment services contract with Ocwen Federal Bank FSB and listed by
local agents through the Multi Listings System A listing of properties
for sale may be obtained from Ocwen s Internet Web page
http www ocwen com Contact a real estate agent for information
on purchasing a VA acquired property
 

Safeguards for V terans
The following home loan guarantee safeguards have been estab
lished to protect veterans
 

1 Homes completed less than a year before purchase with VA 49
49 Page 50 51
42
financing and inspected during construction by either VA or HUD
must meet VA requirements
2 VA may suspend from the loan program those who take unfair
advantage of veteran borrowers or decline to sell a new home or
make a loan because of race color religion sex disability family
status or national origin
3 The builder of a new home is required to give the purchasing
veteran a one year warranty that the home has been constructed to
VA approved plans and specifications A similar warranty must be
given for new manufactured homes
4 In cases of new construction completed under VA or HUD
inspection VA may pay or otherwise compensate a veteran borrower
for correction of structural defects seriously affecting livability if
assistance is requested within four years of a home loan guaranty
5 The borrower obtaining a loan may only be charged the fees
and other charges prescribed by VA as allowable
6 The borrower can prepay without penalty the entire loan or
any part not less than the amount of one installment or 100
7 VA encourages holders to extend forbearance if a borrower
becomes temporarily unable to meet the terms of the loan
 

Life Insurance
There are currently eight VA life insurance programs Only four of
these programs are currently open to new issues Two of those open
to new issues the Service Disabled Veterans Insurance and Veter
ans Mortgage Life Insurance programs are specifically designed for
disabled veterans The other two open programs Servicemembers
Group Life Insurance SGLI and Veterans Group Life Insurance
VGLI are administered by the Office of Servicemembers Group
Life Insurance 290 W Mt Pleasant Ave Livingston NJ 07039
2747 phone 1 800 419 1473 under the supervision of VA
 

Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
The following are automatically insured for 250,000 under SGLI
active duty members of the Army Navy Air Force Marines and
Coast Guard commissioned members of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service cadets or
midshipmen of the service academies members cadets and mid
shipmen of the ROTC while engaged in authorized training mem
bers of the Ready Reserves and members who volunteer for
assignment to a mobilization category in the Individual Ready 50
50 Page 51 52
43
Reserve Individuals may elect to be covered for a lesser amount or
not to be covered at all Part time coverage may be provided to
members of the reserves who do not qualify for full time coverage
Premiums are deducted automatically from an individual s pay or are
collected by the individual s service branch At the time of separation
from service SGLI can be converted to either VGLI or a commercial
permanent plan through participating companies SGLI coverage
continues for 120 days after separation at no charge
 

Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance FSGLI is essentially
a rider to SGLI coverage and provides up to a maximum of 100,000
of life insurance coverage for spouses not to exceed the amount of
SGLI the insured member has in force and 10,000 for dependent
children of members insured under the SGLI program FSGLI is a
servicemembers benefit and the member is the beneficiary of the
policy If a servicemember drops his or her SGLI coverage or leaves
the military the spouse s policy can be converted to a private life
insurance policy within 120 days
 

V terans Group Life Insurance
SGLI may be converted to Veterans Group Life Insurance VGLI
which provides renewable five year term coverage VGLI is available
to a individuals with full time SGLI coverage upon release from
active duty or the reserves b individuals with part time SGLI
coverage who incur a disability or aggravate a pre existing disability
during a reserve period which renders them uninsurable at standard
premium rates and c members of the Individual Ready Reserve
and Inactive National Guard
 

Individuals who separate from service with SGLI coverage can
convert to VGLI by submitting the premium within 120 days of
separating After 121 days the individual may still be granted VGLI
provided an initial premium and evidence of insurability are submit
ted within one year after termination of SGLI coverage Servicemem
bers who are totally disabled at the time of separation are eligible for
the SGLI Disability Extension of up to one year The extension of
coverage is free and continues for one year from separation or until
the veteran is no longer disabled whichever comes first At the end
of the one year Disability Extension the SGLI is automatically
converted to VGLI without evidence of good health VGLI is convert
ible at any time to a permanent plan policy with any of the commer
cial insurance companies that participate in the program 51
51 Page 52 53
44
Accelerated Death Benefits for SGLI FSGLI and VGLI
A member insured under SGLI or VGLI program if terminally ill
prognosis of nine months or less to live may elect to receive up to
50 percent of the coverage amount in advance Servicemembers
with FSGLI coverage may also elect to receive up to 50 percent of
their spouse s coverage if the spouse becomes terminally ill
 

Service Disabled V terans Insurance
A veteran who has a service connected disability but is otherwise in
good health may apply to VA for up to 10,000 in life insurance
coverage within two years from the date of the award of service
connection The veteran should be in good health except for the
service connected disabilities This insurance is limited to veterans
who left service after April 24 1951 Veterans who are totally dis
abled may apply for a waiver of premiums For those veterans who
are eligible for this waiver additional supplemental coverage of up to
20,000 is available however premiums cannot be waived on the
additional insurance
 

V terans Mortgage Life Insurance
VMLI is available to severely disabled veterans who receive a
Specially Adapted Housing grant Maximum coverage is 90,000
Protection is issued automatically provided that the veteran submits
an application or other information required to establish a premium
and does not decline coverage Coverage automatically terminates
when the mortgage is satisfied If a mortgage is disposed of through
sale of the property VMLI may be obtained on the mortgage of
another home
 

Insurance Dividends
Active government life insurance policies beginning with the letters V
RS W J JR JS or K automatically pay dividends annually on the
policy anniversary date Policyholders do not need to apply for these
dividends but may select from a number of options for how they
should be handled VA insurance dividends and interest on divi
dends left on deposit or credit with VA are not taxable For more
information visit the VA Life Insurance Program Web page http
www insurance va gov or contact the VA Insurance Center at 1 800
669 8477 Many policyholders may access their own policy informa
tion online at the VA Insurance Web site above
 

Policyholders with National Service Life Insurance Veterans Special
Life Insurance and Veterans Reopened Insurance can use their 52
52 Page 53 54
45
dividends to purchase additional paid up coverage only at the time
the dividend is issued
 

Persistent rumors about special SGLI or VGLI dividends and divi
dends for holders of lapsed policies are not true
 

Miscellaneous Insurance Information
Reinstating Lapsed Insurance Lapsed term policies may be
reinstated within five years from the date of lapse Contact the VA
Insurance Center for details A five year term policy that is not lapsed
at the end of the term period is automatically renewed for an addi
tional five year period Lapsed permanent plan policies may be
reinstated within certain time limits and with certain health require
ments Reinstated policies require repayment of all back premiums
plus interest
 

Converting T rm Policies A term policy that is in force may be
converted to a permanent plan Upon reaching renewal at age 70 or
older National Service Life Insurance term policies on total disability
premium waiver are automatically converted to permanent insur
ance which provides cash and loan values and higher dividends
 

Cash Value for T rm Capped Policies Since Sept 11 2000
policyholders of National Service Life Insurance and Veterans
Special Life Insurance whose term policies are capped at renewal
age 70 have cash values associated with their policies Policyhold
ers who voluntarily cancel their policies may either take the cash
value or use it to purchase paid up insurance
 

Disability Provisions National Service Life Insurance policyholders
who become totally disabled before age 65 should consult VA about
premium waivers
 

Borrowing on Policies Policyholders may borrow up to 94 percent
of the cash surrender value of their insurance and continue the
insurance in force by payment of premiums Interest on policy loans
is compounded annually The current interest rate may be obtained
by calling toll free 1 800 669 8477
 

For additional information about government life insurance call the
VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia toll free 1 800 669 8477
Specialists are available between the hours of 8 30 a m and 6 p m
Eastern Time to discuss premium payments insurance dividends 53
53 Page 54 55
46
address changes policy loans naming beneficiaries and reporting
the death of the insured After hours a caller may leave a recorded
message which will be answered on the next workday or may use
the Interactive Voice Response system
 

If the insurance policy number is not known send whatever informa
tion is available such as the veteran s VA file number date of birth
social security number military serial number or military service
branch and dates of service to
 

Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office and Insurance Center
Box 42954
Philadelphia PA 19101 54
54 Page 55 56
47
Burial Benefits
Eligibility
Servicemembers who die while on active duty and veterans dis
charged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for
the following VA burial benefits 1 burial in a VA national cemetery
2 government furnished headstone or marker 3 Presidential
Memorial Certificate 4 burial flag and in some cases 5 reim
bursement of burial expenses With certain exceptions service
beginning after Sept 7 1980 as an enlisted person and after
Oct 16 1981 as an officer must be for a minimum of 24 consecu
tive months or the full period for which the person was called to
active duty to establish burial benefits eligibility Reservists and
National Guard members are eligible if they were entitled to retired
pay at the time of death or would have been entitled had they not
been under the age of 60
 

Certain Filipino veterans of World War II to include those who
served in the Philippine Commonwealth Army USAFFE or recog
nized guerilla forces may be eligible if the veteran at the time of
death was a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence in the United States who had resided in the
United States
 

Persons convicted of a federal or state capital crime and sentenced
to death or life imprisonment without parole are barred from receiv
ing VA burial benefits
 

Burial in VA National Cemeteries
VA provides veterans and dependents a variety of gravesite options
for burial though choices are limited to those available at a specific
cemetery These may include a full casket burial or columbarium or
in ground niche for cremated remains A limited number of national
cemeteries also provide a scatter garden for dispersing cremated
remains
 

Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved however VA
will honor reservations made under previous programs The funeral
director or the next of kin makes interment arrangements for an
eligible veteran or dependent at the time of need by contacting the
national cemetery in which burial is desired VA normally does not
conduct burials on weekends However weekend callers will be 55
55 Page 56 57
48
directed to a national cemetery that can schedule burials for the
following week See the VA Facilities section of this book to locate a
national cemetery
 

Spouses and minor children of servicemembers and eligible veterans
also may be buried in a national cemetery If a surviving spouse of
an eligible veteran remarries and that marriage is terminated by
death or dissolved by annulment or divorce the surviving spouse is
eligible for burial in a national cemetery Burial of minor children of
eligible persons is limited to unmarried children under 21 years of
age or under 23 years of age if pursuing a full time course of
instruction at an approved educational institution Eligible veterans
unmarried adult children who became physically or mentally disabled
and incapable of self support before reaching the age of 21 or 23 if
a full time student also are eligible for burial
 

Headstones and Markers
Flat bronze granite or marble markers and upright granite and
marble headstones are available In the case of national cemeteries
the style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the
place of burial Niche markers also are available to mark columbaria
used for inurnment of cremated remains Government furnished
headstones and markers must be inscribed with the name of the
deceased branch of service and the year of birth and death in this
order Headstones and markers also may be inscribed with other
items including an authorized emblem of belief and space permit
ting additional text including military grade rate or rank war service
such as World War II complete dates of birth and death military
awards military organizations and civilian or veteran affiliations
When burial or memorialization is in a national state or military
veterans cemetery the headstone or marker must be ordered
through cemetery officials To apply and to obtain specific information
on available styles contact the cemetery where the headstone or
marker is to be placed
 

When burial occurs in a private cemetery an application for a
government furnished headstone or marker must be made to VA
The government will ship the headstone or marker free of charge
but will not pay for its placement Headstones and markers previ
ously provided by the government may be replaced at government
expense if badly deteriorated illegible stolen or vandalized Eligible
servicemembers and veterans buried in private cemeteries whose
deaths occurred on or after Sept 11 2001 may receive a govern 56
56 Page 57 58
49
ment furnished headstone or marker regardless of whether the grave
is already marked with a non government marker
 

To apply mail a completed VA Form 40 1330 Application for Stan
dard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or
State Veterans Cemetery along with a copy of the veteran s military
service discharge document to Memorial Programs Service 402E
Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washing
ton DC 20420 0001 Or fax documents to 1 800 455 7143 Do not
send original discharge documents because they will not be re
turned For information and application instructions visit
http www cem va gov
 

VA also provides memorial headstones and markers bearing the
inscription In Memory of as their first line to memorialize eligible
veterans whose remains were not recovered or identified were
buried at sea donated to science or cremated and scattered Eligible
dependents may be memorialized only in national or state veterans
cemeteries To be memorialized dependents do not need to outlive
the veteran from whom their eligibility is based Memorial head
stones or markers must be placed in national state veterans local or
private cemeteries VA supplies and ships memorial headstones and
markers free of charge for placement in state local and private
cemeteries but does not pay for their plots or placement
 

Presidential Memorial Certificates
Certificates signed by the president are issued upon request to
recognize the military service of honorably discharged deceased
veterans Next of kin other relatives and friends may request Presi
dential Memorial Certificates in person at any VA regional office or by
mail Presidential Memorial Certificates 402E National Cemetery
Administration 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washington DC 20420
0001 There is no pre printed form to complete or time limit for
requesting these certificates but requests should include a copy not
the original of the deceased veteran s discharge document and
clearly indicate to what address the certificate should be sent
Additional information and a sample certificate can be found on the
 

Internet http www cem va gov pmc htm
 

Burial Flags
VA will furnish a United States burial flag for memorialization of
1 Veterans who served during wartime or served after Jan 31
 

1955 57
57 Page 58 59
50
2 Veterans who were entitled to retired pay for service in the
reserves or would have been entitled to such pay but not for being
under 60 years of age
3 Members or former members of the Selected Reserve who
served at least one enlistment or in the case of an officer the period
of initial obligation or were discharged for disability incurred or
aggravated in line of duty or died while a member of the Selected
 

Reserve
 

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
VA will pay a burial allowance up to 2,000 if the veteran s death is
service connected In some instances VA also will pay the cost of
transporting the remains of a service disabled veteran to the national
cemetery nearest the home of the deceased that has available
gravesites In such cases the person who bore the veteran s burial
expenses may claim reimbursement from VA There is no time limit
for filing reimbursement claims in service connected death cases
 

VA will pay a 300 burial and funeral expense allowance for veterans
who at time of death were entitled to receive pension or compensa
tion or would have been entitled to compensation but for receipt of
military retirement pay Eligibility also may be established when
death occurs in a VA facility a nursing home under VA contract or a
state veterans nursing home Additional costs of transportation of the
remains may be paid In nonservice connected death cases claims
must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation
 

VA will pay a 300 plot allowance when a veteran is not buried in a
cemetery under U S government jurisdiction under these circum
stances the veteran was discharged from active duty because of
disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty the veteran was
in receipt of compensation or pension or would have been except for
receiving military retired pay or the veteran died in a VA facility
 

The 300 plot allowance may be paid to the state if a veteran is
buried without charge for the cost of a plot or interment in a state
owned cemetery reserved solely for veteran burials Burial expenses
paid by the deceased s employer or a state agency will not be
reimbursed For information on monetary benefits call
1 800 827 1000 Additional information about burial and memorial
benefits may be obtained at any VA national cemetery regional office
or on the Internet http www cem va gov To check on the status of
an application for headstone or marker call 1 800 697 6947 58
58 Page 59 60
51
Military Funeral Honors
Upon request DoD will provide military funeral honors for the burial
of military members and eligible veterans Basic military funeral
honors consists of the folding and presentation of the United States
flag and the playing of Taps by a bugler if available or by electronic
recording A funeral honors detail to perform this ceremony consists
of two or more uniformed members of the armed forces with at least
one member from the service in which the deceased veteran served
 

Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve are
eligible for military funeral honors Also eligible are former military
members who served on active duty and departed under conditions
other than dishonorable former members of the Selected Reserve
who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial
obligated service and departed under conditions other than dishonor
able and former military members discharged from the Selected
Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
 

The Department of Defense maintains a toll free telephone line
1 877 MIL HONR for use by funeral directors only to request
honors Family members should inform their funeral directors if they
desire military funeral honors for a veteran VA national cemetery
staff can help arrange for honors during burials at VA national
cemeteries Veterans service organizations or volunteer groups may
help provide honors For more information visit the military funeral
honors Web page http www militaryfuneralhonors osd mil
 

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Other Agencies
Arlington National Cemetery Administered by the Department of
the Army Eligibility for burial is more restrictive than at VA national
cemeteries For information visit http www arlingtoncemetery org
write Superintendent Arlington National Cemetery Arlington VA
22211 or call 703 607 8585
 

Department of the Interior The Department of the Interior adminis
ters two active national cemeteries Andersonville National Cemetery
in Georgia and Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in Tennessee
Eligibility for burial is similar to VA cemetery eligibility
 

State V terans Cemeteries Individual states operate cemeteries
for veterans Eligibility requirements may differ from those for na
tional cemeteries Contact the state cemetery or state veterans
affairs office for additional information To locate a state veterans
cemetery visit the Internet http www cem va gov lsvc htm 59
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52
Survivor Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation DIC
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation DIC payments may be
available for surviving spouses who have not remarried unmarried
children under 18 helpless children those between 18 and 23 if
attending a VA approved school and low income parents of de
ceased servicemembers or veterans For survivors to be eligible the
deceased veteran must have died from 1 a disease or injury
incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training
2 an injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty while on inactive
duty training or 3 a disability compensable by VA Death cannot be
the result of the veteran s willful misconduct If a spouse remarries
eligibility for benefits may be restored if the marriage is terminated
later by death annulment or divorce
 

DIC payments also may be authorized for survivors of veterans who
were totally service connected disabled when they died even though
their service connected disabilities did not cause their deaths The
survivor qualifies if 1 the veteran was continuously rated totally
disabled for a period of 10 or more years immediately preceding
death 2 the veteran was so rated for a period of at least five years
from the date of military discharge or 3 the veteran was a former
prisoner of war who died after Sept 30 1999 and who was continu
ously rated totally disabled for a period of at least one year immedi
ately preceding death Payments are subject to offset by any amount
received from judicial proceedings brought on account of the
veteran s death The discharge must have been under conditions
other than dishonorable
 

DIC Payments to Surviving Spouse
Surviving spouses of veterans who died on or after Jan 1 1993
receive 967 a month For a spouse entitled to DIC based on the
veteran s death prior to Jan 1 1993 the amount paid is 967 or an
amount based on the veteran s pay grade See the Tables section
of this booklet for more information
 

DIC Payments to Parents and Children
The monthly payment for parents of deceased veterans depends
upon their income There are additional DIC payments for dependent
children A child may be eligible if there is no surviving spouse and
the child is unmarried and under age 18 or if the child is between the
ages of 18 and 23 and attending school 60
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53
See the Tables section of this booklet for more information on DIC
for children
 

Special Allowances
Surviving spouses and parents receiving DIC may be granted a
special allowance to pay for aid and attendance by another person if
they are patients in a nursing home or require the regular assistance
of another person Surviving spouses receiving DIC may be granted
a special allowance if they are permanently housebound See the
Tables section of this booklet for current allowances
 

Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors
Survivors of veterans who died of service connected causes incurred
or aggravated prior to Aug 13 1981 may be eligible for special
benefits This benefit is similar to the benefits for students and
surviving spouses with children between ages 16 and 18 that were
eliminated from Social Security benefits The benefits are payable in
addition to any other benefits to which the family may be entitled
The amount of the benefit is based on information provided by the
Social Security Administration
 

Death Pension
Pensions based on need are available for surviving spouses and
unmarried children of deceased veterans with wartime service
Spouses must not have remarried and children must be under age
18 or under age 23 if attending a VA approved school Pension is
not payable to those with estates large enough to provide mainte
nance The veteran must have been discharged under conditions
other than dishonorable and must have had 90 days or more of
active military service at least one day of which was during a period
of war or a service connected disability justifying discharge for
disability If the veteran died in service but not in line of duty benefits
may be payable if the veteran had completed at least two years of
honorable service Children who become incapable of self support
because of a disability before age 18 may be eligible for a pension
as long as the condition exists unless the child marries or the child s
income exceeds the applicable limit A surviving spouse may be
entitled to higher income limitations or additional benefits if living in a
nursing home in need of aid and attendance by another person or
permanently housebound
 

The Improved Pension program provides a monthly payment to bring
an eligible person s income to a support level established by law The
payment is reduced by the annual income from other sources such 61
61 Page 62 63
54
as Social Security paid to the surviving spouse or dependent chil
dren Medical expenses may be deducted from the income ceiling
Pension is not payable to those who have assets that can be used to
provide adequate maintenance Maximum rates for the Improved
Death Pension are shown in the Tables section of this booklet
 

Home Loan Guaranties
A VA loan guaranty to acquire a home may be available to an
unmarried spouse of a veteran or servicemember who died as a
result of service connected disabilities or to a spouse of a
servicemember who has been officially listed as missing in action or
as a prisoner of war for more than 90 days Spouses of those listed
as prisoners of war or missing in action are limited to one loan
 

Dependents Education
Educational assistance benefits are available to spouses who have
not remarried and children of 1 veterans who died or are perma
nently and totally disabled as the result of a disability arising from
active military service 2 veterans who died from any cause while
rated permanently and totally disabled from service connected
disability 3 servicemembers listed for more than 90 days as
currently missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile
force 4 servicemembers listed for more than 90 days as currently
detained or interned by a foreign government or power
 

The termination of a surviving spouse s remarriage by death
divorce or ceasing to live with another person as that person s
spouse will reinstate Dependents Educational Assistance benefits
to the surviving spouse Benefits may be awarded for pursuit of
associate bachelor or graduate degrees at colleges and universities
including independent study cooperative training and study abroad
programs Courses leading to a certificate or diploma from business
technical or vocational schools also may be taken
 

Benefits may be awarded for apprenticeships on the job training
programs and farm cooperative courses Benefits for correspon
dence courses under certain conditions are available to spouses
only Secondary school programs may be pursued if the individual is
not a high school graduate An individual with a deficiency in a
subject may receive tutorial assistance benefits if enrolled halftime or
more Deficiency refresher and other training also may be available 62
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55
Monthly Payments
Payments are made monthly The rate is currently 695 a month for
full time school attendance increasing to 788 a month effective
July 1 2004 with lesser amounts for part time training A person
may receive educational assistance for full time training for up to 45
months or the equivalent in part time training Payments to a spouse
end 10 years from the date the individual is found eligible or from the
date of the death of the veteran VA may grant an extension Chil
dren generally must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to receive
education benefits though extensions may be granted
 

Work Study
Participants must train at the three quarter or full time rate They
may be paid in advance 40 percent of the amount specified in the
work study agreement or an amount equal to 50 times the applicable
minimum wage whichever is less Under the supervision of a VA
employee participants may provide outreach services prepare and
process VA paperwork and work at a VA medical facility or perform
other approved activities They may also help at national or state
veterans cemeteries or assist in outreach services furnished by
State Approving Agencies
 

Counseling Services
VA may provide counseling services to help an eligible dependent
pursue an educational or vocational objective
 

Special Benefits
An eligible child over age 14 with a physical or mental disability that
impairs pursuit of an educational program may receive special
restorative training to lessen or overcome that impairment This
training may include speech and voice correction language retrain
ing lip reading auditory training Braille reading and writing and
similar programs Certain disabled or surviving spouses are also
eligible for special restorative training Specialized vocational training
also is available to an eligible spouse or child over age 14 who is
handicapped by a physical or mental disability that prevents pursuit
of an educational program
 

Educational Loans
Loans are available to spouses who qualify for educational assis
tance Spouses who have passed their 10 year period of eligibility
may be eligible for an educational loan During the first two years
after the end of their eligibility period they may borrow up to 2,500
per academic year to continue a full time course leading to a college 63
63 Page 64 65
56
degree or to a professional or vocational objective that requires at
least six months to complete VA may waive the six month require
ment Loans are based on financial need
 

Montgomery GI Bill Death Benefit
VA will pay a special Montgomery GI Bill death benefit to a desig
nated survivor in the event of the service connected death of an
individual while on active duty or within one year after discharge or
release The deceased must either have been entitled to educational
assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill program or a participant in
the program who would have been so entitled but for the high school
diploma or length of service requirement The amount paid will be
equal to the participant s actual military pay reduction less any
education benefits paid
 

Women Veterans
Women veterans are eligible for the same VA benefits as male
veterans However additional gender specific services and benefits
are available for women veterans including breast and pelvic
examinations and other general reproductive health care services
VA provides preventive health care counseling contraceptive ser
vices menopause management Pap smears and mammography
Referrals are made for services that VA is unable to provide Women
Veterans Coordinators are available in a private setting at all VA
facilities to assist women veterans seeking treatment and benefits
 

VA health care professionals provide counseling and treatment to
help veterans overcome psychological trauma resulting from sexual
trauma that occurred while serving on active duty Appropriate care
and services are provided for any injury illness or psychological
condition resulting from such trauma
 

Homeless Veterans
A number of VA benefits including disability compensation pension
and education benefits can prevent at risk veterans from becoming
homeless VA conducts community based stand downs to make
benefits information and assistance more accessible to homeless
veterans Homeless veterans also are provided special assistance
through other VA program initiatives 64
64 Page 65 66
57
VA provides health and rehabilitation programs for eligible homeless
veterans Health Care for Homeless Veterans programs provide
outreach and comprehensive medical psychological and rehabilita
tion treatment programs Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans
programs provide residential rehabilitation services VA supports
Compensated Work Therapy Therapeutic Residence group homes
special daytime drop in centers and Comprehensive Homeless
Centers
 

VA s Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program assists
nonprofit and local government agencies to establish housing or
service centers for homeless veterans Grants are awarded for the
construction acquisition or renovation of facilities VA also works with
the Department of Housing and Urban Development the Social
Security Administration veterans service organizations and commu
nity nonprofit groups to assist homeless veterans For information on
benefits for homeless veterans contact the nearest VA facility More
information about this program including information about VA loan
guarantees for construction or rehabilitation of multifamily transitional
housing for homeless veterans visit http www va gov homeless
 

The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program HVRP sponsored
by the Dept of Labor s Veterans Employment and Training Service
focuses on employment and training services for homeless veterans
Organizations receiving HVRP grants including faith based organi
zations typically provide job search counseling job placement
assistance remedial education classroom and on the job training A
list of current HVRP grantees is located on the Internet at
http www dol gov vets grants main htm For additional information
visit http www dol gov vets aboutvets contacts main htm or call
202 693 4710
 

Overseas Benefits
Medical Benefits
VA will pay for medical services for the treatment of service con
nected disabilities and related conditions or for medical services
needed as part of a vocational rehabilitation program for veterans
living or traveling outside the U S Before using the program veter
ans living in Canada should register with the VA Center in White
River Junction VT 05009 0001 USA phone 802 296 6379 Those
living in the Philippines should register with the U S VA office in 65
65 Page 66 67
58
Pasay City phone 011 632 833 4566 All other veterans living
outside the U S should register with the Denver Foreign Medical
Program office P O Box 65021 Denver CO 80206 9021 USA
phone 303 331 7590 Outside the United States VA pays for nurs
ing home care only in the Philippines
 

Other Overseas Benefits
VA monetary benefits including compensation pension educational
assistance and burial allowances generally are payable overseas
Some programs in foreign jurisdictions are restricted Home loan
guaranties are available only in the United States and selected U S
territories and possessions Educational benefits are limited to
approved degree granting programs in institutions of higher learning
Beneficiaries residing in foreign countries should contact the nearest
American embassy or consulate for information and claims assis
tance In Canada veterans should contact an office of Veterans
Affairs Canada Additional information on benefits and services
available outside the United States can be found on the World Wide
Web http www vba va gov bln 21 foreign index htm
 

Small and Disadvantaged Businesses
VA s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization helps
small businesses obtain information on acquisition opportunities with
VA Like other federal offices VA is required to place a portion of its
contracts and purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses
For more information write the U S Department of Veterans Affairs
OOSB 810 Vermont Avenue N W Washington D C 20420 0001
call 1 800 949 8387 toll free or visit the Web site
http www va gov osdbu
 

The Center for Veterans Enterprise CVE helps veterans interested
in forming or expanding small businesses The CVE helps VA
contracting offices identify veteran owned small businesses and
works with the Small Business Administration s Veterans Business
Development Officers and Small Business Development Centers
nationwide regarding veterans business financing management and
technical assistance needs For more information write the U S
Department of Veterans Affairs OOVE 810 Vermont Avenue N W
Washington D C 20420 0001 call 1 866 584 2344 toll free or visit
the Web site http www vetbiz gov 66
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59
Appeals
Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appeal
decisions made by a VA regional office or medical center Typical
issues appealed are disability compensation pension education
benefits recovery of overpayments medication copayment debts
and reimbursement for medical services that were not authorized
 

A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA
decision to file an appeal The first step in the appeal process is for a
claimant to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA regional
office or medical center that made the decision This is a written
statement that a claimant disagrees with VA s decision Following
receipt of the written notice VA will furnish the claimant a Statement
of the Case describing what facts laws and regulations were used
in deciding the case To complete the request for appeal the claim
ant must file a Substantive Appeal within 60 days of the mailing of
the Statement of the Case or within one year from the date VA
mailed its decision whichever period ends later
 

Board of Veterans Appeals
The Board of Veterans Appeals located in Washington D C makes
decisions on appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Although it is not required a veterans service organization an agent
or an attorney may represent a claimant Appellants may present
their case in person to a member of the Board at a hearing in Wash
ington D C at a VA regional office or by videoconference
 

The texts of appeal decisions made by the Board as well as a plain
language pamphlet Understanding the Appeal Process can be
found on the Internet http www va gov vbs bva This pamphlet
may also be requested by writing to Hearings and Transcription Unit
0141A Board of Veterans Appeals 810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington DC 20420 67
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60
U S Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
A final Board of Veterans Appeals decision that does not grant a
claimant the benefits desired may be appealed to the U S Court of
Appeals for Veterans Claims an independent court not part of the
Department of Veterans Affairs
 

Notice of an appeal must be received by the court with a postmark
that is within 120 days after the date stamped on the decision
on which the Board of Veterans Appeals mailed its decision The
court reviews the record considered by the Board of Veterans
Appeals It does not hold trials or receive new evidence Appellants
may represent themselves before the court or have lawyers or
approved agents as representatives Oral argument is held only at
the direction of the court Either party may appeal a decision of the
court to the U S Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and may
seek review in the Supreme Court of the United States
 

The court s Web site http www vetapp gov contains its decisions
case status information rules and procedures and other special
announcements The court s decisions can also be found in West s
Veterans Appeals Reporter and on the Westlaw and LEXIS online
services For other questions write to the Clerk of the Court 625
Indiana Ave NW Suite 900 Washington DC 20004 or call the
clerk s office at 202 501 5970 68
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61
Workplace Benefits
Some federal benefits for veterans and their dependents are admin
istered by agencies other than the Department of Veterans Affairs
 

Unemployment Compensation
Weekly unemployment compensation may be paid to discharged
servicemembers for a limited period of time The amount and dura
tion of payments are determined by individual states To apply
veterans who do not begin civilian employment immediately after
leaving the military should contact their nearest state employment
office and present a copy of their military discharge form DD 214
 

Transition Assistance Program
The Transition Assistance Program is available to servicemembers
and their spouses who are scheduled for separation from active duty
The program a joint effort by the Departments of Defense Labor
Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs provides employment and
training information to servicemembers within 12 months of their
separation or 24 months of retirement from the military Together with
the military services these agencies offer a number of services to
help separating servicemembers learn basic job hunting skills and
gain the self confidence necessary to make informed career choices
 

Three day workshops to help separating servicemembers and their
spouses begin the transition from military to civilian employment are
conducted at military installations Additional information is available
through the Veterans Employment and Training Service staff in each
state Addresses and phone numbers are listed in the government
section of telephone directories under Department of Labor and
online at http www dol gov vets aboutvets contacts main htm
 

Pre separation Counseling
The military services provide individual pre separation counseling at
least 90 days prior to servicemember s discharge These sessions
present information on education training employment assistance
National Guard and reserve programs medical benefits and financial
assistance to separating servicemembers
 

Verification of Military Experience and Training
The Verification of Military Experience and Training VMET Docu
ment DD Form 2586 helps servicemembers verify previous experi 69
69 Page 70 71
62
ence and training to potential employers write their resumes
prepare for job interviews negotiate credits at schools and obtain
certificates or licenses VMET documents are available only through
Army Navy Air Force and Marine Corps Transition Support offices
and are intended for separating or retiring servicemembers who have
at least six months of active duty service Servicemembers should
obtain VMET documents from their Transition Support office within
12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement
 

Transition Bulletin Board
This Web site http www dmdc osd mil ot allows employers to
make advertisements for short term or long term jobs It also con
tains business opportunities a calendar of transition seminars job
fairs information on military and veterans associations transition
products and services training and educational opportunities as well
as other announcements pertinent to separating personnel
 

DoD Transportal
This DoD Web site http www dodtransportal org supplements the
various transition assistance program resources available to separat
ing military personnel In addition to providing the locations and
phone numbers of all Transition Assistance Offices the site offers
mini courses on conducting successful job search campaigns writing
resumes using the Internet to find a job and links to job search and
recruiting Web sites A DoD job search Web site
http www dod jobsearch org features online resume entry job
advertisements and referrals
 

Veterans Workforce Investment Program
The Veterans Workforce Investment Program provides employment
and training programs to increase employment job retention earn
ings and occupational skills of recently separated veterans and
veterans who have service connected disabilities significant barriers
to employment or who served on active duty in the armed forces
during a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has
been authorized These programs may be conducted through state
or local public agencies community based organizations or private
nonprofit organizations Job counseling resume preparation job
development and placement services are also available to help
homeless veterans re enter the workforce Veterans should contact
the nearest state employment service office for more information 70
70 Page 71 72
63
State Employment Services
In addition to providing unemployment compensation information
Workforce Career or One Stop Centers provide a variety of services
for veterans seeking employment including current employment
information education and training opportunities job counseling and
job search workshops and resume preparation assistance Disabled
Veterans Outreach Program specialists DVOP at these offices and
at VA regional offices and readjustment counseling centers Vet
Centers work closely with employers veterans service organiza
tions community based organizations and other government agen
cies to promote job development and improve employment and
training opportunities for disabled veterans Local Veterans Employ
ment Representatives LVER are also available to provide special
ized services for veterans in each state visit the Internet for addi
tional information on DVOP and LVER programs at http
www dol gov vets programs fact Employment Services fs01 htm
 

Re employment Rights
A person who left a civilian job to enter active duty in the armed
forces may be entitled to return to the job after discharge or release
from active duty Re employment rights are provided for those who
served in the active duty or reserve components of the armed forces
To be re employed four requirements must be met 1 the person
must give advance notice of military service to the employer 2 the
cumulative absence from the civilian job shall not exceed five years
with some exceptions 3 the person must submit a timely applica
tion for re employment and 4 the person must not have been
released with a dishonorable or other punitive discharge
 

The law calls for the returning veteran to be placed in the job as if the
veteran had remained continuously employed This means that the
person may be entitled to benefits that are based on seniority such
as pensions pay increases and promotions The law also prohibits
discrimination in hiring promotion or other advantages of employ
ment on the basis of military service Applications for re employment
should be given verbally or in writing to a person authorized to
represent the company for hiring purposes A record should be kept
of the application If there are problems gaining re employment the
employee should contact the Department of Labor s Veterans
Employment and Training Service VETS in the state of the em
ployer concerned This applies to private sector as well as state
local and federal government employees including the Postal
Service 71
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64
Employees should contact their agency personnel office if they have
questions about their employment restoration rights If a veteran is
not re employed or is not re employed properly the veteran has the
right to file a complaint with VETS Additionally federal employees
may appeal directly to the Merit Systems Protection Board Non
federal employees may file complaints in U S district court Addi
tional information is available on the Internet from the Department of
Labor at http www dol gov vets welcome html
 

Federal Jobs for Veterans
Certain veterans principally those who are disabled or who served in
a hostile area are entitled to preference for civil service jobs being
filled by open competitive exams This preference includes five or 10
points added to passing scores in examinations and preference in
job retention Preference also is provided for certain unremarried
widows and widowers of deceased veterans and for mothers of
military personnel who died in service spouses of service connected
disabled veterans who are no longer able to work in their usual
occupations and mothers of veterans who have permanent and total
service connected disabilities Individuals interested in federal
employment should contact the personnel offices of the federal
agencies in which they wish to be employed Visit the Office of
Personnel Management OPM Web site
http www usajobs opm gov for information on creating a federal
resume or to post a resume online
 

Veterans enjoy many advantages in applying for federal jobs but
they are not guaranteed a position Federal agencies are required by
law to adhere to Merit System Principles in making appointments
Agencies have broad authority under law to select from a number of
different sources of candidates An agency can for example hire
from an open competitive list of eligibles in which case veterans
preference applies
 

Alternatively the agency can reinstate a former federal employee
transfer someone from another agency reassign someone from
within the agency make a selection under merit promotion proce
dures or appoint someone noncompetitively who is eligible under a
special appointing authority such as a Veterans Readjustment
Appointment or the special authority for 30 percent or more disabled
veterans Veterans preference is not a factor here and the decision
of which authority to use rests solely with the agency 72
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65
Finally veterans who are eligible under the more recent Veterans
Employment Opportunities Act enjoy the right to apply for jobs under
agency merit promotion procedures that are closed to others outside
the federal service However veterans receive no preference under
this authority
 

Veterans Readjustment Appointment
The Veterans Readjustment Appointment VRA authority allows
federal agencies to appoint eligible veterans to jobs without competi
tion Such appointments may lead to conversion to career or career
conditional employment upon satisfactory work for two years
Veterans seeking VRA appointment should apply directly to the
agency where they wish to work
 

OPM administers the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program
which requires that all federal departments and agencies establish
plans to facilitate the recruitment and advancement of disabled
veterans OPM provides information on veterans federal service
employment rights and privileges on the Internet
http www opm gov veterans
 

Miscellaneous Programs
Loans for Farms and Homes
Loans and guarantees may be provided by the U S Department of
Agriculture to buy improve or operate farms Loans and guarantees
are available for housing in towns generally up to 20,000 in popula
tion Applications from veterans have preference For further informa
tion contact Farm Service Agency or Rural Development U S
Department of Agriculture Washington DC 20250 or apply at local
Department of Agriculture offices usually located in county seats
 

Housing and Urban Development HUD
HUD grants are provided to non profit organizations state and local
governments and tribal nations to provide housing for homeless
veterans disabled veterans and veterans with low or moderate
incomes Other activities include homeownership assistance micro
enterprise development job training and substance abuse counsel
ing HUD sponsors the Veteran Resource Center HUDVET which
works with national veterans service organizations to serve as a
general information center on all HUD sponsored housing and
community development programs and services 73
73 Page 74 75
66
To contact HUDVET call 1 800 998 9999 TDD 800 483 2209 or e
mail hudvet hud gov HUD also funds approved housing counseling
agencies that provide free counseling services To find a counselor
that serves your neighborhood call toll free 800 569 4287 or visit
http www hud gov 80 offices hsg sfh hcc hcc home cfm
 

Naturalization Preference
Certain applicants who have served in the U S armed forces are
eligible to file for naturalization based on current or prior U S military
service An applicant who served three years in the U S military and
is a lawful permanent resident is excused from any specific period of
required residence period of residence in any specific place or
physical presence within the United States if the application for
naturalization is filed while the applicant is still serving in the military
or within six months of honorable discharge Applicants who file for
naturalization more than six months after termination of three years
of U S military service may count any periods of honorable service
as residence and physical presence in the United States
 

Aliens and non citizen nationals with honorable service in the U S
armed forces during specified periods of hostilities may be natural
ized without having to comply with the general requirements for
naturalization This is the only section of the Immigration and Nation
ality Act as amended which allows persons who have not been
lawfully admitted for permanent residence to file an application for
naturalization Any person who has served honorably during qualify
ing time may file an application at any time in his or her life if at the
time of enlistment reenlistment extension of enlistment or induction
such person shall have been in the United States the Canal Zone
American Samoa or Swain s Island or on or after Nov 18 1997
aboard a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for
non commercial service whether or not lawful admittance to the
United States for permanent residence has been granted
 

On July 3 2002 President Bush issued Executive Order 13269
providing naturalization for aliens and non citizen nationals serving
on active duty status in the U S armed forces from Sept 11 2001 to
a date not yet determined In addition if a person dies as a result of
injury or disease incurred or aggravated by such service their
survivor s can apply for posthumous citizenship at any time within
two years of the death of the alien or non citizen national For
information visit the U S Citizenship and Immigration Service Web
site http uscis gov graphics services natz Special htm 74
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67
Small Business Administration SBA
SBA provides a number of services to assist veterans who own or
are considering starting small businesses Among the services
provided are loan guarantee programs venture capital assistance
entrepreneurial development programs government contracting
assistance and Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Information about SBA s full range of services can be found on the
Internet http www sba gov vets or by contacting the Office of
Veterans Business Development at 202 205 6773 Veterans
Business Development Officers at SBA District Offices can provide
additional information Call 1 800 U ASK SBA 1 800 827 5722 to
locate the nearest SBA Office or for additional information
 

Federal Tax Credits and Assistance
Federal law provides tax credits and deductions that apply to many
veterans or their families The Earned Income Tax Credit may be
available to low or moderate income workers depending on the
amount of earned income and the number of children in the house
hold Even when income is below the threshold for filing a tax return
eligible individuals can file a return and claim the credit to receive a
refund Education credits and deductions for non reimbursed ex
penses may be available to individuals when they or members of
their family are pursuing post secondary or job related education
Child Tax Credits may be available to those with children under age
17 Special deductions and credits can benefit disabled taxpayers or
their families Free tax help is available for low income elderly
disabled and non English speaking individuals Returns can be filed
electronically to speed receipt of refunds and increase accuracy For
additional information call the Internal Revenue Service at 1 800
829 1040 or visit the IRS Web site at http www irs gov
 

Social Security
Monthly retirement disability and survivor benefits under Social
Security are payable to veterans and dependents if the veteran has
earned enough work credits under the program Upon the veteran s
death a one time payment of 255 also may be made to the
veteran s spouse or child In addition a veteran may qualify at age
65 for Medicare s hospital insurance and medical insurance Medi
care protection is available to people who have received Social
Security disability benefits for 24 months and to insured people and
their dependents who need dialysis or kidney transplants 75
75 Page 76 77
68
Active duty or active duty for training in the U S uniformed services
has counted toward Social Security since January 1957 Since
Jan 1 1988 inactive duty for training as a member of reserve
components of the armed forces also counts toward Social Security
Servicemembers and veterans receive an extra 300 credit for each
quarter in which they received any basic pay for active duty or active
duty for training after 1956 and before 1978 Veterans who served in
the military from 1978 through 2001 receive a credit of 100 for
each 300 of reported wages up to a maximum credit of 1,200
After 2001 additional earnings will no longer be credited No addi
tional Social Security taxes are withheld from pay for these extra
credits Also noncontributory Social Security credits of 160 a month
may be granted to veterans who served after Sept 15 1940 and
before 1957 including attendance at service academies More
information is available on the Internet http www ssa gov or by
calling l 800 772 1213
 

Supplemental Security Income
Those age 65 or older and those who are blind or otherwise disabled
may be eligible for monthly Supplemental Security Income SSI
payments if they have little or no income or resources States may
supplement the federal payments to eligible persons and may
disregard additional income Although VA compensation and pension
benefits are counted in determining income for SSI purposes some
other income is not counted Also not all resources count in deter
mining eligibility For example a person s home and the land it is on
do not count Personal effects household goods automobiles and
life insurance may not count depending upon their value Informa
tion and assistance in applying for these payments may be obtained
at any Social Security office or by calling l 800 772 1213
 

Passports to Visit Overseas Cemeteries
No fee passports are available for family members visiting graves
or memorialization sites at World War I and World War II cemeteries
overseas Those eligible for such passports include surviving
spouses parents children sisters brothers and guardians of the
deceased who are buried or commemorated in American military
cemeteries on foreign soil For additional information write to the
American Battle Monuments Commission Courthouse Plaza II
Suite 500 2300 Clarendon Blvd Arlington VA 22201 phone
703 696 6897 or visit their Homepage on the Internet at
http www abmc gov 76
76 Page 77 78
69
Medals
Medals awarded while in active service are issued by the individual
military services if requested by veterans or by the next of kin of
deceased veterans Requests for the issuance or replacement of
military service medals decorations and awards should be directed
to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served
However for Air Force including Army Air Corps and Army veter
ans the National Personnel Records Center NPRC verifies the
awards to which a veteran is entitled and forwards requests and
verification to appropriate service department for issuance
 

Requests for replacement medals should be submitted on Standard
Form 180 Request Pertaining To Military Records which may be
obtained at VA offices from veterans organizations or downloaded
from the Internet http www vba va gov pubs otherforms htm The
Military Personnel Records section of NPRC s Web site
http www archives gov facilities mo st louis
military personnel records html has forms addresses and other
information on requesting medals
 

When requesting medals type or clearly print the veteran s full
name include the veteran s branch of service service number or
Social Security Number and provide the veteran s exact or approxi
mate dates of military service The request must contain the signa
ture of the veteran or the signature of the next of kin if the veteran is
deceased If available include a copy of the discharge or separation
document WDAGO Form 53 55 or DD Form 214
 

Review of Discharges
Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with
authority to change correct or modify discharges or dismissals that
are not issued by a sentence of a general courts martial The board
has no authority to address medical discharges The veteran or if
the veteran is deceased or incompetent the surviving spouse next
of kin or legal representative may apply for a review of discharge by
writing to the military department concerned using Department of
Defense Form 293 This form may be obtained at a VA regional
office from veterans organizations or from the Internet
http web1 whs osd mil icdhome forms htm However if the
discharge was more than 15 years ago a veteran must petition the
appropriate service Board for Correction of Military Records using
DoD Form 149 which is discussed in the Correction of Military
Records section of this booklet A discharge review is conducted by 77
77 Page 78 79
70
a review of an applicant s record and if requested by a hearing
before the board
 

Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period of
unauthorized absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible
for VA benefits regardless of action taken by discharge review
boards unless VA determines there were compelling circumstances
for the absence Boards for the correction of military records also
may consider such cases
 

Veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated during active
military service may qualify for medical or related benefits regardless
of separation and characterization of service Veterans separated
administratively under other than honorable conditions may request
that their discharge be reviewed for possible recharacterization
provided they file their appeal within 15 years of the date of separa
tion Questions regarding the review of a discharge should be
addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at the address
listed on Department of Defense Form 293
 

Replacing Military Records
If discharge or separation papers are lost veterans or the next of kin
of deceased veterans may obtain duplicate copies by completing
forms found on the Internet at http www archives gov
research room vetrecs and mailing or faxing them to the National
Personnel Records Center Alternatively write the National Person
nel 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 so that it can be read clearly but the request must
also contain the signature of the veteran or the signature of the next
of kin if the veteran is deceased Include branch of service service
number or Social Security number and exact or approximate dates
and years of service Use Standard Form 180 Request Pertaining
To Military Records See the World Wide Web Links section of this
booklet for more information on obtaining this and other federal
forms through the Internet or contact your local VA regional office
It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran s dis
charge or separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claim
for VA benefits If complete information about the veteran s service is
furnished on the application VA will obtain verification of service from
the National Personnel Records Center or the service department
concerned 78
78 Page 79 80
71
Correction of Military Records
The secretary of a military department acting through a board for
correction of military records has authority to change any military
record when necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice
A correction board may consider military record corrections including
a review of a discharge issued by courts martial
 

The veteran survivor or legal representative generally must file a
request for correction within three years after discovery of an alleged
error or injustice The board may excuse failure to file within the
prescribed time however if it finds it would be in the interest of
justice to do so It is an applicant s responsibility to show why the
filing of the application was delayed and why it would be in the
interest of justice for the board to consider it despite the delay
 

To justify any correction it is necessary to show to the satisfaction of
the board that the alleged entry or omission in the records was in
error or unjust Applications should include all available evidence
such as signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments
supporting the requested correction Application is made with DD
Form 149 available at VA offices from veterans organizations or
from the Internet http web1 whs osd mil icdhome forms htm
 

Armed Forces Retirement Homes
Veterans are eligible to live in the Armed Forces Retirement Home in
Gulfport Miss or the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washing
ton D C if their active duty military service is at least 50 percent
enlisted warrant officer or limited duty officer and if they are 60
years of age or older and have completed 20 years or more of active
duty service unable to earn a livelihood due to a service connected
disability unable to earn a livelihood due to a non service connected
disability and served in a war theater during a time of war declared
by Congress or received hostile fire pay female veterans who
served prior to 1948 Veterans are not eligible if they have been
convicted of a felony or are not free from alcohol drug or psychiatric
problems Married couples are welcome but both must be eligible in
their own right At the time of admission applicants must be capable
of living independently
 

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is an independent federal
agency For information please call AFRH Gulfport at 1 800 332
3527 AFRH Washington at 1 800 422 9988 or visit their Web site
at http www afrh gov 79
79 Page 80 81
72
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United
States are available to honorably discharged veterans with a service
connected disability rated at 100 percent unremarried surviving
spouses of members or retired members of the armed forces
recipients of the Medal of Honor and their dependents and orphans
Certification of total disability is done by VA Reservists and their
dependents also may be eligible Privileges overseas are governed
by international law and are available only if agreed upon by the
foreign government concerned Though these benefits are provided
by DoD VA does provide assistance in completing DD Form 1172
Application for Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege
Card For detailed information contact the nearest military installa
tion
 

Death Gratuity
Military services provide a death gratuity of 12,000 to a deceased
servicemember s next of kin The death gratuity is paid for death in
active service or for retirees who died within 120 days of retirement
as a result of service connected injury or illness Parents brothers or
sisters may be provided the gratuity if designated as next of kin by
the deceased The gratuity is paid by the last military command of
the deceased If the beneficiary is not paid automatically application
may be made to the military service concerned 80
80 Page 81 82
73
2004 Improved Disability Pension
Maximum
Status Annual Rate
 

Veteran without dependent 9,690
Veteran with one dependent 12,692
Veteran permanently housebound no dependents 11,843
Veteran permanently housebound one dependent 14,844
Veteran needing regular aid and attendance
no dependents 16,169
Veteran needing regular aid and attendance
one dependent 19,167
Two veterans married to one another 12,692
Veterans of World War I and Mexican Border
Period addition to the applicable annual rate 2,197
Increase for each additional dependent child 1,653
 

Examples and more information can be found in the Compensa
tion and Pension Benefits section of VA s Internet pages
http www va gov Click on Rate Tables
 

2004 Disability Compensation
Disability Monthly Rate
 

10 percent 106
20 percent 205
30 percent 316
40 percent 454
50 percent 646
60 percent 817
70 percent 1,029
80 percent 1,195
90 percent 1,344
100 percent 2,239
 

Veterans with disability ratings between 30 percent and 100
percent are eligible for allowances for a spouse and for each
minor child The amount depends on the disability rating
 

Tables 81
81 Page 82 83
74
2004 Vocational Rehabilitation Rates
Paid monthly
 

Type of training
A Institutional or independent living training or unpaid work
experience in a federal state or local agency or an agency of a
federally recognized Indian tribe
 

B Unpaid on the job training in a federal state or local agency
or an agency of a federally recognized Indian tribe training in a
home vocational course in a rehabilitation facility or sheltered
workshop independent instructor institutional non farm coopera
tive
 

C Farm cooperative apprenticeship on the job training or on
the job non farm cooperative VA payment is based on the wage
received
 

D Extended evaluation
 

Type of No One Two Each
training dependent dep dep add dep
 

A
Full time 454.96 564.34 665.03 48.48
3 4 time 341.85 423.87 497.21 37.28
1 2 time 228.74 283.41 333.13 24.87
 

Full
time 454.96 564.34 665.03 48.48
 

C
Full time 397.79 481.05 554.39 36.06
 

D
Full time 454.96 564.34 665.03 48.48
3 4 time 341.85 423.87 497.21 37.28
1 2 time 228.74 283.41 333.13 24.87
1 4 time 114.35 141.70 166.57 12.41 82
82 Page 83 84
75
Spouses
2004 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Veteran died prior to Jan 1 1993
 

E 1 E 6 967
E 7 1,000
E 8 1,056
E 9 1,102
 

W 1 1,022
W 2 1,063
W 3 1,094
W 4 1,157
 

O 1 1,022
O 2 1,056
O 3 1,130
O 4 1,195
O 5 1,316
O 6 1,483
O 7 1,602
O 8 1,758
O 9 1,881
O 10 2,063
 

Pay Grade Monthly Rate
 

Add 208 if veteran was totally disabled eight continuous
years prior to death
 

Spouses
2004 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Veteran died on after Jan 1 1993
 

Allowances Monthly Rate
Basic Rate 967
Additional
Each Dependent Child 241
Aid and Attendance 241
Housebound 115 83
83 Page 84 85
76
Spina Bifida Benefits
Effective Dec 1 2003
 

Benefits for Children of Women Vietnam Veterans
Born with Certain Birth Defects
Effective Dec 1 2003
 

Level I Level II Level III Level IV
Monthly 105 232 804 1,373
 

Provided to children of women Vietnam veterans who
suffer from certain covered birth defects The four levels
represent degree of disability
 

Level I Level II Level III
Monthly Rate 232 804 1,373
 

Provided to children of Vietnam veterans born with spina
bifida The three levels represent degree of disability
 

2004 Improved Death Pension
Maximum
Recipient Annual Rate
 

Surviving spouse 6,497
With one dependent child 8,507
 

Surviving spouse permanently housebound 7,942
With dependent child 9,948
 

Surviving spouse in need of regular
aid and attendance 10,387
With dependent child 12,393
 

Allowance for each additional
dependent child 1,653
 

Pension for each surviving child 1,653 84
84 Page 85 86
77
Funding Fees
Loan Guaranty Maximum
Amount Percent Amount
 

Up to 45,000 50 22,500
45,001 to 56,250 40 50 22,500
56,251 to 144,000 40 36,000
144,001 or more 25 60,000
Manufactured home or lot 40 20,000
 

Loan Guaranty Entitlement
 

Loan Veterans Reservists
Category of loan of loan
 

Purchase or construction loans 2.2 prior 2.4
with down payments of to 9 30 04
less than 5 percent 2.15
refinancing loans and thereafter
home improvement loans
 

Purchase or construction loans 1.5 1.75
with down payments of
at least 5 percent but
less than 10 percent
 

Purchase or construction loans 1.25 1.5
with down payments of
10 percent or more
 

Manufactured home loans 1.0 1.0
Interest rate reduction loans 0.5 0.5
Assumption of VA guaranteed loans 0.5 0.5
Second or subsequent use
without a down payment 3.3 3.3 85
85 Page 86 87
78
For information on Call
VA Benefits 1 800 827 1000
Health Benefits 1 877 222 8387
Education Benefits 1 888 442 4551
Life Insurance 1 800 669 8477
Debt Management 1 800 827 0648
Mammography Hotline 1 888 492 7844
Telecommunication Device
for the Deaf TDD 1 800 829 4833
CHAMPVA 1 800 733 8387
Headstones and Markers 1 800 697 6947
Gulf War Agent Orange 1 800 749 8387
 

Health Eligibility Center 404 235 1257
1644 Tullie Circle or
Atlanta GA 30329 2303 1 800 929 8387
 

This VA Federal Benefits booklet and other VA
information is available on VA s World Wide Web
Home Page at
 

http www va gov
 

Important
Phone Numbers 86
86 Page 87 88
79
VA Home page www va gov
VA consumer affairs www va gov customer conaff asp
 

VA Benefits and Health Care Information
Compensation Pension www vba va gov bln 21
VA benefits application vabenefits vba va gov vonapp
Health benefits and services www va gov vbs health
Burial and memorial benefits www cem va gov
Education benefits www gibill va gov
VA home loan guaranties www homeloans va gov
Board of Veterans Appeals www va gov vbs bva
Benefits outside the U S www vba va gov bln 21 foreign
TRICARE www tricare osd mil
CHAMPVA www va gov hac
 

Forms
VA forms www va gov forms
Government forms www vba va gov pubs otherforms htm
 

Employment Assistance
For veterans www opm gov veterans index htm
Veterans preference www opm gov veterans html vetguide htm
Federal government job openings www usajobs opm gov
Dept of Labor http www dol gov vets welcome html
 

Business Assistance
Small Business Administration www sba gov VETS
Small and Disadvantaged Businesses www va gov OSDBU
 

Other Useful Sites
Arlington National Cemetery www arlingtoncemetery org
Department of Defense www defenselink mil
Military funeral honors www militaryfuneralhonors osd mil
Military records www archives gov research room vetrecs
 

La Versión en Español de Este Folleto
www va gov opa feature
 

VA on the Internet 87
87 Page 88 89
80 88
88 Page 89 90
81
ALABAMA
Medical Centers
Central AL Veterans HC System
1 800 214 8387
Montgomery 36109 215 Perry Hill
Rd 334 260 4100
Tuskegee 36083 2400 Hospital
Rd 334 725 3085
Birmingham 35233 700 S 19th St
205 933 4515
Tuscaloosa 35404 3701 Loop Rd
East 205 554 2000
Clinics
Anniston Oxford 36203 96 Ali Way
Creekside South Oxford
256 832 4141
Decatur Madison 35758 8075
Madison Blvd Suite 101
Madison 256 772 6220
Dothan 36301 2020 Alexander Dr
334 679 4166
Dothan MHC 36301 202 W Adams
St Suite 1 334 678 1933
 

Florence Shoals Area 35660 422
DD Cox Blvd 256 381 9055
Gadsden 35906 206 Rescia Ave
256 413 7154
Huntsville 35801 301 Governor s
Dr S W 256 535 3106
Jasper 35501 3400 Hwy 78 East
Medical Towers Suite 215
205 221 7384
Mobile 36604 1504 Springhill Ave
251 219 3900
Regional Office
Montgomery 36109 345 Perry Hill
Rd statewide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Centers
Birmingham 35233 1500 5th Ave
S 205 731 0550
Mobile 36606 2577 Government
Blvd 251 478 5906
National Cemeteries
Mobile 36604 1202 Virginia St
850 453 4108 or 453 4846
Fort Mitchell 36856 Fort Mitchell
553 Hwy 165 334 855 4731
 

ALASKA
Medical Center
Alaska VA Healthcare System and
Regional Office Anchorage
99508 2989 2925
DeBarr Rd 907 257 4700
Homeless Veterans Service
Anchorage 99503 3001 C Street
1 800 764 2995
Clinics
Kenai 99611 11355 Frontage Rd
Suite 130 907 283 2231
Fairbanks 99703 Ft Wainwright
Bassett Army Comm Hosp
Gaffney Bldg 4065 Rm 169 176
907 353 6370
Regional Office
Anchorage 99508 2989 2925
DeBarr Rd local 907 257 5460
statewide 1 800 827 1000
Benefits Office
Juneau 99802 P O Box 20069
907 586 7472
 

VA Facilities
Note Patients should call the
telephone numbers listed to
obtain clinic hours of operation
and specialties served
 

The following symbols indicate
additional programs are available
at medical centers
for nursing home care units
for domiciliaries
 

Corrections Please send
address and telephone number
corrections to
 

Federal Benefits for Veterans
and Dependents 80D
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington DC 20420 89
89 Page 90 91
82
Vet Centers
Anchorage 99508 4201 Tudor
Centre Dr Suite 115
907 563 6966
Fairbanks 99701 540 4th Ave
Suite 100 907 456 4238
Kenai 99669 Red Diamond Ctr
Bldg F Suite 4 43335 Kalifornsky
Beach Rd 907 260 7640
Wasilla 99654 851 E Westpoint
Ave Suite 111 907 376 4318
National Cemeteries
Fort Richardson 99505 5498
Building 997 Davis Highway
907 384 7075
Sitka 99835 803 Sawmill Creek
Rd 907 384 7075
 

AMERICAN SAMOA
Benefits Office
Pago Pago 96799 PO Box 1005
684 633 5071
 

ARIZONA
Medical Centers
Phoenix 85012 650 East Indian
School Rd 602 277 5551
Enrollment Ext 6508
Prescott 86313 500 Highway 89
North 928 445 4860
Tucson 85723 3601 S 6th Ave
520 792 1450
Clinics
Bellemont 86015 Camp Navajo
Army Depot P O Box 16196 928
445 4860 x7820 or 928 226 1056
Buckeye 85326 1209 N Miller Rd
623 386 5785
Cottonwood 86326 203 Candy
Lane Suite 5B 928 649 1532
Casa Grande 85222 Plaza del Sol
Suites H I 900 E Florence Blvd
520 629 4900 or 1 800 470 8262
Green Valley 85615 380 W Vista
Hermosa Suite 140 520 629
4900 or 1 800 470 8262
Kingman 86401 1726 Beverly Ave
928 445 4860 ext 6830
 

Lake Havasu City 86403 2035
Mesquite Ave Suite E 928 445
4860 ext 7300 or 928 680 0090
Mesa 85212 6950 E Williams Field
Rd 602 222 6568
Payson 85541 1106 N Beeline
Hwy 928 472 3148
Safford 85546 Bureau of Land
Mgmt 711 S 14 th Ave 520 629
4900 or 1 800 470 8262
Show Low 85901 2450 Show Low
Lake Rd 1 3 928 532 1069
Sierra Vista 85613 Ft Huachuca
Bliss Army Health Ctr Bldg
45001 1 800 470 8262
Sun City 85351 10147W Grand
Ave Suite C 602 222 2630
Yuma 85365 Bureau of Land
Mgmt 2555 E Gila Ridge Road
520 629 4900 or 1 800 470 8262
Regional Office
Phoenix 85012 3225 N Central
Ave statewide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Centers
Phoenix 85012 77 E Weldon Ave
Suite 100 602 640 2981
Prescott 86303 161 S Granite St
Suite B 928 778 3469
Tucson 85719 3055 N 1st Ave
520 882 0333
National Cemeteries
Phoenix 85024 23029 N Cave
Creek Rd 480 513 3600
Prescott 86301 500 Highway 89 N
for information call 480 513 3600
 

ARKANSAS
Medical Centers
Fayetteville 72703 1100 N College
Ave 479 443 4301
Central Ark Veterans HC System
North Little Rock 72114 2200
Fort Roots Dr 501 257 1000
Little Rock 72205 4300 W 7th
St 501 257 1000
Clinics
El Dorado 71730 460 West Oak
870 862 2489 90
90 Page 91 92
83
Ft Smith 72917 Sparks Medical
1500 Dodson Ave 479 709 6850
Harrison 72601 Main Street Clinic
707 N Main St 870 741 3592
Hot Springs 72214 1661 Airport
Rd 501 760 1513
Jonesboro 72401 223 E Jackson
901 523 8990
Mountain Home 72653 405
Buttercup Dr 870 425 3030
Paragould 72450 1101 W Morgan
Suite 8 870 236 9756
Regional Office
North Little Rock 72115 Bldg 65
Ft Roots P O Box 1280 state
wide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Center
North Little Rock 72114 201 W
Broadway Suite A 501 324 6395
National Cemeteries
Fayetteville 72701 700 Government
Ave 501 444 5051
Fort Smith 72901 522 Garland Ave
501 783 5345
Little Rock 72206 2523 Confeder
ate Blvd 501 324 6401
 

CALIFORNIA
Medical Centers
Fresno 93703 2615 E Clinton
Ave 559 225 6100
Greater Los Angeles HC System
West Los Angeles 90073 11301
Wilshire Blvd 310 478 3711
Loma Linda 92357 11201 Benton
St 1 800 741 8387
Long Beach 90822 5901 E 7th
St 562 826 8000
Northern Calif HC System
Martinez 94553 150 Muir Rd
925 372 2000
Sacramento 95655 10535
Hospital Way 916 843 7000
Palo Alto HC System
Livermore 94550 4951 Arroyo
Rd 925 373 4700
Menlo Park 94025 795 Willow
Rd 650 493 5000
 

Palo Alto 94304 3801 Miranda
Ave 650 493 5000
San Diego HC System
San Diego 92161 3350 La Jolla
illage Dr 858 552 8585
San Francisco 94121 4150
Clement St 415 221 4810
Clinics
Anaheim 92801 1801 W Romneya
Dr Suite 303 714 780 5400
Antelope Valley Lancaster 93536 N
Lancaster Ave 661 729 8655
Atwater 95301 3605 Hospital Rd
Suite D 209 381 0105
Auburn 95603 3123 Professional
Dr Suite 250 1 888 227 5404
Bakersfield 93301 1801 Westwind
Dr 661 632 1800
Brawley Imperial Valley 92227 528
G St 760 344 1881
Capitola 95010 co located at Santa
Cruz Co Vet Center 1350 N 41st
St Suite 102 831 464 5519
Chico 95926 280 Cohasset Rd
Suite 101 530 879 5000
Chula Vista 91910 835 Third Ave
619 409 1600
Corona 92879 800 Magnolia Ave
Suite 101 909 817 8820
Culver City 90230 3831 Hughes
Ave Suite 100 310 202 8223
East Los Angeles 90040 5400 E
Olympic Blvd 150 City of
Commerce 323 725 7557
Escondido 92025 815 East Penn
sylvania Ave 760 745 2000
Eureka 95501 727 E St
707 442 5335
Fairfield 94535 103 Bodin Circle
Bldg 778 Travis AFB
707 437 1800
Gardena 90247 1251 Redondo
Beach Blvd 310 851 4705
Lompoc 93436 1111 E Ocean Ave
Suite 8 805 736 7767
Long Beach 90806 2001 River Ave
Bldg 28 562 388 8000 91
91 Page 92 93
84
Los Angeles 90012 351 E Temple
St 213 253 5000
Mare Island 94592 Bldg 201
Walnut Ave 707 562 8200
Martinez 94553 150 Muir Rd
925 372 2000
Mission Valley 92108 8810 Rio San
Diego Dr 619 400 5000
Modesto 95350 1524 McHenry
Suite 315 209 557 6200
Monterey 93955 Fort Ord 3401
Engineer Lane Seaside
831 883 3800
Oakland 94612 2221 Martin Luther
King Jr Way 510 267 7820
Oakland MHC 94607 Army Base
2505 West 14 th St 510 587 3400
Oxnard 93030 250 W Citrus Grove
Ave 150 805 983 6384
Palm Desert 92211 41865 Board
walk Suite 103 760 341 5570
Pasadena 91107 1350 N Altadena
Dr 626 296 9500
Redding 96002 351 Hartnell Ave
530 226 7555
Sacramento 95652 1074 5342
Dudley Blvd McClellan Park AFB
916 561 7400
San Francisco 94103 13th
Mission St Suite 3280
415 551 7300
San Jose 95119 80 Great Oaks
Blvd 408 363 3000
San Luis Obispo 93401 1288 Moro
St 200 805 543 1233
Santa Ana 92704 2740 S Bristol
St Suite 101 714 825 3500
Santa Fe Springs 90670 10210 Orr
and Day Rd 562 864 5565
Santa Barbara 93110 4440 Calle
Real 805 683 1491
Santa Rosa 95403 3315 Chanate
Rd 707 570 3800
Sepulveda 91343 16111 Plummer
St 818 891 7711
Sonora 95370 19747 Greenley Rd
209 588 2600
 

Stockton 95231 San Joaquin
General Hospital 500 W Hospital
Rd 209 946 3400
Sun City 92586 28125 Bradley Rd
130 909 672 1931
Tulare 93274 1050 N Cherry St
559 684 8703
Ukiah 95482 238B Hospital Dr
707 468 1870
Upland 91786 1238 E Arrow Hwy
100 909 946 5348
ictorville 92392 12138 Industrial
Blvd Suite 120 760 951 2599
ista 92083 1840 West Dr
760 643 2000
Regional Offices
Los Angeles 90024 Fed Bldg
11000 Wilshire Blvd serving
counties of Inyo Kern Los
Angeles Orange San Bernardino
San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara
and Ventura 1 800 827 1000
San Diego 92108 8810 Rio San
Diego Dr serving Imperial
Riverside and San Diego
statewide 1 800 827 1000
Oakland 94612 1301 Clay St Rm
1300 North 1 800 827 1000
Counties of Alpine Lassen Modoc
and Mono served by Regional
Office in Reno Nev
Vet Centers
Anaheim 92805 859 S Harbor
Blvd 714 776 0161
Chico 95926 280 Cohasset Rd
530 899 8549
Concord 94520 1899 Clayton Rd
Suite 140 925 680 4526
Corona 92879 800 Magnolia Ave
140 909 734 0525
East Los Angeles 90022 5400 E
Olympic 140 323 728 9966
Eureka 95501 2830 G St Suite A
707 444 8271
Fresno 93726 3636 N 1st St Suite
112 559 487 5660
Gardena 90247 1045 W Redondo
Beach Blvd 150 310 767 1221 92
92 Page 93 94
85
West Los Angeles 90230 5730
Uplander Way Suite 100 Culver
City 310 641 0326
Marina 93933 455 Reservation Rd
Suite E 408 384 1660
Oakland 94612 1504 Franklin St
200 510 763 3904
Redwood City 94062 2946 Broad
way St 650 299 0672
Rohnert Park 94928 6225 State
Farm Dr 707 586 3295
Sacramento 95825 1111 Howe
Ave Suite 390 916 566 7430
San Bernardino 92408 155 West
Hospitality Lane 909 890 0797
San Diego 92103 2900 6th Ave
619 294 2040
San Francisco 94103 205 13th St
Suite 3190 415 431 6021
San Jose 95112 278 N 2nd St
408 993 0729
Santa Barbara 93101 1300 Santa
Barbara St 805 585 1860
Sepulveda 91343 9737 Haskell
Ave 818 892 9227
Upland 91786 313 N Mountain
Ave 909 982 0416
ista 92083 1830 West Dr Suite
103 760 643 2070
National Cemeteries
Los Angeles 90049 950 S
Sepulveda Blvd 310 268 4494
San Bruno 94066 1300 Sneath
Lane San Francisco 650 761
1646 San Mateo 650 589 7737
San Diego 92106 P O Box 6237
Point Loma 619 553 2084
Riverside 92518 22495 Van Buren
Blvd 909 653 8417
San Francisco 94129 Presidio of
San Francisco 415 761 1646
Gustine 95322 32053 West
McCabe Rd 209 854 1040
 

COLORADO
Medical Centers
Grand Junction 81501 2121 North
Ave 970 242 0731
 

A Eastern Colorado HC System
Denver 80220 1055 Clermont St
303 399 8020
Pueblo 81008 4112 Outlook Blvd
719 553 1003
Clinics
Alamosa CO 81101 622 Del Sol
Dr 719 587 6800
Aurora 80045 13001 East 17 th
Place Bldg 500 303 724 0190
Colorado Springs 80905 25 N
Spruce St 719 327 5660
Durango 81301 3575 N Main Ave
970 247 2214
Fort Collins 80524 1100 Poudre
River Dr 970 224 1550
Greeley 80631 2020 16th St
970 313 0027
LaJunta 81050 1100 Carson Ave
Suite 104 719 383 5195
Lakewood 80225 155 Van Gordon
St Suite 395 303 914 2680
Lamar 81052 301 Kendall Dr
719 336 5972
Montrose 81401 4 Hillcrest Plaza
Way 970 249 7791
Pueblo CO 81008 4112 Outlook
Blvd 719 553 1000
Regional Office
Denver 80225 Box 25126 state
wide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Centers
Boulder 80302 2336 Canyon Blvd
Suite 130 303 440 7306
Colorado Springs 80903 416 E
Colorado Ave 719 471 9992
Denver 80230 7465 E First Ave
Suite B 303 326 0645
National Cemeteries
Denver 80235 Fort Logan 3698 S
Sheridan Blvd 303 761 0117
Fort Lyon 81038 303 761 0117
 

CONNECTICUT
Medical Centers
Conn HC System
West Haven Division 06516 950
Campbell Ave 203 932 5711 93
93 Page 94 95
86
Newington Division 06111 555
Willard Ave 860 666 6951
Clinics
Danbury 06810 7 Germantown Rd
203 798 8422
Stamford 06924 90 Morgan St
1 888 844 4441
New London 06320 15 Mohegan
Ave 860 437 3611
Waterbury 06706 133 Scovill St
203 465 5292
Windham 06226 96 Mansfield St
860 450 7583
Winsted 06098 115 Spencer St
860 738 6985
Regional Office
Hartford 06103 450 Main St
statewide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Centers
Wethersfield 06109 30 Jordan Ln
860 240 3543
Norwich 06360 60 Main St
860 887 1755
West Haven 06516 141 Captain
Thomas Blvd 203 932 9899
 

DELAWARE
Medical Center
Wilmington 19805 1601 Kirkwood
Highway 302 994 2511
Clinic
Millsboro 19966 214 W DuPont
Highway 302 633 5212
Regional Office
Wilmington 19805 1601 Kirkwood
Hwy statewide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Center
Wilmington 19805 1601 Kirkwood
Hwy Bldg 3 302 994 1660
 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Medical Center
Washington D C 20422 50 Irving
St N W 202 745 8000
Clinic
Southeast 20032 820 Chesapeake
St S E 202 745 8685
 

Regional Office
Washington D C 20421 1722 I St
N W 1 800 827 1000
Vet Center
Washington D C 20011 1250
Taylor St N W 202 726 5212
 

FLORIDA
Medical Centers
Bay Pines 33744 10000 Bay
Pines Blvd 727 398 6661
N Fla S Ga Veterans H System
Gainesville 32608 1601 South
west Archer Rd 352 376 1611
Lake City 32025 619 S Marion
Ave 386 755 3016
Miami 33125 1201 N W 16th St
305 324 4455
Tampa 33612 13000 Bruce B
Downs Blvd 813 972 2000
West Palm Beach 33410 7305 N
Military Trail 561 882 8262
Clinics
Avon Park 33825 950 C R 17A
West 863 452 3000
Boca Raton 33433 900 Glades Rd
561 416 8995
Brooksville 34613 14540 Cortez
Blvd Suite 202 352 597 8287
Coral Springs 33065 9900 W
Sample Rd 954 575 4940
Daytona Beach 32114 551 National
Health Care Dr 386 274 4600
Deerfield Beach 33442 2100 SW
10th St 954 570 5572
Delray Beach 33445 4800 Linton
Blvd 561 495 1973
Dunedin 34698 1721 Main St
727 734 5276
Ellenton 34222 4333 U S Hwy 301
North 941 721 0649
Fort Myers 33916 3033 Winkler
Extension 239 939 3939
Ft Pierce 34950 727 North US 1
561 595 5150
Hallandale Beach 33009 2500 E
Hallandale Beach Blvd Pent
house II 954 454 7788 94
94 Page 95 96
87
Homestead 33030 950 Krome Ave
Suite 401 305 248 0874
Inverness 34453 401 North Central
Ave 352 637 3500
Jacksonville 32206 1833 Boulevard
St 904 232 3033
Key Largo 33037 105662 Overseas
Highway 305 451 0164
Key West 33040 1300 Douglas Cir
305 293 4609
Kissimmee 34741 201 Hilda St
407 518 5004
Lakeland 33803 3240 S Florida
Ave 863 701 2470
Leesburg 34788 711 W Main Blvd
352 728 4462
Naples 34101 2685 Horseshoe Dr
S Suite 101 239 659 9188
New Port Richey 34652 9912 Little
Rd 727 869 4100
Oakland Park 33334 5599 N Dixie
Highway 954 771 2101
Ocala 34470 1515 E Silver Springs
Blvd 352 369 3320
Okeechobee 34972 1201 N Parrott
Ave 863 824 3232
Orlando 32803 5201 Raymond St
407 629 1599
Panama City 32407 6703 West
Hwy 98 Bldg 387 850 636 7000
Pembroke Pines Hollywood 33024
7369 Sheridan 954 894 1668
Pensacola South 32503 312
Kenmore Rd 850 476 1100
Pensacola North 32506 7895 C
Pensacola Ave 850 471 7640
Port Charlotte 33952 2885 Tamiami
Trail Suite 301 941 235 2710
Sanford 32771 1403 Medical Plaza
Dr 109 407 323 5999
Sarasota 34233 5682 Bee Ridge
Rd Suite 100 941 371 3349
St Petersburg 33711 3420 8th
Avenue South 727 322 1304
St Augustine 32086 1955 US 1
South Suite 200 904 829 0814
Stuart 34997 3501 SE Willoughby
Blvd 561 288 0304
 

Tallahassee 32308 1607 St James
Ct 850 878 0191
ero Beach 32960 1485 37 th St
Suite 102 561 299 4623
iera 32940 2900 Veterans Way
321 637 3788
Zephyrhills 33541 37814 Medical
Arts Ct 813 780 2550
Regional Office
St Petersburg 33708 P O Box
1437 statewide 1 800 827 1000
Benefits Offices 1 800 877 1000
Fort Lauderdale 33301 VR E 299
East Broward Blvd Room 324
Jacksonville 32256 VR E 7825
Baymeadows Way Suite 120 B
Orlando 32801 VR E 1000 Legion
Place 1500
Orlando 32801 C P 1000 Legion
Place 1550
Pensacola 32503 7492 C P 312
Kenmore Rd Rm 1G250
West Palm Beach 33410 C P 7305
North Military Trail Suite 1A 167
Vet Centers
Ft Lauderdale 33304 713 N E 3rd
Ave 954 356 7926
Jacksonville 32202 300 East State
St 904 232 3621
Miami 33129 2700 S W 3rd Ave
Suite1A 305 859 8387
Orlando 32822 5575 S Semoran
Blvd Suite 36 407 857 2800
Palm Beach 33461 2311 10th Ave
North 13 561 585 0441
Pensacola 32501 4501 Twin Oaks
Dr 850 456 5886
Sarasota 34231 4801 Swift Rd
941 927 8285
St Petersburg 33713 2880 1st
Ave N 727 893 3791
Tallahassee 32303 249 E 6th Ave
850 942 8810
Tampa 33604 8900 N Armenia
Ave Suite 312 813 228 2621
National Cemeteries
Barrancas 32508 1099 80 Hovey
Rd Naval Air Station Pensacola
850 453 4108 or 850 453 4846 95
95 Page 96 97
88
Bay Pines 33504 0477 10000 Bay
Pines Blvd North 727 398 9426
Bushnell 33513 Florida 6502 SW
102nd Ave 352 793 7740
St Augustine 32084 104 Marine
St 352 793 7740
 

GEORGIA
Medical Centers
Augusta 30904 1 Freedom Way
706 823 2201
Decatur 30033 1670 Clairmont
Rd 404 321 6111
Dublin 31021 1826 Veterans
Blvd 478 277 2701
Clinics
Albany 31701 417 4th Ave 229
446 9000 or 1 877 216 4495
Atlanta 30309 77 Peachtree Pl
404 321 6111 ext 2600
Columbus 31906 1310 13th Ave
706 257 7205
Lawrenceville 30043 1970 River
side Pkwy 404 417 1750
Macon 31220 5398 Thomaston Rd
Suite B 478 476 8868
Oakwood 30566 3931 Mundy Mill
Rd Suite C 404 728 8210
Savannah 31406 325 W Montgom
ery Crossroad 912 920 0214
Smyrna 30082 562 Concord Rd
S E 404 417 1760
aldosta 31601 2841 North
Patterson 229 293 0132
Regional Office
Decatur 30033 1700 Clairmont Rd
statewide 1 800 827 1000
Vet Centers
Atlanta 30324 1440 Dutch Valley
Place Suite G 404 347 7264
Savannah 31406 8110A White Bluff
Rd 912 652 4097
National Cemetery
Marietta 30060 500 Washington
Ave information 334 855 4731