1. VA Benefits and Services
Briefing for Transitioning Service Members
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2. VA Local Information
» Briefer
» VA Regional Office
» Nearest Benefits Delivery at Discharge site
» Nearest VA Medical Center
» Nearest Vet Center
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3. Accessing VA
www.va.gov
http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits
http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits
Or call us
1-800-827-1000
7:00 a.m. EST to 10:00 p.m. EST
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4. » www.ebenefits.va.gov
» One-stop shop for benefits-
related online tools and
information.
• Apply for benefits
• See your benefits status and
payments online
• Download your DD 214
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5. DS Logon – Lifetime Identity
» Defense Self-Service Logon – Service Members, use
is your lifetime personal your CAC to get a DS
identity to access: Logon while you have it
• eBenefits
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov
• TRICARE Online (TOL)
https://www.tricareonline.com/
• Beneficiary Web Enrollment
(BWE)
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/
bwe/
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6. Department of Veterans Affairs
» Veterans Benefits Administration
• All VA benefits - Compensation, Education, Home Loan
Guaranty, etc.
• Administered by VA Regional Offices
» Veterans Health Administration
• All VA health care services
• Administered by VA Medical Centers, Ambulatory Care &
Community Based Outpatient Clinics, etc.
» National Cemetery Administration
• National and State Veterans Cemeteries
• Headstones & Markers
• Presidential Memorial Certificates
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7. DD-214 - Certificate of Release
of Discharge from Active Duty
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8. Course Outline
» Compensation and Pension
» Military Sexual Trauma
» Life Insurance
» Health Care
» Readjustment Counseling
» Home Loan Guaranty
» Education
» Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment
» Burial
» Resources
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9. Compensation for
Service-Connected
Disabilities
38 CFR, Part III
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10. Service-Connected Compensation
» Service-connected compensation is paid for a
disability resulting from a disease or injury incurred
or aggravated while on active service. The disability
does not have to be combat or wartime related.
» Examples:
• Torn knee ligament
• Hearing loss
• Back condition
• Post traumatic stress (including the result of sexual trauma)
• Traumatic brain injury
• Skin condition such as psoriasis
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11. Pre-Discharge Program
» Types of Pre-Discharge Claims
• Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
• Quick Start
• Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)
» More information available at
www.vba.va.gov/predischarge
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12. Benefits Delivery at Discharge
(BDD) Claims
» Service Member must:
• Have 60-180 days remaining in
service
• Submit a copy of service
treatment records(STR’s)/health
treatment records
• Be available at point of
separation to complete VA
exam(s)
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13. Quick Start Claims
The Quick Start program is for
Service Members who do not
qualify for BDD because they:
• Have less than 60 days before
separation/retirement
OR
• Are not available for VA
examinations at the point of
separation.
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14. Pre-Discharge Program
How To Apply
» How to apply:
• VA Form 21-526c, Pre-Discharge
Compensation Claim, or other
applicable forms.
• Original or copies of STR’s
• Known date of separation or
retirement
• A permanent address, phone
number, and email address
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15. Compensation
» VA Rating Process Teams and Sequence of Events
» Disabilities are rated from 0% to 100%.
• Combined overall rating
» Compensation payment is tax free.
• Compensation payments range from 10% to 100%.
• Additional allowance for dependents with 30% or higher
rating.
• By Regulation, the Department of Treasury now requires
that federal beneficiaries receive their recurring/monthly
benefits electronically.
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16. Compensation – Current Rates
Rating Vet Only Vet+S Vet+S+1C Vet+S+2C Vet+S+3C
10% $123 N/A N/A N/A N/A
20% 243 N/A N/A N/A N/A
30% 376 421 453 475 497
40% 541 601 644 674 704
50% 770 845 899 936 973
60% 974 1,064 1,129 1,174 1,219
70% 1,228 1,333 1,409 1,461 1,513
80% 1,427 1,547 1,634 1,694 1,754
90% 1,604 1,739 1,837 1,904 1,971
100% 2,673 2,823 2,932 3,007 3,082
S = Spouse C = Child(ren) Rates effective Dec. 1, 2010
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17. Compensation - Related Benefits
» VA health care for all rated service-connected
conditions
» Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services
» $10,000 VA life insurance
» Federal employment Veteran’s preference
» VA loan funding fee waived
» Possible state and local benefits for Veterans
» Accredited Veteran Service Organization
representatives
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18. Compensation
» VA decision rating is independent of any military
rating.
» Severance pay may be recouped by the VA in
some situations
» Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
» Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
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19. Application Timelines
F ile B DD C laim
(180 days prior to releas e)
V A E xam B DD R ating Dec is ion
(s hortly after c laim) (1 to 3 months )
BDD timeline
F ile Quic k S tart C laim Quic k S tart R ating Dec is ion
(59 to 1 days prior to releas e) (3+ months )
V A E xam
Quick Start timeline
R ating
V A reques ts S T R s V A E xam Dec is ion L etter
(4 to 6 weeks after rec eipt (2 to 4 months ) (6 to 12 months )
of c laim)
Traditional timeline
Release from Active Duty
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20. VA Pension
Eligibility Requirements:
» At least 90 days of active military service (generally,
24 months for enlistments after September 7, 1980)
» At least one day of wartime service (combat service
not required)
» Totally and permanently disabled or attained age 65
» Within income limits to qualify for this benefit
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21. Compensation & Pension
How to Apply
» Complete a VA Form 21-526EZ
or VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s
Application for Compensation.
» Provide other supporting
records; VA can help obtain
them. VA Form 21-4142,
Authorization and Consent to Release
Information to the Department of VA.
» Submit all documents to
appropriate VA Regional Office.
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22. Compensation & Pension
How to Apply
» VA Form 21-526b,
Veteran’s Supplemental
Claim
» Use to request:
• increase,
• reopen,
• secondary, or
• ancillary benefits.
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23. Compensation or Pension
How to Apply
Online through eBenefits at
www.ebenefits.va.gov
-OR-
Online through Veterans ON-line
application (VONAPP) at www.va.gov
-OR-
Through a VA Regional Office
(see Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents & Survivors,
“VA Facilities”, for locations.)
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24. Compensation & Pension - Time
Limit
» No time limit to apply for Compensation or
Pension
» For compensation, benefits will be paid
retroactive to the date of separation/retirement
if VA receives the application within one year of
the separation/retirement. Otherwise, benefits
are effective no earlier than the date VA
received the application.
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25. Social Security Disability
Insurance
» Disability or Survivor Benefits
• May be available to injured active duty
• Regardless of where injury occurred
• Expedited service for Line of Duty disabilities on or after
October 1, 2001
» How To Apply:
• On-Line at www.socialsecurity.gov
• Telephonically at 1-800-772-1213
• In-Person at Social Security Office
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26. Military Sexual & Other
Personal Trauma
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27. Military Sexual
& Other Personal Trauma
» Definition: An event of human design that threatens
or inflicts harm.
» Examples: Rape, physical assault, domestic
battering, robbery, mugging, & stalking
Anyone can be a victim of sexual or
other personal trauma.
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28. Treatment & Counseling
» Veterans are eligible for health care and counseling
(e.g., for PTSD) resulting from sexual and other
personal trauma even though the incident was never
reported.
» Care and counseling can be provided to Veterans
who have qualifying military service and express a
need for the care.
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29. Compensation
» Residual disability from sexual or other personal
trauma while on active duty is considered service-
connected for VA compensation purposes, however…
» …there must be sufficient evidence to support the claim and the
existence of any residual disability caused by the trauma. VA
will accept DD Form 2910, Victim Reporting Preference
Statement; DD Form 2911, Forensic Medical Report: Sexual
Assault Examination; and other similar forms as corroborating
evidence of a report of military sexual trauma.
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30. Life Insurance
www.insurance.va.gov
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31. Service Members’ Group Life
Insurance (SGLI)
» $400,000 automatic maximum coverage
» Free coverage for 120 days after Service Member’s
separation from service
» Convertible to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
or commercial policy after separation from service
(can split coverage)
» Insures active duty members, Ready Reservists,
cadets at service academies, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Public
Health Service
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32. SGLI Disability Extension
» Service Member must request the extended
coverage.
» To qualify, Service Member must be totally disabled
at time of separation from service.
» Coverage may be extended for up to two (2) years
post-separation at no cost to the member.
» Veteran automatically converted to VGLI after end of
the disability extension period.
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33. Traumatic Service Members’ Group
Life Insurance (TSGLI)
» Rapid financial assistance payable to members who suffer a
qualifying loss due to traumatic injury.
» Benefit of $25K—$100K depending on injury.
» Automatic for members with SGLI coverage.
» Traumatic injury must occur prior to separation from service.
» Qualifying loss must occur within two years of date of
traumatic injury.
» TSGLI ends after separation from service.
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34. TSGLI
How to Apply
» Claim form available at VA Insurance web site
www.insurance.va.gov
» Three-part certification process:
Member provides basic claim information.
Medical professional provides medical data.
Branch of service certifies if claim is eligible.
» Currently no time limit to file a claim.
» Denials can be appealed to the branch of service or
contested in federal court.
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35. Family SGLI Coverage (FSGLI)
» Coverage ends on the earlier of:
 120 days after the member’s death.
 120 days after a member cancels coverage.
 120 days after termination of a dependents
status as an insurable dependent (e.g. divorce).
 120 days from the date the member is
separated or released from the uniformed
services.
» Spouses can convert FSGLI to commercial policy
without proof of good health within 120 days
following termination of coverage.
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36. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance
(VGLI)
» Lifetime renewable term insurance
» Premiums increase with age
» Maximum coverage=amount of SGLI at time of
separation from service
» Available in increments of $10,000
» Convertible to a commercial policy at any time
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37. VGLI Eligibility
» Service Members released from active duty or
Reservists who were covered by SGLI
» Ready Reservists with part-time SGLI who incur or
aggravate an existing disability that makes them
uninsurable at standard rates
» Members of Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and
Inactive National Guard (ING)
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38. How to Apply for VGLI
» A series of three mailings are forwarded to last
known address after separation
» Application also available on VA web site
» One year and 120 days from separation to apply
• Within 120 days = no proof of good health
required
• After 120 days = must prove good health
» Exception for totally disabled members (eligible for
2-year SGLI extension and then issued VGLI
automatically)
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39. Service-Disabled Veterans
Insurance (S-DVI)
» Maximum coverage is $10,000
» Eligibility for S-DVI coverage:
• Discharged on or after April 25, 1951
• No dishonorable discharge
• Must apply within two (2) years of notification of a new
service-connected disability
• Must be in good health, except for any service-connected
disabilities
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40. Supplemental Service-Disabled
Veterans Insurance
» Up to $30,000 available to totally disabled
policyholders who have been approved for waiver on
basic S-DVI
» Must be under age 65 to qualify for supplemental
coverage
» Must apply within one year of approval of waiver of
premiums on basic S-DVI coverage
» Same plans and premium rates as basic S-DVI
» Premiums can not be waived on the Supplemental
S-DVI coverage
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41. VA Health and Dental Care
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42. Overview
» VA healthcare system consists of 21 integrated networks of
care that focus on aligning resources to better meet local health
care needs and provide greater access to care for all Veterans.
» VA provides care at about 1,300 facilities:
 158 hospitals
 858 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient
clinics
 206 Vet Centers
 133 nursing homes
 42 residential rehabilitation treatment programs
 4 Poly Trauma Rehabilitation Centers
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43. Comprehensive Medical Benefits
» Screening exams for: Depression, Substance Abuse,
PTSD, TBI, Readjustment Counseling
» Military Sexual Trauma
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/MilitarySexual
Trauma-new.pdf
» Preventive Care Services
» Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
» Prescription Services
» Women’s Healthcare Programs
» Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Devices
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44. Women Veterans Health
» Women Veterans are eligible to receive:
• Complete medical benefits package and drugs.
• Women’s family planning, birth control, maternity care as
well as other gender-specific preventive health care.
» Key innovations in VA care for Women Veterans:
• Each facility has a Women Veterans Program Manager and a
Women’s Health clinic.
• There are services for Women’s Trauma Recovery Program
(Palo Alto), inpatient facilities for post traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma treatment.
• Women’s Health Research is on-going.
• Women’s Benefits Coordinators are available to discuss
gender-specific conditions for disability claims.
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45. VA Healthcare Enrollment
» Service Members not separated from active duty
and/or on terminal leave may receive VA care
through TRICARE under:
• VA/DoD Medical Resource Sharing Agreements.
• TRICARE (180 days of TRICARE Transitional Assistance
Management Program (TAMP) to access VA care; or
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)).
» Once separated, Veterans must be separated from
active duty to enroll in VA healthcare.
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46. Eligibility for VA healthcare
» Veterans who served on active duty military service
and who were discharged or released under
conditions other than dishonorable.
» Reservists who served on active duty
for operational and support missions
(excludes active duty for training).
» National Guard members if mobilized by a Federal
order (Title 10 or Presidential Executive Order).
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47. VA Enrollment & Healthcare
Combat Veterans
VA provides up to five years of free
health care for enrolled Veterans who
served in a theater of combat operations
and seeking care for an injury or illness
that was caused or aggravated from this
active duty service.
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48. VA Enrollment & Healthcare
Non-Combat Veterans
» Veterans who have not deployed to a combat theater
of operations may be eligible to enroll in VA
Healthcare:
• Veterans with a service-connected disability.
• Meet Means Test eligibility: Veterans (single) with prior year
annual income below $29,402.
• Veterans with one dependent and income below $35,284
and $2,020 for each additional dependent.
» Veterans seeking care for a non-service connected
illness/injury may be charged co-pays for health
services.
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49. Copayments
» Veterans with a non service-connected illness/injury
at post deployment may be charged a co-payment
for services at VA for treatment of conditions not
from service such as flu, colds, auto accident.
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50. Dental Care
`
» VA provides to Veterans recently separated
a free one-time evaluation and treatment
for dental conditions if:
• Served for 90 days or more on active duty.
• Applied within 180 days of separation.
• DD-214 indicates that dental care was not
provided within 90 days of separation from
active duty.
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51. How to Apply
» Identify the VA medical center closest to
your home.
» Submit 10-10EZ to VA medical center staff,
by mail, or electronically through
www.ebenefits.va.gov or www.va.gov
» You will receive a letter from VA confirming
your enrollment.
For additional information: Call 1-877-222-8387
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52. VA Form
10-10EZ,
Application
for Health
Benefits
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53. Sign Up Today
Self-assessment
tools
Health
information Military health
Mental health history
resources
http://www.Myhealth.va.gov
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54. Help Your Buddy
VA’s
National Suicide Hotline Resource
1-800-273-TALK
(8255)
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55. Vet Center
Vet Center Services to Returning
OEF/OIF Veterans and Their Families
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56. “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and
for his widow and his orphan.”
Abraham Lincoln
Vet Centers serve Veterans and their families by providing a continuum of
quality care that adds value for Veterans, families, and communities…..
We welcome home war Veterans with honor by providing readjustment
counseling in a caring manner.
Vet Centers understand and appreciate
Veterans’ war experiences while assisting
them and their family members toward a
successful post-war adjustment in or near
their community.
“Walk on in”
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57. What is the Vet Center What we Offer
• A safe and protected place to • Individual Counseling
talk
• Group Counseling
• Confidentiality – no stigma
• Flexible hours • Military Sexual Trauma Counseling
• Easily accessible community- • Marital/Family Counseling
based setting • Bereavement Counseling
• Network knowledgeable about
• Drug and Alcohol Referral
the resources available
• Vet Center Staff are >65% • Liaison with VA & Community
Combat Veterans Resources
• Veterans serving Veterans • Benefits Assistance Referral
• All family members are • Community Education and Career
welcome
Referral
• No cost….ever
www.vetcenter.va.gov
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58. Eligibility
» Served in a combat zone
and received a campaign
ribbon
* Must be reflected on DD-214
» Military Sexual Trauma
» Soon to be available to
Active Duty Components
» Veterans/Retirees;
Guard, & Reserve
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59. On August 5, 2003, the VA Secretary authorized Vet
Centers to furnish Bereavement Counseling services to
surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings of service
members who have fallen while on active duty, to include
federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel.
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60. Vet Center OEF/OIF Outreach
In February 2004 the VA Under Secretary for Health authorized the
Vet Center program to hire fifty (50) OEF/OIF Veterans to conduct
outreach to their fellow Global War on Terrorism Veterans. Due to the
success of the initial 50 Outreach Specialists an additional 50 positions
were authorized by the Under Secretary in April 2005. These
positions are located in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and
Puerto Rico.
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61. Mobile Vet Centers
50 Mobile Vet Centers will be utilized to
provide access to returning veterans via
outreach to demobilization active
military bases, National Guard, and
Reserve locations nationally. The
vehicles will additionally support Vet
Center services to rural areas Readjustment Counseling Service
geographically distant from VA services. Call Center
All 50 Mobile Vet Centers have been
Establishment of a national call in service where
deployed to their home base Vet Center
combat Veterans or family members can call at
and are actively serving their areas of
anytime to talk to another combat Veteran
responsibility.”
regarding any readjustment issues related to their
military service. The person on the other side of
the call will be a Veteran who understands and
values the military experience of serving in a
combat zone, is trained as a Vet Center
counselor, and has knowledge of VA and other
resources that may assist the Veteran or his
family in obtaining needed services.
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62. Welcome Home!
Contact Information:
Looking to connect with a fellow
warrior or family member, call:
1-877-WARVETS (927-8387)
Looking for your closest Vet Center?
www.vetcenter.va.gov
VA W elcom es All Com bat Veterans W ith Honor
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63. Home Loan Guaranty
www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
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64. VA Home Loan Guaranty
» Lenders make the loan and VA guarantees it.
» VA guaranty usually means no down payment
required by Service Member or Veteran.
» Service Member or Veteran must qualify for loan
with sufficient income and satisfactory credit.
» Limitations on closing costs.
» The right to prepay without penalty.
» Negotiated interest rates.
» Supplemental loan servicing for individuals having
trouble making payments or facing foreclosure.
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65. VA Home Loan Guaranty
» Buy a home
» Build a home
» Refinance existing loan
» Use only for property located in the US, its territories
or possessions
» Must occupy the property as your home within a
reasonable period of time
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66. Loan Limits
» There is no maximum loan amount.
» There are maximum loan “limits” .
• Loans above this “limit” may require down payment.
» Loan limits vary by county.
www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/loan_limits.asp
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67. Native American Direct Loans
» VA makes direct loans to Native Americans living on
Trust Land (reservations, homelands, etc.).
» Maximum loan amount is the same as for guaranteed
loans.
» Veterans must still meet credit qualifications.
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68. Funding Fee
» Law requires funding fee to be paid on VA loans.
» Fee ranges from .5% to 3.3%, depending on loan
type and if first or second time user.
» Fee can be included in the loan.
» Fee is waived for Veterans entitled to VA disability
compensation and certain surviving spouses.
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69. VA Home Loan Guaranty Process
» Find property to buy.
» Apply to a mortgage lender for a loan.
» Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
» Obtain a VA appraisal.
» Close the loan and move in.
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70. Eligibility
» Generally, must serve 24 months of continuous
active duty or the full period for which called or
ordered to active duty.
» Service must be at least 90 days during a period of
war (181 during peacetime), unless discharged
earlier due to a service connected disability.
» Certificate of Eligibility (COE) shows Service
Member’s or Veteran’s eligibility for the benefit - COE
must be updated upon separation/discharge.
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71. How To Apply
Service Members or Veterans can obtain COE
through eBenefits www.ebenefits.va.gov
OR
Ask your lender to apply online through the VA
Portal – https://vip.vba.va.gov,
OR
Complete and mail VA Form 26-1880 to:
Eligibility Center, P.O. Box 20729
Winston-Salem, NC 27120
Eligibility can be restored if VA loan is paid in full and
property is no longer owned by Service Member/Veteran.
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72. Education Benefits
www.GIBILL.va.gov
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73. VA Education Programs
» Montgomery GI Bill
• Active Duty – Chapter 30
• Selected Reserve – Chapter 1606
» Reserve Educational Assistance Program –
Chapter 1607
» Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational
Assistance – Chapter 35
» Post 9/11 GI Bill – Chapter 33
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74. Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty
(MGIB—AD)
» Eligibility: Honorable discharge, a high school diploma or
general educational development (GED), and served
active duty after June 30, 1985. Plus, $1,200 military
pay reduction.
Benefit:
» Up to 36 months of benefits
» Monetary benefit ranging from $300 - $1,300 per month,
based on length of service, paid to Veteran
» Expires 10 years after release from active duty
» Includes apprenticeship, on-the-job training, vocational
training, and flight training
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75. Post-9/11 GI Bill
» Eligibility: At least 90 days of aggregate
service on or after September 11, 2001, or
individuals discharged with a service-
connected disability after 30 days. An
Honorable discharge is required to be eligible
for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Benefit:
» Up to 36 months of benefits; payable for approved training on or
after August 1, 2009.
» Determined by the length of active duty service (40% up to 100%
per length of active duty service).
» Expires 15 years after last qualifying period of active duty service.
» Usable for any program at an institution of higher learning (IHL)
approved for MGIB-AD.
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76. Tuition and Fees
» Based on percentage payable (40% up to 100% per
length of active duty service)
» 100% rate payable for active duty Service Members
» Amount not to exceed most expensive
undergraduate, in-state public IHL
• Exception: Yellow Ribbon Program
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77. Tuition and Fees Example
Status Veteran
Benefit Level 100%
Highest in-state charge per credit hour $300
Highest in-state charge for fees $3,000
Tuition charged $18,000
Fees Charged $2,000
Number of hours enrolled 12
Result: Tuition and fees paid to school $5,600
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78. Monthly Housing Allowance
» Monthly allowance payable to student
» Based on training time (must be greater than half-
time) and must be taking at least one in-residence
course
» Equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
for an E-5 with dependents based on school’s zip
code
» Active duty Service Members are not eligible
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79. Books and Supplies Stipend
» Pays up to $1,000 per year
» Based on percentage payable (40% up to 100% per
length of active duty service)
» Based on number of credit hours, up to 24 credit
hours per academic year
» Active duty Service Members are not eligible
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80. Yellow Ribbon Program
» Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with
VA to fund tuition and fee costs that exceed the
highest public, instate, undergraduate tuition and
fees.
» VA matches each additional dollar that an institution
contributes, up to total cost of tuition and fees.
Training at
Graduate Out-of-state
private
training tuition
institutions
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81. Yellow Ribbon Program
» Payable to school when student’s tuition and fees
exceed maximum in-state tuition where student will
attend school:
Based on
Based on school
student
participation
qualification
Veterans only at Spouse of Dependent
100% benefit Veteran (transfer children (transfer
level of entitlement) of entitlement)
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82. Comparison of MGIB-AD and
Post 9/11
Montgomery GI Bill Post-9/11 GI Bill
Service member pay $100 per month for first 12New enrollees pay nothing
reduction months For those who transfer from Chapter 30 to Chapter
33, a proportional amount of the basic $1200
contribution will be reimbursed with the last monthly
housing allowance payment when Chapter 33
entitlement is exhausted.
Monetary Benefit Amount is fixed regardless • Tuition and fees
of education program, • Monthly housing allowance
based on number of hours • Up to a $1,000 annual stipend for books and
attending. supplies
Payment Method All benefits paid directly to Tuition paid to school.
student. Housing and books/supplies stipend to student.
Approved for Institution of Yes Yes
Higher Learning
Approved for Non-College Yes No
Degree programs, On-the-
job training, Apprenticeship
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83. Transfer of Entitlement
Retention program for Department of Defense (DoD)
» Must be member of Armed Forces after
August 1, 2009,
and
» Agree to serve at least from one to four additional
years per rules established by DOD/Department of
Homeland Security (DHS)
Only the Secretaries of Defense, Army,
Navy, Air Force, or Homeland Security can
Authorize transfer of entitlement for benefits.
(not VA).
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84. Transfer of Entitlement
» An individual (transferor) approved to transfer
benefits may:
Transfer up to 36 months of benefits (unless DoD/DHS
restricts number of months an individual may transfer)
Revoke or modify transfer request of any unused benefits
unless transferor’s 15-year eligibility period has ended
Transfer to spouse, children, or both in any amount up to
amount transferor has available or amount approved by
DoD/DHS
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85. The Marine Gunnery Sergeant
John David Fry Scholarship
» Children of Service Members who died in the line of
duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.
» Eligible for up to 36 months under the Post-9/11 GI
Bill.
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86. How to Apply
» Apply anytime online at
www.ebenefits.va.gov OR
www.va.gov through Veterans
online application (VONAPP)
» Submit (scan) records
electronically
• Certificate of Release or
Discharge from Active
Duty (DD Form 214)
• Copies of orders if
activated from the vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
Guard/Reserves
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87. 1-888-442-4551
www.GIBILL.va.gov www.facebook.com/gibillEducation
Learn More Stay Updated
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88. Tips
» Contact your State Approving Agencies (SAA) for info
regarding program approval or if you have questions about
maximum tuition and fee amounts. A listing of SAA can be
found at:
www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/contacts/
» The School Certifying Official (SCO) is the person who
certifies to VA that you are attending school. They are the
conduit to get you paid so get to know them.
» By Regulation, the Department of Treasury now requires
that federal beneficiaries receive their recurring/monthly
benefits electronically.
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89. Vocational Rehabilitation
& Employment (VR&E)
89

90. Program Objective
» VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment program’s primary function is to
help active duty Service Members and
Veterans who have service-connected
disabilities become suitably employed,
maintain employment, or achieve
independence in daily living.
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91. Rehabilitation Plan
» The following service delivery options may be
provided under a Rehabilitation Plan:
• Reemployment
• Rapid access to employment
• Employment through long term services
• Independent living services
• Self-employment
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92. Eligibility To Apply
» Service Members are eligible to apply with a
20% memorandum rating
» Veterans are eligible to apply with a final VA
disability rating of at least 10%
» Have received, or eventually will receive, an
Honorable or other than dishonorable
discharge
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93. Eligibility To Apply(continued)
» Documentation of service-connected
disability or disabilities rated at 20% or
more, and have an employment handicap
resulting primarily from such disability.
» Veterans rated as 10% disabled with a
serious employment handicap (SEH) may be
entitled to VR&E services.
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94. Pre-Discharge Program
When applying for the Pre-Discharge
Program, either through Benefits Delivery at
Discharge or Quick Start, Service Members
may also apply for VR&E.
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95. Counseling
» A counseling appointment will be set for
Service Members and Veterans found eligible
to accomplish the following:
• Evaluate the applicant’s interests, aptitudes, and
abilities based upon testing and interviews
• Meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to
explore the applicant’s vocational goals and
objectives
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96. Eligibility Period
» The law provides for a 12-year basic period
of eligibility during which services may be
used. The 12-year period begins on the
latter of these dates:
• Date of separation from active military duty
Or
• Date VA first informed the Veteran of a service-
connected disability rating
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97. How to apply
» Service Members should complete:
• VA Form 28-0588, Memo Rating or
• VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s Application for Compensation
and/or Pension, and
• VA Form 28-1900, Application for Vocational Rehabilitation
Benefits
» Veterans should complete:
• VA Form 21-526 (If not already rated by VA for a service-
connected disability.)
• VA Form 28-1900
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98. VetSuccess.gov
» VR&E’s comprehensive employment web site
for all Veterans.
» Veterans can post resumes, job search and
apply for jobs.
» Employers can post jobs and search
resumes.
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99. Disability Transition Assistance
Program (DTAP)
» Service Members may be able to participate
in DTAP, a supplemental session to Transition
Assistance Program that focuses on disability,
rehabilitation, and employment.
» During DTAP, participants:
• Receive a comprehensive briefing on Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment.
• May apply for VR&E services.
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100. Educational Vocational Counseling
» Also called Chapter 36
» VA provides educational and
vocational counseling for all
Service Members within six
months of discharge and
Veterans within one year
post-discharge.
» Complete VA Form 28-8832,
Application for Counseling.
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101. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Veterans Training Program
» Eligible VR&E Veterans have access to FAA
training:
• Airway Traffic Control
• Airway Transportation Systems Specialist
• Aviation Safety Assistant
» Contact your local VR&E counselor or Coming
Home to Work Coordinator for more
information.
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102. Burial Benefits
102

103. Burial Benefits
» National Cemeteries
» State Veterans Cemeteries
» Headstone or Marker
» Burial Flag
» Presidential Memorial Certificates
» Burial Cost Reimbursement
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104. Eligibility
» Veteran, spouse, and dependent children
» Veteran defined:
• Other than dishonorable discharge
• Active duty service, not including Reserve active
duty for training
• Retirement eligible Reserve and National Guard
members
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105. To Do List
» To ease the burden on family members, the
Veteran can:
• Provide appropriate loved ones with a copy of
his/her DD Form 214, Report of Separation
from Active Military Service.
• Inform family members of his/her burial
wishes.
• Visit the National Cemetery Administration
website at www.cem.va.gov
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106. Resources
106

107. VA on the Internet VA by Phone
eBenefits Benefits information
www.ebenefits.va.gov (800) 827-1000
Education Benefits
VA Home Page (888) 442-4551
www.va.gov
Health Care Eligibility
(877) 222-8387
VA on Facebook
www.facebook.com/Veterans SGLI/VGLI
Affairs (800) 419-1473
VA Life Insurance
VA on Twitter
http://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs
(800) 669-8477
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108. » www.ebenefits.va.gov
» One-stop shop for benefits-
related online tools and
information.
• Apply for benefits
• See your benefits status and
payments online
• Download your DD 214
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109. DS Logon – Lifetime Identity
» Defense Self-Service Logon – Service Members,
is your lifetime personal use your CAC to get
identity to access: a DS Logon while
• eBenefits you have it
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov
• TRICARE Online (TOL)
https://www.tricareonline.com/
• Beneficiary Web Enrollment
(BWE)
https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/
bwe/
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110. Thank you for your service.
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111. 111
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