For the Veteran

Canada steps up to help its Veterans

2010-09-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

I think we should take a close look at this.

A True Veterans Day

2010-08-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Millions of Veterans benefits being with held

2010-08-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

This is a crime the Veterans deserve these benefits, someone need to get there sh.. together.

Disabled veterans can follow their dream of entrepreneurship

2010-07-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Brilliant idea.

For years it seems people forget Veterans have gone through long term training to focus on a task and get it done.

The funny thing is the people who forget are usually NOT Veterans.

Amazing video top 10 Fly bys

2010-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

If you are a Veteran you qualify for a reduced mortgage

2010-04-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Many Veterans do not realize you qualify for a V. A. Mortgage.

You qualify for reduced and in some cases no closing costs. The V.A. is a bit tight on your credit history but if you have bad credit the V.A. also has general info on how to clean up your credit.

Another great feature of a V.A. Mortgage is that you can use the benefit as many times as you like and are of course on time with prior payments.

A VA mortgage is a great way to get into rental property, the monthly income can provide an salary, I suggest you look for apartments with a minimum of three rental units, if you have fewer it is tough to make a profit and still cover all expenses.

If you are a Veteran I highly suggest you check in the the VA Mortgage program You have EARNED this benefit, Thank You for your service you are are what makes America Great.

Wounded Veterans benefits

2010-01-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

We have a duty to help the people who protect our freedom and way of life.; It does not matter what your politics are we owe our freedom to Veterans.
As the war continues more soldiers will come back injured, many with lost limbs, do your self and your country a service and honor these Veterans.; They have seen the worst of humanity, now it is time for us to show them compassion.I was active duty for 4 years, I will have to say it is a disgrace how Injured Veterans are being treated;
We can change this if we all contact our Congressmen about the lack of Veteran Benefits

Veterans unite

2010-01-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

Excellent article about the need for unification among Veterans, we are all Brothers and Sister, lets help each other out verus squabble umong opurselves

Outstanding video about the NEW GI Bill

2010-01-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

This is an excellent video which discusses the changes to the GI Bill if you are a Vet you must watch this

Veterans benefits lens

2010-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

I set this up to have one page focused only on Vet benefits

U.S. soldiers and veterans get an opportunity to have a thriving career as a personal fitness trainer

2010-01-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

NESTA GI Bill Tuition Reimbursement Program

We are pleased to announce our Personal Fitness Trainer Exam certification is now recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as an approved education program.

All military personnel are eligible in receiving tuition reimbursement Under Section 3676 Title 38 of the US code through the G.I. Montgomery Bill.

How to send care packages to the troops

2009-12-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

How To Send Care Packages To Troops Overseas on Howcast

A tribute to our Veterans

2009-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

President Obama meets with Iraq war veterans

2009-12-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

I think this President will take huge steps forward in the care of our Veterans, it is good to see open talk about Veterans Benefits

The cost of the war to our Veterans

2009-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

We ask our troops to go into harms way to protect our lives and way of living. The least we can do is provide them with the necessary tools and services they need to recover and go on living life. We are happy to announce that any Veterans can get free membership in the Change the World U membership site free of charge. Scheduled to launch in early spring 2010. You can leave a comment here or add @Changetheworldu on Twitter and Direct message us

Heros

2009-11-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

If you are not a Vet then this might be hard to understand, but can you imagine being taken 1000's of miles from home and being shot at? The situations our soldiers go thru make them hero's on a daily basis.

The biggest thing I used to look forward to was mail from home, take a moment and please check out Operation Gratitude you can help send soldiers, mail and supplies to make the difficult living situation a bit more bearable.

As you sit with your families at the holidays remember Veterans are the reason we have these freedoms.

A-Z Veteran Benefit Information Index

2009-11-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

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A-Z Benefit Information Index
Know what you are looking for? Then jump to it by clicking on its first letter in the alphabet shown here: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X Y Z

Apply On-Line | C&P Home Page
References | Fact Sheets | Forms | Military Services | Rate Tables |
Site Map of Compensation & Pension Benefits
Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents Pamphlet | VBA Home Page |

Most of our linked documents are in Microsoft Word 6.0.
If you need a free viewer to read those documents, it is available here.

A

Agent Orange
Agent Orange was a defoliant used during the Vietnam War. Some known effects are listed in 38 CFR §3.309(e).

For more detailed information and new changes see: Agent Orange Home Page
See also Spina Bifida below.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
AIDS can qualify as a service connected disability. Improved Pension may also be paid if AIDS is the disability preventing the veteran from working.

For more information see the Veterans Health Administration web site on Public Health Strategic Healthcare Group

Aid & Attendance Allowance
An additional benefit paid to veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. This allowance is paid in all Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Pension Programs. It is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person or by specific disability. Special Monthly Compensation (L) can at times be designated an aid & attendance benefit.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.350 (Special Monthly Compensation), 3.351 (Special monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), death compensation, pension and spouse's compensation ratings), 3.552 (Determining need for aid & attendance, housebound).
See also Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) below.
Rates, see Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) - Surviving Spouse or Parents, Improved Pension - Disability or Death.

Appeals
If you do not like a VA decision, most can be appealed. Start by contacting your nearest office.

Appeals are first made to the office that made the decision. A hearing officer or decision review officer usually handles these cases. If the case is still in dispute it is then sent to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). If it is not resolved there, it can be appealed outside the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims (CAVC).

VA does not handle CAVC appeals. You must contact CAVC within 120 days from your BVA decision.

Application
OnLine Application's are available for Compensation, Pension and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment benefits. Your application may need supporting evidence and/or documents. (If any of the evidence is not immediately available, send in the application anyway. The date VA receives your application is important to you, if VA grants your claim. VA benefits payments usually will begin from that date regardless of when the claim is approved.)

See also Forms or contact your nearest office.

Automobile Allowance & Adaptive Equipment
One automobile allowance is payable to certain very disabled veterans. Some reimbursement is possible for adaptive equipment. Check with your nearest office before making any purchases.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §3.808
Rates, see Special Benefit Allowances Rate Table

B

Birth Defects
There is a monetary allowance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 18 for an individual with disability from covered birth defects whose biological mother is or was a Vietnam veteran.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §3.815 and TITLE 38, PART II, CHAPTER 18, SUBCHAPTER II, §1812

Burial
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any of our national cemeteries with available space, the opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family.

See the National Cemetery Administration's site.
See also our Fact Sheets for more information.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.1600 (Table of Contents & Burial), 3.1601 (Claims & Evidence), 3.1602 - 3.1603 (Special conditions governing payments /Authority for burial of certain unclaimed bodies), 3.1604 (Non VA), 3.1605 (VHA), 3.1606 (Transportation), 3.1607 - 3.1609 (Cost of flags /Nonallowable expenses /Forfeiture), 3.1610 - 3.1611 (Burial in National cemeteries /Official Department of Veterans Affairs representation at funeral), 3.1612 (Marker).

Rates, see Burial, Headstone & Plot Rate Table

C

Cemetery
See the National Cemetery Administration's site or Burial above.

CHAMPVA
A health insurance is available from the Veterans Health Administration. See their CHAMPVA website for more information.

Children
Children of veterans receive benefits based on two eligibility factors: (1) whether the benefit program allows for payment for or to children and (2) whether the veteran's relationship to the child can be proven.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.57 (Child), 3.58 (Child Adopted out of Family), 3.204 (Evidence Requirements), 3.210 (Relationship).
See the specific Benefit Programs for more information: Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Pension, and Spina Bifida and Children of Vietnam Veterans.
Rates, see the Compensation, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Improved Disability or Death Pension, and Spina Bifida Rate Tables.

Clothing Allowance
Prosthetic appliances and medications have an effect on clothing. If qualified, a veteran can receive a one time or yearly allowance for reimbursement.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §3.810.
Rates see Special Benefit Allowances Rate Table.

Compensation
This benefit program evaluates disability resulting from all types of diseases and injuries encountered as a result of military service. The degrees of disability that are determined by VA represent, as far as can practicably be determined, the average loss in wages resulting from such diseases and injuries and their complications in civil occupations. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.

See the Fact Sheets for more information.
Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §3.4.

Congressional Medal of Honor
See: Medal of Honor

D

DD Form 214
See Military Discharge below.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
This benefit program pays a monthly payment to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran because of a service-connected death of a veteran.

See the Fact Sheets for more information.
Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.5, 3.22 (Benefits at Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rates in certain cases when death is not service connected).
Restoration of Entitlement

Diabetes Mellitus (Type II)
As a presumptive condition for in-country Vietnam veterans see: Agent Orange Home Pagefor more detailed information.

Disability Compensation
See Compensation above.

Disability Examinations Worksheets
See Examinations below.

Disability Severance Pay
By law, payment of VA compensation and military disability severance pay for the same medical condition or disability is prohibited. VA compensation will be withheld on a monthly basis until the total amount of military severance pay has been recovered.

See Concurrent Benefit and Elections, 38 CFR §3.700.

Drill Pay
See Selected Reserve and National Guard.

E

Education
VA has many educational assistance programs.

See the Fact Sheets for more information.
Or visit the GI Bill web site.

Examinations
Physical examinations, when made by the VA, are done under criteria worked out by both the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration.

See Disability Examination Worksheets (55 disability examination worksheets).

F

Filipino Veterans
New Philippine Scouts or Commonwealth Army (USAFFE) and Recognized Guerillas

See the Fact Sheets for more information.

Flag
A United States Flag is available at the death of a veteran.

See the Fact Sheets for more information.

Foreign Services Program
See the Foreign Services Homepage

Former Prisoner of War (POW)
Former POWs often underwent experiences that severely affected their lives. VA works with this group of veterans to ensure that their needs are met.

Former POW & their Survivors Home Page
See the Fact Sheets for more information.
Also see 38 CFR §§3.307 (Presumptive service connection for prisoner-of-war related diseases) and 3.309(c) (Disease subject to presumptive service connection)

Forms
VA forms have been organized for your use. Some are available via the web.

An application for benefits is now on-line.
See also Forms or contact your nearest office.

G

Gulf War
The "Gulf War" began on August 2, 1990. Since an end of the conflict has not been declared by Congress, everyone who has been on active duty since it began may qualify as wartime veterans, regardless of duty assignment, when seeking VA benefits.

See Gulf War Veterans' Health.
Also see GulfLink, Defense Technology Information Center.
For undiagnosed illness, see 38 CFR §3.317.

H

Headstone
See the National Cemetery Administration's site or Burial above.

Health Care
For health care and health care issues see the Veterans Health Administration's website.

Also see our Fact Sheets for more information.

Health Care Programs for Elderly Veterans
The Veterans Health Administration offers many health care programs for elderly veterans. See the VHA web site on this issue.

Health Insurance
See CHAMPVA above.

Home Loan
For home loan information see the Loan Guaranty Service's website.

Also see our Fact Sheets for more information.

Homeless
Veterans can be homeless too. We have special programs to help.

See the Fact Sheets for more information.
Also see VA Homeless Program and 3-9-00 Testimony before the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs

Housebound
An additional benefit paid to veterans, their surviving spouses and parents. This allowance is paid in all Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Pension Programs. It is paid based on specific disabilities and conditions. It is a lesser additional benefit than Aid & Attendance. Special Monthly Compensation (S) can at times be designated a housebound benefit.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.351 (Special monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), death compensation, pension and spouse's compensation ratings), 3.352 (Determining need for aid & attendance, housebound).
Rates, see Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) - Surviving Spouse or Parents, Improved Pension - Disability or Death.

I | J | K | L

Insurance
For insurance information see the Insurance Service's website.
See also RH Insurance on the Fact Sheet page.
See also CHAMPVA above.

M

Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor award is paid by Compensation & Pension Service.

Eligibility Criteria, see 38 CFR § 3.802.
Rates see Special Benefit Allowances Rate Table.
U.S. Army Center of Military History Medal of Honor Citations

When clicking the link below, you are now leaving the Department of Veterans Affairs Website
VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Medals
See: Military Awards and Decorations

Medical Records (Other than Service Medical Records)
Those applicants who have medical records to substantiate any and all treatment by private doctors and hospitals are encouraged to submit them with their application to expedite processing.

Merchant Marine
Members of the Merchant Marine are considered veterans.

Eligibility Criteria, see 38 CFR § 3.7.
See: Benefits for Merchant Marines

Website for U.S. Merchant Marine, U.S. Maritime Service, Army Transport Service, Military Sea Transport Service, and Military Sealift Command.

Military Discharge/DD Form 214 - (Copy 4 - Member Copy)
Those applicants who have a copy of their DD-214 are encouraged to provide a copy with their claim to expedite processing. Otherwise, VA will attempt to obtain verification from the service department.

Copies of missing DD Forms 214 may be obtained from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO through the NARA web site.
Evidence requirements, see 38 CFR §3.203.

Military Retired Pay
By law, the payment of VA compensation benefits is affected by the receipt of military retired pay. If you receive military retirement, you may initiate a waiver of your retired pay to receive the full amount of VA compensation. Until the waiver takes effect, your compensation will be adjusted or withheld depending on the amount of military retired pay you are entitled to. The advantage of waiving military retired pay for VA compensation is that while VA benefits are reportable for Federal tax purposes, they are not taxable. Check with the IRS web site for more tax information.

See Retirement Pay, 38 CFR §3.750.

Military Services
See our Military Services page for more information.

N

National Guard-Reservist Benefits
See Fact Sheet

O

Outreach
See our Military Services page for more information.
See also the Veterans Health Administration's website.

P

Parent
Parents who are dependent on a veteran with a service-connected disability, or whose child died in-service or from a service-connected disability, may be entitled as dependents on the veterans compensation award or to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if they are in financial need. Parents may be biological, step, adopted, or in loco parentis.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.5 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), 3.59 (Parent), or 3.209 (Birth).
Rates, see Compensation and Parents Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Rate Tables.

Pension
Pension is available to veterans, surviving spouses and children, if the veteran has qualifying service and there is financial need. Veterans must also have a qualifying disability which need not be service-connected.

Three pension programs are currently being paid. Only one program is still accepting applications - Improved Disability or Death Pension. Old Law and Section 306 Disability or Death Pensions recipients are protected at the rate they were receiving when their program was superceded by Improved Pension on January 1, 1979.

See Fact Sheets for more information.
Eligibility criteria for Improved Pension, see 38 CFR §§3.3 Pension, 3.23 Improved Pension Rates, 3.342 Permanent and total disability ratings for pension purposes.
Rate Tables, see Improved Disability or Death Pension, Protected Pensions.

Philippines, Veterans from the
See Filipino Veterans

Plot
See the National Cemetery Administration's site or Burial above.

Preference for Employment in the Federal Government
See Veterans' Preference Advisor web site.

Prisoner of War (POW)
See: Former Prisoner of War (POW)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can be a service connected disability. PTSD also qualifies as a disability for entitlement to Improved Pension. For health care information see the Veterans Health Administration website on PTSD.

Q

Qualifying Service
Service is considered qualifying when it meets the requirements set down for each benefit. (See the eligibility criteria in Burial, Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Pension, or Spina Bifida.) Service may have length, character of discharge, wartime or other requirements.

Eligibility requirements, as above and see also 38 §§CFR 3.1 (Definitions), 3.2 (Periods of War), 3.6 (Duty Periods), 3.7 (Individuals and groups considered to have performed active military,naval, or air service), 3.12 (Character of Discharge), 3.12a (Minimum active-duty service requirement), 3.13 (Discharge to change status), 3.14 (Validity of enlistments), and 3.15 (Computation of Service).

R

Regulations
Our Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are written based on the United States Code (U.S.C.). The Department of Veterans Affairs is governed by Title 38 in both Codes. Title 38 U.S.C. is precedential, superceding any Title 38 CFR section should either appear to contradict the other. Title 38 CFR can be searched at our WARMS1 website or through the GPO2 website. Title 38 U.S.C. has its own website.

Footnotes: 1Web Automated Reference Materials System; 2Government Printing Office

Reservist-National Guard Benefits
See Fact Sheet

Restoration of Entitlement
Restoration of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Entitlement

Retired Serviceperson's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP)(10 U.S.C. §1431)
Payments received under this plan do not bar concurrent payment of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), death compensation or pension and are excluded as income in such cases (38 CFR §3.261 (a)(14)). Contact the respective military payment center.

(RSFPP) Retired Serviceperson's Family Protection Plan
See Retired Serviceperson's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP)

S

SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan)
See Survivor Benefit Program (SBP)

SBP-MIW (Survivor Benefit Plan - Minimum Income Annuity)
See Survivor Benefit Program (SBP)

Selected Reserve and National Guard
By law, if you are an active member of the Selected Reserve or National Guard, your VA compensation will be withheld at the rate of one day of pay for each drill period served. Also, VA compensation is not payable while serving full-time on active duty.

See Concurrent Benefit and Elections, 38 CFR §3.700.

Service Connection
Service connection for a disability or death is established through many ways. The four most common are:

1. Disability or death was incurred in military service. 38 CFR §§3.303, 3.304
2. Aggravation of a before service disability during service. 38 CFR §3.306
3. Presumption that the disease or disability was incurred in military service. 38 CFR §§3.307, 3.308, 3.309
4. Because of a service-connected disability, a secondary condition has occurred. 38 CFR §3.310

Service connection of a disease or disability is necessary before disability compensation can be paid.

Service Medical Records
Those applicants who have their service medical records are encouraged to submit them with their application to expedite processing. Otherwise, VA will contact the service department to obtain them.

Sexual Trauma
See Women's Issues below. This information is stored under "women", but it applies to both sexes.
Also see Compensation Benefits for Sexual Trauma Fact Sheet

Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration (SSA) and VA often serve the same people at the same time. To prevent mispayment (under payment as well as overpayment), the VA works closely with SSA.

We also share medical information but only with the person's permission.
SSA benefits (retirement or disability) are counted as income for VA purposes (IVAP). But SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits are not.
It is mandatory that anyone placing a claim with VA provides their Social Security number (if they have one) (38 CFR §3.216).

Links to Social Security Administrations web sites are listed below:

* Disability Information (SSA)
* Employment Support (SSA)
* How to Apply for Disability Social Security
* How to Apply for Retirement Social Security
* How to (do anything with SSA)
* Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Number - Mandatory Disclosure
See 38 CFR §3.216 and 38 U.S.C. §5101.

Specially Adapted Housing/Special Home Adaptions
A veteran may be entitled to a Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptions based on a service-connected disability.

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §§3.809 Specially Adapted Housing, 3.809a (Special Home Adaptions).
See also the Loan Guaranty Service's website.

Special Compensation for Severely Disabled Uniformed Services Retirees
Special compensation for severely disabled uniformed services retirees is authorized by Section 658, PL 106-65. This benefit will be administered by the Department of Defense (DoD). This benefit is not paid by VA.

More information, see Compensation & Pension Service's Fast Letter 99-124.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a rate paid in addition to (i.e., SMC (K)) or in place of 0% to 100% combined degree compensation. To qualify, a veteran must be disabled beyond a combined degree percentage or due to special circumstances (i.e., aid and attendance, loss of use of one hand, etc.). SMCs are referred to by the letters (K) through (R.2). These alphabetic designations follow the paragraph numbering system in 38 U.S.C. §1114 (also see references to that in 38 CFR §3.350 below).

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §3.350 (Special Monthly Compensation)
Rates, see Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Special Monthly Pension (SMP)
Special Monthly Pension (SMP) is either the aid and attendance or housebound allowance.

Rates, see Improved Disability or Death Pension.

Special Separation Benefit (SSB)
VA compensation will be withheld in full until the amount of the SSB has been recovered.

See Concurrent Benefit and Elections, 38 CFR §3.700

Spina Bifida
The Veterans’ Benefits Act of 1997 granted benefits for children of Vietnam veterans who were suffering from spina bifida (38 U.S.C. §1805).

Eligibility criteria, see 38 CFR §3.814.
See also the Veterans Health Administration web site for Spina Bifida and our new Agent Orange Home Page.

Spouse/Surviving Spouse
The veteran or parent may receive benefits for a dependent spouse. The surviving spouse of a veteran may be entitled to benefits.

Eligibility criteria for Spouse, see 38 CFR §§3.1(j) (Marriage), 3.50 (Spouse and surviving spouse), 3.204 (Evidence of dependents and age), 3.205 (Marriage), 3.206 (Divorce), 3.207 (Void or annulled marriage), 3.211 (Death), and 3.213 (Change of status affecting entitlement)
Eligibility criteria for Surviving Spouse, see all of the above and 38 CFR §§3.52 (Marriages deemed valid), 3.53 (Continous cohabitation), 3.54 (Marriage dates), 3.55 (Terminated marital relationships), 3.60 (Definition of "living with"), 3.214 (Court Decisions; unremarried widows), and 3.215 (Termination of marital relationship or conduct).
See the specific Benefit Programs for more information: Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Pension. See also Survivors and Eligible Dependents VA Benefits
Rates, see the Compensation, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Improved Disability or Death Pension Rate Tables.
Restoration of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Entitlement

Survivor and Eligible Dependents VA Benefits
Please see Survivors and Eligible Dependents VA Benefits

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
Since September 21, 1972, the Survivor Benefit Plan has been available for retired service personnel and commissioned officers of the Public Health Service. Eligible persons designate all or a part of retired pay as a basis for survivor's annuity. Eligible surviving spouses of military retirees who did not participate in the plan and who died prior to September 21, 1973 are eligible for SBP-MIW (Survivor Benefit Plan - Minimum Income Annuity). To be eligible the surviving spouse must not be remarried, must be eligible for VA death pension, and must have income for VA purposes, excluding any SBP annuity, of less than the MIW-SBP annuity limitation.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): SBP survivor's annuity to a surviving spouse is subject to reduction or discontinuance if the spouse becomes eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Concurrent payment of SBP and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to children or parents is not prohibited. Contact the respective military payment center.

Pension: Any payments under MIW-SBP is income for VA purposes. See 38 CFR §3.261 (a)(14) and §3.271.

T | U

Transition Assistance Program
See Seamless Transition.

Transportation
See the National Cemetery Administration's site or Burial above.

V

Vocational Rehabilitation
When a veteran is found to be disabled we offer vocational rehabilitation as one of the additional benefits.

See the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service's website for more information.

Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI)
Your annual VSI payment will be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of VA compensation paid for the same period.

See Concurrent Benefit and Elections, 38 CFR §3.700.

W | XYZ

Wartime
See Qualifying Service above.

Women's Issues
See our Women Veterans Issues Homepage
See VA's web site Programs & Initiatives for Women Veterans

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To inquire concerning the status of your compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), pension, burial, clothing allowance, automobile, specially adapted housing, or spina bifida claim or to ask any general Compensation & Pension (C&P) benefit question, you may call our toll-free number:

1-800-827-1000

For an answer to a benefits question go to:
E-mail Contacts Page

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Reviewed/Updated Date: November 8, 2009

Troops to teachers program

2009-11-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

Did you know you can get hired as a teacher up to three years before you get discharged?

The shortage of teachers is going to continue to grow, unfortunately NY state makes us Vets and everyone else jump through some pretty big hoops to get certification however once certified you can teach in just about any state. Like they sya if you can make it here you can make it anywhere.

Good increase in V.A. budget for 2010

2009-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Transformation
 Provides resources to support the transformation of
VA into a 21st Century organization that is Veterancentric,
results-driven, and forward-looking

Medical Care
 Continues gradual expansion of healthcare eligibility;
providing access to more than 500,000 previously
ineligible veterans by 2013
 $4.6 billion (up $288 million) to expand inpatient
residential, and outpatient mental health programs
 $440 million to improve access to care in rural and
highly rural areas
 $5.9 billion (up $663 million) to expand institutional
and non-institutional long term care services
 Expand proven homeless programs and launch a
new $26 million pilot project to work with other
federal agencies and non-profits to reduce
homelessness among Veterans most at risk
 $183 million (up $15 million) to meet the specific
needs of women Veterans

Claims Processing
 Over $1.8 billion (up $364 million) to improve
management of benefits administration
 Improve timeliness of compensation and pension
claims processing to 150 days (18 days faster than
estimated for 2009)
 Sufficient funding to meet increased education
claims workload resulting from new GI bill
National Cemetery Administration
 $242 million (up $12 million) for operations and
maintenance of national cemeteries

Information Technology
 More than $3.3 billion (up $559 million) to support a
reliable and accessible IT infrastructure, a highperforming
workforce, and modernized information
systems
 $360 million for development and implementation of
HealtheVet (electronic health record)
 $144 million for paperless claims processing system
Construction
 Over $1.9 billion; supports five medical facility
projects already underway and begins seven new
medical facility projects
Entitlement Benefits
 $56.9 billion (up $9.6 billion) for mandatory benefits;
increase due to impact of new GI Bill and more
service-disabled Veterans receiving compensation

Medical Care 47,379
Medical and Prosthetic Research 580
Veterans Benefits Administration 1,825
National Cemetery Administration 242
General Administration 394
Information Technology 3,307
Construction/Grants 1,921
Office of Inspector General 107
Loan Administration Funds 166
Total Discretionary 55,921
1

Department of Veterans Affairs 2010
Budget Highlights
The President’s $112.8 billion budget request for 2010 is the largest percentage increase (15 percent)
requested by a President in over 30 years. It provides the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with
resources needed to become a 21st Century organization that is people-centric, results-oriented, and
forward-looking, and puts Veterans first. The budget request contains four major categories of
transformational activity collectively designed to initiate the process of creating a 21st Century VA.
These include creating a reliable management infrastructure, delivering ongoing services, making
progress on Congressional priorities, and instituting some new initiatives.
Dramatically Increasing Funding for Health Care while Expanding Health Care Eligibility
2010 funding level: $47.4 billion (total Medical Care funding, with collections)
2009 funding level: $42.8 billion (total Medical Care funding; with collections)
The 2010 budget provides the resources for VA to treat nearly 6.1 million patients and includes funds to
continue the gradual expansion of health care eligibility for Priority 8 Veterans.
Enhancing Outreach and Services Related to Mental Health Care
2010 funding level: $4.564 billion
2009 funding level: $4.276 billion
These resources will allow VA to expand inpatient, residential, and outpatient mental health programs, to
include integrating mental health services with primary and specialty care.
Combating Homelessness
2010 funding level: $3.222 billion
2009 funding level: $2.801 billion
The President has committed to expanding proven programs and launching innovative services to
prevent Veterans from falling into homelessness. The 2010 budget includes $26 million for VA to work
with other federal agencies, in partnership with non-profit organization, to reduce homelessness.
Ensuring Seamless Transition VA will continue to collaborate with the Department of Defense
(DoD) to simplify the transition of military personnel into civilian status through a uniform approach to both
registering into VA and accessing electronic records data.
Meeting the Needs of Women Veterans
2010 funding level: $183 million
2009 funding level: $167 million
These resources will address the gender-specific health care needs of women Veterans with a particular
emphasis on primary care.
Expanding Care for Veterans in Rural Areas
2010 funding level: $440 million
2009 funding level: $60 million
Congress provided VA with $250 million for rural health care initiatives in 2009. These resources, along
with additional funds the Department is requesting in 2010, will be used to implement the President’s
initiative to continue improving access to medical care for Veterans in rural areas.
2
Increasing Investments in Research
2010 funding level: $580 million
2009 funding level: $510 million
These resources will be used to fund nearly 2,400 high-priority research projects to expand knowledge in
areas critical to Veterans’ health care needs.
Automating the Delivery of Education Benefits The 2010 budget provides resources to continue
development of an automated system for education claims processing. The automated solution will
be available by the end of calendar year 2010.
Processing Benefits Claims in a Paperless Environment This budget includes resources to
continue moving toward the President’s goal of reforming the benefits claims process to ensure claims
decisions are timely, accurate, fair, and consistent through the use of automated systems.
Increasing Investment in Training and Career Development This budget will help ensure that VA’s
workforce will remain leaders and standard-setters in their fields.
Establishing a Program Analysis and Evaluation Service The Department will establish an office
with robust program analysis and evaluation capability to assess programs’ return on investment.
Funding the New Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Construction, and Logistics
The 2010 budget includes resources to fund this new office that is responsible for overseeing the
resources, services, and projects that comprise VA’s capital facilities program, and directing the
Department’s acquisition and logistics activities.
Enhancing Long-Term Care
2010 funding level: $5.940 billion
2009 funding level: $5.276 billion
These resources will be used to meet the growing demand for extended care services for Veterans,
including those suffering from severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury and polytrauma.

Improving Claims Processing
2010 funding level: $1.825 billion
2009 funding level: $1.461 billion
This funding will be used to improve the management of the following non-medical benefits administered
by VA—disability compensation; pensions; education; vocational rehabilitation and employment; home
loan guaranty; and insurance.
Investing in Better Technology
2010 funding level: $3.307 billion
2009 funding level: $2.748 billion
The increase in IT resources in 2010 will fund many important projects, two of which are the continued
operation and improvement of the Department’s electronic health record system (HealtheVet) and the
paperless claims processing initiative.
Strengthening Capital Programs
2010 funding level $1.921 billion
2009 funding level: $1.882 billion

The 2010 budget provides $1.194 billion for major construction, $600 million for minor construction,
$85 million in grants for the construction of state extended care facilities, and $42 million in grants for the
construction of state Veterans cemeteries.

Providing Entitlement Benefits
2010 funding level: $56.923 billion
2009 funding level: $47.328 billion
The 2010 budget includes a 20 percent increase in mandatory benefits. Over 90 percent of the growth in
entitlement spending is due to increases in compensation and education payments.

Hire a Veteran today

2009-10-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

You get a well trained and dedicated person when you hire a Veteran, there are also some tax advantages for the employer. Besides that dont we owe Veterans a fair chance once they return home?

Veterans administration and US Olympic committee to team up

2009-10-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

"U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Olympic Committee Launch Paralympic Community Initiative to Serve Physically Disabled Veterans"

This is awesome our brave men and women who get wounded and suffer so for the rest of their lives now have an outlet to keep up the active lifestyle they were used to befor there injury.

A new website I am creating will be offering free Internet training for Vets. Change the World U is designed to teach a person how to start a business online from the ground floor up.

I am contacting the Veterans Administration directly to see how we can assure the Vets who want to take advantage of this can.

V.A. Benefits Agent Orange

2009-10-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Government has finally stepped to the plate to take responsibility for using agent orange, they have increased the number of illnesses Veterans can claim due to exposure. This is a good move all Veterans deerve the health benefits they are entitled to.

How to determine your Veterans benefits eligibility

2009-10-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

You still have to jump thru some hoops to see if you are elegible for Veterans Benefits atleast the VA is making an effort to streamline the process, I would like to see more Veterans hired by the V.A. there should be atleast 75% Vets working there, it only makes sense who knows a Veterans needs better then another Veterans.

What do Most Veterans have? Faith

2009-10-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

I am not meaning to push any religion on anyone, but I will tell you the Bible got me through Bootcamp and I finally have picked it back up.

Here is a series of inspiring videos based on Jesus.

http://www.thejourneysproject.com/

Veterans protect our right to practice any religion we choose.

Vote to increase Veterans Health Benefits.

England treat your Veterans better please

2009-08-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is a crime how can anyone take away benefits from a Veteran who can no longer work.

Once a benefit is established it should not be taken away what are these Veterans to do now? They can not work do we toss aside the people who have protected all of us.

I had the oppourtunity to serve with a few "Brits" and they were world class soldiers and gentlemen. I also met a few British ladies also serving and they also went above and beyond the call of duty.

Please do not make the same mistake we are.

New GI Bill to benefit Veterans families

2009-08-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

One of the great features of the New GI bill is the ability to transfer educational benefits to immediate family members.

This can benefit the whole family as when soldiers are on deployments their spouse can attend school and increase the familys income base. Kudos to President Obama for doing the right thing and providing the benefits our Veterans deserve.

President Obama helping Vets

2009-08-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

The American people have spoken how about we give this President a chance and support him, President Obama is trying to ehlp Vets why are the Republicans blocking his efforts? Pride vanity and ego is why, for goodness sakes p[eople get a life.

Our Veterans deserve our help quit tieing the hands of the people who want to make positive change.

Harleys heros God Bless America

2009-05-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Very cool, one of these day I will be able to afford a Harley, I just have to focus more and work harder.

Harley Davidson is also an excellent stock to invest in. It is great to see a company stepping up and helping our Veterans.

You rock Harley Davidson.

Veterans to get a small $250.00 payment

2009-05-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

I dont see how people can ignore the service of our Veterans, is a $250.00 payment a nice gesture yes but it will only give Vets an extra gasp of air before reality sets back in.

One main goal this year is to start a Veterans benefits website, we will cover healthcare benefits, and Veterans mortgages

2009-02-05T19:37:00.001-08:00

To Non-Profit supporters My A-Z common sense guide/approach to using the Internet as a Non-Profit http://ping.fm/c2PbO

2009-01-30T16:13:00.001-08:00

Food for Everyone Foundation Squidoo lens at 159 overall Thank you so much you all rock http://ping.fm/VkL1n

V.A. approves Cisco certtification tests

2009-01-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

The V.A. has approved Veterans and there dependants taking Cisco certification test. This means a Vet can use their GI Bill, or Army college fund (each branch has one).

When I went to college it was a hassle getting approval for distancing learning colleges such as Univ. of Phoenix or SUNY ESC.

This is a great step forward for our Veterans and the Veterans benefits system.

2009-01-19T09:26:00.001-08:00

Just added twitter search to our main Squidoo lens http://ping.fm/VkL1n

2009-01-17T14:11:00.001-08:00

Please check this lens out and retweet lets get Ken in the top 100 http://ping.fm/dQR98

2009-01-17T14:02:00.001-08:00

Please stop by and say hello in our guestbook leave your website URL http://ping.fm/VkL1n

2009-01-17T13:57:00.001-08:00

How to donate to the Food for Everyone Foundation http://ping.fm/xywnw

2009-01-16T16:04:00.001-08:00

Biggest day of digital sales EVER for Food for Everyone Foundation TYwe love all of you http://ping.fm/7lSb2

2009-01-13T15:54:00.001-08:00

Looking for people who work with Non-Profits on Twitter http://ping.fm/IvZh6

2009-01-13T15:22:00.001-08:00

Checking out Potpie girls 100 top Squidoo blogs http://ping.fm/66nWL

2009-01-13T15:03:00.001-08:00

Looking for affiliates for Food for Everyone
http://ping.fm/4DQJi

2009-01-12T17:12:00.001-08:00

Change the world using Squidoo http://ping.fm/oYPHQ

2009-01-12T09:56:00.001-08:00

Doing list building podcast http://ping.fm/ZoZ5B

2009-01-11T18:12:00.001-08:00

Introduction the History of the Food for Everyone Foundation http://ping.fm/7zDk4

2009-01-11T18:07:00.001-08:00

Working on the Food for Everyone Foundations salespages for Clickbank products
http://ping.fm/7lSb2

2009-01-11T16:12:00.001-08:00

I am planning a trip to Sturgis cool lens
http://ping.fm/y784s

2009-01-11T15:16:00.001-08:00

Totally loving http://ping.fm/ get it :):)

2009-01-11T15:10:00.001-08:00

My Squidoo lensmaster page. http://ping.fm/AFE7G

2009-01-11T15:09:00.001-08:00

Testing out Ping.FM looks very productive

Operation helmet

2009-01-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

Our service people are suffering because of a $70.00 upgrade, please check out this Squidoo lens and contact the main site as well. Our Veterans deserve the best equipment possible.

Wishing all Veterans Happy Holidays

2008-12-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

I remember back when I was on active duty there was nothing you could do to help with the holidays. It got to the point they were just another day. The good news is that when my family gets together any day can be a holiday.

Please take a moment and give your favorite Veteran a hug. Heck that is one of the best Veterans benefits there is.

Veterans mortage benefits

2008-12-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Did you know if you are a Veteran you qualify for a V.A. mortgage?

This is an excellent benefit all Veterans should take advantage of, and the cool thing is you can use this VA Mortgage benefit as many times as you like. Some of the qualifications for a VA mortgage are a bit tight but apply anyways the VA mortgage reps will give you tips on how to clean up your credit.

Holiday wishes to all our servicemen and women

2008-12-03T17:44:00.000-08:00

The people who need to be thanked the most are the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who are spending the holidays defending our freedom.

Thank you and please know you are in our prayers.

New G.I. bill specifics

2008-11-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

Q. How long am I eligible to use my VA New GI Bill?

A. You will be eligible for benefits for 15 years from your last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days.

Q. Can I transfer my educational benefits to my dependents?

A. If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense can offer you the chance to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the military services will issue a new policy on how to transfer benefits to your family in the coming months.

Will Obama bring the troops home?

2008-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

This is a dangerous time in history. If we bring the troops home some people will think we have given up or "lost" the war. If we make the soldiers stay then we are causing unnecessay hardship.

Should the troops come home ? If so when? WHat are your thoughts?

New Veterans benefits website to launch

2008-10-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine is starting up a Veterans Benefits website. I am assisting her with the seo, and content.

Janet is a Gulf war Veteran and has that go getter never say quit attitude most Non-Commissioned officers have. For those of you who do know that would be E-5 or above Sgts. on up to Sgt. Major of the Army.

We are picking a domain name this weekend and we are going to make sure we get the term "Veterans Benefits" in the name.
We will have the site live by 1/1/09.

Just for you who are Veterans here is the contact information for the Veterans administration. Source www.VA.gov

"For more information about specific benefits, visit the nearest VA regional office or call: 1-800-827-1000 Special Toll-Free Numbers
Health Care 877-222-8387
Education & Training 888-442-4551
VA Life Insurance 800-669-8477
Office of SGLI 800-419-1473
Office of CHAMPVA 800-733-8387
Helpline (Agent Orange and Gulf War) 800-749-8387
Direct Deposit 877-838-2778
Headstones (Status of claims only) 800-697-6947
Telecommunication Device for Deaf (TDD) 800-829-4833
HOW TO APPLY FOR VETERANS BENEFITS:
APPLYING VIA THE INTERNET
VONAPP
The VONAPP (Veterans On Line Applications) website is an official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (V A) website, which enables veterans to apply for benefits using the Internet. U.S. military veterans and some service members within six months of separation or retirement can apply for compensation, pension, and vocational rehabilitation benefits.
U.S. military veterans, service members with two years of service, and members of the Selected Reserve can apply for education benefits.
VONAPP also has a link to VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits.
How is using this site different from visiting a V A office?When you use this site to complete and send an application to V A, your application will be sent directly to the V A office with jurisdiction over your application. Processing will begin and you will receive an automated e-mail response from the V A office letting you know that it received your application.
It can be important for you to submit your claim as soon as you can if it is near the end of a month, whether by regular mail or using VONAPP, to ensure we receive it before the first of the next month. In some cases, your entitlement is based on the date we receive your claim in V A and you might lose a month's benefits if we find you eligible but you wait until the end of the month to send it to us.
In VONAPP, your electronic submission using the Internet is time and date stamped in V A when you successfully submit. That time and date is the Eastern Time (ET) at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it is electronically received by V A, regardless of your geographic location around the world.
http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
For detailed information about all VA benefits and services, visit:
Source www.va.gov"

Holidays for the Veterans

2008-10-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

How are you going to honor Veterans this Thanksgiving and Christmas?

A postcard or letter from home can make all the difference. the Adopt a soldier program is excellent. Remember if it was not for our Veterans we wouyld not have the freedoms we have.

Will the soldiers come home soon?

2008-10-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

WIth the new election basically we know Obama will bring the troops home. This was has many similarities to Vietnam.

If you can not see the enemy you can not take care of the situation. Frankly we have a whole new generation coming home from war. One of my key goals for 2009 is to start a website about Veterans benefits.

The Veterans Administration system is outdated and it seems that many of the employees are burnt out. We need kind compassionate people at the top of the V.A. system.

When we sent in troops without every single piece of protective equipment we in turn put a monitary value on a soldiers life.

That is not right, we need to treat these soldiers with the respect they deserve if not for them we would not have freedom of speech or anything else for that matter. (remember China.) free?

Would you join the Military today?

2008-08-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Army still contacts me to reenlist even at over 40 years old. Would you reenter the service with the way they currently treat soldiers? I say no.

New GI Bill proposed

2008-04-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Contact your congressmen this needs to pass.

A word from the right

2008-03-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

The soldier in question did a very difficult job from Gods sakes leave the poor man alone. Pathetic. that anyone is coming down on him.

Way to go Gov. blunt

2008-01-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

The Gouvener of Missiouri really has stepped up to help retired Veterans. Every state should wave the State tax on military retirement.

If a person does 20 years for this country they deserve it, I also feel the same should apply to Police officers and Firemen. If they risk their lives for us we should atleast help with no taxes.

Excellent Veterans group

2007-12-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Awesome new website to help Veterans.

It is good to see many groups helping out Veterans.

Veterans Affairs' Compensated Work Therapy

2007-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

The IRS has recently ruled that the CWT program or Veterans Affairs' Compensated Work Therapy is no longer considered taxable income. This is a small but positive step for wounded Veterans. It is a long road to reach fair treatment of Veterans especially those who have been injured.

Lets keep this type of progress moving forward, contact your local Senators and Congressmen (people)

Veterans Non-Profits not making the grade

2007-12-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

This is a disgrace, 12 million in POSTAGE see financial expenses, 450,000 in salary for the CEO and his wife make over 1000,00 to edit the newsletter. These "charites" should all be shut down.

Help Hospitalized Veterans, which "reported income of $71.3 million last year

VA still falls short in helping Veterans

2007-12-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

Has our VA system become so bad that Vets have to wait months if not years to receive benefits. The sad but true answer is YES they have failed.

How is it we can treat people who protect our freedom in this manner. What has the USA become, Vets from other wars except Vietnam have been treated better then this. You would think with the inceases in technology the level of service will also increase.

It is time for a complete makeover of the VA.

Republicans look to SLASH the VA budget

2007-12-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

I find it strange hardly any Republicans Sons and Daughters are in the military let alone in Iraq or Afganistan.

I wonder if they would slash the budget if their sons and daughters were fighting the War/

Veterans struggle to pay school bills

2007-12-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Even with the GI bill many soldiers are having a hard time paying for College.

Lets help these Vets out, instead of funding the war lets fund the education of the brave soldiers who fought in it.

Thank you to our Service people

2007-11-27T12:46:00.001-08:00

I was able to go home for Thanksgiving, it felt great. I am saddened to think of all the service people around the world who can not spend time with their family members. You are all heros in my and MANY others eyes. I wish you safety, and a quick return.

Thank you for your service to our country and happy holidays and many more.

Steve

Honor your Veterans

2007-10-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Take a moment and honor the Veterans around you. Perhas visit a V.A. hospital, or bring some flowers to your local VA cemetary.

Lawyers helping Veterans has hell frozen over?

2007-10-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ok the title is a joke, byt some Lawyers are sharks just like in any profession there are a few bad apples. It is fantastic this group of lawyers is helping Veterans with their V.A. Benefits. Way to go ladies and gentlemen. I take back all the bad lawyer jokes I have made in the past.

Just like a doctores lawyers have a moral obligation to help others. These lawyers are setting the standard.

Way to go Arnold

2007-10-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Who says Arnold is just a puppet Govener. Arnold signed into law additional measures to protect servicemens financial health while deployed. This is a very important Veterans benefit as there are lots of low lifes out there trying to take advantage of our service people and their spouses. If you receive any spam or junk mail asking you to sign up for financial services I would check out the company very carefully first.

Devalue oil and help stop the War

2007-10-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ok this is going to sound political and frankly I do not care.

If we increase the amount of alternative energy we use we can devalue oil. Would it not be great to not have a war in the first place. There is a huge conflict of interest with current politicians owning huge amounts of oil stock.

The best way to take care of Veterans is not to have a war in the first place. When this new generation of Veterans grow old I bet they invest in alternative energy.

No bulletts flying means no Veterans being wounded.

Liberty University offers woulded Veterans scholarships

2007-09-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Liberty University is leading the way in support of wounded Veterans.

I hope that other public and state colleges around the country follow their lead. With the increase in injuries with soldiers loosing limbs, the ability to earn a good education is becoming even more valuable to Veterans.

Do not be a dumb as. and wait till the end of your ten years to use your military college benefits. As more soldiers return from the war the need for higher education will continue to increase.

Michael Yon in Iraq

2007-09-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Michael just keeps going and going the courage this guy has is incredible. Please help support Michael and his effort to report what is really going on in Iraq.

Ginnie Mae to eliminate the restriction on the size of mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans

2007-09-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) recently announced that, effective Sept. 1, it is eliminating the restriction on the size of mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans

Bush to help Phino Vets.

2007-09-08T08:39:00.001-07:00

Well bush is finally doing something for Phillipino Veterans, now how about doing something for the rest of the Veterans like perhpas INCREASE Veterans Benefits.

Florida doing right by Veterans

2007-09-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Why cant every state develop Veterans Benefits programs like this. People these Veterans deserve our help. Many have given their lives so we can live in the comfort and safety of the United States.

I served in the US Army for four years active duty, it was a different Army back then. Why doesn't EVERY soldier have Body Armor? Why aren't 100% of the Humvee Up armored?

There is no dollar amount high enough to sacrifice a life. Please help your Veterans, you can contact your local America Legion, and VFW. As you sit down to a barbecue this weekend think about the soldiers in the desert Iraq and Afghanistan. Raise a glass to them and toast those who are no longer here so we can live the lives we do.

Disabled Vets get great training finally

2007-08-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is a good start but 19 people is just a grain of sand in the sea of wounded Veterans.

When will it end

2007-08-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

With soldiers being killed everyday we have to ask ourselves when will it end?

We have a new generation scarred by war, lets focus on alternative energy take the power away from the enemy. If oil was worth little would we be at war right now?

The greed of the oil companies is causing human lives, the greed of our politicians is causing loss of human lives.

We have the Sun wind and water, take the $$$ out of the enemies hands.

VA Watchdog dot Org - VA NEWS FLASH - 07-09-2007 #7 -- DISABLED VETERANS GO ON OFFENSIVE FOR BENEFITS AS HOUSE VETS' COMMITTEE MEETS IN NEW ORLEANS -- Panel expected to get an earful from Louisiana veterans and support groups.

2007-07-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

VA Watchdog dot Org - VA NEWS FLASH - 07-09-2007 #7 -- DISABLED VETERANS GO ON OFFENSIVE FOR BENEFITS AS HOUSE VETS' COMMITTEE MEETS IN NEW ORLEANS -- Panel expected to get an earful from Louisiana veterans and support groups.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Arrowhead Ripper: Surrender or Die

2007-06-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Arrowhead Ripper: Surrender or Die

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Death or Glory Part III of IV

2007-06-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Michael continues to risk his life to tell us the truth about Iraq. Keep your head low and your morale up Mike.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Death or Glory Part III of IV

A 21st Century System for Evaluating Veterans for Disability Benefits - Institute of Medicine

2007-06-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

VA is finally changing the way they evaluate a soldiers injury. This is a long time in comming but I am very glad to see this happen Veterans deserve the benefits they are entitled to.

A 21st Century System for Evaluating Veterans for Disability Benefits - Institute of Medicine

A valentine for a soldier Jody strikes yet again

2007-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

All those snakes who sleep with soldiers wifes whenile they are protecting your ass should be busted up bad. I know how a Dear John letter feels.

To the wives who cheat while their husbands are away, I\ll see you in hell where you belong.

In off a mission LBE on the floor Weapon in the corner Needing to be cleaned It's been so long Since her last perfumed letter Read 200 times Ink starting to fade I killed 3 men today How can I ever return home To my wife that I love so dearly Can she ever understand Upon my bunk Todays mail lays waiting Familiar scent of Obsession Drifting into the air I open the letter so slowly I close my eyes to see you Sweet lips seduce me In my minds eye "My dearest," your letter begins "I dont know how to tell you" My heart skips a beat "I am so sorry to tell you this way" "I met another Who is now here with me And not in some far off land Know I still love you" "Please sign the papers Included here within I know you love me So now set me free" My sins have come back to me For the lives I have taken Now no need for her to forgive me Because now here I will stay I have taken others loved ones Fathers, husbands, and sons Now justice has been served to me My love is now gone I sign the lawyers papers Into the envelope I slip them inside I pick back up my weapon And the next mission I will go fly

posted by Military Muscle

Norwegianity » A day in the strife

2007-06-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

Norwegianity » A day in the strife

Disability Claims Information - Iraq War Veterans Organization

2007-05-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Outstanding site for Iraq war Veterans, a huge list of contact information for the .Gov and for fellow Veterans. Thank you for your brave service, it is because of you I chave the freedom to sit herre and surf on the Net and express my freedom of speech.

This year we will be creating a Veterans site to teach Vets. to work from home, we have to get to the point where we are making atleast 25K per year then we will "pay it forward" and provide a step by step plan for home business success.

Disability Claims Information - Iraq War Veterans Organization

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Maysan

2007-05-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Maysan

Lawyers May Soon Fight VA For War Veterans : Veterans Today - News for U.S. Military Veterans - VA Home Loans, Vet Jobs, VA Benefits, VA Hospitals, VA Administration

2007-05-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Why in the heck are Veterans not allowed to have a lawyer?? If you cross the boarder illegally you can get a free lawyer. If you travel to foreign lands and protect America you do not qualify. What type of BS is this.

The government just keep holding the Veterans down instead of lifting them up like we should be.

Nicholson vows to improve veterans care « St. Louis Area Iraq War Veterans

2007-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Nicholson vows to improve veterans care « St. Louis Area Iraq War Veterans

I do not think it is a good idea to stop bonuses, I agree the backlog is a crime byt this is not the way to handle the situation. Why punish the current Veterans who are willing to reelist. This is not the way to handle the situation.

Will this war ever be over?

2007-05-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well we have a hell of a problem in Iraq. We are fighting people who believe we have ignored their religion, their wants, and their government.

I support the troops 100% and in saying that I must agree it is time for us to pullout. For years I felt guilty about saying that. To the point of ignoring the obvious. It is time to bring our troops home.

Write your congressmen and women.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VWF) Partner to Provide Wounded Soldiers Expertise and Efficiency Throughout Disability Benefits Process

2007-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome partnership, teaming up young Veterans with old, great idea. Perhaps they can help deal with some of the emotional issues of war also.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VWF) Partner to Provide Wounded Soldiers Expertise and Efficiency Throughout Disability Benefits Process

LIBERTAS » Blog Archive » Michael Yon, Kevin Knoblock Team up for Iraq TV Series

2007-04-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

LIBERTAS » Blog Archive » Michael Yon, Kevin Knoblock Team up for Iraq TV Series

Veterans face huge hurdles when returning home

2007-04-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

I remeber when I was in alot of my fellow soldiers were married, this is especially tough during deployments, it leads to bad feelings and atleast in my case an unfaithful spouse. Whats worse the war alone? Being at war and having the person who you love tell you it over via the mail. The old "Dear John" letter you have heard about.

The good news is this generation of soldiers are even mre deicated to the country and each other.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070414/veterans-care

This is a dam crime

2007-04-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

A great way to save some money huh? Screw the Veterans. WTF is going on in this country.

A tribute to a fallen soldier

2007-03-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

People I was a mechanic in a "peacetime" Army, one the proudest moment of my life was when I got my E-5 pinned on.

At that time I was a career soldier, well leave it to me to screw that up, a bad decision with the Ex. and I decided to get out. I have never felt the comraderie, or cohesion in any company since.

I look at the Ssgt and say but for the grace of god it could be me. What do we do what can we do to help the families of these brave soldiers. Do we turn our backs on the very people who allow us to live in freedom.

Thank god we have the technology we do now, one of my primary missions this year is to start up a website for Veterans who have been injured. Many will have to work from home so lets teach them how.

SAM ex Motor pool Sgt.
Keep it moving people

VA to do a top down review of VA hospital system

2007-03-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here is the thing a soldier rarely complains about anything. It took a major scandle to have this come out into the open.

I suggest there be more watchdog groups setup to avoid this from happening in the future.

Without our Veterans we would not have a future dont we deserve to give them the same consideration we give ourselves?

"War is not hell," Walkabout said. "It's worse."

2007-03-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Walkabout received the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, five Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars. He was believed to be the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War, according to U.S. Department of Defense reports.

EXCELLENT site dedicated to helping Veterans

2007-03-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

I had a chance to check out
http://www.veteranshelp.com/

I have to say they did an awesome job, I think we will contact them and see if we can assist them. The fact they are a Non-Profit dealing with Veterans Benefits, certainly makes volunteering some time alot easier.

Thank you to all the Veterans out there who have and are searving our country, without you we would not have many of the freedoms we currently do.

God bless and keep your heads down.

Backlog of over 400000 for Veterans Benefits

2007-03-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

I am not meaning to sound like a whiner here but come on people. I suggest we hire some more people for the VA.

Oh dang thats right the Republicans actually want to cut Veterans benefits. I wonder if more politicians sons and daughters were serving if this would be happeneing.

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/NEWS01/703080375/1022/NEWS06

For the Veteran

Canada steps up to help its Veterans

Top 10 Veterans Stories in Today’s News

A True Veterans Day

Millions of Veterans benefits being with held

Disabled veterans can follow their dream of entrepreneurship

Amazing video top 10 Fly bys

If you are a Veteran you qualify for a reduced mortgage

Wounded Veterans benefits

Veterans unite

Outstanding video about the NEW GI Bill

Veterans benefits lens

U.S. soldiers and veterans get an opportunity to have a thriving career as a personal fitness trainer

How to send care packages to the troops

A tribute to our Veterans

President Obama meets with Iraq war veterans

The cost of the war to our Veterans

Heros

A-Z Veteran Benefit Information Index

Troops to teachers program

Good increase in V.A. budget for 2010

Hire a Veteran today

Veterans administration and US Olympic committee to team up

V.A. Benefits Agent Orange

How to determine your Veterans benefits eligibility

What do Most Veterans have? Faith

England treat your Veterans better please

New GI Bill to benefit Veterans families

President Obama helping Vets

Harleys heros God Bless America

Veterans to get a small $250.00 payment

V.A. approves Cisco certtification tests

Operation helmet

Wishing all Veterans Happy Holidays

Veterans mortage benefits

Holiday wishes to all our servicemen and women

New G.I. bill specifics

Will Obama bring the troops home?

New Veterans benefits website to launch

Holidays for the Veterans

Will the soldiers come home soon?

Would you join the Military today?

New GI Bill proposed

A word from the right

Way to go Gov. blunt

Excellent Veterans group

Veterans Affairs' Compensated Work Therapy

Veterans Non-Profits not making the grade

VA still falls short in helping Veterans

Republicans look to SLASH the VA budget

Veterans struggle to pay school bills

Thank you to our Service people

Honor your Veterans

Lawyers helping Veterans has hell frozen over?

Way to go Arnold

Devalue oil and help stop the War

Liberty University offers woulded Veterans scholarships

Michael Yon in Iraq

Ginnie Mae to eliminate the restriction on the size of mortgage loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans

Bush to help Phino Vets.

Florida doing right by Veterans

Disabled Vets get great training finally

When will it end

VA Watchdog dot Org - VA NEWS FLASH - 07-09-2007 #7 -- DISABLED VETERANS GO ON OFFENSIVE FOR BENEFITS AS HOUSE VETS' COMMITTEE MEETS IN NEW ORLEANS -- Panel expected to get an earful from Louisiana veterans and support groups.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Arrowhead Ripper: Surrender or Die

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Death or Glory Part III of IV

A 21st Century System for Evaluating Veterans for Disability Benefits - Institute of Medicine

A valentine for a soldier Jody strikes yet again

Norwegianity » A day in the strife

Disability Claims Information - Iraq War Veterans Organization

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Maysan

Lawyers May Soon Fight VA For War Veterans : Veterans Today - News for U.S. Military Veterans - VA Home Loans, Vet Jobs, VA Benefits, VA Hospitals, VA Administration

Nicholson vows to improve veterans care « St. Louis Area Iraq War Veterans

Will this war ever be over?

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VWF) Partner to Provide Wounded Soldiers Expertise and Efficiency Throughout Disability Benefits Process

LIBERTAS » Blog Archive » Michael Yon, Kevin Knoblock Team up for Iraq TV Series

Veterans face huge hurdles when returning home

This is a dam crime

A tribute to a fallen soldier

VA to do a top down review of VA hospital system