BENEFITS

You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are:

1. a veteran
2. a veteran’s dependent
3. the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a deceased veteran
4. an active-duty military service member
5. a member of the Reserve or National Guard

If you are eligible for federal benefits but have never applied, you still can. Let a professionally trained VFW service officer help you. In fact, by turning to the VFW to help you file a claim, the chances for approval are much better than if you go it alone.

With a nationwide network of service officers, both on the Department (state) level (full time, professional advocates) and Post level (volunteer advocates), the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Veterans Service (NVS) assists more than 120,000 veterans and their families each year. Annually, Department Service Officers (DSOs) garner over a billion dollars in compensation benefits.

Below are just some of the benefits you may have earned:

Note: Combat Veterans receive free medical care for any illness possibly associated with service during a period of hostility for two years from the veteran’s release from active duty.

Compensation

VA can pay you monthly compensation if you are at least 10% disabled as a result of your military service.

Pension

You can receive a monthly pension if you are a wartime veteran with limited income, and you are permanently and totally disabled or at least 65 years old.

HEALTHCARE

Various services are available, including hospital, outpatient medical, dental, pharmacy, and prosthetic services, sexual trauma counseling, specialized health care for women veterans, readjustment counseling, alcohol and drug dependency treatment, and medical evaluation for disorders associated with military service in the Gulf War, or exposure to Agent Orange, radiation, and other environmental hazards.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION and EMPLOYMENT

VA can help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment. For veterans with serious service-connected disabilities, VA also offers services to improve their ability to live as independently as possible.

EDUCATION and TRAINING

VA pays benefits to eligible veterans, reservists, and active-duty service members while they are in an approved education or training program.

HOME LOANS

VA offers various home-loan services to eligible veterans, some military personnel, and certain surviving spouses.

LIFE INSURANCE

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is renewable term life insurance for veterans who want to convert their SGLI up to an amount not to exceed the coverage you had when you separated from service. Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance, also called “RH” Insurance, is for service-connected veterans. Coverage is $10,000. You may be eligible for a $20,000 supplemental policy if you are totally disabled.

DEPENDANTS and SURVIVORS

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is payable to certain survivors.