Briefer: SFC Dombeck, Esq.

References VA Pam VA Pam VA Pam 26-5 VA Pam

Purpose To inform individuals of the benefits they are eligible for, and where to go for assistance, after receiving an honorable discharge.

Outline Looking to the future Service, discharges, and documents Benefits available for veterans Explanation of benefits Places to go for assistance Summary Questions

By MSG (ret) Lawrence Murphy ©

The Second Lieutenant Relatively soft, easily shaped, and often hammered upon, the gold ingot is the perfect symbol of the Second Lieutenant’s rank and station

The First Lieutenant Somewhat harder, holds it’s shape better, and needs less hammering, the bar of silver is well-suited to represent the rank of the First Lieutenant

The Captain Worth two Lieutenants, the Captain’s insignia of rank reflects his worth and is configured to resemble a railroad track, giving the impression that he drives the train

The Colonel An eagle of silver, the Colonel’s rank reflects his lofty station and his ability to see and know all that goes on beneath him

The General The General’s rank is symbolized by stars, for they are higher than all, give light to all, and are out of reach

The Major / LTC Ever since the dawn of time, men have used leaves to cover up their crouches

Service Requirements Must have been discharged from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions to be eligible for most benefits All services eligible for the same benefits Honorable and general discharges qualify for most benefits Some require wartime service

Important Documents DD 214 (File at Courthouse) Marriage Certificate (in some cases) Birth Certificates (Children and Veteran) Death Certificate (in some cases)

MGIB Must have contributed Must be a high school grad or equivalent Must use within 10 years from release from active duty Must have honorable discharge

VEAP Can be converted to MGIB Must have pay reduced by $1200 Eligible if had entitlements remaining under Vietnam Era GI Bill

Vocational Rehabilitation Available for disabled veterans (20%) Other than dishonorable discharge Must have to overcome an employment handicap connected with disability

Disability Compensation Other than dishonorable discharge Varies with the degree of disability Paid monthly Non-taxable Injury or disease must have been incurred or aggravated during service

Home Loan Guarantees Other than dishonorable discharge Must have good credit rating Must have income sufficient to support mortgage payments Must live in property Home must meet VA requirements

Home Loan Guarantees Can be used to buy a home, condominium, manufactured home Can be used for home improvements Can be used to install energy-efficient heating and cooling Can be used to refinance an existing loan (cont’d)

Life Insurance Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Service-disabled Veterans Insurance Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

Burial Benefits Other than dishonorable discharge Burial in a National Cemetery includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care VA provides headstones and markers Presidential Memorial Certificates Burial flag to designated person

Healthcare Benefits Must be enrolled except for veterans with certain disabilities Amount of care given is determined by Congress appropriated funds Tricare provides care for dependents

Other Benefits Job finding assistance Job training partnership act Disabled veterans outreach program Reemployment rights Unemployment compensation Federal contract affirmative action

Other Benefits Federal government jobs Transition Assistance Loans for farms and homes FHA Home mortgage insurance Naturalization Preference Passports to visit overseas cemeteries (cont’d)

Other Benefits Medals Retirement homes Commissary and exchange privileges Death gratuity (cont’d)

VA Offices VA Regional Office, 575 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN ph VA Regional Office, 545 S. Third Street, Louisville, KY ph

Questions?

Thought of the Day Two wrongs don’t make a right - But three rights do make a left