1 Welcome Home!

2 What makes up the federal agency, The Veterans Administration (VA) Health (VHA) 5 years grandfathered in after return from deployment if served under GWOT orders; continued enrollment follows with annual renewal – this is different than extending TriCare health insurance coverage Compensation and Pension (disability, SC and non-SC) (widows/widowers) Monthly tax free dollars based on injury, illness, wound or exacerbation of pre-existing condition while on DOD orders *** Vocational Rehabilitation Job training if injured and receiving a 20% VA disability rating or receipt of a 10% VA disability rating in some cases

3 What Substantiating Documents are need to File A VA Comp (disability) and Pension Claim DD214 Line of Duty Reports (LOD) Buddy Reports Copies of Medical Records – do not assume they will make it home. Keep a copy of everything – including notes and pictures!! Incident reports (i.e., vehicle repair reports; diary, photos) Returning with any injury, illness, or wound, or exacerbated previous injury – contact your Accredited Veterans Service Officer or Operation Outreach as soon as you return to the United States Accredited Veterans Service Officer – VET-INFO

4 Illness/Disease After Service Some diseases can be “presumptive” a number of years after active duty service. Some must be manifested within a specific period of time after service. Many disabilities can be service connected if they manifest within 1 year after service (active duty.) It is important to submit a claim sooner rather than later. Definition of a Veteran (as defined by the VA) A person who is honorably discharged from military service. National Guard have to be federally activated and on active duty for a period of 180 days unless released earlier due to injury or convenience of the government.

5 Wounded Warrior Social Security *If you have served in the military since October 1, 2001 *If you are injured, ill or wounded and going to require rehabilitation for a year or longer and *If you are no longer performing the same MOS You may receive both a DOD paycheck and a SS check

Education / Unemployment Grants/ Benefits/ Incentives  New GI Bill  Tuition reduced to $50 per credit hour for a certain GWOT Veterans at state institutions  Expansion of Guard at Home Program and changing name to “Hero At Home” to attract all branches of the Reserve Components and extend time to use  ( )  NG Tuition Assistance  Filing for Unemployment  If you didn’t have a job before you deployment your deployment may be considered a job and may be eligible  If you had a job and it was eliminated during your deployment you should file for unemployment

7 VA Home Loans  Find the property suitable for your needs  Go to a lender and apply for a loan  Present your DD214 or separating papers relating to latest period of service and/or Certificate of Eligibility  Property is appraised by approved appraiser  Estimate of property’s reasonable value is determine  If application is approved, you receive the loan! **Service eligibility – served at least 90 days on active duty and been discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions. If served less than 90 days, you may be eligible if discharged because of a service-connected disability.