Veterans Benefits Administration Connecting With Those We Serve

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Disability Compensation Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Home Loans Pension Education Veterans Health Administration (VHA) VA Medical Centers Community Based Outpatient Clinics Vets Center Ambulatory Care Women’s Clinic OEF/OIF/OND Clinic Homeless Veterans Program National Cemetery Administration (NCA) National and State Cemeteries Headstones and Markers Presidential Memorial Certificates

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Helping disabled Veterans Disability Compensation Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Helping improve lives Home Loans Education Health Care Helping through tough times Pension Helping families Dependents & Survivors Insurance Burial

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Eligibility for VA Benefits The three main groups that are eligible for VA benefits are: Veterans, Servicemembers, including National Guard and Reserve members, and Dependents and Survivors of Servicemembers or Veterans. IMAGE Servicemember National Guard Member Reserve Member Dependents and Survivors Veteran

Discharge Criteria To be eligible for VA benefits the Veteran must have one of the following discharges: - Honorable - General (Under Honorable Conditions) The following types of discharges may not be eligible for VA benefits: Other Than Honorable Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD) Dishonorable Discharge

Disability Compensation What is it? Service-connected disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to Veterans for a disability that arose during service, was worsened or aggravated by service, or is presumed by VA to relate to military service.   Who Qualifies? A typical beneficiary for disability compensation is a Veteran who became injured physically during service or has psychological issues related to service.

Eligibility for Disability Compensation PRESUMPTIVE DISABILITY BENEFITS VA presumes that some disabilities are a result of military service. A Servicemember or Veteran may be eligible to receive disability benefits if he or she has a qualifying disability related to certain conditions of service such as exposure to Agent Orange or radiation, or being a former prisoner of war. General Eligibility Requirements The disability is related to an injury or event experienced while on active duty. Worsened or aggravated by service, or is presumed by VA to relate to military service. Examples of Injuries Incurred in or Aggravated While on Active Duty: Torn Knee Ligament Migraine Headaches Back Condition Tinnitus Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Traumatic Brain Injury

Disability Compensation 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.

Additional Disability Compensation Information Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) An additional amount paid to Veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities. VA can pay additional compensation to a Veteran who, as a result of military service, incurred the loss or loss of use of specific organs or extremities. Clothing Allowance Annual payments for Veterans whose service-connected condition requires treatment (e.g., orthopedic appliance, skin cream) that irreparably damages outer garments. Additional clothing allowance per prosthetic or orthopedic appliance, or medication that affects more than one type of clothing garment. Clothing Allowance To apply, submit VA Form 10-8678, Application for Annual Clothing Allowance to the prosthetic representative at the local VA medical center. Applications are collected throughout the year, and processed on August 1st. Payments are released between September 1st and October 31st each year. Auto Allowance: Eligibility requirements include: Either a Servicemember who is still on active duty or a Veteran, AND Have one of the following disabilities that are either rated as service-connected or treated as if service-connected under 38 U.S.C 1151: Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet, OR Loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, OR Permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree. Apply by submitting VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment to the local Regional Office. Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) – Life insurance benefit for Veterans with service-connected disabilities, but who are otherwise in good health Veterans must apply for S-DVI within two years of receiving a rating for a service-connected disability Premiums may be waived for Veterans who become totally disabled Apply using the following forms: VA Form 29-4362, or online at http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/buying/SDVI.htm VA Form 29-357 to apply for a waiver of premiums based on total disability

Additional Disability Compensation Information Automobile Allowance A one-time allowance to purchase an automobile or conveyance. (New or used automobile or other conveyance) Automatically qualifies for adaptive equipment. Adaptive Equipment Allowance May be paid more than once for adaptive equipment to accommodate certain severe service-connected disabilities. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)/Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Helps Servicemembers and Veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities purchase, construct, or modify a home to accommodate the disability.

Pension Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or non-service- connected disability requirements. Eligibility Requirements Service 90 days active duty with one day during a wartime period if the Veteran entered the military on or before September 7, 1980 24 months of active service or the full period for which they were called to active duty if the Veteran entered the military after September 7, 1980 Age 65 or older, OR has a total and permanent disability Income is below the yearly limit set by Congress VA Requirements Proof of income and net worth information (e.g., bank statements, paystubs) Private medical treatment records and where to find any relevant treatment records that might be held by a federal facility, such as a VA medical center Completed pension program applications: Veterans Pension – VA Form 21-527EZ Survivors Pension – VA Form 21-534EZ Special Monthly Pension for Veterans and Surviving Spouses to apply for Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits (if applicable) – VA Form 21-2680

Wartime Periods Mexican Border Period (5/9/1916 -4/5/1917) World War I (4/6/1917 - 11/11/1918) World War II (12/7/1941 - 12/31/1946) Korean Conflict (6/27/1950 - 1/31/1955) Vietnam Era (2/28/1961 - 5/7/1975) Between 2/28/1961 - 8/4/1964, the Veteran had to have served in Vietnam. Gulf War (8/2/1990 to present)

Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) Veteran $12,868 Veteran (one dependent) $16,851 Housebound $15,725 Housebound (one dependent) $19,710 Aid and Attendance (A&A) $21,466 A&A (one dependent) $25,448 Two Veterans married to each other Each additional child (add) $2,198

Eligibility Requirement for Aid and Attendance and Housebound Compensation and Pension beneficiaries are eligible when they meet the additional criteria to follow: The Veteran or surviving spouse may be eligible for Aid and Attendance if: - Requires the care or assistance of another person to perform activities of daily living OR, - Are bedridden OR, - They are a patient in a nursing home OR, - Blind or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to five degrees of less. The Veteran or surviving spouse may be eligible for Housebound benefits if: - They have a single permanent disability evaluated at 100% disabling and are permanently and substantially confined to their immediate premise OR, - They have a single permanent disability evaluated at 100% disabling and another disability or disabilities evaluated at 60% or more disabling

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) What is it? The VR&E program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment. Career counseling benefits are also available to recently separated Servicemembers and to those using VA education benefits. Who is it for? VR&E services are for Veterans with service-connected illnesses and injuries who: May not be able to work right now and need rehabilitation and counseling services Need specialized training and/or education Need flexible work arrangements Need help finding employment soon after separation Need rehabilitation to live more independently 5 Tracks of VR&E Reemployment Consultation with the employer, job accommodations, job modification, and case management; coordination and referral for services, such as work adjustment services Rapid Access to Employment Preparation to find employment including résumé development and job search assistance Self-Employment Services to help develop and implement a business plan including analysis of business concept, training in operating small businesses, and marketing and financial assistance Employment Through Long-Term Services Training and education, including On-the-Job Training (OJT), internships, and higher education Independent Living Services Assistive technology, independent living skills training, and connection to community-based support services 16

5 Tracks of VR&E Reemployment Rapid Access to Employment Consultation with the employer, job accommodations, job modification, and case management; coordination and referral for services, such as work adjustment services. Rapid Access to Employment Preparation to find employment including résumé development and job search assistance. Self-Employment Services to help develop and implement a business plan including analysis of business concept, training in operating small businesses, and marketing and financial assistance. Employment Through Long-Term Services Training and education, including On-the-Job Training (OJT), internships, and higher education Independent Living Services Assistive technology, independent living skills training, and connection to community-based support services

Education What is it? VA’s education programs may provide assistance for tuition, books, fees, housing for degree and non-college degree training, on-the-job training, licensing and certification, and work study programs. VA has four primary education benefit programs that offer different amounts of financial assistance and have different eligibility requirements: Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30) Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) Who is it for? VA pays education benefits to eligible Servicemembers, Veterans, and dependents pursuing an approved education or training program. Yellow Ribbon Program – provides additional financial support to individuals who attend a school where tuition and fees exceed the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit available by law Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) -  allows Servicemembers to transfer unused benefits to their spouses or dependent children 18

Additional Information, Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program Provides additional financial support to individuals who attend a school where tuition and fees exceed the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit available by law. Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) Allows Servicemembers to transfer unused benefits to their spouses or dependent children while in the service. Eligibility to transfer benefits is as follows: The Servicemember must have at least six years of service, and commit to an additional four years of service in order to transfer benefits to a spouse or child; or Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (Active Duty or Selected Reserve) on the date of election, is precluded by either standard policy (service or DoD) or statute from committing to four additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute, or Is or becomes retirement eligible during the period from August 1, 2009 through August 1, 2013; a Service member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of Active Duty or 20 years of reserve service.

Home Loan Guaranty What is it? The VA-guaranteed home loan program helps Veterans, Servicemembers, and eligible Reservists obtain, retain, adapt, or refinance a home. VA loans allow more favorable financing terms, including no down payment or mortgage insurance premiums.   Also includes: Native American Direct Loan Program (NADL) Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) Related Home Loan Guaranty Programs: Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program – Helps eligible Native American Veterans finance the purchase, construction, or improvement of homes on Federal Trust Land, or reduce the interest rate on an existing NADL. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program/Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant Program – Helps eligible Servicemembers and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities purchase, construct an adaptive home, or modify an existing home to accommodate their needs. Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) – Helps the family of a disabled Veteran who received an SAH grant by paying off the home mortgage in the event of the Veteran’s death. 20

Home Loan Programs Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program Helps eligible Native American Veterans finance the purchase, construction, or improvement of homes on Federal Trust Land, or reduce the interest rate on an existing NADL. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program- Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant Program Helps eligible Servicemembers and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities purchase, construct an adaptive home, or modify an existing home to accommodate their needs. Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) Helps the family of a disabled Veteran who received an SAH grant by paying off the home mortgage in the event of the Veteran’s death.

Insurance What is it? VA insurance benefits consider the extra risks involved in military service and provide Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families peace of mind knowing they are financially protected. Programs Include: Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) Traumatic Injury Protection ( TSGLI) Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) – Active duty Servicemembers and full- time Reservists are automatically issued maximum SGLI coverage upon entry on duty. Members receive 120 days of free coverage from their date of separation; members who are totally disabled or have certain medical conditions may extend free coverage for up to two years from their date of separation. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) – Veterans can convert their SGLI to a civilian program of lifetime renewable term coverage. They must apply within 1 year and 120 days from separation; if they apply within the first 240 days after separation, no medical underwriting is required. Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) – Automatic coverage for spouses and children of Servicemembers with SGLI coverage. Dependent children are automatically covered at no charge. Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) – Automatic coverage for Servicemembers with SGLI coverage. Provides payments to Servicemembers who suffer traumatic injuries with severe losses, such as amputations, blindness, and paraplegia. 22

Insurance Programs Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Active duty Servicemembers and full-time Reservists are automatically issued maximum SGLI coverage upon entry on duty. Members receive 120 days of free coverage from their date of separation; members who are totally disabled or have certain medical conditions may extend free coverage for up to two years from their date of separation. Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Veterans can convert their SGLI to a civilian program of lifetime renewable term coverage. They must apply within 1 year and 120 days from separation; if they apply within the first 240 days after separation, no medical underwriting is required.

Insurance Programs Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) Automatic coverage for spouses and children of Servicemembers with SGLI coverage. Dependent children are automatically covered at no charge. Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) Automatic coverage for Servicemembers with SGLI coverage. Provides payments to Servicemembers who suffer traumatic injuries with severe losses, such as amputations, blindness, and paraplegia.

Benefits for Dependents and Survivors What is it? VA honors the sacrifices of the families of Servicemembers and Veterans through benefit programs which may include payments based on financial need or service-related death; loans to help purchase, construct or improve a home; and assistance in obtaining a degree. Benefits could include: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Dependents’ Educational Assistance Burial Home Loan Guaranty Survivors’ Pension   Who is it for? These benefits are for the qualifying surviving spouse, dependent child(ren), and parent(s) of deceased Servicemembers and Veterans. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — A monthly tax-free benefit paid to an eligible surviving spouse, dependent children, and/or parents of a Servicemember or Veteran whose death was related to service. Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) – Provides assistance to obtain a degree and pursue other eligible education and training including certificate programs, apprenticeships, correspondence courses, and on-the-job training. Burial – A benefit that may include furnishing a headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial allowance, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and an American flag to drape the Veteran’s casket, as well as the option of burial in a VA national cemetery. Home Loans – A benefit that may be used to help purchase, construct, or improve a home, or refinance a mortgage. Survivors’ Pension - a monthly tax-free benefit based on limited income and net worth, which is paid to the un-remarried surviving spouse and/or child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service. 25

Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) A monthly tax-free benefit paid to an eligible surviving spouse, dependent children, or parents of a Servicemember or Veteran whose death was related to service. Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Provides assistance to obtain a degree and pursue other eligible education and training including certificate programs, apprenticeships, correspondence courses, and on-the-job training.

Benefits for Dependents and Survivors Burial Benefit A benefit that may include furnishing a headstone, marker, or medallion, a burial allowance, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and an American flag to drape the Veteran’s casket, as well as the option of burial in a VA National Cemetery. Home Loans A benefit that may be used to help purchase, construct, or improve a home, or refinance a mortgage. Survivors’ Pension A monthly tax-free benefit based on limited income and net worth, which is paid to the un-remarried surviving spouse and/or child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.

How to Apply for Benefits There are numerous ways to apply for VA disability benefits depending on the type of benefit you are seeking: Online using an eBenefits account. Complete and mail your claim form to your nearest VA regional office. Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. To find the VA regional office nearest you, use the Veterans Affairs National Facilities Locator or call VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000. Work with an accredited representative or agent. We also encourage you to become familiar with evidence requirements so you have a complete understanding of not only VA's responsibility, but yours as well.

The Intent to File Process The new optional intent to file (ITF) process is designed to allow claimants additional time to gather the information needed to file their claim, while protecting their date of claim, and applies to the following claim types: Compensation Pension Survivors Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Does not apply to benefits that pay a one-time benefit (e.g., burial) The ITF reserves a potential effective date for compensation, pension, and survivors benefits, provided the complete claim for the corresponding benefit is received within 1 year Only one ITF per general benefit (compensation, pension, or survivors benefits) can be active at any time An active ITF only applies to the first claim of that type received.

Intent to File Process, Cont’d Methods of filing an ITF: Paper form (new VA Form 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension, and/or DIC) Telephone call to 1-800-827-1000 or in-person interview at a VA regional office or other claim intake center First-time “Save” of online application (eBenefits, SEP, D2D) Methods of filing a corresponding claim: VA standard paper form (mailed or faxed) online through eBenefits, SEP, or D2D (compensation only)

Website Overview: History eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov) is a joint VA/DoD web portal that provides self-service capabilities to Veterans, Servicemembers, their families and caregivers. Development of eBenefits was initiated in March of 2007 at the recommendation of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala). With quarterly releases, eBenefits continues to evolve as a “one-stop shop” for Veterans, Servicemembers and their families. eBenefits is a joint VA/DoD Web portal that provides self-service capabilities to Veterans, Service members, their families and caregivers. The URL is www.ebenefits.va.gov. The development of eBenefits was initiated in March of 2007 at the recommendation of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (also referred to as Dole/Shalala). With quarterly releases, eBenefits continues to evolve as a “one-stop shop” for Veterans, Service members and their families to access and manage their benefits and military information.

Why eBenefits? Veterans filing for disability benefits can initiate their claim online and preserve their date of claim. Veterans have up to 365 days to fully complete their claim, upload any supporting documentation and submit directly to VA. Request and receive Official Military Personnel File including DD Form-214. Search for state and county benefit programs for Veterans. The Career Employment Center enables Veterans to apply for federal and civilian jobs, build a resume and translate military skills to civilian jobs. Request representation and assistance from a accredited Veterans Service Organization.

Website Overview eBenefits Statistics are captured as of August 2014 are as following: Registered eBenefits users: Over 5 million Claims status views: Over 40 Million since release date of April 2010 Home Loan COE: 573 K since release date of April 2010 OMPF (DD 214): 612 K since release date of December 2009 Letter Generator: 5.1 Million since release date of January 2011 Website visits: In August alone 3.96 Million visits

For More Information Veterans Benefits Administration: 1-800-827-1000 www.va.gov www.ebenefits.va.gov www.exploreva.gov Veterans Health Administration: 1-877-222-8387 (VETS) National Cemetery Administration: 1-800-535-1137 Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

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