VA Benefits and ServicesBriefing for Transitioning Service Members

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VA Local Information

» Briefer

» VA Regional Office

» Nearest Benefits Delivery at Discharge site

» Nearest VA Medical Center

» Nearest Vet Center

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www.va.gov

http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits

http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits

Or call us

1-800-827-10007:00 a.m. EST to 10:00 p.m. EST

Accessing VA

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» www.ebenefits.va.gov» One-stop shop for benefits-

related online tools and information.• Apply for benefits• See your benefits status and

payments online• Download your DD 214

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DS Logon – Lifetime Identity

» Defense Self-Service Logon –is your lifetime personal identity to access:• eBenefits

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov• TRICARE Online (TOL)

https://www.tricareonline.com/• Beneficiary Web Enrollment

(BWE)https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/bwe/

Service Members, use your CAC to get a DS Logon while you have it

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Department of Veterans Affairs

» Veterans Benefits Administration• All VA benefits - Compensation, Education, Home Loan

Guaranty, etc.• Administered by VA Regional Offices

» Veterans Health Administration• All VA health care services• Administered by VA Medical Centers, Ambulatory Care &

Community Based Outpatient Clinics, etc.

» National Cemetery Administration• National and State Veterans Cemeteries• Headstones & Markers• Presidential Memorial Certificates

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DD-214 - Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty

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Course Outline

» Compensation and Pension» Military Sexual Trauma» Life Insurance» Health Care» Readjustment Counseling» Home Loan Guaranty» Education» Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment» Burial» Resources

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Compensation for Service-Connected Disabilities

38 CFR, Part III

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Service-Connected Compensation

» Service-connected compensation is paid for a disability resulting from a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active service. The disability does not have to be combat or wartime related.

» Examples:• Torn knee ligament• Hearing loss• Back condition• Post traumatic stress (including the result of sexual trauma)• Traumatic brain injury• Skin condition such as psoriasis

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Pre-Discharge Program

» Types of Pre-Discharge Claims• Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)• Quick Start• Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

» More information available at www.vba.va.gov/predischarge

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Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Claims

» Service Member must:• Have 60-180 days remaining in

service• Submit a copy of service

treatment records(STR’s)/health treatment records

• Be available at point of separation to complete VA exam(s)

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Quick Start Claims

The Quick Start program is for Service Members who do not qualify for BDD because they:

• Have less than 60 days before separation/retirement

OR• Are not available for VA

examinations at the point of separation.

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Pre-Discharge ProgramHow To Apply

» How to apply:• VA Form 21-526c, Pre-Discharge

Compensation Claim, or other applicable forms.

• Original or copies of STR’s• Known date of separation or

retirement• A permanent address, phone

number, and email address

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Compensation

» VA Rating Process Teams and Sequence of Events» 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.

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Compensation – Current Rates

Rating Vet Only Vet+S Vet+S+1C Vet+S+2C Vet+S+3C

10% $123 N/A N/A N/A N/A

20% 243 N/A N/A N/A N/A

30% 376 421 453 475 497

40% 541 601 644 674 704

50% 770 845 899 936 973

60% 974 1,064 1,129 1,174 1,219

70% 1,228 1,333 1,409 1,461 1,513

80% 1,427 1,547 1,634 1,694 1,754

90% 1,604 1,739 1,837 1,904 1,971

100% 2,673 2,823 2,932 3,007 3,082

S = Spouse C = Child(ren) Rates effective Dec. 1, 2010

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Compensation - Related Benefits

» VA health care for all rated service-connected conditions

» Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment services» $10,000 VA life insurance» Federal employment Veteran’s preference» VA loan funding fee waived» Possible state and local benefits for Veterans» Accredited Veteran Service Organization

representatives

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Compensation

» VA decision rating is independent of any military rating.

» Severance pay may be recouped by the VA in some situations

» Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)» Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)

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Application Timelines

BDD timeline

Release from Active Duty

F ile B DD C laim(180 days prior to releas e)

VA E xam (s hortly after c laim)

B DD R ating Decis ion(1 to 3 months )

Quick Start timeline

F ile Quic k S tart C laim(59 to 1 days prior to releas e) VA E xam

Quick S tart R ating Decis ion(3+ months )

Traditional timeline

VA reques ts S T R s(4 to 6 weeks after rec eipt of c laim)

VA E xam(2 to 4 months )

R ating Decis ion L etter(6 to 12 months )

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VA Pension

Eligibility Requirements:» At least 90 days of active military service (generally,

24 months for enlistments after September 7, 1980)» At least one day of wartime service (combat service

not required)» Totally and permanently disabled or attained age 65» Within income limits to qualify for this benefit

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Compensation & PensionHow to Apply

» Complete a VA Form 21-526EZ or VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s Application for Compensation.

» Provide other supporting records; VA can help obtain them. VA Form 21-4142, Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of VA.

» Submit all documents to appropriate VA Regional Office.

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Compensation & PensionHow to Apply

» VA Form 21-526b, Veteran’s Supplemental Claim

» Use to request:• increase, • reopen, • secondary, or • ancillary benefits.

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Compensation or Pension How to Apply

Online through eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov

-OR-Online through Veterans ON-line

application (VONAPP) at www.va.gov-OR-

Through a VA Regional Office (see Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents & Survivors,

“VA Facilities”, for locations.)

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Compensation & Pension - Time Limit

» No time limit to apply for Compensation or Pension

» For compensation, benefits will be paid retroactive to the date of separation/retirement if VA receives the application within one year of the separation/retirement. Otherwise, benefits are effective no earlier than the date VA received the application.

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Social Security Disability Insurance

» Disability or Survivor Benefits• May be available to injured active duty• Regardless of where injury occurred• Expedited service for Line of Duty disabilities on or after

October 1, 2001

» How To Apply:• On-Line at www.socialsecurity.gov• Telephonically at 1-800-772-1213• In-Person at Social Security Office

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Military Sexual & OtherPersonal Trauma

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Military Sexual& Other Personal Trauma

» Definition: An event of human design that threatens or inflicts harm.

» Examples: Rape, physical assault, domestic battering, robbery, mugging, & stalking

Anyone can be a victim of sexual or other personal trauma.

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Treatment & Counseling

» Veterans are eligible for health care and counseling (e.g., for PTSD) resulting from sexual and other personal trauma even though the incident was never reported.

» Care and counseling can be provided to Veterans who have qualifying military service and express a need for the care.

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Compensation

» Residual disability from sexual or other personal trauma while on active duty is considered service-connected for VA compensation purposes, however…

» …there must be sufficient evidence to support the claim and the existence of any residual disability caused by the trauma. VA will accept DD Form 2910, Victim Reporting Preference Statement; DD Form 2911, Forensic Medical Report: Sexual Assault Examination; and other similar forms as corroborating evidence of a report of military sexual trauma.

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Life Insurancewww.insurance.va.gov

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Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

» $400,000 automatic maximum coverage» Free coverage for 120 days after Service Member’s

separation from service » Convertible to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

or commercial policy after separation from service (can split coverage)

» Insures active duty members, Ready Reservists, cadets at service academies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Public Health Service

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SGLI Disability Extension

» Service Member must request the extended coverage.

» To qualify, Service Member must be totally disabled at time of separation from service.

» Coverage may be extended for up to two (2) years post-separation at no cost to the member.

» Veteran automatically converted to VGLI after end of the disability extension period.

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Traumatic Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)

» Rapid financial assistance payable to members who suffer a qualifying loss due to traumatic injury.

» Benefit of $25K—$100K depending on injury.» Automatic for members with SGLI coverage.» Traumatic injury must occur prior to separation from service.» Qualifying loss must occur within two years of date of

traumatic injury.» TSGLI ends after separation from service.

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TSGLI How to Apply

» Claim form available at VA Insurance web site www.insurance.va.gov

» Three-part certification process:Member provides basic claim information.Medical professional provides medical data. Branch of service certifies if claim is eligible.

» Currently no time limit to file a claim.» Denials can be appealed to the branch of service or

contested in federal court.

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Family SGLI Coverage (FSGLI)

» Coverage ends on the earlier of:120 days after the member’s death.120 days after a member cancels coverage.120 days after termination of a dependents

status as an insurable dependent (e.g. divorce).120 days from the date the member is

separated or released from the uniformed services.

» Spouses can convert FSGLI to commercial policy without proof of good health within 120 days following termination of coverage.

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Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

» Lifetime renewable term insurance» Premiums increase with age» Maximum coverage=amount of SGLI at time of

separation from service» Available in increments of $10,000» Convertible to a commercial policy at any time

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VGLI Eligibility

» Service Members released from active duty or Reservists who were covered by SGLI

» Ready Reservists with part-time SGLI who incur or aggravate an existing disability that makes them uninsurable at standard rates

» Members of Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and Inactive National Guard (ING)

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How to Apply for VGLI

» A series of three mailings are forwarded to last known address after separation

» Application also available on VA web site» One year and 120 days from separation to apply

• Within 120 days = no proof of good health required

• After 120 days = must prove good health» Exception for totally disabled members (eligible for

2-year SGLI extension and then issued VGLI automatically)

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Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

» Maximum coverage is $10,000

» Eligibility for S-DVI coverage:• Discharged on or after April 25, 1951• No dishonorable discharge• Must apply within two (2) years of notification of a new

service-connected disability• Must be in good health, except for any service-connected

disabilities

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Supplemental Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance

» Up to $30,000 available to totally disabled policyholders who have been approved for waiver on basic S-DVI

» Must be under age 65 to qualify for supplemental coverage

» Must apply within one year of approval of waiver of premiums on basic S-DVI coverage

» Same plans and premium rates as basic S-DVI» Premiums can not be waived on the Supplemental

S-DVI coverage

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VA Health and Dental Care

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Overview

» VA healthcare system consists of 21 integrated networks of care that focus on aligning resources to better meet local health care needs and provide greater access to care for all Veterans.

» VA provides care at about 1,300 facilities: 158 hospitals 858 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient

clinics 206 Vet Centers 133 nursing homes 42 residential rehabilitation treatment programs 4 Poly Trauma Rehabilitation Centers

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Comprehensive Medical Benefits

» Screening exams for: Depression, Substance Abuse, PTSD, TBI, Readjustment Counseling

» Military Sexual Trauma http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/MilitarySexualTrauma-new.pdf

» Preventive Care Services» Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment» Prescription Services » Women’s Healthcare Programs» Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Devices

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Women Veterans Health

» Women Veterans are eligible to receive:• Complete medical benefits package and drugs. • Women’s family planning, birth control, maternity care as

well as other gender-specific preventive health care.

» Key innovations in VA care for Women Veterans:• Each facility has a Women Veterans Program Manager and a

Women’s Health clinic.• There are services for Women’s Trauma Recovery Program

(Palo Alto), inpatient facilities for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma treatment.

• Women’s Health Research is on-going.• Women’s Benefits Coordinators are available to discuss

gender-specific conditions for disability claims.

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VA Healthcare Enrollment

» Service Members not separated from active duty and/or on terminal leave may receive VA care through TRICARE under:• VA/DoD Medical Resource Sharing Agreements.• TRICARE (180 days of TRICARE Transitional Assistance

Management Program (TAMP) to access VA care; or TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)).

» Once separated, Veterans must be separated from active duty to enroll in VA healthcare.

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Eligibility for VA healthcare

» Veterans who served on active duty military service and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

» Reservists who served on active duty for operational and support missions(excludes active duty for training).

» National Guard members if mobilized by a Federal order (Title 10 or Presidential Executive Order).

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VA Enrollment & HealthcareCombat Veterans

VA provides up to five years of free health care for enrolled Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations and seeking care for an injury or illness that was caused or aggravated from this active duty service.

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VA Enrollment & HealthcareNon-Combat Veterans

» Veterans who have not deployed to a combat theater of operations may be eligible to enroll in VA Healthcare:• Veterans with a service-connected disability.• Meet Means Test eligibility: Veterans (single) with prior year

annual income below $29,402.• Veterans with one dependent and income below $35,284

and $2,020 for each additional dependent.

» Veterans seeking care for a non-service connected illness/injury may be charged co-pays for health services.

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Copayments

» Veterans with a non service-connected illness/injury at post deployment may be charged a co-payment for services at VA for treatment of conditions not from service such as flu, colds, auto accident.

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Dental Care

`

» VA provides to Veterans recently separated a free one-time evaluation and treatment for dental conditions if: • Served for 90 days or more on active duty.• Applied within 180 days of separation.• DD-214 indicates that dental care was not

provided within 90 days of separation from active duty.

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How to Apply

» Identify the VA medical center closest to your home.

» Submit 10-10EZ to VA medical center staff, by mail, or electronically through www.ebenefits.va.gov or www.va.gov

» You will receive a letter from VA confirming your enrollment.

For additional information: Call 1-877-222-8387

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VA Form 10-10EZ,Application for Health Benefits

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Sign Up Today

Healthinformation

http://www.Myhealth.va.gov

Mental healthresources

Military healthhistory

Self-assessmenttools

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Help Your Buddy

VA’s National Suicide Hotline Resource

1-800-273-TALK(8255)

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Vet Center

Vet Center Services to ReturningOEF/OIF Veterans and Their Families

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“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”

Abraham Lincoln

Vet Centers serve Veterans and their families by providing a continuum of quality care that adds value for Veterans, families, and communities…..We welcome home war Veterans with honor by providing readjustment counseling in a caring manner.

Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans’ war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community.

“Walk on in”

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What is the Vet Center• A safe and protected place to

talk• Confidentiality – no stigma• Flexible hours• Easily accessible community-

based setting• Network knowledgeable about

the resources available • Vet Center Staff are >65%

Combat Veterans• Veterans serving Veterans• All family members are

welcome• No cost….ever

What we Offer• Individual Counseling

• Group Counseling

• Military Sexual Trauma Counseling

• Marital/Family Counseling

• Bereavement Counseling

• Drug and Alcohol Referral

• Liaison with VA & Community Resources

• Benefits Assistance Referral

• Community Education and Career Referral

www.vetcenter.va.gov

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Eligibility

» Served in a combat zone and received a campaign ribbon* Must be reflected on DD-214

» Military Sexual Trauma » Soon to be available to

Active Duty Components» Veterans/Retirees;

Guard, & Reserve

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On August 5, 2003, the VA Secretary authorized VetCenters to furnish Bereavement Counseling services tosurviving parents, spouses, children and siblings of servicemembers who have fallen while on active duty, to includefederally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel.

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Vet Center OEF/OIF Outreach

In February 2004 the VA Under Secretary for Health authorized the Vet Center program to hire fifty (50) OEF/OIF Veterans to conduct outreach to their fellow Global War on Terrorism Veterans. Due to the success of the initial 50 Outreach Specialists an additional 50 positions were authorized by the Under Secretary in April 2005. These positions are located in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

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50 Mobile Vet Centers will be utilized toprovide access to returning veterans viaoutreach to demobilization activemilitary bases, National Guard, andReserve locations nationally. Thevehicles will additionally support VetCenter services to rural areasgeographically distant from VA services.All 50 Mobile Vet Centers have beendeployed to their home base Vet Centerand are actively serving their areas ofresponsibility.”

Mobile Vet Centers

Readjustment Counseling ServiceCall Center

Establishment of a national call in service wherecombat Veterans or family members can call atanytime to talk to another combat Veteranregarding any readjustment issues related to theirmilitary service. The person on the other side ofthe call will be a Veteran who understands andvalues the military experience of serving in acombat zone, is trained as a Vet Centercounselor, and has knowledge of VA and otherresources that may assist the Veteran or hisfamily in obtaining needed services.

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Welcome Home!

Contact Information:Looking to connect with a fellow warrior or family member, call:1-877-WARVETS (927-8387)

Looking for your closest Vet Center?

www.vetcenter.va.gov

VA Welcomes All Combat Veterans With Honor

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Home Loan Guarantywww.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/

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VA Home Loan Guaranty

» Lenders make the loan and VA guarantees it.» VA guaranty usually means no down payment

required by Service Member or Veteran.» Service Member or Veteran must qualify for loan

with sufficient income and satisfactory credit.» Limitations on closing costs.» The right to prepay without penalty.» Negotiated interest rates.» Supplemental loan servicing for individuals having

trouble making payments or facing foreclosure.

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VA Home Loan Guaranty

» Buy a home» Build a home» Refinance existing loan » Use only for property located in the US, its territories

or possessions» Must occupy the property as your home within a

reasonable period of time

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Loan Limits

» There is no maximum loan amount.

» There are maximum loan “limits” .• Loans above this “limit” may require down payment.

» Loan limits vary by county.

www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/loan_limits.asp

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Native American Direct Loans

» VA makes direct loans to Native Americans living on Trust Land (reservations, homelands, etc.).

» Maximum loan amount is the same as for guaranteed loans.

» Veterans must still meet credit qualifications.

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Funding Fee

» Law requires funding fee to be paid on VA loans.

» Fee ranges from .5% to 3.3%, depending on loan type and if first or second time user.

» Fee can be included in the loan.

» Fee is waived for Veterans entitled to VA disability compensation and certain surviving spouses.

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VA Home Loan Guaranty Process

» Find property to buy.» Apply to a mortgage lender for a loan.» Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.» Obtain a VA appraisal.» Close the loan and move in.

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Eligibility

» Generally, must serve 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty.

» Service must be at least 90 days during a period of war (181 during peacetime), unless discharged earlier due to a service connected disability.

» Certificate of Eligibility (COE) shows Service Member’s or Veteran’s eligibility for the benefit - COE must be updated upon separation/discharge.

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How To Apply

Service Members or Veterans can obtain COE through eBenefits www.ebenefits.va.gov

OR Ask your lender to apply online through the VA

Portal – https://vip.vba.va.gov, OR

Complete and mail VA Form 26-1880 to: Eligibility Center, P.O. Box 20729

Winston-Salem, NC 27120Eligibility can be restored if VA loan is paid in full and

property is no longer owned by Service Member/Veteran.

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Education Benefits

www.GIBILL.va.gov

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VA Education Programs

» Montgomery GI Bill• Active Duty – Chapter 30• Selected Reserve – Chapter 1606

» Reserve Educational Assistance Program –Chapter 1607

» Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance – Chapter 35

» Post 9/11 GI Bill – Chapter 33

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Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty (MGIB—AD)

» Eligibility: Honorable discharge, a high school diploma or general educational development (GED), and served active duty after June 30, 1985. Plus, $1,200 military pay reduction.

Benefit:» Up to 36 months of benefits» Monetary benefit ranging from $300 - $1,300 per month,

based on length of service, paid to Veteran» Expires 10 years after release from active duty» Includes apprenticeship, on-the-job training, vocational

training, and flight training

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Post-9/11 GI Bill

» Eligibility: At least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. An Honorable discharge is required to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Benefit:» Up to 36 months of benefits; payable for approved training on or

after August 1, 2009.» Determined by the length of active duty service (40% up to 100%

per length of active duty service).» Expires 15 years after last qualifying period of active duty service.» Usable for any program at an institution of higher learning (IHL)

approved for MGIB-AD.

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Tuition and Fees

» Based on percentage payable (40% up to 100% per length of active duty service)

» 100% rate payable for active duty Service Members

» Amount not to exceed most expensive undergraduate, in-state public IHL • Exception: Yellow Ribbon Program

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Status Veteran

Benefit Level 100%

Highest in-state charge per credit hour $300

Highest in-state charge for fees $3,000

Tuition charged $18,000

Fees Charged $2,000

Number of hours enrolled 12

Result: Tuition and fees paid to school $5,600

Tuition and Fees Example

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Monthly Housing Allowance

» Monthly allowance payable to student

» Based on training time (must be greater than half-time) and must be taking at least one in-residence course

» Equivalent to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents based on school’s zip code

» Active duty Service Members are not eligible

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Books and Supplies Stipend

» Pays up to $1,000 per year

» Based on percentage payable (40% up to 100% per length of active duty service)

» Based on number of credit hours, up to 24 credit hours per academic year

» Active duty Service Members are not eligible

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Yellow Ribbon Program

» Institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and fee costs that exceed the highest public, instate, undergraduate tuition and fees.

» VA matches each additional dollar that an institution contributes, up to total cost of tuition and fees.

Training atprivate

institutions

Graduatetraining

Out-of-statetuition

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Yellow Ribbon Program

» Payable to school when student’s tuition and fees exceed maximum in-state tuition where student will attend school:

Based on schoolparticipation

Based onstudent

qualification

Veterans only at100% benefit

level

Spouse ofVeteran (transferof entitlement)

Dependentchildren (transferof entitlement)

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Montgomery GI Bill Post-9/11 GI BillService member pay reduction

$100 per month for first 12 months

New enrollees pay nothing For those who transfer from Chapter 30 to Chapter 33, a proportional amount of the basic $1200 contribution will be reimbursed with the last monthly housing allowance payment when Chapter 33 entitlement is exhausted.

Monetary Benefit Amount is fixed regardless of education program, based on number of hours attending.

• Tuition and fees• Monthly housing allowance • Up to a $1,000 annual stipend for books and supplies

Payment Method All benefits paid directly to student.

Tuition paid to school. Housing and books/supplies stipend to student.

Approved for Institution of Higher Learning

Yes Yes

Approved for Non-College Degree programs, On-the-job training, Apprenticeship

Yes No

Comparison of MGIB-AD and Post 9/11

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Transfer of Entitlement

Retention program for Department of Defense (DoD)» Must be member of Armed Forces after

August 1, 2009, and

» Agree to serve at least from one to four additional years per rules established by DOD/Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Only the Secretaries of Defense, Army,Navy, Air Force, or Homeland Security can

Authorize transfer of entitlement for benefits.(not VA).

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Transfer to spouse, children, or both in any amount up to amount transferor has available or amount approved by

DoD/DHS

Revoke or modify transfer request of any unused benefits unless transferor’s 15-year eligibility period has ended

Transfer up to 36 months of benefits (unless DoD/DHS restricts number of months an individual may transfer)

Transfer of Entitlement

» An individual (transferor) approved to transfer benefits may:

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The Marine Gunnery SergeantJohn David Fry Scholarship

» Children of Service Members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.

» Eligible for up to 36 months under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

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vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

How to Apply

» Apply anytime online at www.ebenefits.va.gov OR www.va.gov through Veterans online application (VONAPP)

» Submit (scan) records electronically

• Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214)

• Copies of orders if activated from the Guard/Reserves

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Stay Updated

www.GIBILL.va.gov www.facebook.com/gibillEducation

Learn More

1-888-442-4551

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Tips

» Contact your State Approving Agencies (SAA) for info regarding program approval or if you have questions about maximum tuition and fee amounts. A listing of SAA can be found at:

www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/contacts/

» The School Certifying Official (SCO) is the person who certifies to VA that you are attending school. They are the conduit to get you paid so get to know them.

» By Regulation, the Department of Treasury now requires that federal beneficiaries receive their recurring/monthly benefits electronically.

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Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

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Program Objective

» VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program’s primary function is to help active duty Service Members and Veterans who have service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily living.

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Rehabilitation Plan

» The following service delivery options may be provided under a Rehabilitation Plan:• Reemployment• Rapid access to employment• Employment through long term services• Independent living services• Self-employment

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Eligibility To Apply

» Service Members are eligible to apply with a 20% memorandum rating

» Veterans are eligible to apply with a final VA disability rating of at least 10%

» Have received, or eventually will receive, an Honorable or other than dishonorable discharge

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Eligibility To Apply(continued)

» Documentation of service-connected disability or disabilities rated at 20% or more, and have an employment handicap resulting primarily from such disability.

» Veterans rated as 10% disabled with a serious employment handicap (SEH) may be entitled to VR&E services.

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Pre-Discharge Program

When applying for the Pre-Discharge Program, either through Benefits Delivery at Discharge or Quick Start, Service Members may also apply for VR&E.

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Counseling

» A counseling appointment will be set for Service Members and Veterans found eligible to accomplish the following:• Evaluate the applicant’s interests, aptitudes, and

abilities based upon testing and interviews• Meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to

explore the applicant’s vocational goals and objectives

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Eligibility Period

» The law provides for a 12-year basic period of eligibility during which services may be used. The 12-year period begins on the latter of these dates:• Date of separation from active military duty

Or• Date VA first informed the Veteran of a service-

connected disability rating

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How to apply

» Service Members should complete:• VA Form 28-0588, Memo Rating or• VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s Application for Compensation

and/or Pension, and• VA Form 28-1900, Application for Vocational Rehabilitation

Benefits

» Veterans should complete:• VA Form 21-526 (If not already rated by VA for a service-

connected disability.) • VA Form 28-1900

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VetSuccess.gov

» VR&E’s comprehensive employment web site for all Veterans.

» Veterans can post resumes, job search and apply for jobs.

» Employers can post jobs and search resumes.

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Disability Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)

» Service Members may be able to participate in DTAP, a supplemental session to Transition Assistance Program that focuses on disability, rehabilitation, and employment.

» During DTAP, participants:• Receive a comprehensive briefing on Vocational

Rehabilitation and Employment.• May apply for VR&E services.

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Educational Vocational Counseling

» Also called Chapter 36» VA provides educational and

vocational counseling for all Service Members within six months of discharge and Veterans within one year post-discharge.

» Complete VA Form 28-8832, Application for Counseling.

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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Veterans Training Program

» Eligible VR&E Veterans have access to FAA training:• Airway Traffic Control• Airway Transportation Systems Specialist• Aviation Safety Assistant

» Contact your local VR&E counselor or Coming Home to Work Coordinator for more information.

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Burial Benefits

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Burial Benefits

» National Cemeteries» State Veterans Cemeteries» Headstone or Marker» Burial Flag» Presidential Memorial Certificates» Burial Cost Reimbursement

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Eligibility

» Veteran, spouse, and dependent children

» Veteran defined:• Other than dishonorable discharge• Active duty service, not including Reserve active

duty for training• Retirement eligible Reserve and National Guard

members

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To Do List

» To ease the burden on family members, the Veteran can:

• Provide appropriate loved ones with a copy of his/her DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Active Military Service.

• Inform family members of his/her burial wishes.

• Visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov

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Resources

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VA on the Internet VA by Phone

eBenefitswww.ebenefits.va.gov

VA Home Page

www.va.gov

VA on Facebook

www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs

VA on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs

Benefits information(800) 827-1000

Education Benefits(888) 442-4551

Health Care Eligibility(877) 222-8387

SGLI/VGLI(800) 419-1473

VA Life Insurance(800) 669-8477

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» www.ebenefits.va.gov» One-stop shop for benefits-

related online tools and information.• Apply for benefits• See your benefits status and

payments online• Download your DD 214

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DS Logon – Lifetime Identity

» Defense Self-Service Logon –is your lifetime personal identity to access:• eBenefits

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov• TRICARE Online (TOL)

https://www.tricareonline.com/• Beneficiary Web Enrollment

(BWE)https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/bwe/

Service Members, use your CAC to get a DS Logon while you have it

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Thank you for your service.

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