Military Guide: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is comprised of the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefit Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. This guide touches upon benefits and resources from all three of these administrations.  

Veterans' Benefits - 38 U.S.C. §101 - §8528

Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief - 38 C.F.R. §0.600 - §200.8

Veterans Administration Regulations published year by year, starting in 2004.

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net

The Veterans Health Administration serves over 9 million veterans each year. It provides care at 1,243 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,063 VHA outpatient clinics.

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - National Center for PTSD
• Veterans Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255, then press 1
• Public Health - Promoting health and preventing disease among veterans
• Military Exposures - Servicemembers who may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service.
• Prevention Programs - Health promotion and disease prevention

Veterans Benefits are not just pensions. The Veterans Benefits Administration assists veterans in numerous ways. These are a portion of all the benefits and services offered by the Veterans Benefits Administration. Check their website for more information.

• eBenefits - Veterans can manage many of their benefits directly though this portal.
• Pension - The Veterans Administration provides supplemental income through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. It is a tax-free, monetary supplement to low-income, wartime Veterans and their families.
• Transition Assistance - There are benefits and services available to help servicemembers achieve success after the military.
• Compensation - There are 3 main types of compensation: disability, dependency and indemnity, and special monthly.
• Education and Training - Popularly known as the GI Bill. There are a variety of educational benefits that veterans may be eligible for.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment - VR&E services are available to assist servicemembers with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
• Benefit Application Information - There are many ways to apply for veterans benefits. The Veterans Benefit Administration encourages servicemembers to work with an accredited representative.

Burial benefits available include a grave site in any of our 142 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. More information and eligibility requirements can be found on the National Cemetery Administration's website.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a Youtube channel with lots of videos about their services.