Veterans Services

Disability Compensation

Disability Compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans because of a service-connected disability. The key term here is "service-connected," and it is based upon three things:

• Current diagnosis of a problem
• Occurrence of the problem or something associated with the problem during military service
• A link between the items (a) and (b)

The following are some of the types of disability compensation that may be available to a veteran:

Specially Adapted Homes

Depending on the service-connected disability, an individual may be entitled to a VA grant to build or modify a home to meet the needs of their disability.

Automobile Assistance

Depending on the service-connected disability, an individual may be entitled to compensation to purchase or modify an automobile to meet the needs of their disability

Clothing Allowance

A veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability may be able to receive an annual clothing allowance if he/she must wear a brace, prosthetic, or other device in connection with that disability. An individual who has a service-connected skin disability and must use a medication which causes damage to clothing, may also be eligible for the clothing allowance.

Allowance for Dependents

If a veteran has a 30% or higher disability rating, she/he is entitled to more compensation. This amount is determined by the number of dependents.

Incarcerated Veterans

There are restrictions on the amount of disability compensation benefits paid to incarcerated veterans or dependents. However, dependents may receive an apportionment of the reduced benefits for a veteran who is incarcerated.

Fugitive Felons

Disability compensation will not be paid to fugitive felons or their dependents.

Learn more about disability benefits by visiting the VA’s Disability Compensation website or contact us for more information.

Under limited circumstances, veterans without service-connected disabilities are eligible for financial support. The criterion for this support is as follows:

1. Either permanently and totally disabled (not of your own misconduct), or 65 years of age and older
2. Minimum term of service

Learn more about the pension benefits at the VA's Pension Benefits website or contact us for more information.

GI Bill

The GI Bill is an educational program that can be used by active-duty military or veterans. As with all VA programs, there are certain criteria that must be met. For the educational benefits there are four basic eligibility requirements, and then there are further requirements split into four (4) categories.

The basic criteria for the Montgomery GI Bill are:

• Veterans must have retired with a fully honorable discharge. If you have anything else, you do not qualify for educational benefits.
• Veterans must have a high school diploma, an equivalent certificate, or have completed 12 hours towards a college degree prior to applying for benefits.

Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility requirements demanded by one of four (4) categories.

Learn more about the program by visiting the VA’s GI Bill website or contact us for more information.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

The VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program helps veterans with disabilities prepare themselves for work, find jobs, and remain employed.

Program Eligibility:

• Veteran must have a service-connected disability of 10% disabling and a serious employment handicap or Veteran must have a service-connected disability of 20 percent.
• Discharge must be other than dishonorable.
• An active-duty service member can apply if she/he is in the process of a medical separation and has a disability rating of at least 20%.

Learn more about the VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program online or contact us for more information.

The VA offers a variety of programs and services to support servicemembers, veterans, and eligible surviving spoused achieve homeownership. Types of benefits include:

• Purchase Loans
• Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)
• Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Program
• Adapted Housing Grants
• Foreclosure Avoidance Assistance

Learn more about home loan benefits on the VA’s Home Loan website, or contact us for more information.

A variety of benefits are available to eligible veterans, including:

• Claimants Order of Precedence
• Headstone
• Burial Flag
• Presidential Memorial Certificate
• Military Funeral Honor

Learn more about burial benefits by visiting the VA’s National Cemetery Administration website, or contact us for more information. 

The VA offers Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses, dependent children, and low-income parents of service members, who die while on active duty, or if a service-connected disability caused/contributed to the death. DIC will also be granted if the veteran died from medical treatment received in the VA medical system or through vocational rehabilitation. This is not income based.

Additionally, a special allowance may be given for aid and attendance if a surviving spouse or parent receiving DIC is a patient in a nursing home or needs the regular assistance of another person. Surviving spouses are also eligible for a special allowance if they are housebound.

Other Available Dependent Benefits

The following benefits may be available to qualifying individuals:

• Death Pension
• Home Loan Guarantees
• Dependent Education
• Montgomery GI Death Benefit

Learn more about these benefits by visiting the VA’s Benefits for Family and Caregivers website, or contact us for more information.

The VA offers life insurance for eligible veterans, service members, and their spouses and dependent children.

Learn more about life insurance benefits by visiting the VA’s Life Insurance website, or contact us for more information.

The VA offers comprehensive healthcare coverage to qualifying veterans. For more information, including eligibility, to apply, and to manage your healthcare benefits, visit the VA’s Health Care website or contact us. 

This program aids disabled veterans prepare themselves for work, find employment, and keep it.

Eligibility

• Veteran must have a service-connected disability of 10% disabling and a serious employment handicap or, veteran must have a service-connected disability of 20%.
• Discharge must be other than dishonorable.
• An active-duty service member can apply as long as she/he, is in the process of a medical separation and has a disability rating of at least 20%.

Services

The services available to an individual are dependent upon their particular needs, but comprise of such things as: evaluation, resume assistance, vocational counseling, training, and work experience programs.

Entitlement Time Period

Veterans have 12 years from their discharge to complete a rehabilitation program, or 12 years from their notification of a service-connected, compensable disability.

The duration of a specific rehabilitation program is primarily dependent on the needs of the veteran and the course requirements. However, this benefit is usually kept to a 48-month time limit of full-time services.

Individual Unemployability

A veteran with total disability may apply for vocational rehabilitation without risking the rating. If the veteran is rehabilitated and able to find employment, the total disability rating will continue for 12 months in order to determine if the veteran is able to maintain employment, and therefore employable.