Please note: questions and answers
have been abbreviated to give
information applicable to the
largest number of callers.
Therefore, answers may not include
all options available for a given
situation. For more specific
information, please visit the
National Veteran's Foundation
website at
http://www.nvf.org/
1. What
is a veteran, and am I eligible for
VA benefits? Veteran
status and eligibility for most VA
benefits is based upon discharge
from active military service under
honorable conditions. “Active
service” means full-time service in
the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,
Coast Guard; or as a commissioned
officer in the Public Health
Service, the Environmental Services
Administration or the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Completion of at
least six years of honorable service
in the Selected Reserves also
provides eligibility. VA regional
offices or Vet Centers can clarify
eligibility on an individual basis.
Source: Benefits for Veterans and
Dependants (Department of Veterans
Affairs, 1998 Edition). For more
information, consult the Department
of Veterans Affairs web site at
www.va.gov.
2. How
do I file a claim for VA benefits?
Those seeking VA benefits
for the first time must submit a
copy of their discharge document,
otherwise known as a DD 214, which
documents dates of service and type
of discharge. Claims can be filed at
a VA Medical Center, a Vet Center,
or through a service organization
such as Disabled American Veterans,
the American Legion, or AMVETS. A
benefits counselor will be assigned
to assist you throughout the filing
process.
3. What
if I’ve lost my service records? Can
family members request records?
A request can be submitted
for documents pertaining to military
service by obtaining a
Standard
Form180
from the VA, one of the
veteran service organizations listed
above, or by writing directly to:
National Personnel Records
Center
(Military Personnel Records)
9700 Page Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 83132
Usually, the only documents
available are the Report of
Separation (DD214) and the Discharge
Certificate. If the veteran is
deceased, the next of kin may
request documents as well. There is
usually a small service fee assigned
for the retrieval of these
documents.
4. Where
can I get counseling for substance
abuse, PTSD, sexual abuse,
homelessness, anxiety, employment
assistance, etc.? There
are several options for veterans
seeking counseling. Often the most
affordable and convenient sources
for counseling can be found by
contacting a local VA Medical Center
or Vet Center. Some county and state
mental health departments sponsor
programs that may be of assistance,
as do service organizations such as
Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam
Veterans of America, the American
Red Cross, and the American Legion.
In addition, your community may have
private mental health foundations
that offer services.
5. What
kind of burial benefits am I
guaranteed as a veteran?
Burial benefits in a VA national
cemetery include the gravesite, a
headstone or marker, opening and
closing of the grave, and perpetual
care. Veterans, service members, and
dependants are eligible for burial
in a VA national cemetery. To be
eligible, a veteran must have been
discharged or separated from active
duty under honorable conditions, and
have completed the required period
of service.
Also, spouses and minor children
of eligible veterans and service
members may be buried in a national
cemetery. Gravesites cannot be
reserved. Those making burial
arrangements must apply at the time
of death. Cemeteries do not provide
military honors, but can make
referrals to military units or
volunteer groups. The VA provides an
American flag to drape over the
casket of a veteran or entitled
reservist. After the funeral, the
flag may be given to the next of kin
or a close associate. Source:
Federal Benefits for Veterans and
Dependants (Department of Veterans
Affairs, 1998 Edition). For more
information, consult the Department
of Veterans Affairs web site at
www.va.gov.
6. What
kind of health care can I receive?
Requirements and
stipulations for health care
eligibility depend a great deal on
individual service history. It is
suggested that the veteran or family
member contact a VA benefits
counselor or veteran service
organization to determine
eligibility. Call the VA at
800-827-1000 or 877-222-8387.
7. How
do I locate my unit records and
individuals I served with?
There are several government
agencies through which you can
locate unit records, diaries, photos
and individuals. There are also
private locator services. Source:
Vietnam Veterans of America,
National Veterans Foundation.
- Air Force History
Support Office: 202-404-2264
- U.S. Army Center of
Military History:
202-761-5420
- Defense Manpower
Center:
703.696.5790
- Marine Corps
Historical Center:
202-433-3534
- National Archives of
the United States, Military
Records: 301-713-7250
- Naval Historical
Center: 202-433-3170
- Army Worldwide
Locator: 703-325-3732
- Navy Times Locator
Service: 703-750-8636
- Service Reunions:
703-998-7035
- American Red Cross:
800-HELP-NOW
- U.S. Search:
800-US-SEARCH
8. What
kind of education benefits can I
get, and are my children eligible?
The VA offers several
different educational opportunities
dependant on the veteran’s
eligibility. The most common
educational benefit is the
Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty). To
qualify for this program, veterans
must have been honorably discharged.
Discharges designated “under
honorable conditions” and “general”
do not establish eligibility. To
find out more about eligibility,
contact us by e-mail:
vetsupport@nvf.org.
Some of the education and
training available under the
Montgomery GI Bill include:
- Courses at colleges or
universities leading to
associate, bachelor, or
graduate degrees
- Courses leading to a
certificate or diploma from
business, technical or
vocational schools
- Apprenticeship or on-job
training programs for
individuals not on active
duty
- Correspondence courses
under certain conditions
- Flight training, under
certain conditions
- State approved teacher
certification program
- Tutorial assistance.
Programs for reservists under the
Montgomery GI Bill are different
from the Active Duty version.
Reservists can obtain information on
educational benefits from their unit
or school.
Along with the Montgomery GI
Bill, the VA offers eligible
veterans such programs as the
Veterans’ Educational Assistance
Program (VEAP), Vocational
Rehabilitation, Educational
Counseling, and Work Study
opportunities.
Educational grants and
scholarships may be available to
dependants of veterans. Information
can be obtained by contacting a
veteran service organization or the
Financial Aid office at the school
or institution. Source: Federal
Benefits for Veterans and Dependants
(Department of Veterans Affairs,
1998 Edition) and National Veterans
Foundation.
9. How
do I find out what medals I was
awarded? Can I request them?
Can family members request
replacement medals?
Medals awarded during active
service can be obtained from the
service branch. Requests can be made
by either the veteran or, if
deceased, the next of kin.
Requests for medals from the Navy,
Marine Corps, and Coast Guard should
be sent to:
U.S. Navy Liaison Office
National Personnel Records
Center
Room 3475
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Requests for medals from the Army
should be sent to:
U.S. Army Reserve Personnel
Center,
ATTN: ARPC-VSE
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Requests for medals from the Air
Force should be sent to
National Personnel Records
Center
(Military Personnel Records)
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
The veteran’s full name must be
printed or typed clearly, and must
include the veterans’ signature or,
if deceased, the next of kin’s
signature. Also, include service
branch, service number or Social
Security number, and service dates
(at least the approximate years). If
possible, include a copy of the
discharge or separation document,
WDAGO For 53-55 or DD Form 214.
10. How
can I help veterans? Are there any
volunteer opportunities at the NVF?
The NVF is always in need
of volunteers to assist those who
call our help line. Also, we welcome
assistance with the many service and
fund-raising activities held
throughout the year. Please look at
our Events and Tributes section for
a list of upcoming activities. For
more information, call our help line
or e-mail us at
vetsupport@nvf.org.
All veterans organizations,
including the VA, need and maintain
groups of volunteers. Contact your
local VA, Disabled American
Veterans, American Legion, Veterans
of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of
America, AMVETS, Red Cross,
Salvation Army, or similar
organization.
THANKS to the NVF website
http://www.nvf.org/
for the above info.