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.