2011 VA TAP PRESENTATION
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This document provides information about VA benefits and services for transitioning service members. It discusses accessing VA resources online and via phone. It outlines the Department of Veterans Affairs divisions that administer benefits - Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and National Cemetery Administration. The document then summarizes the process for applying for service-connected disability compensation benefits through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge, Quick Start, and traditional claims processes.
2011 VA TAP PRESENTATION
- 1. VA Benefits and Services Briefing for Transitioning Service Members 1
- 2. VA Local Information » Briefer » VA Regional Office » Nearest Benefits Delivery at Discharge site » Nearest VA Medical Center » Nearest Vet Center 2 Version 11v1
- 3. Accessing VA www.va.gov http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits Or call us 1-800-827-1000 7:00 a.m. EST to 10:00 p.m. EST 3 Version 11v1
- 4. » 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 4 Version 11v1
- 5. DS Logon – Lifetime Identity » Defense Self-Service Logon – Service Members, use is your lifetime personal your CAC to get a DS identity to access: Logon while you have it • eBenefits https://www.ebenefits.va.gov • TRICARE Online (TOL) https://www.tricareonline.com/ • Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/ bwe/ 5 Version 11v1
- 6. 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 6 Version 11v1
- 7. DD-214 - Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty 7 Version 11v1
- 8. Course Outline » Compensation and Pension » Military Sexual Trauma » Life Insurance » Health Care » Readjustment Counseling » Home Loan Guaranty » Education » Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment » Burial » Resources 8 Version 11v1
- 9. Compensation for Service-Connected Disabilities 38 CFR, Part III 9
- 10. 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 10 Version 11v1
- 11. 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 11 Version 11v1
- 12. 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) 12 Version 11v1
- 13. 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. 13 Version 11v1
- 14. Pre-Discharge Program How 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 14 Version 11v1
- 15. 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. 15 Version 11v1
- 16. 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 16 Version 11v1
- 17. 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 17 Version 11v1
- 18. 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) 18 Version 11v1
- 19. Application Timelines F ile B DD C laim (180 days prior to releas e) V A E xam B DD R ating Dec is ion (s hortly after c laim) (1 to 3 months ) BDD timeline F ile Quic k S tart C laim Quic k S tart R ating Dec is ion (59 to 1 days prior to releas e) (3+ months ) V A E xam Quick Start timeline R ating V A reques ts S T R s V A E xam Dec is ion L etter (4 to 6 weeks after rec eipt (2 to 4 months ) (6 to 12 months ) of c laim) Traditional timeline Release from Active Duty 19 Version 11v1
- 20. 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 20 Version 11v1
- 21. Compensation & Pension How 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. 21 Version 11v1
- 22. Compensation & Pension How to Apply » VA Form 21-526b, Veteran’s Supplemental Claim » Use to request: • increase, • reopen, • secondary, or • ancillary benefits. 22 Version 11v1
- 23. 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.) 23 Version 11v1
- 24. 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. 24 Version 11v1
- 25. 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 25 Version 11v1
- 26. Military Sexual & Other Personal Trauma 26
- 27. 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. 27 Version 11v1
- 28. 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. (#) Version 11v1
- 29. 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. 29 Version 11v1
- 31. 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 31 Version 11v1
- 32. 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. 32 Version 11v1
- 33. 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. 33 Version 11v1
- 34. 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. 34 Version 11v1
- 35. 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. 35 Version 11v1
- 36. 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 36 Version 11v1
- 37. 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) 37 Version 11v1
- 38. 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) 38 Version 11v1
- 39. 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 39 Version 11v1
- 40. 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 40 Version 11v1
- 41. VA Health and Dental Care 41
- 42. 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 42 Version 11v1
- 43. Comprehensive Medical Benefits » Screening exams for: Depression, Substance Abuse, PTSD, TBI, Readjustment Counseling » Military Sexual Trauma http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/MilitarySexual Trauma-new.pdf » Preventive Care Services » Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment » Prescription Services » Women’s Healthcare Programs » Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Devices 43 Version 11v1
- 44. 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. 44 Version 11v1
- 45. 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. 45 Version 11v1
- 46. 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). 46 Version 11v1
- 47. VA Enrollment & Healthcare Combat 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. 47 Version 11v1
- 48. VA Enrollment & Healthcare Non-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. 48 Version 11v1
- 49. 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. 49 Version 11v1
- 50. 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. 50 Version 11v1
- 51. 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 51 Version 11v1
- 52. VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits 52 Version 11v1
- 53. Sign Up Today Self-assessment tools Health information Military health Mental health history resources http://www.Myhealth.va.gov 53 Version 11v1
- 54. Help Your Buddy VA’s National Suicide Hotline Resource 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 54 Version 11v1
- 55. Vet Center Vet Center Services to Returning OEF/OIF Veterans and Their Families 55
- 56. “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” 56 Version 11v1
- 57. What is the Vet Center What we Offer • A safe and protected place to • Individual Counseling talk • Group Counseling • Confidentiality – no stigma • Flexible hours • Military Sexual Trauma Counseling • Easily accessible community- • Marital/Family Counseling based setting • Bereavement Counseling • Network knowledgeable about • Drug and Alcohol Referral the resources available • Vet Center Staff are >65% • Liaison with VA & Community Combat Veterans Resources • Veterans serving Veterans • Benefits Assistance Referral • All family members are • Community Education and Career welcome Referral • No cost….ever www.vetcenter.va.gov 57 Version 11v1
- 58. 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 58 Version 11v1
- 59. On August 5, 2003, the VA Secretary authorized Vet Centers to furnish Bereavement Counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings of service members who have fallen while on active duty, to include federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel. 59 Version 11v1
- 60. 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. 60 Version 11v1
- 61. Mobile Vet Centers 50 Mobile Vet Centers will be utilized to provide access to returning veterans via outreach to demobilization active military bases, National Guard, and Reserve locations nationally. The vehicles will additionally support Vet Center services to rural areas Readjustment Counseling Service geographically distant from VA services. Call Center All 50 Mobile Vet Centers have been Establishment of a national call in service where deployed to their home base Vet Center combat Veterans or family members can call at and are actively serving their areas of anytime to talk to another combat Veteran responsibility.” regarding any readjustment issues related to their military service. The person on the other side of the call will be a Veteran who understands and values the military experience of serving in a combat zone, is trained as a Vet Center counselor, and has knowledge of VA and other resources that may assist the Veteran or his family in obtaining needed services. 61 Version 11v1
- 62. 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 W elcom es All Com bat Veterans W ith Honor 62 Version 11v1
- 63. Home Loan Guaranty www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ 63
- 64. 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. 64 Version 11v1
- 65. 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 65 Version 11v1
- 66. 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 66 Version 11v1
- 67. 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. 67 Version 11v1
- 68. 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. 68 Version 11v1
- 69. 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. 69 Version 11v1
- 70. 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. 70 Version 11v1
- 71. 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 27120 Eligibility can be restored if VA loan is paid in full and property is no longer owned by Service Member/Veteran. 71 Version 11v1
- 73. 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 73 Version 11v1
- 74. 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 74 Version 11v1
- 75. 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. 75 Version 11v1
- 76. 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 76 Version 11v1
- 77. Tuition and Fees Example 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 77 Version 11v1
- 78. 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 78 Version 11v1
- 79. 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 79 Version 11v1
- 80. 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 at Graduate Out-of-state private training tuition institutions 80 Version 11v1
- 81. Yellow Ribbon Program » Payable to school when student’s tuition and fees exceed maximum in-state tuition where student will attend school: Based on Based on school student participation qualification Veterans only at Spouse of Dependent 100% benefit Veteran (transfer children (transfer level of entitlement) of entitlement) 81 Version 11v1
- 82. Comparison of MGIB-AD and Post 9/11 Montgomery GI Bill Post-9/11 GI Bill Service member pay $100 per month for first 12New enrollees pay nothing reduction months 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 • Tuition and fees of education program, • Monthly housing allowance based on number of hours • Up to a $1,000 annual stipend for books and attending. supplies Payment Method All benefits paid directly to Tuition paid to school. student. Housing and books/supplies stipend to student. Approved for Institution of Yes Yes Higher Learning Approved for Non-College Yes No Degree programs, On-the- job training, Apprenticeship 82 Version 11v1
- 83. 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). 83 Version 11v1
- 84. Transfer of Entitlement » An individual (transferor) approved to transfer benefits may: Transfer up to 36 months of benefits (unless DoD/DHS restricts number of months an individual may transfer) Revoke or modify transfer request of any unused benefits unless transferor’s 15-year eligibility period has ended Transfer to spouse, children, or both in any amount up to amount transferor has available or amount approved by DoD/DHS 84 Version 11v1
- 85. The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John 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. 85 Version 11v1
- 86. 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 vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp Guard/Reserves 86 Version 11v1
- 87. 1-888-442-4551 www.GIBILL.va.gov www.facebook.com/gibillEducation Learn More Stay Updated 87 Version 11v1
- 88. 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. 88 Version 11v1
- 89. Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) 89
- 90. 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. 90 Version 11v1
- 91. 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 91 Version 11v1
- 92. 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 92 Version 11v1
- 93. 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. 93 Version 11v1
- 94. 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. 94 Version 11v1
- 95. 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 95 Version 11v1
- 96. 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 96 Version 11v1
- 97. 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 97 Version 11v1
- 98. 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. 98 Version 11v1
- 99. 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. 99 Version 11v1
- 100. 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. 100 Version 11v1
- 101. 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. 101 Version 11v1
- 102. Burial Benefits 102
- 103. Burial Benefits » National Cemeteries » State Veterans Cemeteries » Headstone or Marker » Burial Flag » Presidential Memorial Certificates » Burial Cost Reimbursement 103 Version 11v1
- 104. 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 104 Version 11v1
- 105. 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 105 Version 11v1
- 106. Resources 106
- 107. VA on the Internet VA by Phone eBenefits Benefits information www.ebenefits.va.gov (800) 827-1000 Education Benefits VA Home Page (888) 442-4551 www.va.gov Health Care Eligibility (877) 222-8387 VA on Facebook www.facebook.com/Veterans SGLI/VGLI Affairs (800) 419-1473 VA Life Insurance VA on Twitter http://twitter.com/DeptVetAffairs (800) 669-8477 107 Version 11v1
- 108. » 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 214 108 Version 11v1
- 109. DS Logon – Lifetime Identity » Defense Self-Service Logon – Service Members, is your lifetime personal use your CAC to get identity to access: a DS Logon while • eBenefits you have it https://www.ebenefits.va.gov • TRICARE Online (TOL) https://www.tricareonline.com/ • Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/ bwe/ 109 Version 11v1
- 110. Thank you for your service. 110 Version 11v1
- 111. 111 Version 11v1