Veterans of the United States may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as VA Benefits). Eligibility for most VA benefits are based upon discharge from active military service with the exception of dishonorable discharge conditions. It is always suggested to consult with an family lawyer to see if you or your spouse are eligible for benefits.
The VA offers a broad range of programs and services for our Veterans. Some of the programs include Healthcare benefits. These benefits usually include inpatient hospital care and outpatient services to not only promote, but preserve and or restore the Veterans health. The VA medical facilities provide a wide range of services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and even physical therapy. There are additional benefits such as assistance with prescriptions, healthy living, weight loss, vaccinations, post-traumatic stress disorder programs and therapy, suicide prevention, traumatic brain injuries, long term care and geriatric care or even military sexual trauma assistance.
In order to qualify for VA benefits you must be an Active Military service member or have been discharged from the military on good standing. Active Military service members means full-time service, other than active duty for training, and must be a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, or the Coast and Geodetic Surveys.
If you meet these requirements some of the benefits that you could receive would include Disability Compensation, Special Monthly Compensation, Special Compensation Claims, Veterans’ Pension and Aid & Attendance and Housebound Attendance. The VA also offers assistance with Education and Training, home loans, insurance, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Career Opportunities, Financial Counseling, Fiduciary Services and even Mortgage delinquency assistance.
The VA provides memorial and allowances to help reimburse burial costs for a Veteran and or his or her dependents. Burial benefits include a burial at a National cemetery, an inscribed headstone, marker or medallion, an allowance to partially reimburse the burial and funeral costs of a Veteran. These services include a Presidential Memorial Certificate and an American flag that drapes over the Veterans casket. Some additional memorial benefits include Military Funeral Honors, Burial Flags, Burial Allowances and Survivor’s benefits.
If you or someone you know would like more information on whether or not you qualify for VA benefits, please contact the Brandy Austin Law Firm to schedule your free consultation today.
Thank you to our friends and contributors from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into benefits and veterans.