What VA Benefits are you looking for? #1

What Department are you looking to receive benefits from?

As veterans of the U.S. Military most of us have heard that we could receive benefits of some sort from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  However, we have also heard of the horror stories of that veterans have encountered trying to claim those veterans.

There is truth in the fact that trying to deal with the VA is a confusing and sometimes harder task then the fire fight we may have been in during service.  That the red tape is so thick that "Ducktape" could not produce enough to supply them, if it was actual red tape being used.

There is Hope.

Receiving benefits from the VA does not have to be daunting, nor do you have to do it by yourself or pay money to receive professional help in the process.  A book could be written about this process, but lets just start slowly and purposely with step 1.  

Step 1: What type of benefit are you seeking?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is separated in to 3 different agencies.

1. Healthcare VHA
2. Benefits  VBA
3. Cemeteries 

Where do you go? 

I need healthcare..

If you are only seeking to receive some kind of healthcare benefit, i.e. see a doctor, then you need to apply with the VHA.  This benefit is based on 8 different categories, which we will cover in the future, and it is income based unless you are automatically covered by one of the other categories, like you have a purple heart medal.  Again for the majority of veterans this is income based.

http://www.va.gov/health/

Seeking Compensation for an injury incurred while serving

If you have an injury or a medical condition and you believe and can prove it was caused by your military service you will apply to the Veterans Benefit Administration.  A veteran might based on the injury and compensation receive healthcare, but that will be determined during the application process.  Compensation claims are NOT based on income, only injury.  A veterans income does not matter.

http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/

Pensions

There are pension benefits available that are based on a veterans income, these to are applied for at the VBA.

Other Benefits

G.I. Bill, Home Loans, and other benefits can also be applied for with the VBA. 

Burial Benefits

Lastly, burial benefits and care for the National Cemeteries are administered by the National Cemetery Administration. http://www.cem.va.gov/

Knowing what you are seeking is the first step in keeping frustrations low in receiving the benefits you have earned.  Bring patience with you and use an accredited veteran service officer to help you step by step.

Closing Note:

Do not attempt to file for these benefits on your own.  Veteran Service Organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disable American Veterans and in some states and counties they have accredited veteran service officers on staff to help file a claim with you.  In Michigan, to find an Accredited Veterans Service Officer near you check out, 

http://www.michiganveterans.com/Home/Benefit-Counselors