VA Benefits and Services Briefing for Transitioning Service Members

Transcription

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

3 Accessing VA Or call us :00 a.m. EST to 10:00 p.m. EST 3

4 » One-stop shop for benefitsrelated online tools and information. Apply for benefits See your benefits status and payments online Download your DD 214 4

5 DS Logon Lifetime Identity» Defense Self-Service Logon is your lifetime personal identity to access: ebenefits TRICARE Online (TOL) Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) bwe/ Service Members, use your CAC to get a DS Logon while you have it 5

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

7 DD Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty 7

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

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

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 11

12 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Claims» Service Member must: Have 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

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

14 Pre-Discharge Program How To Apply» How to apply: VA Form c, 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 address 14

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

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% % % % 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, % 2,673 2,823 2,932 3,007 3,082 S = Spouse C = Child(ren) Rates effective Dec. 1,

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

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

19 Application Timelines File B DD Claim (180 days prior to releas e) VA E xam (s hortly after c laim) B DD R ating Decis ion (1 to 3 months ) BDD timeline File Quic k S tart C laim (59 to 1 days prior to releas e) VA E xam Quick S tart R ating Decis ion (3+ months) Quick Start timeline VA requests S TR s (4 to 6 weeks after receipt of claim) VA Exam (2 to 4 months ) R ating Decision Letter (6 to 12 months ) Traditional timeline Release from Active Duty 19

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

21 Compensation & Pension How to Apply» Complete a VA Form EZ or VA Form , Veteran s Application for Compensation.» Provide other supporting records; VA can help obtain them. VA Form , Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the Department of VA.» Submit all documents to appropriate VA Regional Office. 21

22 Compensation & Pension How to Apply» VA Form b, Veteran s Supplemental Claim» Use to request: increase, reopen, secondary, or ancillary benefits. 22

23 Compensation or Pension How to Apply Online through ebenefits at -OR- Online through Veterans ON-line application (VONAPP) at -OR- Through a VA Regional Office (see Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents & Survivors, VA Facilities, for locations.) 23

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

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 Telephonically at In-Person at Social Security Office 25

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

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. (#)

29 Compensation» Residual disability from sexual or other personal trauma while on active duty is considered serviceconnected 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

30 Life Insurance 30

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

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

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

34 TSGLI How to Apply» Claim form available at VA Insurance web site 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

43 Comprehensive Medical Benefits» Screening exams for: Depression, Substance Abuse, PTSD, TBI, Readjustment Counseling» Military Sexual Trauma Trauma-new.pdf» Preventive Care Services» Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment» Prescription Services» Women s Healthcare Programs» Prosthetic and Rehabilitative Devices 43

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 or You will receive a letter from VA confirming your enrollment. For additional information: Call

52 VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits 52

53 Sign Up Today Health information Mental health resources Military health history Self-assessment tools 53

54 Help Your Buddy VA s National Suicide Hotline Resource TALK (8255) 54

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

57 What is the Vet Center A safe and protected place to talk Confidentiality no stigma Flexible hours Easily accessible communitybased setting Network knowledgeable about the resources available Vet Center Staff are >65% Combat Veterans Veterans serving Veterans All family members are welcome No cost.ever What we Offer Individual Counseling Group Counseling Military Sexual Trauma Counseling Marital/Family Counseling Bereavement Counseling Drug and Alcohol Referral Liaison with VA & Community Resources Benefits Assistance Referral Community Education and Career Referral 57

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

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

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 These positions are located in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 60

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 geographically distant from VA services. All 50 Mobile Vet Centers have been deployed to their home base Vet Center and are actively serving their areas of responsibility. Readjustment Counseling Service Call Center Establishment of a national call in service where combat Veterans or family members can call at anytime to talk to another combat Veteran 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

62 Welcome Home! Contact Information: Looking to connect with a fellow warrior or family member, call: WARVETS ( ) Looking for your closest Vet Center? VA Welcomes All Combat Veterans With Honor 62

63 Home Loan Guaranty 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

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

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. 66

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

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

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

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

71 How To Apply Service Members or Veterans can obtain COE through ebenefits OR Ask your lender to apply online through the VA Portal OR Complete and mail VA Form to: Eligibility Center, P.O. Box Winston-Salem, NC Eligibility can be restored if VA loan is paid in full and property is no longer owned by Service Member/Veteran. 71

72 Education Benefits 72

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

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, 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

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 serviceconnected 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

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

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

78 Monthly Housing Allowance» Monthly allowance payable to student» Based on training time (must be greater than halftime) 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

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

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 private institutions Graduate training Out-of-state tuition 80

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 school participation Based on student qualification Veterans only at 100% benefit level Spouse of Veteran (transfer of entitlement) Dependent children (transfer of entitlement) 81

82 Comparison of MGIB-AD and Post 9/11 Service member pay reduction Monetary Benefit Payment Method Approved for Institution of Higher Learning Approved for Non-College Degree programs, On-thejob training, Apprenticeship Montgomery GI Bill $100 per month for first 12 months Amount is fixed regardless of education program, based on number of hours attending. All benefits paid directly to student. Yes Yes Post-9/11 GI Bill New enrollees pay nothing 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. Tuition and fees Monthly housing allowance Up to a $1,000 annual stipend for books and supplies Tuition paid to school. Housing and books/supplies stipend to student. Yes No 82

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

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

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

86 How to Apply» Apply anytime online at OR 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 Guard/Reserves vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp 86

87 Learn More Stay Updated 87

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 serviceconnected disability rating 96

97 How to apply» Service Members should complete: VA Form , Memo Rating or VA Form , Veteran s Application for Compensation and/or Pension, and VA Form , Application for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits» Veterans should complete: VA Form (If not already rated by VA for a serviceconnected disability.) VA Form

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

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

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 , Application for Counseling. 100

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

102 Burial Benefits 102

103 Burial Benefits» National Cemeteries» State Veterans Cemeteries» Headstone or Marker» Burial Flag» Presidential Memorial Certificates» Burial Cost Reimbursement 103

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

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 105

106 Resources 106

107 VA on the Internet VA by Phone ebenefits VA Home Page VA on Facebook Affairs VA on Twitter Benefits information (800) Education Benefits (888) Health Care Eligibility (877) SGLI/VGLI (800) VA Life Insurance (800)

108 » One-stop shop for benefitsrelated online tools and information. Apply for benefits See your benefits status and payments online Download your DD

109 DS Logon Lifetime Identity» Defense Self-Service Logon is your lifetime personal identity to access: ebenefits TRICARE Online (TOL) Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) bwe/ Service Members, use your CAC to get a DS Logon while you have it 109

110 Thank you for your service. 110

111 111