by L.E. Duncan

Created on: April 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The United States Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) offers many benefits to veterans of the U.S. military. Often, our military veteran's are not fully educated or counseled on the benefits they or their families may be entitled to. Even more often are the uninformed dependents or survivors of the veteran. According to the VA, there are more than 25 million veterans alive today, three-quarters of which served during war-time or in hostile environments making it possible that more than 70 million people eligible for VA benefits.

Health, Education and Vocational benefits are some of the many benefits that are available to veterans of the armed forces, their spouses, children and other dependents. Of the 70 million people that are possibly eligible, the VA was providing benefits for approximately 23 million individuals as of October, 2008.

Eligible candidates include: veterans, veterans dependents, surviving dependent (spouse, child, or parent), active duty military, and members of the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserve components.

Disability Compensation

If you are rated at least ten-percent disabled as a result of military service, also stated as a "service connected disability", you are eligible for a monthly compensation from the VA.

Military Retirement/Pension

There is a monthly compensation available to war-time veterans that have limited incomes and are 100-percent disabled or you are 65 years old.

Military retirement pensions are paid to individuals that have accumulated a minimum of 20 years of military service. If all 20 years were completed on active duty, your pension will begin immediately after retirement. If a portion of your service was completed as a reservist, you will receive your pension when you are 65 years old. Military "retirement" is not a VA benefit, but rather it is paid by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

Health Care

One of the widest used benefits is the VA's health care benefits. For eligible veteran's, the VA offers everything from hospital visits to nursing home care. The Health Care Veterans Health Administration website has a complete overview of benefits and eligibility.

Burial and Memorial Services

To properly respect and honor our deceased veterans, the VA provides the following benefits: Headstones, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, an American flag, $600-$2000 reimbursement of burial expenses, and burial in a VA National Cemetery if desired. There is no time limit

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