HELLO.

Welcome to VA.
Let’s get started.
WHAT’S INSIDE?

2 YOUR BENEFITS
Understand how VA can meet your needs

3 YOUR ELIGIBILITY
 Understand more about it and how it
affects your VA benefits

4 Understand
YOUR DISABILITY RATING
how your disability rating
affects your eligibility

5 YOUR JOURNEY
See how VA can support you
throughout your life

14 YOUR CHECKLIST
Learn about ways to access the benefits
and services you deserve

15 Find
YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES
mental health resources and access
immediate care

17 Get
YOUR QUICK START GUIDES
additional details on accessing key
VA benefits and services
Learn what VA can do for you
VA can support you and your loved ones in different ways GET HELP FOR
YOURSELF OR A
throughout your life. Your VA Welcome Guide provides FRIEND IMMEDIATELY
a broad overview of services VA can offer you. To access Call the Veterans Crisis Line
at (800) 273 - 8255 and press 1,
more information about VA benefits and services, visit us or refer to p15 to find
additional resources and
online at [Link] access immediate care.

Health Care Finances Housing

• Basic and Specialty Care • Monthly Disability Payments • Short-Term Housing
• Mental Health Care • Life Insurance • Home Loans
• Long-Term Care • Burial Allowances • Refinancing Options
• Crisis Support

Employment Education Memorialization

• Skills Training & Counseling • GI Bill • Burial and Committal Services
• Online Career Tools • Training Programs • Headstones and Markers
• Burial Flags

More Support
Organizations outside of VA can
help you find the support you need:
• Veterans Service Organizations
• Local Community Resources

BENEFITS 2
Understand your eligibility
Access to VA benefits and services depends on your
eligibility. Eligibility is determined using different factors
depending on the benefit. While a lot of information is
used to determine your eligibility for benefits, one critical
factor may be your disability rating.

What is eligibility?
VA uses “eligibility” to describe the benefits and services a Veteran
can access. Each benefit you are trying to access may require a different
set of eligibility factors. For example, you may be eligible for the GI Bill
but not for VA Health Care. If you are interested in a certain benefit, work
with VA to determine your eligibility.
VA considers a different
combination of factors for each
How is eligibility determined? benefit, which could include your
disability rating, service history,
medical need, and income level.
FACTORS CONSIDERED

Disability Rating Service History Medical Need Income Level

YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Employment Education Finances Health Care Housing Memorialization

YOUR ELIGIBILITY  3
Understand your Disability Rating
Your disability rating is one of several factors that affects
your eligibility for benefits and services. Your disability rating
is important because there are a number of services available
only to Veterans with a disability rating.

WHAT BENEFITS AND

SERVICES CAN YOU
ACCESS WITH A
What is a disability rating? DISABILITY RATING?
A disability rating is a rating VA gives you to describe how much Some benefits and services
your service-connected disability impacts your daily life. include:

A “service-connected” disability is an injury, disease, or condition that • Disability Compensation

• Vocational Rehabilitation
you got or was made worse during your military service. Disability & Employment (VR&E)
ratings range from 0%–100%. A 0% rating means your disability does • Increased Health Care
not affect your everyday life. Any rating, including a 0%, makes you coverage
• Federal hiring preference
eligible for certain services. While you might feel your condition is not
• VA Home Loan fee exemption
serious, you should still consider applying for a rating.

How is a disability rating determined?

WHERE CAN YOU GET
You must file a claim for disability. VA determines your rating based IN-PERSON HELP?
on the evidence you provide (which includes your medical records and You can receive help preparing
DD214) and the severity of your condition. Once your claim is processed, your claim from a Veterans
Service Organization (VSO).
you will receive a disability rating. To find out more about filing a claim, To find a VSO, visit [Link]/
call (800) 827 - 1000 or visit [Link]/disability-benefits ogc/apps/accreditation and
search by state. You can also find
VSO information on eBenefits:
[Link]/
ebenefits/vso-search

YOUR DISABILITY RATING   4

Find out where VA fits into your life
No two Veterans are the same. You might experience many of these
important life moments in a different order. Based on where you
are in your life, VA can serve you in different ways. Use this map
to explore how VA can support you both now and in the future.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

p7 p8

JOINING SERVING GETTING STARTING

OUT UP
ENLIST SEPARATE

Engage VA to access Find something to do

benefits and services

VA can help you even Balance finances

before separation from
the military. If you have
already separated, let Complete your
your Veteran buddies paperwork Attend to your health needs
know they can start
using VA now.
Find a place to live

Re-establish and
How can I use this map? create relationships

• Determine where you are in your journey

• Review the benefits information for where you are in your journey
• Read ahead to discover how VA may be able to support you in the future

If you are interested in a VA benefit, make sure to work with VA to determine

your eligibility as soon as possible.

YOUR JOURNEY, PART ONE  5

 Translate your military skills
Manage and maintain
your health

Get the appropriate

education, skills, and credentials
Adapt your support
network to your new needs

Find the right job

Decide how and where

to be memorialized
Build your professional reputation

Build your local network Schedule and plan

a funeral service

BUILDING Seek survivor benefits

YOUR
CAREER
Maintain social and
community connections
p9 p12
p10

TAKING
CARE OF RETIRING AGING
YOURSELF

p11 p13
Recognize and
address mental Find additional
health needs PUTTING sources of income
DOWN
ROOTS
Manage primary care Take care of your health
and chronic health issues
Revisit housing

Seek support for a severe Participate in

health event Maintain your health meaningful activities

Maintain your health Take care of your family

Save for your retirement

Connect with and

serve your community

YOUR JOURNEY, PART TWO   6

Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
GETTING OUT

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate facilities:
cell
[Link] VA311: [Link]/facilities
(844) 698 - 2311

Engage VA Continue your GI Bill [Link]/education/gi-bill Education Center: Your Regional

to access education Helps pay for education for (888) 442 - 4551 Benefits Office
benefits and Veterans or their dependents From Overseas:
services 001 - 918 - 781 - 5678

blank cell
Become a VA Home Loan [Link]/ Regional Loan Your Regional
homeowner homeloans Office: Benefits Office
Home loan benefits for Veterans
(877) 827 - 3702

Apply for Disability Compensation [Link]/disability-benefits VA Benefits Line: Your Regional

a disability (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
Compensation paid to Veterans
or through
rating for a disability that occurred
your local
during service
Veterans Service
Organization
(VSO)

blank cell
Plan for VA Life Insurance [Link]/ Life Insurance Your local VA
your family’s insurance Line: Medical Center
Life insurance for Veterans and
(800) 419 - 1473
financial their families
future
blank cell
Apply for Veterans Pension [Link]/ VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
supplemental pension/[Link] (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
Supplemental income available to
income low-income wartime Veterans

blank cell
Apply for VA Health Care [Link]/health-care Health Care Line: Your local VA
health care (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
Inpatient and outpatient health
(press 2)
services at VA Medical Centers and
clinics

blank cell
Prepare to Careers and Employment [Link]/employment blank cell blank cell

find a job Job search database, skills

translator, and resume builder

Complete Request eBenefits [Link] National blank cell

your your service Personnel Records

Center: (314)
paperwork records and 801 - 0800
discharge
papers

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

GETTING OUT  7
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
STARTING UP

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate
cell
[Link] VA311: facilities:
(844) 698 - 2311 [Link]/
facilities

Find something Continue your GI Bill [Link]/education/gi-bill Education Center: Your Regional
to do education Helps pay for education for (888) 442 - 4551 Benefits Office
Veterans or their dependents From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678

blank cell
Get help Careers and Employment [Link]/employment blank cell blank cell

finding a job Job search database, skills

translator, and resume builder

Balance your Apply for Disability Compensation [Link]/disability-benefits VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
finances a disability (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
Compensation paid to Veterans
or through
rating for a disability that occurred
your local
during service
Veterans
Service
Organization
(VSO)

Attend to your Find a doctor VA Health Care [Link]/health-care Health Care Line: Your local VA
health needs (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
Inpatient and outpatient health
(press 2)
services at VA Medical Centers
and clinics

blank cell
Seek help for Mental Health Care [Link]/ Health Care Line: Your local VA
mental health [Link] (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
Inpatient and outpatient
(press 4) or Vet Center
needs mental health services

Find a place Become a VA Home Loan [Link]/ Regional Loan Your Regional
to live homeowner homeloans Office: Benefits Office
Home loan benefits for Veterans
(877) 827 - 3702

blank cell
Find Adapted Housing Grants [Link]/ Regional Loan Your Regional
housing to homeloans/adaptedhousing. Office: Benefits Office
Financial help for Veterans to
asp (877) 827 - 3702
accommodate purchase or modify a home to meet
your disability special housing needs

Re-establish Meet Veterans Veterans Service Find a VSO near you at:
and create and people Organizations (VSO) [Link]/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
relationships who can help Variety of services and community
or
opportunities for Veterans and
their loved ones [Link]/ebenefits/VSO-search

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

STARTING UP  8
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate facilities:
cell
[Link] VA311: [Link]/facilities
(844) 698 - 2311

Recognize Address Mental Health Care www. Health Care Line: Your local VA
and address [Link]/ (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
mental Inpatient and outpatient mental
[Link] (press 4) or Vet Center
mental health health needs
health services
needs
Use Vet Center [Link] Vet Center Line: Your local
counseling Counseling, outreach, and referral (877) 927 - 8387 Vet Center
services services to combat Veterans and
their families

Manage Get regular VA Health Care [Link]/health-care Health Care Line: Your local VA
primary care medical care Inpatient and outpatient health (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
(press 2)
and chronic services at VA Medical Centers
health issues and clinics

Seek support Visit a doctor CHOICE Act / Care [Link]/opa/ Veterans Choice Your local
for a severe in your in the Community choiceact Line: Medical Center
(866) 606 - 8198 or an approved
health event community Covered access to non-VA
(press 1) CHOICE provider
health care

blank cell
Get help in an Emergency Care [Link]/ Health Care Line: Your local VA
emergency Emergency medical care at a VA healthbenefits/access/ (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
Medical Center or non-VA hospital emergency_care.asp (press 4)
with prior authorization

Maintain Get regular Preventative Care [Link]/health Health Care Line: Your local VA
check-ups benefits/access/ (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
your health Services such as vaccinations and
preventative_care_ (press 4)
health screenings
[Link]

blank cell
Get women- Women Veterans [Link]. Women’s Health Your local VA
specific care Health Care [Link] Care Line: Medical Center
(855) 829 - 6636
Women-specific health care

blank cell
Keep track of My HealtheVet [Link] My HealtheVet blank cell

your health Online tool to make health decisions Help Desk:

and manage care (877) 327 - 0022

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF   9

Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
BUILDING YOUR CAREER

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate facilities:
cell
[Link] VA311: [Link]/facilities
(844) 698 - 2311

Translate Put your Careers and Employment [Link]/employment blank cell blank cell

your military military skills Job search database, skills

skills to use translator, and resume builder

Get the Continue your GI Bill [Link]/education/gi-bill Education Center: blank cell

appropriate education Helps pay for education for Veterans (888) 442 - 4551
education, or their dependents From Overseas:
skills, and 001 - 918 - 781 - 5678
credentials

blank cell
Get help Vocational Rehabilitation [Link]/ VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
finding a job and Employment (VR&E) vocrehab/[Link] (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
that suits your Personalized job training,
disability employment accommodations,
and resume development

Find the Explore your Careers and Employment [Link]/employment blank cell blank cell

right job job options Job search database, skills

translator, and resume builder

blank cell
Consider Veterans’ Preference [Link]/employment VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
working for Gives Veterans an advantage in (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
the federal the application process for federal
government government jobs

Build your Compete Veteran-Owned Small [Link]/osdbu Office of Meet with a

professional for federal Business Program (VOSB) Small and Verification
Disadvantaged Assistance
reputation contracts Helps Veteran-owned small
Business Counselor in
businesses compete for federal
Utilization: your area
contracts set aside for VOSBs
(866) 584 - 2344
(press 1)

Build your Connect with Veterans Service Find a VSO near you at:
local network other Veterans Organizations (VSO) [Link]/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their or
loved ones [Link]/ebenefits/VSO-search

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

BUILDING YOUR CAREER   10

Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate facilities:
cell
[Link] VA311: [Link]/facilities
(844) 698 - 2311

Revisit Become a VA Home Loan [Link]/ Regional Loan Your Regional

housing homeowner Home loan benefits for Veterans homeloans Office: Benefits Office
(877) 827 - 3702

Refinance VA Refinancing [Link]/ Regional Loan Your Regional

existing home Home loan benefits for refinancing homeloans/[Link] Office: Benefits Office
(877) 827 - 3702
loans a non-VA loan into a VA loan

Maintain your Address Mental Health Care [Link]/ Health Care Line: Your local VA
health mental health Inpatient and outpatient [Link] (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
(press 4) or Vet Center
needs mental health services

Improve your Social Work [Link] Health Care Line: Your local VA
well-being Social services to maximize (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
well-being for Veterans, families, (press 4)
and caregivers

Take care of Apply for VA GI Bill [Link]/education/gi-bill Education Center: Your Regional
your family educational Helps pay for education for (888) 442 - 4551 Benefits Office
benefits Veterans or their dependents From Overseas:
001 - 918 - 781 - 5678

Save for your Apply for Veterans Pension [Link]/ VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
retirement supplemental Supplemental income available to pension/[Link] (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
income low-income wartime Veterans

Connect Meet and Veterans Service Find a VSO near you at:
with and serve fellow Organizations [Link]/ogc/apps/accreditation
serve your Veterans Variety of services and community (search by state)
community opportunities for Veterans and their
loved ones or
[Link]/ebenefits/VSO-searchblank cell
blank cell

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

PUTTING DOWN ROOTS  11

Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
RETIRING

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate facilities:
cell
[Link] VA311: [Link]/facilities
(844) 698 - 2311

Find Get financial Disability Compensation [Link]/disability-benefits VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
additional support for Compensation paid to Veterans for (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
or through
sources of your disability a disability that occurred during
service your local
income Veterans Service
Organization
(VSO)

Take care of Get regular VA Health Care [Link]/health-care Health Care Line: Your local VA
your health medical care Inpatient and outpatient health (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
services at VA Medical Centers (press 2)
and clinics

blank cell
Address Audiology [Link]/ Health Care Line: Your local VA
hearing needs Care for hearing aids and/or psas/hearing _ [Link] (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
other hearing assistive devices for (press 4)
Veterans

blank cell
Address vision Optometry and Blind [Link]/optometry Health Care Line: Your local
needs Rehabilitation or (877) 222 - 8387 VA Medical
[Link]/ (press 4) Center or Blind
Rehabilitation services for blind
features/blinded-veterans. Rehabilitation
and low-vision Veterans
asp Center

Participate Volunteer Veterans Service Find a VSO near you at:

in meaningful in your Organizations [Link]/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
activities community Variety of services and community
opportunities for Veterans and their or
loved ones [Link]/ebenefits/VSO-search

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

RETIRING 12
Some ways VA can help you while you’re...
AGING

WHAT IS WHAT CAN WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US GIVE US VISIT US

YOUR GOAL? YOU DO? VA PROVIDE? ONLINE A CALL IN PERSON
blank cell blank blank cell blank cell Find out more: Ask us a question Locate facilities:
cell
[Link] VA311: [Link]/facilities
(844) 698 - 2311

Manage and Get regular VA Health Care [Link]/health-care Health Care Line: Your local VA
maintain your medical care Inpatient and outpatient health (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
(press 2)
health services at VA Medical Centers and
clinics

blank cell
Seek long-term Geriatric and Extended [Link]/geriatrics Health Care Line: Your local VA
care for later Care (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
(press 4)
in life Nursing care, hospice, and assisted
living services

Adapt support Seek in-home Skilled Home Health Care [Link]/geriatrics/ Health Care Line: Your local VA
network support In-home care by a professional guide/longtermcare/ (877) 222 - 8387 Medical Center
skilled_home_health_ (press 4)
to your new [Link]
needs
blank cell
Get financial Aid and Attendance and [Link]/ VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
support for Housebound Compensation pension/aid_attendance_ (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
[Link]
daily medical Payments for Veterans who are
assistance housebound or require the aid of
another person in daily life

Make burial Decide how and Burial Benefits [Link] VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
arrangements where to be Schedule and plan funeral and (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
[Link]/vaforms/va/
memorialized burial arrangements pdf/[Link] Scheduling:
(800) 535 - 1117

Finance your Get financial Burial Allowance [Link]/ VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
burial assistance for Financial assistance for funeral and compensation/claims- (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
[Link]
burial services burial services

Seek survivor Talk about the Survivor’s Benefits [Link]/opa/persona/ VA Benefits Line: Your Regional
benefits future with Various benefits available to the dependent_survivor.asp (800) 827 - 1000 Benefits Office
loved ones survivors of a deceased Veteran

Maintain Engage with Veterans Service Find a VSO near you at:
social and fellow Veterans Organization (VSO) [Link]/ogc/apps/accreditation (search by state)
community and people Variety of services and community
connections who can help opportunities for Veterans and their or
loved ones [Link]/ebenefits/VSO-searchblank cell
blank cell

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Health Care Finances Housing Employment Education Memorialization More Support

AGING   13
Get started today
Use the checklist below to get started accessing
WHICH BENEFITS ARE
the VA benefits and services you deserve. TIME SENSITIVE?
• Dental Care
(180 days post-separation)
• Life Insurance
(240 days post-separation)
1 RESEARCH • VA Health Care for recent
□□ Identify VA services that can meet your goals Combat Veterans
(5 years post-separation)
□□ Prioritize time-sensitive benefits
• Montgomery Bill
□□ Work with VA to identify which benefits and services you (10 years post-separation)
and your loved ones might be eligible for: • Post 9/11 GI Bill
→→ Visit [Link]/benefits-navigator (15 years post-separation)
→→ Call (800) 827 - 1000 to speak with a VA representative • Vocational Rehabilitation
→→ Talk with a member of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) & Employment
(12 years since receiving your
disability rating post-separation,
though there are exceptions. If you
2 PREPARE are interested in VR&E, make sure
to work with VA to determine your
□□ Prioritize which benefits you want to pursue now eligibility as soon as possible.)
□□ Consider applying for a disability rating
→→ Visit [Link]/disability-benefits to learn more
WHAT DOES A VSO DO?
□□ Get a copy of your discharge papers
Representatives from Veterans
□□ Collect other information as necessary, which may include: Service Organizations may
□□ Military personnel records offer free help to Veterans applying
for VA benefits. Go to [Link]/
□□ Orders (if activated from the Guard or Reserves) ogc/apps/accreditation for
□□ Military and private medical records more information.
□□ Your most recent tax return

WHAT ARE
3 APPLY DISCHARGE PAPERS?
Your discharge papers—also known
□□ Complete the form for the service you want to apply for: as your DD214 member-4—are the
→→ Online at [Link] (all VA benefits) or at most important documents to keep.
[Link] (VA Health Care, Education, Pension, and Burial Allowance only) They are necessary to get access
to VA benefits. Request yours at
→→ In person or by mail to your Regional Benefits Office [Link]
([Link]/facilities)

4 REVISIT
□□ Check back over time as your needs change. For example, you could:
□□ Apply for a higher disability rating if your disability gets worse
□□ Pass GI Bill benefits on to your dependents if you do not use them
□□ Apply for a VA Pension when you are 65 or receiving home care
□□ Decide where and how to be memorialized using burial benefits

YOUR CHECKLIST   14
Get help right now
Contact the resources below to get immediate help for
yourself or a friend. These resources are designed to support
Veterans during difficult times.

WHAT SERVICES CAN VISIT US ONLINE GIVE US A CALL

VA PROVIDE?
WHERE CAN I FIND
Veteran’s [Link] (800) 273 - 8255 IN PERSON HELP?
To locate your nearest VA
Crisis Line (click “chat”) (press 1)
Medical Facility, Regional
text 838255 Benefits Office, Regional Loan
Center, Vet Center, National
24 hours a day / 7 days a week Cemetery, and other VA
facilities, visit [Link]/find-
locations/
National Suicide [Link] (800) 273 - 8255
Prevention (click “chat”) 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

Lifeline HEAR FROM

OTHER VETERANS
Military Sexual Find a Medical Center Call your local Medical Center
or Vet Center.
To hear stories from Veterans
who sought help, visit
Trauma Support [Link]/facilities [Link]
(VA offers free counseling At Medical Centers, ask to
services for Military Sexual speak to the MST coordinator.
Find a Vet Center
Trauma (MST) survivors. You
don’t have to be enrolled in [Link]/directory/guide/
VA Health Care to access [Link]
MST services.)

National Call [Link] (877) 424 - 3838

Center for (click “chat”) 24 hours a day/
7 days a week
Homeless Vets

Women Veterans [Link] (855) VA WOMEN

Call Center (click “chat”) (855) 829 - 6636
M-F, 8 AM–10 PM EST
Sat, 8 AM–6:30 PM EST

VA Caregiver [Link] (855) 260 - 3274

Support Line M - F, 8 AM–8 PM EST

YOUR EMERGENCY RESOURCES  15

WE LOOK FORWARD
TO SERVING YOU.

Can’t find what you need?

To access a complete list of VA benefits and services
VISIT US ONLINE [Link]
GIVE US A CALL VA311: (844) 698 - 2311
VISIT US IN PERSON your nearest VA facility, [Link]/find-locations/
ONLINE GUIDE [Link]/welcome-kit/

16
Apply for a Disability Rating
This guide will help you submit a disability claim and obtain
a disability rating, which is based on how much your
service-connected disability impacts your capacity to earn
a living. This rating is between 0%–100%. Your rating may
give you access to certain VA benefits, such as compensation
and on-going health care.

A checklist to help you file your disability

claim and get your disability rating: GET HELP
You can receive free help with
preparing your claim from
a VA accredited representative
1 PREPARATION or an employee at a local VA Office.
Refer to back for more information.
□□ Learn about different types of claims you can file (refer to back)
□□ Collect the documents necessary to file a claim:
→→ Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
WHERE CAN I FIND MY
→→ Military medical records
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
→→ VA medical records/hospital reports related to your disability
Visit [Link] to request
→→ Private medical records/hospital reports related to your disability a copy of your DD214 records.
□□ Submit Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) if desired

2 APPLICATION WHAT ARE DBQS?

□□ Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways: DBQs are filled out by your
private doctor to provide
→→ Submit a claim online using eBenefits: [Link] medical evidence to support
→→ Complete a claim form in person at a VA Regional Office your claim. They may allow VA
to grant your claim without the
need for a medical examination
3 REVIEW AND DECISION
□□ Visit us online at [Link] or [Link] to track the status
of your claim HOW LONG WILL
□□ Provide more information/documentation if requested by VA IT TAKE?
The length of time it takes to
□□ Attend VA medical examination(s) if requested by VA
process a claim depends on:
• The type of claim filed
4 NEXT STEPS • How many injuries/
disabilities you claimed
If approved, take steps to access the benefits you are eligible for:
• How long it takes for VA to
□□ Review your award letter to understand your rating gather supporting evidence
□□ Review the VA benefits handbook that is sent to you • How many claims were in
line when yours was filed

APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RATING   17

Information you’ll need to know OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:

to file your claim and get your

disability rating: Why is receiving a disability
rating important?
Am I eligible for benefits? You need a service-connected disability
You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if VA finds you have a disease, with a rating in order to access certain
injury, or condition that resulted from service or was made worse during VA benefits and services, including:
your military service. • Disability compensation
Common conditions include: • Vocational Rehabilitation
• Hearing loss/ringing in the ears • Respiratory disease & Employment (VR&E)
• Knee, ankle, or back pain/injury • Ulcers • Level of VA health care coverage
• PTSD, anxiety, depression • Loss of range of motion • Increased preference in federal hiring
• Traumatic brain injury • Cancer (due to hazardous exposures) • Fee exemption for VA home loans

Note: Work with VA to find out if you are eligible for disability benefits by Note: You can apply for a disability
filing a disability claim as soon as possible. rating anytime throughout your life.

Who can file a disability claim? How does my disability rating

affect my family?
• Veterans
• Servicemembers preparing to separate from the military If you are eligible for disability
• Survivors/family seeking benefits owed to Veterans on a pending claim compensation, you may be paid
• Veterans Service Organization (VSO) on behalf of Veterans/Servicemembers additional amounts if you have a
spouse, dependent child(ren), or
Who can help me? dependent parents, and they may
be eligible for additional benefits.
You can receive free help with preparing your claim from a VA accredited
representative or an employee at a local VA Office. →→ To learn more, call your Regional
Benefits Office or visit us online at
Accredited representatives are individuals or organizations who are familiar [Link]/compensation
with the process of filing a claim. Many accredited representatives work for
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), and may provide help free of charge.
Note: It is unlawful to any person or organization to charge a fee for assistance in What if my condition doesn’t
preparing an application for VA benefits. VA-accredited agents and attorneys affect my every day life?
may charge fees for assisting with a claim for VA benefits only after VA has decided
A 0% disability rating does not qualify
the claim and claimant has filed a notice of disagreement.
you for compensation, but you
→→ To find a representative, visit us online at [Link]/ogc/apps/accreditation may be eligible for other VA services,
(search by state) or [Link]/ebenefits/VSO-search such as VA Health Care. While you
→→ To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit [Link]/facilities might feel your condition is not serious,
you should still consider applying for
a rating.
What are the different types of claims?
The type of claim you want to apply for depends on if you’ve filed before,
if your conditions have changed, and how much responsibility you want to
take to gather required documents. Review the chart below to determine
what type of claim you should file.

WHEN YOU FILE TYPE OF CLAIM WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Pre-discharge Benefit Delivery at Discharge Filed 180 - 90 days before separation; processed faster than post discharge claims
More information at: [Link]. (BDD)
[Link]/predischarge/[Link]

Post- discharge Standard VA can help you gather documents

More information at: [Link].
[Link]/fdc Fully-developed You gather your own documents; processed faster than a standard claim

APPLY FOR A DISABILITY RATING   18

Apply for Education Benefits
This guide will help you apply for VA Education Benefits,
which include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill,
other educational assistance programs, on-the-job training,
and career counseling.

A checklist to help you apply for VA Education Benefits:

1 RESEARCH HOW DO I DECIDE

WHAT IS BEST FOR ME?
□□ Decide which type of education benefit you want to use (refer to back)
VA offers tools and
□□ Learn about schools that offer VA-approved programs by using the counseling programs to
GI Bill Comparison Tool ([Link]/gi-bill-comparison-tool) to: help you make the most of
your options. Visit www.
→→ Determine your out-of-pocket costs for each school
[Link]/vocrehab/
→→ Compare school statistics (i.e., graduation and loan repayment rates) edu_voc_counseling.asp
to research schools.

2 PREPARATION
□□ Apply to the program that is best for you
□□ Collect the following information WHERE CAN I FIND MY
DISCHARGE PAPERS?
→→ Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
Visit [Link] to
→→ Orders, if activated from the Guard or the Reserves
request a copy of your DD214
records.

3 APPLICATION
□□ Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→→ Submit your application online using eBenefits or [Link]
→→ Complete an application in person at a VA Regional Office
→→ Work with your school’s VA certifying official (this person is usually
in the Registrar or Financial Aid office at the school of your choice)

4 DECISION
□□ For further information about your benefit, call the Education Call Center
(888) 442 - 4551

APPLY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS   19

Information you’ll need to know OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:

to apply for education benefits:

What is the Yellow Ribbon
Am I eligible for VA Education Benefits? Program?
Your eligibility depends on a number of factors including length and era The Yellow Ribbon Program helps cover
of service, type of discharge, and time since separation. It’s difficult to costs that are not covered by the
summarize eligibility because requirements are different for each type Post-9/11 GI Bill, such as higher tuition
of GI Bill. Refer to the table below and visit [Link]/education/gi-bill to at private colleges or those paying out-
learn more about eligibility. of-state tuition.
Note: Work with VA to find out if you are eligible for education benefits →→ Visit [Link]/education/gi-bill/yellow-
as soon as possible. Not all Veterans are eligible. ribbon to learn more

Do I have to use education benefits for college? How does my disability rating
You can use the GI Bill for more than just academic programs, such as advanced affect my benefits?
training and certifications in your area of expertise. Examples include: Additional benefits, including
• Work Study • Entrepreneurship Training personalized job training and academic
• On-the-Job Training and • Flight Training counseling, may be available for Veterans
Apprenticeships • National Tests (e.g., SAT, GRE) with disability ratings of at least 10%.
• Co-op Training • Licensing and Certifications These programs are separate from the
• Non-College Degree Programs GI Bill and must be applied for separately.
→→ Visit [Link]/vocrehab
to learn more
What are the different types of education benefits?
Can I transfer my Post-9/11 GI
The GI Bill is the umbrella term for many VA Educational Benefits programs.
Review the chart below to determine which GI Bill benefit you should apply Bill Benefits to my family?
for. (This is only a basic summary—these are NOT the only eligibility criteria.) You may be eligible to transfer up to 36
months of benefits to your spouse or
BENEFIT TYPE BASIC ELIGIBILITY* WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? dependent children.
→→ Visit [Link]/education/gi-bill/transfer
Qualifying active service Payment for 50 - 100% of tuition;
Post-9/11 GI Bill to learn more
on or after 9/11/01 stipend for housing and books

Montgomery GI Bill— Qualifying active Monthly stipend for tuition and Are survivors and dependents
Active Duty services, high school fees (refer to rates table online)* eligible for benefits?
diploma or GED
Dependents or survivors of a Veteran may
Montgomery GI Bill— Six-year commitment to Monthly stipend for tuition and be eligible for educational assistance
Selected Reserve Selected Reserve (usable fees (refer to rates table online)*
through a GI Bill program if one of the
only while serving)
following applies to the Veteran:
Survivors’ and • Died while on active duty, or
Spouse or dependent of Monthly stipend for tuition and
Dependents’ • Was a former prisoner of war, or
a qualifying Veteran fees (refer to rates table online)*
Educational • Died or is permanently and totally
Assistance
disabled due to a service-connected
*To find the rates for monthly stipends, visit [Link]/education/rates disability, or
• Is hospitalized or receiving outpatient
treatment for a service-connected
permanent disability and is likely to
be discharged for that disability
Where is my nearest VA Regional Benefits Office? →→ Visit [Link]/education/gi-bill/
→→ To locate your nearest VA Facility, visit [Link]/facilities survivors-dependent-assistance/
to learn more

APPLY FOR EDUCATION BENEFITS   20

Apply for VA Health Care
This guide will help you apply for VA Health Care, which
includes regular checkups, prescriptions, and access to
specialists, such as cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental
health providers.

A checklist to help you apply for VA Health Care:

1 PREPARATION
□□ Collect the following information: WHERE CAN I FIND MY
□□ Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent) DISCHARGE PAPERS?
□□ Your most recent tax return Visit [Link] to request
a copy of your DD214 records.
□□ Social security numbers for yourself and your dependents
□□ Account numbers for insurance programs you are enrolled in
□□ Your VA Disability Rating Decision (if applicable)
HOW WILL I FIND OUT
ABOUT VA’S DECISION?
2 APPLICATION
If accepted, you’ll receive a
□□ Apply by completing the healthcare application form phone call from VA and
a personalized benefits handbook
(VA Form–10 EZ) in one of these ways:
in the mail. If denied, you’ll receive
→→ Visit us online at [Link] and click on “Health Care” a letter indicating the reason.
→→ Give us a call at (877) 222 - 8387 (press 1); M–F, 8am–8pm EST
→→ Visit us in person at a VA Medical Center WHAT ARE PRIORITY
→→ Print out and mail the completed form to the Health Eligibility GROUPS?
Center (2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329) During enrollment, each Veteran
is assigned to one of eight priority
groups based on different factors.
3 REVIEW AND DECISION Your priority group may affect
what type of VA Health Care
□□ Call (877) - 222 - 8387 (press 2) if you haven’t heard back from services you can access and how
VA more than one week after you’ve submitted your application much you will need to pay for
those services.

4 NEXT STEPS
If approved, take steps to access the benefits you are eligible for: WHAT IS A VHIC?
A VHIC is a photo ID that gives
□□ Review priority group assignment and personalized benefits
you access to VA Health Care
handbook mailed by VA after enrollment facilities. When you’re enrolled in
□□ Contact your local VA Medical Center to set up an appointment VA Health Care, you can get a VHIC
by making an appointment with
□□ Make an appointment to obtain your Veterans Health your local VA Medical Center to get
Identificaton Card (VHIC) your picture taken for your VHIC.

APPLY FOR VA HEALTH CARE  21

Information you’ll need to know OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:

to access VA Health Care:

What are my health care options
Am I eligible for VA Health Care? for myself and my family?
VA Health Care is one of many
Some factors that VA may consider when determining eligibility include:
health care options Veterans may
• VA has rated you for a service-connected disability have, including TRICARE, Medicare/
• You received a purple heart or are a former Prisoner of War Medicaid, and private insurance plans.
• You are a combat Veteran who separated within the last 5 years In most cases, family members and
• You are eligible for Medicaid benefits dependents are not eligible for VA
• Your family income is below the income threshold Health Care. It’s important to figure
• You served in Vietnam, Southwest Asia during the Gulf War, out which option is best for you.
or Camp Lejune during certain periods of time
VA Health Care counts as your health
Note: Not all Veterans are eligible for VA Health Care. Work with VA insurance under the Affordable Care Act,
to determine your eligibility as soon as possible. so you won’t have to pay a tax penalty.
However, Veterans enrolled in VA
Health Care are not eligible for health
What does it mean to be assigned to a priority group? insurance subsidies.
If you are eligible to enroll in VA Health Care, you will be assigned to →→ Visit [Link]/veterans
a priority group based on your eligibility. Your health care eligibility to learn more
determines what type of VA Health Care services you can access
and how much you will need to pay for those services.
How does VA support recent
combat Veterans?
How do I schedule my first appointment?
Combat Veterans can get five years
• On your health care application you can ask VA to call you to
of “cost-free” health care following
schedule your first appointment
separation and remain eligible for VA
• Call your local VA Medical Center to schedule an appointment
Health Care as long as they enroll
within five years of separation.
What if I live far away or can’t get an appointment?
The Veterans CHOICE Program allows Veterans who live far from VA How does VA support Military
facilities or who face long wait times for a VA appointment to seek the Sexual Trauma (MST) (MST)
care they need from an approved private doctor in their community.
survivors?
• You are eligible if you live more than 40 miles from the nearest
VA offers free counseling and support
VA Medical Center or you have to wait more than 30 days for a
services that help Veterans recover from
VA appointment, or you face one of several specific travel burdens
trauma. You don’t have to be enrolled in
• Visit [Link]/opa/choiceact to learn more
VA Health Care to access MST services.

What services are included

Will I be covered for emergency care?
in VA Health Care?
The most important thing in an emergency is to get to the nearest
• Preventative Care (e.g. check-ups)
hospital. If this is a VA hospital, you may be covered under your
• Outpatient care (e.g. mental
priority group eligibility. VA will only pay for emergency care at
health care and substance abuse
non-VA facilities under certain circumstances.
counseling)
• After receiving emergency care at a non-VA facility, call VA • Inpatient care (e.g. surgery)
immediately to understand what VA may cover. • Medications and supplies

Where is my nearest VA Medical Center?

• To locate your nearest VA facility, visit [Link]/facilities

APPLY FOR VA HEALTH CARE  22

 Get started with Mental Health Services
This guide will help you access mental health services, which may
include treatment and support for mental health problems like
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the effects of military sexual
trauma (MST), depression, grief, substance use problems, and
anxiety-related conditions.

I need help now.

Call, text, or chat online with our caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line.
Many of the responders are Veterans themselves. The confidential line is open 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
→ Call 1-800-273-8255, press 1
→ Text a message to 838255 HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY
→ Online [Link], click “chat” FIRST APPOINTMENT?
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical If you are already signed up for
VA health care, call or visit your
center—regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
local VA medical center.
→ F ind locations and phone
I’m not in crisis, I’m just having problems sleeping, controlling my numbers online
anger, or readjusting to civilian life. [Link]/find-locations
You are not alone. Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health care at VA last year.
Mental health professionals at VA specialize in the mental health needs of Veterans. Depending on what best meets
Services range from peer support with other Veterans to counseling with a mental health your needs, you will receive a
face-to-face visit with a clinician,
professional to medication. You may be eligible for these services from VA or VA may be
or a phone or video call with a
able to connect you with mental health resources in your community. nurse, or a prescription filled the
same day. If you are not already
Am I eligible for VA mental health care? signed up for VA health care, call
us or visit your local VA medical
Most former Servicemembers can access VA mental health care services, but costs may facility to find out what services
vary. Here are some common scenarios: may be available to you.
I separated recently from uniformed service with an honorable discharge. → 1 -877-222-VETS
• All former Servicemembers can access emergency VA mental health care. Call or visit (1-877-222-8387)
your local VA medical center to determine your eligibility for non-emergency VA mental Mon.‒Fri., 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (EST)
health care. Many programs and services do not require a payment. When payment is
required, cost depends on many factors. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
I am a recently separated combat Veteran with an honorable discharge. VA considers a combination of
• You may be eligible to enroll in VA health care and receive care for conditions related to your disability rating, service
your combat service at no cost for 5 years after your date of discharge. history, medical need, and
income level when determining
I separated from uniformed service many years ago.
how much you might have to pay
• All former Servicemembers can access emergency VA mental health care. Call or visit for services.
your local VA medical center to determine your eligibility for non-emergency VA mental Please don’t let the possibility of
health care. Many programs and services do not require a payment. When payment is paying “out-of-pocket” stop you
required, cost depends on many factors. from getting mental health care.
I am a current or former member of the National Guard or Reserves.
• You may be eligible for VA mental health care services.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).

GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS   23

What if I have an Other-than-Honorable (OTH) or “bad OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE:
paper” discharge?
You may receive emergency VA mental health care. You may also be
eligible for non-emergency VA mental health care. Call or visit your local
VA medical facility to find out what services may be available to you. It can be difficult for me to visit
VA facilities. Are there services I
can access online?
Do I have to be enrolled in VA health care to access VA
VA’s Telehealth is a program where you
mental health services? can talk to a mental health provider on
No. There are some VA mental health services you can access without a mobile device, a computer in your
being enrolled in VA health care. For example, regardless of disability home, or at a local VA Community-Based
claim or enrollment status, community-based Vet Centers offer free Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). VA can provide
individual and group counseling for Veterans and their families, if the necessary equipment if you don’t
the Veteran served in a combat zone or area of hostility, or served already have it. Ask any of your VA health
as part of a mortuary affairs or drone crew. Vet Centers also provide care providers for help connecting you
counseling for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST), and their with the Telehealth program.
families, regardless of when or where you served and may provide
other services, such as:
• Readjustment counseling What other options do I have?
• VA benefits assistance Make the Connection is an online
resource where you can hear stories from
• Bereavement (grief) counseling
other Veterans who sought help with
• Employment counseling mental health challenges.
• Substance abuse assessment and referral
→ Online [Link]
→ Call 1-877 WAR VETS (1-877-927-8387), confidential and open 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Military OneSource provides
→ Find a Vet Center at [Link]/find-locations many resources for active duty
Servicemembers, Veterans (up to
If you do enroll in VA health care, you will have access to VA’s full
one year after separation), and their
range of health care services. Even if you do not enroll, you may
immediate family members.
be eligible for other VA benefits, such as housing, employment,
job training, and education—all of which can affect mental health. → Call 1-800-342-9647
We encourage all former Servicemembers to contact us so we can
→ Online [Link] click
determine how to best support you.
to chat

Will using mental health services at VA put my career What if I have lost my housing
at risk? or I am in danger of losing it?
Medical records are protected by privacy laws. A mental health The National Call Center for Homeless
diagnosis or seeking mental health care does not automatically Veterans can help.
jeopardize work-related credentials such as security clearances.
→ Call
 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838)
Generally, employers recognize that healthy employees who get the
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days
help they need are more productive and effective in their jobs.
a year

Are there VA mental health

resources for family and
caregivers of Veterans?
Caregiver Support Coordinators are
social workers and nurses with extensive
knowledge of VA benefits and services.
They can help you connect with the
resources you need.

→ Call the Caregiver Support Line 855-

260-3274, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8
p.m. (EST)
→ Online [Link]/help_
[Link]
→ Find a Caregiver Support Coordinator
in person at a VA Medical Center

GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS   24

Get started with Caregiver Benefits
This guide will help caregivers of Veterans access support
at VA that may include caregiver education and training,
mental health services, peer support, access to health care
benefits, financial assistance, and respite care.

Am I a “caregiver”?
Often people do not identify themselves as a “caregiver.” Most of us, at some point in
our lives, will be in a caregiver role. Caregivers are daughters, wives, husbands, sons,
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, partners and friends. Caregivers manage a wide range
of responsibilities. Here’s how you know if you are in a caregiver role.
Do you:
HOW DOES VA
□□ Buy groceries, cook, clean house or do laundry for a Veteran who needs help
SUPPORT CAREGIVERS
doing these things?
OF VETERANS?
□□ Make medical appointments or drive to the doctor and pharmacy to pick up Programs and services include:
prescriptions for a Veteran?
· Caregiver Support Line
□□ Help a Veteran get dressed, take a shower, or take medicine?
· Peer-support mentoring
□□ Help transfer a Veteran in and out of bed, or with physical therapy, · Monthly caregiver education groups
injections, feeding tubes or other medical procedures at home? by telephone
□□ Talk with doctors, nurses, social workers, and others to understand what · Mental health services for caregivers
medical care or other benefits a Veteran might need? · Building Better Caregivers™
(six-week online workshop)
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are a caregiver and may
be eligible for caregiver services at VA. · In-home health care
· Help with daily tasks (like bathing,
dressing, making meals, taking
Who can help me determine which programs and services medicine) and rehab programs

are available to me and the Veteran I care for? · Comfort care and help with
managing pain
Caregiver Support Coordinators are social workers and nurses with extensive knowledge · Adult day health care centers
of VA benefits and can help connect you with the resources you need.
· Telehealth
→→ Call the Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274, Monday – Friday 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. (EST)
· Health care benefits through
→→ Visit us online at [Link] the Civilian Health and Medical
Enter your zip code to find Caregiver Support Coordinators at your local Program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
VA Health Care center
· Home care supplies and equipment
→→ Find a Caregiver Support Coordinator in person at a VA Medical Center
· Veteran clothing allowance
· Home modification benefit
· Program of Comprehensive
Assistance for Family Caregivers

GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS   25

What is the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for OTHER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
Family Caregivers (PCAFC)?
PCAFC is a program of enhanced support for caregivers of eligible Veterans We do not qualify for the Program
who sustained or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or after
of Comprehensive Assistance for
September 11, 2001.
Family Caregivers but I am
A Veteran can appoint one primary (main) caregiver and up to
two secondary caregivers (people who serve as backup support to the primary a Caregiver for a disabled Veteran.
caregiver when needed). Your benefits will depend on VA offers many long-term care options for sick
whether you’re the primary caregiver or a secondary caregiver. or disabled Veterans and support for their
Primary caregivers may be eligible for: caregivers.

• Caregiver education and training If you need help accessing services,

help connecting with your nearest Caregiver
• A monthly stipend (financial assistance)
Support Coordinator, or just
• Travel, lodging, and financial assistance when traveling with the Veteran to a listening ear:
receive care
→→ Call the Caregiver Support Line
• Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and
at (855) 260-3274, Monday – Friday
Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)—
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (EST)
if you don’t already qualify for care under another health care plan
• Mental health services and counseling
• Up to 30 days per year of respite care (short-term support so caregivers can
work, travel, or run errands)
Where can I find more
information about Family and
A checklist to help you apply for the Caregiver Health Benefits?
Program of Comprehensive Assistance →→ Visit us online at [Link]/health-care/
family-caregiver-benefits/
for Family Caregivers:

1 PREPARATION
Where is my nearest
□□ Check eligibility in one of these ways:
→→ Online [Link]
VA Medical Center?
Caregiver_Eligibility_Check.asp →→ To locate your nearest VA facility,
→→ Call the Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274 visit [Link]/find-locations/

□□ Collect identification and health coverage information for

both you and your Veteran to complete the application.
Note: you’ll both need to sign and date the form.

2 APPLICATION
□□ Apply by submitting all documents in one of these ways:
→→ Download VA Form 10-10CG online at
[Link]
• Mail completed form to Program of Comprehensive
Assistance for Family Caregivers, Health Eligibility
Center (2957 Clairmont Road NE, Ste 200,
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647)
→→ Apply in person with the Caregiver Support Coordinator
at your local VA Medical Center

3 DECISION
The application process is multi-step and includes an assessment
of both the Veteran and caregiver, training and a home visit.
Your Caregiver Support Coordinator will remain in contact with
you during the review process.

GET STARTED WITH CAREGIVER BENEFITS   26

Last updated: 3/04/19