The mission of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is to provide excellence in patient care, veterans' benefits and customer satisfaction. They have reformed their department internally and are striving for high quality, prompt and seamless service to veterans. Their department's employees continue to offer their dedication and commitment to help veterans get the services they have earned. Our nation's veterans deserve no less.

FAQS

Am I (a veteran) eligible for benefits?

Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.  Active service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, Environmental Science Services Administration or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey.  Generally, men and women veterans with similar service may be entitled to the same VA benefits.

Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits.  Veterans in prison and parolees must contact a VA regional office to determine eligibility.  VA benefits will not be provided to any veteran or dependent wanted for an outstanding felony warrant.

What is the wartime service requirement?

Certain VA benefits require service during wartime.  Under the law, VA recognizes these war periods:

Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916 through April 5, 1917, for veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or on adjacent waters.

World War I:  April 6, 1917, through Nov 11, 1918; for veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917 and Nov 11, 1918.

World War II: Dec 7, 1941 through Dec 31, 1946

Korean War: June 27, 1950, through Jan 31, 1955.

Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 (Feb28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country” before Aug 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975

Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation

How do I get VA health care and low cost prescription drugs?

For most veterans, entry into the VA health care system begins by applying for enrollment.  To apply, complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits, which may be obtained from any VA health care facility or regional benefits office, on line at http://www.va.gov/1010ez.htm or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387).  Once enrolled, veterans can receive health care at VA health care facilities anywhere in the country.

How can I get a VA pension?

Veterans with low incomes who are permanently and totally disabled or are age 65 and older, may be eligible for monetary support if they have 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a war period.  An Application for Compensation or Pension should be submitted to the nearest VA regional office, 1-800-827-100.

How can I receive VA service-connected compensation?

Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.  An Application for Compensation or Pension should be submitted to the nearest VA regional office, 1-800-827-1000.