On this Page
1. State Veteran Benefit Finder
2. Your VA Benefits Eligibility Matrix
3. Support for Caregivers
4. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
5. Other Benefits
6. Sensorineural Aids; Hearing Aids and Glasses
7. Arm Forces Medical Facilities closing to veterans
8. VA Veteran Money
9. Other Compensations That A Veteran Must Know
10. VA telehealth
11. VA Caregiver Tip Sheet During Pandemic
12. Your Guide to VA Appeals
13. Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST)
14. Benefits for spouses, dependents, and survivors
15. Adapt Your Car with VA
16. Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Survivors
17. Federal tools to help maximize GI Bill education benefits
18. Burial Expenses Reimbursed
1. State Veteran Benefit Finder
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) created the “State-Level Benefits Finder for Veterans,” which is a new online tool catalogue that displays benefits offered by each state across the U.S. according to CNAS. There is a total of 1,814 unique benefits which exist across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, there is significant variation across states in terms of available benefits, who is eligible to access them, and their value. For more information or to locate benefits that may pertain to you here in California and the rest of the states see below link.
State Benefits Finder: <https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/state-veteran-benefit-finder?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MVS%20Report%20State-Level%20Benefits%20for%20Veterans&utm_content=MVS%20Report%20State-Level%20Benefits%20for%20Veterans+CID_deaf0a4502668c4aa2c448e8d0609b55&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=Veteran%20Benefit%20Finder
2. Your VA Benefits Eligibility Matrix
Comrades,
Take a look at the eligibility matrix below to see what benefits you are eligible for based on your disability rating and keep it on your record file for future reference:
Rating of 0% - 20%:
Rating of 30%:
Rating of 40%:
Rating of 50%:
Rating of 60% - 80%:
Increased compensation (100%) based on Individual Unemployability (IU) (applies to veterans who are unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service connected disability).
Rating of 100%:
Rating of 100% (Permanent and Total):
In Addition to the Above:
Non Service Connected Pension Benefits:
Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid & Attendance or Housebound Benefits:
Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits:
Former Prisoner of War Benefits:
Service Connected Disability with Anatomical Losses or Impairment - Benefits:
Veteran Who Is Recovering From Surgery Benefits:
Temporary monetary compensation at the 100 percent rate
Veteran With Joint Immobilized By Cast Without Surgery - Benefits:
Temporary monetary compensation at the 100 percent rate
Veteran Hospitalized 21 Days or More For Service Connected Disability - Benefits:
Temporary monetary compensation at the 100 percent rate
Veteran Who Served In Vietnam or Korean DMZ and Has Biological Child With A Birth Defect – Benefits:
Spouse or Dependent Child of a Veteran Who Died From Disability Related to Military Service – Benefits:
3. Support for Caregivers
Caregivers play an important role in the health and well-being of Veterans. The Caregiver Support Program offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help you succeed. Eligible Veterans of all eras may benefit from these services, under the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. Call toll free 1-855-260-3274 or go to to learn more:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/index.asp
https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/
As part of the VA MISSION Act, the VA is working to increase access to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which is now only available to eligible Veterans injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp
You may receive Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans and Servicemembers in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. To learn more about the VR&E program; <https://www.benefits.va.gov/VOCREHAB/VRE_Process.asp
5. Other VA Benefits
Note: For all the below benefits, see the "Post Service Officer" prior to applying.
The following benefits are available to Veterans and their families:
VA provides for a final resting place for eligible Veterans, spouses, and their eligible dependents, as well as a headstone or marker, a flag to drape the casket and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Memorial or Burial Flags:
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. U.S. Post Offices are the primary issuing point for burial flags. Each family of a decedent is entitled to one flag.
Government Headstones or Markers:
VA can provide a single headstone, columbarium niche cover, or a flat marker for a Veteran’s final resting place (private, state or national cemeteries).
Cemetery Medallions:
VA can provide a medallion for use on a headstone or other memorial in a private cemetery to signify a decedent’s status as veteran. Multiple sizes are available.
Presidential Memorial Certificates:
VA can provide a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) to the family of the deceased Veteran. A PMC is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President.
Burial Benefits and Burial Automatic Payments:
Note: An application for non-service-connected burial benefits must be submitted within two years from the date of death. There is no time limit for a service-connected death.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation:
Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program:
The Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a servicerelated condition or of Serviciemembers who died during active military service or Veterans who died as a result of a service-related condition.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship:
Survivors Pension:
A net worth and income-based benefit paid to un-remarried surviving spouses and children of a wartime Veteran whose death is not service related. Survivors Pension pays a maximum annual amount, which is offset by the beneficiary’s income from other sources. Certain deductible expenses, such an un-reimbursed medical expenses, may be used to reduce the survivor’s countable income.
Special Monthly Pension Benefits:
This is additional funds available to survivors in receipt of pension who are, due to a mental or physical disability, blind, require the aid and attendance of another person in performing daily activities, or are permanently housebound. Qualifying for this benefit requires medical evidence from a doctor or specialist.
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs:
A benefit that provides reimbursement for most medical expenses to certain surviving spouses and dependents of Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities who are not eligible for TRICARE.
Home Loans:
VA helps eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. This benefit may be used to help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own personal occupancy.
Veterans Month of Death Benefits:
If a Veteran who is receiving VA compensation or pension benefits passes away, their last month of benefits can be paid to their surviving spouse. This payment is usually automatic, but if it is not received, it can be claimed via a phone call to 1-800-827-1000, or through your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).
6. Sensorineural Aids; Hearing Aids and Glasses.
Did you know veterans who are enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system may be eligible to receive free hearing aids, glasses or contact lenses? These “sensorineural aids” are provided at no charge to veterans who are determined to need the devices, even if the veteran is not “service-connected” for hearing or vision impairment.
Such services are considered part of the preventative care package for all veterans enrolled in VA health care system who meet certain eligibility criteria.
For some veterans, there may be a $50 co-pay depending on the veteran’s enrollment priority group status. This are groups 2 through 8. There is no co-pay for the devices or the batteries, nor are there any charges for visits for the purpose of adjusting, repairing or modifying hearing aids and/or glasses.
To make an appointment, please call:
For Glasses - Mission Valley Optometry, 1st Floor, Room 1169 - (619) 400-5000 or
For Glasses, Contact Lenses, Hearing Aids - La Jolla VA Hospital, Atrium Clinic, 2nd Floor, Room 2A126 - (858) 552-8585
7. Arm Forces Medical Facilities closing to veterans
Folks, there are four Arm Forces Medical Facilities closing to veterans throughout the state. Here are the two affecting us
Facilities closing to non-active duty patients include:
8. VA Veteran Money
Comrades, did you know these VA programs will pay you and your surviving spouse in all matters financial? As you explore these programs, keep in mind, it may be in your best interest to see a Veteran Service Officer should you elect in pursuing any of these programs.
Hidden VA Money:
Catastrophic injury;
Based on a VA clinical decision, Veterans are considered to be Catastrophically Disabled when they have a severely disabling injury, disorder or disease that permanently compromises their ability to carry out the activities of daily living. The disability must be of such a degree that the Veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or require constant supervision to avoid physical harm to themselves or others.
Veterans determined Catastrophically Disabled are placed into Priority Group 4 unless eligible for a higher Priority Group placement based on other eligibility criteria such as being a compensable service-connected Veteran, a former Prisoner of War, or a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient.
9. Other Compensations That A Veteran Must Know:
10. VA telehealth
The Veterans Health Administration is heavily encouraging veterans to call their local medical center before they visit the facility and consider using VA telehealth. The VA's telehealth providers can evaluate patient's symptoms to make a diagnosis and provide comprehensive care from a telephone. For more information on VA telehealth, go online:
VA telehealth; <https://telehealth.va.gov/type/home
11. VA Caregiver Tip Sheet During Pandemic:
VA released a tip sheet: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/CSP-Caregiving-During-COVID-19-Tip-Sheet-3Apr2020.pdf
on “Caregiver Support Program Information for Caregivers During COVID-19.” During this time of social distancing, the tip sheet provides reminders of how to prepare: create a back-up plan, protect yourself, protect others, monitor yourself and the veteran for symptoms, and be aware of the additional caregiver support program resources. Remain connected with family, friends, clergy, and other caregivers through the phone, text message, video chat, or email. Maintain self-care and remember to refuel throughout the day, it can help prevent caregiver burnout.
Caregiver Support Program Website contains tips, tools, videos and links to resources for caregivers of
Veterans of all eras. The link is: www.caregiver.va.gov.
San Diego Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC)
VA San Diego Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Village Dr.
San Diego, CA 92161
Phone Number for Caregiver Support Coordinators: 858-642-1215
12. Your Guide to VA Appeals
The Appeals Modernization Act helps Veterans who disagree with VA's decision on their compensation claims. View the new Quick Start Guide; <https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews-guide.pdf to learn about the three review lane options: supplemental claim, higher-level review, or direct appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
13. Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST)
VA's fiduciary program (https://www.benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp) protects Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. Learn how the Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST) makes the accounting process easier for Fiduciaries.
14. Benefits for spouses, dependents, and survivors
Health care; <https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/
Find out if you may qualify for health care through our CHAMPVA program, the Department of Defense's TRICARE program, or one of our programs related to a Veteran's service-connected disability. If you already have health care through VA, learn how to manage your health and benefits.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Education and training; <https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
Find out if you may be eligible for help paying for school or job training through our Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program (also called Chapter 35) or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. And learn about how a Veteran may transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Home loan programs or financial counseling; <https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/surviving-spouse/
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for VA home loan programs to buy, build, repair, or refinance a home. Or, if you're having trouble making mortgage payments on a VA-backed loan, get help to avoid foreclosure and keep your house.
For surviving spouse
Life insurance options, claims, and beneficiary assistance; <https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
Learn how to apply for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) coverage, explore other coverage options, and manage an existing policy. If you're the beneficiary of a Veteran's or service member's policy, find out how to get free financial advice and will preparation services.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery; <https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
Apply in advance for eligiblity to be buried in a VA national cemetery. This can help you plan ahead to make the burial process easier for your family in their time of need.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Burial benefits and memorial items; <https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Get step-by-step guidance on how to plan a burial in a VA national cemetery, or in a state or tribal government Veterans cemetery. You can also apply for help paying for burial costs, request memorial items, and learn about bereavement (grief) counseling and transition support.
For surviving spouse, surviving child, surviving parent
Survivors Pension (Contact Your Post Service Officer); <https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/
If you're the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service, find out if you're eligible for monthly pension benefits.
For surviving spouse, surviving child
Compensation for surviving spouse and dependents (DIC) (Contact Your Post Service Officer); <https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, find out how to apply for this tax-free monetary benefit.
For surviving spouse, surviving child, surviving parent
15. Adapt Your Car with VA
If you have a service-related disability that prevents you from driving, VA can help you buy a specially adapted vehicle or adapt an existing vehicle to make it drivable for you! Learn how to apply for automobile allowance and adaptive equipment grants; <https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/automobile-allowance-adaptive-equipment/
16. Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Survivors
Starting Veterans Day 2020, all veterans and Gold Star Families became eligible for free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. In addition to receiving access to National Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have indefinitely waived entrance or standard amenity fees for veterans and Gold Star Families.
Please visit the National Parks Service website; <https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm for more information about how to access this new benefit.
17. Federal tools to help maximize GI Bill education benefits
Like any military mission, transitioning to civilian life takes research, planning and the right tools. One of the most powerful tools you can use is the GI Bill. Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was implemented in 2009, VBA has provided more than $111 billion in educational benefits to 2.2 million Veterans and their family members.
As part of National Veterans and Military Families month, VA teamed up with the Department of Education (ED) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to highlight some of the federal tools available to help service members, Veterans and military families pick the right program and make a sound plan to pay for it.
Find more information on our joint podcast; <https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/students/financial-intuition.
It is important that you do your own research before using your GI Bill benefits, as some schools have defrauded Veterans by falsely promoting educational benefits and using deceptive marketing tactics to target service members, Veterans and military families. In addition, though many schools offer similar majors, some may have better reputations that make their graduates more desirable in the job market. To maximize the career and financial payoff from your education benefits, you should find answers to questions like:
* Which schools offer the best programs for my career track?
* Where does my desired company or industry recruit from?
* What if my GI Bill doesn’t cover my whole tuition?
* How do I spot deceptive or fraudulent schools?
Where do I start?
If you are asking these questions, then you are in the right place and on the right track. Check out these featured tools to get the process started.
Step 1: Before you apply, use the GI Bill Comparison Tool
The GI Bill Comparison Tool; <https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/, provides key information for calculating your benefits. It provides a breakdown of tuition and fees, housing allowance and book stipend. This will be critical in your planning process for your family and finances.
It lists other important factors to consider, too, such as school accreditation and
Yellow Ribbon Program; <https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/, availability. The Yellow Ribbon program helps you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. It also lists the number of students that received VA education benefits in the last calendar year.
This tool also offers insights on potentially cautionary information from student feedback about the school submitted to the VA through the GI Bill Feedback system; <https://www.va.gov/education/submit-school-feedback/introduction. Check out VA’s “Know Before You Go” video; <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ttkv9oRI4 to get advice from other Veterans based on their experience using the GI Bill.
Step 2: Considering a State University, private college, or community college? Check out The College Scorecard
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard website; <https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/, helps prospective students make informed postsecondary education choices. There are plenty of options to consider but finding the school that fits your goals and aspirations is critical to your success. Make your own college wish list and compare your options with The College Scorecard’s comprehensive data on colleges and universities, including costs, outcomes and more.
Key data elements featured on the College Scorecard include:
* Cost: Average annual cost for federal financial aid recipients, which is the tuition, living costs, books and fees minus the average grants and scholarships, as well as average cost by family income.
* Completion and retention: Graduation rate and the proportion of students who return after their first year.
* Debt: Typical cumulative federal debt of graduating borrowers by field of study and typical monthly payment.
* Earnings: Typical annual earnings of former students one year after graduation by field of study.
Step 3. GI Bill ✔️ College(s) Applied ✔️… Now how do you navigate financial aid and make a plan to pay for school?
Once you have received financial aid offers, you can evaluate them with the CFPB’s webtool, Your financial path to graduation (Grad Path). Grad Path guides you through information that will help you answer questions like, “Can I afford the loans I’ll need to finish my program?” and “Is this school worth it for me?”
Here are a few ways Grad Path can help you navigate paying for college:
* Break down the financial aid offer. Grad Path explains jargon in plain language. For each type of funding, it points out money saving strategies as well as potential pitfalls. As you examine each funding source (including the GI Bill, Military Tuition Assistance, and other programs like Yellow Ribbon), you will see your running total of uncovered costs.
Look at the whole picture. Students often overlook expenses, miss funding options, and forget to consider the total cost of a multiyear program. Grad Path provides detailed guidance about costs and resources, plus projections about total debt, and earnings at graduation to help you determine whether you can afford a particular program – now and in the long run.
* Decide whether the school is financially right for you. Understanding how a school fits into your academic goals and future job opportunities is just as important as planning how to finance your education. This tool provides key statistics to consider when determining whether a program is likely to pay off on the investment of your time, work, and money, including your service member education benefits.
18. Burial Expenses Reimbursed
Did you know VA will pay burial allowances up to $2,000 if the veteran’s death is service-connected? In such cases, the person who bore the veteran’s burial expenses may claim reimbursement form VA.
VA Expense Form; <https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21P-530-ARE.pdf
In some cases, VA will pay the cost of transporting the remains of a veteran whose death was service-connected to the nearest National Cemetery with available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected cases.
Burial Allowance
Did you know VA will pay $300 burial and funeral allowances for veterans who, at the time of death, were entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled if they were not receiving military retirement pay? Eligibility also may be established when death occurs in a VA facility, a VA-contracted nursing home or State Veterans nursing home. In cases in which the veteran’s death was not service-connected, claims must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.
1. State Veteran Benefit Finder
2. Your VA Benefits Eligibility Matrix
3. Support for Caregivers
4. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
5. Other Benefits
6. Sensorineural Aids; Hearing Aids and Glasses
7. Arm Forces Medical Facilities closing to veterans
8. VA Veteran Money
9. Other Compensations That A Veteran Must Know
10. VA telehealth
11. VA Caregiver Tip Sheet During Pandemic
12. Your Guide to VA Appeals
13. Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST)
14. Benefits for spouses, dependents, and survivors
15. Adapt Your Car with VA
16. Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Survivors
17. Federal tools to help maximize GI Bill education benefits
18. Burial Expenses Reimbursed
1. State Veteran Benefit Finder
The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) created the “State-Level Benefits Finder for Veterans,” which is a new online tool catalogue that displays benefits offered by each state across the U.S. according to CNAS. There is a total of 1,814 unique benefits which exist across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, there is significant variation across states in terms of available benefits, who is eligible to access them, and their value. For more information or to locate benefits that may pertain to you here in California and the rest of the states see below link.
State Benefits Finder: <https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/state-veteran-benefit-finder?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MVS%20Report%20State-Level%20Benefits%20for%20Veterans&utm_content=MVS%20Report%20State-Level%20Benefits%20for%20Veterans+CID_deaf0a4502668c4aa2c448e8d0609b55&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=Veteran%20Benefit%20Finder
2. Your VA Benefits Eligibility Matrix
Comrades,
Take a look at the eligibility matrix below to see what benefits you are eligible for based on your disability rating and keep it on your record file for future reference:
Rating of 0% - 20%:
- Certification of Eligibility for home loan guaranty.
- Home loan guaranty fee exemption.
- VA Priority medical treatment card.
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling under Title 38 USC Chapter 31 (must be at least 10%).
- Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (Maximum of $10,000 coverage) must file within 2 years from the date of new service connection.
- 10-point Civil Service preference (10 points added to Civil Service test score).
- Clothing allowance for veterans who use or wear a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (artificial limb, braces, wheelchair) or use prescribed medications for skin condition, which tend to wear, tear or soil clothing.
- Temporary total evaluation (100%) based on hospitalization for a service connected disability in excess of 21 days; or surgical treatment for a service connected disability necessitating at least 1 month of convalescence or immobilization by cast, without surgery of more major joints.
Rating of 30%:
- Additional allowance for dependent (spouse, child(ren), step child(ren), helpless child(ren), full-time students between the ages of 18 and 23 and parent(s).
- Additional allowances for a spouse who is a patient in a nursing home or helpless or blind or so nearly helpless or blind as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
Rating of 40%:
- Automobile grant and/or special adaptive equipment for an automobile provided there is loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet , loss or permanent loss of one or both hands or permanent impaired vision in both eyes with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in better eye.
- Special adaptive equipment may also be applied for if there is ankylosis of one or both knees or one or both hips.
Rating of 50%:
- VA Medical outpatient treatment for any condition except dental.
- Preventative health care services.
- Hospital care and medical services in non-VA facilities under an authorized fee basis agreement.
Rating of 60% - 80%:
Increased compensation (100%) based on Individual Unemployability (IU) (applies to veterans who are unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service connected disability).
Rating of 100%:
- Dental treatment.
- Department of Defense Commissary privileges.
- Veteran’s employment preference for spouse.
- Waiver of National Service Life Insurance premiums.
- National Service Life Insurance total disability income provisions.
- Specially adapted housing for veterans who have loss or permanent loss of use of both lower extremities or the loss of blindness in both eyes having light perception only plus loss of use of one lower extremity or the loss or permanent loss of use of one lower extremity with loss or permanent loss of use of one upper extremity or the loss or permanent loss of use of one extremity together with an organic disease which affects the functions of balance and propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or wheelchair.
- Special home adaptation grant (for veterans who don’t qualify for Specially Adapted Housing) may be applied for if the veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to blindness in both eyes with visual acuity of 5/200 or less or loss or permanent loss of use of both hands.
Rating of 100% (Permanent and Total):
In Addition to the Above:
- Civilian Health and Medical Program for Dependents and Survivors (CHAMPVA).
- Survivors and dependents education assistance under Title 38 USC Chapter 35.
Non Service Connected Pension Benefits:
- 10 point veteran preference in Federal hiring
- Health care enrollment (subject to income requirements)
- Travel allowance for scheduled appointments for care at a VA medical facility or VA authorized health care facility
- Burial and plot allowance
Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid & Attendance or Housebound Benefits:
- 10 point veteran preference in Federal hiring
- Health care enrollment (subject to income requirements)
- Travel allowance for scheduled appointments for care at a VA medical facility or VA authorized health care facility
- Free hearing aids
- Free eye glasses
- Burial and plot allowance
- Aid & Attendance for spouse (only if spouse meets certain criteria)
Medal of Honor Recipient Benefits:
- Medal of Honor Pension
- VA administers a pension benefit of $1,329.58/month to recipients of the Medal of Honor. This entitlement is not based on income level or need.
Former Prisoner of War Benefits:
- No cost health care and prescription medications
- No cost dental care
Service Connected Disability with Anatomical Losses or Impairment - Benefits:
- Special Monthly Compensation
- Specially Adapted Housing/Special Home Adaptation Grant
- Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance
- Automotive Grant/Automobile Adaptive Equipment
- Home Improvement Specially Adapted grant
Veteran Who Is Recovering From Surgery Benefits:
Temporary monetary compensation at the 100 percent rate
Veteran With Joint Immobilized By Cast Without Surgery - Benefits:
Temporary monetary compensation at the 100 percent rate
Veteran Hospitalized 21 Days or More For Service Connected Disability - Benefits:
Temporary monetary compensation at the 100 percent rate
Veteran Who Served In Vietnam or Korean DMZ and Has Biological Child With A Birth Defect – Benefits:
- Monthly monetary compensation
- VA Health Care
- Vocational training for child
Spouse or Dependent Child of a Veteran Who Died From Disability Related to Military Service – Benefits:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (subject to income limitations for dependent child)
- Dependents Educational Assistance
- Special restorative training
- Home Loan Guaranty benefit (surviving spouse only)
3. Support for Caregivers
Caregivers play an important role in the health and well-being of Veterans. The Caregiver Support Program offers training, educational resources, and multiple tools to help you succeed. Eligible Veterans of all eras may benefit from these services, under the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. Call toll free 1-855-260-3274 or go to to learn more:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/index.asp
https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/comprehensive-assistance/
As part of the VA MISSION Act, the VA is working to increase access to the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which is now only available to eligible Veterans injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp
You may receive Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans and Servicemembers in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. To learn more about the VR&E program; <https://www.benefits.va.gov/VOCREHAB/VRE_Process.asp
5. Other VA Benefits
Note: For all the below benefits, see the "Post Service Officer" prior to applying.
The following benefits are available to Veterans and their families:
VA provides for a final resting place for eligible Veterans, spouses, and their eligible dependents, as well as a headstone or marker, a flag to drape the casket and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Memorial or Burial Flags:
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. U.S. Post Offices are the primary issuing point for burial flags. Each family of a decedent is entitled to one flag.
Government Headstones or Markers:
VA can provide a single headstone, columbarium niche cover, or a flat marker for a Veteran’s final resting place (private, state or national cemeteries).
Cemetery Medallions:
VA can provide a medallion for use on a headstone or other memorial in a private cemetery to signify a decedent’s status as veteran. Multiple sizes are available.
Presidential Memorial Certificates:
VA can provide a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) to the family of the deceased Veteran. A PMC is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President.
Burial Benefits and Burial Automatic Payments:
- Burial benefits are paid to a spouse, designated family member, or executor to partially offset the cost of burial expenses, plot costs, and transportation costs for a Veteran’s remains.
- These benefits are paid at different rates based on whether the Veteran’s death was service connected or non-service connected.
- If the Veteran was receiving VA benefits prior to their passing and had a spouse of record, these benefits will usually be paid automatically to that spouse. However, additional funds may be paid, or payment made to another party, if an application is completed. Additional benefits, including a plot or interment allowance and transportation allowance, may also be payable.
Note: An application for non-service-connected burial benefits must be submitted within two years from the date of death. There is no time limit for a service-connected death.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly tax-free benefit provided to an eligible surviving spouse, dependent child(ren), and/or parent(s) of a deceased Servicemember or Veteran.
- DIC benefits paid to surviving spouses and children are not income based. Parents DIC is an income-based benefit for parents who were financially dependent on of a Servicemember or Veteran who died from a service-related cause.
Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program:
The Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a servicerelated condition or of Serviciemembers who died during active military service or Veterans who died as a result of a service-related condition.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship:
- Provides children with financial support for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and housing.
- You may be eligible for up to 36 months of Fry Scholarship benefits if you are the child of a Servicemember who died during active duty after September 10, 2001. You must use your benefits between your 18th and 33rd birthdays. You may still be eligible if you are married.
- The 15-year time limitation for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is eliminated for qualifying dependents (Fry children who became eligible on or after January 1, 2013 and all Fry spouses).
Survivors Pension:
A net worth and income-based benefit paid to un-remarried surviving spouses and children of a wartime Veteran whose death is not service related. Survivors Pension pays a maximum annual amount, which is offset by the beneficiary’s income from other sources. Certain deductible expenses, such an un-reimbursed medical expenses, may be used to reduce the survivor’s countable income.
Special Monthly Pension Benefits:
This is additional funds available to survivors in receipt of pension who are, due to a mental or physical disability, blind, require the aid and attendance of another person in performing daily activities, or are permanently housebound. Qualifying for this benefit requires medical evidence from a doctor or specialist.
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs:
A benefit that provides reimbursement for most medical expenses to certain surviving spouses and dependents of Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities who are not eligible for TRICARE.
Home Loans:
VA helps eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. This benefit may be used to help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own personal occupancy.
Veterans Month of Death Benefits:
If a Veteran who is receiving VA compensation or pension benefits passes away, their last month of benefits can be paid to their surviving spouse. This payment is usually automatic, but if it is not received, it can be claimed via a phone call to 1-800-827-1000, or through your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).
6. Sensorineural Aids; Hearing Aids and Glasses.
Did you know veterans who are enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system may be eligible to receive free hearing aids, glasses or contact lenses? These “sensorineural aids” are provided at no charge to veterans who are determined to need the devices, even if the veteran is not “service-connected” for hearing or vision impairment.
Such services are considered part of the preventative care package for all veterans enrolled in VA health care system who meet certain eligibility criteria.
For some veterans, there may be a $50 co-pay depending on the veteran’s enrollment priority group status. This are groups 2 through 8. There is no co-pay for the devices or the batteries, nor are there any charges for visits for the purpose of adjusting, repairing or modifying hearing aids and/or glasses.
To make an appointment, please call:
For Glasses - Mission Valley Optometry, 1st Floor, Room 1169 - (619) 400-5000 or
For Glasses, Contact Lenses, Hearing Aids - La Jolla VA Hospital, Atrium Clinic, 2nd Floor, Room 2A126 - (858) 552-8585
7. Arm Forces Medical Facilities closing to veterans
Folks, there are four Arm Forces Medical Facilities closing to veterans throughout the state. Here are the two affecting us
Facilities closing to non-active duty patients include:
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Rancho Bernardo clinic
- San Onofre Marine Corps Base, California, San Onofre Health Clinic
8. VA Veteran Money
Comrades, did you know these VA programs will pay you and your surviving spouse in all matters financial? As you explore these programs, keep in mind, it may be in your best interest to see a Veteran Service Officer should you elect in pursuing any of these programs.
Hidden VA Money:
- Any veteran who is a senior citizen or his/her surviving dependents may be eligible to receive over $2,000 per month ($24,000 per year) in tax free income. The payments include annual cost of living increases.
- A veteran can easily qualify for a VA Pension even if his annual income exceeds the limits set by the VA. For this program, a veteran may need a highly qualified VA attorney to help.
- Recurring, non-reimbursed medical expenses of a veteran and the surviving spouse are deductible from gross income. Veteran family members can be paid as caregivers, which is also a tax deductible expense.
- If a veteran resides in an Assisted Living Facility the entire amount paid for the service is a deductible expense.
- Veterans 65 years-old or older, are presumed to be disabled. It does not have to be proven.
- There are many federal VA nursing homes, and private nursing homes with a federal VA Contract who will admit veterans for care even if the veteran does not meet the service connected disability requirements.
- Veterans who are 100% service-connected IU may be eligible for an additional monthly entitlement of $62.50/mo. for catastrophic injury.
Catastrophic injury;
Based on a VA clinical decision, Veterans are considered to be Catastrophically Disabled when they have a severely disabling injury, disorder or disease that permanently compromises their ability to carry out the activities of daily living. The disability must be of such a degree that the Veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or require constant supervision to avoid physical harm to themselves or others.
Veterans determined Catastrophically Disabled are placed into Priority Group 4 unless eligible for a higher Priority Group placement based on other eligibility criteria such as being a compensable service-connected Veteran, a former Prisoner of War, or a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient.
- A Catastrophically Disabled determination may be authorized when a VA clinician determines that
- there is sufficient medical documentation without further evaluation. Veterans may also request
- a Catastrophically Disabled evaluation by contacting the Enrollment Coordinator at their local VA
- health care facility. It is VA policy to provide a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran an evaluation within 30 days of the request. There is no charge for this examination.
- DMAVA and the department of education jointly launched a program on October 5, 2002 to honor world war two era veterans who left school to join the military and have never received a high school diploma.
- Veteran family members can be paid as caregivers, which is also a tax deductible expense.
- If a veteran resides in an Assisted Living Facility the entire amount paid for the service is a deductible expense.
- If the veteran is deceased and the surviving spouse is applying for low income pension, the spouse can be of ANY age and does NOT have to be disabled.
- Reports indicate that a pension with aid and attendance is easier to obtain then Household Benefits.
- A veteran who is healthy but has a spouse who is disabled, may be eligible for Improved Pension (Low Income Pension).
- In order to receive service-connected disability rating a veteran’s disability does not have to be related to combat.
- A VA rating of 70% or higher will allow a veteran-claimant to reside in a federal VA nursing home, at no charge. Other stipulations may arise resulting in minimal fees.
- When a veteran is rated at 100% disability or if rated as individual unemployability (IU), the veteran will receive the highest rating and the highest pay. Additionally, if a veteran is in need of additional aid of another person to help with activities of daily living (walking, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.) there is an added supplemental compensation called “aid and attendance”.
9. Other Compensations That A Veteran Must Know:
- If a veteran has a service-connected rating of 60% - 90% that causes unemployability, the veteran may be eligible for compensation at 100%.
- If a veteran is hospitalized for 21 days or more, or inconvalescent care for one month or more for service-connected disabilities, the veteran will be compensated at 100% during the time period.
- Any veteran rated 10% or more for a service-connected disability is eligible to receive training from Vocational Rehabilitation Training program.
- Any veteran rated 10% or more for service-connected disabilities may have the Home Loan fee waived.
- If your service-connected disabilities are disabling to the point you are unable to hold down steady, gainful employment, you may apply for total disability. To apply, visit your VSO or nearest VA office and complete VA Form 21-8940, which is the Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.
- Compensation payments are exempt from claims made by creditors. With certain exceptions, compensation payments are not assignable and are not subject to attachment, levy or seizure except as to claims of the United States government.
10. VA telehealth
The Veterans Health Administration is heavily encouraging veterans to call their local medical center before they visit the facility and consider using VA telehealth. The VA's telehealth providers can evaluate patient's symptoms to make a diagnosis and provide comprehensive care from a telephone. For more information on VA telehealth, go online:
VA telehealth; <https://telehealth.va.gov/type/home
11. VA Caregiver Tip Sheet During Pandemic:
VA released a tip sheet: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/CSP-Caregiving-During-COVID-19-Tip-Sheet-3Apr2020.pdf
on “Caregiver Support Program Information for Caregivers During COVID-19.” During this time of social distancing, the tip sheet provides reminders of how to prepare: create a back-up plan, protect yourself, protect others, monitor yourself and the veteran for symptoms, and be aware of the additional caregiver support program resources. Remain connected with family, friends, clergy, and other caregivers through the phone, text message, video chat, or email. Maintain self-care and remember to refuel throughout the day, it can help prevent caregiver burnout.
Caregiver Support Program Website contains tips, tools, videos and links to resources for caregivers of
Veterans of all eras. The link is: www.caregiver.va.gov.
San Diego Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC)
VA San Diego Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Village Dr.
San Diego, CA 92161
Phone Number for Caregiver Support Coordinators: 858-642-1215
12. Your Guide to VA Appeals
The Appeals Modernization Act helps Veterans who disagree with VA's decision on their compensation claims. View the new Quick Start Guide; <https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews-guide.pdf to learn about the three review lane options: supplemental claim, higher-level review, or direct appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
13. Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST)
VA's fiduciary program (https://www.benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/index.asp) protects Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. Learn how the Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST) makes the accounting process easier for Fiduciaries.
14. Benefits for spouses, dependents, and survivors
Health care; <https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/
Find out if you may qualify for health care through our CHAMPVA program, the Department of Defense's TRICARE program, or one of our programs related to a Veteran's service-connected disability. If you already have health care through VA, learn how to manage your health and benefits.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Education and training; <https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/
Find out if you may be eligible for help paying for school or job training through our Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance Program (also called Chapter 35) or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. And learn about how a Veteran may transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Home loan programs or financial counseling; <https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/surviving-spouse/
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for VA home loan programs to buy, build, repair, or refinance a home. Or, if you're having trouble making mortgage payments on a VA-backed loan, get help to avoid foreclosure and keep your house.
For surviving spouse
Life insurance options, claims, and beneficiary assistance; <https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
Learn how to apply for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) coverage, explore other coverage options, and manage an existing policy. If you're the beneficiary of a Veteran's or service member's policy, find out how to get free financial advice and will preparation services.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery; <https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
Apply in advance for eligiblity to be buried in a VA national cemetery. This can help you plan ahead to make the burial process easier for your family in their time of need.
For spouse, dependent child, surviving spouse, surviving child
Burial benefits and memorial items; <https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Get step-by-step guidance on how to plan a burial in a VA national cemetery, or in a state or tribal government Veterans cemetery. You can also apply for help paying for burial costs, request memorial items, and learn about bereavement (grief) counseling and transition support.
For surviving spouse, surviving child, surviving parent
Survivors Pension (Contact Your Post Service Officer); <https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/
If you're the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran with wartime service, find out if you're eligible for monthly pension benefits.
For surviving spouse, surviving child
Compensation for surviving spouse and dependents (DIC) (Contact Your Post Service Officer); <https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, find out how to apply for this tax-free monetary benefit.
For surviving spouse, surviving child, surviving parent
15. Adapt Your Car with VA
If you have a service-related disability that prevents you from driving, VA can help you buy a specially adapted vehicle or adapt an existing vehicle to make it drivable for you! Learn how to apply for automobile allowance and adaptive equipment grants; <https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/automobile-allowance-adaptive-equipment/
16. Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Survivors
Starting Veterans Day 2020, all veterans and Gold Star Families became eligible for free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. In addition to receiving access to National Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have indefinitely waived entrance or standard amenity fees for veterans and Gold Star Families.
Please visit the National Parks Service website; <https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm for more information about how to access this new benefit.
17. Federal tools to help maximize GI Bill education benefits
Like any military mission, transitioning to civilian life takes research, planning and the right tools. One of the most powerful tools you can use is the GI Bill. Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was implemented in 2009, VBA has provided more than $111 billion in educational benefits to 2.2 million Veterans and their family members.
As part of National Veterans and Military Families month, VA teamed up with the Department of Education (ED) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to highlight some of the federal tools available to help service members, Veterans and military families pick the right program and make a sound plan to pay for it.
Find more information on our joint podcast; <https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/students/financial-intuition.
It is important that you do your own research before using your GI Bill benefits, as some schools have defrauded Veterans by falsely promoting educational benefits and using deceptive marketing tactics to target service members, Veterans and military families. In addition, though many schools offer similar majors, some may have better reputations that make their graduates more desirable in the job market. To maximize the career and financial payoff from your education benefits, you should find answers to questions like:
* Which schools offer the best programs for my career track?
* Where does my desired company or industry recruit from?
* What if my GI Bill doesn’t cover my whole tuition?
* How do I spot deceptive or fraudulent schools?
Where do I start?
If you are asking these questions, then you are in the right place and on the right track. Check out these featured tools to get the process started.
Step 1: Before you apply, use the GI Bill Comparison Tool
The GI Bill Comparison Tool; <https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool/, provides key information for calculating your benefits. It provides a breakdown of tuition and fees, housing allowance and book stipend. This will be critical in your planning process for your family and finances.
It lists other important factors to consider, too, such as school accreditation and
Yellow Ribbon Program; <https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/, availability. The Yellow Ribbon program helps you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. It also lists the number of students that received VA education benefits in the last calendar year.
This tool also offers insights on potentially cautionary information from student feedback about the school submitted to the VA through the GI Bill Feedback system; <https://www.va.gov/education/submit-school-feedback/introduction. Check out VA’s “Know Before You Go” video; <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ttkv9oRI4 to get advice from other Veterans based on their experience using the GI Bill.
Step 2: Considering a State University, private college, or community college? Check out The College Scorecard
The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard website; <https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/, helps prospective students make informed postsecondary education choices. There are plenty of options to consider but finding the school that fits your goals and aspirations is critical to your success. Make your own college wish list and compare your options with The College Scorecard’s comprehensive data on colleges and universities, including costs, outcomes and more.
Key data elements featured on the College Scorecard include:
* Cost: Average annual cost for federal financial aid recipients, which is the tuition, living costs, books and fees minus the average grants and scholarships, as well as average cost by family income.
* Completion and retention: Graduation rate and the proportion of students who return after their first year.
* Debt: Typical cumulative federal debt of graduating borrowers by field of study and typical monthly payment.
* Earnings: Typical annual earnings of former students one year after graduation by field of study.
Step 3. GI Bill ✔️ College(s) Applied ✔️… Now how do you navigate financial aid and make a plan to pay for school?
Once you have received financial aid offers, you can evaluate them with the CFPB’s webtool, Your financial path to graduation (Grad Path). Grad Path guides you through information that will help you answer questions like, “Can I afford the loans I’ll need to finish my program?” and “Is this school worth it for me?”
Here are a few ways Grad Path can help you navigate paying for college:
* Break down the financial aid offer. Grad Path explains jargon in plain language. For each type of funding, it points out money saving strategies as well as potential pitfalls. As you examine each funding source (including the GI Bill, Military Tuition Assistance, and other programs like Yellow Ribbon), you will see your running total of uncovered costs.
Look at the whole picture. Students often overlook expenses, miss funding options, and forget to consider the total cost of a multiyear program. Grad Path provides detailed guidance about costs and resources, plus projections about total debt, and earnings at graduation to help you determine whether you can afford a particular program – now and in the long run.
* Decide whether the school is financially right for you. Understanding how a school fits into your academic goals and future job opportunities is just as important as planning how to finance your education. This tool provides key statistics to consider when determining whether a program is likely to pay off on the investment of your time, work, and money, including your service member education benefits.
18. Burial Expenses Reimbursed
Did you know VA will pay burial allowances up to $2,000 if the veteran’s death is service-connected? In such cases, the person who bore the veteran’s burial expenses may claim reimbursement form VA.
VA Expense Form; <https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21P-530-ARE.pdf
In some cases, VA will pay the cost of transporting the remains of a veteran whose death was service-connected to the nearest National Cemetery with available gravesites. There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims in service-connected cases.
Burial Allowance
Did you know VA will pay $300 burial and funeral allowances for veterans who, at the time of death, were entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled if they were not receiving military retirement pay? Eligibility also may be established when death occurs in a VA facility, a VA-contracted nursing home or State Veterans nursing home. In cases in which the veteran’s death was not service-connected, claims must be filed within two years after burial or cremation.