Many veterans learn all kinds of tips, tricks, and “life hacks” thanks to their military service. During a deployment, a soldier might learn various mechanical skills. They might learn how to defend themselves in a dangerous situation. For many veterans, a general sense of discipline is one of the most valuable rewards of service. When it comes time to apply for VA benefits, you may benefit from additional tips and tricks during the application process. Once you learn about these tips and tricks, it might be easier to get the most out of your VA benefits. For more guidance on VA benefits, consider a consultation with an elder law attorney.
Review Your Discharge Papers Before Applying
Before you begin, you might want to review your discharge papers. Look for something called a “DD-214,” which details the circumstances of your discharge. If you do not have your DD-214, you can request a copy from the National Archives. This might be something that a lawyer can assist with if you are not sure how to proceed.
Why is your DD-214 necessary if you want to apply for VA benefits? The truth is that not all servicemembers get access to VA benefits. If you received a “dishonorable discharge,” you might not be eligible to pursue these benefits at all. That being said, you might still gain access to these benefits even if you were dishonorably discharged. If you review your DD-214 and determine that your discharge was not honorable, speak with an experienced lawyer. Pursuing VA benefits may be possible – but it makes sense to review your situation in more detail before moving forward with your application.
Gather Additional Documents
Before you get started with your application, you might want to gather as many relevant documents as possible. It makes more sense to gather these documents together before starting on your application. Otherwise, you will have to stop filling out your application as you periodically search for the information you need. Other than your DD-214, necessary documents might include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, income statements, tax returns, and healthcare provider info.
If you’re not sure what kind of documents you need before starting your application, speak with an experienced lawyer. The necessary documents may vary depending on your unique situation – especially if you are applying for a widow’s pension.
Consider Keeping a Journal
As you approach your new application, you might want to write a journal. This could be a positive move if you are applying for VA medical benefits. A journal can help you document some of the less obvious psychological effects of a serious injury. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings in these journal entries. As long as you make your entries at the same time as your treatment, they can support your application – and they might increase the chances of positive outcomes.
A journal could be particularly useful if you’re applying for PTSD-related benefits. In addition, journal entries could help you recover benefits for mental health issues caused by head injuries.
Review Your Medical Records
As a general rule, it makes sense to carefully review your medical records before starting your VA benefits application. It may be difficult to apply for the appropriate benefits if you are not totally confident about your medical condition(s). Consider requesting copies of your medical records and have them at your side as you fill out your application.
It is all too easy to write incorrect information when filling out these applications. Be as specific as possible – and write down the official medical term for your injuries. For example, you should write “femur fracture” rather than “broken leg.” You might also want to spell out acronyms. For example, you would write post-traumatic stress disorder rather than “PTSD.”
Be Prepared to Reveal Family Information
Although it might seem awkward, these applications require you to reveal considerable details about your family information and history. The VA needs to know about all of your previous marriages, and you will need to list the names and relevant information of prior spouses. If you have a current spouse, they might also need to list their own prior marriages. This section alone can take hours to complete if both spouses have had numerous previous marriages.
You might also need to reveal the names and information of your children. Rest assured that the VA is a reputable organization, and they will not share this sensitive information with others.
Take Your Time
Although it might seem tempting to rush through your VA benefits application, it makes more sense to take your time. A single mistake could cause your application to be denied – and this may cause needless delays. If you urgently need VA benefits, it makes even more sense to slow down and double-check your application before sending it. Rushing will not get you anywhere, and it may push you several steps backward. If you are worried about potential mistakes on your application, have a lawyer check it over first.
Consider Expediting Your Application It is possible to expedite a VA benefits application in certain circumstances. Generally speaking, expedited applications are reserved for those who need them most. These might include terminally ill people or those who desperately need life-saving treatment. If you think that you might fall into one of these categories, discuss the possibility of an expedited application with your lawyer.
Consider Adding Supporting Statements
According to the VA, supporting statements can help your application. These statements should come from reliable third parties, such as friends, family, or the military servicemembers you served alongside. Supporting statements can shed further light on your claimed condition(s), and they can improve the chances of an approved application.
Contact the Elderly Care Law Firm Today
If you are serious about getting the most out of your VA benefits, contact the Elderly Care Law Firm today. Located in Miami, our law firm has been helping seniors and veterans for years. We know how crucial VA benefits can be, and we can guide you through the application process with confidence and efficiency. Remember, online research is only the first step – and you can continue this important discussion during a meeting with us. Book your consultation today to get started.
If you have protected the United States by serving in its military, the country owes you a serious debt. Although this debt may never truly be repaid, you should consider the advantages of VA benefits. This is one of the main ways in which the country shows its appreciation for veterans, and it can help with various aspects of your life. It may also benefit your family in various ways. Even if you’re not too enthusiastic about claiming these benefits, it makes sense to consider how they may help your loved ones. An elderly care lawyer can help you review these benefits and take full advantage of them.
VA Benefits May Vary Based on Your Home State
The first thing to understand about VA benefits is that they tend to vary based on your home state. While some VA benefits apply to all veterans, others may only apply to certain states. For example, Texas is considered one of the best states for veterans because of its property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Texas also offers veterans exemptions from income tax and free college tuition. You can also pursue free college tuition for your children and spouse as a Texas veteran. Some of the more obscure benefits include free fishing/hunting licenses, free vehicle registration fees, and much more. Speak with a lawyer to learn more about the VA benefits in your home state.
Mortgage Assistance
VA can help veterans struggling to pay their mortgages. They can also help those who are trying to obtain a mortgage. The VA home loan program may help you purchase a home with no down payment. There is also no need to pay mortgage insurance premiums in some cases. The loans are generally “favorable,” meaning that you may pay a lower interest rate compared to other Americans. The VA guarantees certain loans, allowing you to purchase houses, apartments, trailers, and other residences with few barriers.
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, the VA can also help. One option is to refinance your loan with VA’s assistance. You could qualify for a specialized repayment plan, and you might receive free counseling to create an action plan. In addition, the VA could help with loan forbearance or loan modification. Foreclosure assistance is possible, and you could receive a special grant to cover the cost of home ownership if you are severely disabled.
Disability Benefits
If you have suffered a disability while serving with the armed forces, the VA should cover the cost of your medical treatment. As long as your disability is related to your service in some way, you can receive compensation. However, this process is relatively complex. You might want to speak with a lawyer to gain a more concrete understanding of the “disability rating” system. Note that you might also qualify for disability benefits if you have suffered a mental health issue.
Even if you did not suffer a service-related disability, you may still qualify for VA health care. This is one of the most important benefits for veterans in the United States, and it can also cover your family. Various health costs are covered under VA health care, including:
Hospital care
Dental care
Pharmaceutical services
Nursing homes
Counseling
Addiction treatment
Women’s health
College Tuition
Many people specifically join the American military to access free education. The VA covers approved education programs, including tuition, books, and supplies. You might also receive a monthly housing allowance to cover your shelter costs while you study. One of the most important things to understand about this benefit is that it also applies to your dependents. This might include your spouse or children.
College tuition is covered by “The GI Bill,” one of the oldest VA benefits. First established in 1944, it covers up to 26 months of your educational costs. This might not be enough time to earn a degree or certification, but it can certainly make the cost of education much cheaper. Note that this benefit also covers non-college training, such as trades school.
Housing
Although VA may help with mortgages, it can also provide shelter if you’re struggling with homelessness. If you become homeless and you have served in the military, you may be eligible for specialized healthcare services. You might also get access to the VA’s housing assistance program, which is specifically geared toward homeless veterans. This type of assistance comes in the form of rental assistance vouchers. In other words, you will receive financial assistance to help cover your rental costs. If you’re homeless, you can use these vouchers to pay for a new home.
Burials
Finally, the VA helps cover the cost of a veteran’s burial. This benefit can be helpful for families of veterans, as the cost of a funeral can easily surpass $8,000 in the modern era. The VA provides each family with an inscribed headstone at any cemetery. If you purchase your own headstone, the VA will provide a special medallion that you can attach to the headstone.
The VA also provides a “burial allowance” that covers the cost of funeral costs. Unfortunately, this allowance is relatively low, and it is unlikely to cover the full cost of a funeral in the United States. That said, it still makes sense to take full advantage of this financial assistance. That said, the VA allows all veterans to be buried in a VA national cemetery for no additional cost. Finally, the VA will provide each family with an American flag to drape over the casket.
Contact The Elderly Care Law Firm Today
If you have been searching for a VA benefits lawyer, look no further than The Elderly Care Law Firm. With our help, you can review the various VA benefits – and how they might help your family. From education and shelter to mental health and loans, VA benefits can be surprisingly generous. These benefits may be especially critical for seniors facing medical costs, less mobility, and other issues associated with old age. Contact us today to learn more about your options during a consultation.
This country is indebted to its veterans. If you serve your country, you should take full advantage of the rewards waiting for you. These rewards take the form of “VA benefits,” and they are extremely varied. In truth, there are too many VA benefits to list here. However, five benefits stand out – and you should consider them first and foremost. These rewards have the potential to change your life. To learn more about VA benefits, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with the Elderly Care Law Firm.
Healthcare Benefits
Veterans get access to their own separate healthcare system. Known as “VA Health Care,” this provides coverage for regular checkups and specialist appointments. Perhaps most notably, this also includes mental health services. For some veterans, these healthcare services are very important immediately after leaving service. These veterans may struggle with injuries sustained during service – including traumatic head injuries, amputations, and hearing loss.
For others, the true benefits of VA Health Care only become clear many years after leaving service. If you are approaching your senior years and you’re beginning to face health challenges, it’s time to take full advantage of this VA benefit. Many VA Health Care services are specifically geared toward seniors – including home health, geriatric care, and prescriptions. It also covers things like:
Inpatient surgeries
Genetic disease treatment
Kidney dialysis
Organ transplant
Emergency care
In addition, certain VA benefits focus on certain hazards you might have faced during service. For example, there are separate benefits for those who were exposed to Agent Orange. Others might receive targeted benefits after being exposed to depleted uranium and various chemical hazards. Speak with the Elderly Care Law Firm if you were exposed to these types of toxins during your service.
Educational Benefits
Many people join the armed forces specifically to gain access to these educational benefits. For those leaving the service, educational benefits are very popular. GI Bill benefits have been around since 1944, and you can use these benefits to cover your college tuition. If you’re older and college seems unrealistic, you can transfer your GI Bill benefits to your children and other eligible family members.
Combined with certain estate planning tools and college funds, GI Bill benefits can help you provide your children with an excellent education. You can implement these benefits into your overall estate planning strategy with help from an estate planning law firm.
Housing Benefits
If you find yourself struggling to access reliable shelter, you probably qualify for various VA benefits specifically for homeless individuals. If you face the risk of homelessness, you can seek foreclosure assistance. There is also the HUD-VASH program, which provides rental assistance to homeless veterans and their families. This program also provides access to healthcare, mental health treatment, and other services.
If you’re simply trying to buy a home and you are not struggling with homelessness, other VA benefits could help. Some VA programs help veterans purchase their first home – often with more attractive interest rates compared to the general population. You might also buy a home with zero percent down if you take advantage of certain VA benefits.
Disability Compensation
If you need help paying the bills, VA disability compensation could be the answer. This type of financial support is reserved for those who were injured while serving in the military. You might also be eligible if you joined the service with an existing medical condition that became worse.
The exact amount depends on your disability. If you’re struggling with a very severe disability, you will likely receive more. Examples include loss of limb, spinal cord injury, brain damage, and so on.
Monthly payments can be quite low if your disability rating is between 10% and 20%. On the other hand, veterans with a 100% disability rating can receive thousands of dollars per month. What makes these payments even more attractive is that they’re adjusted based on increases in the cost of living. With high inflation, you can expect to receive more disability compensation each year.
Unfortunately, getting approved for VA disability compensation can be difficult. This is why many veterans choose to work with qualified, experienced VA benefits lawyers. These legal professionals can assist with applications, and they can appeal your denials. Often, veterans are only approved after making numerous appeals.
Dental Care
While it is technically a health care benefit, VA dental care is slightly different compared to other medical services. It may be more difficult to get access to, but it is definitely one of the best VA benefits if you qualify. For example, if you were ever a prisoner of war (POW), the VA covers all your dental needs. However, if you served for over 90 days during the Persian Gulf War era, you may only qualify for a one-time dental care benefit. Speak with a VA benefits lawyer to learn more about whether you qualify for dental care – and learn how to make the most of this benefit.
Don’t Forget State-Specific VA Benefits
While we have covered the top five VA benefits on a federal scale, each state may also have its own set of VA benefits to consider. After exploring the top five benefits in this article, take a look at what your state has to offer. For example, California offers a decent property tax exemption to veterans. There are also three state veterans cemeteries in California that provide no-cost burial services to veterans.
Contact the Elderly Care Law Firm Today
At the end of the day, it is difficult to determine the top five VA benefits without taking into account your unique needs and priorities. One VA benefit might be extremely useful for one veteran and not another. To discuss your specific circumstances in more detail, why not book a consultation with the Elderly Care Law Firm? We have considerable experience with VA benefits, estate planning, and many other related topics. With our help, you can get the most out of your VA benefits. Reach out now to get started.
If you have contributed to the safety of the United States by serving in the military, there may be numerous rewards waiting for you when you return to civilian life. These rewards may involve medical care, education, employment opportunities, rehabilitation, and much more. It makes sense to take full advantage of these benefits, and your first step should be to gain an understanding of how VA benefits actually work. remove actually While internet research can certainly provide plenty of insights, an article can only get you so far. A consultation with a veterans benefits lawyer can provide more detailed guidance while implementing strategies to maximize these benefits.
Determining Eligibility
The first step when approaching VA benefits is to determine your eligibility. Generally speaking, VA benefits apply to current service members and veterans – plus their immediate families. Immediate family members include the children, spouses, and parents of service members.
With all that said, you may need to closely examine the nature of your service to determine eligibility. If you were dishonorably discharged from the military, you generally become ineligible for VA benefits. “Discharge requirements” for VA benefits can be quite complex – and they are worth discussing further alongside your VA benefits lawyer.
Current or former members of all branches of the US military qualify for VA benefits as long as they were not dishonorably discharged. These include not only remove not only the Army, Marines, Air Force, and remove and Navy, remove but alos the but also the Coast Guard add a , and various other branches.
Determining eligibility can be slightly more complex if you served in the National Guard or Reserves. To qualify for VA benefits, you need to have been placed on active duty by a federal order. After being placed on active duty, you must complete the full period of service to qualify for VA benefits. If you never served in an “active-duty” status or completed only the training elements of active duty, you may not qualify for VA benefits. However, this may only apply to medical VA benefits.
Certain service members enjoy “enhanced eligibility status.” In other words, you become more likely to receive VA benefits if you meet certain requirements – and you will be placed in a “high priority group.” If any of the following is true, you could fall into this high-priority category:
You receive disability compensation for something that happened during active service
You were discharged from active duty because of a disability you suffered
You’re a combat veteran who was released after 9/11
You receive a pension through Veterans’ Affairs
You were incarcerated or detained as a prisoner of war
You received certain medals, such as the Purple Heart or the Medal of Honor
You qualify for Medicaid benefits
Were were exposed to toxins or radiation during your service
You served during the Gulf War
You served at Campe Lejuene between 1953 and 1987
You served at a Thai military base between 1962 and 1976
You served in Laos between 1965 and 1969
You served in Cambodia in 1969
You served in Samoa or Guam between 1962 and 1980
You served near Johnston Atoll between 1972 and 1977
You served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975
Even if you were dishonorably discharged, you could still qualify under certain circumstances. For example, your lawyer can help you apply for a “discharge upgrade” or a “VA Character of Discharge” review.
Disability Compensation: You can receive compensation for any disabilities that arise during your service. You may also receive compensation for a disability that was worsened by service, or a disability that is “presumed to be related” to military service.
Pension: Veterans can receive tax-free compensation if they earn limited or zero income after leaving the military. To qualify, you must be either 65 or suffering from a total disability.
Education: Veterans and current service members can receive compensation for various educational programs. Different educational benefits apply to active-duty veterans, National Guards, and Reservists. This can help pay for tuition, books, supplies, and even housing allowance.
VetSuccess: This program allows veterans with qualifying disabilities to pursue rehabilitation and employment programs. This program can help you determine a viable career path in the future despite your disability. It may include counseling, job-search assistance, and much more. Some of these counseling benefits may be available to veterans without disabilities.
Life Insurance: The VA offers its own life insurance benefits to veterans and current service members. There are several insurance programs and policies to choose from, and your lawyer can help you approach the most suitable options based on your unique situation.
Home Loans: The VA also assists veterans and service members with shelter costs by providing home loans. These loans offer much more favorable terms compared to banks, and they may require zero down payments. There are also no mortgage insurance premiums to worry about. Options include guaranteed loans, refinancing loans, and specially adapted housing grants.
Health Care: Health care is the primary focus for many people pursuing VA benefits. The VA may cover costs related to hospital, dental, pharmacy, nursing home, counseling, substance abuse, and prosthetic treatments.
Burials: Veterans Affairs provides you with compensation to cover the burial of a loved one. Families may take advantage of this benefit to receive free headstones, Presidential Memorial Certificates, American flags, and access to VA national cemeteries.
Compensation for Dependents: If you have lost a veteran, the VA may provide you and your family with monthly payments, pensions, and various other forms of compensation.
Find a Qualified Veterans Benefits Lawyer Today
If you have been searching for a veterans benefits lawyer, look no further than the Elderly Care Law Firm. With our help, you can strive for positive outcomes as you seek to take full advantage of veterans’ benefits. While you may have the right to access these benefits, navigating paperwork and bureaucracy can be tricky. Reach out to us today to learn more about which veterans benefits may be most helpful to you. From there, we can help you pursue benefits with efficiency and confidence. Book your consultation today to get started
The short answer is yes. Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of life’s hardest challenges. The grief of losing a loved one is hard enough to process without the added stress of the financial burdens felt through their absence. We can help you apply for many of the benefits the VA provides for the widows of veterans. Our goal is to help you heal without stress and support yourself financially through this process.
As the survivor of a Veteran, you may qualify for any of the benefits listed below. Please reach out to our offices even if you aren’t sure if you qualify for any of these listed benefits. We are more than willing to over any questions you may have over the phone or in person with patience and compassion.
Burial Benefits and Memorial Items
Arranging a funeral can be a difficult and overwhelming process if you’re going through a loss. The VA will help you plan for a burial or may even pay for the burial services in a VA national cemetery. The VA may reimburse the burial and funeral costs if you are eligible for the allowance. If your spouse died within the last two years, you may still be eligible for a burial allowance.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (“DIC”)
DIC is a tax free monthly benefit. It is paid to spouses of service members who died while on active duty, spouses of veterans who died from a service connected injury or disease, and spouses of veterans who were totally disabled by a service connected disability if certain conditions apply.
Home Loan Programs
If you are already receiving DIC benefits, or find that you are eligible for DIC benefits, you may also be eligible for home loan programs for surviving spouses. The VA may help buy, repair, build, or even finance your home. You may even avoid foreclosure if you are having any trouble making mortgage payments on your VA-backed loan. We can help you obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for this benefit and guide you through the different loan options.
Survivors Pension
The VA will offer a monthly allowance to spouses of diseased Veterans and their unmarried dependents. As the spouse of a Veteran, may be eligible for this benefits it you have not remarried after the Veteran’s death. There are other requirements that deal with the Veteran’s service and with your yearly net worth. In general, an individual cannot receive both Survivors Pension and DIC benefits simultaneously. Although you may be eligible for both and can be awarded both, the difference will be offset by the other. However, if you remarry at the age of 57 or older you may receive both benefits without an offset.
Education and Training
If you are thinking of going back to school to further your education, you may be eligible for certain scholarships covered by the VA. The advantage of applying for these scholarship is that it will not interfere with DIC benefits. This scholarship works for college as well as business or technical programs, certification tests, apprenticeships, as well as a few others.
How can I learn more?
Our staff here at the Elderly Care Law Firm are well versed in the laws surrounding Veteran Benefits. Give us a call at (305) 564-6606 to schedule a consultation.
