Veterans Benefits
James R. (Jim Bob) Rollins
Lieutenant Colonel, Retired, United States Army
13 June 2016
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 1
Session Description
• Benefits for Veterans from VA and other
agencies.
• Guidance on filing a disability claim.
• Q&A.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 2
Angelina College
Procurement Assistance Center
Developing
Government Contracting Opportunities
for the Texas Forest Country
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 3
ACPAC Services are FREE!!!
• Purpose: ACPAC is a non-profit organization that
assists small business compete and win government
contracts from federal, state, and local government
agencies.
• Services Offered:
– Determining if your company is ready for government
opportunities
– Government Registrations
– Computerized Bid-match Services
– Government Contract Histories
– Military Specifications and Department of Defense
Adopted Industry Standards
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 4
Veteran Impact
http://www.va.gov/vetdata/Expenditures.asp
• Geographic Distribution of VA Expenditures (GDX)
• Prepared each fiscal year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of
Policy, Planning and Preparedness
• Presents the estimated dollar expenditures for major VA Programs by county and
Congressional Districts within each state.
• Expenditure data is grouped by the following categories:
FY14 Summary of Expenditures by State
Expenditures in $000s
State
Veteran
Population*
Total
Expenditure
Compensation
& Pension
Construction
Education &
Vocational
Rehabilitation/
Employment
General
Operating
Expenses
Loan
Guaranty#
Insurance &
Indemnities
Medical Care
Unique
Patients
**
Totals
21,894,286 $ 161,228,849
$ 75,265,436
$
1,535,617
$ 13,680,866
$
2,046,206
$
7,601,823
$
1,674,631
$ 59,424,269
5,829,315
California
1,851,470
$ 14,318,281
$
6,376,052
$
153,525
$
1,848,364
$
-
$
197,940
$
157,549
$ 5,584,851
460,954
Texas
1,680,418
$ 15,394,005
$
7,282,260
$
28,798
$
1,357,830
$
2,046,206
$
223,667
$
110,141
$ 4,345,103
446,303
Florida
1,583,697
$ 11,688,201
$
5,618,726
$
80,833
$
1,043,675
$
-
$
149,942
$
132,732
$ 4,662,293
493,890
$
$
776,443
$
50,831
$
108,908
$
-
$
12,870
$
13,406
Nevada
228,027
1,780,651
$
818,193
69,464
Notes:
* Veteran population estimates, as of September 30, 2014, are produced by the VA Office of the Actuary (VetPop 2014).
**
Unique patients
are patients
who received treatment
at a VA health
care facility.
DataEducation
are provided
the Allocation
Resourceand
Center
(ARC).
Expenditure
data sources:
USASpending.gov
for Compensation
& Pension
(C&P) and
andby
Vocational
Rehabilitation
Employment
(EVRE) Benefits; Veterans
Benefits Administration Insurance Center for the Insurance costs; the VA Financial Management System (FMS) for Construction, Medical Research, General Operating Expenses,
and certain C&P and Readjustment data; and the Allocation Resource Center (ARC) for Medical Care costs.
1. Expenditures are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. For example, $500 to $1,000 are rounded to $1; $0 to $499 are rounded to $0; and "$ -" = 0 or no expenditures.
2. The Compensation & Pension expenditures include dollars for the following programs: veterans' compensation for service-connected disabilities; dependency and indemnity
compensation for service-connected deaths; veterans' pension for nonservice-connected disabilities; and burial and other benefits to veterans and their survivors.
3. Medical Care expenditures include dollars for medical services, medical administration, facility maintenance, educational support, research support, and other overhead items.
Medical Care expenditures do not include dollars for construction or other non-medical support.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 5
Hot News for Veterans
• Congress Approves Veterans ID Cards – H.R.91 - Veterans Identification
Card Act 2015 – 20 July 2015
– Congress passed the Veterans ID Card Act (H.R. 91), which will allow
all US veterans to receive an ID card issued by the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA).
– Under current rules, official ID cards are only issued to those who retire
from the military, or who are receiving medical care from the VA health
care system.
– Veterans who are not retirees or utilizing VA medical care must use
their DD-214 as proof of military service.
– The new VA ID card will be available to all honorably discharged
veterans.
– The new VA ID cards will not replace the need for a retired military ID
or VA medical care identification card.
– VA will be allowed to charge a fee for these ID Cards and for
replacement cards.
– NOTE: This will be used for proof for the purchase of services and
benefits, so if saving 10% at Home Depot or Lowe’s then the cost
might be worth getting one.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 6
Hot News for Veterans
• DoD and VA to scrap electronic health record program – due to costs after
spending $1Billion on the project.
• TAPS Designated National Song of Remembrance
• 2013 Defense Authorization Act:
• Sec. 596. Sense of Congress that the bugle call commonly known as Taps
should be designated as the National Song of Military Remembrance.
• VA Form Requirement Changes - Effective 24 March 2015 Veterans can no
longer begin filing a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs by
writing an informal statement on any piece of paper. Veterans can only use a
specific standardized claim or appeal forms found online.
• Salute during the Pledge of Allegiance
• This is not been included in the Defense Authorization Act, but has been
tried. You can do either way without going to jail.
• VA Expands Hepatitis C Drug Treatment:
• 9 March 2016 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it is
now able to fund care for all Veterans with hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016
regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 7
Hot News for Veterans
• VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry:
• VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry allows eligible
Veterans and Service members to document their exposures and report
health concerns through an online questionnaire. Eligible Veterans and
Service members include those who served in:
• Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation
New Dawn
• Djibouti, Africa on or after September 11, 2001
• Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm
• Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990
• VA Weighs Adding to Agent Orange List:
• VA Secretary is expected to decide by late summer whether to add bladder
cancer, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
• Check you VA Payments are being deposited – some Veterans accounts have
been hacked and payments diverted to other accounts.
• TEXAS – Putting VETERAN on your driver’s license
• http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/vetServices.htm
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 8
Hot News for Veterans
• VA Expands Hepatitis C Drug Treatment:
• 9 March 2016 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it is
now able to fund care for all Veterans with hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016
regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease.
• VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry:
• VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry allows eligible Veterans and
Service members to document their exposures and report health concerns through
an online questionnaire. Eligible Veterans and Service members include those who
served in:
•
•
•
•
Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn
Djibouti, Africa on or after September 11, 2001
Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm
Southwest Asia theater of operations on or after August 2, 1990
• VA Weighs Adding to Agent Orange List:
• VA Secretary is expected to decide by late summer whether to add bladder cancer,
hypothyroidism, hypertension, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 9
Veteran Facts – May 2015
http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/factsheets.asp
• 21,894,286 Living Veterans
• 2,001,252 who are women
• 37 million dependents (spouses and dependent children) of living veterans
and survivors of deceased veterans
• Represents 20% of the US population
• Living Veterans by War Era as of May 2015
• World War I – Last Veteran died 27 Feb 2011, age 110
• World War II (1941 – 1945) – 1,017,314 Living Veterans (465 pass away per day)
• Korean (1950 – 1953) – 21,886,476 Living Veterans
• Vietnam (1964 – 1975) – 7,247,490 Living Veterans
• Desert Shield / Storm (1990 – 1991) – 2,244,583 Living Veterans
• Global War on Terror (2001 – ?) – not available
• Casualties 7 Oct 2001 – 23 March 2015 = 54,830
• States with the largest veteran population are CA, FL, TX, NY, PA, and OH,
respectively. These six states account for about 36.9% of the total veteran
population.
• One child of Civil War veteran still draw VA benefits. 96 children and widows
of Spanish-American War veterans still receive VA compensation or pensions. 5
children of Mexican Border War. Over 3,000 children or spouses of WW I.
Veteran Benefits
Updated: 13 June 2016
Slide 10
Veterans Pride
www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/docs/July4-Vet-Pride.doc
Message from Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Jim Nicholson
• That is why I am calling on America's veterans to wear their
military medals on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the
Fourth of July. Wearing their medals demonstrates the deep
pride our veterans have in their military service and reminds
all American citizens of the sacrifices our veterans have
made.
• Veterans, wear your pride on your left side on patriotic
holidays! Let America know who you are and what you did
for freedom.
• NOTE: That is why you request your medals for free
through eVetRecs.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 11
Veteran Saluting
• VETERANS OUT OF UNIFORM DURING HOISTING,
LOWERING, OR PASSING OF UNITED STATES FLAG.
– Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform
may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at
attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with
their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. All such
conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag
passes.'‘
– Public Law 110-181– Veterans Still Saluting, signed 28 Jan 2008.
• MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL
ANTHEM BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN
UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.
•
•
– At the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note, members of
the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military
salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right
hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold
it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. All such conduct toward the flag in a
moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes.'‘
– Public Law 110-417– Amended Still Saluting, signed 14 Oct 2008.
TAPS – National Song of Remembrance: Veterans may render the salute when
played at military funerals, otherwise place their right hand over their heart.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Veterans may render the salute place their right hand
over their heart – NO LEGAL DECISION ON THIS.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 12
Cold War Certificate
https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/tagd/coldwar/default.htm
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 13
The Registry of the American Soldier
https://armyhistory.org/the-registries/
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 14
VA Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
http://www.cem.va.gov/hmm/
Department of Veterans Affairs is making available a medallion to be affixed
to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker to signify the
deceased's status as a veteran.
• If requested, the medallion will be furnished in lieu of a traditional Government
headstone or marker for veterans that died on or after November 1, 1990, and
whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.
• The medallion is currently available in three sizes, 5 inches, 3 inches, and 1 ½
inches. Each medallion will be inscribed with the word VETERAN across the
top and the Branch of Service at the bottom. Appropriate affixing adhesive,
instructions and hardware will be provided with the medallion.
•Flat - Bronze
•Medallion
Updated: 13 June 2016
•Headstone
Veteran Benefits
•Flat - Granite
Slide 15
Purple Heart – Traumatic Brain Injury
https://www.hrc.army.mil/tagd/purple%20heart
ARMY DIRECTIVE 2011-07, DATED 29 APR 2011
Announcement said, soldiers must have required treatment from a medical
officer – even if one was not available – for concussion, loss of
consciousness, memory loss or other symptoms of mild TBI. Types of
treatment that would meet the standard for the award include limitation of
duty and administration of pain medication.
Veterans and Retirees should submit their request to:
COMMANDER, USA HRC
ATTN: AWARDS AND DECORATIONS BRANCH (AHRC-PDP-A)
1600 SPEARHEAD DIVISION AVENUE
FORT KNOX, KY 40122-5408
EMAIL AT [email protected].
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 16
Legion d’Honneur for U.S. Veterans
http://www.consulfrance-boston.org/spip.php?article2148
•
•
•
•
Upon presentation of their military file as detailed hereunder, US
veterans who risked their life during World War II to fight on
French territory, may be awarded this distinction. Those selected are
appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor. The Legion
of Honor medal is not awarded posthumously.
Created to honor extraordinary contributions to the country, the
Legion of Honor is France’s highest distinction.
To be eligible to this outstanding award, the veteran has to fit strict
criteria:
• Interested veterans of all the different armed forces must
have fought in at least one of the 3 main campaigns of the
Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence/Southern
France or Northern France. Actions having taken place in
Belgium, Germany, Italy or any other neighboring
European country are not taken into consideration.
• The file presented must contain a copy of the military
separation record (honorable discharge), the Proposal
Memory application, and a copy of a current identity
document with a picture.
NOTE: Veteran must be alive when the submission is made. The
French Government will not acknowledge receipt, provide status, or
tell if disapproved. It will just arrive in the mail if approved.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 17
Korean Government Awards for Korean War Veterans
http://www.kwva.org
The Korean Government has presented several awards
for Korean War Veterans over the years: Korean
Ambassador for Peace Medal and Certificates for 50
and 60 year Anniversaries.
• Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal:
•
•
•
•
•
The medal is an expression of appreciation from the South
Korean government to US service men and women who
served in the Korean conflict. To be eligible, the veterans
must have served in country during the Korean War from June
25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.
It is also available for the veterans who have participated in
UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955.
If a veteran was a Navy service member and had served
aboard a naval vessel, then he or she is eligible if the naval
vessel was assigned into Korean waters during the 1950 to
1953 time frame.
Fill out the form located at:
http://www.co.waseca.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/3665
If traveling to Korea it will be presented in an official
ceremony.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 18
Korean Government Awards for Korean War Veterans
•
50th Anniversary Certificate:
•
•
•
•
60th Anniversary Certificate:
•
•
•
•
This was a certificate available for Veterans that served in Korea, its
territorial waters, or airspace from 25 June 1950 to 31 January 1955.
Only the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs has them. But will take
submissions from any state.
http://kentucky.gov/pages/search.aspx?terms=korean&affiliateId=veterans
.ky.gov
This was a certificate available for Veterans that served in Korea, its
territorial waters, or airspace from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953.
It was a joint effort between the Korean government and the DoD 60 th
Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee.
However, it is no long available, since the committee has been disbanded.
Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM):
•
•
KDSM is a service medal to give special recognition for the sacrifices and
contributions made by members of the U.S. armed forces who have served
or are serving in the Republic of Korea from the time period 28 July 1954
till a time determined by the Secretary of Defense.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/Korea%20Defense%20Service%20Med
al%20KDSM
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 19
230 + Stores & Services Offering Military Discounts
http://militarybenefits.info/military-discounts/
http://www.bradsdeals.com/blog/military-discounts/
There is no way we can ever properly thank members of the US Military for
all that they have done. They are certainly not paid enough for their work
and their great sacrifice. Iraq and Afghanistan have been particularly tough
and stressful for members of the military, their families and loved ones.
We have found 200+ stores and services doing their part to make life easier
by offering discounts to active, reserve, and retired members of the US
Military and their immediate family members.
Site includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Restaurants: Applebee's, Arby's, A&W, Back Yard Burgers, Barnhill's, Sonic
Travel: AmTrak, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Continental Airlines, Cruise lines
Car Care: AutoZone, Big 10 Tires, Checker Auto Parts, Jiffy Lube, Meineke
Cell Phone Service Discounts: Alltel, Cingular, Sprint/NexTel, T-Mobile
Clothing and Shoes: Aeropostale, The Children's Place, Dress Barn, Foot Action
Entertainment: Anheuser-Busch Amusement Parks, Blockbuster, Disney Resorts
Others: AT&T, Geico, Sears Portrait Studio, Apple Computers, Bass Pro Shops
Veteran Benefits
Updated: 13 June 2016
Slide 20
U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance
http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/index.php
The Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA) Web site is a joint initiative
of the Armed Forces legal assistance offices that aims to provide general
legal information to the military community to enhance its readiness. The
information provided through this Web site is for educational and general
information purposes only. It is not legal advice. Site includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Consumer and Financial Affairs
Deployment Readiness
Disaster Assistance
Family Law
Immigration
Military Benefits
Powers of Attorney
Real Property
Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
Taxation
Voting
Wills & Estate Planning
Veteran Benefits
Updated: 13 June 2016
Slide 21
Definition of a Veteran
(US Code Title 38 – Veterans’ Benefits, Part I – General Provisions, Chapter 1 – General, Section 101 – Definitions)
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title38/html/USCODE-2011-title38-partI-chap1-sec101.htm
The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military,
naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom
under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Eligibility for Benefits:
– Active Duty:
•
•
•
Discharged under other than dishonorable conditions
Active service means full-time service, other than active duty for training
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.
– Selected Reserve or National Guard Duty:
•
•
•
Completed six years of honorable service;
Active Duty, not for training for 181 days; or
Active Duty, not for training for 90 days during a period of war.
– Current war periods:
•
•
•
Prior to Vietnam War (Mexican Border Period 1916 - 1917, World War I 1917 - 1920, World War II
1941 - 1946, and Korean War 1950 - 1955).
Vietnam War: Aug. 5, 1964 (Feb. 28, 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.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 22
Compensation
http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/rates-index.asp
Disability
10 Percent
20 Percent
30 Percent
40 Percent
50 Percent
60 Percent
70 Percent
80 Percent
90 Percent
100 Percent
Monthly Rate
$133.17
263.23
407 - 569
587 - 803
836 - 1,106
1,059 - 1,383
1,334 - 1,712
1,551 - 1,983
1,743 - 2,229
2,906 - 3,447
Dependency and Indemnity
Compensation
Basic Rate
Additional:
Each Child
Aid and Attendance
Housebound
$1,254.19
$310
$310
$145
• Add $266 if 100% disabled for 8 years prior to death
•Additional child from $78 to $260
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 23
VA Form Requirement Changes
38 CFR Parts 3, 19. and 20 Federal Register
Vol. 79, No. 186 / Thursday, September 25, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
• Effective 24 March 2015 Veterans can no longer file a
disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs by
writing an informal statement on any piece of paper. Veterans
can only use a specific standardized claim or appeal forms
found online.
• VA Form 21-0966 – Intent to File a Claim for Compensation
and/ or Pension, Survivors Pension, or Other Benefits.
• VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation
and Related Compensation Benefits.
• VA Form 21-527EZ, Application for Pension.
• VA Form 21-534EZ, Application for Dependency and
Indemnity Compensation (DIC), survivors’ pension and
accrued benefits.
• VA Form 21-0958, Notice of Disagreement.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 24
VA Statistics
http://www1.va.gov/vetdata and http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/factsheets.asp
Potentially eligible for VA benefits and services
21,894,286 Veterans
• In 30 September 2014, there were 5,829,315 Veterans receiving VA
benefits and/or services (26.6%).
• $161.2 billion for Veteran’s benefits and services
– $59.4 billion for health care
– $75.3 billion for benefits
• 4.26 million Veterans receive compensation or pension
– $230.0 million for the national cemetery system
• 8.97 million Veterans in the VA’s health care system
– 2.9 million sought care in 1995
– 5.5 million sought care in 2011, with over 60 million outpatient
visits
• VA operates 1,400 medical facilities - 144 hospitals, 1,221 outpatient
clinics, 135 nursing homes, 47 domiciliaries, 300 readjustment
counseling centers, and 108 home-care programs
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 25
VA Statistics (cont)
• VA Locations - 56 regional offices and 131 national cemeteries
in 39 states and Puerto Rico
• VA Home Loans
– 2.19 million Vets have home loans
– $220.8 billion in loans, 90% use “no down payment”
• VA Insurance
– 6.56 million policy holders
– Valued at $1.3 trillion
• VA Supports – as of September 2014
– Civil War – 1 dependent child (father served in the Civil War)
– Spanish – American War – 49 dependent children and 43 spouses
– Mexican Border - 3 children and 9 spouses
– World War I – 1,757 dependent children and 1,472 spouses.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 26
VA Statistics
Potentially eligible for VA benefits and services
And do not use them
• VA Education
– 0.92 million Veterans and active-duty personnel, 106,092
reservists and National Guardsmen, and 80,079 survivors receive
education or training benefits
– 20% are first time recipients
– 95% of active duty sign up for the GI Bill (cost about $1,200)
– only 70% ever use it when they get out
– 7% of Veterans who separated before 1997 used up all their
benefits by the 10 year limit
– Non-veterans (41%) were more likely than Veterans (15%) to
enroll in a bachelor’s degree program
• VA Claims
– Over 1.6 million have served since 2001 in OEF/OIF
– As of 2007, only 223,564 Veterans have filed a claim
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 27
Department of Veterans Affairs
www.va.gov
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 28
Veteran Records
www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 29
National Personnel Records Center Fire
http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/fire-1973.html
• Why Request Records from eVetRecs
– See what they system has
– Get set of medals free
• Impact
– 1973 Fire
– Army (80% Loss) – 1 Nov 1912 – 1 Jan 1950
– Air Force (75% Loss) – 25 Sep 1947 – 1 Jan 1964
– Awards made after Separation
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 30
eVetRecs
https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.asp
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 31
eVetRecs
https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.asp
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 32
Department of Veterans Affairs
-- Medical and Administration--
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 33
Department of Veterans Affairs
• Two Major Branches
– Medical and Administration
• Key Forms
– Medical - VA Form 10-10EZ – Application for
Health Benefits
– Administration - VA Form 21-526EZ –
Application for Compensation or Pension
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 34
Department of Veterans Affairs
-- Medical --
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 35
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/index.html
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 36
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 37
VA Copayment Rates
http://www.va.gov/CBO/copayinfo.asp
Type of Care
Who must Pay a Co-payment
Out Patient
Care
• Non-service-connected disability (except WWI
veterans, former POWs and veterans with
a Purple Heart and
• Income above the Means Test threshold based
on veteran family's income and net worth
(higher income veterans).
• $15 for each basic care outpatient visit.
• $50 for each specialty care outpatient visit
• $0 for preventive screenings, immunizations, lab
test, film radiology an EKGs.
Medications
• Veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 7 must
pay this co-payment whenever they obtain
medication from VA on an out-patient basis for
treatment of a Non-service-connected
disability.
• Priority Group 1 veterans and veterans on a
VA pension are not required to make
medication co-payments.
• $8 - $9 for each 30-day(or less) supply of
medication, including over-the-counter
medications.
• The total amount of co-payments payable in
a calendar year is capped at $960 for Priority
Groups 2 through 6. There is currently no cap for
Priority Group 7
• Non-service-connected disability, and
• Income about the threshold for the VA Form
10-10-EC(higher income veterans).
• If you have a compensable service connected
disability or are receiving care relative to
exposure or experience, you will not have to
make co-payments for Extended Care
• Extended care co-payments vary from veteran to
veteran and are based on ability to pay.
• Up to $97 for each day nursing home care,
institutional geriatric evaluation.
• Up to $15 for each day of adult day health care,
non institutional respite care, or noninstitutional geriatric evaluation.
• Up to $5 for domicilary care
Extended
Care
Updated: 13 June 2016
Co-payment Amount
Veteran Benefits
Slide 38
Financial Assessment (Means Test)
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/cost/financial_assessment.asp
county name
Angelina County
Nacogdoches County
San Augustine County
veteran only
$30965
$32670
$30965
+ 1 dependent
Updated: 13 June 2016
$35365
$37345
$35365
+ 2 dependent
$39765
$42020
$39765
+ 3 dependent
$44165
$46640
$44165
+ 4 dependent
$47740
$50380
$47740
Veteran Benefits
+ 5 dependent
$51260
$54120
$51260
+ 6 dependent
$54780
$57860
$54780
+ 7 dependent
$58300
$61600
$58300
Slide 39
VA Priority Groups
(1/3)
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/priority_groups.asp
Priority Group 1
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more
• Veterans assigned a total disability rating for compensation based on unemployability
Priority Group 2
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40%
Priority Group 3
• Veterans who are former POWs.
• Veterans awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
• Veterans awarded the Medal of Honor.
• Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
• Veterans with VA Service-connected disabilities rated 10% or 20%.
• Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., § 1151,
“benefits for individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation.”
Priority Group 4
• Veterans who are receiving aid and attendance or housebound benefits
• Veterans who have been determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 40
VA Priority Groups
(2/3)
Priority Group 5
• Nonservice-connected Veterans and noncompensable Service-connected Veterans rated
0%, whose annual income and/or net worth are not greater than the VA financial
thresholds.
• Veterans receiving VA Pension benefits.
• Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Priority Group 6
• Compensable 0% Service-connected Veterans.
• Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the
occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Project 112/SHAD participants.
• Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7,
1975.
• Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990,
through November 11, 1998.
• Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, as
follows: Veterans discharged from active duty on or after January 28, 2003, for five
years post discharge
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 41
VA Priority Groups
(3/3)
Priority Group 7
• Veterans with incomes below the geographic means test (GMT) income thresholds and
who agree to pay the applicable copayment.
Priority Group 8
• Veterans with gross household incomes above the VA national income threshold and the
geographically-adjusted income threshold for their resident location and who agrees to
pay copays
• Veterans eligibility for enrollment: Noncompensable 0% service-connected and:
–
–
•
Veterans eligible for enrollment: Nonservice-connected and:
–
–
•
Subpriority a: Enrolled as of January 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date and/ or placed
in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status.
Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income exceeds the current VA National Income
Thresholds or VA National Geographic Income Thresholds by 10% or less
Subpriority c: Enrolled as January 16, 2003, and who remained enrolled since that date and/ or placed in this
subpriority due to changed eligibility status
Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income exceeds the current VA National Income
Thresholds or VA National Geographic Income Thresholds by 10% or less
Veterans not eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the criteria above:
–
–
Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0% service-connected
Subpriority g: Nonservice-connected
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 42
Department of Veterans Affairs
-- Administrative --
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 43
VA Claims
• VA Form 21-0966 – Intent to File a Claim
• VA Form 21-526EZ – Veteran’s Application for Compensation
and / or Pension
• Claims Facts http://benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/detailed_claims_data.asp
–
–
–
–
–
1.3 million claims processed in 2014
31% will be denied - - - 60% of those denied will be erroneous
58% will take longer than 125 days (403,761 claims)
7% will be lost - - - 4% completely lost
Approximately 686,861 pending claims (in 2009 – 391,000 claims)
• Oldest Claim = 10 years old
• 4% are older than 2 years.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 44
VA Claim Preparation
• Must submit required forms – clock starts then
• Claim based on three things:
– Service connected incident – presumptive, medical records, other
source for documentation (buddy statements)
– Have the medical issue now
– Show link of disability from incident to now
• Do your homework and do not rely on your memory:
– Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
– Disability Ratings – Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); Title 38:
Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans’ Relief; Part 4 – Schedule for Rating
Disabilities
– Use Google for comments from other Veterans based on conditions
• Talk about worst day, not best day – BUT never lie!!!
• NEVER go directly to VA – use a Veterans Service Officer
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 45
VA Appeals
http://www.bva.va.gov/Chairman_Annual_Rpts.asp
• Use a Veteran’s Service Organization
• Over half of cases reversed or returned for reconsideration upon
appeal
• 2015 – Board of Veterans’ Appeals Statistical Data
–
–
–
–
–
–
Appeals Filed – 122,466
Appeals Certified – 69,957
Appeals Pending Certification – 52,509
Certified Cases Pending at start of 2015 – 66,778 and end – 81,022
Average Time – 562 days
Number of Board Members – 634 members
• Appeals Status
– Decisions – 52,304
• Allowed – 31.8%
• Remanded – 47.07%
• Denied – 17.78%
– Using Veterans Service Organization – average of 19.1% denied
– Veteran Alone – 30.1% denied
Veteran Benefits
Updated: 13 June 2016
Slide 46
Life Cycle of a VA Appeal
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 47
Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_disabilityexams.asp
• DBQ can be used by private health care provider
• Use to prep for any Compensation and Pension Exam
• 70 DBQs listing most conditions
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 48
Disability Ratings – Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR); Title 38: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans’
Relief; Part 4 – Schedule for Rating Disabilities
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5;node=38:1.0.1.1.5
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 49
Disability Ratings – Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR); Title 38: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans’
Relief; Part 4 – Schedule for Rating Disabilities
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 50
Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_disabilityexams.asp
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 51
Schedule for Rating Disabilities
CFR – Title 38, Chapter 1, Part 4, Section 4.25
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 52
Service Organizations
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Purple Heart Association
Texas Veterans Commission
Texas Veterans Land Board
http://www1.va.gov/vso/
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 53
http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 54
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 55
Agent Orange Registry
www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ensure all who were exposed receive appropriate medical care.
Vietnam from 9 January 1962 – 7 May 1975
– Service on land in Vietnam or on the inland waterways of Vietnam
(Brown Water Veterans)
Blue Water Navy from 9 January 1962 – 7 May 1975
– Must provide proof of exposure
Thailand Military Bases from 9 January 1962 – 7 May 1975
Exposed during the testing, transporting, or spraying of Agent Orange or other
herbicides in the U.S. and outside the U.S. – Guam (Sep 1968 – Jun 1978)
Korea in the DMZ from 1 April 1968 – 31 August 1971
Contacts
– VA 1-800-749-8387 or www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/
– Vietnam Veterans of America (1-800-882-1316)
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 56
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/
agentorange/index.asp
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 57
Why Register?
• Recognized as Service Connected
– 12 Cancers: Chloracne; Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; Soft tissue sarcoma;
Hodgkin’s disease; Porphyria cutanea tarda; Multiple myeloma; Respiratory
cancers – larynx, trachea, and bronchus; Prostate cancer;
– Acute and subacute transient peripheral neuropathy
– Al Amyloidosis
– Type 2 diabetes and Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
– Spina bifida in veterans with children (1-888-820-1756; www.sbaa.org; or
[email protected])
– NEW (13 October 2009) – Chronic B-cell Leukemias – hairy cell,
Parkinson’s, and ischernic heart disease
• Free Medical Exam - Used for future claims with VA
• Become part of the program, so that you will always be kept informed
• Currently 100,000 new claims filed monthly based on new rulings
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 58
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/
agentorange/shiplist/index.asp
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 59
Gulf War Registry
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/gulfwar/index.asp
• Mission
– Ensure all who served in the Gulf receive
appropriate medical care
– Investigate and explain Gulf War illnesses,
informing veterans and public of progress and
findings
– Put in place all required military doctrine, and
personnel and medical policies, and procedures
to protect forces in the future.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 60
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/
gulfwar/index.asp
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 61
Why Register
• Service Connected
–
–
–
–
–
–
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease
13 signs or symptoms of undiagnosed illness
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome
Infectious Diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetii
(Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella,
Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus
• Free Medical Exam - Used for future claims with VA
• Become part of the program, so that you will always be kept informed
• POCs
– Veterans: 1-800-749-8387 (PGW-VETS)
– Active Duty: 1-800-796-9699
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 62
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 63
Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom
http://www.oefoif.va.gov/
• Mission
– Ensure all who served in these operations
receive appropriate medical care
– Similar to actions taken for Agent Orange and
Gulf War.
– Benefits from Gulf War Registry still applies,
since 1991 Gulf War has not been declared
officially ended.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 64
Why Register with VA
• Service Connected
– Infectious Diseases: Brucellosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Coxiella burnetii
(Q fever), Malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontyphoid Salmonella,
Shigella, Visceral leishmaniasis, and West Nile virus
• Free Medical Exam - Used for future claims with VA
• Five Years of Cost Free Health Care
• 180 Day Dental Benefit
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 65
Websites for OIF and OEF
• http://www.oefoif.va.gov/ - Provides information
and assistance.
• http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/oefoif/i
ndex.asp - Listing of current information
• http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/nj/ – WarRelated Illness and Injury Study Center.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 66
http://www.iom.edu/Global/Topics/
Veterans-Health.aspx
• Check here for other possible Presumptive Conditions
– Exposures: radiation and chemical
– Experiments and Tests: Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense)
– Traumatic Brain Injury
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 67
Guidance
•
•
•
•
Worst Case Not Best Case
You’re Not a Doctor
If Not for You, Your Family
Use It of Lose It
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 68
Review of Steps
(1/3)
• You have to fill out the paperwork, you cannot get anything for
nothing. Minimum, need a copy of your DD214 – Discharge.
• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – Military
Personnel Records
– http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
– Apply for DD214 and medical and personnel records.
• Two Procedures – Medical and Administrative (Compensation)
• Medical – Only gets you into the medical system, not compensation.
– VA Form 10-10EZ or online at the Veterans ON-line APPlication
(VANAPP) Website - https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefitsportal/ebenefits.portal?_nfpb=true&_portlet.async=false&_pageLabel=eb
enefits_myeb_vonapp1
– Based on priority and how applying. (Do not get wrapped up on financial
information requirements).
– Gets you into the VA Medical system.
– See a VA Doctor at least once a year to keep your file current.
– Always highlight problems that you are applying compensation for.
– “Worst Day, Not Best Day” when discussing symptoms.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 69
Review of Steps
•
(2/3)
Administrative – You have to apply for compensation, not automatic.
– VA Form 21-0966 – Intent to File a Claim.
• Used to start the “Clock” on a Claim by establishing an effective date of a claim.
• One year to submit the VA Form 21-526EZ.
– VA Form 21-526EZ – Compensation and Pension Program Application.
• Must use for all claims, no longer will a simple letter be used.
• Has to be done if compensation is going to be paid.
– List anything that has happened while in the service. Do not assume it is not
service connected - You’re Not a Doctor
– Three methods of service connection
• Presumptive Condition – Military Assignments, Location, MOS, Work Location.
• Medical Records – It is in your medical file or occurred within one year of getting out.
• Supporting Documentation – Letters, pictures, statements, etc. from fellow service
members supporting injury occurred while in the service.
– Compensation and Pension Physical Exam
• 3 – 6 months after received by VA
• Worst Case, not Best Case
• Have to make the appointments
– Once Decision Made
• Not happy, appeal the decision
• The determination letter, tells you how to apply for future benefits.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 70
Review of Steps
(3/3)
• Backup Documentation
– Do not delay submitting paperwork for the 100% solution. Clock starts
when paperwork submitted, not completed.
– If medical records not at VA, submit copy with application. If civilian
records, try to have Doctor state, “In my medical opinion, this is a result
of military service.” Civilian medical is suppose to provide at no cost.
– If first time application, must have copy of DD214, Report of Separation,
to show prove of military service.
• Remember
– Do not miss deadlines – if you do, whole process starts over – “Veteran
was nonresponsive”.
– Government agency, not made to be simple or easy. Not there for profit,
there for job security.
– Do not ASSUME – you have to keep checking and making sure the
information is correct. Until process is complete, check once a month on
medical appointments and administrative progress.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 71
Lesson
• Survivor
– Outwit
– Outplay
– Outlast
• Nike
– “Just Do It”
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 72
QUESTIONS AND
COMMENTS
I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a
lot easier to answer questions. I’m not gonna answer
your questions.
President George W. Bush
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 73
Other Programs
• Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) http://www.dfas.mil/dfas/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp.html
• Combat-Related Special Compensation (CSRC) -
http://www.dfas.mil/dfas/retiredmilitary/disability/comparison.html
• TRICARE for Life – http://www.tricare.mil/tfl
• Army Veteran Medals – https://veteranmedals.army.mil/
• Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
(DEERS) - http://www.tricare.mil/DEERS
• Military Records - http://www.archives.gov/veterans/
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 74
VeteranAid.org
http://www.veteranaid.org/
American Veterans Institute. Helps Veterans apply for VA
Improved Pensions – “Low Income”.
•
•
•
•
Eligibility: To qualify financially, an applicant must have on average less than $80,000
in assets, EXCLUDING their home and vehicles..
Basic Pension: A veteran alone must have countable income LESS than: $11,830/yr.
A veteran with a spouse must have countable income LESS than: $15,493/yr. A
surviving spouse must have countable income LESS than: $7,498/yr. A surviving
spouse with a dependent must have countable income LESS than: $9,815/yr.
Housebound Benefit: A veteran alone must have countable income of LESS than:
$13,664/yr. A veteran with a spouse must have countable income LESS than:
$17,126/yr. A spouse alone must have countable income LESS than: $14,457/yr. A
spouse with a dependent must have countable income LESS than: $18,120/yr.
Aid & Attendance: A veteran alone must have countable income LESS than:
$18,654/yr. A veteran with a spouse must have countable income LESS than:
$22,113/yr. A spouse alone must have countable income LESS than: $11,985/yr. A
spouse with a dependent must have countable income LESS than: $14,298/yr.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 75
Other Links
(1/4)
• www.defense.gov – Department of Defense.
• www.medicare.gov – Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• www.socialsecurity.gov – Social Security Administration.
If your active military service occurred
• From 1957 through 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record when
you apply for Social Security benefits.
• From 1968 through 2001, you do not need to do anything to receive these
extra credits. The credits were automatically added to your record.
• After 2001, there are no special extra earnings credits for military service.
• www.fav.org – Foundation of American Veterans is a
nonprofit organization to help Veterans.
• www.cms.gov – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services.
• www.dol.gov/vets/welcome.html – U. S. Department of
Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 76
Other Links
(2/4)
• www.veterans.senate.gov – United States Senate
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Homepage
• veterans.house.gov – United States House of
Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs
Homepage
• www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appj/site?execution=e1s1 Location of Military ID Card offices.
• www.dfas.mil – Defense Financing and Accounting
Service.
• www.tricare.osd.mil – TRICARE military’s health
benefits.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 77
Other Links
(3/4)
• www.glo.texas.gov/vlb/veterans-benefits/veteranloans/index.html - Texas Veterans Land Board.
• www.tvc.state.tx.us/ - Texas Veterans Commission.
• www.tvc.state.tx.us/Fund-for-Veterans-Assistance.aspx –
TVC Fund for Veterans’ Assistance
• www.texas.gov/en/veterans/Pages/default.aspx– Texas
Veterans Online.
• www.military.com – Unofficial military website.
• www.ncoausa.org – Non Commissioned Officers
Association (NCOA).
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 78
Other Links
(4/4)
• www.mvpsoa.org – Military, Veterans, and Patriotic
Service Organizations of America website provides list of
different organizations that support active and former
military members and family members.
• www.asdv.org – Association For Service Disabled
Veterans.
• www.anysoldier.com – Any Solider Inc. – how to
unofficially support soldiers
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 79
Contact Information
• Mail:
Angelina College Procurement Assistance Center
PO Box 1768
Lufkin, TX 75902-1768
• Location:
Angelina College Campus, Community Services Building
3500 South First Street (Highway 59), south side of Lufkin
• Telephone:
(936) 633-5432
Fax: (936) 633-5478
• E-mail and Website:
[email protected] and www.acpactx.org
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 80
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 81
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 82
Texas Veterans
www.tvc.state.tx.us
Texas Veterans Commission
• Created by the Fortieth Texas Legislature in 1927 as the
Veterans State Service Office to assist veterans by
informing them of their rights and applying for
entitlements. Renamed the Veterans Affairs Commission
in 1947 and again in 1985 as the Texas Veterans
Commission. It has the mission to guarantee that Texas
Veterans and their families receive all the rights and
entitlements provided for veterans by law.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 83
Benefits for Texas Veterans (1/3)
• Claims Representation & Counseling
– TVC has Veteran Service Officers
• Veteran Employment Services
– TVC has employment representatives
• Veterans Education – Hazelwood Act
– Besides GI Bill, 150 credit hours for Veteran and family members
• Fund for Veterans Assistance
– Provides funds to organizations that supports Veterans
• Veterans Preference & Military Service Credit
– 5 year credit for military service
• Contract Preferences
– 20% SDVOSB registered with HUB program and priority if all things equal
• Free Recording of Discharges
• Texas Veterans Land Board Loan Programs
– Land, Housing, and Home Improvement Loans
– Texas State Veterans Homes
– Texas State Veterans Cemetery Program
Veteran Benefits
Updated: 13 June 2016
Slide 84
Benefits for Texas Veterans (2/3)
• Specialty License Plates
• Parking Placards & Registration of Vehicles for Disabled
Veterans
– 50% disability rating or 40% with amputation
– $3.00 vehicle registration on one vehicle
• Special Parking Privileges
• Free Drivers License for Disabled Veterans at 60% Disability
Rating
– All Veterans can add “Veteran” to their license for Free
• Fishing & Hunting Licenses for Disabled Veterans at 60%
Disability Rating
• No Cost Medical Records
• Concealed Handgun License Fees reduced at 50% Disability
Rating
• State Park Admission Free at 60% Disability Rating
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 85
Benefits for Texas Veterans (3/3)
• “Taps for Vouchers” Program
– 6 to 12th graders can play “Taps” and receive $25 voucher for higher
education.
– No limit to the number of Vouchers.
• Property Tax Exemptions
– Based on Disability Rating
– 100% Disability Ratings pay no property tax
Disability Rating
At Least: But less than:
Tax Exemption
10% through 30%
First $ 5,000 of appraised value
31% through 50%
First $ 7,500 of appraised value
51% through 70%
First $ 10,000 of appraised value
71% or 100%
First $ 12,000 of appraised value
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 86
Texas Veterans
www.glo.state.tx.us/vlb/
Texas Veterans Land Board
• Since the days of the Texas Republic, Texas has given its
veterans land in recognition of their military service. In the
days of Sam Houston, that debt for service was paid to
Texas veterans in grants of land. Following World War II,
this tradition was continued with the creation of the Texas
Veterans Land Board (VLB) in 1946 to administer a new
program which would provide low-interest, long-term
loans to Texas veterans for the purchase of land.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 87
Texas Veterans
www.glo.state.tx.us/vlb/
Texas Veterans Land Board (TVLB) –
– TVLB Direct Loan - $325,000 for purchase of a
home.
– TVLB Home Improvement Program - $25,000
to make substantial repairs to primary
residence.
– TVLB Land Program - $80,000 for the
purchase of a tract of land.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 88
Texas Veterans
www.glo.texas.gov/vlb/veteransbenefits/veterans-homes/index.html
Texas State Veterans Home (SVH) Program
• Texas established a veterans home in Austin in 1887 for its
brave and deserving Civil War heroes. This home was
closed and the property sold in the early 1960s. In 1997,
the 75th Texas Legislature authorized construction of four
veterans homes in Texas.
– Locations – Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville,
McAllen, Temple, and Tyler (Fall 2011).
– Services – skilled nursing facilities, designed to serve qualified
Texas veterans, their spouses, or Gold Star Parents.
– Costs - $52.47 up to $188.00 per day – VA, Medicare, Medicaid
can offset costs
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 89
Texas Veterans
www.glo.texas.gov/vlb/veteransbenefits/veterans-cemeteries/index.html
Texas State Veterans Cemetery (TSVC)
Program
• In the November 2001 statewide elections, voters
overwhelmingly approved Proposition 7, a constitutional
amendment that authorized the creation of up to seven state
cemeteries for veterans and their eligible dependents.
– Locations – Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen and Mission.
– (VA National Cemeteries – Fort Bliss, Fort Sam Houston, Dallas,
and Houston).
– Eligibility and Benefits – same as VA National Cemeteries.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 90
Texas Veterans
www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/license_plates/qualifying/military.htm
Military / Veteran Special License Plates
• If License Plate has “Disabled Veteran” (50% rating or 40% with
amputation) it costs $3.00 for registration and plate
–
–
–
–
There are 51 plates that fit this criteria.
Ranges from Disabled Veteran to Disabled Woman Veteran.
Medals, Branch of Service, etc.
Pearl Harbor Survivor and Purple Heart is included with this.
• License Plate for Former Prisoner of War and Medal of Honor are
free and no registration
• All other ones you pay the registration fee, but plate is for free.
– There are 84 other military and veteran plates.
– The plates are free.
– However, the county will charge the normal registration fee.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 91
Texas Veterans
http://veterans.portal.texas.gov/en/Pages/default.aspx
Texas Veterans Portal –
• As a military veteran, you and your family are entitled to
benefits earned by virtue of your military service. The
purpose of this site is to bring together veteran's benefit and
assistance resource information for you as a Texas veteran
and your family. Veteran's benefit information has been
collected from Federal and State agencies to bring together a
comprehensive collection of links to provide you with the
latest veteran's benefit information. The website contains
information to assist you and your family in buying a home
or land, receiving education benefits, finding a job, finding
health care resources, and much more.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 92
Texas Veterans
http://www.milvetpeer.net/
Military Veteran Peer Network –
• The Military Veteran Peer Network is an affiliation of
Service Members, Veterans and Family Members dedicated
to establish camaraderie and trust with each other,
identifying and vetting community resources and,
collectively, contributing to the communities where we live.
• The Military Veteran Peer Network (MVPN) is a
collaborative program between the Texas Department of
State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas Veterans
Commission (TVC) and Texas’ Local Mental Health
Authorities (LMHAs). DSHS began developing mental
health services for veterans and their families in 2009 using
peer-to-peer counseling services.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 93
Texas Veterans
http://www.dars.state.tx.us/announc
ements/20140505.shtml
Texas Veterans App –
• This app gives U.S. military veterans free,
direct access to the national Veterans’ Crisis
Line and Hotline for Women Veterans, as
well as the Texas Military Veteran Peer
Network and Texas Veterans Portal. The
“Connect with Texas Veterans” option
provides a number for users to call and
request help with connecting to other
veterans within their geographical area of
Texas.
Updated: 13 June 2016
Veteran Benefits
Slide 94