1. Who qualifies as a Veteran eligible for VA benefits?
Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Current and former members of the Selected Reserves may be eligible for certain benefits, such as home loan guarantees and education, if they meet time-in-service and other criteria. Men and women Veterans with similar service are entitled to the same VA benefits.

2. Does a Veteran have to have been in combat to qualify for VA benefits?
No. Combat service is not required, however, eligibility for certain VA benefits requires at least one day of service during a wartime period as recognized by the VA.

3. Are dependents of deceased Veterans qualified for VA benefits?
Surviving spouses and dependent children of deceased Veterans may be eligible for VA benefits depending upon the circumstances of the Veteran's death and other criteria. These potential benefits include compensation for a service-connected death (DIC), death pension, education benefits, educational loans, CHAMPVA, and home loan guaranties. In some cases, remarried spouses regain their eligibility for DIC after marriage after the Veterans's death has been terminated. Please check with our Veterans Service Officer nearest you for more information and assistance with your claim.

4. Where can I get free assistance in applying for VA benefits?
The Missouri Veterans Commission has Veterans Service Officers throughout the state to assist Veterans and their families with benefits information and claims assistance. The various service organizations also may have a service officer near you.

5. How do I sign up for VA medical care?
You must enroll in the VA health care system by completing a VA Form 10-10EZ and sending it, along with a copy of your DD-214 or discharge, to the VA Hospital or VA clinic of your choice. After you are enrolled, you may make an appointment for health care. Contact a Veterans Service Officer near you for VAH eligibility information and assistance in obtaining and completing the necessary forms.

6. What if I don't agree with a decision on my VA claim?
You may submit new and material evidence and ask the VA to reconsider your claim. New and material evidence is something relevant to your claim that the VA has not previously considered. You also have one year from the date the VA notified you of their decision to appeal. Sending the VA a Notice of Disagreement along with an explanation of why you disagree starts this process. You have the right to have a hearing in St. Louis or Washington, D.C. The Board of Veteran's Appeals (BVA) in Washington, D.C. will make a decision on your appeal. You may then appeal the BVA's decision to the Court of Veteran's Appeals (CVA). You may retain an attorney at any time; however, one is not required unless you appeal to the CVA. More information can be obtained by visiting the VA's website discussing the Appeal Process.

7. What is non-service connection pension?
A non-service connected pension is payable to any Veteran who is permanently and totally disabled and who meets certain income and asset limits set by congress. The Veteran must have served a minimum of 90 days active duty of which at least one day is during a wartime period. Income, unreimbursed medical expenses and the number of dependents could affect eligibility and the amount of the pension.

8. What is service connected compensation?
Compensation is payment for a disability that started or was aggravated while the Veteran was on active duty. The amount payable depends on the degree of disability (10%, 20%, 30%,…) and the number of dependents. The Veteran's income and assets have no effect on the amount of compensation.

9. Are VA benefits taxable?
No. Therefore, the Veteran will not receive a Form 1099 at the end of each year showing the amount of benefits received for the previous year.

10. Will the VA pay for my burial?
No. However, for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, the VA will pay a burial allowance of up to $2,000 if the Veteran's death was service-connected and up to $300 if the Veteran was receiving compensation or Veteran's pension at the time of death. Veterans who die in a VA medical facility or a state Veterans home may also be eligible for a burial allowance. The VA will also pay a plot allowance, with some exceptions, of up to $300 if the Veteran is eligible for the burial allowance and is buried in a private cemetery.

11. Will my spouse get my VA pension and/or compensation when I die?
No. Compensation and pension end upon the death of the Veteran. The surviving spouse must apply and qualify on her own merit for either Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or a Death Pension. A Veterans Service Officer in your area will assist with any claims.

12. Are there benefits for children with Spina Bifida whose parent served in Vietnam?
Yes. Certain requirements must be met in order to qualify, among them the child must have been conceived after the Veteran was in Vietnam, and the Spina Bifida must be documented, and not considered Spina Bifida Occulta. Once qualified, a child with Spina Bifida whose parent was a Vietnam Veteran can qualify for a VA monthly payment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Education, and Healthcare.

13. Do I qualify for a VA Home loan?
Possibly. Home Loan information from the VA is on their website, and you can also contact a Veterans Service Officer in your area for help in securing your Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan purposes.

14. What services are available to women Veterans?
A full range of comprehensive medical services including health promotion and disease prevention, primary care, women’s gender-specific health care; e.g., hormone replacement therapy, breast and gynecological care, maternity and limited infertility (excluding In-vitro fertilization), acute medical/surgical, telephone triage, emergency and substance abuse treatment, mental health, domiciliary, rehabilitation and long term care. VA researchers at many VA facilities also conduct medical research on women’s health

15. Where are the special PTSD treatment centers for women?
Women Veteran Stress Disorder Treatment Programs have been established at the following VA sites:
Boston, MA
Brecksville, OH
Loma Linda, CA
New Orleans, LA

16. How do I contact a coordinator for options for women Veterans who are homeless with children?
Contact the local VA homeless coordinator (or point of contact), Social Work Services department, or Women Veterans Coordinator at your local VAMC. There are homeless women Veteran and homeless women Veterans with children pilot programs located at eleven designated VA facilities as well, and the Women Veterans Coordinator can discuss what options are available in your area.