Introduction

This pamphlet lists the variety of federal benefits available to veter-ans and their dependents. Eligibility depends upon individual circumstances. Contact the nearest VA benefits office at 1-800-827- 1000 from any location in the United States to apply. Counselors can answer questions about benefits eligibility and application proce-dures. They also make referrals to other VA facilities, such as medical centers and national cemeteries. Phone numbers of VA offices, including those in the Philippines and Puerto Rico, are listed in the back of this book. VA facilities also are listed in the federal government section of telephone directories under Department of Veterans Affairs.

Health-care Enrollment. For most veterans, entry into the VA health-care system starts with enrollment at a VA health-care facility. Once enrolled, a veteran is eligible to receive services without further processing. Details of the enrollment program are discussed in the Health-Care Benefits section of this publication. VA health-care facilities also provide information on medical care, including read-justment counseling, and examinations for Agent Orange, radiation exposure and ailments incurred from service in the Gulf War.

Who’s Eligible. 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, Marines, Coast Guard, or as a commis-sioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Completion of at least six years of honorable service in the Selected Reserves also provides home-loan benefits for those not otherwise eligible. Persons serving in the reserves also can receive education benefits. Men and women veterans with similar service are entitled to the same VA benefits. Service in 30 organiza-tions during special periods that include World Wars I and II has been certified as active military service by the Defense Department. Members of these groups, listed on pages 54 - 56, may be eligible for VA benefits if the Defense Department certifies their service and issues a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. Honorable and general discharges qualify a veteran for most VA benefits. Dishonorable and bad conduct discharges issued by general courts-martial bar VA benefits. Veterans in prison and parolees may be eligible for certain VA benefits. VA regional offices can clarify eligibility of prisoners and parolees.

Wartime Service. Certain VA benefits and medical care require wartime service. Under the law, VA recognizes these war periods: Mexican Border Period - May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917, for veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters. World War I - April 6, 1917, through Nov. 11, 1918; for veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918. World War II - Dec. 7, 1941, through Dec. 31, 1946. Korean Conflict - June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955. Vietnam Era - 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.

Filing Claims. Those seeking a VA benefit for the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge, DD-214, which documents service dates and type of discharge, or give their full name, military service number, branch of service and dates of service. The claim number assigned by VA to the initial claim should be referred to in subsequent correspondence.

Important Documents. The veteran’s DD-214 form should be kept in a safe location accessible to the veteran and next of kin or desig-nated representative. The veteran’s preference regarding burial in a national cemetery and use of a headstone provided by VA should be documented and kept with this information. The following docu-ments will be needed for claims processing related to a veteran’s death: (1) veteran’s marriage certificate for claims of a surviving spouse or children; (2) veteran’s death certificate if the veteran did not die in a VA health-care facility; (3) children’s birth certificates to determine children’s benefits; (4) veteran’s birth certificate to determine parents’ benefits. This pamphlet contains information on benefits and programs that is accurate as of January 1, 2000. Changes may occur during the year as a result of legislative or other requirements. Those areas in which changes are most likely to occur are indicated with the following symbol: . Call your nearest benefits or health-care facility to obtain the latest information on these topics.

Información Para Veteranos
De Habla Hispana y Sus Dependientes
La versión en español de este folleto se encuentra disponible en formato Adobe Acrobat a través de el link http://www.va.gov/opa/ feature/index.htm en la página de la Oficina de Asuntos Públicos del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA) en la red mundial del internet. Las oficinas del VA en areas de gran concentración de veteranos y dependientes hispanos tienen disponibles consejeros bilingües que le pueden ayudar a aplicar para obtener beneficios. Puede encotrar una lista de las oficinas del VA en la parte de atrás de este folleto.