Academy of Hope
http://www.aohdc.org/
We provide high quality adult basic education.
The Aleethia Foundation
http://www.aleethia.org/
The mission of the Aleethia Foundation is to support the newly injured service members with short-term therapeutic recreation, small financial grants, family emergency aid, assistive technology items, home improvements to assist with an injured service member's mobility and other unmet needs. The doctors have determined that is is beneficial for the newly injured troops to get out of the hospital environment occasionally. Our mission is to help them get out for meals, movies, sightseeing, and visits to interesting sites.
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/
We're an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country. If you're a member of the public, we participate in many memorial events around the country and you're welcome to join us. If you've lost your child in the service of the country and would like the community of others in your situation, we invite you to join us. No one knows how you feel like another mother who has lost a child.
American Hospice Foundation
https://www.americanhospice.org/
The American Hospice Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supports programs that serve the needs of terminally ill and grieving individuals of all ages. Our Foundation advances hospice concepts by:
- Training school professionals who work with grieving students.
- Educating employers and managers about the needs of grieving employees.
- Creating tools to help hospices reach out to their communities.
- Promoting improved hospice benefits in managed care organizations.
- Initiating research on consumer needs and preferences in end-of-life care.
- Training workshops and materials on grieving children for educators.
- Employer outreach campaign to aid bereaved employees and their co-workers.
- In-service programs for hospice and nursing home staff.
- Tools for decision-making at the end of life for caregivers of the terminally ill.
American Red Cross
https://american.redcross.org/
When an injured service member comes home, you can help provide his or her caregiver with the skills and confidence to support their loved one. Family members truly appreciate being able to properly care for the hero they are welcoming home.
American Women Veterans
http://americanwomenveterans.org/
American Women Veterans is the nation’s preeminent, non-partisan, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of servicewomen, veterans and their families. We welcome veterans and supporters from all eras and branches of service.
~ Engaging and advocating for new or improved policies that improve the lives of women veterans and our families
~ Sponsoring retreats, conferences and symposiums focused on empowering our members and our communities
~ Conducting outreach campaigns to raise awareness among service women and veterans of our benefits, entitlements and services
~ Promoting positive images and public awareness of women’s contributions from all branches and eras of service
~ Embracing continued service to our communities and our nation through philanthropic projects
~ Cultivating leadership and professionalism within the military ranks and our communities
The Armed Forces Foundation
http://www.armedforcesfoundation.org/
The Armed Forces Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting and advocating for active-duty military personnel, National Guardsmen, Reservists, military families, and veterans. With the launch of our Help Save Our Troops campaign, the AFF proactively educates American about the hidden wounds of war, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and advocates for those troops and veterans who have suffered these hidden wounds. The ultimate goal of Help Save Our Troops is to reduce military suicides.
- Essential living expenses
- Bereavement assistance
- Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury outreach
- Morale boosting recreation events
- Military children’s events
- Hospital outreach, assisting military families during their most trying times
The Blinded Veterans Association
http://bva.org/
National Field Service Officers are responsible for linking veterans with local services, assuring that the newly blinded take advantage of VA Blind Rehabilitation Services, and assisting them with VA claims when necessary. When blinded veterans are ready to return to the workforce, BVA National Field Service Officers can assist them with resources for employment training and placement.
Board Of Veterans' Appeals
http://www.bva.va.gov/
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (also known as "BVA" or "the Board") is a part of the VA, located in Washington, D.C.
Members of the Board review benefit claims determinations made by local VA offices and issue decision on appeals. These Law Judges, attorneys experienced in veterans law and in reviewing benefit claims, are the only ones who can issue Board decisions. Staff attorneys, also trained in veterans law, review the facts of each appeal and assist the Board members. {38 U.S.C. §§ 7103, 7104}
Anyone who is not satisfied with the results of a claim for veterans benefits (determined by a VA regional office, medical center, or other local VA office) should read the "How do I Appeal" pamphlet. It is intended to explain the steps involved in filing an appeal and to serve as a reference for the terms and abbreviations used in the appeal process.
Caregiver Action Network
http://caregiveraction.org/
The Caregiver Action Network serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.
CAN (formerly the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.
Caring From A Distance
http://www.cfad.org/
Welcome to Caring From a Distance (CFAD)—an organization for long-distance caregivers.
Are you one of the 6.9 million Americans struggling to care for an aging parent or other loved one who lives in a far-away city? If you are, we are here to help.
Caring from a Distance is an independent, non-profit organization. We take no referral fees from service providers.
Center for Minority Veterans
http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
The Center for Minority Veterans is part of the Office of the Secretary. The Center assists eligible Veterans in their efforts to receive benefits and services from VA. The Center acts only as a mediator and facilitator — As such the Center does not process claims, handle equal employment complaints, or employee relation problems. The Center is dedicated to ensuring that all Veterans are aware of benefits, services, and programs offered by VA.
Center for Women Veterans
http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
The Center for Women Veterans was established by Congress in November 1994 by Public Law (P.L.) 103-446.
Our Mission
- Monitor and coordinate VA’s administration of health care and benefits services, and programs for women Veterans.
- Serve as an advocate for a cultural transformation (both within VA and in the general public) in recognizing the service and contributions of women Veterans and women in the military.
- Raise awareness of the responsibility to treat women Veterans with dignity and respect.
Compensation
http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/
Disability Compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses. Learn More
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of Servicemembers who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities. DIC for parents is an income based benefit. Learn More
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to Veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses and parents. For Veterans, Special Monthly Compensation is a higher rate of compensation paid due to special circumstances such as the need of aid and attendance by another person or a specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg. For spouses and surviving spouses, this benefit is commonly referred to as aid and attendance and is paid based on the need of aid and attendance by another person. Learn about special monthly compensation benefit rates
Other Benefits: VA provides additional housing and insurance benefits to Veterans with disabilities, including Adapted Housing grants, Service-Disable Veterans' Insurance, and Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance.
Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2)
http://csf2.army.mil/
Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) is designed to build resilience and enhance performance of the Army Family — Soldiers, their Families, and Army Civilians. CSF2 does this by providing hands-on training and self-development tools so that members of the Army Family are better able to cope with adversity, perform better in stressful situations, and thrive in life.
Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED)
http://cfed.org/
CFED is a multi-faceted organization working at the local, state and federal levels to create economic opportunity that alleviates poverty.
The 1:1 Fund supports the college dreams of low-income children by ensuring that those dreams are matched with savings in the bank. We make it easy for donors, large and small, to help kids save for college by matching their contributions in special children’s savings accounts. These accounts help low-income families save for college while giving them the confidence that post-secondary education is a real and attainable goal.
The national Assets & Opportunity Network is a movement-oriented group of advocates, practitioners, policymakers and others working to expand the reach and deepen the impact of asset-based strategies. Network members are on the frontlines of advocacy, coalition-building and service delivery.
Corporation for National & Community Services
http://www.nationalservice.gov/
We are the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that helps more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. Working hand in hand with local partners, we tap the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.
We invest in thousands of nonprofit and faith-based groups that are making a difference across the country. We serve, we build, and we make an impact that changes lives and communities.
DC Bar
http://www.dcbar.org/
The D.C. Bar’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program presents more than 130 programs annually to more than 7,000 attorneys. The program offers some of the country’s best ethics courses, in addition to providing one of the most varied course schedules of any CLE provider. Even though the District of Columbia does not require Bar members to complete continuing legal education courses, the D.C. Bar CLE Program is an accredited or approved provider in 31 states to help attorneys fill their state mandatory CLE requirements. All courses meet MCLE standards throughout the country.
The CLE Program may be reached at 202-626-3488.
Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/operation-warfighterepartment of Homeland Security
Operation Warfighter (OWF) is a temporary assignment/internship program, developed by the Department of Defense, for service members that are convalescing at military treatment facilities at first in the National Capitol Region but increasingly throughout the United States. The program provides recuperating service members with meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment and offers a formal means of transition back to the military or civilian workforce.
Operation Warfighter is a great opportunity for service members on medical hold to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, and gain valuable federal government work experience that will help them prepare for their adjustment to the workplace. Each Service member must DoD's OWF Program Manager, Office of Wounded Warrior Care & Transition Policy, DoD, at [email protected] prior to placement in a Federal internship program. Participants must be American citizens who are on active duty in the military (including the National Guard and Reserves). They must also fulfill the security clearance requirements set by the office where they intend to work.
The Department of Homeland Security welcomes these individuals to the Department. Based on their skills, expertise, and interest, Warfighters are placed in host offices and assigned a supervisor and a mentor. Host offices are available in many areas of the Department including human resources, security, operations and administration.
The Warfighter Experience at the Department Once you are selected to become a Warfighter, your manager will start processing your appointment. You will be asked to complete pre-employment documents which include the Department's security background investigation. The duration of the security clearance process depends on your particular background. Please note, if you have significant foreign travel, and/or foreign relatives or contacts, the security clearance process can be more involved.
You will be assigned a mentor to assist you with in-processing logistics and throughout your assignment. Your mentor is available to orient you to your specific office and the department, provide guidance on how to perform your specific work duties and answer questions you may have.
Duty schedules for OWF participants are determined by your treatment schedule. This flexibility accommodates your medical treatment and is designed to support your well-being and recuperation. You will work about 20 hours per week throughout your assignment, depending on your availability. The DoD OWF Initiative will provide transportation to and from your temporary assignment site at no cost to you.
The length of your assignment is also determined by your unique recuperation status. The average length of an assignment is 3-5 months. During your assignment you may be asked to take training to enhance your existing skills and/or learn new skills.
While there is no guarantee of employment following the completion of an OWF assignment, service members released from medical hold status are considered potential candidates for full-time employment with the Department pending separation from the military.
The Department Benefits from Warfighter Service While the Warfighter gets the benefits described above, the program simultaneously enables the Department to avail itself of the considerable talent and dedication of these recuperating service members. Since the service members are still receiving their military salaries, they are not compensated by the Department and there is no cost to the Department for bringing a Warfighter onboard.
In fact, the Department of Defense Computer/Electronics Accommodation Program provides all reasonable accommodations to OWFs on assignment to federal agencies. This includes electronic equipment, transportation, sign language interpreter services, etc.
Become a Warfighter To be considered for an internship through the Operation Warfighter Initiative, please submit your resume and a brief description of the type of temporary assignment you are seeking to [email protected].
If you have any additional questions about the Operation Warfighter Initiative, please contact OWF Program Manager at 202-254-8214.
Department of Navy Assistant for Administration
http://www.secnav.navy.mil/
The Assistant for Administration (AA) provides leadership and oversight of all administrative matters in support of the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV). The DON/AA organization provides administrative management and support to the Office of the SECNAV, its 6,000 member Secretariat, staff offices, field activities and supported organizations. Our goal is to help our customers do their job.
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.asp
Inclusion of an organization in the directory does not constitute approval or endorsement by VA or the United States Government of the organization or its activities. Some VSOs are "chartered", which means they are federally chartered and/or recognized or approved by the VA Secretary for purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Inclusion of non-chartered organizations does not constitute or reflect VA recognition of said organization and its representatives for purposes of representation of VA claimants.
DOD Safe Helpline- Sexual Assault Support
https://safehelpline.org/about-dod-safe-helpline
Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a groundbreaking crisis support service for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one support and information to the worldwide DoD community. The service is confidential, anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, 24/7 by click, call or text — providing victims with the help they need anytime, anywhere.
The Domiciliary Care Program
http://www.va.gov/homeless/dchv.asp
The Domiciliary Care Program is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oldest health care program. Established through legislation passed in the late 1860's, the Domiciliary's purpose was to provide a home for disabled volunteer soldiers of the Civil War. Domiciliary care was initially established to provide services to economically-disadvantaged Veterans, and it remains committed to serving that group. The Domiciliary has evolved from a "Soldiers' Home" to become an active clinical rehabilitation and treatment program for male and female Veterans and domiciliary programs are is now integrated with the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs (MH RRTPs).
The MH RRTPs are designed to provide state-of-the-art, high-quality residential rehabilitation and treatment services for Veterans with multiple and severe medical conditions, mental illness, addiction, or psychosocial deficits. The MH RRTP identifies and addresses goals of rehabilitation, recovery, health maintenance, improved quality of life, and community integration in addition to specific treatment of medical conditions, mental illnesses, addictive disorders, and homelessness. The residential component emphasizes incorporation of clinical treatment gains into a lifestyle of self-care and personal responsibility. Treatment intensity, environmental structures, milieu, and type of supervision vary based on population served, and need to be relevant to the diversity of the population, e.g., age, ethnicity, and culture.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
http://www.ecfr.gov/
The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR) is a currently updated version of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). It is not an official legal edition of the CFR. The e-CFR is an editorial compilation of CFR material and Federal Register amendments produced by the National Archives and Records Administration's Office of the Federal Register (OFR) and the Government Printing Office. The OFR updates the material in the e-CFR on a daily basis. The current update status appears at the top of all e-CFR web pages.
Financial Literacy and Education Commission (MY MONEY. GOV)
http://www.mymoney.gov/
Making the most of your money starts with five building blocks for managing and growing your money -- The MyMoney Five. Keep these five principles in mind as you make day-to-day decisions and plan your financial goals.
Earn, Save & Invest, Protect, Spend and Borrow.
FINRA
http://www.saveandinvest.org/MilitaryCenter/
Free Publications to Help Military Families
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation is pleased to provide materials—free of charge—for you to use in counseling sessions and outreach to military families.
Geriatrics and Extended Care Program
http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/
Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC) is committed to optimizing the health and well-being of Veterans with multiple chronic conditions, life-limiting illness, frailty or disability associated with chronic disease, aging or injury.
The GI Go Fund
http://www.gigofund.org/
The GI Go Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that provides assistance to all military veterans, with a focus on veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, by helping them find employment, access housing, and secure their educational and health benefits.
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/
Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations during the first Gulf War starting August 2, 1990 through the conflict in Iraq. VA offers eligible Veterans a free Gulf War Registry health exam to find possible long-term health problems related to Gulf War service.
Hiring Our Heroes
http://www.hiringourheroes.org/
Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, was launched in March 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities. Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s vast network of state and local chambers and strategic partners from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, our goal is to create a movement across America in hundreds of communities where veterans and military families return every day.
Early on, our team adopted two overriding strategies: (1) grassroots engagement and (2) public-private partnerships. Through our commitment-based engagement of the business community, more than 700 job fairs held across the country, and a suite of free online career tools, we’ve worked with our partners to help hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses find jobs.
To date, more than 23,000 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs through Hiring Our Heroes job fairs. More than 1,500 businesses of all sizes have pledged to hire 411,000 heroes as part of the Hiring 500,000 Heroes campaign. Of those commitments, 255,000 hires have been confirmed with thousands more in the pipeline right now.
Our digital resources include distinct resume builders for veterans and transitioning service members as well as military spouses; a jobs portal that allows veterans and service members to search for employment opportunities in America’s fastest growing job markets and industries; and a virtual mentorship program that connects veteran and spouse protégés with experienced mentors. These online tools have also been integrated into the employment workshops that take place at hundreds of our job fairs. Our goal is to ensure veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses are able to utilize our resources to connect with employers no matter where they are in the world.
Homeowners Assistance Program
http://hap.usace.army.mil/
The Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) is based upon the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966, and was expanded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to provide financial assistance to service members and certain DoD civilian homeowners who suffer financial loss on the sale of their primary residences.
IRS
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Military/Special-Tax-Considerations-for-Veterans
Disabled veterans may be eligible to claim a federal tax refund based on:
- an increase in the veteran's percentage of disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs (which may include a retroactive determination) or
- the combat-disabled veteran applying for, and being granted, Combat-Related Special Compensation, after an award for Concurrent Retirement and Disability.
Please note: It is only in the year of the Department of Veterans Affairs reassessment of disability percentage (including any impacted retroactive year) or the year that the CRSC is initially granted or adjusted that the veteran may need to file amended returns.
Under normal circumstances, the Form 1099-R issued to the veteran by Defense Finance and Accounting Services correctly reflects the taxable portion of compensation received. No amended returns would be required, since it has already been adjusted for any non-taxable awards.
If needed, veterans should seek assistance from a competent tax professional before filing amended returns based on a disability determination. Refund claims based on an incorrect interpretation of the tax law could subject the veteran to interest and/or penalty charges.
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
http://www.jwv.org/
We, citizens of the United States of America, of the Jewish faith, who served in the Wars of the United States of America, in order that we may be of greater service to our country and to one another, associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America; to foster and perpetuate true Americanism; to combat whatever tends to impair the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions; to uphold the fair name of the Jew and fight his or her battles wherever unjustly assailed; to encourage the doctrine of universal liberty, equal rights, and full justice to all men and women; to combat the powers of bigotry and darkness wherever originating and whatever their target; to preserve the spirit of comradeship by mutual helpfulness to comrades and their families; to cooperate with and support existing educational institutions and establish educational institutions, and to foster the education of ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen, and our members in the ideals and principles of Americanism; to instill love of country and flag, and to promote sound minds and bodies in our members and our youth; to preserve the memories and records of patriotic service performed by the men and women of our faith; to honor their memory and shield from neglect the graves of our heroic dead.
Joining Forces
http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/
Joining Forces is committed to raising awareness about the service, sacrifice, and needs of military families. In particular, with the input of military families, Joining Forces identified three priority areas for national initiatives: employment, education, and wellness.
Employment
- Expand employment and career development opportunities for veterans and military spouses.
- Highlight the workforce potential of veterans and military spouses.
- Educate employers about the need to create military family-friendly workplaces.
- Work to reduce or eliminate licensing and credentialing barriers.
- Promote expanded education opportunities that:
- Ease transfer ability for military-connected students.
- Increase job training opportunities for military spouses and veterans.
- Support the academic achievement of military children by enhancing awareness of the unique needs of military children and families.
- Call attention to the critical issues facing veterans and military families.
- Expand access to wellness programs, and resources for military spouses and families.
Luke's Wings
http://www.lukeswings.org/
Luke’s Wings is an organization dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones at such a difficult time, Luke’s Wings provides families with the means to visit during the service member’s hospitalization and rehabilitation. By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke’s Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to the families of our men and women at arms while also helping to encourage and motivate the service member’s recovery. In 2011, Luke’s Wings expanded the mission to also include Texas Veterans during major life events and all Veterans in Hospice Care. As such; a Texas Veteran may be with their family during a major life event. A Veteran in Hospice Care may be surrounded by loved ones as they pass away. Today, the majority of requests are for World War II Veterans, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam War Veterans in elderly care facilities or long term inpatient care facilities. Luke’s Wings regards the Veterans in Hospice Care Program as a “final salute” to the greatest generation that ever lived. In 2012, Luke’s Wings was asked to provide emergency flights for the families of our special operators who are injured on special missions. Luke’s Wings is honored to be the “go-to” for the Special Operations Command (S.O.C.OM.). We are honored to be of service to our special operators as part of the S.O.C.O.M. Care Coalition. While individual donations may be made directly on our website, Luke’s Wings also asks corporations to support our cause with corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations. Recognizing the difficulties families encounter as they make their way to their loved ones’ side, Luke’s Wings purchases the plane tickets and plans the trips, then Luke’s Wings partners with other non profit who can provide other services including, but not limited to, free or discounted accommodations, meals, entertainment, local travel vouchers, city tours, etc.
Make the Connection
http://maketheconnection.net/
Make the Connection is a public awareness campaign by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides personal testimonials and resources to help Veterans discover ways to improve their lives. Many of our Nation’s Veterans—from those who served in World War II to those involved in current conflicts—return not only with physical wounds but also mental health issues they may not recognize.
The Make the Connection campaign encourages Veterans and their families to "make the connection"— with information and resources, with the strength and resilience of Veterans like themselves, with other people, and with available sources of support including mental health treatments.
Minority Business Development Agency
http://www.mbda.gov/
MBDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that helps to create and sustain U.S. jobs by promoting the growth and global competitiveness of businesses owned and operated by minority entrepreneurs.We work throughout the Nation to link minority-owned businesses with the capital, contracts, and markets they need to grow. We advocate and promote minority-owned business with elected officials, policy makers, and business leaders. Serving as subject matter experts and advocates for the minority business community, we conduct high quality research and cultivate domestic and international relationships.
My HealtheVet
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
My HealtheVet is VA’s online personal health record. It was designed for Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, their dependents and caregivers. My HealtheVet helps you partner with your health care team. It provides you opportunities and tools to make informed decisions and manage your health care.
National Coalition for the Homeless
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/
The National Coalition for the Homeless is a national network of people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers, and others committed to a single mission: To prevent and end homelessness while ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness are met and their civil rights protected.
National Non-VA Care
http://www.nonvacare.va.gov/
What is Non-VA Care: Non-VA Care is medical care provided to eligible Veterans outside of VA when VA facilities are not available. All VA medical centers can use this program when needed. The use of the Non-VA Care program is governed by federal laws containing eligibility criteria and other policies specifying when and why it can be used. A pre-authorization for treatment in the community is required for Non-VA Care -- unless the medical event is an emergency. Emergency events may be reimbursed on behalf of the Veteran in certain cases. See the Emergency Non-VA Care brochure for information.
Unavailability of VA Medical Facilities or Services: Non-VA Care is used when VA medical facilities are not “feasibly available.” The local VA medical facility has criteria to determine whether Non-VA Care may be used. If a Veteran is eligible for certain medical care, the VA hospital or clinic should provide it as the first option. If they can’t -- due to a lack of available specialists, long wait times, or extraordinary distances from the Veteran’s home -- the VA may consider Non-VA Care in the Veteran’s community. Non-VA Care is not an entitlement program or a permanent treatment option.
National Veterans Legal Services Program
http://www.nvlsp.org/
NVLSP's Lawyers Serving Warriors® program offers pro bono (that is, free) legal help with disability issues to veterans from all eras. Our current pro bono initiative is to assist veterans with two types of disability claims -- applications for Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and applications to the Physical Disability Board of Review for an increase in the military disability rating. In the past, the Lawyers Serving Warriors® program assisted veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan facing administrative separation, going through a medical evaluation board or physical evaluation board, or pursuing a claim with the VA for disability compensation. Lawyers Serving Warriors® has recruited hundreds of volunteer lawyers from law firms and corporate legal departments throughout the country. Our attorneys are experts in the law governing military and veterans’ disability benefits, and they use this expertise to train and mentor these volunteer lawyers so they are prepared and qualified to handle disability cases. This ensures that every service member and veteran whom we serve receives top notch legal representation.
Disability benefits, which are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the branches of our military, are a critical step toward restoring the lives of men and women who have honorably served our country in the U.S. armed services, but were injured as a result of their service. Yet, for many reasons, each year thousands of veterans have their claims for disability benefits wrongly denied or evaluated incorrectly. When disability claims are denied by the VA, veterans have the right to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). As with any legal proceeding, obtaining trained and competent legal representation is ideal. Unfortunately, more than half of the veterans who file appeals to the CAVC do not have lawyers to represent them. In most cases, this is because the veterans cannot afford an attorney. For many others, navigating the system proves too big of a challenge. As a result, many disabled veterans are left behind, wondering where to turn for help. Since the CAVC was created in 1988, NVLSP has represented thousands of veterans before the Court - all at no charge to the veteran.
Each year, staff attorneys from the National Veterans Legal Services Program review thousands of veterans claims that were denied by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) – the highest authority within the VA. When NVLSP determines that a BVA denial is worthy of appeal to the CAVC, NVLSP offers to represent the veteran or their family at no cost.
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) uses its expertise in veterans law to change the lives of veterans and their families. Through class action lawsuits, NVLSP brings claims on behalf of a group of individuals who have been wrongfully denied the benefits they have earned through their service to our country.
From the very beginning, one of NVLSP’s primary missions has been to train advocates in veterans law so that they can efficiently help veterans secure benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The goal of these trainings is to teach advocates how to obtain the correct amount of VA benefits for deserving veterans (and their family members) at the earliest possible time. During the last 26 years, we have conducted training programs for groups of non-attorney advocates as well as groups of attorneys.
On a continuing basis, NVLSP trains service officers from major service organizations – The American Legion, The Military Order of the Purple Heart and Vietnam Veterans of America. We have also developed and conducted training programs for other groups of non-attorneys in a wide variety of organizations including The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, AMVETS, and state and county departments of veterans affairs.
Additionally, NVLSP regularly trains attorneys as part of the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program. We have also developed and conducted training programs for attorneys in organizations including The Legal Services Corporation, The National Legal Aid and Defender Association, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and state bar associations.
NVLSP offers in-person training for organizations that wish to conduct trainings in veterans law for either lay advocates or attorneys. Whether you are seeking training for non-attorney advocates or attorneys, we will work with you to customize a training program that meets the needs of your organization. We are available to conduct one-day to four-day training sessions.
NVLSP is available for in-person training sessions for organizations such as bar associations, law firms, corporate legal departments and national, state and county veteran associations. NVLSP can also provide regular testing for accreditation maintenance.
Navy Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor
http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil/
Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor provides Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families, with non-medical care while they are recovering from serious illness or injury. Regional non-medical care providers tailor support to each enrolled service member’s recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to focus on recovery without distractions.
Non-medical support includes pay and personnel issues; Invitational Travel Orders; lodging and housing adaptation; child and youth care; transportation needs; legal and guardianship issues; education and training benefits; commissary and exchange access; respite care; traumatic brain injury/post-traumatic stress support services; and more.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
http://www.pva.org/
Our veterans are our heroes for life. After serving our country, serious injury shouldn’t stop them from living the full, rewarding lives they deserve. At Paralyzed Veterans of America, we fight for better health care and benefits, aid in the search for a truly satisfying career, and provide the path to adventure through adaptive sports. What’s more, we are committed to ongoing care by educating clinicians about spinal cord injury, and we’re deeply invested in the future—a cure for paralysis. Veterans with spinal cord injury and disease, as well as other veterans needing assistance with VA benefits, entitlements, medical care and other benefits, often rely on Paralyzed Veterans of America's Veterans Benefits Department (VBD). Veterans Benefits Department (VBD) makes up the largest department in Paralyzed Veterans of America dedicated to serving paralyzed veterans. We provide free, comprehensive benefits assistance and advocacy. The VBD staff works through a national network of National Service Offices to provide services to paralyzed veterans, their families, and disabled veterans. These services range from bedside visits to guidance in the VA claims process to legal representation for appealing denied claims.
Pets for Vets
http://pets-for-vets.com/
At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our soldiers have been brave but many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Some estimates state that as many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. The Pets… 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These animals can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Our dedicated animal trainers will evaluate and rescue the shelter animals and provide additional training to ensure that they are able to assimilate into a home, which is quite different from a shelter environment. The Vets… Sadly, there are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty. This can cause a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression. It is our belief that companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need.
Project Enduring Pride
http://enduringpride.org/
Project Enduring Pride was started in 2005 by a combat disabled military veteran upon seeing the dynamics of being a patient in the military healthcare system. While working with the Morale, Welfare, and Recreational staff it was learned of the Federal Regulations limitation and budgetary constraints that that truly held by many good Federal civilian employees from reaching beyond stated goals. PEP was founded to do events where the WW had a challenge outreach experience; later evolving into more of a PTSD intervention mechanism developed and support by the professional healthcare staffs.
Today, PEP is in the final stages of moving into seven military and V.A. centers to provide services to the wounded warrior population. PEP is a not-for profit activity fewer than 501 (C) 3 as defined by the Commonwealth of Virginia tax Code and the Federal IRS standards. PEP is staffed by volunteers with no paid members, less reimbursement for substantiated mission support expenses. Our Mission: Founded in 2006 with the staff of then, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC, the adopted mission of Project Enduring Pride © is to assist in developing an outreach program beyond the boundaries of the Federal campus by providing a regional community support umbrella of activities and events which are organized to help plan, coordinate, arrange, and conduct recreational and educational support to a wide diverse set of seriously wounded service member who are out-patients at military hospitals and V.A. healthcare facilities. These events include sports, recreational, developmental, career counseling, and Benefit counseling. The goal for the Project is to focus on creating appropriate world class level events that provide “outreach capabilities” to assist the seriously wounded in gaining confidence, independence, and courage to return to the civilian community as productive members of that local society.
Rebuilding Together
http://rebuildingtogether.org/
Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients.
Millions of U.S. veterans are in desperate need of repairs and adaptations to their homes. Rebuilding Together’s Veterans Housing meets the growing needs of veterans from past and present wars. Rebuilding Together provides modifications and repair services that retired and active service men and women struggle to meet. In partnership with corporate sponsors, Rebuilding Together’s Veterans Housing strives to provide safe and accessible housing for all low-income veterans.
Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
All day, every day, the Red Cross connects service members with their families back home when an emergency strikes.
When a military family experiences a crisis, the American Red Cross is there to help. Wherever their military service takes them, service members can rest assured that the Red Cross will deliver notification of an emergency such as the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, as well as the good news of the birth of a service member's child or grandchild.
The Red Cross partners with the military aid societies to help service members and their families get emergency financial assistance 24/7. The American Red Cross works under partnership agreements with the Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to provide quality, reliable financial assistance to eligible applicants 24/7/365. Assistance can include funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc.
The Red Cross provides counseling, guidance, information, referrals and other social services for all military personnel and their families.
The American Red Cross offers confidential services to all military personnel (active duty, National Guard, Reserves, and veterans) and their families by connecting them with Red Cross and community resources through our network of chapters in communities across the United States and offices on military installations worldwide. Local Red Cross offices develop and maintain relationships with key community partners. Military families rely on the Red Cross to help them identify their needs and connect them to the most appropriate Red Cross and community resources. This key Red Cross service ranges from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter, referrals to counseling services (e.g., financial, legal, mental health), respite care for caregivers, and other resources that meet the unique needs of local military members, veterans and their families.
Before, during and after deployments, the Red Cross provides training, information and support for military members and their families.
Whether your family is facing its first deployment or the next of many, the American Red Cross has developed workshops and information and support services to help you with the practical and emotional challenges.
Service members Opportunity Colleges
http://www.soc.aascu.org/Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) was created in 1972 to provide educational opportunities to service members who, because they frequently moved from place to place, had trouble completing college degrees. SOC functions in cooperation with 15 higher education associations, the Department of Defense, and Active and Reserve Components of the Military Services to expand and improve voluntary postsecondary education opportunities for service members worldwide. SOC is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) through a contract with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The contract is managed for DoD by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
Student Veterans of America
http://www.studentveterans.org/
Today's veterans face numerous obstacles in their path of attaining a college degree. These challenges range from a missing sense of camaraderie to feeling like an outsider amongst 18 year old traditional students to a lack of understanding by university faculty. When coupled with the visible and invisible wounds of war, a college degree can be an elusive goal for men and women returning from military service. Student Veterans of America (SVA) makes that goal a reality. SVA is a 501(c)(3) coalition of student veterans groups on college campuses across the globe. These member chapters are the "boots on the ground” that help veterans reintegrate into campus life and succeed academically. Each chapter must be an officially recognized student group by their university or college and provide a peer-to-peer network for veterans who are attending the school. Additionally, chapters often coordinate campus activities, provide pre-professional networking, and generally provide a touchstone for student veterans in higher education.
United States Navy Memorial
http://www.navymemorial.org/
Conveniently located on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (between 7th and 9th Streets), the United States Navy Memorial honors the men and women of the United States Navy – past, present and future.
The Naval Heritage Center is located in the heart of the Penn Quarter and offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and heritage of the men and women of the United States Navy – past, present and future.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.va.gov/
For Veterans, dependents, and survivors: information on benefits and services.
The U.S. Government Printing Office
http://www.gpo.gov/
The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) is the Federal Government’s official, digital, secure resource for producing, procuring, cataloging, indexing, authenticating, disseminating, and preserving the official information products of the U.S. Government. The GPO is responsible for the production and distribution of information products and services for all three branches of the Federal Government, including U.S. passports for the Department of State as well as the official publications of Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies in digital and print formats. GPO provides for permanent public access to Federal Government information at no charge through our Federal Digital System (www.fdsys.gov), partnerships with approximately 1,200 libraries nationwide participating in the Federal Depository Library Program, and our secure online bookstore.
USO
http://www.uso.org/
The USO recognizes all that our troops and their families do to protect the freedoms we, as Americans, enjoy daily. It is more important than ever that they are remembered and supported. Because our military reflects the diversity of our nation, the USO offers a variety of programs and services designed specifically to lift spirits and strengthen resiliency.
The USO helps to build fulfilling lives for our troops as they transition from their service. Our partnerships with best-in-class organizations like Hire Heroes USA, Wyakin Warrior Foundation, Project Sanctuary and Stronger Families allows the USO to help our troops with the resources they need.
Our troops look to the USO for comfort, relaxation, entertainment and a connection to loved ones back home and our programs deliver.
Troops can find peace of mind through USO programs dedicated to the welfare and happiness of their loved ones.
The USO is dedicated to helping in the rehabilitation and reintegration of our troops as they and their families navigate the road to recovery. The USO's newest Warrior and Family Care Centers provide the ultimate rest and relaxation areas for our wounded, along with their families and caregivers, while they recover.
When a serviceman or woman gives the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country, the USO is there by the side of military families. Through our partnership with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and our tremendous network of volunteers and staff, the USO is able to guide families through difficult times.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/content/score
The SCORE Association “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association comprised of 13,000+ volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories.
SCORE members are trained to serve as counselors advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners. These services are offered at no fee, as a community service.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov/content/veteran-service-disabled-veteran-owned
Veteran-Owned Businesses If you are a veteran or service-disabled veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business. From creating a business plan to finding your first customer, we're here to help you succeed.
- Starting a Business
- Growing a Business
- Financing a Business
- Mentoring & Training
- Returning to Your Business
- Selling to the Government
- Financing for Veteran-Owned Businesses:
- Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan This provides funds to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses that can't be met due to an essential employee being called to active duty.
Learn More - Loans and Grants Search Tool Many states and other organizations also provide loans to veterans.
Learn More
- Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan This provides funds to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses that can't be met due to an essential employee being called to active duty.
- Small Business Assistance:
- Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Start up Learn More
- Veterans Business Outreach Centers These provide entrepreneurial development services for veterans.
Learn More
VA's Action Plan: Burn Pits and Airborne Hazards
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/action-plan.asp
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
Airborne hazards are substances moving through the air that pose danger or risk. The dusty, polluted environments of Iraq and Afghanistan contain many potential airborne hazards.
The high level of fine dust and pollution common in those areas may pose a greater danger for respiratory illnesses than exposure to burn pits on U.S. base camps, according to a 2011 Institute of Medicine report, Long-Term Health Consequences of Exposure to Burn Pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Acting on the findings and recommendations in the report, VA and the Department of Defense are working to:
- Develop a standard screening and evaluation of Service members and Veterans with respiratory complaints after deployment in order to improve care
- Conduct a long-term study that will follow Veterans for decades looking at their exposures and health issues to determine the impact of deployment
VA Adaptive Sports
http://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/
Disabled Veterans of all ages and abilities report better health, new friendships and a better quality of life when participating in adaptive sports. Disabled Veterans who are physically active simply have more fun! To get started, take some time to review the many sports opportunities available to you by reaching out to your VA clinical team and checking out this website.
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Compensation and Pension Examinations
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
CORE DOCUMENT
I. Background Information: PTSD Initial Claims Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
II. Background Information: Assessment of PTSD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
III. Recommended Guidelines for Assessing
Trauma Exposure and PTSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
IV. Compensation and Pension PTSD disability
examination worksheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
A. Worksheet I: Initial Evaluation for PTSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
B. Worksheet II: Review Evaluation for PTSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
V. Suggested Report Template for Initial Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
VI. Suggested Report Template for Follow-up Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
APPENDICES
A. Training Letter Based on PTSD Case Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
B. Governing Regulation for Service Connection for PTSD
(From 38 CFR Part 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
C. Excerpts from Veterans Benefit Administration’s Adjudication
Procedures Manual concerning the adjudication
of claims for PTSD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
D. Detailed Guideline for Global Assessment of Functioning Scale . . . . . 73
E. Global Assessment of Functioning Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
F. Scoring rules for Mississippi and PTSD checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
G. Examples of PTSD Symptom Narratives in Compensation
and Pension Examination Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
H. Social History Questionnaire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
I. References . . . . .
VA Burial Benefits
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp
Burial Benefits Important Links
- Schedule a Burial
- What to Expect Upon Arrival at the National Cemetery (Committal Service)
- Eligibility
- Burial Flags
- Burial Allowance Benefits
- Survivor Benefits
- Burial at Sea
For Burial in a National Cemetery
Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of our 131 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran's headstone, at no cost to the family. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran.
The Veterans family should make funeral or cremation arrangements with a funeral provider or cremation office. Any item or service obtained from a funeral home or cremation office will be at the family's expense.
Preparing in Advance
Gravesites in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance.
You should advise your family of your wishes and where your discharge papers* are kept. These papers are very important in establishing your eligibility.
At the time of need your family would contact a funeral home who will assist them with making burial arrangements at the national cemetery. You may wish to make pre-need arrangements with a funeral home.
To schedule a burial: Fax all discharge documentation to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-866-900-6417 and follow-up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117.
Donating Burial Flags in National Cemeteries
Most of the Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries display an Avenue of Flags on patriotic holidays and during special events. The Avenues consist of burial flags donated by the families of deceased Veterans and provide a unique visible tribute to all of our Nation's Veterans.
A Certificate of Appreciation is presented to the donor for providing their loved ones' burial flag to a national cemetery.
Please contact the cemetery of your choice for information on how to donate a Veteran's burial flag.
For Burial in a Private Cemetery
Burial benefits available for Veterans buried in a private cemetery may include a Government headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some Veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. There are not any VA benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery.
VA Caregiver Support
http://www.caregiver.va.gov/
VA recognizes the crucial role that family caregivers play in the daily care of Veterans.VA's Caregiver Support Program provides support services for family members and others who assist Veterans by providing emotional and physical support, as well as supervision allowing them to remain in their homes when they can longer completely care for themselves.
VA Catastrophically Disabled
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/assets/documents/publications/IB-10-435_Catastrophically_Disabled_Veterans.pdf
Based on a VA clinical decision, Veterans are considered to be Catastrophically Disabled when they
have a severely disabling injury, disorder or disease that permanently compromises their ability to
carry out the activities of daily living. The disability must be of such a degree that the Veteran requires
personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or require constant supervision to avoid
physical harm to themselves or others.
Veterans determined Catastrophically Disabled are placed into Priority Group 4 unless eligible for
a higher Priority Group placement based on other eligibility criteria such as being a compensable
service-connected Veteran, a former Prisoner of War, or a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient.
A Catastrophically Disabled determination may be authorized when a VA clinician determines that
there is sufficient medical documentation without further evaluation. Veterans may also request
a Catastrophically Disabled evaluation by contacting the Enrollment Coordinator at their local VA
health care facility. It is VA policy to provide a Catastrophically Disabled Veteran an evaluation within
30 days of the request. There is no charge for this examination.
VA Coaching into Care
http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/
A free and confidential coaching service to help callers discover new ways to talk with their Veteran about their concerns and about treatment options.
VA Education and Training
http://www.benefits.va.gov/
GI Bill Comparison Tool Online
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching an innovative new GI Bill Comparison Tool designed to make it easier for Veterans to calculate their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and learn more about colleges, universities and other education and training programs across the country. The GI Bill Comparison Tool is designed to enable student Veterans and their families to compare education options and make informed choices that will help them reach their educational goals and find a good job.
VA Forms
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
Forms on this site are available in several formats. Fillable pdf can be filled on-line, printed, saved and edited. XFT forms can be filled on-line, printed, and saved to your pc but cannot be edited later (TURN OFF YOUR POP-UP BLOCKER TO USE XFT). Some PDF are printable blank forms.
VA Funding Fee
http://benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/purchaseco_loan_fee.asp
Generally, all Veterans using the VA Home Loan Guaranty benefit must pay a funding fee. This reduces the loan's cost to taxpayers considering that a VA loan requires no down payment and has no monthly mortgage insurance.
You do not have to pay the fee if you are a:
- Veteran receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability, OR
- Veteran who would be entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability if you did not receive retirement or active duty pay, OR
- Surviving spouse of a Veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability
VA GI Bill Post 9/11
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
Provides post 9/11 service members and veterans with financial assistance and other services to support educational goals.
VA Health
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/
Apply for health benefits.
VA Homeless
http://www.va.gov/homeless/
VA Homeless programs and resources.
VA I am a Dependent or Survivor
The Veterans Benefits Administration offers a variety of benefits and services to spouses, children, and parents of Service members and Veterans who are deceased or totally and permanently disabled by a service-connected disability.
VA Jobs
http://jobsearch.vaforvets.va.gov/
Job openings
VA Mental Health
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
Authoritative mental health information and resources for Veterans and their families.
VA National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/caf/index.asp
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) is the celebration and grand finale stage and art show, which are the culmination of talent competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for Veterans treated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system.
VA Nationwide Gravesite Locator
http://m.va.gov/gravelocator/
Users enter a name to search and find where the loved one is buried.
VA Office of Survivors Assistance
http://www.va.gov/survivors/
The Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program designed to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to Survivors and dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Services.
The Office of Survivors Assistance was established by Public Law 110-389, Title II, Section 222, in October 2008, to serve as a resource regarding all benefits and services furnished by the Department to Survivors and Dependents of deceased Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. OSA also serves as a principal advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and promotes the use of VA benefits, programs and services to survivors.
VA Pre-Discharge
http://benefits.va.gov/predischarge/
It is to your advantage to submit your disability compensation claim prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty or demobilization. Processing times tend to be much shorter for claims submitted pre-discharge than after discharge. Pre-discharge programs provide Service members with the opportunity to file claims for disability compensation up to 180 days prior to separation or retirement from active duty or full-time National Guard or Reserve duty (Titles 10 and 32).
VA PTSD: National Center for PTSD
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/
The National Center for PTSD is dedicated to research and education on trauma and PTSD. We work to assure that the latest research findings help those exposed to trauma. Although we are a VA Center, our seven divisions across the country provide expertise on all types of trauma - from natural disasters, terrorism, violence and abuse to combat exposure.
Although we provide no direct clinical care, our purpose is to improve the well-being and understanding of individuals who have experienced traumatic events, with a focus on American Veterans. We conduct cutting edge research and apply resultant findings to:
"Advance the Science and Promote Understanding of Traumatic Stress."
VA Public Health
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/
Promoting and protecting the health of Veterans and VA staff
VA Returning Service Member (OEF/OIF/OND)
http://www.oefoif.va.gov/
See what VA benefits are available today for OEF/OIF/OND combat Veterans.
Below are just a few of the programs VA offers:
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program
http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp
Under the SSVF program, VA awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who can provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing.
VA Vet Center Combat Call Center
http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/media/Call-Center-PSA.asp
1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.
VA Vet Center Program
http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/
We are the people in VA who welcome home war veterans with honor by providing quality readjustment counseling in a caring manner. Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans' war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community.
VA Veterans Group Life Insurance
http://benefits.va.gov/insurance/vgli.asp
VGLI is a life insurance program that allows Veterans to convert their full-time SGLI coverage to lifetime renewable term insurance. You can retain VGLI for as long as you pay the premiums.
VA Veteran's Safe Driving Initiative
http://www.va.gov/health/safedriving/
Veterans' Safe Driving Initiative
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in Veterans in the early years after returning from deployment.
Don't let that happen to you.
- Don't drink and drive.
- Don't ride with a drunk driver.
- Always wear your seat belt—driving, in the passenger seat, or in a back seat.
- If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and ride sober.
- Mile for mile, your risk of a fatal crash is about 35 times higher on your motorcycle than in your car.
VA VHA Publications
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
Welcome to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Documents Home Page. This web site contains information regarding VHA-wide policies, procedures, requirements and other information of general applicability. The VHA Forms, Publications and Records Management Service of the VHA Office of Information maintains the content.
On this site you will find VHA
- Brochures - Informational material mass-produced for patients and staff
- Directives - establish mandatory VHA policies
- Handbooks - prescribe mandatory VHA procedures and/ or operational requirements
- Manuals - also prescribe mandatory VHA procedures or operational requirements (older documents not yet replaced by Handbooks)
- Memorandums - establish mandatory VHA policies which apply within VHA Central Office
- Information Letters - release nondirective information of one-time interest or short duration; i.e., applications for training opportunities, describing new programs, announcing meetings, reminders etc.
- Notices - provide significant information of interest VHA-wide
- Program Guides - contain non-mandatory and non-directive procedures for development of a program
- VHA Record Control Schedule (RCS 10-1) - provides disposal authorities for VHA general and administrative records and program records.
- Links to
- See when the database was last updated
- How to find what you need
- Search VHA Publications
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp
For Veterans
You may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
For Service members and Veterans
VA's Education and Career Counseling program is a great opportunity for Service members and Veterans to get personalized counseling and support to help guide their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.
VA What We Do-War Related Illness and Injury Study Center
http://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/about-us/what-we-do.asp
The War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) is a National VA Post-Deployment Health Resource. The WRIISCs focus on the post deployment health concerns of Veterans and their unique health care needs. The WRIISCs develop and provide post-deployment health expertise to Veterans and their health care providers through clinical programs, research, education, and risk communication.
Our WRIISC clinical program focuses on providing environmental exposure assessments and comprehensive medical evaluations for Veterans who have chronic, medically unexplained symptoms and/or and difficult to diagnose symptoms that they believe are related to their deployment.
The WRIISC also provides post-deployment health education to Veterans, families and loved ones of deployed Veterans, health care providers, and the general public.
Our research program focuses on improving the health of deployed Veterans by researching innovative treatments designed to improve the health of deployed Veterans.
The WRIISC is under the direction of the Office of Public Health.
VA Women's Trauma Recovery Program (WTRP)
http://www.paloalto.va.gov/services/wtrp/
In 1992, the Department of Veterans Affairs opened the National Women's Trauma Recovery Program (WTRP) as part of the National Center for PTSD at Menlo Park, CA. The WTRP, designed to treat women Veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, and Reservists with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is the first residential program of its kind and is open to women across the country. Many of the women who are referred to the program have experienced traumas that include but are not limited to military sexual trauma (MST), combat trauma, and training accidents.
The WTRP is an intensive 60-day residential program with a strong emphasis on enhancing interpersonal functioning through psycho-education and skill building classes. Classes focus on the development of coping skills, such as emotion regulation, relapse prevention, anxiety management and effective communication. Residents practice these skills with one another and out in the community on weekend passes. They work together to problem-solve, learn effective coping strategies to better manage their symptoms, and utilize each other for support. Community members have opportunities to make observations and provide each other with feedback that can assist residents in making important changes and improving their quality of life.
VA Women Veterans Health Care
http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/
Did you know that women are the fastest growing group within the Veteran population? Learn more about the changing face of women Veterans and what VA is doing to meet their health care needs.
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
http://www.vetsprobono.org/
We can review your case at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and provide you with a free lawyer, if you meet all of the following criteria –
- You are a veteran (or qualifying family member of a veteran)
- You have received an adverse decision from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA);
- You have appealed that BVA decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (the Court);
- You do not have an attorney to help you;
- You ask us for our assistance; and
- We can identify at least one meritorious issue to be argued before the Court
Veterans Crisis Line
http://veteranscrisisline.net/
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
VetFran
http://www.vetfran.com/
As tens of thousands of service men and women return from deployment in Afghanistan and Southwest Asia, expanded opportunities are needed to ensure veterans and their families can transition into the civilian economy. With its rapid training opportunities, scalability, and need for operational execution and excellence, franchising provides an ideal career path to enable returning veterans to become leaders of and productive participants in the U.S. economy. IFA’s VetFran® program helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance, and industry support.
Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund
http://www.vvmf.org/
Based in Washington, D.C., VVMF (the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund) is the nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1980 to build a national memorial dedicated to all who served with the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War. Incorporated on April 27, 1979 by a group of veterans led by Jan C. Scruggs, the organization sought a tangible symbol of recognition from the American people for those who served in the war. The result was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (commonly referred to as The Wall), which has become one of the most visited memorials in Washington, D.C. with an estimated 4.5 million annual visitors. Since the dedication of The Wall, VVMF has pursued a mission of preserving the legacy of The Wall, promoting healing and educating about the impact of the Vietnam War. Our latest initiative is the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall. The Education Center will show the pictures and tell the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, provide a rich educational experience on the Vietnam War, show some of the more than 400,000 items left at The Wall, and celebrate the values exhibited by America’s service members in all wars.
Web Automated Reference Material System
http://www.benefits.va.gov/WARMS/M21_1MR1.asp
The claimants rights and responsibilities.
Women In Military Service for America Memorial
http://www.womensmemorial.org/
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history. Their patriotism and bravery are a part of our nation's heritage and are now recognized.
Visitors to the Women's Memorial experience the collective history of women in the military along with the individual stories of registered servicewomen. The Women's Memorial:
- recognizes all women who have served in or with the United States Armed Forces—past, present and future;
- documents the experiences of these women and tells their stories of service, sacrifice and achievement;
- makes their contributions a visible part of our history;
- illustrates their partnership with men in defense of our nation; and
- serves as inspiration for others.
ZERO TO THREE
http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/military-families/
ZERO TO THREE is proud to support military families. We work to increase awareness and collaboration throughout the military community so that parents and professionals can more effectively care for very young children and their families.