Veterans Benefits Guide For Dummies

You’ve served your country, now let the country serve you

Veterans Benefits Guide For Dummies is your clear and concise guide to the benefits available to you from the VA and other government organizations. You have access to physical and mental healthcare, financial services, long-term planning, education, and much more. This book explains how to make sense of and take advantage of the extensive benefits program offered to veterans in the United States. You’ll learn what you’re eligible for, how to file applications and claims, and how to appeal decisions. This book covers the most recent benefits available, including vocational rehabilitation, life insurance, home loans, pensions, burial benefits, and survivors’ benefits. With Dummies, you can navigate the paperwork to make sure you’re getting everything that’s available to you.

• Figure out the VA benefits system and learn what paperwork you need
• Discover the pros and cons of veterans' services versus civilian services
• Develop a smart financial plan with a good understanding of military pensions
• Find and secure benefits you may not have known about – for yourself and your family

Newly separated and seasoned veterans alike will love Veterans Benefits Guide For Dummies. We make it easy to get what’s coming to you.

Angie Papple Johnston joined the U.S. Army in 2006 as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, ready to tackle chemical weapons in a Level-A HAZMAT suit. During her second deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Angie became her battalion’s public affairs representative. She also served as the Lead Cadre for the Texas Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment program.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Writing Your Next Chapter 5

Chapter 1: Gearing Up for That DD-214 Life 7

Chapter 2: Tying Your Discharge Status into Benefits 21

Chapter 3: Navigating VA Claims and Appeals 39

Part 2: Medical Care, Life Insurance, and Compensation Programs 57

Chapter 4: Helping Yourself to Health Benefits 59

Chapter 5: Exploring VA Healthcare 69

Chapter 6: Probing into TRICARE 95

Chapter 7: Securing Your Family’s Future with VA Life Insurance 111

Chapter 8: Cashing In on Military Pensions, Severance Pay, and the TSP 119

Chapter 9: Taking a Close Look at Disability Pay 137

Part 3: Employment, Education, and Housing Programs 159

Chapter 10: Applying to Employment Programs 161

Chapter 11: Transitioning from the Military to More Government Employment 177

Chapter 12: Building Your Own Business with Veterans Benefits 187

Chapter 13: Bringing Receipts: Using Your GI Bill 199

Chapter 14: Staking Your Claim on Other Education Programs 217

Chapter 15: Buying into Post-Military Life with Your VA Loan Benefit 229

Chapter 16: Enjoying Your Golden Years in a Military Retirement Home 239

Part 4: Burial and Memorial Benefits, Survivor Benefits, and More 245

Chapter 17: Accessing Benefits for Homeless Vets 247

Chapter 18: Using Benefits While Incarcerated 257

Chapter 19: Applying for Benefits for Women, Minority, and LGBTQ+ Vets 265

Chapter 20: Zeroing In on Claims for Vets of Specific Wars, Former POWs, and Disabled Vets 269

Chapter 21: Diving into Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, and Caregivers 295

Chapter 22: Examining Burial and Memorial Benefits 305

Chapter 23: Surveying Survivor Benefits 315

Chapter 24: Shopping ‘til You Drop: Benefits for Retirees and Other ID Cardholders 323

Chapter 25: Seeing the World with Travel Benefits 329

Chapter 26: Sidling up to State Veterans Benefits 337

Part 5: The Part of Tens 347

Chapter 27: Ten Ways to Get Your Disability Claim Denied 349

Chapter 28: Ten Tips to Maximize Your Benefits 353

Index 357

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.