UPDATE: The Army just published a comprehensive website of benefits available to ServiceMembers, both state and federal are covered in the website.
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/
This is a collection of websites that may be helpful to VETERANS. Almost 100% of these are for FREE information and assistance and relate to dealing with the Veterans Administration (VA).
Benefits are a funny thing – you are entitled, but you have to ASK for the benefits. In order to ask, you have to know to ask, right? Find out, use JAG or your own lawyer or a friendly advocate to help you find out about the benefits you earned with your service.
The links below may or may not be still valid, but I keep all of them here to spark ideas of what to look for and who might be able to be of assistance. The most tragic thing is not getting a benefit that you didn’t even know that you didn’t know about. The next most terrible thing is not knowing the rights you have when dealing with the VA and the government in general. Find out. These links are just a starting point.
Feel free to comment with corrections and additions.
- Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
- Board of Veteran’s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
- CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
- CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
- Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
- Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
- Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
- Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
- Classified Records – American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc - Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
- Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
- Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm - Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
- Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
- Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
- Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
- Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
- Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
- EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc - EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU)http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
- Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206Federal
- Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
- Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html - Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
- Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
- Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
- Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
- Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
- Hearings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc - Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
- HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
- Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
- Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
- Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
- M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
- M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
- M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html
- Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC
- Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
- MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
- My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/ - National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
- National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
- Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
- OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
- Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
- Parkinson’s Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf
and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/ - Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
- Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html and,http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html
and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html - Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232 - Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
- Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans’_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
- Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
- Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
- Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
- Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
- Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
- Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
- Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
- Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home
- Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
- Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
- Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
- Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
- Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
- Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
- REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
- Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
- Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf - Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
- Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html
- Title 38 Index Parts 0-17
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
Part 18
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl - Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart A Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensationhttp://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
- Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
- Title 38 PART 4–SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B–DISABILITY RATINGS
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38 - Title 38 § 4.16 Total disabiliity ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART 4 SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart A General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=38
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
- VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
- VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
- VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
- VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
- VA Life Insurance Handbook Chapter 3 http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
- VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
- VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
- VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
- VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
- VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
- VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
- VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
- VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
- Vet Center Eligibility – Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
- Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
- Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
- VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
- VHA Programs – Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13 http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx>
- VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http: // www.publichealth.va.gov/
- VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans(tm) Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
- Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
- Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
- VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
- WARMS – 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html
- Wartime Di sability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
- War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center – New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
- Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
- What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
- WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html