Bene
ts
for Illinois
Veterans
What every Illinois veteran, spouse, dependent or
survivor of a veteran, should know about the federal and
state benets to which they are entitled by
law
.
For questions, please contact the Attorney General’s
Military & Veteran’s Rights Bureau by e-mail
at
mvrb@ilag.gov
or by phone at 1-800-382-3000
Warning
The contents of this book are not provided for purposes of giving legal advice to the reader.
The contents are for informational purposes only, and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General does
not assume responsibility for the accuracy or veracity of the reports or studies summarized herein,
nor does this publication represent a legal opinion of the Office. The purpose of this publication is
to provoke thoughtful analysis by users and beneciaries who are involved in pursuing benets
before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or any
other federal, state or county agency that administers any type of veteran benet or right. Cautionary
messages, questions, legal cases, and pitfalls presented in this book are not the only legal issues to be
considered. Reading this book is a good beginning, but veteran service officers (VSO) of the various
veteran organizations are often the best source of assistance in making an informed decision about
obtaining veteran benets and in learning about changes in veteran law. The principal authority on
veteran rights is the agency administering the benets being sought (such as the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs in the case of federal veterans benets), subject to any administrative appeal process
or potential judicial review.
For a copy of the Benets for Illinois Veterans handbook, please contact:
OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL
MILITARY AND VETERANS RIGHTS BUREAU
201 WEST POINTE DR., SUITE 7
BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS 62226
1-800-382-3000
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach us by using the 7-1-1 relay service.
[email protected]
This publication is also freely available to download on the Attorney General’s website at
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights-of-the-people/military-and-veterans-rights/.
Subject to availability, this book is distributed free of charge to Illinois veterans and their
families, civilians, service providers, and those interested in helping veterans. Please feel free to copy
and distribute this supplement for educational, counseling, self-help, and scholarly purposes. The
Illinois Attorney General’s Office requests that proper credit be given. Any other uses require the
written authorization of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
To provide feedback or recommend corrections, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or
write to the following address:
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
Military & Veterans’ Rights Bureau
Attn: Benets for IL Veterans Suggestion Box
201 West Pointe Dr., Suite 7
Belleville, IL 62226
PUBLISHED JANUARY 2022. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2003.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS PUBLICATION MAY NOT BE COPIED IN WHOLE OR
IN PART BY ANY MEANS, OR STORED IN A DATABASE OR RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, WITHOUT
PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL.
LIMITED PERMISSION IS HEREBY GRANTED FOR NOT FOR PROFIT REPRODUCTION
AND DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PUBLICATION AND IS ALSO PERMITTED IF NO PROFIT,
DIRECT OR INDIRECT, IS DERIVED THEREFROM AND IF ALL NOTICES CONTAINED IN THIS
COPYRIGHT NOTICE ARE INCLUDED WITH SUCH COPY, TOGETHER WITH ATTRIBUTION TO
THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL.
DISTRIBUTION OR AVAILABILITY OF THIS BOOKLET THROUGH THIRD PARTIES
DOES NOT REPRESENT ANY ENDORSEMENT BY THE OFFICE OF THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY
GENERAL OF SUCH THIRD PARTIES.
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
STATE OF ILLINOIS
KWAME RAOUL
Attorney General
Dear Veteran:
Your dedication to serving our nation in the Armed Forces has earned you a number of rights
and benets. The Benets for Illinois Veterans Booklet is one of the many materials published and
updated by my Military and Veterans Rights Bureau.
The purpose of this handbook is to help you secure the rights and benets to which you are
entitled. This book will give you a better understanding of:
• Guidelines for determining your eligibility for benets.
• Benets that are available for service-disabled veterans and their families.
• How to apply for benets and, if necessary, how to appeal a denial of benets.
• How to get help if you run into problems.
Please use this book as a source of information but understand that the policies and laws
which grant benets are continually changing and references described in this book may become out
of date in the future. Please consult an accredited veteran service oce for current information on
benets for Illinois veterans, spouses and dependents. If you need assistance locating an accredited
veteran service ocer, please call my Military and Veteran Rights Helpline at 1-800-382-3000.
You have joined the past generations of veterans who won the rights and benets available
to you, your spouse, and your dependents or survivors. As Attorney General, I am committed to
working with the veterans of our State to guarantee that your rights and benets are maintained.
Thank you for your service to this nation and to the State of Illinois.
Sincerely,
Attorney General
Kwame Raoul
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS..................................................................................................1
A. INTRODUCTION TO ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS ....................................................................................1
B. FEDERAL BENEFITS (VA)..........................................................................................................................1
1. Eligibility and Entitlement.............................................................................................................1
2. Determining Eligibility: A Three-Step Process (Requirements Based on Military Service)..1
3. Service-Connected and Non-Service-Connected Disability ..................................................... 2
4. Special Requirements Based on Present Circumstances ........................................................... 3
5. Exceptions and Limitations ........................................................................................................... 4
C. STATE BENEFITS (IDVA) ......................................................................................................................... 6
1. Eligibility and Entitlement ............................................................................................................ 6
2. Requirements Based on Military Service .................................................................................... 6
3. Special Requirements Based on Present Circumstances ........................................................... 6
4. Admiance to Illinois Veterans Homes ....................................................................................... 6
D. COUNTY BENEFITS ...................................................................................................................................................................6
1. Indigent Veteran and Family Assistance ..................................................................................... 6
2. Exceptions and Limitations ........................................................................................................... 6
E. SUMMARY .....................................................................................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2: HOW TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS ........................................................................................... 8
A. FEDERAL BENEFITS (VA) ......................................................................................................................... 8
1. Two Types of Federal Disability Benets .................................................................................... 8
2. Where to Apply ............................................................................................................................... 8
3. Facts the VA Needs to Process A Claim ...................................................................................... 9
4. Visiting the VA Regional Oce .................................................................................................. 10
5. The Initial Interview ..................................................................................................................... 10
6. Telephoning the VA ...................................................................................................................... 10
7. Writing to the VA .......................................................................................................................... 11
8. Application Made by Dependents ............................................................................................. 11
9. When the Claim Requires “Development” ............................................................................... 12
10. When a Claim is Approved ......................................................................................................... 12
11. When a Claim is Denied .............................................................................................................. 12
12. When Notication is Delayed ..................................................................................................... 13
13. What to Do If A Claim is Delayed .............................................................................................. 13
14. Fully Developed Claims .............................................................................................................. 14
B. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS BENEFITS (IDVA) ................................................. 14
C. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER 3: SOURCES OF HELP IN OBTAINING BENEFITS ............................................................ 15
A. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 15
B. REPRESENTATIONAL (ADVOCACY) ASSISTANCE .................................................................................................... 15
C. WHERE TO FIND HELP ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
1. The U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs (VA) ......................................................................... 15
2. The Illinois Department of Veterans Aairs (IDVA) ................................................................ 16
3. Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) ...................................................................................... 16
4. Aorneys ........................................................................................................................................ 16
5. The County Veterans Assistance Commissions (VAC) ........................................................... 16
6. Military and Veterans Rights Bureau – Illinois Aorney General ......................................... 17
7. Elected Ocials ............................................................................................................................. 17
D. HOW TO CHOOSE A REPRESENTATIVE ......................................................................................................................... 17
E. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
CHAPTER 4: HEALTHCARE ......................................................................................................................... 19
A. DESCRIPTION OF BENEFIT ................................................................................................................................................. 19
B. ELIGIBILITY FOR VA HEALTHCARE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SERVICE ............................................. 19
1. Generally ........................................................................................................................................ 19
2. Special Health Care Rule for OTH Discharges ......................................................................... 20
C. HOW TO APPLY FOR VA MEDICAL BENEFITS ........................................................................................................... 20
1. Application by Mail ............................................................................................................................. 20
2. Application Online ....................................................................................................................... 20
3. Application by Telephone ........................................................................................................... 21
4. Application in Person ...................................................................................................................21
5. Application for Long-Term Care ................................................................................................ 21
D. PRIORITY GROUPS ................................................................................................................................................................. 21
1. Summary of the Priority Groups ................................................................................................ 21
2. Combat Veterans ........................................................................................................................... 23
E. RESERVISTS AND NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS .................................................................................................... 23
F. CO-PAYMENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
1. Inpatient Treatment ......................................................................................................................24
2. Outpatient Treatment ...................................................................................................................24
3. Urgent Care (Community Care) ................................................................................................. 24
4. Prescription Medication ............................................................................................................... 24
5. Long-Term Care ............................................................................................................................ 25
G. HOW THE VA BILLS .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
1. Copayments for Veterans Covered by a Health Insurance Plan ............................................ 25
2. How the VA Determines Income and Net Worth .................................................................... 25
3. Subrogation/Reimbursement ...................................................................................................... 26
H. CATASTROPHICALLY DISABLED VETERANS.............................................................................................................. 26
I. WOMEN VETERANS .............................................................................................................................................................. 26
1. Mammography ............................................................................................................................. 26
J. BENEFICIARY TRAVEL .......................................................................................................................................................... 27
1. Description of Benet and Eligibility .........................................................................................27
K. VA LONG-TERM CARE BENEFITS ................................................................................................................................... 27
1. Nursing Home Care .....................................................................................................................27
2. VA Community Living Centers .................................................................................................. 27
3. Contract Community Nursing Home Program ....................................................................... 28
4. Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................................. 28
L. DOMICILIARY CARE ............................................................................................................................................................. 28
1. Description of Benet ................................................................................................................... 28
2. Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................................. 28
M. HOUSEBOUND OR AID AND ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................................... 28
1. Description of Benet ................................................................................................................... 28
2. Eligibility for Household ............................................................................................................. 28
3. Eligibility for Aid and Aendance ............................................................................................. 29
N. ADULT DAY CARE .................................................................................................................................................................. 29
1. Description of Benet ................................................................................................................... 29
2. Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................................. 29
O. OUTPATIENT DENTAL TREATMENT ............................................................................................................................... 29
1. Description of Benet ................................................................................................................... 29
2. Eligibility Requirements .............................................................................................................. 29
3. Inpatient Dental Care ................................................................................................................... 30
P. TREATMENT OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) ....................................................... 30
1. National Center for PTSD ............................................................................................................ 31
2. Readjustment Counseling ........................................................................................................... 31
3. Veterans Crisis Line ...................................................................................................................... 31
Q. MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR DIOXIN (AGENT ORANGE), NUCLEAR RADIATION EXPOSURE, OR
ILLNESS RELATED TO GULF WAR SERVICE, AND VACCINATION OR MEDICATION ................................. 31
1. Description of Benet and Eligibility .........................................................................................31
R. HEALTHCARE FOR CAMP LEJEUNE VETERANS AND RESIDENT FAMILY MEMBERS ............................... 32
1. Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................ 32
2. Evidence Requirements ............................................................................................................... 33
3. How to Apply ................................................................................................................................ 33
S. CHILDREN AND SPOUSES ................................................................................................................................................... 33
1. Description of Benets and Eligibility ......................................................................................33
T. MISCELLANEOUS VA M EDICAL BENEFITS ................................................................................................................. 33
1. Veterans Experiencing Homelessness ....................................................................................... 33
2. Outpatient Clinic for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness (Chicago)................................34
3. Special VA Homeless Programs .................................................................................................. 34
4. Illinois Prince Home ..................................................................................................................... 34
5. Services for the Blind Description of Benet ............................................................................ 34
6. Veterans Choice Program ............................................................................................................35
7. The Mission Act of 2018 ............................................................................................................... 35
8. Military Sexual Trauma................................................................................................................36
U. REHABILITATION AND PROSTHETIC SERVICE ..................................................................................................... 36
1. Description on Benet and Eligibility ........................................................................................................................... 36
V. STATE HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FOR VETERANS ..................................................................................................... 36
1. Illinois Veterans’ Care Program ..................................................................................................36
2. Domiciliary and Nursing Home Care........................................................................................38
W. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
CHAPTER 5: COMPENSATION FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITIES ...............................41
A. DESCRIPTION OF BENEFIT.................................................................................................................................................. 41
1. Allowances for Dependents ........................................................................................................ 41
B. PRESUMPTIVE SERVICE CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................... 42
C. PRISONERS OF WAR .............................................................................................................................................................. 42
D. EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS ......................................................................................................... 43
E. RADIATION EXPOSURE ........................................................................................................................................................ 43
1. Radiation ........................................................................................................................................ 43
2. Presumptive Conditions ..............................................................................................................43
F. MUSTARD GAS and Lewisite Exposure ................................................................................................................... 44
G. ASBESTOS EXPOSURE ........................................................................................................................................................... 44
H. EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATED WATER AT CAMP LEJEUNE .............................................................................. 44
I. AGENT ORANGE (AO) EXPOSURE ................................................................................................................................. 45
1. Presumptive Conditions ..............................................................................................................45
2. Blue Water Veterans ...................................................................................................................... 46
J. VETERANS CHILDREN WITH BIRTH DEFECTS .......................................................................................................... 47
1. Benets for Children of Veterans Served in Vietnam and Korea ........................................... 47
2. Benets for Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Who have Birth Defects ...................... 47
3. How to Apply ................................................................................................................................ 47
K. DESERT STORM SYNDROME ............................................................................................................................................. 48
L. Illness Linked to Afghanistan Service ................................................................................................................... 48
M. Illness Linked to Iraq War Service .......................................................................................................................... 49
N. SERVICE CONNECTION FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) ................................... 50
O. CHRONIC DISEASES .............................................................................................................................................................. 52
1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis .................................................................................................... 52
2. Tropical Diseases .................................................................................................................................. 52
3. Service-Connection of Non-Presumptive Conditions ............................................................. 52
P. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR VA COMPENSATION ...................................................................................... 53
1. Requirements Based on Military Service .................................................................................. 53
2. How to Establish Proof of Service-Connection ........................................................................53
Q. HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION ................................................................................................ 55
1. Write a leer [Informal Claims] ..................................................................................................55
2. Apply Online ................................................................................................................................. 55
3. Fill out a paper VA form .............................................................................................................. 55
4. Fill out supplemental statement (if initial form has been submied) ................................... 55
R. TOTAL DISABILITY BASED ON INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY .................................................................... 56
S. SECONDARY SERVICE CONNECTION ............................................................................................................................ 57
CHAPTER 6: NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED PENSION AND OTHER SPECIAL TOPICS ............. 58
A. TYPES OF VETERANS PENSIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 58
1. The “Current Law” or “Improved” Pension ............................................................................. 58
2. VA Survivor’s Pension ................................................................................................................. 59
B. AID AND ATTENDANCE OR HOUSEBOUND ............................................................................................................... 59
C. INCOME AND NET WORTH LIMITATIONS .................................................................................................................. 60
D. HOW TO APPLY FOR THE VA PENSION ........................................................................................................................ 61
1. Fill out a VA Form ........................................................................................................................ 61
2. Go to the Nearest VA Oce ........................................................................................................ 61
3. Seek Help from A VA-Accredited Individual ........................................................................... 61
E. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 61
CHAPTER 7: HOW TO APPEAL A DENIAL OF BENEFITS...................................................................62
A. FEDERAL APPEALS (VA) ........................................................................................................................ 62
1. Supplemental Claim ..................................................................................................................... 62
2. Higher-Level Review........................................................................................................................... 62
3. Appeal Board. ...............................................................................................................................63
4. After a Board Appeal Decision ................................................................................................... 64
B. STATE APPEALS (IDVA) ........................................................................................................................64
C. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 65
CHAPTER 8: BENEFITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND CERTAIN ACTIVE SERVICE
MEMBERS ..........................................................................................................................................................66
A. FEDERAL BENEFITS ................................................................................................................................................................ 66
1. Eyeglasses, Contact Lenses, Hearing Aids ................................................................................67
2. Prosthetic Appliances ...................................................................................................................67
3. Annual Clothing Allowance ........................................................................................................67
4. Aids and Services Blind Veterans ............................................................................................... 67
5. Automobiles or Other Conveyances .......................................................................................... 68
6. Specially Adapted Homes ........................................................................................................... 68
7. Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH) ................................................................................. 68
8. Special Home Adaptations (SHA) Grant ................................................................................... 69
9. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant ....................................................................... 70
10. Supplemental Financing .............................................................................................................. 70
11. Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance ..............................................................................................70
12. Independent Living Program (ILP) ............................................................................................ 71
13. Vocational Rehabilitation ............................................................................................................71
14. Rehabilitation Program Period ................................................................................................... 71
15. Rehabilitation Program Costs ..................................................................................................... 72
16. Educational Advance Payment ................................................................................................... 72
17. Employment Benets for Service-Connected Veterans ...........................................................73
18. Disabled Veterans in Business ....................................................................................................73
19. Veteran’s Preference in Hiring .................................................................................................... 73
20. Commissary/Exchange Privileges at Armed Forces Bases ......................................................... 73
B. STATE BENEFITS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 74
1. State Benets Specially Adapted Housing ................................................................................ 74
2. Tax Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing ....................................................................... 74
C. SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 74
CHAPTER 9: BENEFITS FOR CAREGIVERS, SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS .......................... 76
A. FEDERAL BENEFITS: ELIGIBILITY FOR SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS ........................................................ 76
B. FEDERAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS RELATED TO BURIAL ................ 78
1. Burial/Death Benets: Overview ................................................................................................ 78
2. Burial/Death Benets: American Flag ........................................................................................ 78
3. Burial/Death Benets: Presidential Memorial Certicate ....................................................... 79
4. Burial/Death Benets: Burial in a VA National Cemetery ...................................................... 79
5. Burial/Death Benets: Headstone or Grave Marker ...............................................................82
6. Other Federal Burial/Death Benets .......................................................................................... 82
7. Burial Allowance ........................................................................................................................... 83
8. Interment or Plot Allowance ....................................................................................................... 85
C. STATE (IDVA) PROVISIONS RELATED TO BURIAL ................................................................................................. 85
1. Headstone or Grave Marker Supplementary Allowance ........................................................ 85
2. Grave Registration ........................................................................................................................ 85
3. Authority to Operate Veterans Cemeteries ...............................................................................85
D. COUNTY PROVISIONS RELATED TO BURIAL ............................................................................................................. 85
1. Indigent Burial Benet ................................................................................................................. 85
E. FEDERAL DEPENDENTS’ COMPENSATION AND PENSION BENEFITS .............................................................. 86
1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) ................................................................. 86
2. Additional Monetary Benets for Dependents/Survivors ...................................................... 87
F. Federal FAMILY CAREGIVER ............................................................................................................................................ 89
1. Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................ 89
2. Caregiver Benets ......................................................................................................................... 90
G. STATE SURVIVORS BENEFITS ............................................................................................................................................ 90
1. The Line of Duty Compensation Act (LODCA)........................................................................90
2. Illinois National Guardsman’s Compensation Act ..................................................................91
3. Vietnam Era Survivors Benet ....................................................................................................91
4. Global War on Terrorism Survivors Benet ............................................................................ ..92
H. FEDERAL HEALTH CARE BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS .............................. ..92
I. FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN DEPENDENTS AND SPOUSES ......................................93
J. STATE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS FOR DEPENDENTS AND SPOUSES .................................................................95
K. FEDERAL HOUSING BENEFITS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES ..................................................................................95
L. STATE HOUSING BENEFITS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES ........................................................................................96
1. Housing Tax Exemption ............................................................................................................ ..96
M. SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................................................97
CHAPTER 10: EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS ............................................................................................... ..98
A. VA FEDERAL EDUCATION BENEFITS ........................................................................................................................... ..98
1. The Post-9/11 GI Bill ................................................................................................................... ..99
2. The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program ....................................................103
3. Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) .....................................................................................................105
4. Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) .............................................................. 107
5. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) ................................................................. 108
6. Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) ..............................................................108
7. Vocational Rehabilitation ..........................................................................................................109
8. Tutorial Assistance ...................................................................................................................... 111
9. Work-Study Program .................................................................................................................112
10. Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) .................................................................. 112
11. Department of Education (DOE) Federal Student Aid Grants .............................................112
12. Military Service Deferment ....................................................................................................... 112
13. Post-Active Duty Student Deferment ...................................................................................... 113
14. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) ................................................ 114
B. STATE EDUCATION BENEFITS .........................................................................................................................................115
1. In-State Tuition for Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill Beneciaries ................................. 116
2. Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) ......................................................................................................116
3. Illinois National Guard Grant Program (ING) ....................................................................... 117
4. Children of Veterans Tuition Waivers ...................................................................................... 118
5. Work Study Programs................................................................................................................ 118
6. Illinois Troops to Teachers ......................................................................................................... 118
7. MIA/POW Scholarship .............................................................................................................. 119
8. Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) ............................................................................... 119
C. SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................................119
CHAPTER 11: HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESS BENEFITS .......................................................... 120
A. FEDERAL HOUSING LOANS AND RESOURCES ........................................................................................................ 120
1. Description of Benets ............................................................................................................... 120
2. Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................ 120
3. Obtaining a VA Loan Guarantee .............................................................................................. 122
4. How to Apply .............................................................................................................................. 122
5. Determining the Amount VA Will Guarantee ........................................................................ 123
6. Renancing Options ................................................................................................................... 125
B. ILLINOIS HOUSING ASSISTANCE .................................................................................................................................125
C. BUSINESS LOANS AND RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................126
1. The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 ................ 126
2. Lending Programs ...................................................................................................................... 127
D. SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................................127
CHAPTER 12: SPECIAL TOPICS ................................................................................................................128
A. VA BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND FEDERAL RESERVISTS ......................128
1. Qualifying for VA Benets Through Active Service, Traditional Service,
or Technician Service ..................................................................................................................128
2. Disability Compensation ........................................................................................................... 129
3. VA Pension ...................................................................................................................................129
4. Home Loan Guaranty ................................................................................................................ 129
5. Education ..................................................................................................................................... 129
6. Health Care .................................................................................................................................. 130
7. Burial ............................................................................................................................................ 130
8. Insurance ...................................................................................................................................... 130
9. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) ............................................................ 131
B. PHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEW ..............................................................................................................131
C. IMPACT OF INCARCERATION ON THE RECEIPT OF VA BENEFITS ..................................................................131
1. Incarceration and VA Disability Compensation .....................................................................132
2. Incarceration and VA Pension ...................................................................................................132
3. Eligibility for VA Medical Care While Imprisoned ................................................................ 132
4. Receipt of VA Benets Not Paid During Imprisonment by Dependents ............................ 132
5. Education Benets ...................................................................................................................... 133
6. Resumption of VA Benets ........................................................................................................ 133
D. SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................................................................................133
APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................................134
APPENDIX A: VHA VETERAN MEDICAL CENTERS AND SUPPORT SERVICES LOCATIONS IN ILLINOIS ....... 135
1. Overview ......................................................................................................................................135
2. VA Hospitals ................................................................................................................................ 135
3. Community Based Outpatient Clinics [CBOCs] ....................................................................137
4. Vet Centers ................................................................................................................................... 138
5. Veterans Transportation Services (in Illinois) ......................................................................... 140
APPENDIX B: VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN ILLINOIS ....................................................................................141
APPENDIX C: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (IDVA) FIELD SERVICE OFFICE LOCATIONS
.....................................................................................................................................................................144
APPENDIX D: ILLINOIS VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMISSIONS ...................................................................................147
APPENDIX E: SHIPS LIST .....................................................................................................................................................................150
1
Chapter 1: Eligibility for Benets
A.
Introduction to Eligibility for Benets
Generally, there are two parts to determining a veteran’s right to a benet: eligibility and entitlement.
Eligibility is established by meeting certain military service criteria. The focus here is on the required
nature of the service of the current or former service member. Once the military service criteria are
met, the veteran must then meet entitlement criteria. Entitlement criteria depend upon the benet
sought and the current circumstance of the person applying for the benet. Here, the focus is on the
actual claimant whether that is the veteran or a spouse or dependent of a veteran.
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss how the United States Department of Veterans Aairs
(VA) and Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs (IDVA) establish eligibility for and entitlement to
benets. This process is the cause of much consternation for beneciaries who do not understand it.
Reading this chapter hopefully will assist veterans in having a beer understanding of how the VA
and IDVA decide a claim for benets.
In addition to the guidance, which is oered in this publication, the reader is greatly encouraged to
consult other publications by the agencies noted below. In particular, the reader should consult the
VA’s general informational booklet, “Federal Benets for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors.” The
2018 version can be viewed online at
hps://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benets_book/2018_Federal_Benets_for_Veterans.pdf.
B.
Federal Benets (VA)
1.
Eligibility and Entitlement
The veteran must be both eligible and entitled to receive benets. Eligibility means that the applicant
meets specic service requirements (e.g., the veteran received an honorable discharge and served a
specic length of time within one of the branches of the military). Being entitled to a benet means
meeting certain personal requirements (e.g., the individual or family earned income is below a
certain level and a veteran’s disability is service-connected at a specic percentage). Both service
requirements and personal requirements are established by the Congress and VA regulation.
2.
Determining Eligibility: A Three-Step Process (Requirements Based on Military Service)
Type of Discharge
Service dates and type of discharge are the easiest criteria to check. All the information the veteran
needs is on the United States Department of Defense Form 214 (DD 214, “Certicate of Release or
Discharge from Active Duty”) or other discharge papers. The rst eligibility requirement for VA
benets is a discharge or release from service under “other than dishonorable conditions.” This
means the discharge must be one of the following:
• Honorable Discharge
• General Discharge (under honorable conditions)
• Hardship Discharge
• Medical Discharge
2
“Bad paper” discharges (i.e., Dishonorable, Bad Conduct, Undesirable, and “other than honorable”
discharges) are usually a bar to all veterans’ benets. Many veterans who have accepted a less than
honorable discharge were either told or led to believe that it would be automatically upgraded after
six months. This was especially true during the Vietnam era. However, this is a myth and is false. The
only way to get a discharge upgraded is to apply for an upgrade.
Type of Service
Eligibility for most benets requires “active duty.” The Armed Forces of the United States
comprise the active component and the Reserve Component. Service members and veterans of both
components may have “active duty” service. The simplest case is those who have served in the
active component. They have all served on “active duty.” Service in the Reserve Component
1
(which
includes the National Guard) today often, but not always, includes “active duty” service. Basic,
minimal service in the Reserve Component (Inactive Duty for Training [IDT], annual training, etc.)
even when such service includes extended periods of “Active Duty for Training,” does not meet the
requirement for active duty. However, those who serve on active duty with the National Guard or
Reserves are considered to be on “active duty.” In recent years, various units and individual service
members of the Reserve Component have been called up to active duty with increased frequency,
typically for overseas deployments, particularly considering the Global War Against Terror. These
activations are considered active duty service.
Nevertheless, the time requirements for certain benets still apply. For details on circumstances that
make members of the Reserve Component (Reservists and National Guardsmen) eligible for benets,
see sections entitled “Exceptions and Limitations” and “Death While on Active Duty”.
Length of Service
A specied minimum length of service is an eligibility requirement for all benets. The length of time
varies depending upon the veteran’s dates of service and the benet.
Veterans Who Enlisted on or After September 7, 1980: The veterans must complete the shorter of: (1)
24 continuous months of active duty; or (2) the full period for which a person was called or ordered
to active duty to be eligible for any VA benet, unless released for a service-connected disability. The
VA’s eligibility criteria are found at 38 CFR § 3.12a-Minimum active- duty service requirement.
Veterans Who Were in Service Before September 8, 1980: These veterans must complete varying
minimum lengths of active duty service to be eligible for dierent benets. For example, to be eligible
for medical benets, the minimum length of active duty service for any veteran is one day. Eligibility
for a G.I. loan requires a minimum length of service. For a Vietnam-era veteran, 90 days is required.
Eligibility for other benets may require a minimum of 12 months or more.
3.
Service-Connected and Non-Service-Connected Disability
Service-Connected Disability
“Service-connected” is a key term in determining eligibility for disability compensation as well as for
medical and other benets. Service-connected means that the VA has recognized that the veteran’s
disability occurred or had its origins while on active duty and was not the result of willful misconduct.
1 e Reserve Component consists of the Army National Guard of the United States, the Army Reserve, the Naval Reserve, the Marine Corps
Reserve, the Air National Guard of the United States, the Air Force Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. 10 U.S.C. §10101.
3
Tip: If you are currently on active duty, including service with the Reserve Component (National
Guard and the federal Reserves), you should report and seek treatment for any wound, injury, or other
medical condition that occurs or is aggravated while on active duty. You should also obtain a copy of all
examination and treatment records. You should inquire about whether a line of duty investigation will
be performed. When you are released from active duty or active duty for training (including weekend
drill), you should consider ling a claim for service-connection with the VA.
Being service-connected is becoming more important every year, especially in the area of medical
care. Service-connected veterans have a higher priority in receiving medical treatment. Veterans
who are service-connected are also eligible for more benets than veterans who are not service-
connected. Many times, length of service requirements are waived for service-connected veterans.
Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 30% or more may be eligible for additional
allowances for dependents, including spouse. In addition, dependents or survivors of 100% service-
connected veterans may be eligible for health care, educational, and many other benets such as
military base commissary and exchange privilege.
Tip: Veterans who experience a medical or psychiatric condition shortly after discharge and believe the
condition is the result of military service should contact a VA regional oce to le a claim or go to a VA
medical center for treatment. If this is not practical, a private physician should be consulted, and a copy
of all medical records should be kept. The veteran should submit the medical records along with a claim
to the VA to apply for service connection of that condition and retain the records for possible future use
in proving service connection.
Death While on Active Duty
If an individual dies while on active duty or as a result of active duty (including members of the National
Guard and federal Reserves who die while aending a scheduled drill or on active duty for training or as
a result of such drill or training), his or her surviving spouse and/or dependents become eligible for death
benets such as compensation, educational assistance, health care, commissary, and base exchange privileges.
Non-Service-Connected Disability
Non-service-connected is dened as any condition that is not directly traceable to military service or to a
service-connected disability.
4.
Special Requirements Based on Present Circumstances
By “present circumstances,” the VA means the circumstances at the time of application for a benet. In many
cases, the VA will expect the veteran or dependent to provide documentary proof that the special requirements
are met. Some examples of special requirements are:
4
Current Financial Situation
Income below a minimum level prescribed by law is an eligibility requirement for non-service- connected
health care, non-service-connected disability pension, and other benets. Conversely, a good credit record and
ability to repay are requirements to obtain a VA guaranteed home loan.
Current Health Situation
Eligibility for health care requires that the VA recognize the veteran’s condition as one requiring treatment.
Compensation or pension requires a determination as to the degree a disability is disabling (i.e., preventing the
veteran from pursuing gainful employment).
Current Employment Situation
The veteran must be unemployed between certain dates to be eligible for unemployment compensation.
Members of the Reserve Component (National Guard or Reservists) or members who are returning from active
duty have re-employment rights.
Current Status of Survivors and Dependents
Surviving spouses of deceased veterans must not have remarried and dependents must meet age and
dependency requirements.
Current VA Approval of Education or Training Institutions
Eligibility for educational assistance requires that the institution in which the veteran enrolls be currently
approved by the VA.
5.
Exceptions and Limitations
VA regulations are full of phrases such as “provided that,” “only when,” “except in cases where,” “so long as,”
etc. These phrases often call aention to a factor that provides an exception or limitation to a general rule of
eligibility. Some examples of exceptions or limitations are:
A “Delimitation” Date
A delimitation date is the period of time after discharge in which a veteran has to take advantage of a benet,
or the permanent cut-o date of the benet itself.
Continuous Service
Continuous service is a continuous period of active duty service without a break for any reason. Eligibility
for a certain benet may require a continuous period of active duty (e.g., 24 months of continuous service for
educational benets).
“Bad Paper” Discharges
“Bad paper” discharges result in ineligibility for most veterans benets. Some signicant exceptions are as
follows:
5
• Prior Period of Service: When the holder of the bad paper discharge has a previous “under
conditions other than dishonorable” discharge for a prior period of service;
• Upgraded Discharges: When eligibility is restored because the veteran has applied for and
received an upgraded discharge; and
• VA Review Not withstanding Poor Characterization of Service: This is the case where the VA
agrees to review a “bad paper” discharge and nds the veteran eligible for benets. Such instances
are extremely rare and carefully scrutinized by the VA.
Special Status of the Service-Connected Disabled Veterans
Veterans in this category are eligible for virtually all veterans’ benets, regardless of limitations on length
of service, dates of service, etc. They are also eligible for other veterans’ benets that non-service-connected
veterans are not. Members of the National Guard or Reservists who become service-connected disabled
while aending scheduled drills or on active duty for training may be eligible for health care, disability
compensation, and death benets.
Maintaining Eligibility
Many veterans, dependents, and survivors nd their benets stopped because they violate VA rules for
maintaining benets. Examples of how eligibility may be lost are as follows:
Education Benets
Education benets may be stopped if the institution in which the veteran is enrolled loses its VA approval or if
the veteran’s grades or course load fall below the minimum requirements.
Pension Benets
A veteran receiving a non-service-connected pension who earns or otherwise acquires additional income may
lose part or all of his or her pension depending upon the amount of the additional income.
Survivors’ Benets
When the surviving spouse remarries, he or she is no longer eligible for survivors’ benets.
2
Compensation and Pension Benets
Veterans must comply with VA instructions regarding when and where to appear for physical examinations,
observation, or treatment.
Please note: If a veteran or dependent becomes ineligible, not only will the benet stop, but also the VA will
demand that the veteran or dependent pay back any money the VA paid out before it noticed the ineligibility.
While there is recourse for those caught in this situation, it is beer avoided.
2 The claimant may be denied surviving spouse status if they separate from the veteran prior to the veteran’s death. 38 USC §
101(3). If a remarriage occurs after the veteran’s death, the general rule is that the claimant is ineligible for VA benets unless the remar-
riage is void or annulled, or if the remarriage ended before November 1, 1990. 38 CFR §3.55(a).
6
C.
State Benets (Illinois Dept. of Veterans Aairs)
1.
Eligibility and Entitlement
The relationship between “eligible” and “entitled” is the same for state benets as it is for federal benets,
except submission of proof of eligibility goes to the IDVA rather than the VA.
In general, the eligibility requirements for state benets take into consideration the same three factors as
for federal benets but add a fourth: residency. Here are a few key highlights of the IDVA’s eligibility
requirements.
2.
Requirements Based on Military Service
The IDVA uses the same guidelines and denitions of eligibility based on service as the VA. However, Illinois
residency is also required to obtain state veterans benets. For some benets, the veteran must have been a
resident of Illinois at the time of entrance into the service. For others, the requirement is residency both before
and after service.
3.
Special Requirements Based on Present Circumstances
There are state benets for which the present circumstances of the veteran, survivor, or dependent are weighed
to determine eligibility. These circumstances usually relate to the need of the applicant.
4.
Admiance to Illinois Veterans Homes
The IDVA operates veterans’ homes at Quincy, LaSalle, Anna, and Manteno. Residents of the Illinois Veterans
Homes may be charged for care at a rate to be determined by the IDVA. For more details, see the discussion of
State Domiciliary and Nursing Home Care for veterans in Chapter Four: Health Care.
D.
County Benets
5.
Indigent Veteran and Family Assistance
Indigent Veteran and Family Assistance is administered by the County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC)
or local veteran organizations in counties where a VAC does not exist. (For a listing of VACs, see the list of
Illinois Veterans Assistance Commissions the Appendix D.) Indigent Veteran and Family Assistance includes:
• Emergency Relief: Assistance to ensure that indigent veterans (and their families) who are victims
of burn-outs, ood-outs, or unemployment have the basic necessities of life; AND
• Burial Assistance: A burial allowance and the designation of responsibility for proper funeral
arrangements for indigent veterans or members of their immediate family.
6.
Exceptions and Limitations
There are few exceptions and limitations for county benets as most focus on the veteran’s need. All VACs
recognize the standards of indigence as set forth by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
(HFS).
7
E.
Summary
Applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for veteran benets, although the specics vary
depending upon the benet. In general, there are two types of eligibility requirements: requirements based on
military service and special requirements based on present circumstances. If a review of both requirements
indicates the veteran or dependent is eligible for a certain benet, then the veteran should check further
before ling a claim to make sure there are no limitations that will prevent obtaining the benet sought. If the
requirement review shows that the applicant is not eligible for a certain benet, before giving up, the veteran
should make sure that there are no exceptions that would establish eligibility.
Once submied, the receiving agency (the VA or the IDVA) will verify eligibility and review the claim. If
anything is needed to further establish the eligibility for a benet, the agency will notify the applicant. If
benets are denied, the agency will inform the advocate and the applicant as to why the benet was not
awarded. If the veteran or the advocate disagrees, the denial may be appealed.
Finally, once a veteran is receiving a benet, the veteran must protect himself or herself from an unexpected
cut-o and/or overpayment by maintaining eligibility. This simply requires knowing the rules that govern
eligibility and following them. Always remember, it is the veteran’s responsibility to follow up on his or her
claim and to keep the VA or IDVA up to date on any changes that might aect eligibility.
8
Chapter 2: How to Apply for Benets
The purpose of this chapter is to explain how to apply for federal and state veterans benets. This
action is called “making a claim.” This chapter will explain the steps a veteran should take to ensure
that the claim is processed promptly. Additionally, we will discuss the procedures the VA or IDVA
will follow in processing the claim.
A. Federal Benets (VA)
1. Two Types of Federal Disability Benets
There are two basic types of federal disability benets: service-connected disability compensation,
and the non-service-connected pension program. Veterans are entitled to service-connected disability
compensation if: (1) they were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable;
3
(2)
their disease or injury was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty;
4
and (3) the disability is not the
result of their own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
5
On the other hand, non-service-connected pension program eligibility is based on several factors: (1)
wartime service that ultimately results in a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions; (2)
permanent and total disability or age (65 years of age or older); and (3) demonstrated nancial need.
Details on the basic pension eligibility requirements can be found in Chapter 6 of this booklet.
2. Where to Apply
An application for benets can be made at one of three types of VA facilities, depending on the benet
desired. Available federal Veterans benets and locations of VA Regional Oces, Hospitals and
Clinics can be found on the VA website at www.va.gov.
Medical Benets:
Apply at the nearest VA hospital or outpatient
clinic.
Psychological readjustment, including
sexual trauma counseling:
Apply at the nearest Veteran Center
or VA medical facility.
All other benets administered by the VA: Apply to a VA Regional Oce (VARO)
There are four ways to apply to the VA for benets:
1. In Person: Apply by visiting a VA Regional Oce (VARO). For medical or psychiatric care,
apply with a VA Medical or Veteran Center.
2. Mail in Form: Apply by obtaining and completing the appropriate form and sending it to the
appropriate VA Regional Oce or Hospital. All VA Forms are available online at www.va.gov/
vaforms/ or at your local VA Regional Oce.
3. Online: Apply for benets online. An applicant can ll out an application online at www.
ebenets.va.gov/ebenets/ homepage. This site walks the applicant through the process step
by step.
4. Mail in Letter: Apply for benets by writing the VA a letter. This is called an informal claim.
3 38 U.S.C. §101(2).
4 38 U.S.C. § §101(16), 1131.
5 38 U.S.C. § §105(a), 1131.
9
A dependent or survivor may apply for a benet on behalf of a veteran in one of the methods
described above. This is usually done when the applicant is unable to complete the application
because they are incapacitated. An applicant can also apply for benets through an appointed
representative, such as a Veteran Service Organization (VSO).
There are two types of third-party assistance:
1. Administrative: The third party helps determine the applicant’s eligibility, lls out the proper
form, checks it for accuracy and completeness, and forwards it to the appropriate VA facility.
2. Representational Assistance (advocacy): Representational assistance not only takes care of the
administrative details, but also further develops the case and, if necessary, represents the applicant
at hearing and appeal proceedings. There are many Veteran Service Organizations available to
assist veterans in the claims and appeals process.
Tip: If the Veteran has previously applied for benets with the VA and is now seeking third party assistance,
it may be especially helpful for the Veteran to request his or her “Claims File” from the VA. e Veteran can
do this in writing or in person at a VA Regional Oce. Regardless, it is good practice to retain a copy of your
military and medical records for your own safe keeping.
3. Facts the VA Needs to Process a Claim
Veterans or dependents should be ready to supply the VA with the following information when
making a claim: name and address, telephone number, Social Security number, date and place
of birth, and branch of military service. The VA may also ask if the veteran has a “Claim” or “C”
number. “C” numbers were the claim numbers issued years ago before the VA started using the Social
Security number as the claim number.
On occasion, it may be necessary to provide detailed information on military service. Such
information may include: military service number (these were issued to service members prior to
1969), dates of military service, and the unit served with while in combat or when the claimed injury
occurred. The veteran may also be asked to report the dates that certain incidents occurred.
All of the above information, except a VA “C” number, may be found on the veteran’s DD 214 or
other military separation papers. If separation papers are not available, the VA may request military
records using the veteran’s name, Social Security number, military serial number, and branch of
service. This process will take time and may delay the processing of the claim.
Veterans can request a copy of his or her DD-214 or its equivalent, documents in his or her Ocial
Military Personnel File, and copies of medical records from the National Personnel Records Center
online or by mail. Most information is available for request by the Veteran, next of kin of a deceased
Veteran, or a Veteran’s legal guardian. The best way to do this is to write or go online to the National
Personnel Records Center, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Specic instructions are provided on the
NPRC website: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/.
10
NPRC mailing address (unless otherwise is specied on the SF-180 form):
National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
4. Visiting the VA Regional Oce
Should the veteran or dependent visit a VA Regional Oce, he or she will be able to talk directly to
a VA representative. This is a good way to clarify the requirements for the benet sought and to be
informed as to the evidence needed. Additionally, an application for the benet may be completed
on the spot, which will establish the eective date of the award. It is helpful, although not necessary,
to bring a copy of the veteran’s DD 214, separation papers, or discharge papers, if the applicant is a
World War II or Korean War veteran. The VA will routinely run a check on military records anyway,
but if the documents are available to the VA, they are more likely to begin processing the claim. Also,
the sooner the claim is led, the earlier the eective date. Remember that the date benets start is
the date the claim was submitted. It is not, as some think, the date the veteran separated from the
military. A veterans separation date can be important when a claim is led within a specied time
from the date of separation. Lastly, because of heightened security at all federal buildings, including
the VA, the VA now requires a photo identication card and will require all visitors to walk through a
metal detector.
5. The Initial Interview
If the veteran wishes to deal with the VA without the assistance of a third-party representative, the
rst contact will usually be with a Veterans Benets Counselor (VBC) at a VA Regional Oce or VA
Medical Center. During the interview, the veteran and the VBC will exchange information concerning
the benet sought. The applicant should bring all pertinent information to this interview, such as
marriage certicates, divorce decrees, discharge papers, doctors’ reports, proof of school attendance,
and/or nancial information if applying for a pension. Bring anything that may help the VA in
proving eligibility for the benet sought. During the interview, the veteran will be asked to provide
facts regarding service and details on the veteran’s current situation as it relates to the benet.
The interviewer will assist the veteran in completing a claim form for the benet sought. This is
known as making a formal claim. The VA will then start processing it. The VA may do the following
in development of the claim:
• Make Records Requests: Request military Service Medical Records (SMR) and Military
Personnel Records;
• Conduct an Examination: Ask that the veteran submit to a compensation/pension
examination at a VA Medical Center;
• Obtain Records Release: Ask the veteran to sign a release of information so that they can get
medical evidence from the veteran’s private healthcare providers;
• Obtain a Stress or Letter (PTSD cases): Ask that the veteran write a “stressor letter” if the
claim is for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and
• Seek Other Information: Request that the veteran supply any other information needed.
6. Telephoning the VA
The VA now uses a nationwide telephone number: 1-800-827-1000. If dialed from Illinois, the
number will connect the caller to the Chicago Regional Oce. After going through a menu-driven
system to direct the call appropriately, the caller will then be connected to a Veterans Specialist.
11
The specialist will answer questions relating to the benets administered by the VA and questions
relating to a claim. Any time you have a conversation with a VA ocial or veteran’s advocate,
whether by telephone or in-person visit, it is a good practice to take notes about the conversation.
Your notes should include the name of the person you spoke with, the date and time of the meeting/
conversation, and a summary of the discussion, especially any “next step” or action promised or
agreed to by the VA or veteran’s advocate, even if it is only a claim form to be sent. In the event that
the VA later denies the claim and the veteran wishes to appeal, these notes might prove helpful.
7. Writing to the VA
It is not necessary to address a letter to the VA to a specic person, unless you are directed to do
so. Upon receipt of a letter, the VA mailroom sta will route the letter to the appropriate section for
processing. The VA’s reply to your letter will depend upon how the letter is written.
When corresponding with the VA about a benet, always follow the old service adage, K.I.S.S. –
“Keep it Simple, Soldier.” If the letter is short and concise, the veteran will probably get a clear
answer. If the letter is long and rambling, with the question somewhere in the middle, it is unlikely
that the person writing the reply is going to take time to gure it out. Instead, a form letter requesting
specic information will be sent, even though that information was in the original letter. If sending a
hand-written letter, be sure to write legibly.
Any letter to the VA about a benet should include:
• The VA le or “C” number and any other identifying information. The claim number should
be listed at the top of each page of the letter.
• The name, address, and telephone number of the veteran.
• A clear statement of the issue of concern or the benet sought.
The rst letter to the VA should also include the veteran’s Social Security number, branch of
service, military service number, date and place of birth, and dates of service. Once again, the most
convenient way to provide this data is by including a certied copy of the DD 214 or discharge
certicate.
Be sure to date the letter. The VA considers any letter of inquiry from a veteran about a benet an
“informal claim.” This means that if the benet is later awarded, the eective date of the benet (and
in the case of nancial assistance, the date the VA is obligated to begin payment), may be the date the
VA received the rst letter or “informal claim.”
8. Application Made by Dependents
Dependents of a veteran can make an application for benets on behalf of the veteran (e.g., if the
veteran is incapacitated). Dependents can also make direct application for benets to which they are
entitled.
Dependents should provide the basic facts required by the VA as indicated earlier. Since service
record data is often unknown to dependents, make sure this information or a copy of the veteran’s
DD 214 is included among important family papers. Dependents will also need to furnish documents
proving their relationship to the veteran. Examples of such documents include veteran’s death
certicate, marriage certicate, divorce decrees, birth certicate, or any other document that may
prove the veteran’s or the dependent’s claim.
12
9. When the Claim Requires “Development”
The VA is mandated to assist veterans in the development of their claims. Since the passage of the
Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, the VA has also been mandated by law to reasonably assist
a claimant in the claims process. This is commonly known as the VA’s “Duty to Assist.”
6
More
information on this mandate is available later in the book.
Veterans may receive a letter from the VA asking for additional information. The VA calls this “claim
development.” They may request:
• More facts and details about the veteran;
• Additional documents, which could include marriage license, birth certicates, employment
records, school records, medical records, etc.; and
• The veteran’s appearance for a medical examination or psychiatric evaluation (if the veteran is
applying for compensation or pension benets).
The veteran should provide the VA with all the information they request. The deadline to submit
additional evidence is typically one year from the date of the VA’s letter requesting additional
evidence, although you should submit additional evidence as soon as possible as the VA is free
to make a decision on your claim before the expiration of the one-year period. If the veteran does
not provide the requested information, it will damage his or her chance of receiving the applied-for
benet. If the VA sets up an interview or medical appointment, the veteran should be there and be on
time; however, the veteran should also be prepared to wait.
If the requested information is not provided or if the veteran fails to show up for a scheduled
appointment, the VA will stop processing the claim. The VA interprets this failure to comply with
their request as “abandonment of the claim.” This means that the VA may assume the veteran is no
longer interested in obtaining the benet.
10. When a Claim is Approved
If the benet sought is awarded, the VA will send an award letter to the veteran. Attached to the letter
will be a Rating Decision explaining what evidence the VA considered in rating the claim and the
“Reasons and Basis for the Decision.” The veteran should read this very carefully. It is very important
to understand how and why the decision was made, even if the claim was won. The letter will also
explain, though not in as great of detail as the Rating Decision, why the benet was awarded, the
percent of disability, and the amount to be received per month. It will also contain instructions,
which the veteran should read carefully. Many veterans and their families have suered an
overpayment of benets or lost benets because they failed to read the instructions that came with
the award letter. For example, should the veteran be awarded a non-service-connected pension, the
letter will contain instructions that any new income must be reported to the VA.
11. When a Claim is Denied
If the benet sought is denied, the veteran will receive a letter from the VA stating that the application
for the benet has been denied. As stated above, it is important to read very carefully the attached
Rating Decision. The decision will explain what evidence the VA considered. Make sure all of the
evidence submitted was listed under the evidence section. The decision will also have a “Reasons
and Basis” section giving the reasons for the decision. In this area, each piece of evidence in the
evidence section should be discussed. If it is not, this should be noted in the event an appeal is led.
6 38 CFR §3.159.
13
If the applicant believes the VA’s decision was wrong, a “Notice of Disagreement” (NOD) should
be completed. A NOD is the rst step in the appeal process. The NOD may be as long or as short
as the claimant wishes. It could be as simple as, “I disagree with the Rating Decision; Send me a
Statement of the Case.” Or, the NOD may include a statement as to why the claimant disagrees
with the decision. A statement of this type should address each issue under consideration and the
way submitted evidence was considered. A claimant may also wish to address the length of the
compensation and pension examination or what was discussed in the examination. In addition, the
claimant may submit new evidence with the NOD to help prove the case.
When the VA receives the NOD, they will review the case again. They may, for example, reconsider
certain pieces of evidence, consider evidence submitted but not listed in the decision, or request a
new examination. Should they continue to deny the claim, they will issue a “Statement of the Case”
(SOC). The SOC is a restatement of the Rating Decision and a chronology of the claim.
If the applicant continues to disagree with the VA’s decision, then the appeal is continued by
completing the VA Form 9, Appeal to the Board of Veteran Appeals, which they will receive with
the SOC. Submitting this form is called perfecting the appeal. The form oers the applicant another
opportunity to state the case. It also oers an opportunity to:
• Have a personal hearing in Washington, D.C., before the Board of Veteran Appeals.
• Have a personal hearing at the VA Regional Oce before the Traveling Board of Veteran
Appeals.
• Have a hearing using the VA’s video conferencing techniques. (This is like a personal hearing
except the board member is in Washington and the applicant is at the Regional Oce.)
12. When Notication is Delayed
When a benet claim is submitted, the VA is obligated to notify the veteran that the benet has
been awarded or denied, or to request further development of the claim “within a reasonable time,”
although the length of time actually required may vary depending upon the benet. If the veteran
has had no contact from the VA after four months, an inquiry should be made about the status of the
claim. A backlog in case processing is a constant problem. Several years ago, some veterans waited
over six months just to have their claim considered for the rst time. Currently, reports are that the
new claims may be taking from twelve to eighteen months to be completed.
13. What to do if a Claim is Delayed
There are several options open to a veteran or an advocate who wants to inquire about the status of a
claim. A letter could be sent asking for the status of the claim. The veteran may also call the VA toll-
free at 1-800-827-1000 and ask for a status report. If a Veteran Service Ocer (VSO) is handling the
claim, then the veteran should contact the VSO. Often, a VSO can get an instant update on the claim
and its location.
The veteran may choose to visit the VA counselor who helped le the claim. When making this
follow-up contact, be wary of answers such as, “These things take time,” or “It’s just routine.” The
claim may be stuck. Try to nd out what has happened to the claim, where the claim is now, and
when the determination will be made. In most instances, a veteran service ocers can explain exactly
what is wrong or what needs to be done to get the case moving. Veteran service ocers have direct
access to adjudication and the rating specialist and can talk face to face with the person processing the
claim.
14
Many veterans and dependents become very frustrated when the claim is not awarded quickly.
Sadly, the VA often takes months to get the rst decision processed. In the case of contested claims,
it may actually take years to get a nal decision. It is important to not take this frustration out on the
person trying to provide assistance. Claims, for the most part, are processed in the order received
and there are thousands of claims. Calling constantly, writing a lot of letters, or constantly asking
your representative to inquire about the claim may have a negative eect. Each inquiry causes the
claim le to be pulled from its location so that an answer may be given. This may actually delay the
processing. Patience is a must when dealing with the VA. Keep inquiries to a minimum.
If, however, the claim has gone on for some time without a decision or contact by the VA, then
other steps may be required. This may include appointing a Veteran Service Organization as your
representative or making a personal visit to the Regional Oce to talk with someone who actually
knows about your claim.
14. Fully Developed Claims
The VA oers an expedited claims process, the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program, which
provides an optional method to present a variety of compensation, pension, and survivor benet
claims. This process is designed to guide the claimant in the submission of a claim which is complete
upon submission, thereby enabling VA the ability to oer to review and act upon such a claim more
quickly than through the traditional submission process. For more information on this program, see
the VA’s website at the following location: http://www.benets.va.gov/fdc/.
B. Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs Benets (IDVA)
The procedure for applying to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs for benets is generally
the same as when applying to the VA. The most signicant dierence is that the veteran may use the
IDVA to apply for either U.S. or State of Illinois benets. IDVA eld ocers are knowledgeable about
both state and federal benets. Their oces are well-stocked with appropriate U.S. and State benet
application forms. Since the IDVA has approximately 80 eld oces across the State, many claimants
prefer to take their federal benet business to the IDVA rather than to one of the few VA facilities. If
a veteran is interested in federal benets, IDVA service ocers are able to counsel the veteran on the
specics and review qualications.
Those veterans who have access to a computer with Internet service (note: many libraries have
computers that are hooked up to the Internet) may visit the IDVA’s Web site and see all state benets
and the location of all IDVA eld oces and Veterans Homes. The web address for the IDVA is:
http://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx.
C. Summary
Veterans and dependents that go to the VA or IDVA for benets have a right to expect courteous,
prompt, ecient service. At the same time, the veteran’s cooperation in providing the VA or
IDVA with the information they request is essential to having a claim processed. If any problem is
encountered in dealing with the VA or IDVA, and if it cannot be resolved with the VA counselor or
IDVA eld ocer (Veteran Service Ocer), Veteran Service Organizations are a great source of help.
15
Chapter 3: Sources of Help in Obtaining Benets
There are two kinds of help that veterans may need when they decide to claim a benet:
administrative assistance and representational (advocacy) help.
A. Administrative Assistance
The veteran needs administrative help when the problem is one that can best be solved with technical
interpretative assistance. A few examples of the kinds of problems that might require administrative
assistance are:
• Help in Filling Out a Form
• Help in Resolving Conicting Information: A buddy says the veteran is eligible for VA medical
treatment, but according to a pamphlet the veteran reads, he or she is not.
• Help in Getting Action on an Issue: The VA notied the veteran months ago that his or her
educational benets were approved, but the veteran has yet to receive the rst check. The
veteran has written and called, but has not received a satisfactory response. The veteran needs
someone who knows the system to check into it.
B. Representational (Advocacy) Assistance
The veteran needs representational help when the problem is more complex, requiring representation
in a matter before the VA or other government agency. This is assistance that is more professional
in nature – the type of help that might be provided by an experienced Veterans Service Ocer, a
trained Veterans Advocate, or a lawyer. Here are some examples of the problems that might require
representational assistance:
• Help in Appealing Denial of a Claim: The veteran’s claim was turned down. The veteran
believes the claim was justied. The veteran needs a representative to work on the appeal with
him or her.
• Help in Getting Service-Connected-Disability Compensation Long After Discharge: The
veteran is sure his or her present condition is traceable to an injury in service but does not
know how to build the case.
• Help in Dealing with Overpayment: The veteran was notied that an overpayment has
occurred and wants to apply to the board on waivers and compromises for relief.
• Help in Reopening a Claim: The veteran needs assistance in reopening a claim that was
previously denied.
C. Where to Find Help
There are a number of sources of help available to veterans, dependents, and survivors. Most oer
both administrative and representational help, although some tend to concentrate more on one than
another.
1. The U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs (VA)
The VA is one of the veteran’s two best sources of administrative help besides a veterans services
ocer. The veteran will nd that any specic questions he or she might have will be answered
promptly and clearly. The VA Regional Oce has a number of veteran benets counselors ready to
answer questions, assist in lling out VA forms, and explain VA procedures.
16
Although a VA benets counselor can serve as the veteran’s representative in Regional Oce
hearings and before the Board of Veteran Appeals (BVA or “the Board”) – and some perform this
service exceedingly well – it would probably be wiser to seek representational help elsewhere.
2. The Illinois Department of Veterans Aairs (IDVA)
The IDVA now supplies both administrative and representational assistance. Many of the IDVA’s eld
ocers (Veteran Service Ocers) are good at representing veterans in VA proceedings and, now that
there are IDVA service ocers at the VA, they can take a claim from start to nish – even through the
appeal process. The IDVA has an added resource in that their eld service ocers may now assist in
the development of evidence and help the veterans in obtaining information from the VA through
their Regional Oce service ocers. A complete list of IDVA eld oces can be found in Appendix C
of this book.
3. Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
VSOs provide both administrative and representational help. This means that VSOs may take a claim
from start to nish and through the appeal process. Some VSOs even assist veterans before the Court
of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
The individuals who provide this service are service ocers. There are two types of service ocers:
the local post or chapter service ocers who are part-time volunteers, and the full-time, professional
service ocers who are employees of the VSO.
The local post or chapter service ocers are versed in veterans’ benets. They tend, however, to
be more active in providing administrative assistance and counseling, with their representational
caseload being referred to full-time service ocers at the Chicago VA Regional Oce. For a list of
veteran organizations and their locations, see Appendix B of this book.
4. Attorneys
The VA allows accredited agents and attorneys to represent veterans and receive a fee for their
services.
7
While attorneys may assist in all aspects of claims, fees may only be charged for work
performed after an agency has issued their initial decision. All fee agreements must be in writing
and signed by both the veteran and their attorney. Fees can be charged on the basis of an hourly
rate, a at fee, or a contingency agreement (percentage of the back due benets that are recovered).
Contingency fees of 20% or lower are presumed to be reasonable and fees of 33 1/3% or higher are
presumed to be unreasonable.
Some attorneys or organizations will handle claims for veterans pro bono (without a fee). One such
organization is the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network (IL-AFLAN), that coordinates legal
assistance resources provided by several legal aid organizations and law school clinics. IL-AFLAN
can be reached by phone at 855-452-3526 (855-IL-AFLAN) or online at https://ilaan.org/.
5. The County Veterans Assistance Commissions (VAC)
Although provided for under Illinois law, not all counties have a Veterans Assistance Commission.
Where they have been established, they usually serve as another good source of administrative help.
In addition, depending upon individual qualications, some VAC superintendents have compiled
7 38 CFR § 14.636.
17
excellent records as veteran case representatives. For a list of VAC locations, refer to Appendix D of
this book, or visit https://www.veteransbenetsillinois.org/.
6. Military and Veterans Rights Bureau – Oce of the Attorney General
The Military and Veterans Rights Bureau provides assistance to veterans, dependents, or survivors
with regard to understanding available benets and eligibility requirements. The Military and
Veterans Rights Bureau will also refer veterans for further assistance as appropriate.
More information is available at https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/veterans.html. The
Bureau stas a hotline for further assistance at 1-800-382-3000.
7. Elected Ocials
Elected ocials at the State and Federal levels usually have sta members who are skilled in
resolving continuant problems and complaints. These sta members often assist service members
and veterans to understand what benets they are entitled to and how to go about securing those
benets.
D. How to Choose a Representative
First, shop around. Too many veterans feel like they are “stuck” with the rst service ocer they
meet. This is a mistake. Veterans should take care to select a representative who can intelligently
prepare and persuasively present their case. A good representative is aware of all the rights and
benets available and the tactics needed to obtain those benets.
When choosing a VSO service ocer or advocate, always try to meet face to face. If that is not
possible, a telephone conference is the next best thing. Next, ask questions about how the case will
proceed, including whether there is enough evidence in the record to win. If not, ask what other
evidence may be helpful to the case and get suggestions on how to obtain that evidence. In short, be
involved in the case. Also, make sure that your communications with your veterans service ocer
are clear and concise. It is a good idea to prepare some notes before calling so you can make sure
you discuss all the topics relevant to your case. Finally, remember that VSO service ocers are paid
professionals. Most know their business. Usually, it is a good idea to follow their instructions.
In the end, the veteran, and only the veteran, has the most to gain or lose in the claims process.
Take notes. Gather your evidence and gather your thoughts. Ask questions and act deliberately.
Professionals can provide guidance, experience, and analysis, but veteran will always be their own
best advocate.
18
E. Summary
Veterans often need administrative assistance and representational (advocacy) assistance to
eectively present their claim. When choosing a representative, the veteran should carefully consider
the training and experience of each potential advocate. Veterans should select representatives who
communicate well and have a clear understanding of the process ahead.
Veterans should become as knowledgeable about their claim as possible so they can gather, organize,
and present their evidence persuasively. Finally, veterans should be aware of the time frame for
processing a claim. Initial ratings can often take longer than a year and appeals to be heard before the
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) often take several years to resolve.
19
Chapter 4: Healthcare
The VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system with more than 1,255 sites of
care, including hospitals, community clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment
counseling centers, and various other facilities. For additional information on VA health care, visit:
http://www.va.gov/health. (For contact information regarding the many VA (VHA) sites located
within Illinois, see Appendix A.) Over the last several years, the VA has changed the way it provides
for the health care needs of the aging veteran population.
A. DescriptionofBenet
Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system are eligible for health benets which include inpatient
and outpatient care, prescription medications, geriatric and extended care, mental health services,
sexual trauma services, dental care, and specialized treatment and rehabilitation services for
veterans with certain disabilities. A complete range of care and services is available at VA Medical
Centers, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), and Vet Centers. The locations of VA medical
treatment centers in Illinois are available in Appendix A of this book. The VA website has a feature
that allows veterans to search for facilities by location and specialty at: https://www.va.gov/nd-
locations/?facilityType=health. Additionally, the VA now has multiple smartphone applications
that can be downloaded at https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/. These applications allow veterans to
manage their healthcare, organize their appointments, and connect with their medical care providers.
B. Eligibility for VA Healthcare and Characterization of Service
1. Generally
A veteran’s characterization of service can impact their eligibility for VA Health Care. In some cases,
a veteran’s characterization of service may bar access to such health care. All veterans seeking or
considering seeking VA health care should consult with an accredited veteran service ocer, and,
in certain instances, legal counsel. Veterans should not immediately assume that they are ineligible
because of some negative military service history.
Generally, veterans are eligible for VA Health Care benets if they have been discharged “under
conditions other than dishonorable.” For example, “Honorable” and “General Under Honorable
Conditions” are two forms of administrative discharge that are qualifying. Alternatively, “Other
than Honorable” (OTH) administrative discharges or “Dishonorable” or “Bad Conduct” punitive
discharges that were issued by General Courts-Martial are usually disqualifying. To make a
determination, the VA applies the standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. §3.12. If you are a veteran with an
unfavorable discharge status you can either apply for a discharge upgrade or seek a VA Character
of Discharge review. If you are a veteran suering from service-connected mental health issues you
may be eligible for medical care despite your discharge characterization.
Finally, members or former members of the federal reserves or of the National Guard may also be
eligible for access to VA healthcare benets if the member was called to active duty (other than for
training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered
to active duty.
20
2. Special Health Care Rule for OTH Discharges
Under Section 2 of P.L. 95-126 (Oct. 8, 1977), a veteran with an “Other Than Honorable” discharge
that would otherwise be a bar to eligibility under the application of 38 C.F.R. §3.12, still may be
eligible for such health care if the care is for service-connected or service-aggravated disabilities.
However, an important “caveat” is that statutory bars to benets still may apply even to this special
health care rule.
8
C. HowtoApplyforVAMedicalBenets
Access to VA healthcare and receipt of other non-healthcare benets such as VA disability pay are
oered by two distinct parts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs (the VA). Healthcare is
administered by the Veterans Healthcare Administration, and non-healthcare related benets are
oered by the Veterans Benets Administration. Applying for or through one is not applying for
the other. In this chapter, the focus is on VA healthcare services oered through the VHA. General
information can be found at www.va.gov/health.
In 2019, the VA began implementing changes to implement The Mission Act of 2018 which
restructures community care programs, expands access to non-VA care and the Caregiver Program,
and modernizes the VA’s information technology.
9
To enroll in the VA healthcare system, there are
several methods available.
1. Application by Mail
Pick up a VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benets) application at your local VA or
download the application online https://www.va.gov/nd-forms/about-form-10-10ez/. According
to the VA Form 10-10EZ, complete the application (be sure to sign it) and mail it to:
Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
2. Application Online
The VA now oers the ability to ll out and submit online the VA Form 10-10EZ. The current address
is: https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/Form/1010ez.pdf. The VA states there is no
need for additional documents to verify military service, noting that if you were recently discharged,
they will get the military information for you. Once you have lled out all the elds of the form
online, you can submit it to the VA with the click of a button. In response, you will get an instant
conrmation message notifying you of receipt of the application.
8 See VA Publication IB 10-488 at
https://www.va.gov/healthbenets/resources/publications/10-448_Other_Than_Honorable_8_26_21.pdf
9 See Pub. L. 115-182.
21
3. Application by Telephone
The VA also oers the ability to initiate an application over the telephone. Applicants should call 1
(877) 222-VETS (8387) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the business week, Monday
through Friday, eastern time. Over the phone, a VA representative will walk you through the
information required on the 10-10EZ. Afterwards, within 3-5 days, you should receive the completed
VA Form 10-10EZ for your review, signature and return to the VA. Mail this application to the same
address listed above under “Application by Mail.”
4. Application in Person
Applicants can always go in person to their local VA health care facility to complete a 10-10EZ.
In person applicants should expect to receive written notication of their enrollment status in the
healthcare system within 5 to 7 days. Applicants who disagree with the VA’s enrollment decisions
will receive written instructions on how to appeal.
5. Application for Long-Term Care
Applicants for Long-Term Care benets, including community nursing home care, domiciliary care,
adult day health care, geriatric evaluation, and respite care may also need to complete VA Form
10-10EC, Application for Extended Care Services. The form is required for nonservice- connected
and zero percent service-connected enrolled Veterans with income over the single pension rate. The
current address is: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-10EC%20Fill%202017.pdf.
D. Priority Groups
The number of veterans who can be enrolled in the health care program is determined by the amount
of money Congress gives the VA each year. Since funds are limited, the VA set up Priority Groups
to make sure that certain groups of veterans are able to be enrolled before others. Upon completing
the VA Form 10-10 EZ, the VA will verify the veteran’s eligibility and assign the veteran to one of the
Priority Group’s listed below. The Priority Groups range from 1 to 8 with 1 being the highest Priority
Group and 8 being the lowest. Veterans may be eligible for more than one Enrollment Priority Group.
In that case, the VA will always place the veteran in the highest Priority Group for which they are
eligible. Some veterans may have to agree to pay copays to be placed in certain Priority Groups. More
information on Priority Groups is available online at the following link: https://www.va.gov/opa/
publications/benets_book/Chapter_1_Health_Care_Benets.asp.
1. Summary of the Priority Groups
Priority Group 1
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50 percent or more
• Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions
• Veterans who have been awarded the Medal of Honor
Priority Group 2
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 or 40 percent
22
Priority Group 3
• Veterans who are former Prisoners of War
• Veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal
• Veterans whose discharge was for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
• Veterans with VA service-connected disabilities rated 10 or 20 percent
• Veterans awarded special eligibility classication under Title 38 U.S.C. § 1151, “benets for
individuals disabled by treatment or vocational rehabilitation.”
• Veterans whose discharge was for a disability that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty
Priority Group 4
• Veterans who receive increased compensation or pension based on their need for regular aid and
attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound.
• Veterans determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled.
10
Priority Group 5
• Nonservice-connected Veterans and non-compensable service-connected Veterans rated by VA
as 0-percent disabled and who have an annual income below the VA’s geographically-adjusted
income limit (based on your resident ZIP code)
• Veterans receiving VA Pension benets
• Veterans eligible for Medicaid benets
Priority Group 6
• Compensable 0 percent service-connected Veterans
• Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation during atmospheric testing or during the occupation of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Project 112/SHAD participants;
• Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975
• Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations from Aug. 2, 1990, through Nov.
11, 1998;
• Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after Nov. 11, 1998, as follows: Veterans
discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, for ve years post discharge; and Veterans
who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between Aug.1, 1953, and Dec. 31,
1987. Currently enrolled Veterans and new enrollees who served in a theater of combat operations
after Nov. 11, 1998 and those who were discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are
eligible for the enhanced benets for ve years post discharge.
• Note: At the end of this enhanced enrollment priority group placement time period, veterans
will be assigned to the highest priority group their eligibility for which their status at that time
qualies.
Priority Group 7
• Veterans with gross household income below the geographically adjusted VA income limit for
their resident location and, who agree to pay copayments.
11
10 VA clinical determination that the veteran has a severely disabling injury, disorder or disease that permanently compromises
the veteran’s ability to carry out daily living activities. The disability must be so severe 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. See VA Health Care
Fact Sheet, IB 10 435, Catastrophically Disabled Veterans, December 2011. See the website at https://www.va.gov/healthbenets/
assets/documents/publications/IB-10-435_Catastrophically_Disabled_Veterans.pdf.
11 Access VA GMT Table for 2019 at https://www.va.gov/healthbenets/apps/explorer/AnnualIncomeLimits/
LegacyVAThresholds?FiscalYear=2019.
23
Priority Group 8
Veterans with gross household incomes above VA national income limit and the geographically-
adjusted income limit for their resident location and, who agree to pay copayments.
Veterans eligible for enrollment: Noncompensable 0% service-connected and are:
• Subpriority a: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date
and/or placed in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status.
• Subpriority b: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009, whose income exceeds the current VA
national income limits or VA national geographic income limits by 10 percent or less
• Veterans eligible for enrollment: nonservice-connected and:
• Subpriority c: Enrolled as of Jan. 16, 2003, and who remained enrolled since that date and/or
placed in this subpriority due to changed eligibility status
• Subpriority d: Enrolled on or after June 15, 2009 whose income exceeds the current VA national
income limits or VA national geographic income limits by 10 percent or less
• Veterans not eligible for enrollment: Veterans not meeting the above criteria
• Subpriority e: 0-percent service-connected (eligible for care of their service-connected
condition only)
• Subpriority f: Non-service-connected (check current income levels)
2. Combat Veterans
12
Veterans who served in a theater of combat after November 11, 1998, and were discharged under
conditions other than dishonorable on or after January 28, 2003. The VA may request military
documentation reecting service in a combat theater, receipt of combat service medals, receipt of
combat tax exemption, or imminent danger or hostile re pay.
Such veterans are eligible for enhanced enrollment placement into Priority Group 6 for 5 years from
the date of discharge or release. This means that combat veterans who were originally enrolled based
on their combat service but later moved to a lower Priority Group (due to the law’s former 2-year
limitation) are to be placed back in the priority for combat veterans for 5 years beginning on the date
of their discharge or release from active service.
Duration: The 5-year enrollment period begins on the discharge or separation date of the service
member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent
discharge date.
E. Reservists and National Guard Members
Members of the Reserves and National Guard called are eligible for health care if they served on
active duty in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and have been discharged
under other than dishonorable conditions.
Those Reservists and National Guard members seeking to apply for VA health care must complete
VA Form 10-10EZ and submit a copy of their DD 214 or certicate of release or discharge from active
duty. Also needed, especially if it is not noted on the DD 214, is documentation showing receipt of
Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger pay; an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, or Southwest Asia Campaign Medal; proof
of exemption of federal tax status for Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger pay or orders to a theater
of combat operations. If a VA Medical Center is close by, veterans may choose to go to the Medical
Center to apply or apply online at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/. The veteran
12 See VA https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/apply/returning_servicemembers.asp.
24
may also call 1-877-VETS (8387) to obtain a form through the mail.
F. Copayments
13
On September 1, 1999, the VA became Medicare compliant. This changed the way the VA does
business in two very important ways. The rst is that the VA now bills private insurance companies
what are called “reasonable charges” – meaning that the bill the insurance company gets will now
contain charges similar to those of private hospitals. The bill will be itemized just like a private
hospital’s bill. The second is that those veterans who must co-pay are now required to pay a larger
deductible. Additionally, by law, the VA must bill the insurance companies of veterans treated for
non-service-connected conditions.
1. Inpatient Treatment
14
There are two inpatient copayment rates: the full rate and the reduced rate. Veterans living in high-
cost areas may qualify for the reduced inpatient copayment rate. Veterans who have a service-
connected disability rating of 10% or higher are not required to pay a copayment for inpatient
medical care.
Priority Group 7
Veterans in this group must pay copays of $281.60 for the rst 90 days of inpatient hospital care
during any 365-day period, and $140.80 for each additional 90-day period of care. Additionally, there
is a $2 per diem charge.
Priority Group 8
Veterans in this group must pay copays of $1,408.00 for the rst 90 days of inpatient hospital care
during any 365-day period, and $704.00 for each additional 90-day period of care. Additionally, there
is a $10 per diem charge.
2. Outpatient Treatment
15
The VA charges a $15 co-payment for each primary (basic) care visit and $50 for each specialty care
visit. Veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are not required to pay
a copayment for outpatient medical care.
3. Urgent Care (Community Care)
Priority groups 1-5 have $0 copays for their rst 3 visits in each calendar year and have $30 copays
thereafter. Priority group 6 oers $0 copays for their rst 3 visits in each calendar year and have $30
copays thereafter as long as the treatment is related to a condition covered by a special authority.
Visits connected to unrelated conditions have $30 copays. Priority groups 7 and 8 have copays of $30
per visit. There is a $0 copay for u shots.
4. Prescription Medication
16
Medication copays are required for each prescription, including those shorter than 30 days. Copays
are also charged for over the counter medications dispensed at VA pharmacies.
13 VA Benets and Healthcare, Copayments https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/revenue_ops/copays.asp (last accessed
November 21, 2021)..
14 38 CFR §17.108(b) (2020 rates).
15 38 CFR §17.108(c) (2020 rates).
16 38 CFR §17.110 (2018 rates).
25
Veterans with priority group 1 have no copays. Veterans in priority groups 2 through 8 have a tiered
copay system based on the length of the supply and the type of medications. Preferred generics
have copays of $5-$15. Non-preferred generics and some over the counter medications have copays
of $8-$24. Brand-name medications have copays ranging from $11-$33. Medication copayments are
capped at $700 per year. Veterans who have a service-connected rating of 30% or less, and whose
income is at or below the applicable national income thresholds may wish to complete a medication
copayment exemption test with the VA.
5. Long-Term Care
17
Veterans in need of long-term care services must rst complete and submit VA Form 10-10EC,
Application for Extended Care Services which can be downloaded at https://www.va.gov/vaforms/
form_detail.asp?FormNo=10EC. The VA charges for long-term care services vary by type of service
provided and the individual veteran’s ability to pay. The copay amount for inpatient care ranges from
$0 to $97 per day; $15 per day for outpatient care; and $5 per day for domiciliary care.
G. How the VA Bills
1. Copayments for Veterans Covered by a Health Insurance Plan
Veterans who are not eligible for free VA healthcare service must agree to pay a copayment to receive
that service, regardless of whether they are covered by a health insurance plan. Once the total bill for
treatment is determined, the VA will rst submit the bill to the veteran’s health insurance company.
This includes billing to a Medicare supplemental plan, which is sometimes referred to as a Medigap
supplemental policy. Should the insurance company not reply to the VA’s demand for payment, pay
only a part of the bill, or deny payment, the VA will bill the veteran for the total cost of care or that
portion not paid by insurance. The VA usually allows about 90 days for the insurance company to
reply to the billing. If the insurance company refused to pay or only paid a portion of the bill, it is
a good idea for the veteran to personally contact the insurance company. There are many occasions
where a bill will be denied the rst time it is submitted and paid upon second consideration.
The veteran should address all questions on copay billing to the Medical Care Cost Recovery (MCCR)
oce at the local VA Medical Center. It is always better to pay the bill as soon as it is received. The VA
is mandated by law to collect payments due and will do so quickly. Should a bill be found invalid or
should the veteran become service-connected for a disability for which he or she was billed, the VA
will reimburse the veteran for the amount paid.
2. How the VA Determines Income and Net Worth
Most nonservice-connected veterans are required to complete an annual nancial assessment. The
nancial assessment consists of the veteran’s total family income and assets. Income includes, but is
not limited to, wages, retirement pensions, military retirement, unemployment compensation, U.S.
railroad retirement, interest and dividends, worker’s compensation, and any other type of income.
Such income is counted for the spouse and children living with the veteran. Income is counted for the
calendar year prior to the application for treatment.
Net worth includes the market value of stocks, bonds, notes, IRAs, bank deposits, savings accounts,
17 38 CFR §17.111(b).
26
and cash; however, personal property and the veteran’s residence are not counted. The VA determines
net worth by subtracting total debts from the total net worth. The result is the adjusted net worth.
It should be noted that the VA will not check the income and net worth at the time the application
is completed. However, they may at their discretion check with Social Security and the IRS to verify
what the veteran submitted. If there is a discrepancy, a retroactive billing for the cost of care and
medications could be created. If the veteran fails to pay the bill, all treatment could be terminated.
3. Subrogation/Reimbursement
The VA is mandated by law to bill insurance companies for the cost of care for those veterans who
must pay a copay. The VA also bills and collects money from tortfeasors (i.e. other drivers in motor
vehicle accidents) or workers’ compensation insurance for treatment received through the VA system.
The VA asks veterans for information about their private health insurance and any injury related
claims so that they can more eectively collect the money that they are owed. As a result of the VA
MISSION Act of 2018, the VA no longer requires permission to bill health insurance carriers for health
care related to a sensitive diagnosis such as drug or alcohol abuse, alcoholism, HIV/HIV testing, or
sickle cell anemia.
H. Catastrophically Disabled Veterans
18
A catastrophically disabled veteran is one who has “a permanent severely disabling injury, disorder,
or disease that compromises the ability to carry out the activities of daily living to such a degree
that the individual requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed or requires
constant supervision to avoid physical harm to self or others.” Veterans who meet this denition
will be placed in Priority Group 4, unless they qualify for a higher group. A veteran or his or her
representative may request an evaluation by contacting the Enrollment Coordinator at their local VA
health care facility. The evaluation is a physical/mental examination conducted by the hospital. The
examination includes a review of the veteran’s medical records. Catastrophically disabled veterans
are exempted from inpatient, outpatient, and prescription copays.
I. Women Veterans
The VA provides a variety of services for women, including primary care and specialized services
such as reproductive services, rehabilitation, mental health, and treatment for military sexual
trauma.
19
For more information, visit http://www.womenshealth.va.gov/.
1. Mammography
The VA has expanded access to onsite mammograms by 62 percent since 2010, which is an outcome
of the focus on improving access to breast screening and coordination of care. Additionally, some
facilities oer mammograms to walk-in patients and same-day ultrasounds. All eligible women
Veterans have access to mammograms either on-site or through care in the community. VA has
increased access to breast screening by establishing a state-of-the-art information technology Breast
Cancer Registry (BCR). The BCR integrates patient data to provide comprehensive, patient-specic
information about breast cancer screening, test results, past and current breast cancer treatment, and
population surveillance of breast care (both in the community and within VA).
20
18 VA Health Care Fact Sheet, IB 10 435, Catastrophically Disabled Veterans, July 2019.
19 https://www.benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/MST.pdf.
20 U.S. Dept. of Veterans Aairs, Women Veterans Health, Understanding Your Mammogram,
https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/OutreachMaterials/ReproductiveHealth/UnderstandingYourMammogram.asp
(last accessed November 21, 2021).
27
A nationwide toll-free mammography information line now expands the VA’s medical service to
women veterans. The toll-free number is 1-888-492-7844.
J. BeneciaryTravel
1. DescriptionofBenetandEligibility
Veterans may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement of travel expenses in connection with
receiving VA medical care. Veterans must meet certain criteria to be eligible for beneciary travel.
Travel payments will generally not exceed the public transportation rate and may be made only to the
following categories of otherwise qualied veterans:
• Veteran has a service-connected rating of 30% or more;
• Veteran is traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition;
• Veteran receives VA pension benets;
• Veteran income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate;
• Veteran is traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension examination;
• Veteran is traveling to get a service dog; OR
• Veteran can’t aord to pay for their travel, as dened by VA Guidelines.
A veteran qualies for Special Mode Transportation (ambulance, wheelchair van, etc.) if:
• Veteran is eligible for general health care travel reimbursement, and
• A VA health care provider determines that the veteran’s medical condition requires an ambulance
or a specially equipped van for travel, and
• The VA has approved the veteran’s travel in advance, unless the travel is for an emergency
situation where a delay would threaten the veteran’s life or health.
It should be noted that travel is usually given only from the veteran’s home to the nearest VA
hospital. The VA has also established a deductible that must be met prior to travel being paid.
Reimbursement is paid at 41.5 cents per mile with a $3 deductible for each one-way trip and $6 for
a round trip not to exceed $18 per calendar month. It’s a good idea to check with the travel clerk to
establish eligibility and the deductible. If there is a need for special transportation (e.g., ambulance,
wheelchair van, etc.), be sure to get prior approval from the treating physician or the admitting
physician. Travel at VA expense must be authorized in advance. If you don’t get prior approval, you
could end up paying the cost yourself. Be sure to check your eligibility for special transportation. For
more information visit: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/.
K. VALong-TermCareBenets
1. Nursing Home Care
The VA provides nursing home care services to veterans through three national programs: VA owned
and operated Community Living Centers (CLC), state veterans’ homes owned and operated by
the states, and the contract community nursing home program. Each program has admission and
eligibility criteria specic to the program.
2. VA Community Living Centers
A Community Living Center is a VA Nursing Home. There are over 100 Community Living Centers
across the country, including 5 in Illinois (Chicago, North Chicago, Danville, Hines, and Marion).
28
Veterans may stay for a short time or, in rare instances, for the rest of their life. It is a place where
veterans can receive nursing home level of care, which includes help with activities of daily living
(e.g., bathing and getting dressed) and skilled nursing and medical care. Eligibility is based on
clinical need and setting availability. Applicants should complete a VA Form 10-10EC to determine
the amount of copay they would be responsible for paying (if any).
3. Contract Community Nursing Home Program
These are VA medical centers that have contracts with community nursing homes. This program
provides long-term nursing home care to veterans in their own communities.
4. Eligibility Requirements
The criteria for admission into any of the three nursing home programs requires that the veteran be
medically stable (i.e., not acutely ill), have sucient functional decits to require inpatient nursing
home care, and be assessed by an appropriate medical provider to be in need of institutional nursing
home care.
L. Domiciliary Care
1. DescriptionofBenet
Provides rehabilitative care on an ambulatory self-care basis for veterans disabled by age or disease
who are not in need of acute hospitalization and who do not need the skilled nursing services
provided in nursing homes. Care is provided in a VA domiciliary facility
2. Eligibility Requirements
Veterans of the various military services who were discharged for a disability or are in receipt of
disability compensation and suering from a permanent disability, have no adequate means of
support, are incapacitated from earning a living, and meet certain other requirements may be eligible
for domiciliary care. Care for homeless veterans, including domiciliary care can be accessed by
calling 1-877-484-3838.
M. Housebound or Aid and Attendance
1. DescriptionofBenet
Extra money added to the monthly pension check of disabled veterans and increased eligibility for
medical care and medicine.
2. Eligibility for Housebound
Veterans who get a VA pension and spend most of their time at home because of a permanent
disability (a disability that doesn’t go away), may be eligible for this benet.
29
3. Eligibility for Aid and Attendance
• Veterans who need another person to help them perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding,
and dressing; or
• Veterans who have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness;
or
• Veterans who are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related
to a disability; or
• Veterans whose eyesight is limited (i.e. even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or
less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual eld to 5 degrees or less).
Tip: Applications for Housebound or Aid and Attendance benets are made on VA Form 21-2680, “Veteran’s
Application for aid and attendance or housebound.” Other evidence, such as a doctor’s report showing that
you need additional care will help your application. Apply at any VA oce. is benet is adjudicated by the
Veteran Benets Administration.
N. Adult Day Care
1. DescriptionofBenet
Adult Day Care is an outpatient day program consisting of medical care, rehabilitative services,
socialization, companionship, recreation, and caregiver support. Adult Day Care is usually provided
to veterans who need help with activities of daily living or who are isolated. This benet is not to be
confused with hospital care, outpatient treatment, or nursing home care.
2. Eligibility Requirements
Since Adult Day Health Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benets Package, all enrolled
Veterans are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service and it is available. A copay for Adult
Day Health Care may be charged based on each veteran’s VA service-connected disability status and
nancial information. Veterans should contact their VA social worker/case manager to complete the
Application for Extended Care Benets (VA Form 10-10EC) to learn the amount of their copay.
O. Outpatient Dental Treatment
1. DescriptionofBenet
The VA provides outpatient dental examinations and treatment to eligible veterans. Veterans are
eligible for dental treatment if they are determined by the VA to fall into one of the following
categories:
2. Eligibility Requirements
• Veterans who were prisoners of war (POWs) and those whose service- connected disabilities have
been rated at 100% or who are receiving the 100% rate by reason of individual unemployability
30
are eligible for any needed dental care.
• Veterans with service-connected, compensable dental conditions are eligible for any related dental
care.
• Veterans with a service-connected non-compensable dental condition or disability resulting
from combat wounds or service trauma are eligible for repeat care for the service-connected
condition(s).
• Veterans with a service-connected disability whose dental condition is aggravating the service-
connected condition are eligible for care necessary to treat the oral conditions that a VA dental
professional determines to have a direct and material detrimental eect on the service-connected
medical condition.
• Veterans whose dental examination is ordered as part of a general physical.
• Veterans whose dental conditions are considered to be the direct result of examination,
hospitalization, or medical/surgical treatment given by the Department of Veteran Aairs.
• Veterans who are receiving vocation rehabilitation educational benets (also called Chapter 31
benets) are eligible for dental care needed to complete the program.
• Certain veterans enrolled in a VA homeless program for 60 consecutive days or more may receive
certain medically necessary outpatient dental services.
• Veterans receiving outpatient care or scheduled for inpatient care may receive dental care if the
dental condition is clinically determined to be complicating a medical condition currently under
treatment.
3. Inpatient Dental Care
Veterans receiving hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care will be provided dental services that
are essential to the management of the veteran’s medical condition under active treatment.
P. Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Treatment for PTSD is provided at certain VA medical facilities on both an inpatient and outpatient
basis. PTSD is marked by a host of aictions associated with exposure to catastrophic stress.
Nightmares, ashbacks, anxiety, and sudden-startle reactions can occur immediately after exposure to
extreme stress or may develop years after the original stress.
Tip: PTSD is a recognized service-connected disability, compensable up to 100%. In addition to seeking
medical assistance, those veterans who have reason to think their problems are caused by this aiction
should talk to their representatives about ling a claim for disability compensation. See in Chapter 5, the
topic, “Service-Connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.”
PTSD, or other identiable social or psychological problems stemming from military service, may
be treated through the Readjustment Counseling Services Program carried out by the Vet Centers
and VA Hospitals. These services include individual counseling, group counseling, and family
counseling. If the services requested by the veteran are beyond the authorized mission or expertise of
the readjustment counseling program, the veteran requesting such services will receive support and
assistance in obtaining the needed services, either through referral to an appropriate social agency or
to a VA medical center.
31
1. National Center for PTSD
The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of
America’s Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suer from PTSD, through
research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related
disorders.
21
For immediate help veterans can call 1-800-273-8255. Veterans can also get additional
information through a PTSD Informational voice mail system by calling 1-802-296-6300. Additionally,
a helpful PTSD Decision Aid can be accessed online.
22
2. Readjustment Counseling
Some VA medical centers have approved programs of readjustment counseling services available.
These services include group, family, sexual trauma, and bereavement counseling. Veterans seeking
readjustment counseling services at a VA medical center should determine the availability of services
prior to coming to the medical center. Vet Center Locations can be found through information
provided in the Vet Center Directory or listings in your local blue pages. Vet Center sta are available
at all times by calling 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387). Vet Centers often keep non-traditional hours to
accommodate the schedules of veterans, service members, and families. In areas where VA services
are not available, the VA may provide readjustment counseling services through a contract or fee
arrangement with community physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
3. Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans experiencing an emotional crisis or veterans who need to talk to a trained mental health
professional may call the Veterans Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 838255. The
hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers are immediately connected with a
qualied and caring provider who can help. More information can be found online at
http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Q. Medical Attention for Dioxin (Agent Orange), Nuclear
Radiation Exposure, Illness Related to Gulf War Service, and
Vaccination or Medication
1. DescriptionofBenetandEligibility
The VA has a continuing program for examining veterans who are concerned about the possible
health eects of Agent Orange, nuclear radiation exposure, exposures during Gulf War service,
and vaccinations or medications. The ndings of these examinations are entered into a registry.
Veterans concerned about those types of exposure are encouraged to request an examination at
their nearest VA health care facility or visit http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/. A veteran
who participates will receive a comprehensive physical examination and be asked to complete a
questionnaire about service experience. Following the examination, the veteran will be advised of the
results. The examination could help to detect any illness or injury the veteran may have, regardless of
origin, and may provide a basis for follow-up treatment. The evaluation is free of charge and veterans
do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to participate.
21 https://www.ptsd.va.gov/about/work/mission.asp
22 https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/decisionaid/
32
Veterans can schedule a registry evaluation by contacting an Environmental Health Coordinator at
any VA medical facility. Currently, there are ve coordinators in Illinois. A list of Health Coordinators
is available online at www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp. More information is
available through the VA’s Special Issues Helpline at 1-800-749-8387.
R. Healthcare for Camp Lejeune Veterans and Resident Family
Members
This section covers special provisions in the law made to open access to VA healthcare based on
certain conditions pertaining to service at Camp Lejeune and exposure to various toxic chemicals
there. The subject of disability claims for Camp Lejeune veterans is covered separately in this booklet
under the general discussion of VA disability claims. This section also discusses the applicability of
these provisions to family members who resided with qualifying veterans at Camp LeJeune during
this period.
1. Eligibility
To qualify for basic access to VA healthcare as a veteran, the following must be true: You must be a
veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for not
fewer than 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987.
Beyond this basic access to VA healthcare, certain Camp Lejeune veterans may be eligible for no-cost
VA healthcare (including copayments) specically for care for any of 15 currently qualifying illnesses
or conditions:
• Esophageal cancer;
• Lung cancer;
• Breast cancer;
• Bladder cancer;
• Kidney cancer;
• Leukemia;
• Multiple myeloma;
• Myelodysplastic syndromes;
• Renal toxicity;
• Hepatic steatosis;
• Female infertility;
• Miscarriage;
• Scleroderma;
• Neurobehavioral eects; or
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Additionally, The VA published regulations on January 13, 2017, identifying eight conditions as
presumptively connected to service at camp Lejeune. All that is required to qualify for benets
connected to these conditions is to submit a completed VA Form 21-526 EZ with medical evidence
establishing the diagnosis and ocial service department records of service at Camp Lejeune between
August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. The presumptively connected conditions are:
• Adult leukemia
• Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
33
• Liver cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and
• Parkinson’s disease
In the case of eligible Camp Lejeune Family Members (CLFM) who resided with the veteran at Camp
Lejeune, an individual may get reimbursed for those out-of-pocket medical expenses that derive from
the treatment of the qualifying health conditions once all other health insurance is applied. To qualify,
the CLFM must have been the spouse or dependent of a qualify veteran during that same period and
resided (or were in utero) on Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between the qualifying time period.
To apply, a VA Form 10-10068, Camp Lejeune Family Member Program Application must be completed.
For more information and ling options, see the following page on the VA’s website:
https://www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov/.
2. Evidence Requirements
Proof that you served at Camp Lejeune during the recognized period of contamination (August 1953
through December 1987)
Proof of a current disease, including a medical opinion indicating the disease is a result of exposure to
the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
3. How to Apply
• Apply online using https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction OR
• Work with an accredited representative or agent OR
• Go to a VA regional oce and have a VA employee assist you. You can nd your regional oce
at https://www.benets.va.gov/benets/oces.asp#I.
• Family members should apply at https://www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov/#start.
S. Children and Spouses
1. DescriptionofBenetandEligibility
Veterans of the Vietnam War who have children suering from spina bida may be eligible for
compensation for their children. This is covered in more detail in Chapter 8 entitled Benets for
Survivors and Dependents. There are also benets for children born to women Vietnam veterans.
This is addressed in Chapter Five: Compensation for Service-Connected Disabilities and Non-Service-
Connected Pension, Benets for Children of Women Veterans with Birth Defects.
T. MiscellaneousVAMedicalBenets
1. Veterans Experiencing Homelessness
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness reported that, as of January 2019, an
estimated 10,199 people experience homelessness each night in Illinois. Of those people, current
34
estimates hold that approximately 690 are veterans.
23
The VA estimates that over 37,000 veterans
across the country who are homeless every night.
24
The VA has a number of homeless veterans’
assistance programs, including health care benets assistance. Outreach and personal assistance to
homeless veterans is a top priority for the VBA.
2. Outpatient Clinic for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness (Chicago)
The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center oers a variety of services as part of its ongoing current
campaign to end homelessness in the veteran community. One such program is a medical clinic which
is a Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (H-PACT) primary and urgent care clinic. It is found at 820
S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612. The clinic oers walk-in access to doctors or nurse practitioners
without an appointment, and provides such services as medical care, case management, substance
abuse treatment, community referrals, housing placement, triage, and mental health services.
3. Special VA Homeless Programs
• Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Aairs
Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program
• Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans
• Compensated Work Therapy/Therapeutic Residence (CWT/TR)
• Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG)
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF)
• Health Care for Re-entry (HCRV) Program
• Social Security Administration (SSA) & VA Outreach assists veterans in rehabilitation and in
receiving SSA benets
Homeless and at-risk veterans in need of assistance should call the National Call Center for Homeless
Veterans at 1-877-424-3838. The call center will connect the veteran with the closest VA Medical
Center to best address the veteran’s needs. More information can be found online at
https://www.chicago.va.gov/services/homeless/index.asp.
4. Illinois Prince Home
The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs Prince Home at Manteno oers residential care for
homeless and disabled Veterans located at the State Veterans’ Home in Manteno, Illinois. The center
can be reached by phone at (815) 468-6581 ext. 214. Veterans can obtain an application at
https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/homes/Pages/Default.aspx. Applications may be submitted
by fax at 815-468-1816 or sent to:
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs
The Prince Home at Manteno
One Veterans Drive
Manteno IL 60950
5. ServicesfortheBlindDescriptionofBenet
The VA has historically recognized that there have been higher incidences of blindness in the veteran
population as compared to the general population. The VA covers a variety of levels of visual acuity.
25
23 https://www.usich.gov/homelessness-statistics/il/
24 https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/pit_count.asp
25 https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/BRS-FactSheet.pdf
35
• Legally blind (LB) – 20/200 or worse in better seeing eye, or visual eld of 20 degrees or less.
• Low vision – 20/70 to 20/200 in the better seeing eye, may also include central or peripheral eld
loss.
• Visual dysfunction – any impairment in ability to perform everyday tasks related to the visual
pathway (current denition assures inclusion of patients with traumatic brain injury).
The VA oers a number of programs it classies as Blind Rehabilitation Services (BRS). VA Medical
Centers oer a total health and benets review by the Visual Impairment Services Team (VIST). The
VA also oers care through Blind Rehabilitation Outpatient Specialists (BROS). Additionally, the VA
oers Inpatient Blind Rehabilitation Centers, Outpatient Blind Rehabilitation Clinics, and Outpatient
Low Vision Clinics. The Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital houses the Central Blind Rehabilitation
Center, a 34-bed residential facility which serves applicants from 14 Midwestern states.
26
Veterans
may also be eligible for low vision aids, specially adapted housing, electronic and mechanical aids,
guide dogs, talking books and tapes, and Braille readers and writers. Other services include training
in daily living skills including cleaning, shopping, leisure, sports, social activities, family care, and
grooming. The Blind Rehabilitation Service Program can be contacted at 202-461-7317.
6. Veterans Choice Program
The Veterans Choice Program (VCP) was initiated as a result of the passage of Veterans Access,
Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA) and provided benets until June 6, 2019. Because
the program has come to an end, VCP eligibility criteria are no longer used to determine eligibility for
community care.
7. The Mission Act of 2018
As of the drafting of this guide, the VA is in the process of implementing the Mission Act of 2018,
which makes signicant structural changes to the way the VA operates.
27
28
The changes are intended
to expand and streamline the Veterans Community Care Program which allows veterans to obtain
VA funded medical care outside of VA facilities. Eligibility for community care benets will be
determined by multiple factors, including:
• The needed medical service is not available at a VA facility
• The veteran lives in an area without a full-service VA Medical facility
• The VA cannot meet standards regarding appointment wait times in the local area
Drive times over 30 minutes for primary care, mental health, and non-institutional extended
care (including adult day care)
Drive times over 60 minutes for specialty care
Appointment wait times over 20 days for primary care, mental health care, and non-
institutional extended care services
Appointment wait times over 28 days for specialty care
• The veteran is eligible for the “grandfather” provision of the Veterans Choice Program
• The VA and the referring medical provider agree it is in the best interest of the veteran
• The VA cannot meet quality standards
Veterans who wish to treat with non-VA providers through the Community Care Program must
receive prior approval through the VA.
26 https://www.hines.va.gov/services/blindrehab.asp
27 https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/General_Care.asp#Appointments
28 https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/docs/publes/factsheets/VHA-FS_MISSION-Act.pdf
36
The Mission Act also expands urgent care benets for nonemergency services to medical care
providers within the VA network, including urgent care services. Additionally, the VA is modernizing
its information technology systems to increase the speed and eciency of its administrative
processes.
Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
The Mission Act also makes changes to the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family
Caregivers which should expand eligibility for family care to veterans with service-connected
medical issues.
29
As the information technology system is implemented, eligibility for assistance
for family caregivers will be expanded in two phases. First, family caregivers of veterans who were
seriously injured in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, will become eligible. After an estimated
period of two years, family caregivers of Veterans who were seriously injured in the line of duty
between May 7, 1975, and September 10, 2001, will become eligible.
2. Military Sexual Trauma
The VA provides counseling and treatment to veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while
on active duty in the military. Military sexual trauma counseling may include individual or group
counseling, marital and family counseling, referral for benets assistance, liaison with community
agencies, and substance abuse information and referrals. For more information, veterans can speak
with their existing VA healthcare provider, contact the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator at their
nearest VA Medical Center, or contact their local Vet Center. Additionally, VA disability compensation
may be available to victims of military sexual trauma.
U. Rehabilitation Services and Prosthetic Services
Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system for any condition may receive VA prosthetic
appliances, equipment, and devices such as articial limbs, orthopedic braces and shoes, wheelchairs,
crutches and canes, and other durable medical equipment and supplies.
30
In some circumstances
veterans may also be entitled to clothing allowances, automobile adaptive equipment (AAE),
and home improvement and structural alterations (HISA). Additionally, veterans are entitled to
audiology, speech pathology, blind rehabilitation, chiropractic care, and physical medicine and
rehabilitation benets.
31
V. StateHealthCareBenetsforVeterans
1. Illinois Veterans Care Program
DescriptionofBenet
The State of Illinois has recognized that, as extensive as the federal VA healthcare system is, the
federal government still does not provide comprehensive health insurance to thousands of veterans
who have served their county. Many Illinois veterans are living without health insurance because
they cannot aord it.
29 https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
30 https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-Benets.pdf
31 https://www.patientcare.va.gov/RehabilitationServices.asp
37
With the passage of the Veterans’ Health Insurance Program Act of 2008, Illinois has attempted to
address this problem by oering aordable, comprehensive healthcare to veterans across Illinois to
qualifying veterans.
32
The basic concept of the program is to provide access to healthcare for those
veterans who may otherwise not have coverage.
Participants in the Veterans Care Program pay monthly premiums of $40 or $70 based on their
income and county of residence.
33
A participant will become ineligible for three months if there
is a cancellation due to not paying premiums. There are also copays: Doctor visits - $15; Generic
prescription drugs - $6; Name brand prescription drugs - $14; Hospital emergency room visits -
$50; Hospital admissions - $150; Hospital or Ambulatory Out-patient treatment - 10% of covered
services; Dental visits - $15.
34
The following is a basic list of the services covered: hospital care; doctor services, prescription drugs;
care at clinics; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; laboratory tests and x-rays; alcohol
and substance abuse services; medical equipment, supplies, and appliances; emergency medical
transportation; hospice care; home healthcare; renal dialysis; family planning; optometric care;
podiatric care; limited dental care; chiropractic care; audiology services; and mental health services.
The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Aairs. For additional
information and to apply, call 1-877-4VETSRX. Veterans can apply via an application found at
https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/SiteCollectionDocuments/hfs2378vc.pdf. Completed applications
should be mailed to: Veterans Care, P.O. Box 19161, Springeld, IL 62794-91961.
Eligibility Requirements
• General Requirements
Age: Must be 19 through 64 years old.
Lack of Recent Health Insurance Coverage: Either (1) Have had no health insurance for at
least six months or (2) Fall under one of the following exceptions to the 6-month rule:
Ended due to the loss of your employment or your spouse’s employment
Ended due to the loss of Family Care or other state medical assistance
Ended due to the life-time benet limit in your coverage
Is through a spouse’s plan that you are unable to access
Is purchased through COBRA, or
Is through post active-duty Tricare coverage
Ineligible for federal VA health care: Not eligible for VA healthcare
Ineligible for other State health care: Not eligible for other State healthcare programs such as
Family Care.
Low Income Requirements: Veterans with incomes in the approved income range (varies by
county and household size)
• Military Status Requirements
Not been dishonorably discharged
Have served 180 consecutive days active duty after training
32 Veterans’ Health Insurance Program Act of 2008, 330 ILCS 126.
33 https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/vets/Pages/default.aspx.
34 https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalPrograms/vets/Pages/about.aspx.
38
2. DomiciliaryandNursingHomeCareDescriptionofBenet
35
The state health care veterans benet is provided by the Illinois Veterans Homes. Currently, there are
four Veterans Homes:
Quincy- 400 beds- (217) 222-8641, x209
Manteno (and Prince)- 294 beds, 15 beds at Prince- (815) 468-6581, x226
La Salle- 184 beds- (815) 223-0303, x222
Anna- 50 bed nursing and 6 apartment style units- (618) 833-6302, x229
A new 200 bed Chicago facility is under construction and projected to open in Spring 2021.
Eligibility Requirements-Veterans
• Has served in the U.S. Armed Forces at least one day during a period recognized by the
USDVA as a war period or served in a hostile re environment and was awarded a campaign
or expeditionary medal; or
• Was retired for a service-connected disability or injury; or
• Has served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 24 months of continuous service or
more and enlisted after September 7, 1980; or
• Has served as a Reservist or National Guard member, and the service included being called to
Federal Active Duty (excluding service for Active Duty Training only) and completed the term
or completed 20 years of satisfactory service and is otherwise eligible to receive reserve
or active duty retirement benets; or
• Has been discharged for reasons of hardship or released from active duty due to a reduction in
the U.S. Armed Forces before the completion of the required period of service; and
Entered the service as a resident of Illinois or has been a resident of Illinois for one year
immediately preceding the date of application for admission; and
Is disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise, and because of disability is incapable of
earning a living.
• Peacetime veterans with one year of honorable military service may also be eligible for admission
at Quincy or Anna.
• Special Requirements
• Veteran must have either been an Illinois resident before entry into service or have
resided in Illinois for one year before application for admission.
• Veteran or spouse of deceased veteran must meet other qualifying conditions as
determined by the IDVA.
• Spouses of deceased veterans who meet the above conditions may also qualify for
admission at certain Veterans Homes.
Additional Information
• Maintenance Fees
Residents of the Illinois Veterans Homes may be charged for care at a rate to be determined
by the IDVA which is based on the resident’s ability to pay. Residents who have a monthly
income will pay a monthly maintenance charge towards the total cost of their care. (NOTE:
The inability to contribute to the cost of care does not prevent admission into the Home.)
The monthly cost is based only on the monthly income of the Veteran and spouse and
does not include other assets. The maximum monthly maintenance charge is $1429.00.
35 https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/homes/Pages/Default.aspx.
39
Veterans who have received a 70%-100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S.
Department of Veterans Aairs do not pay a monthly maintenance charge.
• Health Insurance
Residents are required to carry Medicare Insurance if they are eligible. They are also
required to apply for any other Federal, State, or VA benets to cover medical expenses.
The cost of this coverage is deducted from monthly income consideration.
• Admission Priorities
In addition to a veteran’s military service, admission to an Illinois Veterans’ Home is
based upon:
The ability of the Home to provide the care and services required by the
veteran’s medical diagnoses and assessed needs.
An available bed in the category of care required by the veteran’s medical
conditions and assessed needs.
Veterans whose applications are accepted, but who cannot be immediately admitted
to the facility, are placed on the facility waiting list and are prioritized on a “rst come-
rst served” basis. Absolutely no exceptions are permitted to this policy.
Eligibility Requirements: Spouses, Widows or Widowers, Gold Star Families
Under certain, limited conditions, the spouse of a veteran may be eligible for admission in two of
the four State Veterans Homes. The Administrator of the Illinois Veterans’ Homes at Quincy and
Anna may admit the spouse of a veteran who is making application, provided the veteran meets the
eligibility requirements (see above) and the spouse: (1) has been married to the veteran for at least
ve years prior to making application; and (2) has no adequate means of support and is unable to
earn a living.
36
The widow or widower of a veteran may be also eligible for admission at Quincy and Anna provided
the deceased veteran’s military service meets the eligibility requirements (see above) and the widow
or widower: (1) has lived in the State of Illinois for a continuous period of one year immediately
before making application; and (2) has no adequate means of support and is unable to earn a living.
37
Both the limited eligibility for current spouses and widows/widowers are further subject to a
preference noted in the Administrative Code that lling vacant beds or lling vacant beds from a
waiting list shall rst be granted to eligible veterans.
38
Natural parents, parents through adoption our spouses of a veteran killed in the line of duty are
eligible admission into an Illinois veterans Home should vacant beds exist. However, preference for
lling vacant beds will rst be granted to eligible veterans.
39
How to Apply for Admission to an Illinois Veterans Home
• Complete IL Form 497-0290, Application for Admission, and IL Form 497- 0462, Health
Questionnaire.
• Apply at any IDVA oce or directly to the Home.
36 95 Ill. Admin. Code §107.20(a).
37 95 Ill. Admin. Code §107.30(a).
38 95 Ill. Admin. Code §107.20(b) and §107.30(b).
39 20 ILCS 2805/2.02a.
40
W. Summary
The eligibility requirements for health care benets are among the most complex of all of your
benets. To make matters worse, eligibility for medical benets are constantly changing. To get
proper care and treatment, veterans should take the time to understand the benets to which they are
entitled. If you have any questions about whether you qualify for a health care benet, talk to one of
the sources of help described in Chapter 3 of this book.
41
Chapter 5: Compensation for Service-Connected
Disabilities
Service-connected disability incurred or aggravated by military service is one of the most important
benets available to veterans. Service connection is the gateway to a variety of benets, including
compensation, educational benets, medical care, and benets for dependents. The greater the degree
of service connection, the more benets available to veterans and their families. Eligibility for non-
service-connected pension also allows access to benets such as a greater eligibility for VA health
care.
Service-connected disability should be distinguished from another large VA benet program, the non-
service-connected pension program which is treated in Chapters Six and Nine.
A.
Description of Benet
VA compensation is paid to veterans who have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or more.
Those who are less than 10% receive no compensation but are still entitled to medical treatment for
the condition. In some cases, veterans who have two disabilities rated at less than 10% will receive
compensation at the 10% rate.
40
To be considered service-connected, the veteran must win VA recognition of the disability as being
service-connected by going through the VA claims process. Service connection of a disability has three
main requirements: (1) there must have been an in-service occurrence, (2) there must be a current
diagnosis, and (3) there must be a linkage between the diagnosis and the in-service occurrence.
41
Those who le a claim and are denied service connection, or who receive a rating less than they
believe they should have, do have recourse. Any decision by the VA may be appealed. How to appeal
will be discussed in Chapter Six: How to Appeal a Denial of Benets.
Allowances for Dependents
Veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 30% or more are entitled to an additional
allowance for dependents. The additional amount is determined by the number of dependents. A
disabled veteran evaluated at 30% or more is also entitled to receive a special allowance for a spouse
who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person. It is important, therefore, to submit a
VA Form 686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, with marriage certicates, birth certicates,
divorce decrees, and any other proof that establishes dependency with any claims for benets. The
VA’s website will give the veteran an idea of the dierence in compensation payments for veterans
with dependents.
42
Also, the benet is described by 38 U.S.C. §1115, Additional Compensation for
Dependents.
Additionally, veterans who receive a non-service-connected pension will have the amount of pension
increased based upon the number of dependents they support. However, the pension is also based
upon total family income. If the spouse or dependent children are employed, their income counts
when the VA determines eligibility.
40
38 CFR § 3.324.
41
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
42
https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/
42
B.
Presumptive Service Connection
Congress has directed that certain conditions are to be presumed service-connected unless there is
armative evidence to prove that particular veteran’s condition is not related to service.
43
The VA has
also determined other diseases should be presumed service-connected.
44
In these cases, the VA will
assume that a disease was incurred while the veteran was in service even if the veteran does not have
enough evidence to directly link the condition to service.
Presumptive service connection is available for certain chronic diseases, tropical diseases, diseases
specic to former prisoners of war, diseases specic to radiation-exposed veterans or to exposure to
certain herbicide agents such as Agent Orange, and certain diagnosed and undiagnosed illnesses in
veterans of the Gulf War.
C.
Prisoners of War
Under federal law, former prisoners of war are entitled to a presumption of service connection for
disabilities resulting from certain diseases if manifested to a degree of 10% at any time after active
service.
45
The VA website is especially useful for former prisoners of war and their dependents and is
very helpful in keeping up to date on benets.
46
Those who do not have access to a computer should
call the Regional Oce (1-800-827-1000) and go through the prompts. Once a veterans’ benets
counselor is on the line, ask to talk to the POW coordinator.
To be entitled to the prisoner of war presumption, veterans must rst establish that they were a
prisoner of war. The term “former prisoner of war” is legally dened as, “a person who, while
serving in the active military, naval or air service, was forcibly detained or interned in line of
duty- (A) by an enemy government or its agents, or a hostile force, during a period of war; or (B)
by a foreign government or its agents, or a hostile force under circumstances which the Secretary
nds to have been comparable to the circumstances under which persons have generally been
forcibly detained or interned by enemy governments during periods of war.”
47
Next, the veteran
must provide evidence of a current disability from the claimed condition that is at least 10 percent
disabling.
Presumptive Diseases
48
1. If imprisoned for any length of time
• Psychosis
• Any anxiety state
• Dysthymic disorder
• Organic residuals of frostbite
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Heart disease or hypertensive vascular
disease
• Stroke and the residual eects
2. If imprisoned for at least 30 days:
• Beriberi
• Chronic dysentery
• Helminthiasis
• Malnutrition (including optic atrophy)
• Pellagra
• Other nutritional deciencies
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cirrhosis of the liver
43 38 U.S.C. §§1112, 1113, 1116, 1117.
44 https://www.benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumption.pdf.
45 38 U.S.C. §1112(b).
46 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/former-pows/.
47 38 U.S.C. § 101(32), 38 C.F.R. § 3.1(y)(2)(i).
48 https://www.benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/presumption.pdf.
43
D.
Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
Veterans from all eras have been exposed to what have become known as “environmental hazards.”
These hazards include, but are not limited to mustard gas, lewisite, radiation, Agent Orange, and
Gulf War Syndrome.
49
The VA now acknowledges that certain conditions are presumed to occur as
a direct result of the exposure to these hazards and will award compensation to veterans who meet
the requirements for presumption. Veterans may also contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the VA
website for more information.
50
Additionally, the VA maintains a Hazardous Exposure Toll Free Help
Line at 1-800-984-8523. Specic environmental hazards, eligibility requirements, and presumptive
conditions are discussed below.
E.
Radiation Exposure
Under certain circumstances, some more clearly dened than others, a veteran may establish
eligibility for VA disability compensation and access to VA healthcare for any disease that the VA
acknowledges stems from radiation exposure during military service. Importantly, one must recall
that surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of veterans who died as a result
of such exposures may also be eligible for survivors’ benets.
1. Radiation
Radiation is energy, emitted from a source, which moves through space and can penetrate certain
materials. Its contact with the human body can, depending on the circumstances, be harmful. More
specically, the risk of harm may dier based on whether the radiation is ionizing or non-ionizing.
The form of radiation that most people think of in terms of veterans’ exposures is ionizing, the high-
energy form with sucient energy to remove an electron (ionize) an atom or molecule and sucient
energy to do harm to DNA. In the military, the following have been typical sources of ionizing
radiation: (1) Nuclear weapons handling and detonation; (2) Weapons and other military equipment
made with depleted uranium; (3) Radioactive material; (4) Calibration and measurement sources; and
(4) X-rays.
51
If a veteran served on active duty or active duty for training as a member of the Guard or Reserve
program and participated in “radiation risk activity,” he or she is a radiation-exposed veteran. If
diagnosed as having any of the following conditions, the VA will presume that the condition(s)
occurred as the direct result of exposure to radiation and give the veteran compensation based on
its severity. Some of the listed conditions must have occurred ve years or more after exposure to
radiation.
2. Presumptive Conditions
Only diseases listed in 38 U.S.C. § 1112(c) and 38 CFR § 3.309(b) have the benet of presumptive
service connection. However, if a claim is based on a disease not listed as presumptively service
connected, the VA must consider the claim as long as the veteran can provide competent scientic or
medical evidence that the condition is a radiogenic disease under 38 CFR § 3.311(b)(4). Additionally,
direct service connection is still available for any disease allegedly caused by radiation if the veteran
can provide medical opinions that establish that it is “as likely as not” that the particular disease was
49 38 CFR §3.309(c)(1); 69 Fed. Reg. 60083.
50 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/specic-environmental-hazards/.
51 https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/radiation/index.asp
44
caused by the veteran’s exposure to radiation while in service.
Diseases that are presumptively service connected include: leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic
leukemia); thyroid cancer; breast cancer; pharynx cancer; cancer of the esophagus; stomach cancer;
cancer of the small intestine; cancer of the pancreas; multiple myeloma; lymphomas (except
Hodgkin’s disease); cancer of the bile ducts; cancer of the gallbladder; primary liver cancer; cancer of
the salivary gland; cancer of the urinary tract; and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, brain cancer, colon
cancer, lung cancer, and cancer of the ovary.
52
F.
Mustard Gas and Lewisite Exposure
If a veteran participated in any experiments, tested chemical suits, or was in any other way exposed
to mustard gas or Lewisite during service, the following conditions are presumed to be caused by
such exposure. Presumptive conditions include: chronic conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal opacities,
scar formation, or the following cancers: nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, lung (except mesothelioma), or
squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, chronic form of laryngitis, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.
53
G.
Asbestos Exposure
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos while in service and developed a disease related to asbestos
exposure may receive service-connected compensation benets. In order to qualify, the veteran
must show (1) discharge under conditions other than dishonorable; (2) exposure to asbestos while
in military service; (3) disease related to asbestos exposure that occurred in military service. This
requires the veteran provide evidence of the veteran’s military occupation specialty and/or where
the veteran was stationed. Visit the VA’s website for instructions on how to apply for service
connection related to asbestos exposure
.54
The veteran should get tested for illnesses involving their lungs if he or she served in the following
occupations: mining, milling, shipyard work, insulation work, demolition of old buildings, carpentry,
construction, manufacturing and installation of products such as ooring, roong, cement sheet, pipe
products, or servicing of friction products such as clutch facings and brake linings.
H.
Exposure to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
Veterans who served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River
may have suered a disease or condition related to their contact with contaminated drinking water.
Evidence demonstrates an association between exposure to these contaminants and development
of certain diseases later in life. The VA oers healthcare and compensation benets to veterans,
including reservists and guardsmen who have served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for
at least 30 days (cumulative) between August 1953 and December 1987. Veterans who received
dishonorable discharges are not eligible.
55
52 38 CFR §3.309(c)(2), 67 FR 3612.
53 38 CFR § 3.316.
54 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos/.
55 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
45
The following diagnoses carry the presumption of service connection:
•
Adult leukemia
•
Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes
•
Bladder cancer
•
Kidney cancer
•
Liver cancer
•
Multiple myeloma
•
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
•
Parkinson’s disease
Veterans who believe they are eligible should apply for disability compensation by ling a claim
on the VA’s website or through eBenets. It may be wise to utilize a representative such as a VSO
for these claims, as military records are necessary to show that the veteran was at Camp Lejeune or
MCAS New River at the relevant time and medical records are necessary to demonstrate that the
veteran has a presumptive condition.
I.
Agent Orange (AO) Exposure
For the period January 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975, veterans who served in Vietnam or in its
surrounding inland waterways, and veterans who had duties that included visiting Vietnam, are
presumed to have been exposed to herbicides when they claim service-connection for diseases
connected to Agent Orange exposure. As a result, veterans who are diagnosed as having any of the
conditions noted below may be eligible for compensation depending upon the degree of disability
and the date of diagnosis.
56
Additionally, the VA now will compensate and care for the children of Vietnam veterans who
suer from spina bida and certain other “covered” birth defects that are not the result of familial
disorders, birth related injuries, or fetal or neonatal inrmities with well-established causes.
57
1. Presumptive Conditions
• Cancers:
 Chronic B-cell leukemia
 Hodgkin’s Disease
 Multiple myeloma
 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
56 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/.
57 38 CFR §3.814, 38 CFR §3.815, 38 CFR §3.816.
46
 Prostate Cancer
 Respiratory cancers- including lung cancer
 Soft tissue sarcomas- other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or
mesothelioma
2. Other Illnesses
 AL amyloidosis
 Chloracne
 Diabetes mellitus type 2
 Ischemic heart disease
 Parkinson’s disease
 Peripheral neuropathy, early onset
 Porphyria cutanea tarda
Veterans who have an illness that they believe is related to Agent Orange exposure, which is not
listed as a presumptive condition, may still be eligible to receive benets. Such veterans will need to
provide scientic and medical evidence that their condition is related to exposure to Agent Orange
or show that the problem started during their military service or was aggravated by their military
service. It may be wise to utilize a representative such as a VSO for these claims.
The VA has a website page describing diseases related to Agent Orange that contains the most current
presumptive conditions and other information concerning exposure to Agent Orange.
58
The VA also
maintains an Agent Orange Helpline at 1-800-749-8387, and a Spina Bida/Children of Women
Vietnam Veterans helpline at 1-888-820-1756.
2.
Blue Water Veterans
The term “Blue Water Veterans” is used to refer to those Veterans who performed their military
service on ships in the open sea o the shore of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Blue water
veterans who served in the costal waterways of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975,
have a “presumption of contact” to Agent Orange.
59
To qualify for this presumption, veterans must
have been on a US military vessel that operated in the inland waterways for Vietnam or served on
a vessel not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters between
Vietnam and Cambodia. A copy of the ship list can be found at Appendix E.
58 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/.
59 Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, PL 116-23 (June 25, 2019).
47
The process for blue water veterans is now similar to that of personnel on the ground who were
exposed to Agent Orange. If a blue water veteran has a disease found on the presumptive conditions
list, the VA will assume that their condition was the result of exposure to Agent Orange. If a veteran
has a non-listed illness that they believe is related to Agent Orange exposure they will have to
present additional medical or scientic evidence to prove their claim.
Because the presumption of service connection for blue water veterans did not take eect until
January 1, 2020, many claims led prior to that date were denied. While the VA is automatically
reviewing previously denied claims, it urges previously denied blue water veterans to le new
claims via VA Form 20-0995. Claims that were not previously led by the VA should be submitted
via VA Form 21-526EZ.
60
J.
Veterans Children with Birth Defects
1. Benets for Children with Spina Bida
Children of veterans who served in Vietnam or Thailand from January 9, 1962 through May 7, 1975
or along the DMZ in Korea from September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971, who suer from spina bida
(excluding spina bida occulta), may be entitled to a variety of benets.
61
Such benets include
compensation, vocational training, medical and dental care, medical equipment, and mental health
services. The VA presumes that a child’s spina bida is service-connected if the child’s biological father
or mother served in the aected area during the relevant period and the child was conceived after the
veteran st entered Vietnam, Thailand, or Korea.
2. Benets for Children of Women Vietnam Veterans Who with Birth Defects
The Veterans Benets and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 made allowance to pay for
compensation and care for the birth defects of children of women Vietnam veterans that (1) are
associated with Vietnam service; and (2) result in permanent physical or mental disability. To
be eligible, the child must have been conceived after the veteran rst entered Vietnam. Covered
diseases include, but are not limited to, the following: achondroplasia, cleft lip and cleft palate,
congenital heart disease, congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot), esophageal and intestinal atresia,
Hallermann-Strei syndrome, hip dysplasia, Hirschsprung’s disease (congenital megacolon),
hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis, hypospadias, imperforate anus, neural tube defects,
Poland syndrome, pyloric stenosis, syndactyly (fused digits), tracheoesophageal stula, undescended
testicle, and Williams syndrome. Not included are birth defects that are the result of a familial
disorder, a birth-related injury, or a fetal or neonatal inrmity with well-established causes.
62
3. How to Apply
Applications for children with birth defects and spina bida are made on VA Form 21-0304,
Application for Benets for Certain Children with Disabilities born of Vietnam and Certain Korea
Service Veterans. If there are any questions, contact the VA at 1-888-820-1756 or 1-800-829-4833 TTD
for hearing impaired veterans.
60 https://www.va.gov/Blue_Water_Navy_FAQs.pdf.
61 https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/birth-defects/spina-bida.asp.
62 https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/birth-defects/children-women-vietnam-vets.asp.
48
K.
Desert Storm Syndrome
Desert Storm Syndrome describes a number of conditions which have aected veterans, spouses,
and children.
63
Impacted persons who experience the symptoms listed below should report to a VA
Medical Center for an examination and le a claim with the VA for disability compensation. When the
VA identies what conditions are presumed to have occurred as a result of serving in the Gulf War,
the eective date of compensation will be the date of claim, provided the veteran meets the criteria
for service connection. If there is a question that the current condition was caused by service in the
Gulf War, a claim should be led anyway to protect eligibility.
Eligibility
To qualify veterans must have served in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations during
the Gulf War and must not have received a dishonorable discharge. The veteran’s illness must
have started while they were on active duty or before December 31, 2016, the condition must have
caused the veteran to be ill for at least six months, the disease must have qualied the veteran for a
disability rating of 10% or more, and the disease must have been caused only by the veteran’s service
in Southwest Asia. The Southwest Asia theater of military operation is dened as Iraq, Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and associated waterways
and airspace. There is a presumptive connection between service in the Gulf war and the following
conditions: functional gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other undiagnosed
illnesses, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, muscle joint pain, and headaches.
Presumed Disabilities
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacter jejuni
• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)
• Nontyphoid salmonella
• Shigella
• West Nile Virus
Veterans who have a presumed disability that appeared within one year of the date of their
separation and their presumed disability qualies them for a disability rating of 10% are more are
entitled to additional benets including disability compensation.
64
L.
Illness Linked to Afghanistan Service
Veterans who served in Afghanistan and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge may be eligible for
benets under certain conditions. Veterans with qualifying chronic illnesses which started while they
were on active duty after September 19, 2001, and caused the veteran to be ill for at least six months,
and qualied the veteran for a disability rating of 10% or more, and was caused by the veteran’s
service in Afghanistan are eligible.
65
63 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-southwest-asia/.
64 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/.
65 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-afghanistan/.
49
Associated Diagnoses
The following infectious diseases have been linked to service in Afghanistan:
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacter jejuni
• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)
• Malaria (under certain conditions)
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (under certain conditions)
• Nontyphoid salmonella
• Shigella
• Visceral leishmaniasis (under certain conditions)
• West Nile Virus
Additionally, the VA recognizes issues connected to the following hazards connected to service in
Afghanistan:
66
• Sand, dust and particulates
• Burn pit smoke
• Depleted uranium
• Extreme cold
• Extreme heat
• Toxic embedded fragments including shrapnel
• Explosions including head injuries
• Noise including hearing loss and tinnitus
• Rabies
• Occupational hazards including chemicals, paints, and radiation
• Meoquine (Lariam)- a drug given to service members to protect against malaria
Veterans who have questions or concerns about any of the diagnoses listed above should contact
the Environmental Health Coordinator located at their nearest VA. Illinois has facilities in Hines,
Danville, Marion, Chicago, and North Chicago which oer access to Environmental Health
Coordinators.
67
As always, veterans who encounter diculty with the application process should
assistance from a VSO or another professional to perfect their application.
M.
Illness Linked to Iraq War Service
Veterans who served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation New Dawn and
didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge may be eligible for benets under certain conditions.
Veterans who served in Iraq anytime between March 19, 2003 and December 15, 2011 could be at
risk of developing certain health conditions.
68
As always, veterans who encounter diculty with the
application process should assistance from a VSO or another professional to perfect their applications.
66 https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/health-issues-related-to-service-era/operation-enduring-freedom/
67 https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp#Illinois.
68 https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/health-issues-related-to-service-era/iraq-war/.
50
Associated Diagnoses
The following infectious diseases have been linked to service in Iraq:
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacter jejuni
• Coxiella burnetii (Q fever)
• Malaria (under certain conditions)
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (under certain conditions)
• Nontyphoid salmonella
• Shigella
• Visceral leishmaniasis (under certain conditions)
• West Nile Virus
Additionally, the VA recognizes issues connected to the following hazards connected to service in
Iraq:
• Sand, dust and particulates
• Burn pit smoke
• Depleted uranium
• Sulfur Fire- 2003 sulfur plant re in Al Mishraq, Iraq
• Chemical warfare agents- specically mustard or nerve agents
• Chromium- from the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Facility in 2003, Basrah, Iraq
• Extreme heat
• Toxic embedded fragments including shrapnel
• Explosions including head injuries
• Noise including hearing loss and tinnitus
• Rabies
• Occupational hazards including chemicals, paints, and radiation
• Meoquine (Lariam)- a drug given to service members to protect against malaria
Veterans who have questions or concerns about any of the diagnoses listed above should contact
the Environmental Health Coordinator located at their nearest VA. Illinois has facilities in Hines,
Danville, Marion, Chicago, and North Chicago which oer access to Environmental Health
Coordinators. As always, veterans who encounter diculty with the application process should
assistance from a VSO or another professional to perfect their application.
N.
Service Connection for Post-traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)
The VA denes Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as “a mental health problem that some people
develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a
car accident, or sexual assault.”
69
The VA estimates that 15% of all Vietnam veterans, 12% of all Gulf
War Veterans and 11-20% of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience PTSD.
70
69 https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp.
70 https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp.
51
In 1989, Congress created the National Center for PTSD with the VA and directed it to improve
the well-being, status, and understanding of veterans in American Society. The Center consists of
multiple research facilities throughout the country who provide guidance to treatment professionals.
In order to qualify for service connection for PTSD, the veteran must show that it is “as likely as not”
that each of these three factors exist;
71
(1) Medical evidence diagnosing the condition: This requires a diagnosis from a medical
professional under the denition provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
72
(2) Medical evidence of a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor: Some
experiences, such as combat, POW status, or sexual assault can be linked to the development of
PTSD through a veteran’s testimony regarding the event.
(3) Credible supporting evidence that the stressor occurred: In the absence of clear and convincing
evidence to the contrary, a veteran’s testimony alone may be enough to establish the occurrence of
the in-service stressor.
Tip: In regard to current service members, if he or she is facing an Other Than Honorable
(OTH) discharge and can reasonably allege that he or she is suering from PTSD, he or she is
entitled to a medical examination. If the service member is diagnosed with PTSD as a result of
that examination, he or she can use it as a factor in the determination of his or her discharge
status and eligibility for benets from the VBA.
73
Veterans looking for diagnosis or treatment should speak to their family doctor and seek a
recommendation for a therapist. Types of therapists include Psychologists, clinical social workers,
licensed professional health counselors, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurses or psychiatric nurse
practitioners. Veterans should understand that dierent medical providers oer dierent treatment
options. Treatment is also available from Vet centers, who can be reached at 1-877-WAR-VETS.
74
To apply for disability compensation related to PTSD veterans should le a Statement in Support of
Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (VA Form 21-0871) or A Statement
in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary to Personal
Assault (VA Form 21-0781a)
75
It may be wise to seek professional assistance or representation in
compiling information to present with you claim.
Veterans experiencing a crisis should (1) call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, call the Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or (2) call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press
1, or send a text to 838255. The Attorney General makes available a brochure on traumatic stress
listing readily available resources for veterans and their loved ones. The brochure is available on-line
at https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/veterans.html, by e-mail at [email protected],
or by calling the military and veterans helpline at 1-800-382-3000.
71 38 CFR §3.304(f).
72 38 CFR §4.125(a).
73 10 U.S.C. §1177.
74 https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/.
75 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/ptsd/.
52
O.
Chronic Diseases
Under federal law, a chronic disease is presumed to be service-connected if it manifested itself to a
degree of 10 percent or more within one year from the date of separation from service.
76
The idea
behind this is that if a chronic disease manifests itself very close to the time the veteran was separated
from service, it is likely that the veteran had the disease during service. Dierent disabilities have
dierent presumptive periods. For the presumption to apply, the disease must be one listed under
38 U.S.C. §1101(3), or adopted by the VA in 38 CFR § 3.309(a). If the veteran can show (1) he or she
developed one of the listed diseases during or shortly after service; (2) and current disability from the
disease, it will be deemed service-connected even if there is no evidence of a link between the current
disability and the veteran’s service, and even if the veteran does not apply for benets for many
years.
77
1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Under 38 CFR § 3.318, presumptive service connection is available to any veteran who develops
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) at any time after
discharge or release from service. In order to qualify, the veteran must have had at least 90 days
of active continuous service and there cannot be armative evidence that the condition was not
incurred during military service or was the result of the veteran’s willful misconduct. The earliest
eective date for benets granted under this section is September 23, 2008, even if the veteran was
diagnosed with ALS before this date.
78
2. Tropical Diseases
Under 38 U.S.C. §1112(a)(2), the VA must apply a presumption of service connection to tropical
diseases that manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year from discharge from active
service. This presumption also covers disorders that result from the treatment of a tropical disease.
79
Tropical diseases under this section include: amebiasis, blackwater fever, cholera, dracontiasis,
dysentery, lariasis, Hansen’s disease, leishmaniasis- including kala-azar, loiasis, malaria,
onchocerciasis, oroya fever, pinta, plague, schistosomiasis, yaws, and yellow fever.
80
3. Service-Connection of Non-Presumptive Conditions
If a veteran, dependent, or survivor believes that a condition is a result of an exposure to an
environmental hazard but the condition is not listed as presumptive, a claim may still be led and be
successful, provided that the veteran has cited or submitted competent scientic or medical evidence
that the claimed condition is a disease caused by exposure. This medical evidence must be of two
types: medical statements that link the veteran’s disease to exposure and scientic evidence that
establishes a linkage of the disease to such exposure.
76 38 USC §112(a).
77 38 CFR §§3.303(b), 3.307, 3.309.
78 74 Fed. Reg. 57072 (Nov. 4, 2009).
79 38 CFR §3.307(a)(4) (2012).
80
38 U.S.C. §1101(4); 38 CFR §3.309(b).
53
P.
Eligibility Requirements for VA Compensation
1. Requirements Based on Military Service
The veteran must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training and
must have been discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable. The
veteran must also have a recognized disabling injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated in the
line of duty during active service. This also includes Guard and Reserve duty. The veteran may also
qualify if diagnosed with one of the presumptive conditions listed above.
81
2. How to Establish Proof of Service-Connection
Establishing a Well-Grounded Claim
Since the passage of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA), the need to establish a well-
grounded claim is no longer as stringent as it was when the VA was forced to apply it by the Court of
Appeals for Veteran Claims (CAVC). However, it is still important to understand the basics of a well-
grounded claim. A well-grounded claim is one that has supporting evidence that is deemed sucient
enough to justify “a belief by a fair and impartial individual that the claim is plausible.” The veteran
or their representative should gather evidence including their DD214, service treatment records, and
any medical evidence they possess which would support the claim. If the veteran does not possess
this information, the VA is obligated to help them.
82
Medical Discharge
The VA will usually accept the discharge as proof of service-connection, especially when either
severance pay or disability retirement is granted. Please note that the VA must recoup severance
pay before VA compensation can be paid. In the case of those who receive military retired pay, the
veteran must waive that portion of retired pay that is equal to the VA compensation or waive retired
pay to receive VA compensation as the greater benet. This waiver only aects compensation and
retired pay; no other benets from the VA or military are aected. The sooner the VA starts recouping
the severance pay, the sooner the veteran will get the compensation. Also, should the disability
increase in severity at any time after separation, the veteran should apply for an increase in disability.
Medical or Psychiatric Examination
If the veteran did not receive a medical discharge, service-connection still may be granted provided
the veteran is able to provide enough evidence to show that the claimed condition started in the
military or was aggravated by military service. If the claim is considered well-grounded by the VA,
they will schedule a compensation and pension examination. If, in the opinion of the examining
physician, the disability in question is related to military service and the Service Medical Records
indicate that treatment for the condition occurred while on active duty, the claim may be granted.
81 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/.
82 https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-le-claim/evidence-needed/.
54
Other Factors to Consider: Establishing Linkage – A Key Element in Proving Service-
Connection
It is critical to the veteran to be able to show evidence that will prove a link between something that
happened during service and the present disability. In attempting to establish this “linkage,” military
records should be reviewed to see what entries in the medical or personal records might support the
claim. Veterans and their representatives should look for any entry that might show some connection
to the claimed condition. If there are no such entries, consider developing witnesses who may have
knowledge of the injury or condition. The witness may be individuals who served with the veteran
or who knew the veteran shortly after separation from the military. Letters the veteran may have
written home that discuss the event or injury are also good sources of evidence. Another good source
of service information is unit morning reports, which are obtainable from the Record Processing
Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Operational Journals are a good source of evidence, especially for PTSD
claims which rely on specic events or exposures.
Tip: When treating conditions that may be service related, veterans should keep copies
of the records of their visits to private physicians. These records can help greatly in
determining the linkage and progression of a disabling condition. There have been several
cases in which statements or descriptions by veterans were used to establish symptoms of
conditions which occurred in the military or within the one-year presumptive period. These
statements are most eective when backed up by a written physician’s note or record.
Other Factors to Consider: Understanding What “Incurred or Aggravated” Means
A condition that was incurred during military service refers to a wound, injury, or illness that the
veteran suered during service. In some cases, the incident is immediately disabling; in others, the
condition can worsen later and become disabling after separation from the military.
Disabling conditions that are aggravated during service also qualify the veteran for compensation.
If a person enters service with a known medical condition and if during service that condition is
aggravated as a direct result of service, the individual would qualify for compensation. Even if
a condition pre-existed service but manifested itself while on active duty, it may still be service-
connected.
83
Other Factors to Consider: Understanding the “Line of Duty” Requirement
The veteran’s disability must have arisen “in the line of duty.” The “Line of Duty” requirement
relates to when the veteran was serving on active military service, but does not require any event
or injury which was specically related to military duties such as combat. A veteran is entitled to
compensation for any disability resulting from injury incurred or disease contracted during a period
of active military service, unless such injury or disease is the result of the veteran’s own willful
misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
84
83 38 CFR § 3.303.
84 38 U.S.C. §105.
55
The Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and the Duty to Assist
Prior to the passage of the VCAA, the VA had to rst establish that a claim was “well grounded” before the
duty to assist was triggered. This placed a tremendous hardship on the claimant. The passage of the VCAA
signicantly expanded the VA’s duty to assist in the development of a claim for benets, however the VA
still has the right not to assist the claimant if there is no reasonable possibility of the claim being successful.
The duty to assist has two main parts. Once the VA receives a claim, it will notify the claimant by letter of
the information needed to “substantiate” the claim. In that same letter, the VA will inform the claimant of the
evidence they, the VA, are required by law to obtain.
85
The VA has a duty to assist claimants, which mandates that the VA make “reasonable” eorts to assist those
claiming VA benets in the development of evidence needed to substantiate their claim.
86
This “reasonable
eort” includes requesting military records and private records that are identied by the claimant. However,
the VA is not mandated to pay for those records. The VA can help applicants by requesting military personnel
records or Service Medical Records (SMRs). They can also request after action reports, morning reports, or any
other government information that may assist the veteran in proving the claim.
The VA can also (if authorized by use of release forms), obtain records from private hospitals, out-patient
treatment facilities, and private physicians. Having the VA obtain records can save a lot of aggravation and
research. It can also save money in copying fees. Many times, private agencies that would charge for copies of
medical records will waive the fee if the VA asks for them. However, sometimes it is quicker for the veteran
or his representative to obtain records on his or her own rather than wait for the VA. Remember that under
the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), veterans may obtain complete copies of all records pertaining to their
service. It also allows the veteran or representative to review the records prior to submitting them to the VA.
Q.
How to Apply for Disability Compensation
1. Write a letter- Informal claims only
Write and mail a letter to the VA stating the benet for which the veteran wishes to apply and the
circumstances surrounding the benet. This acts as an informal claim. The VA will then send the proper claim
form. An informal claim protects the date of the award.
2. Apply online
Some claims for disability benets can be led through the VA’s website.
87
3. Fill out a paper VA form
Print and ll out an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benets, VA Form
21-526EZ, and mail it to: Department of Veterans Aairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI
53547-444. Completed paper applications can also be submitted in person to VA regional oces.
4. Fill out supplemental statement (if initial form has been submitted)
If a VA Form 21-526EZ was already completed, a letter or Statement in Support of Claim, VA Form 4138 all
that is necessary. When seeking compensation or pension benets, the veteran or representative should simply
85 38 CFR §3.159.
86 38 U.S.C. § 5103.
87 https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-le-claim/.
56
state the benet sought. If it concerns an increase in compensation, the veteran or representative should make
this request clear.
R.
Total Disability Based on Individual
Unemployability
If you do not have a 100 percent disability rating from the VA but are still unable to secure a substantially
gainful occupation due to your disabilities, you may qualify for total disability based on individual
unemployability (TDIU).
88
A 100 percent TDIU rating takes into consideration the eect your service-
connected disabilities have on your ability to work. There are two requirements for a claim for TDIU, and the
veteran must fulll both: (1) the veteran’s service-connected disability ratings must satisfy certain percentage
requirements; and (2) the veteran must show that he or she cannot secure a “substantially gainful occupation”
due to his or her disabilities.
89
To fulll the rst requirement, if the veteran has one service-connected disability, it must be rated at 60 percent
or more. If the veteran has more than one service-connected disability, at least one disability must be rated
at 40 percent, and the combined disability rating must be 70 percent or more.
90
The VA does not provide
a denition of “substantially gainful occupation” in regards to the second requirement for a TDIU claim.
However, it has been construed to mean “an occupation that provides the veteran with an annual income that
exceeds the poverty threshold for one person, irrespective of the number of hours or days that the veteran
actually works.”
91
The best way to apply for TDIU is to submit a Veteran’s Application for Increased Compensation Based on
Unemployability, VA Form 21-8940, and a Request for Employment Information in Connection with Claim for
Disability Benets, VA Form 21-4192. Additionally, information is available on the VA’s website.
92
The VA also awards temporary TDIU ratings are also available under 38 CFR § 4.16. Temporary disability
ratings are often associated with surgical procedures or casts. The VA will consider these claims on a case by
case basis, and the veteran’s employment history and current employment status, the veteran’s annual income
from employment (if any), and the frequency and duration of periods of incapacity or time lost from work due
to disability.
93
88 Unemployability Fact Sheet. https://www.benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/serviceconnected/IU.pdf
89 38 CFR § 4.16.
90 38 CFR§ 4.16(a).
91
Faust v. West, 13 Vet. App. 342, 356 (2000).
92 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/unemployability/.
93 https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/temporary-increase-aer-surgery-or-cast/.
57
S.
Secondary Service Connection
Many health conditions are interrelated and service-connected conditions can often worsen a veteran’s
health through the causation or aggravation of additional medical problems that develop over time. Service
connection is available for almost any condition that resulted from or was worsened by a service-connected
disability. It does not matter when the secondary condition manifests, as long as there is sucient medical
evidence to show that it is a result of the service-connected condition.
94
The process for applying for secondary service connection is the same as applying for service connection,
except that a claim for secondary service connection requires the veteran to provide medical evidence that the
non-service-connected condition was caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition.
94 38 CFR § 3.310 (2012).
58
Chapter 6: Non-Service-Connected Pension and
Other Special Topics
The “VA pension” is a tax-free monthly payment made to qualifying wartime veterans who are age
65 or older or have a permanent non-service-connected disability.
95
Additionally, surviving spouses
and certain dependents may also qualify for pension benets. The benet is designed for those less
nancially fortunate and has both income and net worth limitations. In fact, if an individual qualies,
the amount of the payment will depend on the veteran’s total family income from most sources.
This benet is generally referred to as the “VA Pension Program.” The VA oers certain wartime
veterans the “current-law” pension benet (originally and formerly known as the “improved
pension”) created by authority of PL 95-588 (92 Stat. 2497). The VA oers spouses of deceased
wartime veterans the “survivors’ pension” or “death pension.”
A.
Types of Veterans Pensions
1. The “Current Law” or “Improved” Pension
This is the only pension allowed to recently disabled veterans. The improved pension program
provides for annual rates paid in monthly allotments. The annual amount is reduced by the amount
of the annual countable income of the veteran, spouse, and dependent children. The Maximum
Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) changes yearly and can be reviewed at the VA website.
96
A veteran or their survivor may generally be eligible for the VA Pension if he or she
97
:
A.
was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions;
B.
served a certain period of active military, naval or air service with at least 1 day during a
period of war (see table below for more details)
98
;
C.
has countable income at or below the maximum annual pension rate;
D.
meets the net worth limitations; AND
E.
meets any one of the following conditions: (1) age 65 or older; (2) shown by evidence to have
a permanent and total non-service-connected disability; (3) is a patient in a nursing home; OR
(4) is receiving Social Security disability benets.
95 https://www.benets.va.gov/pension/.
96 https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/.
97 38 C.F.R. §3.3(a)(3) (listing requirements for the Improved Pension).
98 38 U.S.C. §1501(4), Denition of “period of war.” Recognized under 38 U.S.C. §1521(j); 38 C.F.R. §3.2.
59
The VA has summarized the basic requirements nicely in the following table:
Age/Disability
Requirements
Active Service Requirements
On/Before September 7,
1980 (Enlisted) or
October 16, 1981 (Ocer)
After September 7, 1980
(Enlisted) or October 16,
1981 (Ocer)
•
Age 65 or older, OR
•
Permanently and totally
disabled (not due to own
personal misconduct), OR
•
A patient in a nursing
home receiving skilled
nursing care, OR
•
Receiving Social
Security Disability
Insurance, OR
•
Receiving Supplemental
Security Income
•
For at least 90 days with
at least one day during a
wartime period, OR
•
For at least 90
consecutive days or more
if the period began or
ended during a wartime
period, OR
•
For an aggregate of 90
days or more during
more than one wartime
period, OR
•
During a wartime period,
you were discharged
or released because of
a service-connected
disability.
•
For at least 24
continuous months*, or
the full period you were
called or ordered, with
at least one day during a
wartime period, OR
•
During a wartime period,
you were discharged
or released because of
a service-connected
disability.
You are also eligible if you
previously completed 24
continuous months of active
service prior to the date
above, or received an early
discharge under Section
1171 of Title 10.
2. VA Survivor’s Pension
This pension oers monthly payments to qualied surviving spouses and unmarried dependent
children of eligible veterans. The eligibility of the deceased veteran is determined by the criteria
explained above. Additionally, surviving spouses must meet family net worth criteria set by
Congress and must remain unmarried. Surviving children must be under 18 or under 23 while
attending a VA-approved school, or unable to care for themselves due to a disability which occurred
before they reached the age of 18.
99
B.
Aid and Attendance or Housebound
Those who qualify for the VA Pension may also qualify for one of two supplemental pension benets
known as “Aid and Attendance (A&A)” or “Housebound.” A veteran and his or her survivor(s)
who are eligible for the VA Pension may receive the increased (i.e., supplemental) monthly Aid and
Attendance pension amount if he or she is:
A.
Eligible for basic pension benets; AND
B.
Either (1) requires the aid of another person in order to perform activities of daily living, such
as bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself or
herself from the hazards of his or her daily environment; (2) is bedridden, in that his or her
99 https://www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/.
60
disability or disabilities require that he or she remain in bed apart from any prescribed course
of convalescence or treatment; (3) is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical
incapacity; OR (4) has corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric
contraction of the visual eld to 5 degrees or less.
Tip: Veterans who are eligible for a VA pension should investigate whether they might not be
better o receiving Supplemental Social Security Income and Medicaid. The acceptance of a
VA pension could cause the veteran to lose these other allowances, which in some cases, could
be greater. Discuss this matter thoroughly with your representative before ling a claim, and
consider consulting with an Illinois attorney as to current Illinois Medicaid eligibility rules.
In counting income, the VA will use medical expenses, including over-the-counter medicines, as a
deduction. If the veteran’s income is excessive and if medical expenses can be shown by receipt, the
veteran may be able to lower the income enough to receive pension benets.
C.
Income and Net Worth Limitations
Among the other eligibility requirements, a claimant must qualify nancially. The VA non-ser-
vice-connected pension program is a means-tested benet. If the VA determines you receive above
a certain level of income or possess enough assets to take care of yourself at the time of review, then
your claim may be denied (Note: A person’s nancial situation may change. A claimant can always
reapply for benets under the VA pension program.). To be nancially qualied to receive the VA
pension, a claimant must have (1) an income under the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR); and
(2) a net worth which does not exceed VA limitations.
Countable income for VA purposes is broadly dened and covers most sources of income received by
a claimant and his or her eligible dependents. Earnings, disability and retirement payments, interest
and dividend payments from annuities, and net income from farming or a business are all considered
countable income. There is also a limited ability to reduce the total of countable income by deducting
for certain qualifying expenses, such as unreimbursed medical expenses.
The VA denes “net worth,” or “corpus of estate,” as the “market value, less mortgages or other en-
cumbrances, of all real and personal property owned by the claimant, except the claimant’s dwelling
(single family unit), including a reasonable lot area, and personal eects suitable and consistent with
the claimant’s reasonable mode of life.”
100
The VA pension typically is paid in monthly installments. The amount the VA pays is what remains
after the VA subtracts your “countable income,” from an annual pension limit (the MAPR) established
by Congress. Individuals may also separately need to seek professional nancial or legal advice in
regard to long-term care and nancial planning needs.
100 38 C.F.R. §3.263(b).
61
When a veteran without a spouse or child is being furnished hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care by
the VA, the pension is reduced.
101
The VA limits the Improved Pension (as well as the Survivor’s Pension)
monthly payment to $90/month that can be paid to a Veteran (or surviving spouse with no dependents who
(1) is in a Medicaid-approved nursing facility, and (2) is covered by a Medicaid plan for services furnished by
the nursing facility. None of the $90 should be used to reduce the amount of Medicaid that is paid to a nursing
home.
D.
How to Apply for the VA Pension
1.
Fill Out a VA Form
For a veteran applying for his own pension, use VA Form 21P-527EZ, “Application for Pension.” The
completed application should be mailed to Department of Veterans Aairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box
5365, Janesville WI 53547-5365.
2.
Go to the Nearest VA Oce.
Alternatively, apply at the nearest VA oce or through your local veteran service ocer.
3.
Seek Help from a VA-Accredited Individual.
It may be wise to seek the assistance of a Veterans Service Ocer or attorney who is accredited by the
VA to assist and represent claimants before the VA. To verify whether an individual is so accredited, the
VA’s website has page on which you can look up an individual. There are three categories of accreditation
on the web site, “attorney,” “claims agents,” and “VSO representative.” The webpage can be found at:
https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.
E.
Summary
VA pension benets provided crucial nancial assistance to needy veterans and their survivors. Non-service-
connected pension benets can operate independently or act as a supplement to service-connected disability
payments to provide great assistance to veterans or surviving spouses. Having either one gives the veteran
eligibility to other benets that can be of help to a veteran and his or her family. Veterans who receive pension
benets also become eligible, or more eligible, for medical care by the VA. As always, it is wise for veterans in
need to seek assistance or representation to better understand and perfect their claims.
101 38 C.F.R. §3.551.
62
Chapter 7: How to Appeal a Denial of
Benets
Veterans who believe that the VA incorrectly denied their claim may take advantage of their right
to appeal. Both the VA and the IDVA have an appeal process designed to review such denials and,
where the denial is shown to be wrong, to reverse the decision and award the benet. This chapter
describes how the appeal process works and how veterans can best navigate the system to achieve
the best possible results.
A.
FederalAppeals(VA)
On February 19, 2019, the VA updated its appeal process. New appeals are no longer accepted
through the preexisting appeal process. The three appeal options available to veterans are listed
below.
1. Supplemental Claim
Supplemental Claims add new evidence which is relevant to the original case led by the veteran.
The most common type of additional evidence is expanded medical records. Veterans can either
submit the additional evidence themselves or they can ask the VA to get additional evidence on their
behalf.
To le a supplemental claim, veterans should submit a Decision Review Request: Supplemental
Claim, VA Form 20-0995, within one year of the decision they wish to appeal. When lling out
their supplemental claims, veterans should make sure that they indicate the benet type (i.e.
compensation) that they are seeking. Veterans should then choose what issues they would like to
appeal (veterans are not required to appeal every issue decided by the original VA decision).
The most important component of a supplemental claim is the collection and inclusion of additional
information to support the dierent result the veteran seeks. Veterans can ask the VA to seek records
from federal facilities, or can utilize VA Form 21-4142 to instruct the VA to seek records from private
providers or hospitals.
Veterans can submit their claims through the mail to the regional oce which matches the benet
type they are seeking. Alternatively, veterans can submit their forms in person to a VA regional oce
or can fax their completed form and associated documents to 844-531-7818. The VA currently issues
decisions on supplemental reviews in approximately 4-5 months.
2. Higher-Level Review
The second option for veterans who disagree with an initial decision is the Higher-Level Review
process. Veterans have one year from the date on their decision letters to request a Higher-Level
Review. Unlike in a supplemental claim, higher level reviews do not involve new evidence, instead
the VA appoints a more senior rater to review the decision and determine whether an error has been
made. Veterans and/or their representatives have the opportunity to discuss the decision with the
senior raters and explain why they believe the decision should be reversed. The VA’s goal is to
complete Higher-Level Reviews in an average of 125 days.
Veterans seeking a Higher-Level Review should complete a Decision Review Request: Higher-Level
Review, VA Form 20-0996. Veterans should identify what types of benets they are seeking through
63
the review (e.g. compensation). Veterans seeking multiple types of benets should submit separate
forms for each type of benet being sought. The VA Form 20-0996 provides the option to schedule
an informal conference between the reviewer and the veteran or their representative and allows the
veteran to provide their preferred conference times and phone number. Finally, veterans should note
the issues in the initial decision they want the reviewer to assess.
Veterans can submit their Higher-Level Reviews through the mail to the regional oce that matches
the benet type they are seeking. Alternatively, veterans can submit their forms in person to a VA
regional oce or can fax their completed forms and associated documents to 844-531-7818.
3. Appeal Board
The third option to review a VA decision is to le an appeal to a Veterans Law Judge at the Board
of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) in Washington DC.
102
This option is available to review initial claims,
supplemental claims, or Higher-Level Review decisions. Veterans have one year from the date of
their decision letter to request a Board Appeal. Veterans should note that the BVA process takes
signicantly longer than the other options, often taking one year for direct reviews and longer for
claims involving additional evidence or testimony.
Veterans have the option to submit additional evidence for the Board to review, however such
evidence must be submitted within 90 days from the date the VA receives the Board Appeal form.
Veterans seeking a Board appeal may request a hearing with a judge. Typically, the hearings are
conducted as a video conference so the veteran can attend at their local VA. Veterans and their
representatives have the opportunity to provide testimony to support their claim during the
hearing and the judge can ask questions to clarify any issues which are unclear. After the hearing is
complete a transcript is created and added to the case le. After the hearing, veterans are aorded
an additional 90 days to present evidence. This is useful because it gives veterans the option of
providing supplemental evidence to prove components of the claim that the judge identied as
problematic.
Veterans seeking a Board Appeal should complete a Decision Review Request: Board Appeal, VA
Form 10182. When lling out the form veterans should identify each issue they disagree with in the
original decision so the Veterans Law Judge can review them. The form oers three review options;
• Direct Review: A Veterans Law Judge reviews the record without additional evidence or
testimony. This option is the fastest.
• EvidenceSubmission: A Veterans Law Judge reviews the record as well as any additional
evidence submitted by the veteran within 90 days of their appeal being led.
• Hearing: This option aords the veteran to option to submit additional evidence in support of
their claim as well as the opportunity to provide testimony at their hearing. This option will
result in a longer period of time for the Board to issue its decision.
Veterans can submit their Board Appeal Forms through the mail to Board of Veterans’ Appeals, PO
Box 27063, Washington, D.C. 20038. Alternatively, veterans can submit their forms in person to a VA
regional oce or can fax their completed forms and associated documents to 844-678-8979.
102 https://www.bva.va.gov/
64
4.
AfteraBoardAppealDecision
If a veteran’s claim is denied by the Board of Veteran’s Appeals (BVA) they have two options. First,
they have the option to le a Supplemental Claim via VA Form 20-0995 as discussed above. This
will give the veteran an opportunity to expand on the evidence they presented in their initial claim.
Second, veterans have the right to le their case with the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
(CAVC).
103
The CAVC is a component of the federal court system and is completely separate from
the VA. Unlike the prior steps in the process, CAVC review is for formal legal proceeding, not an
administrative review.
Veterans can appeal a nal decision from the BVA with the CAVC through a written Notice of Appeal
(NOA). TheNOAmustbereceivedbytheUSCourtofAppealsforVeteransClaimsnolater
than120daysafterthedatetheBoardofVeterans’Appealsmailedthenaldecision. Notice of
Appeal forms should be mailed to United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, 625 Indiana
Ave. NW, Ste. 900, Washington DC, 20004-2950. NOAs can also be faxed to 202-501-5848 or emailed
to [email protected] (represented veterans) or [email protected] (self-
represented veterans). Veterans ling a NOA should include either the $50 ling fee or a Declaration
of Financial Hardship form with their paperwork.
In most cases, the CAVC receives a veteran’s claims exclusively through written briefs. However,
when a case involves a unique legal issue, the CAVC will sometimes allow oral argument. After
reviewing each case, the CAVC will decide to grant, deny, or remand (send back to the BVA for
further action) the claim. The losing parties in CAVC decisions (including the VA) have the right to
appeal their decision to the Federal Circuit Court. The nal step in the appeal process is an appeal to
the United States Supreme Court.
B.
StateAppeals(IDVA)
Veterans who have been denied benets provided by the State of Illinois should utilize the Illinois
Department of Veterans Aairs (IDVA) appeal process. To initiate an appeal aveteranmustsubmit
aPlainStatementofDisagreementwithintwenty(20)calendardaysof the date of the denial. If
a veteran is using a VSO to assist in their appeal, the VSO can submit the appeal electronically
through a system called CYBERVET. Veterans who wish to le hard copies of their Plain Statement
of Disagreement should mail them to Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs, Board of Appeals, P.O.
Box 19432, 833 South Spring Street, Springeld, IL 62794-9432. Within 10 days of receiving the Plain
Statement of Disagreement the Board must send written conrmation to the veteran that their appeal
has been received. Hearing dates are assigned within thirty (30) days of the Board’s receipt of the
Plain Statement of Disagreement. The Board of Appeals on a quarterly basis, or as needed to conduct
the amount of appeals necessary. Veterans may elect to make an appearance before the board to oer
additional evidence through testimony. Veterans may appear in one of three ways:
• InPerson: Veterans may physically appear before the board at the James R. Thompson Center,
100 W. Randolph St, Rm 5-570, Chicago.
• Video-conference: Veterans may appear at IDVA’s Springeld oce at 833 S. Spring St, to
provide live video testimony for the board while they meet in Chicago.
• Conference Call: Veterans who select this option will be able to call into the board via their
personal telephone.
103 http://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/index.php?fullsite=yes.
65
Veterans choose to have representation at the hearing regardless of what type of hearing they select.
However, veterans must inform the board no later than ten (10) calendar days of the identity of their
representative. IDVA employees are prohibited as acting as representatives for veterans. Veterans
may also present written briefs explaining why they believe IDVA’s initial decision denying their
benets was incorrect, however after the hearing is complete the Board will not accept any additional
evidence. The Board applies a de novo standard of review, which means that they do not give any
deference to the prior decision and reach their conclusions as if the appeal was the rst and only
decision. The board will notify the veteran of their decision by a letter within fteen (15) calendar
days of the hearing. The decision letter will describe the evidence relied upon and the basis of the
Board’s decision.
Decisions of the Board can be appealed through the Illinois Administrative Review Law.
104
Veterans
seeking to appeal a decision of the Board should le their claim in the circuit court within 35 days of
the Board’s decision. No “new” evidence may be presented to the circuit court. The circuit court will
review the evidence presented to IDVA and determine whether they made an error in assessing the
evidence.
C.
Summary
Both the VA and the IDVA operate appeal processes. Of the two, the appeal process of the VA is far
more lengthy and complicated. The VA only reverses its benet decisions in a minority of cases. As
the appeal process progresses, the percentage of reversals diminishes as the time and costs involved
increases. Veterans should seek an expert opinion from a veteran’s representative to determine which
appeal strategy is best and how the process is likely to proceed. Veterans should understand that an
initial denial does not simply end their claim and should adopt a deliberate and strategic approach to
the appeal process.
104 735 ILCS 5/3.
66
Chapter 8: Benets for Disabled Veterans and
Certain Active Service Members
Compensation is a gateway benet. Being service-connected opens the gate to a variety of other
important benets, not only for the veteran but also for dependents and survivors. Veterans who
are service-connected may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, special housing grants, VA life
insurance, medical insurance, preference in hiring, and many other benets. The dependents and
survivors of certain service-connected veterans may also be eligible for educational benets, medical
insurance and other benets through the VA and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs. New
laws have made some benets available to those still on active duty.
Compensation is a monthly monetary benet awarded to veterans who suer a disability that is
directly related to military service or that is secondary to a service-connected disability. Veterans
who suer a disability as a result of VA medical care or as a result of participation in a VA-approved
vocational rehabilitation program may be eligible for service-connection under certain circumstances.
Generally, to receive the monthly benet, the disability must be rated at 10%. However, under 38
CFR §3.324 (multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities), a veteran with two or more
0% rated service-connected disabilities may be eligible for a 10% rating. Veterans who are rated 30%
or more disabled by the VA are entitled to an additional amount of compensation for dependents.
Veterans who are 50% or more disabled are entitled to free VA treatment of any disability including
free medications.
Compensation was discussed in the Chapter Five of this book. The purpose of this chapter is to
explain the various benets available to service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents
and survivors. It is assumed that the veteran is already service-connected at some level. However,
this chapter is also a good motivator for those veterans who are thinking about applying for service-
connection but have put it o for some time. As explained above, compensation being awarded for a
service-connected disability opens the door to a number of benets. Veterans with a disability that is
directly related to their military service should utilize one of the sources of help described in Chapter
Three: Sources of Help in Obtaining Benets, and le their applications for compensation.
A.
Federal Benets
Though health care was discussed earlier in this book, we will briey discuss VA health care benets
for service-connected veterans here. As previously stated, health care for service- connected veterans
is signicantly enhanced. Veterans who are service-connected are entitled to medical treatment,
prosthetic appliances, and free medications as prescribed by a physician for any service-connected
disability. A veteran who is being treated for a non-service-connected disability may be required to
pay for treatment and medications and will be required to complete a yearly “means test.” Veterans
being treated for a service-connected condition have no such requirement as long as they are being
treated for the service-connected disability. A word of caution, however: the VA will bill service-
connected veterans, who are rated less than 50%, for treatment of non-service-connected disabilities.
It is therefore very important to review any bill received from the VA for accuracy to conrm that the
VA has not billed the veteran for treatment or medications given for a service-connected disability.
67
1.
Eye Glasses, Contact Lenses, Hearing Aids
105
Sensori-neural aids benets authorize a service-connected veteran who is rated at least 10% to receive
contact lenses, eye glasses, and hearing aids from the VA. This benet could be very important to a
veteran who is suering a hearing loss or who is in need of glasses. All a veteran need do is apply
at the nearest VA Medical Center. Veterans must be on status with the VA to receive this benet.
Usually eye glasses, contacts, and hearing aids will not be provided as a result of age. However, those
veterans who are rated at least 10% for a service-connected disability are eligible regardless. Also
eligible are former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, aid and attendance recipients or those
permanently housebound, and veterans receiving vocational rehabilitation benets. Veterans who
have a visual or hearing impairment that resulted from the existence of another medical condition for
which the veteran is receiving VA care, or which resulted from treatment of that medical condition,
may also be eligible.
2.
Prosthetic Appliances
106
Articial limbs, braces, orthopedic shoes, hearing aids, wheelchairs, medical accessories, similar
appliances including invalid lifts and therapeutic and rehabilitative devices, and special clothing
made necessary by the wearing of such appliances, may be purchased, made or repaired for any
veteran upon a determination of feasibility and medical need for treatment of any condition when
receiving outpatient, hospital, domiciliary, or nursing home care in a facility under the direct
jurisdiction of the VA. Though non-service-connected veterans who are on status with the VA are
given the same prosthetic aids under certain circumstances, service-connected veterans are given
them for their service-connected conditions free of charge. Veterans may apply for this benet at any
VA Medical Center.
3.
Annual Clothing Allowance
107
An annual clothing allowance is provided to eligible veterans in the form of a lump sum payment.
To be eligible, the veteran must be entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability
for which he or she wears or uses a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance, including a wheelchair.
The VA must determine that use of the appliance tends to wear out or tear clothing. Additionally,
veterans who use medication(s), for skin conditions due to a service-connected disability, that cause
irreparable damage to the veteran’s outer garments may also receive this allowance. Apply at any VA
Medical Center or VA Regional Oce.
4.
Aids and Services for Blind Veterans
108
The VA may furnish mechanical and/or electronic equipment considered necessary as aids to
overcoming the handicap of blindness, and/or guide dogs, to blind veterans entitled to disability
compensation for a service-connected disability.
Veterans are eligible to receive special benets for the blind if they are service-connected for blindness
or are entitled to VA compensation for any service-connected disability and are determined by the
VA to be blind. Veterans with best-corrected vision no better than 20/200 or less or with a eld defect
of 20 degrees or less are considered to be blind. Blind veterans may be eligible for an annual Visual
Impairment Services Team (VIST) review (this is a total health and benets review); adjustment-
to-blindness training; and home improvements and structural alterations to homes. These benets
105 38 CFR §17.149.
106 38 CFR §17.150.
107 38 CFR §3.810.
108 38 CFR §17.154.
68
include admission to a VA Blind Rehabilitation Center or Clinic where they may receive counseling
and training.
A blind veteran who receives compensation for any disability may be eligible to receive a guide dog
and other aids to overcome blindness. Low vision aids include approved electronic and mechanical
aids for the blind; repair and replacement of electronic and mechanical aids; and guide dogs,
including the expense of training the veteran to use the dog and the cost of the dog’s medical care.
Also included are talking books, tapes, and Braille literature (from the Library of Congress). Apply at
any VA Medical Center.
Note: Blind veterans need not receive compensation or pension from the VA to be eligible for
admission to a VA Blind Rehabilitation Center or Clinic.
5.
Automobiles or Other Conveyances
109
Automobile adaptive equipment may be authorized if such equipment is deemed necessary to
insure that the eligible veteran will be able to operate the automobile or other conveyance in a
manner consistent with such person’s safety and so as to satisfy the applicable standards of licensure
established by the state of such person’s residency or other proper licensing authority. Eligible
veterans include veterans who suer the service-connected loss, or permanent loss of use, of one
or both hands or feet. Veterans who are entitled to compensation for ankylosis of one or both knees
or one or both hips may also be eligible for adaptive equipment. Eligible veterans may also receive
payment for adaptive equipment repair, replacement, or re-installation required, because of disability,
for the safe operation of the vehicle purchased with VA assistance, or for a previously or subsequently
owned vehicle. Apply at any VA Regional Oce or VA Medical Center.
6.
Specially Adapted Homes
The VA has provided adaptive housing assistance grants to eligible service-connected disabled
Veterans to construct adapted homes or modify existing homes to accommodate their disabilities
since 1948.
110
Currently, the main two VA programs for adaptive housing assistance are the Specially
Adapted Housing (SAH) grant 38 U.S.C. §2101(a); see also 38 CFR §3.809 and the Special Housing
Adaptation (SHA) grant 38 U.S.C. §2101(b); see also 38 CFR §3.809a. The VA has a website that
explains both SAH and SHA in detail.
111
Under these provisions, certain disabled veterans may be
provided a grant or grants from the VA for the purchase of or adaptation of a home specially adapted
to their needs. Both grants require that the living situation be permanent, that the home is owned
by an eligible individual or family member, and that there will be a maximum of 3 grants (up to the
maximum dollar amount allowable).
112
Application for both of these grants may be made to any VA
Regional Oce. Details and eligibility requirements for each grant are explained hereafter.
7.
Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH)
You may be able to get an SAH grant if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your
permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time) and you meet both of the requirements
listed below.
109 38 CFR §17.156.
110 P.L. 80 702.
111 https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.
112 38 UCS §2102.
69
Both of these must be true:
• You own or will own the home; and
• You have a qualifying service-connected disability.
Qualifying service-connected disabilities include:
• The loss or loss of use of more than one limb; or
• Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, along with the loss or loss of use of a leg; or
• The loss or loss of use of a lower leg together with residuals (lasting eects) of organic (natural)
disease or injury; or
• The loss or loss of use of one leg together with the loss or loss of use of one arm; or
• Certain severe burns; or
• The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity (foot or leg) after September 11, 2001, which
makes it so you can’t balance or walk without the help of braces, crutches, canes, or a
wheelchair.
NOTE: Only 30 veterans and service members each scal year can qualify for a grant based on the
loss of one extremity after September 11, 2001, as set by Congress. A scal year runs from October 1
through September 30. If you qualify for, but don’t receive, a grant in the current scal year because
the cap has already been reached, you may be able to use this benet in future years. The eligibility
for future years will depend on whether the law continues to give the VA the authority to oer these
grants and that the VA doesn’t go beyond the new scal year cap.
Benets are not restricted to wartime service. After December 16, 2003, the benet also became
available to a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty. The most recent VA Rating
Decision establishes the basic eligibility for a SAH grant. The Rating Decision is subject to review
and revision. Additionally, the statute requires: (1) that the veteran or service member’s ability to live
in the house is medically feasible, (2) that the house must be suitably adapted to meet the veteran’s
or service member’s living requirements, and (3) that the acquisition of the house by the veteran or
service member (with the assistance provided by the grant) is nancially feasible.
8.
Special Home Adaptations (SHA) Grant
113
The Special Home Adaptations (SHA) grant program is for veterans and service members whose
rated disabilities are deemed slightly less serious in comparison to those that establish eligibility
for an SAH. You may be able to get a SHA grant if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or
change your permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time) and you meet both of the
requirements listed below.
Both of these must be true:
• You or a family member own or will own the home; and
• You have a qualifying service-connected disability.
113 38 CFR §3.809(a).
70
Qualifying service-connected disabilities include:
• Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less); or
• The loss or loss of use of both hands; or
• Certain severe burns; or
• Certain respiratory or breathing injuries.
The applicant must not be eligible for an SAH grant under 38 CFR §3.809 and not previously have
received such assistance. However, an applicant who rst establishes entitlement for a SHA grant and
then becomes eligible for a SHA grant may still qualify for a SHA grant.
9.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant is available to help SAH or SHA eligible veterans
who are, or will be, temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. The qualifying
disabilities for the TRA grant are the same as for SAH or SHA. In other words, a veteran must
be eligible for SAH or SHA in order to be eligible for TRA grant use. For TRA purposes, a family
member is dened as a person related to the veteran by blood, marriage or adoption.
NOTE: No individual may use the SAH or SHA grant more than three times up to the maximum
dollar amount allowable. The TRA grant does not count against the maximum dollar amount
available, but it can only be used once and it counts as one of the three available uses.
For the most up-to-date information on the TRA grant, please visit the VA website located at:
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.
10.
Supplemental Financing
Under the provisions of 38 CFR §3.809a, veterans who receive Specially Adapted Housing (SHA)
Grants under 38 U.S.C. §2101(b) who have available loan guarantee entitlement may also obtain a
guaranteed loan or direct loan from the VA to supplement the grant to acquire a specially adapted
home. Apply at any VA Regional Oce.
11.
Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance
Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) – 38 CFR Part 8a is designed to pay o the mortgage of a
severally disabled veteran or service member in the event of his or her death. It provides a $200,000
Mortgage Life Insurance policy for veterans who are given a Specially Adapted Housing Grant.
Protection is automatic unless eligible veterans decline in writing or fail to respond to a nal request
for information on which their premium can be based. Premiums are automatically deducted from
VA benet payments, or paid directly if the veteran does not draw compensation, and they will
continue until the mortgage (up to the maximum amount of the insurance) has been liquidated,
the home is sold, the coverage terminates when the veteran reaches age 70, or the veteran dies. If a
mortgage is disposed of through liquidation or sale of the property, any unused portion of the life
insurance coverage may be used on the mortgage of a second or subsequent home. A qualied SAH
grantee must, however, apply for VMLI before their 70
th
birthday. For more information, see the
VA’s webpage at: https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vmli/. Apply at any VA
Regional Oce.
71
12.
Independent Living Program (ILP)
The Independent Living Program (ILP) is an individually tailored program that is geared toward
helping severely disabled veterans to live independently. The VA will use a number of resources to
help disabled veterans reach this goal. In addition to assistance available through the VA Medical
System, these resources may include assistive technology, independent skills training, and referral to
community support groups.
Generally, the VA Vocational Rehabilitation sta make the determination that it is not feasible
for a disabled veteran to pursue gainful employment. They then focus on developing a program
specically for that veteran, which includes a detailed assessment of the veteran’s needs. This
assessment will include consulting with a variety of service providers, family members, and other
professionals in the veteran’s community. From this assessment, an Independent Living Plan will
emerge. Veterans who are, or who believe they are, unable to pursue gainful employment as a
result of their service-connected disabilities should complete a VA Form 28-1900 – Application for
Vocational Rehabilitation for Claimants With Service-Connected Disabilities or apply at any VA
Regional Oce or VA Medical Center.
13.
Vocational Rehabilitation
VA vocational rehabilitation programs are governed by 38 USC 31 – Training and Rehabilitation for
Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities. The VA oers programs intended to help disabled
veterans rehabilitate and train in order to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment.
The main VA program is the Chapter 31 Training and Rehabilitation Program for Veterans With
Service-Connected Disabilities.
114
The VA previously also provided benets through the Veterans
Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP).
115
The U.S. Department of Labor also oers assistance
through its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) program.
116
Generally, a veteran is eligible for Chapter 31 benets if at least one of the following conditions is met:
• The veteran has a service-connected disability and is receiving at least a 20% disability rating,
or would be but for receipt of military retirement pay. Veterans with a 10% disability rating
may be eligible if they have a serious employment disability.
• The veteran was honorably discharged for a service-connected condition or is home awaiting
orders for such a separation or is hospitalized awaiting separation for a service-connected
disability.
• The veteran has a serious employment impairment as the result of a service- connected
disability.
• Those veterans with less than honorable discharges may be qualied if they have a service-
connected disability and are approved by the VA. (for more information see Chapter One:
Exceptions and Limitations.)
14.
Rehabilitation Program Period
• Veterans must complete a rehabilitation program 12 years from the date of their discharge or
release from active duty.
114 38 USC 31; see also 38 CFR Part 21.
115 Pub. L. No. 112-56, 125 Stat. 711 (2011). This program ended on March 31, 2014.
116 38 CFR Chapter 4102A. For more information, visit the website at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets.
72
• This period may be extended if a medical condition prevents the individual from training or if
the veteran has a serious employment disability.
• Disabled veterans may receive services until they have reached their rehabilitation goal,
generally up to 48 months.
• The VA may provide counseling, job placement, and post-employment services for up to an
additional 18 months.
15.
Rehabilitation Program Costs
• While in training, and for two months after completing training, veterans may receive a
subsistence allowance in addition to their disability compensation or retirement pay.
• The VA may pay the cost of tuition and required fees, books, supplies, and equipment.
• The VA may also pay for special support such as tutorial assistance, prosthetics, lip-reading
training, and signing for the deaf.
• Service members cannot receive a subsistence allowance until they leave active duty.
Disabled veterans will be given vocational counseling prior to having an educational objective
approved for eligibility. A veteran may receive employment assistance and self-employment
assistance after completing the educational objective.
TIP: If eligibility is established for more than one educational benet, only one may be used.
A VA counselor will discuss the available options and help to determine which benet is best
suited to the veteran’s needs. The veteran, however, must make the nal decision.
If a veteran is rated totally disabled, he or she may qualify for training and other services oered by
the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation program. The veteran should also check eligibility to use other
State benets, such as those oered through the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Disabled veterans may be able to use both State and federal programs at the same time. Apply at any
VA Regional Oce using VA Form 28-1900, Application for Vocational Rehabilitation for Claimants
With Service-Connected Disabilities.
16.
Educational Advance Payment
On occasion, veterans may require advance payment of educational benets to pay for costs such as
tuition or housing. Such payment may be authorized if the following conditions are met:
• Individuals receiving an advance payment must have the institution that he or she is attending
verify enrollment.
• The educational institution must “verify delivery of the advance payment check to the
veteran.” Subsequent verications are done by the veteran.
If a veteran would like an advance payment, he or she must tell the certifying ocial at the institution
to check the advance pay box on the VA certication form. The veteran will receive the rst month’s
pay in advance plus a partial month if the semester started mid-month. For example, if a semester
starts on January 15, advance pay will be given for the period January 15 through the month of
February. The veteran would receive the next check for education on April 1. The VA pays one month
behind (e.g., February is paid on March 1). For more information, see 38 CFR §21.7151 Advance
73
Payment Certications.
17.
Employment Benets for Service-Connected Veterans
As with the other benets available for service-connected veterans, employment assistance also
carries special considerations for those service-connected veterans seeking employment or those
who are forced to change employment as a result of an increase in their service-connected disability.
The VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program helps veterans with service-
connected disabilities prepare for, nd, and keep suitable jobs.
117
The program also helps those with
service-connected disabilities, so severe that they cannot immediately consider work, to improve their
ability to live as independently as possible.
18.
Disabled Veterans in Business
The VA’s Center for Veterans Enterprise has a website that oers a number of resources for veterans
seeking to gain government contracts or learn more about running a business.
118
In addition to
what is provided by the federal government, there are many benets for disabled veterans that are
available through the State of Illinois.
19.
Veteran’s Preference in Hiring
In addition to the services the VA oers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and
Training monitors veteran’s preference in hiring laws. Generally, veterans are entitled to preferences
in hiring in both federal and state government civil service positions and, in some cases, private
sector jobs. Veteran’s preference in the federal government is governed by 38 U.S.C. Chapter 42,
Employment and Training of Veterans. Generally, any private employer who has a contract with the
U.S. Government over $100,000 must have in place a program by which disabled veterans, Vietnam
era veterans, or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition
will be considered for not only employment but advancement in employment.
20.
Commissary/Exchange Privileges at Armed Forces Bases
This benet entitles 100% service-connected veterans, and their dependents and survivors, to shop
and make purchases at military post commissaries and exchanges, and access to morale, welfare and
recreation facilities. As of January 1, 2020, eligibility for these benets has been expanded to include
Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, all veterans with service-connected disabilities and
individuals approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under
the Department of Veterans Aairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
For those entitled, this benet may provide savings in the purchase of groceries, liquor, sundries,
non-prescription drugs, clothing, appliances, and more. Those who shop at post exchanges and
commissaries may save thousands of dollars a year. Typically, the prices are lower and there is no
sales tax. Some commissaries may assess a “user fee”.
NOTE: Entitlement to this benet overseas is governed by international law and is available only to
the extent agreed to by the foreign governments concerned.
All that is needed to obtain this benet is a commissary letter from the VA Regional Oce. Veterans
should take the letter to the nearest military base and present it to the ID card section. A marriage
certicate or birth certicate are necessary to get an ID for a spouse or dependent child.
117 https://www.benets.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp.
118 https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/.
74
B.
State Benets
1.
State Benets Specially Adapted Housing
The State of Illinois also has a specially adapted housing grant for those veterans who qualify for the
federal Veterans’ Specially Adapted Housing Grant.
Under the Disabled Veterans Housing Act (330 ILCS 65), eligible veterans may be granted a single
lump sum payment not to exceed $15,000 to provide assistance in acquiring a suitable dwelling unit
with special xtures and/or movable facilities made necessary by the veteran’s permanent and total
disability. To be eligible, the veteran must be certied eligible by the VA for the federal Specially
Adapted Housing Grant and the veteran must have been a resident of the State of Illinois at the time
he or she entered the service. Apply at any IDVA oce.
Veterans eligible for the federal grant for specially adapted housing may be provided a State of
Illinois grant of up to $3,000 to help pay the cost of remodeling made necessary by the veteran’s
permanent and total disability. This does not, however, mean the veteran will receive the full $3,000.
For example, if the cost of remodeling is fully paid by the VA grant, the IDVA grant will pay nothing.
But if the cost of remodeling is over the amount of the VA grant, the IDVA grant will pay remodeling
costs not to exceed $3,000.
To be eligible for this grant, the Veteran must be certied eligible by the VA for assistance under
Chapter 21 of Title 38, United States Code. The Veteran must also have been a resident of the State of
Illinois at the time he or she entered the service. Apply at any IDVA oce.
2.
Tax Exemption for Specially Adapted Housing
Illinois law provides for an annual property tax exemption of up to $100,000 of the assessed value
of property owned and used by a disabled veteran as a home that is classied as Specially Adapted
Housing by federal law.
119
The exemption remains in eect as long as the veteran, his or her spouse,
or unmarried surviving spouse maintains ownership of and resides on the property. To be eligible,
a federal Specially Adapted Housing Grant must have been made to the veteran and the funds used
for the purchase or construction of the home. Apply at any IDVA oce or ll out Illinois Form RLG-
52. This exemption must be applied for annually. A taxpayer who claims this exemption may not
also claim either the Disabled Person’s Homestead Exemption, 35 ILCS 200/15-168 or the Disabled
Veterans Standard Homestead Exemption, 35 ILCS 200/15-169.
C.
Summary
Service-connected disabled veterans are entitled to a variety of special benets because of their
sacrice for this nation. These benets are governed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs as
well as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment and Training Service. Additionally, the
State of Illinois has passed into law benets for veterans with service-connected disabilities. These
laws are governed by the Illinois Department of Veterans Aairs and range from tuition payment for
State-supported colleges and universities to free camping permits at State parks.
To obtain all of this available assistance, disabled veterans and their families must become educated
consumers. Help is but a telephone call away. Trained Veteran Service Ocers from both the VA and
the IDVA are available to answer questions. Additionally, Veteran Service Organizations located
119 35 ILCS 200/15-165
75
in VA hospitals and at the VA Regional Oce are available to assist. There are countless books and
pamphlets available. Use all of the resources available to nd out about and apply for all the benets
and services to which you are entitled.
76
Chapter 9: Benets for Caregivers, Survivors and
Dependents
Millions of dollars in veterans’ benets go unclaimed every year because survivors and dependents
are simply not aware of the rights and benets available to them. Survivors of veterans discharged
under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for burial benets. These include the right
to burial in a National Cemetery, an American ag to drape the con, a Presidential Memorial
Certicate, and partial reimbursement of burial costs.
The VA has an online collection of resources to assist survivors and dependents of veterans.
120
This online guide is a gateway to all the benets oered to dependents and survivors of veterans,
especially those who are survivors of veterans who were 100% service-connected at the time of
death. Survivors with questions can contact the Oce of Survivors Assistance at (202) 461-1077.
Alternatively, survivors can receive free in-person assistance from a VSO.
A broad range of benets are available to families of veterans who died as the result of a service-
connected disability. These crucial benets may include nancial help in the form of death
compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (commonly called DIC), VA health care,
federal and state educational assistance, and a VA home loan guarantee. Certain benets may be
extended to children and, in some cases, dependent parents. The survivors and dependents of the
Reserve Components of the U.S. Armed Forces (the federal reserves and the National Guard) who
die while performing, or as a result of performing, active duty or active duty for training may also be
eligible for these benets.
This chapter will provide a benet-by-benet review of the assistance available to survivors and
dependents. For simplicity’s sake, the benets are listed by category – Health Care, Education,
Compensation/Pension, etc. – with federal and state benets within each category presented
separately.
Survivors’ and dependents’ eligibility for a benet begins with the veteran’s eligibility. For this
reason, every veteran’s family should have access, at the very least, to his or her DD 214 and/or
Discharge Certicate. Equally important is the family member’s eligibility as a bona de dependent
or survivor.
Finally, this chapter also explores the more recent developments in benets provided to family
caregivers who shoulder the responsibility of taking care of our more seriously injured veterans.
A.
Federal Benets: Eligibility for Survivors and
Dependents
A veteran’s “survivor” may be a spouse, child, or parent. More specically, however, “survivors” and
“dependents” are dened according to the following VA guidelines, which are also recognized by the
IDVA.
• Spouse. The person who is legally married to the veteran under local laws (e.g., a legally
recognized marriage in the State of Illinois). If there is any question as to whether the marriage
is legal, the VA may rule that it is a “deemed valid” marriage so long as the spouse entered the
marriage in good faith.
120 https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/
77
• Surviving Spouse. To be classied as a surviving spouse one of the following must be true:
• The spouse must have married the veteran or service member before January 1, 1957; or
• The spouse married the veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from
the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got
worse; or
• The spouse was married to the veteran or service member for at least 1 year; or
• The spouse had a child with the veteran or service member, aren’t currently remarried,
and either lived with the veteran or service member without a break until their death or, if
separated, weren’t at fault for the separation.
• NOTE: Spouses who were remarried on or after December 16, 2003, and were 57 years
of age or older at the timer of their remarriage may be eligible to continue receiving
compensation.
•
Dependent Children. To be classied as surviving dependent child all of the following must
be true:
•
The child is unmarried; and
•
The child is not included in a surviving spouse’s compensation; and
•
The child is under 18 years of age, or under 23 year of age if attending school.
•
NOTE: Children who are adopted into other families who still meet all other criteria retain
their eligibility for benets.
•
Parents of Veterans. Dependent biological, adoptive, or foster parents of eligible veterans
or service members qualify for benets if their income is below the current Dependency and
Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rate.
121
The VA denes a foster parent as someone who served
in the role of a parent to the veteran or service member before their last entry into active
service.
The survivor benets application process is signicantly simplied for spouses or dependent already
on record with the VA. If a survivor is not previously in the VA system, they should furnish the VA
with relevant substantiating documents such as a valid marriage license, birth certicate, or, in the
case of a parent(s), proof of dependency or other supporting documents. If a legal question about
the validity of a relationship arises, the dependent should seek professional assistance to perfect their
claim. Spouses should consult Chapter Three and the Appendix to this book for a description of
available recourses. If the veteran can travel, it will expedite matters if the veteran accompanies the
dependent to the VA or IDVA oce at the time the benet is applied for to present their DD 214 and
Discharge Certicate. If the veteran is deceased, the dependent should be present these documents.
Burial, non-service-connected death pension, dependency and indemnity compensation, health care,
education, and housing benets described below correspond to the equivalent benets for veterans.
Except where noted, the terms and conditions of each benet are generally the same for the eligible
dependent/survivor as for the veteran.
121 https://www.va.gov/disability/parent-dic-rates/.
78
B.
Federal Benets Available to Survivors and
Dependents Related to Burial
1.
Burial/Death Benets: Overview
The basic burial benets represent a “package” designed to ensure proper recognition of the deceased
veteran’s service to his country and to assist next of kin with burial expenses. The basic burial benets
consist of the following:
•
A Burial Flag
•
A Presidential Memorial Certicate
•
Burial in a National Cemetery with perpetual care
•
A Government provided Headstone or Grave Marker
In general, eligibility for these benets is extended to survivors and dependents of any veteran
discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Also, all Filipino veterans who passed away
while residing in the United States may receive burial benets. Some benets have additional
eligibility requirements. The specics for each benet are addressed as follows:
2.
Burial/Death Benets: American Flag
122
A ceremonial American ag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn to honor a
deceased Veterans’ military service to his or her country. The VA will provide the burial ag upon
receipt of an Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, VA Form 27-2008. The VA provides
the ag to the next-of-kin who may keep it after its use during the funeral service. In the absence
of next-of-kin, a friend may request the ag. In the case of burials at VA national cemeteries, the
family of a veteran may donate the burial ag to be own on patriotic holidays if the VA national
cemetery has an Avenue of Flags.
Veterans who were not dishonorably discharged are eligible to receive a ag if they meet any of the
following requirements:
• Veteran who served during wartime
• Veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941
• Veteran who served after January 31, 1955
• Peacetime Veteran who was discharged or released before June 27, 1950
• Certain persons who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the
Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951
• Certain former members of the Selected Reserves
Funeral directors often assist families in obtaining ags, and can accept receipt of the ag from the
VA. Family members can also receive the ags through the postal service, but should note that not
every post oce location provides this service. Families experiencing diculties obtaining a ag
should reach out through their post oce or through the nearest regional VA oce. The VA will only
122 https://www.va.gov/opal/nac/sdc/faqBurialFlags.asp.
79
issue one ag per veteran, however, there are private companies and veterans organizations which
oer the opportunities to obtain additional ags or replacement ags. Note that the ags issued by
the VA are manufactured using 100% US materials and construction.
3.
Burial/Death Benets: Presidential Memorial Certicate
123
A Presidential Memorial Certicate (PMC) is an engraved paper certicate that bears the signature of
the President of the United States of America. It serves to honor the memory of the deceased veteran
and expresses the country’s grateful recognition of their service in the Armed Forces. Is open for next
of kin, family members, and friends of veterans who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
Certicates are automatically prepared and presented to the next of kin when a veteran is buried in a
national cemetery.
When a veteran is being laid to rest outside of a national cemetery, or when a family is requesting
more than one certicate, families or friends should utilize the Presidential Memorial Certicate
request form, VA Form 40-0247. The application process can be accelerated by including copies of the
veterans’ military discharge documents and death certicate. Applications can be submitted at a VA
regional oce, faxed to 800-455-7143, or mailed to:
Memorial Products Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Aairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
For assistance in completing an application Veterans can call 800-697-6947. To follow up on a request
that is over six weeks old, call (202) 565-4964.
4.
Burial/Death Benets: Burial in a VA National Cemetery
124
Eligibility. A service member of the U.S. armed forces and veterans who have the minimum active-
duty service requirements may qualify for burial in any of the 138 national cemeteries that the U.S.
National Cemetery Administration (NCA) maintains. (The NCA is a part of the U.S. Department
of Veterans Aairs.) Burial is available in a given cemetery where there is available space provided
the veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meets other eligibility
requirements discussed further below. The national cemetery benet includes the space, opening
and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial ag, and a
Presidential Memorial Certicate at no cost to the family. The same benets and honors apply to
cremated remains which are buried or inurned in a national cemetery.
Eligibility for burial may also extend to the spouse, widow or widower, minor children, and, under
certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities (see below) of the veteran, even if they
pass away before the veteran. Service members of the reserve components of the U.S. armed forces
who die while on active duty or while performing training duty, or were eligible for retired pay,
also may qualify for burial. Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery is also available to the
following groups if they meet some additional requirements; commissioned ocers of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commissioned ocers of the Public Health Service, WWII
Merchant Mariners, Philippine Armed Forces Veterans, and Hmong Veterans.
123 https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/presidential-memorial-certicates/.
124 https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/.
80
Some conditions make otherwise qualied persons ineligible for burial in VA national cemeteries.
Veterans are ineligible if they separated from the military under dishonorable conditions or
have a character of service that disqualies them. Note that the VA makes individual eligibility
determinations regarding undesirable, bad conduct, or any other discharge other than honorable; so
families of such veterans should still apply for burial through the VA Character of Discharge review
process.
125
Veterans are ineligible for burial in a VA national cemetery if any of the following are true:
• they were found guilty of a capital crime and convicted to death or life in prison
• they committed a capital crime but couldn’t have a trial due to their ight
• they were convicted of a Tier III sex oense and sentenced to life imprisonment
• they were convicted of subversive activities after September 1, 1959
• NOTE: family members who were convicted of subversive activities are also ineligible
To apply for a burial space in a VA national cemetery, the family will need to present: the veteran’s
discharge document; report of casualty; or the veteran’s full name; military rank; branch of service;
dates of entry and discharge; serial, Social Security, and/or VA claim numbers; date and place of
birth; and date of death.
Pre-needs Determinations. Veterans or loved ones can apply in advance to determine if the veteran
is eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery.
126
Please note that a VA pre need-determination does
not apply to Arlington National Cemetery, the United States Solders and Airmen’s Home National
Cemetery, or State or tribal cemeteries.
Pre-need determinations establish eligibility, but do not guarantee a specic plot or a reservation
in any specic cemetery. Anyone can submit a pre-need burial eligibility form, VA Form 40-10007,
Application for Pre- Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery, to the National
Cemetery Scheduling Oce (NCSO) by: toll-free fax at (855) 840-8299; or mail to the National
Cemetery Scheduling Oce, P.O. Box 510543, St. Louis, MO 63151.
If you wish to bury a deceased individual, contact a local funeral home or the National Cemetery
Scheduling Oce at (800) 535-1117 to expedite eligibility determination and burial scheduling. This
toll-free number is not for the handling of pre-needs eligibility determinations.
VA pays for many related items/services. VA will provide, at no cost to the veteran’s family, a
gravesite, headstone or marker, Presidential Memorial Certicate, U.S. ag, perpetual care of the
gravesite and will open and close the grave. Fees for services provided by funeral directors and other
related costs must be paid for by the veteran’s family.
Obtaining Discharge Document. If the discharge document is not available, a copy may be obtained
from the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records Oce, 1 Archives Drive, St.
Louis, MO 63138. Service members seeking their records can also create an account online through
milConnect.
127
Additional information about requesting military personnel records is available at the
National Archives Website.
128
These documents should be collected prior to the time of need.
125 https://www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions/#other-options.
126 https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/.
127 https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/.
128 https://www.archives.gov/.
81
Spouses. Surviving spouses may be eligible for internment in a VA national cemetery even if the
veteran is not buried or memorialized in a VA national cemetery. Surviving spouses who remarry a
non-veteran and die on or after January 1, 2000, are eligible for burial in a national cemetery, based on
their marriage to the eligible veteran.
Minor Children. Minor children are dened as under 21 years of age or under 23 years of age if
pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved educational institution.
Adult Dependent Children. Unmarried adult children are eligible if they are, “of any age but became
permanently physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before reaching 21 years
of age, or before reaching 23 years of age if pursuing a full-time course of instruction at an approved
educational institution.”
129
Parents. Under limited circumstances parents may also be buried in VA national cemeteries. Burial
benets are available to biological or adoptive parents, who died after October 13, 2010, and whose
child was a service member:
• whose death occurred on or after October 7, 2001; and
• whose death was the result of a hostile casualty or a training-related injury; and
• who is interred in a national cemetery, in a gravesite with available space for subsequent
interment; and
• at the time of the parent’s death, had no spouse, surviving spouse, or child who is buried, or
who, upon death, may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery.
National Cemeteries Located in Illinois:
Cemetary Location
Contact Burial Space
Abraham Lincoln
National Cemetery
20953 W. Ho Road Elwood, IL 60421 Phone: 815-423-9958
FAX: 815-423-5824
Open
Alton National
Cemetery
600 Pearl Street, Alton, IL 62002 Phone: 314-845-8320
FAX: 314-845-8355
Cremation
Only
Camp Butler National
Cemetery
5063 Camp Butler Road, Springeld, IL
62707-9722
Phone: 217-492-4070
FAX: 217-492-4072
Open
Danville National
Cemetery
1900 East Main Street, Danville, IL 61832 Phone: 217-554-4550
FAX: 217-554-4803
Open
Mound City National
Cemetery
Junction - Highway 37 & 51, Mound City,
IL 62963
Phone: 314-845-8320
FAX: 314-845-8355
Open
Quincy National
Cemetery
36th & Maine Street, Quincy, IL 62301 Phone: 309-782-2094
FAX: 309-782-2097
Closed
Rock Island National
Cemetery
Bldg 118 Rock Island Arsenal,
Rock Island, IL 61299
Phone: 309-782-2094
FAX: 309-782-2097
Open
Confederate Mound Oak Woods Cemetery 1035 E 67th St.,
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 815-423-9958
FAX: 815-423-5824
Closed
North Alton
Confederate Cemetery
635 Rozier Street
Alton, IL 62003
Phone: 314-845-8320
FAX: 314-845-8355
Closed
Rock Island
Confederate Cemetery
Rodman Avenue Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island, IL 61299
Phone: 309-782-2094
FAX: 309-782-2097
Closed
129 https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benets/eligible.asp.
82
Illinois State Cemetery Located in at Quincy Veterans Home:
Sunset Cemetery 171 N. 12
th
St Phone: 217-222-8641 Burial Space
Quincy IL 62301 Fax: 217-222-9621 Open
5.
Burial/Death Benets: Headstone or Grave Marker
Active duty service members who served a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty or died
while on active duty and reservists or guardsmen who were entitled to retirement pay or were called
to active duty are eligible for headstones or grave markers provided by the VA. Spouses buried in
national cemeteries, state or tribal veteran’s cemeteries, military post cemeteries, or military base
cemeteries may also be eligible for a headstone or marker, even if they die before the veteran. In most
cases the VA provides a single gravesite and headstone for all eligible family members.
The headstones or markers are available to veterans buried in either private or national cemeteries
and are shipped at government expense to the consignee. The cost of placing the headstone or marker
in a private cemetery, however, must be borne by the applicant.
Applications are made using VA Form 40-1330 and should be forwarded to Memorial Products
Service, (41B) Department of Veterans Aairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3903.
Applications can be facts to 800-455-7143. VA personnel are available to provide application
assistance at 800-697-6947. An application is not required if the deceased is to be buried in a National
Cemetery.
Memorial Markers. A memorial headstone or marker may be furnished upon application by a close
relative recognized as the next of kin to commemorate any eligible veteran (including a person who
died in the active military, naval, or air service) whose remains have not been recovered or identied;
were buried at sea (whether by the veteran’s own choice or otherwise); were donated to science; or
were cremated and the ashes scattered without interment of any portion of the ashes. The memorial
may be erected in a private cemetery, in a plot provided by the applicant, or in a memorial section of
a National Cemetery. This benet is only available to spouses or other dependents who are buried
in a national cemetery, military post, military base, or state veteran’s cemetery. Apply at any VA or
IDVA oce.
6.
Other Federal Burial/Death Benets
Burial at Arlington National Cemetery. This cemetery is under the jurisdiction of the Department
of the Army rather than the VA and has more restrictive eligibility requirements than many other
national cemeteries.
130
Eligibility for in-ground burial is limited to: those who died while on active
duty; active duty retirees eligible to receive compensation; veterans discharged under other than
dishonorable conditions who later held certain oces with the U.S. Government; former prisoners
of war who served honorably and died on or after November 30, 1993; veterans separated from the
service for physical disability of 30% or more prior to October 1, 1949; veterans discharged under
other than dishonorable conditions who were awarded one of the following decorations:
• Congressional Medal of Honor
• Distinguished Service, Air Force, or Navy Cross
• Distinguished Service Medal
• Silver Star
• Purple Heart
130 35 CFR § 553.12.
83
Veterans who do not qualify for in-ground burial at Arlington may still qualify of inurnment in the
Columbarium Court or Niche Wall.
131
Spouses and dependent children of those eligible for burial or now buried at Arlington are also
eligible. Those spouses who have remarried are also eligible for burial in a National Cemetery
provided the veteran is buried there and the death occurred after January 1, 2000. Those interested in
burial at Arlington National Cemetery should call 877-907-8585 for eligibility information and review
the eligibility information on the cemetery’s website.
132
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Gravestone or Marker. Special gravestones or markers
are available to Medal of Honor recipients. Family members of Medal of Honor recipients are
encouraged to seek advice from a VSO or the VA to prior to submitting their VA Form 40-1330 to
receive the veteran’s gravestone or marker.
Free Passports for Next of Kin of Those Buried in Overseas Military Cemeteries. Immediate family
members who wish to visit the grave or memorial of veterans in overseas U.S. military cemeteries
are eligible for a U.S. Passport free of charge. Applicants should obtain a statement of the location of
the deceased’s burial site or memorial from the American Battle Monuments Commission, Arlington
Court House Plaza II, Suite 500, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201, 703-696-6900. Upon
receipt of the statement, the passport may be applied for at most post oces, with the clerk of courts,
or at any oce of the Passport Agency, U.S. Department of State.
7.
Burial Allowance
VA burial allowances help oset the expenses of the veteran’s funeral and burial. However, in most
cases the benets provided will not cover all such expenses. Where otherwise eligible, benets
are available both in the case of service-connected deaths and non-service-connected deaths (to be
contrasted for with plot internment payments which are only separately payable to qualied, non-
service-connected veterans).
Certain exclusions and limitations exist.
133
Burial or plot allowance may not be paid to the extent that
they were paid by the deceased’s employer or by a state agency or political subdivision of a state. The
dierence between the entire expense and the amount paid by the employer or the state, if any, may
be reimbursed to the limit of the allowance.
Eligibility. If the burial benet has not yet been paid to the surviving spouse, the VA will pay the rst
living person to le a claim of those listed below:
• The veteran’s surviving spouse; or
• The survivor of a legal union between the deceased veteran and the survivor; or
• The veteran’s child, regardless of age; or
• The veteran’s parents or surviving parent; or
• The executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased veteran.
131 35 CFR § 553.13.
132 https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Scheduling-a-Funeral/Establishing-Eligibility.
133 https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/.
84
In addition to noting above that the veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than
dishonorable, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
• The veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability; or
• The veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death; or
• The veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided to receive his or
her full military retirement or disability pay; or
• The veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a
non-VA facility; or
• The veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from, a
specied place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care; or
• The veteran had an original or reopened claim for VA compensation or pension pending at the
time of death and would have been entitled to benets from a date prior to the date of death;
or
• The veteran died on, or after, October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing
home.
Burial allowances are also not payable if the veteran died while serving on active military duty (in
such cases, family should consult with casualty aairs representatives and others about death benets
paid by a service department.), was a member of Congress who died while holding oce, or was a
federal prisoner.
Payments for Service-Connected Deaths. The basic burial benet (the maximum) for a service-
related death is $2,000 (toward burial expenses) for deaths that occur on or after September 11, 2001.
The amount for deaths prior to September 11, 2001, is $1,500. For burials in a VA national cemetery,
partial or full reimbursement for transportation costs of the deceased may be available.
Payments for Non-Service-Connected Deaths. For veterans with non-service-connected eligibility,
burial and plot allowances are available based on when the death occurred and whether the death
occurred inside or outside a VA facility, a VA-contracted nursing home, or a state veteran’s nursing
home. If payment has not been automatically received from the VA, families are advised that in
the case of non-service-connected deaths, there is a two-year time limit from the date or burial or
cremation within which a claim must be led.
Unclaimed Remains. If a veteran’s remains are unclaimed upon his death, the entity who handles the
veteran’s burial would be entitled to a $300 burial allowance.
134
In the case where a veteran is buried
in a VA national cemetery, VA may reimburse the cost of transporting the deceased veteran’s remains.
VA may also reimburse for the cost of the plot in cases where a veteran is not buried in a VA national
cemetery.
Submitting a Claim. You can submit a claim by lling out a VA Form 21P-530, Application for Burial
Benets. Copies of the veteran’s DD Form 214 or the equivalent military discharge document, and a
death certicate should be attached to the form. For transportation expense claims, receipts for the
expenses paid should also be submitted. Such an application can be mailed to the VA regional oce
located in your state (e.g., the VA Regional Oce located in Chicago). Applicants seeking more
information should contact the VA regional benet oce at 800-827-1000.
134 https://benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/burials/Burial.pdf.
85
8.
Interment or Plot Allowance
The term “plot allowance” means the allowance, separate from the burial allowance discussed
above, that may be paid as reimbursement for the expense of purchasing a cemetery plot or cemetery
columbarium for the nal resting place of a veteran’s remains under the authority of 38 U.S.C.
§2303(b).
135
This particular allowance covers both the expense of obtaining the nal resting place and
the expense of actually placing the remains in that nal resting place. The plot allowance is available
only in the case of veteran deaths due to non-service-connected causes. VA law allows for a larger,
single payment in the case of service-connected deaths, and presumably does not allow for plot
allowances to such service-connected deaths for that reason.
NOTE: An annual increase was established in burial and plot allowances for deaths occurring after
October 1, 2011, beginning in federal Fiscal Year 2013, which is based on the Consumer Price Index for
the preceding 12-month period.
C.
State (IDVA) Provisions Related to Burial
1.
Headstone or Grave Marker Supplementary Allowance
The state will provide next of kin with up to $125 in reimbursement for the cost of cartage and
placement of VA-provided headstones or memorial markers. This payment will be made only after
the headstone/marker has been received and placed and local cartage and placement fees paid.
Apply at any IDVA oce with VA Form 3 WVGR.
136
2.
Grave Registration
The IDVA maintains a “Roll of Honor” for all veterans buried in the State. Every cemetery or burial
place is required to keep a permanent record of the burial of each U.S. veteran.
3.
Authority to Operate Veterans Cemeteries
The IDVA may operate cemeteries at the Manteno Veterans Home and the Quincy Veterans Home for
interment of veterans or their spouses as identied by the Department.
137
D.
County Provisions Related to Burial
1. Indigent Burial Benet
County boards are required by State law to provide an allowance up to $900 and to appoint a suitable
person to take charge of the burial of indigent veterans and their mothers, fathers, wives, widows,
or minor children.
138
For further information, apply to the County Veterans Assistance Commission
(VAC), at any IDVA oce, or directly to the county board. A list of County VACs can be found in
Appendix D of this book or on the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions’
website.
139
135 See also M21 1MR, Part VII, Chapter 1, Section B.
136 https://www.veteransbenetsillinois.org/.
137 20 ILCS 2805/2.12.
138 55 ILCS 5/5-27002.
139 https://www.veteransbenetsillinois.org/.
86
E. Federal Dependents’ Compensation and Pension
Benets
1.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Eligibility. For a survivor to be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the
veteran’s death must have resulted from one of the following causes:
1. Death which occurred while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training;
OR
2. Connected to a service-connected injury or illness; OR
3. The veteran was eligible to receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability rated as
totally disabling for a certain period of time (even if the death wasn’t service connected). The
survivor qualies if any of the following conditions are met.
• Continuously rated totally disabled for a period of 10 years immediately preceding death;
OR
• Continuously rated totally disabled from the date of military discharge and for at least 5
years immediately preceding death; OR
• A former POW who died after Sept. 30, 1999, and who was continuously rated totally
disabled for a period of at least one year immediately preceding death.
If death occurs after service, the veteran’s discharge must have been under conditions other than
dishonorable. Survivors can also be entitled to DIC if the veteran’s death was due to negligent VA
medical treatment or vocational rehabilitation under 38 U.S.C. §1151.
Surviving Spouses. A surviving spouse may be eligible for DIC provided one of the following is true:
1. The surviving spouse married the veteran before January 1, 1957; OR
2. The surviving spouse married the veteran within 15 years of discharge from the period of
military service in which the disease or injury that caused the veteran’s death began or was
aggravated; OR
3. The surviving spouse was married to the veteran for at least one year; OR
4. The surviving spouse had a child with the veteran, cohabitated with the veteran continuously
until the veteran’s death (or, if separated, was not at fault for the separation), and is not
currently remarried.
Note: Spouses may be eligible to continue receiving DIC benets if they remarried on or after
December 16, 2003, and were at least 57 years of age when they remarried.
Surviving Children. A surviving child may be eligible for DIC provided all of the following are true:
1. You are unmarried; AND
2. You aren’t included on the surviving spouse’s compensation; AND
3. You are under age 18, or between the ages of 18 and 23 and attending school.
87
Note: Surviving children who were adopted out of the veteran’s family, but meet all the other eligibility
criteria still qualify for DIC.
Note: Certain “helpless adult children” may be entitled to DIC. Contact a Veteran Service Ocer or
the VA at (800) 827-1000 for more detailed information.
Surviving Parents. A surviving parent may be eligible for DIC provided all of the following are true:
1. They are a biological, adoptive, or foster parent of a qualifying veteran or service member;
AND
2. Their income falls below a certain amount.
140
Note: The VA denes a foster parent as someone who served in the role of a parent to the veteran or
service member before their last entry into active service.
The application form, once completed can be submitted at a VA regional oce or mailed to the
Pension Management Center at Department of Veterans Aairs, Pension Intake Center, PO Box 5365,
Janesville, WI 53547-5365. Forms can also be submitted by accredited representatives such as VSOs.
DIC Payments. The current basic monthly rate of DIC is $1,340.14 for an eligible surviving spouse.
The VA also adds a transitional benet of $332.00 to the surviving spouse’s monthly DIC for each
eligible child under age 18. The amount of the DIC may be increased in the rst two years after
the veteran’s death, or if the surviving spouse is housebound or in need of aid and attendance.
Additionally, if the veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabling for at least eight years prior
to their death and the spouse was married to the veteran for those eight years, an additional monthly
amount is due to the spouse. Note that the DIC rates are regularly adjusted and the most current
chart should be consulted.
141
If the surviving spouse is receiving a Survivor Benet Plan (SBP), then only the dierence between
the two is received. If the DIC is greater than the SBP, the spouse receives the DIC in lieu of the SBP.
To apply for DIC, the survivor will need to ll out either a VA Form 21-534 EZ or VA Form 21- 534 if
the claimant is a surviving spouse or child, or VA Form 21-535 if the claimant is a surviving parent.
There is no time limit for ling a claim for DIC. However, it is important to note that if the VA receives
a claim for DIC within one year after the Veteran’s death, the survivor may be entitled to retroactive
payments dating back to the rst day of the month following the veteran’s death.
142
2.
Additional Monetary Benets for Dependents/Survivors
Aid and Attendance. Surviving spouses and parents receiving DIC may be granted a special
allowance for aid and attendance if they are patients in a nursing home or require the regular aid
and attendance from another person. Application may be made at any VA Regional Oce; complete
VA Form 21- 2680 Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and
Attendance.
Housebound. Surviving spouses qualied for DIC who are not so disabled as to require the regular
aid and attendance of another person but due to disability are permanently housebound may also
be granted a special allowance in addition to the DIC rate otherwise payable. Application may be
140 https://www.va.gov/disability/parent-dic-rates/.
141 https://www.va.gov/disability/survivor-dic-rates/.
142 38 U.S.C. § 5110(a), (d); see also 38 U.S.C. § 5310(a) if the Veteran was receiving disability compensation or pension at the time
of his or her death greater than or equal to the amount of DIC to which the survivor is entitled.
88
made at any VA Regional Oce. Complete VA Form 21-2680 Examination for Housebound Status or
Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance.
Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors (REPS). Certain survivors of deceased veterans who
died of service-connected causes incurred or aggravated prior to August 13, 1981, are eligible for
benets. The benets are similar to the benets for students and surviving spouses with children
between ages 16 and 18 that were eliminated from the Social Security Act. The benets are payable
in addition to any other benets to which the family may also be entitled. The amount of benets is
based on information obtained from the Social Security Administration. Applicants should utilize
VA Form 21P-8924 Application for Surviving Spouse or Child for REPS Benets, or apply to any VA
Regional Oce or IDVA oce.
Death Compensation Relating to Deaths before January 1, 1957. Death compensation payments
are authorized for surviving spouses, unmarried children under 18 (as well as certain dependent
children and those between 18 and 23 if attending school), and dependent parents of service persons
or veterans who died before January 1, 1957, from a service-connected cause not the result of willful
misconduct.
Survivors with eligibility for death compensation benets may elect to receive DIC benets which
generally pay greater rates, especially for surviving spouses and children. More specic information
about death compensation benets may be obtained from your nearest VA or IDVA oce. If a
survivor has eligibility for both death compensation and DIC, the VA oce processing the claim will
notify the survivor about the dual entitlement and will explain how to elect payments under the DIC
program. Applicants should complete VA Form 21-534 Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/
or Accrued Benets, or apply to any VA Regional Oce or IDVA oce.
Non-Service-Connected Survivor’s or Death Pension.
143
Certain surviving spouses and children of
deceased eligible veterans may qualify for non-service-connected survivor’s pension (also known
as the death pension), if their countable income is below a yearly limit set by law. Eligibility is rst
established through the deceased veteran who must have:
• Entered active duty on or before September 7, 1980, and served at least 90 days on active
military service with at least 1 day during a covered wartime period; OR
• Entered active duty after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period
for which they were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions), with at least 1 day
during a covered wartime period; OR
• Was an ocer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and hadn’t previously served
on active duty for at least 24 months.
Surviving spouses and unmarried children under age 18 (or until age 23 if attending a VA- approved
school) of deceased qualifying wartime veterans may be eligible for a pension based on need if they
meet the applicable income standards. Qualied children who became permanently incapable of self-
support because of mental or physical disability before reaching age 18 may receive a pension as long
as the condition exists or until they marry.
As in the case of the pension a wartime veteran may receive, the survivor’s pension is not payable
to those whom the VA determines can be reasonably expected to take care of themselves at the time
of review. A surviving spouse who is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person,
or is permanently housebound, may be entitled to higher income limitations or additional benets,
depending on the type of pension received.
143 https://www.benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/survivors/Survivorspension.pdf.
89
Amount of Non-Service-Connected Death Pension Payments. The amount of pension paid depends
upon whether the surviving spouse and children are receiving payments under the Improved
Pension Program or the Protected Pension Program.
Improved Pension Program. Eective December 1, 1985, the Improved Pension Program provides for
annual rates, generally payable monthly. The annual payment is reduced by the amount of the annual
countable income of the surviving spouse or dependent children.
Protected Pension Program. All surviving spouses and children who were on the rolls December 31,
1978, who do not elect improved pension, may continue receiving pension under the prior law at the
rate they were receiving on that date. Monthly payments shall continue as long as their income does
not exceed the applicable income limitation, or they do not lose a dependent.
Application. Applicants should complete VA Form 21-534 Application for DIC, Survivors Pension,
and/or Accrued Benets. The application form, once completed can be submitted at a VA regional
oce or mailed to the Pension Management Center at Department of Veterans Aairs, Pension Intake
Center, PO Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547-5365. A copy of the veteran’s death certicate should
accompany the application.
F. Federal Family Caregiver
The VA operates the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) which
compensates family caregivers of eligible veterans who were injured in the line of duty on or after
September 11, 2001.
144
This assistance does not replace direct VA benets to the veteran themselves,
but serves to compensate the family caregiver for helping the veteran.
1. Eligibility
To be eligible to receive care the veteran must meet the following criteria:
• The individual must be discharged from the US Military or have a date of medical discharge;
AND
• The individual must have a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury psychological
trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or aggravated their active duty service on or after
September 11, 2001; AND
• The individual has a need for at least 6 months of continuous personal care services. More
specic information about qualifying disabilities can be found on the VA website.
145
Primary or secondary caregivers must meet the following criteria:
• Be 18 years old or older;
• Be one of the following: (1) the veteran’s spouse; (2) the veterans’ son or daughter; (3) the
veteran’s parent; (4) the veteran’s step-family member; (5) the veteran’s extended family
member; or (6) someone who resides with the veteran or will do so if approved as a family
caregiver;
144 https://www.va.gov/family-member-benets/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/.
145 https://www.va.gov/healthbenets/resources/Caregiver_Eligibility_Check.asp.
90
Additionally, applicants must satisfy regulatory provisions relating to assessment, education, and
training and no evidence of abuse or neglect of the veteran by the applicant can exist.
Veterans can have one primary and two secondary family caregivers who are distinguished from
general caregivers. A general caregiver provides caregiving services to a covered veteran who may
not qualify for the VA Family Caregiver program. A “covered veteran” must be enrolled in the VA
health care system and needs personal care assistance due to either: (1) their inability to perform an
activity of daily living; or (2) their need of supervision or protection owing to symptoms or eects
of neurological care or other impairment or injury. Applicants should ll out a VA Form 10-10CG,
Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers which will need
to be signed by both the caregiver and the veteran. A separate form must be completed for each
family caregiver. Completed forms and supporting documents should be mailed to Program of
Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road NE,
Ste. 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647.
2. Caregiver Benets
Mental Health Services and Respite Care. Each approved family caregiver is entitled to mental
health services (individual and group therapy, counseling and peer support groups) and respite care
of at least 30 days. Respite care is substitute care that allows the family caregiver a scheduled period
of relief from the regular provision of care to the veteran.
Extension of Educational Benets (Where Applicable). For a caregiver who is also a veteran, he
or she may be able to extend the time in which he or she is able to use his or her own education
benets.
146
CHAMPVA. If the primary caregiver does not have health coverage under another contract, he or she
may receive benets under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans
Aairs (CHAMPVA).
147
Monthly Stipend. A veteran’s primary caregiver is entitled to a monthly stipend under the terms and
calculations of the interim nal rule.
148
While the stipend is considered income, it is a non-taxable
benet.
G. State Survivors Benets
1.
The Line of Duty Compensation Act (LODCA)
149
LODCA is a benet administered by the Illinois Court of Claims that provides nancial compensation
for the designated beneciaries of Armed Forces members killed on active duty in certain
circumstances. Compensation is governed by 820 ILCS 315/3(b) and 315/3(c) and is adjusted
annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. For claims for Armed Forces members under
LODCA, beneciaries must make a claim with the Illinois Court of Claims within two years of the
date of death of the service member killed in the line of duty.
150
146 Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, 38 U.S.C. §1720G.
147 38 CFR §1781, https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benets/champva/.
148 76 Fed. Reg. 26,148 (Interim Final Rule) (May 5, 2011).
149 820 ILCS 315/1, et seq..
150 820 ILCS 315/3(a).
91
The LODCA denes an “Armed Forces Member” as, “an Illinois resident who is: a member of the
Armed Forces of the United States; a member of the Illinois National Guard while on active military
service pursuant to an order of the President of the United States; or a member of any reserve
component of the Armed Forces of the United States while on active military service pursuant to an
order of the President of the United States.”
151
The LODCA denes “killed in the line of duty” for armed forces members as, “losing one’s life
while on active duty in connection with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States,
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation
New Dawn, or Operation Inherent Resolve.
152
The LODCA also provides coverage to members of the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol is a
public- service organization and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
153
LODCA denes “civil air patrol
member” as “any person employed by the State or a local governmental entity as, or otherwise
serving as, a member of the organization commonly known as the “Civil Air Patrol”, including
volunteer members of the organization commonly known as the “Civil Air Patrol”.
154
For claims for
Civil Air Patrol members under LODCA, beneciaries must make a claim with the Court of Claims
within one year of the date of death of the Civil Air Patrol member killed in the line of duty.
Application. The LODCA claim form is available on the Illinois Court of Claims website and can also
be obtained by contacting the Court of Claims at (217) 782-7107 or (312)814-5010.
155
Timely Payment. If payment by the Court of Claims is not made within six months after a claim is
led and all information has been submitted as required under the Act, an interest penalty of one
percent of the amount of the award shall be added for each month or fraction of a month after the end
of the six-month period until nal payment is made.
156
2.
Illinois National Guardsman’s Compensation Act
157
The Illinois National Guardsman’s Compensation Act provides a nancial benet to the family
members of a member of the Illinois National Guard killed while on State active duty. The amount
of compensation paid to beneciaries under the Illinois National Guardsman’s Compensation Act
is linked to the amount paid under the LODCA. Unlike the two-year statute of limitations found
in the LODCA, claims on behalf of Illinois Guardsmen must be presented to the Illinois Court of
Claims within one year of the date of death of the service member. Guardsmen can designate their
chosen beneciaries under the Illinois National Guardsman’s Compensation Act. If no beneciary is
designated benets will pass to the surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse the benets will
pass to the Guardsman’s heirs per stirpes (to the closest living relatives).
158
3.
Vietnam Era Survivors Benet
159
Compensation of $1,000 is available to survivors of Vietnam veterans whose death was classied as
service-connected by the US Department of Veterans Aairs. The veteran must have been a
151 820 ILCS 315/2(k)(1).
152 820 ILCS 315/2(e)(1).
153 https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/who-we-are.
154 820 ILCS 315/3(h).
155 https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/cc92.pdf.
156 705 ILCS 505/24(3).
157 20 ILCS 1825/1 et seq..
158 20 ILCS 1825/3.
159 https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/benets/Pages/survivor-burial.aspx
92
resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering service, received the Vietnam Service
Medal or Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Vietnam, and received an Honorable Discharge for
service during one of the following periods:
• Vietnam: January 1, 1961- March 28, 1973
• Vietnam Frequent Wind: April 29, 30, 1975
Beneciaries should apply at any IDVA oce.
4.
Global War on Terrorism Survivors Benet
A $3,000 bonus is payable to survivors of certain persons killed by terrorist acts or hostile activities
during performance of military service in periods recognized as wartime by United States campaign
or service medals. The service member must have been honorably discharged and resided in Illinois
at least one year prior to entering military service. Beneciaries should apply at any IDVA oce.
H. Federal Health Care Benets for Certain Dependents
and Survivors
The health care program known as CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA) is
a health care program for certain dependents and survivors of veterans which pays a portion of the
costs of health care services and supplies.
160
It is the usual VA practice to refer dependents to non-VA
medical facilities and reimburse these facilities for treatment/care provided. However, dependents
should rst apply to the VA and obtain approval.
Who May Be Eligible
• Spouse or dependent child of a veteran with a total and permanent service-connected
disability; OR
• Surviving spouse or child of a veteran who died as a result of a service- connected total
disability; OR
• Surviving spouse or child of a veteran who, at the time of death, had a total and permanent
service-connected disability; OR
• Surviving spouse or child of a person who died while on active duty. NOTE: In most cases
these family members qualify for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA.
NOTE: Applicants must not be eligible for health care under TRICARE, CHAMPUS (Civilian Health
and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) or under Medicare.
How to Apply for CHAMPVA
To apply for benets, submit:
•
Application for CHAMPVA Benets, VA Form 10-10d.
•
Other Health Insurance Certication, VA Form 10-7959c.
•
Copy of Medicare card (if applicable).
160 https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benets/champva/.
93
Processing of the application may be speeded up if information that shows the veteran was
permanently and totally disabled is submitted along with the application. A copy of the VA rating
decision that shows the veteran is permanently and totally disabled or the death rating for a survivor
will suce. Also be sure to send copies of the marriage license and/or birth certicate/adoption
papers. Always send copies—never originals.
It is also good to provide a copy of the Veteran’s DD 214 or Military Separation papers if available.
Finally, if there are children aged 18-23 attending school, provide a copy of the school certication of
full-time enrollment.
Under 38 CFR §17.271(b), individuals age 65 or older who are entitled to Medicare Part A and
Medicare Part B are also eligible for CHAMPVA as secondary coverage to the claimant’s Medicare
plan and any other health insurances for services received on or after October 1, 2001. If age 65 or
older and not entitled to Medicare, applicant must send documentation from the Social Security
Administration that conrms that non-entitlement.
If a widow/widower remarries and that marriage is dissolved by death or divorce, the surviving
spouse must provide a copy of the legal documentation that terminated the remarriage. The
legal documentation of termination of a remarriage may be a divorce decree, death certicate, or
annulment decree.
After all the documentation is collected it should be mailed to: VHA Oce of Community Care,
CHAMPVA Eligibility, P.O. Box 469028 Denver, CO 80246-9028. Applications can also be faxed to 303-
331-7809.
I. Federal Educational Benets for Dependents and
Spouses
Dependents and spouses of totally disabled service-connected veterans or of those veterans who died
as the result of a service-connected disability are eligible for educational benets under 38 U.S.C.
Chapter 35, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA).
161
Dependent children can
generally qualify from ages 18 to 26. Under specic conditions, the child’s educational assistance can
start at an earlier age or be extended beyond age 26.
Who May Be Eligible
The following must be true of the veteran or service member:
• They are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability; OR
• They die while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability; OR
• They are missing in action or were captured in the line of duty by a hostile force, OR
• They were forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign entity; OR
• They are in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and
total disability and they are likely to be discharged for that disability.
161 https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benets/dependents-education-assistance/.
94
Criteria for children of the veteran or service member:
• In most cases applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 26.
• Children over 18 cannot collect DIC and DEA at the same time.
• Children can be married or unmarried.
• Children in the military cannot use the benet while on active duty, but military service may
extend the eligibility period beyond age 26.
Criteria for spouses of the veteran or service member:
• Benets begin on the date the VA determines that you qualify, or the date of the veteran’s
death and last for 10 years.
• If the veteran was rated permanently and totally disabled with a date three years after dis-
charge, spouses qualify for benets twenty years from that date.
• If the service member died on active duty the spouse’s benets end twenty years from the date
of death.
• Unlike children, spouses can collect DIC and DEA at the same time.
Available Benets
The VA provides monthly payments that can be used for:
• College or graduate degree programs.
• Career-training certicate courses.
• Educational and career counseling services.
• Apprenticeships.
• On-the-job training.
Survivors who began using DEA benets prior to August 1, 2018 may receive benets for up to 45
months. Survivors who began using the program on or after August 1, 2018 may receive up to 36
months of benets.
Application
The VA urges survivors to begin their application process by contacting their school’s certifying
ocial to conrm that the program is approved for VA benets. Applications for DEA can be
led online through the VA’s website.
162
Applications can also be submitted via VA Form 22-5490,
Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance. Paper applications for Illinois
residents can be mailed to VA Regional Oce, P.O. Box 32432, St. Louis, MO 63132-0832. Survivors
are urged to seek professional assistance in perfecting their applications either through resources at
their school, the VA, or a VSO.
162 https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benets/application/5490/introduction.
95
J. State Educational Benets for Dependents and
Spouses
POW/MIA Scholarship
The spouse, surviving spouse, or child of a veteran who was declared a prisoner of war or missing
in action or who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability or who
died as a result of a service-connected disability, and who was an Illinois resident for at least six
months before entry into service, may receive a four-year scholarship to a state-controlled college or
university.
163
Apply at any IDVA oce or through the IDVA website.
164
Educational Opportunities for Children of Veterans
A child between 10-18 years of age may receive up to $250 per school year in educational assistance if
their parent is a veteran who is totally disabled from a service-connected disability or died as a result
of military service.
165
Apply at any IDVA oce or through the IDVA website.
166
Honorary Scholarship to the University of Illinois
Each Illinois county may provide one honorary scholarship to the University of Illinois per year to
children of wartime veterans. Children of veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, or the Vietnam
War and those who served in the Gulf War and other areas of conict all qualify, with preference
given to children of deceased or disabled veterans.
167
Additional information is available from the
University of Illinois’ Financial Aid Oce.
K. Federal Housing Benets for Surviving Spouses
Eligible surviving spouses may obtain a VA-guaranteed home loan. To be eligible, the spouse must be
the surviving spouse of a veteran who:
• Is missing in action; OR
• Is a prisoner of war (POW); OR
• Died while in service or from a service-connected disability and the spouse did not remarry;
OR
• Died while in service or from a service-connected disability and the spouse did not remarry
before age 57 or before December 16, 2003; OR
• Had been totally disabled and died from unconnected causes (in some situations)
Surviving spouses who are receiving DIC benets should ll out VA Form 26-1817, Request for
Determination of Loan Guarantee Eligibility- Unmarried Surviving Spouses. Completed applications
for Illinois residents should be sent to: Department of Veterans Aairs, VA Regional Loan Center, 1
Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling, St. Paul, MN 55111-4050.
163 105 ILCS 5/30-14.2, 95 Ill. Admin. Code 116.10 et. seq.
164 https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/benets/Pages/survivor-burial.aspx.
165 330 ILCS 105; 95 Ill. Admin Code. Pt. 101.
166 https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/benets/Pages/education.aspx.
167 110 ILCS 305/9.
96
Surviving spouses who are not receiving DIC benets should apply through the process found in
section E of this chapter.
L. State Housing Benets for Surviving Spouses
Housing Tax Exemptions
Multiple programs exist to assist veterans and their surviving spouses through reductions in
their property taxes. Additional information on these programs is available through the Illinois
Department of Revenue and IDVA.
168,169
Qualifying veterans or their surviving spouses should contact
their local County Assessor’s Oce to apply.
Disabled Veterans. Illinois law provides a reduction in the estimated annual value (EAV) of
residential property for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
170
The amount of the exemptions
adjusts based on the extent of the veteran’s disability. Veterans with disabilities rated at least 30
percent but less than 50 percent are entitled to a $2,500 exemption. Veterans with disabilities rated
at least 50 percent but less than 70 percent are entitled to a $5,000 exemption. Veterans with service-
connected disabilities of at least 70 percent are exempt from paying property taxes on their residence.
Surviving Spouses. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans who qualied for property tax
reductions under the homestead exemption may continue to receive the exemption after the death of
the veteran, provided they continue to reside in the same property. Additionally, spouses of veterans
who died in the line of duty may receive the homestead exemption even if their spouse never
collected the benet.
171
Deaths “in the line of duty” include deaths while on active duty or on leave
not caused by the service member’s misconduct; it is not limited to combat deaths.
Returning Veterans. Service members returning from an active conict may be entitled to a one
time ve-thousand dollar ($5,000.00) reduction in their home’s equalized assessed value (EAV). The
property in question must be owned by the veteran and must be their primary residence.
172
Specially Adapted Housing. Veterans who reside in property which is specically adapted to suit
their disability and was purchased or modied with some amount of federal funds may qualify for a
reduction in assessed value. The reduction applies to housing assessed at a value up to $100,000.
173
Mobile Homes. Certain disabled veterans are exempt from the full amount of their mobile home
taxes. To qualify the home must be used as the residence of a disabled veteran or their unmarried
surviving spouse. The veteran or spouse must be a permanent resident of Illinois to qualify.
174
168 https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/benets/Pages/real-estate.aspx
169 https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/benets/Pages/real-estate.aspx
170 35 ILCS 200/15-165.
171 35 ILCS 200/15-169(c-1).
172 35 ILCS 200/15-167.
173 35 ILCS 200/15-165.
174 35 ILCS 5155/7.5.
97
M. Summary
The State of Illinois and the United States Government provide a variety of benets to the dependents
of veterans and to their survivors. This wide variety of benets ranges from health care, to
compensation or pension payments, to preference in employment for state and federal jobs. Because
these benets are extensive and constantly changing, spouses and dependents should educate
themselves on what benets are available and seek professional assistance when necessary.
Spouses and dependents should be aware of the available benets prior to the death of a veteran
so that the information necessary for application can be compiled and kept in a safe place. We
recommend keeping copies of military discharge papers, proof of marriage, divorce decrees, birth
certicates, Medicare information, Social Security information (including award letters), and any
other necessary information in one central reproof location, so that the survivors may easily access
the information necessary for applying for VA and other survivor benets. If the veteran had help in
securing benets, such as a VA representative, VSO, or attorney, it would be wise to keep their contact
information with the compiled information.
Remember too, that if a deceased veteran was not eligible for benets because of a “bad paper”
discharge, a survivor or dependent may apply on behalf of the deceased veteran for an upgraded
discharge. If the discharge upgrade is approved, eligibility for benets may be established.
98
Chapter 10: Educational Benets
Some of the greatest benets of serving honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces are the educational
benets available to former service members. Since WWII, veterans have received educational
benets through both the state and federal government. These benets range from tuition
payments to monthly subsistence. The U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs provides educational
benets under the Montgomery G.I. Bill and thePost9/11G.I.Bill,
175
the Veterans’Educational
AssistanceProgram(VEAP),
176
TrainingandRehabilitationforVeteranswithService-Connected
Disabilities,
177
Survivors’andDependents’EducationalAssistance, EducationLoanRepayment,
and formerly provided benets under the ReserveEducationalAssistanceProgram(REAP).The
State of Illinois also provides educational benets through the IllinoisVeteransGrant,the Illinois
National Guard Grant and, for qualied dependents, the MIA/POWScholarshipand Educational
OpportunitiesforChildren.
This chapter provides a general description of educational and training benets available at both the
state and federal levels. It includes information to help veterans understand how to receive payments
under these programs. Also included are websites so that those with access to a computer may use
the VA’s online services to apply for educational benets and verify enrollment. Going online to the
VA’s website is a great way to keep up to date on all veteran benets. The VA’s Web site home page
is located at http://www.va.gov/. This site is the gateway to all VA benets, including all the U.S.
Department of Veterans Aairs educational benets and the latest news on educational benets.
The information in this chapter may help veterans in making a decision to seek training or to enter an
academic institution. Please read carefully to understand the full range of benets available.
A.
VAFederalEducationBenets
No recipient of any VA educational assistance may receive benets under more than one educational
assistance program at the same time, but you can receive a maximum of 48 months of benets under
any combination of VA education programs for which you qualify. More information is available
at https://benets.va.gov/gibill/. Here is a chart listing some federal VA educational assistance
programs and who may be eligible:
Program WhoisEligible?
Post-9/11 GI Bill Veterans who have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after Sep-
tember 10, 2001, and who are still on active duty or were honorably discharged
or released or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Purple Heart recipients, regardless of length of service, are qualied for Post-
9/11 benets at the 100% level. Certain members of the Reserves who lost edu-
cation benets when REAP was sunset in November 2015, may also be eligible
to receive restored benets under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
175 38 U.S.C. §3001 3036 and 38 CFR Part 21 Subpart K for the Montgomery GI Bill, and 38 U.S.C. §3301 3327 and 38 CFR Part 21
Subpart P for the Post-911 GI Bill.
176 38 U.S.C. §3201 3243 and §3451 3495.
177 38 U.S.C. §3100 3122.
99
Montgomery GI Bill Veterans who have been honorably discharged (or the equivalent); AND have
a high school diploma, GED, or in some cases 12 hours of college credit; AND
meet one of the four criteria listed in this section. Veterans who have remaining
entitlement under the Vietnam Era GI Bill are also eligible for benets under the
Montgomery GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill
— Selected Reserve
Members of the active Reserves of all services or the National Guard, who also
satisfy the requirements listed in this section.
Veterans’
Assistance
Education Program
Veterans who elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate
in this education benet program.
1.
ThePost-9/11GIBill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill was enacted to provide educational benets to veterans who have served
on active duty on or after September 10, 2001. Individuals may be paid benets for educational or
vocational training pursued on or after August 1, 2009.
Eligibility
An individual is eligible to receive benets under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if he or she has served at
least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, and is still on active duty or was
honorably discharged or released:
• from active duty;
• from service and placed on the retired list, transferred to the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine
Corps Reserve, or placed on the temporary disability retired list;
• from active duty for further service in a Reserve Component;
• for a non-service-connected preexisting medical condition;
• for hardship; or
• for a physical or mental condition that was not characterized as a disability and did
not result from the individual’s own willful misconduct but did interfere with the
individual’s performance of duty, as determined by the Secretary concerned in accordance
with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
Pursuant to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Improvements Act of 2010, National Guard members
are eligible to receive benets under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if they are on active service under Title 32
orders, “for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training”; or for the
purpose of responding to a national emergency.
Length of Eligibility
Individuals whose service ended before January 1, 2013 are eligible for benets for 15 years from
their last period of active duty of at least 90 consecutive days or their last period of active duty of at
least 30 consecutive days if released for a service-connected disability. If your service ended on or
after January 1, 2013, your benets won’t expire thanks to a new law called the Forever GI Bill - Harry
W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act. Some letters you receive from the VA may not yet
reect this change.
100
EducationalAssistanceAllowance
To be eligible for 100% of the benet, an individual must have served an aggregate of 36 months
of active duty service, or after 30 days of continuous service have been discharged for a service-
connected disability or received a Purple Heart. For those who served fewer than 36 months, the
percentage of benet ranges from 40% to 90%:
90% - at least 30, but less than 36 months
80% - at least 24, but less than 30 months
70% - at least 18, but less than 24 months
60% - at least 6, but less than 18 months
50% - at least 90 days, but less than 6 months
EligiblePrograms
Eligible individuals may use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for the following programs:
• Undergrad and graduate programs at institutions of higher learning;
• Tuition assistance top-up;
• Tutorial assistance;
• Vocational/technical training, and non-college degree programs at non-degree granting
schools;
• On-the job and apprenticeship training programs;
• Flight training;
• Correspondence training programs;
• Independent and distance learning programs;
• Entrepreneurship training programs;
• National testing programs;
• Co-op Training; and
• Work study programs.
InstitutionsofHigherLearning
Eligible students attending a public school are entitled to the cost of in-state tuition and fees. For
private and foreign institutions of higher learning, the tuition and fee reimbursements are capped
each academic year. For the most up-to-date reimbursement cap information, please see https://
www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp. The money is reimbursed
to the school where the individual is enrolled in an approved academic training program.
Non-collegeDegreePrograms
Eligible students are entitled to Actual net costs for in-state tuition & fees not to exceed the cap set
for the academic year enrolled. For the most up-to-date reimbursement cap information, please see
https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp. Students may
also be eligible to receive a monthly housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and a one-time
rural benet for certain veterans.
101
On-The-JobandApprenticeshipTrainingPrograms
Eligible students are entitled to payments based on time in the program:
• 100% of the student’s applicable Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) during the rst 6
months of training
• 80% of the student’s applicable MHA during the second 6 months of training
• 60% of the student’s applicable MHA during the third 6 months of training
• 40% of the student’s applicable MHA during the fourth 6 months of training
• 20% of the student’s applicable MHA during the remainder of the training
Students of such training programs are entitled to receive up to $83 per month for books and
supplies.
Note: On-the-job and apprenticeship training is not available to active duty service members.
FlightPrograms
Eligible students enrolled in a vocational ight training program are entitled to reimbursement for
the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the school or the Post-911 GI Bill cap,
whichever is less, per academic year. For the most current reimbursement cap information, please see
https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp.
CorrespondenceTrainingPrograms
Correspondence training diers from what is generally referred to as distance learning. In the case
of correspondence training, the student receives and returns lessons by mail for a grade. Eligible
students are entitled to reimbursement for the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees assessed
by the school or the current Post-911 GI Bill cap, whichever is less, per academic year. For the most
current reimbursement cap information, please visit the VA website at https://www.benets.
va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp.
LicensureandCerticationTests
Individuals entitled to educational assistance under the New GI Bill may be able to use part of their
entitlement to cover test fees, up to $2,000, for a job that requires a license or certication in order for
you to work. Students are entitled to unlimited reimbursement for licensure or certication tests.
Your benets will:
• pay for as many approved license or certication tests as you choose to take.
• pay for tests even if you don’t score high enough to get your license or certication, and you
can take the same test as many times as you need.
• pay for you to retake a test you passed, if you need to take it again to get recertied or to re-
tain a license you already have.
Your benets will not:
• pay for fees or costs related to getting the actual license or certication document.
• pay more than $2,000 in fees for one test.
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For a list of approved test and their costs, students can visit the VA website located at: https://
inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchCountryLCCriteria.do.
ForteststakenafterAugust1,oftheacademicyear, the VA will prorate the entitlement charges
under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on the actual amount of the fee charged for the test. For the most
up-to-date information and rate tables, please refer to the VA website located at: https://www.
benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp.
NationalStandardizedExams
Eligible individuals may be entitled to reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for
admission to an institution of higher learning or other training program. This may include the costs
to register, the costs of specialized tests and administrative fees.
Your benets will:
• pay for approved college admissions tests, such as the SAT, ACT and TOEFL
• pay for approved tests that you can take to earn college credits, such as AP, CLEP, DSST, ESE
and PLA exams and assessment tests
• pay for approved graduate school admissions tests, such as the GMAT, GRE, LSAT and MAT
• pay for approved admissions tests for pre-health professional programs, such as the DAT,
MCAT, OAT, and PCAT
Your benets will NOT:
• pay for pretest costs (e.g. Kaplan Prep programs and tests)
• pay for fees to obtain your scores more quickly
• pay for optional items not required to take an approved test
For a list of approved test and their costs, students can visit the VA website located at:
hp://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchNE.do.
There is no maximum reimbursable amount for national tests.
TutorialAssistance
Eligible students may be paid up to $100 per month up to 12 months or $1,200 for tutorial assistance
if he or she is receiving VA educational assistance at a rate of half time or greater and a professor
certies that such benets are essential to correct a deciency in a course required for an approved
program of education. There is no entitlement charge under the New GI Bill for tutorial assistance.
To apply for assistance, the student, tutor, and certifying ocial must complete VA Form 22- 1990t,
Application for Individualized Tutorial Assistance. The application can be found online at:
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22-1990t-are.pdf.
MonthlyHousingAllowance
The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is generally the same as the military Basic Allowance
for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. Your MHA is calculated based on the zip code of
the campus where the student physically attends the majority of classes, rather than the location
of the institution of higher learning where the student is enrolled. The housing allowance is paid
proportionately based on the student’s enrollment. For more information about MHA increases or
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decreases click here please go to https://gibill.custhelp.va.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1412/.
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, if a Veteran enrolls for more than one-half time, but less than full time, he
or she may qualify for a monthly housing allowance based on the VA’s “rate of pursuit” calculation.
To learn more, visit the VA’s web page at the following: https://gibill.custhelp.com/app/answers/
detail/a_id/1480. For those attending foreign schools (schools without a main campus in the U.S.)
and those enrolled solely in distance learning, the BAH rate is xed for each academic school year.
Those students should visit the VA website at https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/
benets_resources/rate_tables.asp for the most current housing allowance information. Housing
allowance is not payable to individuals on active duty, students pursuing training at half time or less,
or for the transferee spouse of a service member.
BooksandSuppliesStipend
Both eligible veterans and active duty service members are paid up to a $1,000 lump sum amount for
books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs.
RelocationAllowance(RuralBenet)
A veteran eligible for benets under the New GI Bill may be entitled to a one-time additional
assistance payment of $500 if that veteran can show by proof of residence that they reside in a county
with six persons or less per square mile and they either:
• physically relocated a distance of at least 500 miles in order to attend an educational institu-
tion; OR
• travelled by air to physically attend an educational institution, if no other land-based trans-
portation exists.
ProofofResidence
The veteran may demonstrate his or her place of residence by providing a DD Form 214, or his or her
most recent federal income tax return. Note that, even if your formal state of residence is somewhere
else, you may still qualify for in-state tuition rates if you currently live in the state where the school is.
For more information, see the following web page: https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/417.asp.
2.
TheYellowRibbonGIEducationEnhancementProgram
In instances where a student’s private school tuition and fees exceed the per year cap, or where
the student is attending a public school as a nonresident student, the Yellow Ribbon Program
allows institutions of higher learning (IHLs or degree granting institutions) in the United States to
voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to make additional funds available for the student’s
education program. The institution can choose the amount of tuition and fees that it will contribute
and the VA will match that same amount and provide payment directly to the institution. For more
information about the Yellow Ribbon Program, please visit the VA website at https://www.va.gov/
education/about-gi-bill-benets/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/.
Eligibility
To qualify to receive the Yellow Ribbon Program benets, the student must qualify for the maximum
benet rate under the Post-911 GI Bill and must meet atleastone of the following criteria:
• Served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months; or
104
• Served 30 continuous days on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged after 60 days
with a service-connected disability; or
• Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged; or
• Received a Fry Scholarship on or after August 1, 2018; or
• Is a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a vet-
eran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
ParticipatingCollegesandUniversities
An updated list of participating colleges and universities can be found on the VA Web site at https://
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benets/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/#does-my-school-
participate-in-.
TransferenceofUnusedEducationBenetstoFamilyMembers(TEB)
A service member entitled to benets under the Post-9/11 GI Bill may be permitted to elect to
transfer, to the service member’s spouse or to one or more of the service member’s children, a portion
of the veteran’s New GI Bill assistance benets.
Eligibility
A service member is eligible to transfer a portion of his or her education benets to one or more
dependents if the service member:
• has completed at least 6 years of active duty or in the Selected Reserve, on the date that the
request is approved, and he or she enters into an agreement to serve at least 4 more years; and
• the person getting the benets has enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting
System (DEERS).
Note: Such transfer must be requested and approved while the member is still on active duty in the
Armed Forces. Eligibility to transfer those benets will be limited to service members with less than
16 years of total active-duty or selected reserve service, as applicable.
LimitationonMonthsofTransfer
The total number of months of entitlement transferred by a veteran may not exceed 36 months.
HowtoApplyforTEB
• First, the service member must submit a Transfer of Education Benets (TEB) request through
the milConnect website at http://milconnect.dmdc.mil.
• While in the Armed Forces, transferors use the milConnect website to designate, modify, and
revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request.
• After leaving the Armed Forces, transferors may provide a future eective date for use of a
TOE, modify the number of months transferred, or revoke entitlement transferred by submit-
ting a written request to VA.
• Once approved, family members may apply to use the transferred benets by completing
VA Form 22-1990e, which can be found the VA website located at: http://www.vba.va.gov/
pubs/forms/VBA-22-1990e-ARE.pdf.
More information regarding a TEB can be found on the VA Web site at the following link: https://
www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benets/ and at the DDMC website located at:
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2009/0409_gibill/.
105
3.
MontgomeryGIBill(MGIB)
DescriptionofBenets
The MGIB may provide up to 36 months of education benets to eligible veterans and
service members for a college degree, vocational/technical training, correspondence courses,
apprenticeship/on the job training, or even ight training. The MGIB oers eligible recipients a
monthly stipend while they are attending a qualied training institution. The checks are sent on a
monthly basis and are payable to the student. There is a lot more to the MGIB than just the monthly
subsistence allowance—the student may also seek tutorial assistance, reimbursement for some
licensing and certication tests, and more.
The MGIB may be used while the service member is on active duty or after separation from active
duty. Veterans must have been honorably discharged to be qualied for this benet. The following
may be considered honorable discharges:
• Convenience of the government
• Disability
• Hardship
• Disability that pre-existed service
• A medical condition that is not considered a disability but that interfered with the perfor-
mance of military duties
• Reduction in force
In addition to an honorable discharge or equivalent, the veteran must have a high school diploma,
GED, or in some cases 12 hours of college credit. Finally, every student must meet one of the criteria
categories below:
CATEGORYI
• You entered active duty for the rst time after June 30, 1985; and
• You had military pay reduced by $100 a month for rst 12 months; and
• You continually served for three years, or two years if that was the agreement when
you enlisted, or two years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leav-
ing active duty and served four years.
CATEGORYII
• You entered active duty before January 1, 1977 (or before January 2, 1978,
• under a delayed enlistment program contracted before January 1, 1077); and
• You served at least one day between October 19, 1984 and June 30, 1985 and stayed
on active duty through June 30, 1988 (or June 30, 1987 if you entered the Selected
Reserve within one year of leaving active duty and served four years); and
• On December 31, 1989 you had at least one day of entitlement left under the Viet-
nam Era GI Bill.
106
CATEGORYIII
• You do not qualify for MGIB under Categories I or II.
• You were on active duty on September 30, 1990 and you were separated involuntari-
ly after February 2, 1991, or you were involuntarily separated on or after November
30, 1993, or you chose to voluntarily separate under either the Voluntary Separation
Incentive (VSI) program or Special Separation Benet (SSB) program; and
• You had your military pay reduced by $1,200, before separation.
CATEGORYIV
• You were on active duty on October 9, 1996 and had VEAP funds remaining in your
account on that date and elected MGIB before October 9, 1997 or you entered full-
time National Guard duty under Title 32 USC, between July 1, 1985 and November
28, 1989 and elected MGIB between October 9, 1996 and July 9, 1997; and
• You had your military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or you made a
$1,200 lump-sum contribution.
The amount of your benet depends upon the type of education or training program you choose,
and the length and type of your service. Those who served on active duty for their full enlistment
will receive more than a National Guard member or reservist will under the Montgomery GI Bill -
Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Once declared eligible for the MGIB, the veteran will generally receive a
monthly subsistence allowance.
The basic monthly rates for training at an institution of higher education are determined by your
length of service (three years or more or less than three years) and your category of enrollment.
Categories of enrollment include full-time, ¾ time, ½ time, less than ½ time but more than ¼ time and
¼ time or less.
For the most up-to-date information on basic monthly benets rates, please visit the VA website at:
https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp#ch30.
ApprenticeshipandOn-the-JobTrainingPrograms
The basic monthly rates for training in apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs are
determined by the length of the training program. An updated list of basic monthly rates for
apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs can be found at that below listed VA website:
https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp#ch30.
Length of Eligibility
Generally, benets are payable for 10 years following the veteran’s release from active duty.
Application
Apply by lling out VA Form 22-1990, Application for Education Benets. To apply online, visit
https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-education-benets/application/1990/introduction.
This is an easily accessible site that walks the veteran or eligible dependent through the application
process. New users must sign up to complete an application. For more information about the MGIB,
contact the VA GI Bill hotline at 1-888-442-4551.
107
Eligibility
To be eligible, the veteran must be eligible for the Active Duty MGIB or Dependents Educational
Assistance (commonly called Chapter 35) or VEAP. This program does not include Reservists or
National Guard members. However, many members of the National Guard and Reserves are or have
been made eligible for the MGIB (active duty) because they have been called up for active service
under Title 10 U.S.C. and meet the following requirements:
• The veteran must have no active duty prior to July 1, 1985.
• The veteran must have been called to active duty under Title 10 U.S. Code after 7/1/85
(Title 10 is the law that governs the Armed Forces whereas U.S.C. 32 governs the National
Guard).
• The veteran must have served a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty.
• The veteran must have honorable service for the period of active duty.
To apply, complete DD Form 2366 Election to Participate in the MGIB Active Duty Program and pay
$1,200 to Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to enroll.
LicensingandCerticationTestReimbursement
Veterans may receive reimbursement for licensing and certication tests after March 1, 2000. The tests
must be approved for the GI Bill. The VA pays only for the cost of the test. For more information on
reimbursement for licensing and certication tests, please visit the VA website located at: https://
www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benets/how-to-use-benets/test-fees/.
4.
MontgomeryGIBill–SelectedReserve(MGIB-SR)
DescriptionofBenets
Generally, eligible veterans may receive up to 36 months of education benets. MGIB-SR is for
members of the Selected Reserve, including members of the active Reserves of all services and the
National Guard. MGIB-SR may be used for degree programs, certicate or correspondence courses,
cooperative training, independent study programs, apprenticeship/on- the-job training, and
vocational ight training programs just like the MGIB for those who served on active duty. It also
includes remedial, refresher, and deciency training available under certain circumstances.
Eligibility
To qualify, the guard or reserve member must meet the following requirements:
• The member must have a six-year obligation to serve in the Reserves or National Guard
enlisted after June 30, 1985. If an ocer, the member must have agreed to serve six years in
addition to the initial obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year
commitment that begins after September 30, 1990; and
• The member must complete initial active duty for training (IADT); and
• The member must meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency cer-
ticate before completing IADT. (Note: Unlike the active duty MGIB, the veteran cannot use
12 college credits as an equivalent.); and
• The member must remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit.
Length of Eligibility
Generally, you can receive benets until your eligibility period ends or you use all of your
entitlement, whichever comes rst. If you stay in the Selected Reserve, you’ll be eligible for 14 years
108
after you started your rst 6-year obligation. Your eligibility period may be extended if you’re called
to active duty. That extension still applies even if you leave the Selected Reserve after mobilization. Be
sure to check whether the activation made you eligible for the active duty MGIB.
You may receive benets even after you leave the Selected Reserve, depending on the reason you left:
• If your Reserve or National Guard unit was deactivated during the period of October 1, 2007
through September 30, 2014, or you were involuntarily separated (e.g., reduction in force)
from Reserve or National Guard service during this same period, you retain eligibility for
MGIB-SR benets for the full 14-year eligibility period.
• If you were discharged for a disability, that wasn’t caused by misconduct, then you retain
eligibility.
• If you were involuntarily separated, for reasons other than misconduct, between October 1,
2007, and September 30, 2014.
Entitlements
Veterans who are eligible to receive benets under MGIB-SR will receive an educational assistance
allowance for training at an institution of higher education. The rate of the allowance will be based
on the category of their enrollment. Categories of enrollment include full time, ¾ time, ½ time and
less than ½ time.
To learn more about the most up-to-date educational assistance rates, please visit the VA Web site at:
https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp.
An updated list of basic monthly rates for apprenticeships and on-the-job training can be found on
the VA Web site at: https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.
asp.
Duration
The MGIB-SR provides a maximum of 36 months of educational assistance.
5.
ReserveEducationalAssistanceProgram(REAP)
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) ended on November 25, 2015. The Post-
9/11 GI Bill largely replaced REAP. For more information on whether you qualify for Post-9/11 GI
Bill benets, please refer to the VA website located at: https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-
education-benets/reap/.
6.
Veterans’EducationalAssistanceProgram(VEAP)
VEAP is available to veterans who elected to make contributions from their military pay to
participate in this education benet program. Veteran contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis
by the government. Generally, participation in VEAP ended with the MGIB. Benet entitlement is 1 to
36 months depending on the number of monthly contributions. Veterans who participated in VEAP
may still be eligible for benets provided the following requirements are met:
• The veteran entered service for the rst time between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985; and
• The veteran opened a contribution account before April 1, 1987; and
• The veteran voluntarily contributed $25 to $2,700; and
• The veteran completed his or her rst period of service, and was discharged under conditions
109
other than dishonorable.
If the service member is still on active duty and has a VEAP account, there must be at least 3 months
of contributions available to use the VEAP benets, and the service member must have enlisted for
the rst time after September 7, 1980, and completed 24 months of his or her rst period of active
duty.
The service member has 10 years from release from active duty to use VEAP benets. If there is
entitlement not used after the 10-year period, the remaining money will be automatically refunded.
Application for VEAP
After nding a program approved for VA training, complete a VA Form 22-1990, Application for
Education Benets, and send it to the VA Regional Oce with jurisdiction over the State where
training will occur. Active duty members must have their enrollment approved by their base
Education Services Ocer and have their service veried by their Commanding Ocer. Veterans
must send a copy 4 (Member Copy) of their DD Form 214, Certicate of Release or Discharge from
Active Duty. VA Form 22-1990 can be downloaded from https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-
22-1990-are.pdf.
Individuals who have already started training should take VA Form 22-1990, Member Copy of DD
Form 214 and VA Form 22-1999 Enrollment Certication to the school or employer for completion,
and then send all completed forms to the VA.
For more information on VEAP benets, please refer to the VA website located at: https://www.
va.gov/education/other-va-education-benets/veap/.
7.
Vocational Rehabilitation
As discussed in Chapter 8, VA vocational rehabilitation programs are governed by 38 USC 31 –
Training and Rehabilitation for Veterans With Service-Connected Disabilities. The VA oers programs
intended to help disabled veterans rehabilitate and train in order to prepare for, obtain, and retain
employment.
The main VA program is the Chapter 31 training and rehabilitation program for veterans with
service-connected disabilities.
178
The VA previously provided benets through the Veterans Retraining
Assistance Program (VRAP).
179
The U.S. Department of Labor also oers assistance through its
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) program.
180
This section focuses on the Chapter 31 program, but you should consider your eligibility for all
programs before choosing one. As with all VA educational benets, veterans can receive payment
from only one program at any given time.
ServicesProvided
Services provided under Chapter 31 include:
• comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, interests, and needs;
• vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning;
• employment services such as job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readi-
178 38 USC 31; see also 38 CFR Part 21.
179 Pub. L. No. 112 56, § 211, 125 Stat. 711 (2011). This program ended on March 31, 2014.
180 38 CFR Chapter 4102A. For more information, visit the website at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets.
110
ness assistance;
• assistance nding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives;
• if needed, training such as on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and non-paid work experienc-
es;
• if needed, post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school;
• supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and referral; and
• independent living services.
Eligibility
A veteran is eligible for a Chapter 31 evaluation for services benets if the veteran:
• has received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable; and
• has a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% with a serious employment handicap
or 20% or more with an employment handicap; and
• submits a completed application for Vocational Rehabilitation services. Applications can be
lled out and submitted online at http://vabenets.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.
Duration of Eligibility
Vocational Rehabilitation services may be used 12 years from either the date of separation from active
military service, or the date the veteran was rst notied by the VA of a service-connected disability
rating, whichever was later.
Evaluation
A veteran who is eligible for an evaluation under Chapter 31 must complete an application and
meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). If the VRC determines that an employment
handicap exists as a result of a service-connected disability, the veteran is found entitled to services.
The VRC and the veteran will then continue counseling to select a track of services and jointly
develop a plan to address the rehabilitation and employment needs of the veteran.
Entitlement
The VRC’s entitlement evaluation includes an assessment of the veteran’s interests, aptitudes, and
abilities, and whether service-connected disabilities impair the veteran’s ability to nd and/or hold a
job using the occupational skills he or she has already developed.
To be entitled to Chapter 31 benets, the veteran must meet at least one of the following conditions:
• The veteran has a service-connected disability of at least a 20% disability rating. Veterans with
a 10% disability rating may be eligible if they have a serious employment disability; or
• The veteran was honorably discharged for a service-connected condition, is home awaiting
orders for such a separation or is hospitalized awaiting separation for a service-connected
disability; or
• The veteran has a serious employment impairment as the result of a service- connected dis-
ability.
Those veterans with less than honorable discharges may be qualied if they have a service- connected
disability and are approved by the VA. (See Chapter 1: Exceptions and Limitations.)
111
Rehabilitation Program Period
• Veterans must complete a rehabilitation program within 12 years from the date of the veter-
an’s discharge or release from active duty.
• This period may be extended if a medical condition prevents the individual from training or if
the veteran has a serious employment disability.
• Disabled veterans may receive services until they have reached their rehabilitation goal (gen-
erally up to 48 months).
• The VA may provide counseling, job placement, and post-employment services for up to 18
additional months.
AdditionalBenets
SubsistenceAllowance
Veterans may receive a subsistence allowance, in addition to their disability compensation and/or
retirement pay, while in their training or educational program preparing for their future career. The
allowance is paid monthly, and the amount depends on attendance (full time, three- quarter time, or
half-time), the number of dependents and the type of training. If the Veteran qualies for the Post-
9/11 GI Bill, he or she may be able to receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate. For more
information, talk to your VA educational specialist or see the VA website located at: https://www.
benets.va.gov/vocrehab/subsistence_allowance_rates.asp.
AdditionalEducationalCosts
The VA may pay the cost of tuition and required fees, books, supplies, and equipment. The VA may
also pay for special support, such as tutorial assistance, prosthetics, lip-reading training, and sign
language training.
Disabled veterans will be given vocational counseling prior to having an educational objective
approved for eligibility. A veteran may receive employment assistance and self-employment
assistance after completion of the educational objective.
Tip: If eligibility is established for more than one educational benet, only one benet may
be used. A VA counselor will discuss the available options and help to determine which
benet is best suited to the veteran’s needs. However, the veteran must make the nal
decision.
8.
TutorialAssistance
Veterans may be eligible to receive a special allowance for individual tutoring if attending a post-
secondary school at one-half time or more. The veteran must have the school certify that deciency in
a subject exists and that tutoring is necessary. Also, the school must certify the tutor’s qualications
and the hours he or she tutors the veteran. Tutors cannot be the mother, father, child, or sibling of the
veteran. The student also must be enrolled in the course at the time he or she is receiving tutoring. If
found eligible, the veteran will receive a maximum monthly allowance of the cost of tutoring or $100.
The maximum benet is $1,200. To apply, the student, tutor, and certifying ocial must ll out a VA
Form 22-1990t, Application and Enrollment Certication for Individualized Tutorial Assistance. You can
nd this form and more information online at the following: https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/
tutorial_assistance.asp.
112
9.
Work-StudyProgram
Veterans may be eligible for an additional allowance under a work-study program. This program
allows the veteran to do work for the VA or a veteran related program in return for an hourly wage.
Veterans must be enrolled in an academic institution or vocational training program at a three-
quarters or full-time rate. The maximum number of hours that veterans may work is 25 times the
number of weeks in their enrollment period. Payments will be at the federal minimum wage or the
state minimum wage, whichever is greater. To apply, complete VA Form 20-8681, Application for
Work-Study Allowance. The form may be downloaded from the VA website located at: http://www.
vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-22-8691-ARE.pdf. The form may also be obtained by calling the VA at
1-800-827-1000. Complete the form and send it to the nearest VA Regional Oce.
Tip: If the veteran has an overpayment because of receiving VA benets, he or she may be able
to participate in a work-study program to reduce or eliminate the overpayment.
10.
VeteransRetrainingAssistanceProgram(VRAP)
The VRAP program ended on March 31, 2014.
11.
DepartmentofEducation(DOE)FederalStudentAidGrants
Grants are nancial aid sources that do not have to be repaid. There are four types of federal student
aid grants that are awarded to students with nancial need. The amount a student receives depends
of the cost of attendance, his or her Expected Family Contribution (EFC), enrollment status (full- or
part-time) and the length of your enrollment period, among other things.
• Federal Pell Grant: Provides grants to undergraduate students, the amount of which change
annually.
• FederalSupplementalEducationalOpportunityGrant(FSEOG): FSEOGs are awarded to
undergraduate students with exceptional nancial need. The annual award amount ranges
from $100 to $4,000.
• TeacherEducationAssistanceforCollegeandHigherEducation(TEACHGrant): Provides
up to $4,000 nancial assistance to students who meet certain teaching obligations. For those
who fail to complete the obligations, the amounts of the TEACH Grants received will be con-
verted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. For more information visit https://studentaid.gov/
understand-aid/types/grants/teach.
• IraqandAfghanistanServiceGrant: Students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant based on
EFC, but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while
serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, may be eligible for a grant award equal to the maxi-
mum Federal Pell Grant for the award year. The amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance
for that award year. Students must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least
part-time, at the time of their parent’s or guardian’s death.
12.
MilitaryServiceDeferment
QualifyingLoans
Loans qualifying for deferment include Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), Federal Direct Loans
and Federal Perkins Loans.
113
Eligibility
Military service deferments are available to:
• military service members serving on active duty during a war, other military operation or
national emergency;
• members of the National Guard called to active duty during a war, military operation or na-
tional emergency; and
• reserve or retired members of the Armed Forces called to active duty during a war, military
operation or national emergency.
Duration
The deferment period ends 180 days after the borrower completes the qualifying military service.
13.
Post-ActiveDutyStudentDeferment
QualifyingLoans
Loans qualifying for deferment include Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL), Federal Direct Loans
and Federal Perkins Loans.
Eligibility
Post-active duty student deferments are available to members of the National Guard and reserve or
retired members of the Armed Forces called to active duty at the time, or within six months prior to
the time, that they were enrolled in school. Unlike the military service deferment, the borrower is not
required to be activated during a war or other military operation or national emergency.
Duration
Borrowers may receive a deferment for up to 13 months following completion of active duty
military service and any applicable grace period. The period expires at the earlier of a borrower’s re-
enrollment in school or the end of the 13-month period plus grace any period.
HowtoApplyforDeferment
Borrowers requesting either the military service or post-active duty student deferment must
complete, sign and date a Deferment Request, OMB. No. 1845-0080, which can be downloaded on the
Department of Education website located at the following address: https://studentaid.gov/sites/
default/les/MilitaryServiceandPostActiveDutyStudentDeferment.pdf.
The deferment form must be certied by the individual’s Commanding or Personnel Ocer.
SixPercentInterestRateundertheServicemembersCivilReliefAct
Under the ServicemembersCivilReliefAct(SCRA), the interest rate of student loans taken out prior
to entering the military or being called to active duty will be limited to 6% during active duty military
service. This applies to both federal and private student loans, as well as other loans.
NoInterestAccrualforDirectLoans
For all Direct Loans rst disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2008, no interest will be charged for a period
of no more than 60 months while the student is serving on active duty or performing qualifying
National Guard duty during a war, other military operation, or national emergency in an area of
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hostilities qualifying for special pay.
For Direct Consolidation Loans, this benet applies only to the portion of the consolidation loan that
repaid loans rst disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2008.
14.
Survivors’andDependents’EducationalAssistance(DEA)
DEA is an education benet for eligible spouses and children of certain veterans. Eligible persons can
receive up to 45 months of full-time or equivalent benets for:
• College, Business, Technical or Vocational Programs.
• The costs of national tests for admissions to institutions of higher learning.
• Tutorial Assistance.
• Work study.
• Correspondence Courses (Spouses Only).
• Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training.
• The cost of tests for licenses or certications needed to get, keep, or advance in a job.
• Remedial, Deciency, and Refresher Training (in some cases).
Eligibility
You may be eligible for DEA, if you are the spouse or child of a service member who:
• died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, or
• has been listed for more than 90 days as missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a
hostile force, or
• has been listed for more than 90 days as having been forcibly detained or interned while in
the line of duty by a foreign government or power, or
• is in the hospital or getting outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total
disability, and is likely to be discharged for that disability. A service-connected permanent and
total disability is a disability resulting from your service that doesn’t go away.
You may be eligible for DEA, if you are the spouse or child of a veteran who:
• is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, or
• died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability.
Note: If you’re a dependent who doesn’t meet the above criteria, you may still qualify for VA
education benets if the veteran or service member transferred some or all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill
entitlement to you while they were on active duty.
Length of Eligibility
• Spouses and surviving spouses have 10 years from the date the VA establishes eligibility or
from the veteran’s date of death to use the benet (there may be some exceptions).
• Surviving spouses of veterans who died while on active duty have 20 years from the date of
the veteran’s death to use the benet.
• The termination of a surviving spouse’s remarriage (by death, divorce, or ceasing to live with
another person as that person’s spouse) will reinstate Dependents’ Educational Assistance
benets to the surviving spouse.
• Eective October 10, 2008, if the VA rated the veteran permanently and totally disabled with
an eective date of 3 years from discharge a spouse will remain eligible for 20 years from the
115
eective date of the rating.
• Children may use the benet while they are between the ages of 18 and 26 (there may be some
exceptions. Marital status is determinative of eligibility.
NOTE: These time limits can be extended under certain circumstances.
EducationalAssistanceAllowance
The amount of the Educational Assistance Allowance for trainees under the Survivors’ and
Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program is determined by your category of enrollment.
Categories of enrollment include full-time, ¾ time, ½ time, less than ½ time but more than ¼ time and
¼ time or less.
For the most up-to-date basic monthly benets rates, please visit the VA website located at: https://
www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp#ch30.
Apprenticeship,On-the-Job,Correspondence,SpecialRestorativeandFarm
CooperativeTrainingPrograms
The basic monthly rates for training in apprenticeship, on-the-job, correspondence, special restorative
and farm cooperative training programs are determined by the length of the training program. An
updated list of basic monthly rates for these programs can be found at that below listed VA website:
https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/resources/benets_resources/rate_tables.asp#ch30.
ApplyingforDEAbenets
Individuals applying for DEA benets will need to complete and submit VA Form 22-5490,
Dependent’s Application for VA Education Benets, to the VA. This can be accomplished by
completing and submitting the form online, completing the form and mailing it to the regional
processing oce of your state or by completing the form and dropping it o at the nearest Illinois
Department of Veterans Aairs (IDVA) Regional Oce.
Individuals who have already started training should take VA Form 22-5490 to the school or
employer for completion, ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999 Enrollment Certication, and then
submit both forms to the VA.
For more information on the program and the application process, visit the VA website located at:
https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benets/dependents-education-assistance/.
For more information or assistance lling out the application, call the Education Call Center at: 888-
442-4551 (888-GI-BILL-1).
B.
StateEducationBenets
The State of Illinois supports educational assistance programs for veterans and Illinois National
Guard members in the form of two grant programs: the IllinoisVeteranGrant (IVG) and the
IllinoisNationalGuardGrantProgram (ING). Both programs are designed to assist veterans and
current National Guard members who are attending or who wish to attend state-controlled colleges,
universities, and community colleges. The grants are administered by the IllinoisStudentAssistance
Commission (ISAC). Finally, by statute, Illinois provides for in-state tuition rates for anyone
attending an Illinois institution of higher learning and using benets under the federal Post 9/11 law.
116
1.
In-StateTuitionforPost-9/11andMontgomeryGIBillBeneciaries
Public Act 98-0306, eective 8/12/13, governing the various public universities in Illinois and the law
governing the State’s community colleges, was amended to provide that if an individual is utilizing
an award of benets under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or any
subsequent variation of that Act, then the relevant Board of Trustees of the public university or the
community college district shall deem that person an Illinois or in-district resident, respectively, for
tuition purposes.
181
The enactment of PA 98-0306 still left a hole in coverage since beneciaries of the Montgomery GI Bill
remained uncovered. That situation was nally rectied with the recent enactment of PA 99-0309,
eective 8/7/2015.
2.
IllinoisVeteranGrant(IVG)
This program pays eligible tuition and mandatory fees, up to a maximum of 120 eligibility units – the
equivalent of four academic years of full-time enrollment. Benets are limited to use only at Illinois
public colleges or community colleges, and may be used at the undergraduate or graduate level.
The IVG is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). ISAC Client Services
Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ISAC can be reached at
1-800-899-ISAC (4722). Hearing-impaired individuals may contact ISAC through the Illinois Relay
Center at 1-800-526-0857 (voice) or 1-800-526-0844 (TTY). Veterans may also access ISAC’s Web site
(http://www.collegeillinois.org) for more information on the Illinois Veteran Grant and other types
of student aid.
Eligibility
The Illinois Veteran Grant is available to students who meet the following requirements:
ResidencyRequirements
• The veteran must have been a resident of Illinois at least 6 months prior to entering federal ac-
tive duty service. If the veteran was not an Illinois resident at least 6 months prior to entering
the service, he or she must have been a student at an Illinois public 2- or 4-year college at the
time of entering the service; and
• The veteran must have returned to Illinois within 6 months of separation from the service. If a
veteran is married to a service member, that person has 6 months to return to Illinois after the
separation from the spouse.
ServiceRequirements
• The veteran must have been honorably discharged; and
• The veteran must have served at least one year; or
• The veteran, regardless of length of service, served in a foreign country in a time of hostilities
in that country and was medically discharged for service-related reasons; or he or she was
discharged prior to August 11, 1967.
181 University of Illinois Act, 110 ILCS 305/7e 5(b); Southern Illinois University Management Act, 110 ILCS 520/8d 5(b); Chicago
State University Law, 110 ILCS 660/5 88(b); Eastern Illinois University Law, 110 ILCS 665/10 88(b); Governors State University Law,
110 ILCS 670/15 88(b); Illinois State University Law, 110 ILCS 675/20 88(5); Northeastern Illinois University Law, 110 ILCS 680/25 58(b);
Northern Illinois University Law, 110 ILCS 685/30 88(b); Western Illinois University Law, 110 ILCS 690/35 88(b); Public Community
College Act, 110 ILCS 805/6 4 and 6 4a.
117
HowtoApplyfortheIVGProgram
Applications and additional information can be found at eld oces of the Illinois Department of
Veterans’ Aairs, at college nancial aid oces and at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission
(ISAC) Main Oce located at: 1755 Lake Cook Road, Deereld, IL, 60015. ISAC can be reached by
calling 1-800-899-ISAC (4722). Veterans may complete the application online at the ISAC website
located at: https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/applying-for-nancial-aid/applications/
ivg_applying/index.html.
3.
IllinoisNationalGuardGrantProgram(ING)
This grant is available to members of the Illinois National Guard who have completed one full year
of service, and it applies to both enlisted and ocers. The grant is the same as the grant for veterans,
except that members of the Guard may only use the entitlement while they are active members of the
Illinois National Guard. Should a Guard member terminate his or her membership while attending
school under this program, the grant stops immediately – even if the member is in the middle of a
semester.
Beginning in the 2013-2014 academic year, any Illinois National Guard member who has served over
ten years shall be awarded an extra grant that the Guard member may apply to the State- controlled
university or community college of his or her choice. The grant comprises an exemption of tuition
and fees for full-time attendance, including summers, for up to two additional years.
182
Eligibility
To receive benets under the ING, an individual must:
• Be an Illinois National Guard member, dened as meeting one of these two criterion:
• be active in the Illinois National Guard; or
• have been active in the Illinois National Guard for at least ve consecutive years and had
his or her studies interrupted by a call to federal active duty service for at least six months
and be within 12 months after your discharge date from the Illinois National Guard; and
• Have completed one full year of service in the Illinois National Guard; and
• Be an enlisted member or an ocer; and
• Be enrolled at an Illinois public 2- or 4-year college; and
• Not be in default on any student loan, nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant; and
• Maintain an acceptable grade point average (GPA) according to the policy determined by
your college; and
• Submit your complete application on or before the deadline date, based on the rst term for
which you wish to receive funds each academic year; and
• File a complete application each academic year, indicating the college to be attended.
HowtoApplyfortheINGProgram
Students must complete and submit the ING Grant application to ISAC on or before the deadline date
referenced above. Applications for the ING can be lled out and submitted online at https://www.
isac.org/students/during-college/applying-for-nancial-aid/applications/ing_applying/. ISAC will
send qualied applicants an eligibility letter within 4-6 weeks of receiving the application. Students
should provide the eligibility letter to their college’s nancial aid oce as soon as they receive it.
182 See. P.A. 98 314, eective 8/12/13, amending 110 ILCS 947/45 of the Higher Education Student Assistance Act that pertains to
the Illinois National Guard and Naval Militia grant program.
118
TheINGinConjunctionwiththeIVG
Individuals who qualify for both the IVG and ING grant programs may use both grants during the
same term(s) and/or academic year. Before attempting to use both programs, individuals are strongly
encouraged to consult with the college’s nancial aid oce to consider major dierences between the
two grants.
Eligibility under this provision is determined by the Education/Incentives Branch of the Military
Personnel Oce in Springeld, Illinois. Questions regarding your individual eligibility status under
this provision should be directed to your chain of command, or to the Education/Incentives Branch
of the Military Personnel Oce at 217-761-3782. For more information, go to either the National
Guard or Illinois Veteran grant site on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website at:
https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-nancial-aid/grants/.
4.
ChildrenofVeteransTuitionWaivers
Each year, every county in Illinois is entitled to three honorary tuition waivers at the University
of Illinois, for the benet of the natural, step-, or adopted children of qualifying veterans. Priority
consideration is given to applications received by January 2. Candidates must be a permanent
resident of the Illinois county from which the applicant applies. Such children shall be entitled to
receive, without charge for tuition, instruction in any or all departments of the University for a term
of at least four (4) consecutive years. For further eligibility criteria, see the following web page located
at: http://www.osfa.illinois.edu/types-of-aid/children-of-veterans-tuition-waiver.
For applications and additional questions, contact the University of Illinois:
Oce of Student Financial Aid
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Services Arcade
620 E. John Street, MC-303 Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-333-0100
Fax: 217-265-5516
E-mail: [email protected]
Federal School Code: 001775
5.
WorkStudyPrograms
The federal VA work-study program provides part-time employment to students receiving VA
education benets, subject to certain conditions and available funding/benets. For more information
work study programs, visit the VA web page located at: https://www.benets.va.gov/gibill/
workstudy.asp.
6.
IllinoisTroopstoTeachers
The federally-funded Illinois Troops to Teachers Program can help eligible veterans with at least
6 years of honorable active-duty service transition to K-12 public school teaching. The program
provides:
• Educational and teaching career advisement;
• Information resources for earning an Illinois teacher’s certication;
• Access to mentors, Illinois veterans who have successfully transitioned; and
• Preparation for and referral to employment as an Illinois public school teacher.
119
With the required hours of past work experience, Illinois veterans can teach their technical skills in a
vocational or career center. With a bachelor’s degree, veterans can qualify for referral to teach in an
academic or subject matter area. For more information about eligibility, and to obtain an application,
please see the following web page for additional information: http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/
Home/States?state=Illinois.
7.
MIA/POWScholarship
The MIA/POW Scholarship is an education benet for dependents of a veteran who was an Illinois
resident at the time he or she entered active duty and has been declared to be a prisoner of war,
missing in action, dead as a result of a service-connected disability, or permanently disabled from
service-connected causes with 100% disability as recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Aairs or the U.S. Department of Defense.
183
Eligible dependents are entitled to full payment of tuition and certain fees to any Illinois public
college. The MIA/POW scholarship is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Aairs.
MIA/POW Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the IDVA website at https://www.
illinois.gov/veterans/benets/Documents/Il497-0472.pdf.
8.
DivisionofRehabilitationServices(DRS)
Disabled veterans may also qualify for services oered through the DivisionofRehabilitation
Services (DRS). The Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services
oers several programs for disabled citizens. Veterans often do not use these programs because of
their use of the VA for rehabilitation for their service-connected disabilities; however, as citizens they
may also qualify for numerous programs available from the State of Illinois. If a veteran is disabled,
he or she may qualify for training and other services oered by the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation
program. In addition, however, the veteran should check his or her eligibility to use other state
benets such as those oered through the DRS. Disabled veterans may be able to use both state and
federal programs at the same time.
C.
Summary
Educational benets are one of the most important benets available to veterans who have served
their country honorably. Education is the door to a better life. Statistically, those who have a college
education or a trade do much better nancially than those who do not have an education or
specialized training. The eective use of educational benets can bring to the veteran and his or her
family nancial stability and wonderful career opportunities that no other benet can provide. Use
these benets eectively for a great future.
183 See 105 ILCS 5/30 14.2; 95 Ill. Admin Code 116 et seq.
120
Chapter 11: Housing and Small Business Benets
A.
Federal Housing Loans and Resources
The VA Loan Guarantee program has helped thousands of veterans buy their rst house. When
veterans think of a VA Loan Guarantee, they usually think of buying a home. However, the VA Loan
Guarantee program may be used for many things. Veterans may use the guarantee to buy a home,
condominium, mobile home, or manufactured home. A VA Loan Guarantee may also be used to
build a home; repair, alter, or improve a home; renance a mortgage; and even install solar heating or
cooling and other such projects.
1.
DescriptionofBenets
The VA guarantees or insures a portion of a loan made by a participating lender to an eligible veteran
for the purpose of buying a home, building a home, improving a home, or renancing an existing
mortgage. The advantage of the VA Loan Guarantee is that it increases the veteran’s “borrowing
power.” Since the VA is guaranteeing part of the loan, there is less risk to the lender if the veteran fails
to repay the loan.
2. Eligibility Requirements
As with all VA benets, veterans must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the VA Loan
Guarantee. The specic eligibility requirements depend on whether the veteran served during
wartime or peacetime as dened.
A veteran who served during wartime (see chart to the
right) must not have concluded his or her service under
dishonorable conditions. In other words, if the veteran left
service with an “Other Than Honorable” characterization of
service, further adjudication by the VA may be required to
determine if the veteran’s service was, as its rules require,
under other than dishonorable conditions. Veterans must
have at least 90 days on active duty and must have been
discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
Only veterans who were discharged for a service-connected
disability may have less than 90 days.
For a veteran who served during peacetime eras (see chart below), there must have been a total of at
least 181 days of continuous active duty. The veteran must have been discharged under other than
dishonorable conditions. If a veteran served during one of the following peacetime eras, there must
be a total of at least 181 days of continuous active duty. The veteran must have been discharged
under other than dishonorable conditions. If the veteran has less than 181 days of service, eligibility
may still be established if the discharge was for a service-connected disability.
Peacetime Eras
• Post-WWII: July 26, 1947 to June 26, 1950
• Post-Korean War: February 1, 1955 to
August 4, 1964
• Post-Vietnam War: May 8, 1975 to
September 7, 1980 (enlisted); May 8, 1975 to
October 16, 1981 (ocer)
• After Post-Vietnam Period (see below)
Wartime Eras
• WWII: September 16, 1940 to
July 25, 1947
• Korean War: June 27, 1950 to
January 31, 1955
• Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 to
May 7, 1975
121
EnlistedseparatedafterSeptember7,1980orOcersafterOctober16,1981:
• The veteran must have completed 24 months of continuous active duty or the full
period but at least 181 days for which the veteran was activated and been discharged
under conditions other than dishonorable; or
• The veteran must have completed at least 181 days of active duty and been given a
hardship discharge or an early out, or have been determined to have a compensable
service-connected disability; or
• The veteran may also be eligible if discharged due to an involuntary reduction in force
or for certain medical conditions, or in some instances, for the convenience of the gov-
ernment.
Gulf War
Those who served in the Gulf War (August 2, 1990, to date yet to be determined) must have:
• completed 24 months of continuous active duty, or the full period for which they were
activated but at least 90 days, and been discharged under conditions other than dis-
honorable; or
• completed at least 90 days of active duty and been discharged under the specic au-
thority of 10 U.S.C. §1173 (hardship) or 10 U.S.C. §1171 (early out), or have been deter-
mined to have a compensable service-connected disability; or
• have been discharged with less than 90 days of service for a service-connected dis-
ability. Veterans may also be eligible if they were released from active duty due to an
involuntary reduction in force, certain medical conditions, or in some instances, for the
convenience of the government.
Active Duty
Those who are now serving on regular active duty (not active duty for training) are eligible after
having served 181 days (90 days during the Gulf War) unless discharged or separated from a
previous qualifying period of active duty service.
Federal Reserves or National Guard
Members of the Reserves or National Guard are eligible once they have completed six years of active
Guard/Reserve service (i.e., attended drills and annual training), even if they have been discharged,
provided the veteran:
• Was discharged with an honorable discharge; or
• Was placed on the retired list; or
• Was transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than
the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service; or
• Continues to serve in the Selected Reserves.
Veterans who completed less than six years may be eligible if discharged for a service- connected
disability.
Others Who May Be Eligible
Veterans who served as ocers of the Public Health Service; cadets at the United States Military, Air
Force, or Coast Guard Academy; midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy; ocers of the
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration; and merchant seamen may also be eligible for a
loan guarantee.
122
Other Eligibility Requirements for VA Loan Guarantee
• Must have a good credit rating.
• Must have income adequate to support the mortgage payments; AND
• Must live in the home or on the property purchased.
3.
Obtaining a VA Loan Guarantee
Veterans should be careful when buying a home. Unlike most other veterans’ benets, a VA Loan
Guarantee is a business contract with not only the VA but also a private lending agency. As far as
today’s lender is concerned, it is strictly business. Defaults are viewed as a breach of contract and
lenders are very good at processing foreclosures.
There are several “rules of thumb” about how much mortgage payments should be relative to income
and expenses. Veterans should be frank with real estate agents and lending agents when buying a
home; most are knowledgeable about what people can aord. Remember, once the contract is signed,
it is binding, and if payments cannot be made, the loan will go into default and it is very possible that
the home will go into foreclosure. If this happens, your credit can be ruined for years—so be careful.
Again, if you have a computer or access to one, then the VA website is a great place to go for help
about what to do should you default on your mortgage.
DO NOT WAIT FOR THINGS TO GET OUT OF HAND. If you fall behind on your mortgage, act
immediately before it is too late to save your credit and your home. Go to https://www.va.gov/
housing-assistance/home-loans/trouble-making-payments/ or call the VA at 1-877-827-3702 and
follow the telephone prompts. There are counselors available to assist. For additional information
including the latest funding fee rates go to the VA website located here: https://www.va.gov/opa/
publications/benets_book/benets_chap06.asp.
4.
How to Apply
Step#1:Geta“CerticateofEligibility”
The rst step in getting a VA Loan Guarantee is to get a “certicate of eligibility.” There are three
fairly easy ways to obtain a certicate of eligibility.
By Mail: Complete the VA Form 26-1880 (available at https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/
VBA-26-1880-ARE.pdf). Illinois Veterans should follow the instructions on the form and send the
completed form and proof of qualifying service to: Department of Veterans Aairs, St. Paul Regional
Loan Center, 1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling, St. Paul, MN 55111-4050.
Online: To apply online, veterans must go to the eBenets portal. The address for eBenets is
http://www.ebenets.va.gov. Go to the “Manage Benets” section and click on the “see all options
to manage benets” at the bottom of that section. This will open a screen with several benet
areas. Find the “Housing” tab. Click on the “Certicate of Eligibility for Home Loan” link. Login
credentials are required to request a Certicate of Eligibility (COE). To request a username and
password, click on the “Register for an account” link.
Through the Lender: Veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about obtaining a Certicate of
Eligibility through the Web LGY system. Web LGY is an Internet based application that can establish
eligibility and issue a certicate online in minutes. Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system.
Required Documentation: Before sending the VA Form 26-1880 to the VA, be sure to include a copy
123
of the most recent discharge or separation papers (DD 214). The separation papers must show the
dates of service and type of discharge. If the veteran has previously used the VA Loan Guarantee, the
separation papers may not be necessary. However, it is best to provide the discharge to ensure speedy
processing. NEVER submit an original document.
Those veterans who are seeking to restore a previously used guarantee should include any evidence
of payment in full of the prior loan. In most cases, the VA will receive a notication that a loan has
been paid, but this does not always happen. Otherwise, when the loan is paid o, the VA Loan
Guarantee becomes available again for reuse.
Reserves and National Guard: If the veteran served in the Guard or Reserves, documentation must
be provided that establishes a minimum of six years with points earned for weekend drills or active
duty for training and/or honorable discharge. Since there is no uniform document similar to the DD
214 for proof of service in the Guard or Reserves, dierent forms may be accepted: National Guard
members who are currently serving or who have been discharged may use NGB Form 22. Those who
served in the Reserves may use a variety of forms. Forms that verify an honorable discharge or that
document retirement points, etc., may be necessary. The VA will then determine eligibility. If the VA
deems the veteran qualied, it will issue a certicate of eligibility.
Step #2: Find a Home
Find a home. The best way to do this is to use a licensed real estate agent to nd the right home.
When considering a home, it is a good idea to have the home inspected by a licensed professional that
works for you or the bank. If you are considering the purchase of a condominium or a planned unit
development (PUD), there is an additional step you must take: Verication of the condominium’s or
homeowner’s association’s VA eligibility. Such an association must be certied by the VA in order for
a veteran purchaser to use his or her VA loan guarantee eligibility to purchase a unit of the relevant
condominium or PUD. The VA requires the lender verify PUD/Condo eligibility.
Step #3: Find a Mortgage Lender
The real estate agent can help with this step, as can the VA. Real estate agents can usually refer the
veteran to a lender in the area who accepts VA Loan Guarantees.
5.
Determining the Amount VA Will Guarantee
Entitlement means the amount of the guarantee benets that are available to an eligible veteran. It is
important to check with the VA for the most current guarantee rates prior to looking for a home. This
information is available online at the following link: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-
loans/loan-limits/.
A veteran who previously obtained a VA Loan Guarantee may use his or her remaining entitlement
for any approved purpose. An exception to this is that veterans who use part of their entitlement to
buy a mobile home must dispose of that mobile home prior to getting another VA Loan Guarantee to
buy a second mobile home. Finally, veterans who do not have any entitlement left may still renance
an existing loan with a new VA Loan Guarantee at a lower interest rate, provided they are relieved of
responsibility for the last loan guaranteed by the VA.
The amount of guarantee depends upon the amount of the total loan and the type of property bought,
renanced, or improved.
124
There are two types of entitlement: basic and bonus:
• Basic Entitlement. The VA guarantees up to $36,000 or 25% of your loan amount, whichever
is less. This amounts to a loan limit of about $144,000.
• Bonus Entitlement. If you want to buy a home valued at more than $144,000, you need a
Tier 2 or bonus entitlement. Here, the VA will look at the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s
(FHFA) current national convention nancing conrming limit and the county loan limits for
Illinois. The VA will guarantee 25% of this loan amount.
Closing Costs
The VA requires the seller pay certain closing costs namely, commission for real estate professionals,
brokerage fee, buyer broker fee, and the termite report (unless renance loan). Other closing costs
are subject to negotiation between the buyer (veteran) and the seller namely, VA funding fee, loan
origination fee, loan discount points or funds for temporary “buydowns,” credit report and payment
of any credit balances or judgements, VA appraisal fee, hazard insurance and real estate taxes, state
and local taxes, title insurance, and recording fee. Other requirements may apply depending on the
type of closing cost.
Funding Fees
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid by all VA loan borrowers with few exceptions. Those
exempt from the fee are veterans receiving service-connected VA compensation including those
eligible but receiving retirement or active-duty pay instead, a surviving spouse whose veteran spouse
died in service or from a service-connected disability or was totally disabled and the surviving spouse
is receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation also known as DIC, a service member with a
proposed or memorandum rating that indicates eligibility for receiving compensation resulting from
a pre-discharge claim if done before the date of closing, or a service member who provides evidence
of a purple heart award no later than the closing date of the loan.
Funding fees are paid at closing and fees vary depending on many factors including the amount of
the loan. Funding fee rates change annually. For the latest rates, check the VA website here; https://
www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/.
What to Watch for With a VA Loan Guarantee
Release of Liability
Veterans should get a release of liability from the VA after selling a VA Loan Guaranteed home.
Personal liability on the part of the veteran continues unless the related loan is paid in full or the
veteran receives release from personal liability from the lender. Veterans should insist that the
contract for sale include a provision that the sale is contingent upon both parties – the veteran and the
purchaser – ling the appropriate VA forms to release the selling veteran from liability, and that the
sale is contingent upon the VA approving such release.
Foreclosure
As was mentioned earlier, if you are late on your mortgage payments, you may very well lose your
home. If you are having diculty making your payments, you should speak with your mortgage
servicer as soon as possible to seek out alternatives to foreclosure, such as the following:
125
• Repayment plan: The borrower makes regular installment payments each month plus part of
the missed installments.
• Forbearance: Mortgage companies are supposed to extend all reasonable forbearance including
consideration of temporary suspension of payments and extension of the loan (in actual prac-
tice, such leniency is rare).
• Loanmodication: The servicer adds the delinquency to the loan balance and establishes a new
payment plan.
• Additional time to arrange a private sale: The servicer agrees to delay foreclosure to allow a
sale to close if the loan will be paid o.
• Short Sale: The servicer agrees to allow a borrower to sell his or her home for a lesser amount
that what is currently owed on the home.
• Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure: The borrower voluntarily agrees to deed the property to the ser-
vicer instead of going through a lengthy foreclosure process.
2.
RenancingOptions
InterestRateReductionRenancingLoan(IRRRL)
IRRRL is also known as “streamline” or a “VA to VA” renancing. An IRRRL can be done only when
the veteran already has his or her entitlement used for a VA loan on the property to be renanced. In
other words, it must be a VA to VA renance. No appraisal or certicate of eligibility is required by
the VA. Any lender can make veterans an IRRRL, but they do not have to. Veterans should contact
several lenders to compare their oered terms.
Cash-OutRenance
Veterans who want to convert home equity into cash in order to pay a debt (such as school), make
home improvements or other reason including renancing a non-VA loan into a VA-backed loan,
can use this renance option. The loan amount depends primarily on whether a down payment is
made and in what amount. Generally, the amount is up to the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming
loan limit. Closing costs can be signicant so veterans should ask the lender to estimate closing costs
before agreeing to the loan.
B.
Illinois Housing Assistance
1
st
Home Illinois: As of the date of this publication, this program is currently in a suspended
status. Check the link provided below to determine if this program has been reactivated.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s (IHDA) 1
st
Home Illinois program oers limited
down-payment assistance with the waiver of the “rst-time buyer/prior ownership” limitations for
veterans. The program oers $7,500 cash assistance for down payments and closing costs subject to
certain restrictions and qualications. See the following link for more information: https://www.
ihda.org/lenders-realtors/lending-programs/.
126
C.
Business Loans and Resources
Many veterans have dreamed of owning a small business. But for many, the dream ended because
they just didn’t know where to start or couldn’t get the loan needed to start the business. Other
veterans have actually started a small business but because of an obligation to the National Guard
or Reserve lost it when they were called to active duty. Some veterans have suered losses because,
as small business owners, they have had key employees leave for active duty. Veterans in these
situations may have many questions, such as: Where can I go to get some help? Are there programs
for small business owners who have lost a key employee to active duty? I’m being called up—what
can I do? The answer to all of these questions may be found at the Small Business Administration
(SBA). The SBA can help in every aspect of starting a business. The SBA oers information,
management, counseling, and training services. Check the SBA Web site, www.sba.gov/, for further
information. Or, you can write or call the SBA at:
SBAOes
Chicago District Oce
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 353-4528
Fax: (312) 886-5688
Ask for the Veterans Business Development Ocer
Springeld Branch Oce
3330 Ginger Creek Road, Suite B-East
Springeld, IL 62711
Phone: (217) 793-5020 x114
Fax: (217) 793-5025
Ask for the Veterans Business Development Ocer
Additionally, there are many sites online that will prove very helpful to anyone who wishes to start a
small business or who has a small business and wants to expand it.
1.
TheVeteransEntrepreneurshipandSmallBusinessDevelopmentActof1999(Public
Act106-50)
This act created several advantages for veterans who wish to start or expand a business. Generally,
there are two categories of veterans under this Act: (1) service-disabled, i.e., service-connected
veterans (there is no set degree of disability for this provision); and (2) veterans. Both categories
require that the business be at least 51% owned by a veteran and that the daily business operations
be controlled by one or more veterans – or in the case of a severely disabled veteran – the veteran’s
spouse or caregiver.
The Act also established the Oce of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). This oce is
responsible for “maximize[ing] the availability, applicability and usability of all administration [SBA]
small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members,
and their Dependents or Survivors.” For more information go here; https://www.sba.gov/oces/
headquarters/ovbd.
It also established the National Veterans Business Development Corporation. The purpose of the
corporation is to improve access to technical assistance regarding entrepreneurship for veterans and
to work with and organize public and private resources and to assist veterans and service-connected
veterans with the starting and or expanding of small businesses. They do this in part by using the
expertise of the Senior Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to provide advice and counsel to those
veterans who wish to start or expand a business. This assistance may be in the form of counseling,
referrals, or loans.
127
2.
Lending Programs
The SBA oers several loan programs. Here we cover programs related to military service; however,
the SBA has other programs which could apply or be a better t for the needs of the Veteran borrower.
For non-veteran specic loans, visit the SBA website or call the SBA oce near you. The OVBD,
discussed earlier, establishes the Veterans Business Outreach Centers or VBOC. The center serving
Illinois is located in Wisconsin and can be reached at 414-395-4556 or e-mail [email protected].
TheMilitaryReservistEconomicInjuryDisasterLoanProgram(MREIDL)– This program
provides funding up to $2 million for operating costs impacted due to loss of an essential employee
called to active duty in the Reserve or National Guard.
Other small business loans for veterans become available periodically as others are discontinued.
Veterans looking for a loan to start a new business should contact the SBA to nd out which programs
are currently available. SBA also oers programs to assist in connecting veterans with business
lenders. For example, the Lender Match tool helps veterans identify prospective lenders.
D.
Summary
There is a lot of misinformation about various loan programs available to veterans for a variety of
purposes. It’s important that any veteran interested in receiving a loan go directly to the source in
order to nd out what’s available and how to apply. Veterans should avoid non-ocial sources of
information because many organizations use web addresses designed to sound like an ocial VA or
other government entity in order to lure unsuspecting veterans into a product or service that isn’t one
sanctioned by the VA or SBA. Sometimes, these organizations are in violation of the law. Veterans
should take the time to conduct research into any organization to make sure the lender and program
is a valid one. Taking the time to do your homework will ensure you nd the program you need.
The benets provided through the SBA oer veterans a variety of special programs that are geared
to assist veterans in either starting or growing a small business. The SBA oers a number of loan
programs and a wide range of assistance to those interested in starting their own small business.
128
Chapter 12: Special Topics
A.
VA Benets for Members of the National Guard and
Federal Reservists
All National Guard & Reserve members discharged or released under conditions not dishonorable
are eligible for, at least, some benets that come from the U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs
(VA).
184
Members of the Guard & Reserve should never assume they automatically disqualify for
benets from the VA without conducting some research of their own. There are many reasons for
this. Congress passes laws annually that eect VA benets and sometimes those laws qualify Guard
& Reserve members for VA benets previously not available to them. Often Guard and Reserve
members are informed of the law as it has been and not as it currently stands.
1.
Qualifying for VA Benets through Active Service, Traditional Service, or Technician
Service
The big confusion in understanding VA benets for members of the National Guard or the federal
reserves results from the wide variety of how individual members are employed and under what
duty status (i.e., federal or state orders) that employment is.
Active Service. “Eligibility requirements for several VA benets include a certain length of active
service.
185
Active service in the National Guard or Reserve includes:
• Active Duty (Title 10). Full-time duty in the Armed Forces, such as unit deployment during
war, including travel to and from such duty, except active duty for training; OR
• Full-Time National Guard duty under title 32. Duty performed for which you are entitled to
receive pay from the Federal government, such as responding to a national emergency or
performing duties as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) member.
Traditional Service. Traditional National Guard and Reserve members have historically served one
weekend per month and two weeks per year. Traditional members may become eligible for some
VA benets by fullling a service commitment. Eligibility for disability compensation requires that
a disability was the result of an injury or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during
active duty or active duty for training. For inactive duty training, the disability must have resulted
from injury, heart attack, or stroke. Other benet programs require a specied number of days of
active service.
186
Technician Service. Military technicians are civilian employees of the Department of the Army or
Department of the Air Force who are required to maintain membership in the National Guard or
Reserve in order to retain employment. Similar to traditional National Guard and Reserve members,
military technicians are normally in a military status one weekend a month and two weeks a year and
are eligible for some VA benets. They may establish eligibility for additional benets based on the
length of Guard, Reserve, or active service.
184 See, generally, https://www.benets.va.gov/guardreserve/.
185 The authority for State Active Duty derives from State law, and does not qualify as “active service” under VA rules. See 38
U.S.C.101(24) and 38 U.S.C. 106.
186 See Summary of VA Benets for National Guard and Reserve Members and Veterans (VA PAM 27-12-5), US Department of
Veterans Aairs, September 2012, https://www.benets.va.gov/BENEFITS/benets-summary/SummaryofVANationalGuar
dandReserve.pdf.
129
2.
Disability Compensation
National Guard & Reserve members who fullled their service obligation AND whose service was
limited to one-weekend per month & two weeks per year (known as “traditional service”) may
be eligible for disability compensation (monthly tax-free benet paid when at least 10% service-
connected) if the injury, illness or disease was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
187
When
a traditional guard or reservist becomes ill or injured while in uniform, a Line of Duty (LOD)
determination is completed (term used in for the Coast Guard is “Notice of Eligibility” (NOE)).
188
A
LOD Determination of “in the line of duty” is a nding that the illness, injury or disease was incurred
or aggravated while in an authorized duty status and not due to negligence or misconduct by the
military member.
189
For more information see reservists should consult their chain of command or
service regulation on line of duty determination.
3.
VA Pension
The non-service-connected VA pension is another potential tax-free benet paid to veterans with
limited income and net worth who served during a wartime period. Generally, the VA Pension
requires 90 days or 24 months of active service depending on dates of service.
190
For additional
criteria, see Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension section under Chapter 6 of this book. When in
doubt, apply for the benet and the VA will make a determination.
4.
Home Loan Guaranty
Generally, Guard & Reservists who meet the same qualications as those on active duty qualify for
the Home Loan Guaranty with one exception. In all cases, any veteran with at least 90 days of active
duty during a wartime period or who left active duty for a service-connected disability is qualied
for the Home Loan Guarantee. However, any guard or reservist who served at least 6 years of
traditional service may also qualify if he or she;
• Continues to serve, OR
• Was transferred to standby reserve or an element of the ready reserve (other than the selected
reserve), OR
• Was placed on the retired list, OR
• Received an honorable discharge.
191
For more information see the Home Loan Guaranty section under Chapter 8 of this book.
5.
Education
Post-9/11 GI Bill. Certain Full-time National Guard duty under the Command of the Governor (Title
32) may be qualifying service for the purposes of receiving the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This includes certain
Title 32 duty authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense in response to a national emergency.
For more information, see the Post-9/11 GI Bill section under Chapter 10 of this book.
187 US Dept. of Veterans Aairs Pamphlet (VAPAM) 27 12 5, September 2012. p.3.
188 US Coast Guard ALCGRSV 004/11 Notice of Eligibility (NOE) Authorization and Reporting Guidance, January 14, 2011.
189 Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1241.2, May 30, 2001, p. 11, sec E2.1.7
190 US Dept. of Veterans Aairs Pamphlet (VAPAM), “Summary of VA Benets for National Guard and Reserve Members and
Veterans”, 27 12 5, September 2012. p.3
191 Id. at 4
130
Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). Reserve and National Guard who did not
otherwise meet the active component requirements for the Montgomery GI Bill may qualify for the
reserve version of the same education benet. For more information on MGIB-SR, see the education
section under Chapter 10 of this book.
5.
Health Care
Members of the National Guard and federal reservists who served on active duty in a combat
zone after November 11, 1998, may be eligible for up to 5 years of VA Health Care from the date of
discharge or release.
192
Veterans without active duty in combat zone and Veterans who have served
in a combat zone prior to November 11, 1998 have separate criteria for determining eligibility. Keep
in mind that health care for National Guard and reserve is continually debated and likely to lead to
changes. Before you decide that you don’t qualify, check with a local Veteran Service Ocer. For
more information see the Health Care section under chapter 4 of this booklet as well as the VA’s
website at www.va.gov/healthbenets.
6.
Burial
National Guard & Reserve may qualify for VA Burial benets if they served on active duty OR if the
veteran’s death was due to an injury or disease developed or aggravated during active duty, active
duty for training (including Annual Training), or inactive duty for training (Drill weekend).
193
For
information on the types of burial benets provided, see the burial benets section of the VA website
by going here; http://www.benets.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp. Also, see
Chapter 9 of this book.
7.
Insurance
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Currently serving Guard & Reserve are
automatically insured by full-time SGLI unless he or she is scheduled to perform less than 12 periods
of inactive duty training in a year. National Guard & Reserve separating, retiring, or being released
from assignment in the Ready Reserve, members of the Individual Ready Reserve or Inactive
National Guard are also eligible. National Guard & Reserve who have a minimum of SGLI coverage
are qualied for SGLI when an illness or injury is incurred or aggravated while performing reserve
duty or traveling to or from that duty.
194
For more information see the Life Insurance section of the VA
website here; http://www.benets.va.gov/INSURANCE/.
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). If the Guard or Reservist is qualied for
and has SGLI, his or her family members automatically qualify for FSGLI.
195
For more information see
the FSGLI section of the VA website here; http://www.benets.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp.
Traumatic Injury Protection SGLI (TSGLI). TSGLI is a one-time payment to service members
or veterans who incur traumatic injuries and suer loses as a result. The payment is designed to
help ease the nancial burden associated with recovery. The injury does not have to be in the line
of duty.
196
For more information see the TSGLI section of the VA website at; http://www.benets.
va.gov/insurance/tsgli.asp.
192 Id. at 5
193 Id.; see also https://www.benets.va.gov/compensation/claims.
194 Id.; see also https://www.benets.va.gov/INSURANCE/.
195 Id. at 6; see also https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/fsgli/.
196 Id. at 6; see also https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/tsgli/.
131
Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI). National Guard, Reserve, and Veterans qualify for
S-DVI when a service-connected disability is incurred while on active duty status. Veterans have
two years to apply from the date of notication of service-connection approval and must have been
discharged after April 25, 1951.
197
For more information see the S-DVI section of the VA website here;
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/s-dvi/.
Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI). VMLI provides mortgage life insurance to severely
disabled Guard, Reserve, & Veterans with a service-connected disability while in an active duty
status and considered severely disabled and receive a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant.
198
For
more information see the VMLI section under Chapter 7 of this book or by visiting the following VA
website; https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vmli/.
6.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
Generally, Guard & Reservists with a service-connected disability rating of at least 20% qualies
for at least some VR&E benets.
199
For more information on what this benet may cover, see the
Employment Benets for Service-Connected Veterans section of Chapter 7 of this book. Because
benets are continually changing, make sure you consult a Veterans Service Ocer to verify whether
you qualify and how to apply.
A.
Physical Disability Board of Review
“Veterans separated due to disability from Sept. 11, 2001, through Dec. 31, 2009, with a combined
rating of 20% or less, as determined by the respective branch of service Physical Evaluation Board
(PEB), and not found eligible for retirement, may be eligible for a review by the Physical Disability
Board of Review (PDBR). The PDBR was established to reassess the accuracy and fairness of certain
PEB decisions, and where appropriate, recommend the correction of discrepancies and errors.”
“A PDBR review will not lower the disability rating previously assigned by the PEB, and any
correction may be made retroactively to the day of the original disability separation. As a result of the
request for review by the PDBR, no further relief from the Board of Corrections of Military Records
may be sought, and the recommendation by the PDBR, once accepted by the respective branch
of service, is nal. A comparison of these two boards, along with other PDBR information, can be
viewed at www.health.mil/pdbr. Questions regarding the review of a discharge should be addressed
to the appropriate discharge review board at the address listed on the DD Form 293.
B.
Impact of Incarceration on the Receipt of VA Benets
Under certain circumstances, the VA will continue to pay certain benets to veterans who are
incarcerated. The VA itself states that justice-involved veterans may be eligible for disability
compensation, disability pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance,
vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. More information is available here;
https://www.benets.va.gov/persona/veteran-incarcerated.asp.
197 Id.; see also https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/tsgli/.
198 Id.; see also https://www.benets.va.gov/insurance/s%C2%ADdvi.asp.
199 Id.
132
1.
Incarceration and VA Disability Compensation
VA disability compensation benets remain untouched if the veteran is imprisoned for a
misdemeanor conviction. However, the same is not true in the case of a felony. A veteran’s monthly
disability payment will be lowered after 60 days of imprisonment for a felony. How much the benet
is reduced depends on the veteran’s disability rating. For those rated at 10% before incarceration, the
new payment will be half the 10% rate. For those with a disability rating of 20% or greater, the new
payment will be at the 10% rate.
2.
Incarceration and VA Pension
A veteran’s monthly pension payment will be stopped after 60 days of imprisonment in a federal,
state, or local jail for conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor. If a veteran fails to notify the VA of his
or her incarceration, the veteran may face the loss of all nancial benets until the VA’s overpayment
is recovered. Pension payments may resume after incarceration ends.
3.
Eligibility for VA Medical Care While Imprisoned
A veteran cannot receive VA medical care while incarcerated. The VA highlights that, in this case, the
eligibility for healthcare is not the issue. An incarcerated veteran does not lose his or her eligibility for
VA healthcare due to incarceration. The result, however, for the period of incarceration, is the same.
The VA reports that current federal regulations restrict it from oering hospital and outpatient care
to incarcerated veterans who are inmates of another governmental agency’s institution when that
agency has a duty to give the care or services.
Once a veteran is unconditionally released from the institution, he or she may apply for enrollment
into the VA healthcare system. At such a time, contact the nearest VA healthcare facility.
4.
Receipt of VA Benets Not Paid During Imprisonment by Dependents
Although one can see from the above the impact of incarceration on the veteran’s receipt of VA
benets, the VA can pay (apportion) all or part of those withheld (otherwise unpaid) benets to the
incarcerated veteran’s spouse, child or children, and dependent parents on the basis of individual
need. Family members of an incarcerated veteran should contact the nearest VA regional oce or
other qualied veterans service ocer for more information on how to apply. Family members must
be prepared to provide income information to support any such application. One should note the
following:
Notice to the Incarcerated Veteran: VA should inform the incarcerated veteran whose benets
may be reduced of the right his or her dependents have to an apportionment during the period of
incarceration, and how such payments may resume upon release from incarceration.
Notice to the Incarcerated Veteran’s Dependents: VA should also notify the dependents of their right
to an apportionment if their existence has been declared to the VA and their addresses are on le.
No Apportionment to Other Prisoners. An apportionment may not be directed to or on behalf of
anyone else who is incarcerated in a federal, state, or local penal institution for conviction of a felony.
Apportionments Are Not Automatic. An incarcerated veteran’s dependents must apply for an
apportionment. Claims are not automatically granted.
133
5.
Education Benets
A veteran who is not incarcerated for a felony can still receive full monthly benets subject to the
standard eligibility and entitlement rules. Also, certain felons in transitional housing may also be
eligible: Convicted felons who have been assigned to a halfway house (or “residential re-entry
centers”) or who are participating in work-release programs also can receive full monthly benets.
Convicted felons can only be paid the costs of tuition, fees, and required books, equipment, and
supplies. Such payments are not available if another federal, state, or local program covers these costs
in full.
6.
Resumption of VA Benets
Upon release from incarceration, compensation payments a veteran was previously receiving may
be reinstated based upon the severity of the service-connected disability or disabilities at that time.
Within 30 days of a veteran’s projected release from incarceration (based on conrmation from a
parole board or other suitable ocial prison source), a veteran may notify the VA and request the
future resumption of the veteran’s VA benets. Release from incarceration includes parole, work
release or a half-way house program. A veteran should not delay in making such a request as the
award for compensation or pension will resume from the date of release from incarceration if the VA
gets the veteran’s notice within one year after the release. In certain cases, the VA may request the
veteran to submit to a medical examination to determine if the disability has changed.
The VA considers a veteran released from incarceration if he or she either is paroled or participating
in a work release or half-way house program. Once released, a veteran should visit or call his or her
local VA regional oce (VARO) for assistance.
C.
Summary
This book is designed to be a starting point for veterans and their dependents to understand the
benets aorded to them by a grateful nation. It is not designed as a complete index of every benet
available, so veterans should take an active role in researching and understanding what benets they
may be entitled to. Furthermore, benets are constantly changing and the information contained in
these pages should be conrmed with up to date sources.
134
APPENDICES
135
Appendix A: VHA Veteran Medical Centers and Support
Services Locations in Illinois
1.
Overview
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) divides its healthcare system into 23 Veterans
Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). These individual networks do not necessarily cover the
entire territory of a given state. In fact, in the case of Illinois, the State is divided up by four
VISNs, 12, 11, 15, and 23, starting North, going clockwise around the points of the compass.
2.
VA Hospitals
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
The VA describes Lovell FHCC as follows
200
: “The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care
Center (FHCC) is a rst-of-its-kind partnership between the U. S. Department of Veterans Aairs and
the Department of Defense (DoD), integrating all medical care into a federal health care facility with a
single combined VA and Navy mission.”
“Lovell FHCC is located in North Chicago, Illinois, and was established on Oct. 1, 2010 when the
North Chicago VA Medical Center (VAMC) and the Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes (NHCGL)
merged their resources and services. A combined mission of the health care center means active duty
military, their family members, military retirees and veterans are all cared for at the facility. The
health care center ensures that nearly 40,000 Navy recruits who transition through Naval Station
Great Lakes each year are medically ready and nearly 67,000 eligible military and retiree beneciaries
from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin receive rst-rate care.”
Edward Hines, Jr., VA Hospital
The VA describes Hines VA Hospital as follows: “Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, located 12 miles
west of downtown Chicago on a 147-acre campus, oers primary, extended and specialty care and
serves as a tertiary care referral center for VISN 12. Specialized clinical programs include Blind
Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury, Neurosurgery, Radiation Therapy and Cardiovascular Surgery.
The hospital also serves as the VISN 12 southern tier hub for pathology, radiology, radiation therapy,
human resource management and scal services.”
“Hines VAH currently operates 483 beds and six community-based outpatient clinics Homan
Estates, Kankakee, Oak Lawn, Aurora, LaSalle and Joliet. More than 700,000 patient visits occurred
in scal year 2017 providing care to more than 57,000 veterans, primarily from Cook, DuPage and
Will counties.”
201
VA Illiana Health Care System
The VA describes the VA Illiana Health Care System as follows: “Since 1898, our buildings, facilities,
patients, and missions have changed, but remaining constant is VA Illiana Health Care System’s
endeavor in improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation.
Being the 8th oldest VA facility, we consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any
way we can. Services are available to more than 150,000 veterans living in the surrounding 34-county
200 https://www.lovell.cc.va.gov/about/index.asp.
201 https://www.hines.va.gov/about/index.asp.
136
areas of Illinois and Indiana.”
202
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (formerly, West Side VA Medical Center)
The VA describes Jesse Brown VA Medical Hospital as follows: “The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
consists of a 200-bed acute care facility and four community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).
Jesse Brown VAMC provides care to approximately 62,000 enrolled veterans who reside in the City
of Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, and in four counties in northwestern Indiana. In FY10, the
medical center had over 8100 inpatient admissions and 560,000 outpatient visits. A budget of over
$355 million supports approximately 2,000 full-time equivalent sta, including 200+ physicians and
450 nurses, with 500+ volunteers providing service and care at Jesse Brown VAMC and CBOCs.”
203
“In May 2008, the medical center opened its new inpatient bed tower pavilion, which includes seven
surgical suites, cystology, intensive care, inpatient dialysis, an outpatient surgical center and a chapel.
The medical center’s strategic priority is the “heart of the Veterans Community” and as Provider of
Choice for veterans in the Chicago area. JBVAMC established a “We Are Here” outreach campaign to
inform veterans about the health care benets they have earned through their service to our country
and the specic services available to them at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.”
“Formerly known as the West Side VA Medical Center, the facility was renamed in 2004 for the
Honorable Jesse Brown, who served as Secretary for Veterans Aairs from 1993 to 1997.”
The Hospital is also aliated with the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University and
the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School, with more than 900 program residents providing
veteran care annually.
Marion VA Medical Center
The VA describes the VA Medical Center in Marion, Il as follows: “The facility was built in 1942. Our
present Health Care System provides care to 43,722 veterans annually in 27 counties in Southern
Illinois, 8 counties in Southwestern Indiana, and 17 counties in Northwest Kentucky.”
204
The VA medical Center in Marion, Illinois is “a general medical and surgical facility that operates 55
acute care beds and a 60 bed Community Living Center. Ten Outpatient Clinics that provide primary
care and behavioral medicine services are located in Harrisburg; Carbondale; Engham; and Mt.
Vernon, IL; Paducah; Hanson; Owensboro; and Mayeld, Kentucky; Vincennes and Evansville, IN”.
202 https://www.danville.va.gov/about/index.asp.
203 https://www.chicago.va.gov/about/index.asp.
204 https://www.marion.va.gov/about/index.asp.
137
VISN 12
Captain James A. Lovell Federal
Health Care Center
(formally, North Chicago VA Medical
Center)
3001 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
(847) 688-1900
(800) 393-0865
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
820 S. Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 569-8387
Hines VA Medical Center
5000 South 5th Avenue
(708) 202-8387
VA Illiana Health Care System
1900 E. Main St.
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-3000
(800) 320-8387
VISN 11 [No Illinois-based hospitals]
VISN 15
Marion VA Medical Center
2401 West Main St.
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-5311
VISN 23 [No Illinois-based hospitals]
3. Community Based Outpatient Clinics [CBOCs] and Clinics
Aurora CBOC
161 South Lincolnway
North Aurora, IL 60542
Phone: (630) 859-2504
Fax: (630) 859-2508
Freeport VA Clinic
750 Kiwanis Drive Ste.250
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: (815)235-4881
Fax: (815) 232-4614
Oak Lawn CBOC
10201 S. Cicero Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: (708) 499-3675
Fax: (708) 499-3715
Auburn Gresham
(Chicago) CBOC
VA Outpatient Clinic
7731 South Halsted
Street
Chicago, IL 60620
Phone: (773) 962-3700
Fax: (773)962-3703
Joliet CBOC
1201 Eagle Street
Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 740-8100
Fax: (815) 740-8101
Rockford VA Primary
Care Clinic
816 Featherstone Road
Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: (815)227-0081
Fax: 815-387-5316
Chicago Heights CBOC
30 East 15th Street, Ste. 314
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Phone: (708) 754-8880
FAX: (708) 756-8871
Kankakee CBOC
581 William Latham Drive
Suite 301
Bourbonnais IL 60914
Phone: (815) 932-3823
Fax: (815) 932-3827
Great Lakes Facilities
237 Fisher Clinic
BLDG 237
2410 Sampson Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Phone: (847)688-2469
Crown Point CBOC 9330
Broadway Crown Point IN
46307 (800) 644-1243
(219) 662-5000
Lakeside CBOC
211 E. Ontario St.
12
th
Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 469-4850
USS Osborne Dental Clinic
3440 Ohio Street Great Lakes, IL
60088 Phone:(847)688-2100
138
Elgin CBOC
450 Dundee Ave
Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: (847) 742-5920
extension:29700 Fax: (847) 742-
6124
LaSalle CBOC Progress Village
4461 N Progress Village Peru,
IL 61354
Phone: (815) 223-9678
Fax: (815) 223-9683
Bob Michel VA Clinic
7717 N. Orange Prairie Rd
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 589-6800
Evanston CBOC 1942 Dempster
Street
Evanston, Illinois 60202
(847) 869-6315
McHenry CBOC
3715 Municipal Drive
McHenry IL 60050
(815) 759-2306
Decatur VA Outpatient
Clinic
792 N. Sunnyside Rd.
Decatur, IL 62522
Phone: (217) 362-5442
Mattoon CBOC
501 Lakeland Blvd.
Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone:(217)258-3370
Springeld VA Clinic
5850 S. 6
th
Street
Suite A
Springeld, IL 62703
Phone: (217)529-5046
Enterprise Way VA Clinic
1301 Enterprise Way
Suite 68
Marion, IL 32959
Phone: (618)993-1008
Heartland St Clinic
3404 Heartland St
Marion, IL 62959
Phone:(618)997-5311
Carbondale CBOC
1130 East Walnut St
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: (618)351-1031
Engham CBOC
1011 Ford Avenue
Engham, IL 62401
Phone: (217) 347-7600
Harrisburg CBOC
608 Rollie Moore Dr
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone:(618)252-6150
Mt. Vernon CBOC
4105 N. Water Tower Pl
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618)246-2910
St. Clair County CBOC
1190 Fortune Blvd.
Shiloh, IL 62269
Phone: (314) 286-6988
Galesburg VA Clinic
310 Home Boulevard
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone:(309)343-0311
Quincy Clinic
6020 Broadway St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 224-3366
Sterling VA Clinic
406 Ave C
Sterling, IL 61081
Phone: (815)632-6200
https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/fac_list_by_state.cfm?State=IL&dnum=All
4. Vet Centers
Description: Born in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Vet Centers provide the following types of
services to veterans, service members and their families in an eort to make a successful transition
from military to civilian life: referrals to VA Medical Centers and CBOCs; individual readjustment
counseling; group readjustment counseling; referrals for benets assistance; screening and referral for
medical issues; liaison with community agencies and other VA facilities; marital/signicant other and
family counseling; community outreach and education; substance abuse information and referral; job
counseling and placement resources; sexual trauma counseling and referral; referrals for homeless
veterans; and bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death. All services
are free to eligible veterans and to their families.
139
Basic Eligibility: Services are oered to all those veterans who were in theater during the following
conict eras:
WWII: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
Korea: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
Vietnam: February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
Lebanon: August 25, 1982 to February 26, 1984
Granada: October 23, 1983 to November 21, 1983
Panama: December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990
Persian Gulf: August 2, 1990 to Present
Somalia: September 17, 1992 to Present
Bosnia: November 21, 1995 to November 1, 2007
Kosovo: March 24, 1999 to Present
Afghanistan: October 7, 2001 to Present
Iraq: March 19, 2003 to Present
Additional Eligibility: Services are also available to: (1) all veterans, regardless of period of service, who
experienced sexual trauma while on active duty; and (2) families of service members who died while on
active duty.
Vet Centers in Illinois
Chicago Vet Center
3348 W. 87
th
Street
Chicago, IL 60652
Tel: (773) 962-3740
Fax: (773) 962-3750
DuPage County Vet Center
750 Shoreline Drive, Suite 150
Aurora, IL 60504
Tel: (630) 585-1853
Fax: (630) 585-1956
Chicago Heights
1010 Dixie Highway, 2
nd
Floor
Chicago Heights IL 60411
Tel: (708) 754-8885
Fax: (708) 754-9882
Evanston Vet Center
1901 Howard Street
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 332-1019
Oak Park Vet Center
1515 South Harlem Avenue
Forest Park IL 60130
Tel: (708) 457-8805
Metro East Vet Center
228 West Pointe Drive
Swansea, IL 62226
Tel: (618) 825-0160
Rockford Vet Center
7015 Rote Road
Rockford IL 61107
Tel: (815) 395-1276
Fax: (815) 395-1280
Peoria Vet Center
5015 American Prairie Drive
Peoria, IL 61615
Tel: (309) 689-9708
Fax: (309) 689-9720
Springeld Vet Center
2980 Baker Drive
Springeld, IL
62703
Tel: (217) 492-4955
Quad Cities Vet Center
465 42
nd
Avenue, Suite #140
East Moline, IL 61244
Tel: (309) 755-3260
Orland Park Vet Center
8651 W.159th Street, Suite 1
Orland Park, IL 60462
Tel: (708) 444-0561
Fax: (708) 444-0588
To learn more call 1-877-WAR-VETS or visit http://www.vetcenter.va.gov
140
Services for Homeless Veterans
According to the VA, veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call
or visit their local VA medical center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA sta are
ready to help. Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-424-3838. Veterans can explore www.
va.gov/homeless to learn about VA programs for veterans who are homeless.
5. Veterans Transportation Services (in Illinois)
For more information on VA transportation services, visit the following webpage on the VA’s website:
https://www.va.gov/healthbenets/vtp/.
141
Appendix B: Veteran Service Organizations in Illinois
Overview: When applying for benets and services, veterans will often get better results if they
receive assistance from a person knowledgeable about VA and state benets. One of the best sources
of assistance are Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion or the Veterans
of Foreign Wars. Most VSOs have a service ocer available at the VA Regional Oce as well as VA
Medical Centers.
AMVETS
VA Regional Oce
2122 W. Taylor Street, Room 1
Chicago, IL 60612
Service Ocers: Alfonso Pizarro
Tel: 312-980-4256
Fax: 312-980-4674
To locate an AMVETS
Veteran Service Ocer visit:
https://amvetsnsf.org/wp-content/themes/am-
vetsnsf/docs/service-ocers-contact-list.pdf
or call 301-459-6181 ext:4071
The American Legion
VA Regional Oce
2122 W. Taylor Street, Room 106
Chicago, IL 60612
Service Ocer: Carolina Contreras
Tel: 312-980-4266
Fax: 312-706-6675
Hines VA Hospital
500 S. Fifth Ave
Hines, IL 60141
Tel: 708-202-2569
Marion VA Medical Center
2401 West Main Street
Bldg. 82
Marion, IL 62959
Service Ocer: William Slider
Tel: 618-998-5605
There may be a veteran service ocer located
at an American Legion Post. To locate the VSO
closest to you, visit:
https://www.legion.org/serviceocers/IL#re-
sults
Veterans of Foreign Wars
VA Regional Oce
2122 West Taylor St, Room 105
Chicago, IL 60612
Service Ocer: Derek Grin
Tel: 312-980-4284
Fax 312-706-6680
Illiana VA Health Care System at Danville
1900 E. Main Street
Bldg 98, Rm. 1009
Danville, IL 61832
Service Ocer: Sean Conner
Tel: 217-554-4502
Marion VAMC
2401 W. Main St., Room 103
Marion, IL 62959
Service Ocer: Gregory Strong
Tel: 618-997-531
Disabled American Veterans
VA Regional Oce
2122 West Taylor St, Room 104
Chicago, IL 60612
Tel: 312-980-4242
Fax: 312- 706-6673
Jesse Brown VAMC
820 S. Damen
Chicago, IL 60612
Tel: 312-980-4242
Hines VA Hospital
5000 S. Fifth Ave Building 1, Room D-17
Hines, IL 60141
Service Ocer: George Isdale
Tel: 708-202-2575
142
Marion VAMC
2401 W. Main St., Ground Fl
Marion, IL 62959
Service Ocer: Joseph R. Brown
Tel: 618-997-5311, Ext. 55110
Danville VAMC
1900 East Main St.
Bldg. 104, Room 107A
Danville, IL 61832
Service Ocer: Robert Barrett
Tel: 217-554-4281
Fax: 217-477-4800
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care
Center
3001 Green Bay Rd.
Bldg. 135, Room A 53
North Chicago, IL 60064
Service Ocer: Michael J. Hiley
Tel: 224-610-2961
Fax: 224-610-2952
Military Order of the Purple Heart
VA Regional Oce
2122 W. Taylor St. Room 108
Chicago, IL 60605
Service Ocer: Delores Cooley
Tel: 312-980-4271
Fax: 312-706-6677
National Tel: 703-642-2054
www.purpleheart.org
Paralyzed Veterans of America
http://www.pva.org/nd-support/veter-
ans-benets/
Edwards J. Hines VA Hospital
5000 S. 5th Ave. Bldg.1
Room F-214
Hines, IL 60141
Tel: 708-202-5623
Edward J. Hines VA Hospital
5000 South 5th Avenue Bldg. 128
Room C-147
Hines, IL 60141
Tel: 708-202-5832
Vaughan Chapter
2235 Enterprise Drive
Suite 3501
Westchester, IL 60154
Tel: 708-947-9790
Vietnam Veterans of America
https://vva.org/what-we-do/veteran-services/
service-ocer-locator/
Alfred Huber
1556 40th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
Tel: 309-721-1453
Clarke Barnes
5 Misty Hollow
Geneseo, IL 61254
Tel: 309-944-3674
Dorothy Le Clear
2122 W. Taylor St.
Room 107
Chicago IL 60612
Tel: 312-980-4268
Blinded Veterans Association
National Resource Center
1101 King Street
Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 844-250-5180
Email: [email protected]
https://www.bva.org/blinded-veterans-pro-
grams/veteran-service/
Jewish War Veterans
Tel: 202-265-6280
Email: jww@jww.org
https://www.jwv.org/veteran-resources/con-
nect-service-ocers-access-va-benets/
National Association for Black Veterans
National Service Ocer
Center for Veterans Issues
Phone: 414-345-4244
https://nabvets.weebly.com/
143
National Association of County Veterans
Service Ocers
https://www.nacvso.org/nd_service_ocers/
category-865ca542-2c72-4d1a-adac-56061f573562.
aspx
U.S. Department of Veterans Aairs directory
of Veterans and Military Service Organizations
and State Directors of Veterans Aairs
http://www.va.gov/vso/VSO-Directory.pdf
144
Appendix C: Illinois Department of Veterans Aairs (IDVA)
Field Service Oce Locations
Overview: IDVA service ocers are trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Aairs to assist veterans, their dependents, and survivors. IDVA service ocers can assist veterans
and their family members apply for state and federal benets, as well as provide information
and assistance concerning a host of areas, including education, employment, burial, pension, and
healthcare.
Boone County
130 S. State Street Suite 212
Belvidere, IL 61008
Tel: 815-544-6464
Fax: 815-544-6455
VACBoone@VACBC.org
Carroll County
Carroll County Courthouse
301 N. Main Street
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Tel: 815-244-0226
Cell: 815-714-8133
Fax: 815-244-6295
o[email protected]
Champaign County
Brookens Administration Center
1776 E. Washington
Urbana, IL 61802
Tel: 217-819-3556
Fax: 217-384-3896
[email protected]
Cook County
1100 S. Hamilton Avenue
Lower Level - Room C-011
Chicago, IL 60612
Tel: 312-433-6010
Fax: 312-433-6015
[email protected]
DeKalb County
2500 N. Annie Glidden Road
Suite A
DeKalb, IL 60115
Tel: 815-756-8129
Fax: 815-748-2142
tanderson@dekalbcounty.org
DuPage County
421 N. County Farm Road
2nd Floor
Wheaton, IL 60187
Tel: 630-407-5655
Fax: 630-407-5656
[email protected]
steven.[email protected]
Engham County
1011 Ford Ave.
Engham, IL 62401-4162
Tel: 217-342-4979
Fax: 217-342-4883
[email protected]ngham.il.us
Fulton County
260 West Lincoln Avenue
Lewistown, IL 61542
Tel: 309-547-7262
Fax: 309-518-8116
[email protected]
Greene County
519 N. Main Street Room 5
Carrolton, IL 62016
Tel: 217-370-8779
Fax: 217-942-5431
Grundy County
1320 Union Street
Morris, IL 60450
Tel: 815-941-3152
Fax: 815-513-5018
[email protected]g
Hancock County
County Courthouse SE, 1st Floor
P.O. Box 444 Carthage, IL 62321
Tel: 217-617-7635
Henderson County
Henderson County Courthouse
Oquawka, IL 61469
Tel:309-221-0169
Fax: 309-867-2033
[email protected]
Henry County
Henry County Courthouse
307 W Center St
Cambridge, IL 61238
Tel: 309-937-3451
vet@henrycty.com
Iroquois County
County Administration Center
1001 E. Grant Street, Suite112A
Watseka, IL 60970
Tel: 815-432-2721
Fax: 815-432-0485
[email protected]
Jersey County
Jersey County Courthouse
201 W. Pearl St.
Jerseyville, IL 62052
Tel: 618-498-1810
Fax: 618-498-7404
[email protected]
Kane County
Government Center
719 S Batavia Ave.
Building A
Geneva, IL 60134
Tel: 630-232-3550
[email protected]
145
Kankakee County
189 E. Court Street, 4th Floor Kanka-
kee, IL 60901
Tel:815-937-8489
Fax:815-937-3655
ksmietanski@k3county.net
Kendall County
811 W. John Street
Suite 264
Yorkville, IL 60560-9249
Tel: 630-553-8357
Fax: 630-553-0003
ksmietanski@k3county.net
Knox County
121 S. Prairie Street
Suite 3
Galesburg, IL 61401
Tel: 309-345-3809/3877
Fax: 309-342-7597
[email protected]
Lake County
501 N. Illinois Rte. 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
Tel: 847-377-3344
Fax: 847-984-5750
[email protected]
LaSalle County
119 W. Madison Street
Courthouse Room 103A
Ottawa, IL 61350
Tel: 815-433-1761
Fax: 815-433-6209
skreitzer@lasallecounty.org
Lee County
309 S. Galena Avenue
Suite 101
Dixon, IL 61021
Tel: 815-288-5683
Fax: 815-284-5240
jgorman@countyoee.org
Livingston County
110 W. Water Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
Tel: 815-844-7378
Fax: 815-844-1178
lcvac@frontier.com
Logan County
122 N. McLean St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
Tel: 217-732-8388
[email protected]
Macon County
Macon County Building
141 S. Main Street
Room 210
Decatur, IL 62523
Tel: 217-424-1376
Fax: 217-718-4760
[email protected]
Macoupin County
220 N. Broad Street
P.O. Box 12
Carlinville, IL 62626-0012
Tel: 217-854-5249
Fax: 217-854-5249
[email protected]
Madison County
157 N. Main
Suite 115
Edwardsville, IL 62025-1963
Tel: 618-296-4554
Fax: 618-692-8958
[email protected]
Mason County
County Courthouse
P.O. Box 77
Havana, IL 62644
Tel: 309-543-8907
Fax: 309-543-2924
[email protected]
McDonough County
1 Courthouse Square
Room 7, ird Floor
Macomb, IL 61455
Tel: 309-833-3275
Fax: 309-837-9110
[email protected]
McHenry County
McHenry County Govt Cntr
667 Ware Road
Woodstock, IL
Tel: 815-334-4229
Fax: 815-334-4678
[email protected].il.us
McLean County
200 W. Front Street
Suite 400-D
Bloomington, IL 61701
Tel: 309-888-5140
Fax: 309-888-5570
jerry[email protected]
Mercer County
100 SE ird Street
Aledo, IL 61232
Tel: 309-582-2714
Fax: 309-582-7022
Mercovac@mercercountyil.org
Montgomery County
201 S. Main Street
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Tel: 217-532-9695
Fax: 217-532-2534
[email protected]
Ogle County
1310 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 181
Oregon, IL 61061
Tel: 815-255-9181
Fax: 815-991-7311
[email protected]
146
Peoria County
3116 N. Dries Lane
Suite 200
Peoria, IL 61604
Tel: 309-681-2554
Fax: 309-681-2558
mbrooks@peoriacounty.org
Piatt County
115 N. State Street Suite 116
Monticello, IL 61856
Tel: 217-762-8387
Fax: 217-762-3507
[email protected]
Rock Island County
1504 ird Avenue
Lower Level – Ctny Bldg
Rock Island, IL 61201
Tel: 309 558-3546
Fax: 309-558-3548
[email protected]
Sangamon County
County Building
200 S. Ninth Street Room 104
Springeld, IL 62701
Tel: 217-753-6680
Fax: 217-535-3280
kimberly[email protected]
St. Clair County
19 Public Square
Suite 300
Belleville, IL 62220-1695
Tel: 618-277-0040
Fax: 618-277-9626
[email protected].il.us
Stephenson County
10 N. Galena Avenue Suite 120
P.O. Box 695
Freeport, IL 61032
Tel: 815-233-7282
Fax: 815-616-8334
V[email protected]
Tazewell County
17 S. Capital St.
Pekin, IL 61554
Tel: 309-477-2271
[email protected]
Vermillion County
Tel: 615-573-8562
[email protected]
Warren County
Courthouse Room 1
Monmouth, IL 61462
Tel: 309-734-6767
Will County
2400 Glenwood Ave
Joliet, IL 60435
Tel: 815-740-4329
[email protected]
Winnebago County
555 North Court Street
Suite 300
Rockford, IL 61103
Tel: 815-516-2850
Fax: 815-516-2851
[email protected]
Woodford County
County Courthouse
115 N. Main Street Suite 106
Eureka, IL 61530-1274
Tel: 309-467-2716
Fax: 309-467-4728
wcvac@woodford-county.org
Non Association VAC’s
Mercer County
100 S.E. ird St.
Aledo, IL 61232
Schuyler County
Rushville, IL 62681
217-322-6223
Washington County
Nashville, IL 62263
618-327-8322
Whiteside County
1300 W. Second St.
Rock Falls, IL 61081
815-626-8640
147
Appendix D: Illinois Veterans Assistance
Commissions
Overview: Veterans Assistance Commissions (VACs) provide a variety of services to indigent
veterans who have honorably served in the Armed Forces. VAC Superintendents and Veterans
Service Ocers are important resources for not only monetary services, but also their knowledge of
state and federal veteran benets.
Boone County
130 S. State Street Suite 212
Belvidere, IL 61008
Tel: 815-544-6464
Fax: 815-544-6455
VACBoone@VACBC.org
Carroll County
Carroll County Courthouse
301 N. Main Street
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Tel: 815-244-0226
Cell: 815-714-8133
Fax: 815-244-6295
o[email protected]
Champaign County
Brookens Administration Cen-
ter 1776 E. Washington
Urbana, IL 61802
Tel: 217-819-3556
Fax: 217-384-3896
[email protected]
Cook County
1100 S. Hamilton Avenue Lower
Level - Room C-011
Chicago, IL 60612
Tel: 312-433-6010
Fax: 312-433-6015
[email protected]
DeKalb County
2500 N. Annie Glidden Road
Suite A
DeKalb, IL 60115
Tel: 815-756-8129
Fax: 815-748-2142
tanderson@dekalbcounty.org
DuPage County
421 N. County Farm Road
2nd Floor
Wheaton, IL 60187
Tel: 630-407-5655
Fax: 630-407-5656
[email protected]
steven.[email protected]
Engham County
1011 Ford Ave.
Engham, IL 62401-4162
Tel: 217-342-4979
Fax: 217-342-4883
[email protected]ngham.il.us
Fulton County
260 West Lincoln Avenue
Lewistown, IL 61542
Tel: 309-547-7262
Fax: 309-518-8116
[email protected]
Greene County
519 N. Main Street Room 5
Carrolton, IL 62016
Tel: 217-370-8779
Fax: 217-942-5431
Grundy County
1320 Union Street
Morris, IL 60450
Tel: 815-941-3152
Fax: 815-513-5018
[email protected]g
Hancock County
County Courthouse SE
First Floor
P.O. Box 444
Carthage, IL 62321
Tel: 217-617-7635
Henderson County
Henderson County Courthouse
Oquawka, IL 61469
Tel: 309-221-0169
Fax: 309-867-2033
[email protected]
Henry County
Henry County Courthouse
307 W Center St
Cambridge, IL 61238
Tel: 309-937-3451
vet@henrycty.com
Iroquois County
County Administration Center
1001 E. Grant Street Suite112A
Watseka, IL 60970
Tel: 815-432-2721
Fax: 815-432-0485
[email protected]
Jersey County
Jersey County Courthouse
201 W. Pearl St.
Jerseyville, IL 62052
Tel: 618-498-1810
Fax: 618-498-7404
[email protected]
148
Kane County
Government Center
719 S Batavia Ave.
Building A
Geneva, IL 60134
Tel: 630-232-3550
[email protected]
Kankakee County
189 E. Court Street, 4th Floor
Kankakee, IL 60901
Tel: 815-937-8489
Fax: 815-937-3655
ksmietanski@k3county.net
Kendall County
811 W. John Street
Suite 264
Yorkville, IL 60560-9249
Tel: 630-553-8357
Fax: 630-553-0003
[email protected]
Knox County
121 S. Prairie Street
Suite 3
Galesburg, IL 61401
Tel: 309-345-3809/3877
Fax: 309-342-7597
[email protected]
Lake County
501 N. Illinois Rte. 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
Tel: 847-377-3344
Fax: 847-984-5750
[email protected]
LaSalle County
119 W. Madison Street
Courthouse Room 103A
Ottawa, IL 61350
Tel: 815-433-1761
Fax: 815-433-6209
skreitzer@lasallecounty.org
Lee County
309 S. Galena Avenue
Suite 101
Dixon, IL 61021
Tel: 815-288-5683
Fax: 815-284-5240
jgorman@countyoee.org
Livingston County
110 W. Water Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
Tel: 815-844-7378
Fax: 815-844-1178
lcvac@frontier.com
Logan County
122 N. McLean St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
Tel: 217-732-8388
[email protected]
Macon County
Macon County Building
141 S. Main Street
Room 210
Decatur, IL 62523
Tel: 217-424-1376
Fax: 217-718-4760
[email protected]
Macoupin County
220 N. Broad Street
P.O. Box 12
Carlinville, IL 62626-0012
Tel: 217-854-5249
Fax: 217-854-5249
[email protected]
Madison County
157 N. Main
Suite 115
Edwardsville, IL 62025-1963
Tel:618-296-4554
Fax:618-692-8958
[email protected]
Mason County
County Courthouse
P.O. Box 77
Havana, IL 62644
Tel: 309-543-8907
Fax: 309-543-2924
[email protected]
McDonough County
1 Courthouse Square
Room 7, Third Floor
Macomb, IL 61455
Tel: 309-833-3275
Fax: 309-837-9110
[email protected]
McHenry County
McHenry County Govt Cntr
667 Ware Road
Woodstock, IL
Tel: 815-334-4229
Fax: 815-334-4678
[email protected].il.us
McLean County
200 W. Front Street
Suite 400-D
Bloomington, IL 61701
Tel: 309-888-5140
Fax: 309-888-5570
jerry.vogler@mcleancountyil.
gov
Mercer County
100 SE Third Street
Aledo, IL 61232
Tel: 309-582-2714
Fax: 309-582-7022
Mercovac@mercercountyil.org
Montgomery County
201 S. Main Street
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Tel: 217-532-9695
Fax: 217-532-2534
[email protected]
149
Ogle County
1310 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 181
Oregon, IL 61061
Tel: 815-255-9181
Fax: 815-991-7311
[email protected]
Peoria County
3116 N. Dries Lane
Suite 200
Peoria, IL 61604
Tel: 309-681-2554
Fax: 309-681-2558
mbrooks@peoriacounty.org
Piatt County
115 N. State Street Suite 116
Monticello, IL 61856
Tel: 217-762-8387
Fax: 217-762-3507
[email protected]
Rock Island County
1504 Third Avenue
Lower Level – Ctny Bldg
Rock Island, IL 61201
Tel: 309 558-3546
Fax: 309-558-3548
[email protected]
Sangamon County
County Building
200 S. Ninth Street Room 104
Springeld, IL 62701
Tel: 217-753-6680
Fax: 217-535-3280
kimberly[email protected].
il.us
St. Clair County
19 Public Square
Suite 300
Belleville, IL 62220-1695
Tel: 618-277-0040
Fax: 618-277-9626
[email protected].il.us
Stephenson County
10 N. Galena Avenue Suite 120
P.O. Box 695
Freeport, IL 61032
Tel: 815-233-7282
Fax: 815-616-8334
V[email protected]
Tazewell County
17 S. Capital St.
Pekin, IL 61554
Tel: 309-477-2271
[email protected]
Vermillion County
Tel: 217-554-7950
Marti.carroll@vercounty.org
Warren County
Courthouse Room 1
Monmouth, IL 61462
Tel: 309-734-6767
Will County
2400 Glenwood Ave
Joliet, IL 60435
Tel: 815-740-4329
kmcnichol@willcountyillinois.
com
Winnebago County
555 North Court Street
Suite 300
Rockford, IL 61103
Tel: 815-516-2850
Fax: 815-516-2851
[email protected]
Woodford County
County Courthouse
115 N. Main Street Suite 106
Eureka, IL 61530-1274
Tel: 309-467-2716
Fax: 309-467-4728
wcvac@woodford-county.org
Non Association VAC’s
Mercer County
100 S.E. Third St.
Aledo, IL 61232
Schuyler County
Rushville, IL 62681
217-322-6223
Washington County
Nashville, IL 62263
618-327-8322
Whiteside County
1300 W. Second St.
Rock Falls, IL 61081
815-626-8640
150
Appendix E: Ships List
Navy and Coast Guard Ships Associated with Service in Vietnam and
Exposure to Herbicide Agents
Background: This list provides VA regional oces with a resource for determining whether a US Navy or
Coast Guard veteran of the Vietnam era is eligible for the presumption of Agent Orange herbicide exposure
based on operations of the veteran’s ship. For the period January 9, 1962, through May 7, 1975, veterans
who served in Vietnam or in its surrounding inland and coastal waterways, and veterans who had duties
that included visiting Vietnam, are presumed to have been exposed to herbicides when they claim service-
connection for diseases connected to Agent Orange exposure. As a result, veterans who are diagnosed as
having any of the associated conditions may be eligible for compensation depending upon the degree of
disability and the date of diagnosis. Additionally, the VA now will compensate and care for the children of
Vietnam veterans who suer from spina bida and certain other “covered” birth defects that are not the result
of familial disorders, birth related injuries, or fetal or neonatal inrmities with well-established causes. Further
discussion of these issues is contained in Chapter 5 of this book.
Locating Ships on the List: In addition to its name, all US Navy and Coast Guard vessels are assigned letters
and numbers, usually painted on the forward hull of the ship, that identify the ship type and the numerical
order in which it was built. Ships on this list are arranged by these letter-number designations. Vessels
within each category are arranged alphabetically by the ship type letter designations and then numerically
by hull numbers within that ship type. As an example, for the USS Ingersoll (DD-652), “DD” represents the
“destroyer” ship type and the number shows that this is the 652nd destroyer built for sea service. A computer
search for specic ship names or letter- number designations can be done with the “Find” function located in
the drop down menu of the toolbar “Edit” function on the electronic ships list which can be found on the VA
website at: https://www.benets.va.gov/compensation/docs/shiplist.docx.
This list is evolving and is not complete. Therefore, the presumption of Agent Orange exposure should not
be denied solely because the veteran’s ship is not on this list. All development described in the procedures
manual should be followed in cases involving ship activity, including sending a request to the Army and Joint
Services Records Research Center for review of deck logs. When regional oce personnel obtain evidence
showing that a ship ts into any of these categories, the evidence should be forwarded to the Compensation
Service Agent Orange Mailbox so that the ship can be added to the list.
The list at the time of this book’s publication is as follows:
I. Ships operating primarily or exclusively on Vietnam’s inland waterways
All vessels referred to in military records as part of the “Mobile Riverine Force”
All vessels with the designation AGP [Assault Group Patrol/Patrol Craft Tender]
All vessels with the designation LCM [Landing Craft, Mechanized]
All vessels with the designation LCU [Landing Craft, Utility]
All vessels with the designation LCVP [Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel]
All vessels with the designation LST [Landing Ship, Tank]
All vessels with the designation PBR [Patrol Boat, River]
All vessels with the designation PCF [Patrol Craft, Fast or Swift Boat]
All vessels with the designation STABS [Strike Assault Boats]
All vessels with the designation YFU [Harbor Utility Craft]
151
All U.S. Coast Guard Cutters with hull designation WPB [Patrol Boat], WHEC [High Endurance
Cutter], WLB [Buoy Tender], and WAK [Cargo Vessel] during their Vietnam tours
All vessels of Inshore Fire Support [IFS] Division 93, including:
USS Carronade (IFS 1)
USS Clarion River (LSMR 409) [Landing Ship, Medium, Rocket]
USS Francis River (LSMR 525)
USS White River (LSMR 536)
All vessels with hull designation PG [Patrol Gunboat], including:
USS Asheville (PG-84)
USS Gallop (PG-85)
USS Antelope (PG-86)
USS Ready (PG-87)
USS Crockett (PG-88)
USS Marathon (PG-89)
USS Canon (PG-90)
USS Welch (PG-93)
USS Mark (AKL-12) [Light Cargo Ship]
USS Brule (AKL-28)
USS Cohoes (AN-78) [Net laying ship]
USS Patapsco (AOG-1) [Gasoline Tanker]
USS Elkhorn (AOG-7)
USS Genesee (AOG-8)
USS Kishwaukee (AOG-9)
USS Tombigbee (AOG-11)
USS Noxubee (AOG-56)
USS Montrose (APA-212) [Attack Transport]
USS Okanogan (APA-220)
USS Bexar (APA-237)
USS Benewah (APB-35) [Self-Propelled Barracks Ship]
USS Colleton (APB-36)
152
USS Mercer (APB-39)
USS Nueces (APB-40)
Barracks Barge (APL-26) [Sleeping Quarters]
Barracks Barge (APL-30)
USS Tutuila (ARG-4) [Repair Ship]
USS Satyr (ARL-23) [Repair Ship]
USS Sphinx (ARL-24)
USS Askari (ARL-30)
USS Indra (ARL-37)
USS Krishna (ARL-38)
USS Belle Grove (LSD-2) [Landing Ship Dock]
USS Comstock (LSD-19)
USS Tortuga (LSD-26)
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-16) [Repair, Berthing, and Messing Barge]
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-17)
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-18)
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-20)
Floating Base Platform (YRBM-21)
USN Harbor Tug 84 (YTB-84)
USN Harbor Tug 85 (YTB-85)
USN Winnemucca (YTB-785)
USS Kalispell (YTB-784)
II. Ships operating temporarily on Vietnam’s inland waterways
USS Card (ACV-11) [Escort Aircraft Carrier] mined, sunk, and salvaged in Saigon River Harbor
during May 1964
USS Core (ACV-13) travelled on Saigon River to delivered aircraft to Saigon during June 1965
USS Bennington (CVS-20) [Anti-Submarine Aircraft Carrier] entered Qui Nhon Bay Harbor to pick up
Bob Hope for onboard Christmas show on December 26, 1966
USS Surfbird (ADG-383) [Degaussing Ship] conducted anti-mine degaussing operation for ships on
Qui Nhon Bay during November 1967 and August 1969 (see other category)
USS Wrangell (AE-12) [Auxiliary Explosive, Ammunition Ship] entered Mekong River Delta to
supply ammunition for US Coast Guard vessel on November 21, 1968
153
USS Firedrake (AE-14) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during April 1966
USS Pictor (AF-54) [Auxiliary Stores Ship] entered Cua Viet River while delivering supplies to Dong
Ha during September 1967 (see other category)
USS Vega (AF-59) conducted resupply operations on Mekong River Delta September 13, 1966 (see
other category)
USS Mars (AFS-1) [Combat Stores Ship] operated on Mekong River July 8, 1966
USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) unloaded supplies on Saigon River and Cam Ranh Bay, April 22-25, 1968
USS Arikara (ATF-98) [Fleet Ocean Tug] assisted with salvage operations on Saigon River during
August 1966 (see other category)
USS Estes (AGC-12) [Amphibious Force Flagship] entered Qui Nhon Bay during June 1965 and
anchored in Mekong River during January 1967 (see other category)
USS Tanner (AGS-15) [Mapping Survey Ship] conducted surveys of Mekong River Delta and other
coastal areas and rivers from October 1966 through 1968
USS Maury (AGS-16) conducted surveys of Mekong River Delta and other coastal areas and rivers
from November 1965 through 1969
USS Sheldrake (AGS-19) conducted sounding surveys of Vietnam coastal and inland waterways
October 1967 through March 1968
USS Serrano (AGS-24) conducted mapping surveys of Mekong River Delta and other coastal and
river areas from 1966 through 1969
USS Towhee (AGS-28) conducted sounding surveys of Vietnam coastal and inland waterways
October 1967 through March 1968
USS Rehoboth (AGS-50) conducted hydrographic survey of Mekong River Delta area during
December 1965
USS Merrick (AKA-97) [Attack Cargo Ship] participated in Operation Jackstay amphibious landings
while on Saigon River during March 1966 (see other category)
USS Seminole (AKA/LKA-104) [Attack/Amphibious Cargo Ship] docked in Saigon during July 1962;
operated on Saigon River channel on March 4, 1967; and entered Cua Viet River on May 26, 1967 (see
other category)
USS Union (AKA/LKA-106) anchored in Hue River while conducting operations during April 1965 (see
other category)
USS St. Louis (AKA/LKA-116) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during March 9, 1971 (see other category)
USS Pollux (AKS-4) [General Stores Ship] delivered supplies while in Ganh Rai Bay on April 4. 1966, June
14, August 16, and October
31, 1967, and January 5, March 14, April 5, May 29, June 18, August 5, and October 10, 1968
USS Guadalupe (AO-32) [Oiler] operated on Ganh Rai Bay during April 1966
USS Kennebec (AO-36) provided fuel to vessels while in Ganh Rai Bay during August 1969
USS Ponchatoula (AO-148) operated on Mekong River Delta during July 1971(see other category)
USS George Clymer (APA-27) [Amphibious Attack Transport] navigated Saigon River to Saigon Port
during January 1963 (see other category)
USS Calvert (APA-32) entered Qui Nhon Bay during October 1965 (see other category)
154
USS Cavalier (APA-37) entered Qui Nhon Bay on February 2, 1968 (see other category)
USS Magon (APA-199) entered Qui Nhon Bay to ooad troops during October 23-24, 1965 (see
other category)
USS Talladega (APA-208) operated on Saigon River during October 1967
USS Navarro (APA-215) transported Thai “Queen’s Cobras” troops from Thailand to Saigon via
Saigon River during September 1967 (see other category)
USS Okanogan (APA-220) navigated Saigon River to Saigon for delivery of Thai troops during
August 1968 (see other category)
USS Pickaway (APA-222) operated on Rung Sat Special Zone from March 31 to April 5, 1966 (see
other category)
USS Paul Revere (APA-248) assisted with salvage of the USS Card (ACV-11) in Saigon Harbor on
Saigon River during May 1964 and transported Korean troops through Qui Nhon Bay during October-
November 1965 (see other category)
USS Weiss (APD/LPR-135) [High Speed Transport/Small Amphibious Transport] conducted operations
in the Saigon River from March 1 to 18, 1963, and later conducted inland waterway troop-landing
operations with Marine and SEAL units at various locations in the Mekong River Delta, Rung Sat Special
Zone, and Saigon River and routinely surveyed river mouths and canal entrances for amphibious
landings from November 1965 through February 1969
USS Markab (AR-23) [Repair Ship] conducted repair operations on Ganh Rai Bay during November
1967
USS Current (ARS-22) [Salvage Ship] conducted salvage operations on Saigon River during July 1964
and April 1967 and Qui Nhon Bay during May 1967 and August 1971
USS Grasp (ARS-24) conducted salvaging operations on Song Cua Dia River and other inland waters
from February through April 1969
USS Safeguard (ARS-25) operated on Ganh Rai Bay and Mekong River Delta during December 8,
1965 (see other category)
USS Bolster (ARS-38) crew operated on land to extract USS Clark County (LST-601) from beach after
grounding at Duc Pho from November 18 to December 1, 1967
USS Reclaimer (ARS-42) operated in Saigon Harbor to salvage USS Card (ACV-11) from sinking in
Saigon River during May 1964 and in Rung Sat Special Zone of Mekong River Delta salvaging ships
during early 196
USS Chanticleer (ASR-7) [Submarine Rescue/Salvage Ship] traveled up the Saigon River and docked
at Saigon during February 1963
USS Tillamook (ATA-192) [Auxiliary Ocean Tug] operated on Qui Nhon Bay during April 1965 and
on Long Tau branch of Saigon River during January 1966
USS Mahopac (ATA-196) moored in Saigon during October 6-9, 1965, and operated on Mekong River
from October 30-November 3, 1966
USS Mataco (ATF-86) [Fleet Ocean Tug] provided tow on Saigon River and delivered vessels to inland
river base at Nha Be during June-August 1968 (see other category)
USS Tawasa (ATF-92) moored in Saigon from June 30 - July 4, 1964
USS Moctobi (ATF-105) provided tow on Saigon River with deliveries to inland river base at Nha Be
during September-October 1967
155
USS Quapaw (ATF-110) provided tow on Saigon River with deliveries to inland river base at Nha Be
during June 1966
USS Tawakoni (ATF-114) operated in Saigon Harbor to salvage USS Card (ACV-11) from sinking in
Saigon River during May 1964
USS Currituck (AV-7) [Sea Plane Tender] travelled up Saigon River to Saigon during early 1964 and
operated in Mekong River Delta during June 1965 (see other category)
USS Newport News (CA-148) [Heavy Cruiser] operated on Song Huong Estuary during February
1968 and on Mekong River Delta in vicinity of Vinh Binh Province during December 1968
USS Canberra (CAG-2) [Guided Missile Cruiser] operated on Saigon River from March 31 through
April 1, 1966, on Mekong Delta Ham Luong River during January 15, 1967, and on Cua Viet River (
Song Thach Han) during December 10, 1968 (see other category)
USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5) [Light Guided Missile Cruiser] docked in Saigon during 21-24 July 1964
and operated in the mouth of the Thach Han River during July 20-21, 1966 (see other category)
USS Providence (CLG-6) operated on Saigon River 3 days during January 1964, on Song Huong
(Perfume River) during February 15, 1968, and on Cua Viet River during August 1972
USS Radford (DD-446) [Destroyer] operated on Ganh Rai Bay and Saigon River during December
1967
USS Nicholas (DD-449) [Destroyer] operated on Ganh Rai Bay during April 1965, Mekong River Delta
during January 1967, and Ganh Rai Bay and Mekong River Delta during August 1968
USS O’Bannon (DD-450) operated on Saigon River during May 22-24, 1966
USS Taylor (DD-468) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during August 1967 and November-December 1968
USS Conway (DD-507) operated on Saigon River during early August 1966
USS Cony (DD-508) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during November 6-7, 1967
USS Walker (DD-517) operated on inland waterway near Chu Lai during April 1966, on Mekong
River during May 1967, and Saigon River during December 1968
USS Mullany (DD-528) entered Qui Nhon Bay during June 1965
USS Prichett (DD-561) operated on Mekong River Delta in September 1966 and operated on Mekong
River Delta and Saigon River during August 1969
USS Stoddard (DD-566) operated on Saigon River during September 1965
USS Sproston (DD-577) operated on Mekong River Delta and Ganh Rai Bay during January 1966
USS Ingersoll (DD-652) operated on Saigon River October 24-25, 1965
USS Black (DD-666) operated on Saigon River during February 1965, Qui Nhon Bay during June 1965,
and Saigon River during July 1966
USS Hopewell (DD-681) operated on Mekong River Delta during June 15-16, 1966
USS Picking (DD-685) operated on Saigon River during November 16, 1965
USS Uhlmann (DD-687) entered Qui Nhon Bay during June 1965
USS Ault (DD-698) operated on Mekong River Delta and Soirap River during May 26, 1967
USS Ingraham (DD-694) operated 10 miles up Saigon River on November 12, 1965
USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) operated on Saigon River during December 1965 (see other category)
156
USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709) operated on Qui Nhon Bay during January 1969
USS Wiltsie (DD-716) operated on Saigon River during July 1966 (see other category)
USS Hamner (DD-718) operated on Song Lon Tao and Long Song Tao Rivers, August 15-September 1,
1966; and on Song Gga in Rung Sat Special Zone November 14-15, 1967 (see other category)
USS Epperson (DD-719) operated on Qui Nhon Bay during November 1965 (see other category)
USS Walke (DD-723) operated on Mekong River Delta during September 2, 1969
USS De Haven (DD-727) operated on Saigon River during early March 1967
USS Manseld (DD-728) entered mouth of Mekong River on November 29, 1965, and operated on
Saigon River August 8-19, 1966 and December 21-24, 1969
USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729) traveled up Saigon River for a four-day visit to Saigon during May
1964
USS Collett (DD-730) provided naval gunre support while in the Mekong River on August 19, 1965
USS Frank Knox (DD-742) operated on Long Tau River during June 16-17, 1969
USS Southerland (DD-743) operated on Song Nga and Saigon River during July 1966
USS Taussig (DD-746) operated on Soirap River in Mekong River Delta during June 15-26, 1966
USS Samuel N. Moore (DD-747) operated on Saigon River, Rung Sat Special Zone, and Mekong River
Delta during November 1965 and September-December 1968
USS John A. Bole (DD-755) operated on Saigon River during July 4-6, 1966
USS Lofberg (DD-759) operated on Song Nha Be River during February 18-21 and April 14-15, 1969
and on Song Cua Dai River during April 10-12, 1969
USS Strong (DD-758) operated in Mekong River Delta and Rung Sat Special Zone during April 1968
USS John W. Thomason (DD-760) operated on Mekong River Delta for Operation Deck House III
during August 1966 and on Nga Be River during 1969
USS Buck (DD-761) operated on Mekong River Delta and Saigon River during October 1966
USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) operated on Ganh Rai Bay and Saigon River area during December 28,
1970
USS Lowry (DD-770) operated on Mekong River Delta during October 1968 (see other category)
USS De Haven (DD-727) operated on Mekong River September 1, 1963
USS Douglas H. Fox (DD-779) operated on Ganh Rai Bay and Rung Sat Special Zone during March
16-20, 1969
USS Rowan (DD-782) operated on Song Tra Khuc River and Qui Nhon Bay from April through July
1965, December 1967, and June 1969
USS Gurke (DD-783) operated on Ganh Rai Bay, Saigon River, and Mekong River during October
1966 and May 1969
USS McKean (DD-784) operated on Mekong and Saigon River Deltas during March 14-15, 1967
USS Henderson (DD-785) operated on Saigon River during December 17, 1965
USS Richard B. Anderson (DD-786) operated on Mekong River Delta during May-June, 1966 (see
other category)
157
USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) provided naval gunre support on Song Ca River during October 1967
and Ganh Rai Bay during June 1969
USS Shelton (DD-790) operated on Saigon River during January 16, 1966
USS Preston (DD-795) operated on Mekong River Delta, Ganh Rai Bay, and Saigon River during
September 28 – 29 and December 27 – 29, 1965, on Mekong River Delta June 3, 1967, and Ganh Rai
Bay on November 24, 1968
USS Chevalier (DD-805) operated on Saigon River during June 15-21, 1966, and Mekong River Delta
during January 25, 1968
USS Higbee (DD-806) provided naval gunre support from Ganh Rai Bay and Mekong River Delta
during January-February and April 1966; March 1969; and September 1970 (see other category)
USS Benner (DD-807) operated on Ganh Rai Bay and Rung Sat Special Zone during June 26-July 1,
1968
USS Dennis J Buckley (DD-808) operated on Mekong River Delta, Saigon River, and Ganh Rai Bay
during July 1965 and from December 19, 1966 to January 16, 1967; and on Mekong River Delta during
June 1971 (see other category)
USS New (DD-818) operated on Song Bu Lu River during October 1967
USS Holder (DD-819) operated on Vung Ganh Rai and Saigon River during August 5, 1966
USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823) operated on Mekong River Delta and Saigon River during December
1965
USS Basilone (DD-824) operated on Saigon River, May 24-25, 1966
USS Agerholm (DD-826) operated on Song Nga River and Ganh Rai Bay during March-April 1969
USS Myles C. Fox (DD-829) entered Qui Nhon Bay during February 1967
USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830) operated on Mekong River during December 1967
USS Hanson (DD-832) operated on Saigon River during July 2-3, 1965 and September 13, 1966 (see
other category)
USS Herbert J Thomas (DD-833) operated in Mekong River Delta during December 1966 and on
Saigon River during April 28, 1968
USS George K. Mackenzie (DD-836) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during February 1969
USS Glennon (DD-840) provided gunre support on Cua Viet River during June 7, 1972
USS Noa (DD-841) operated on Qui Nhon Bay during April 1969
USS Fiske (DD-842) operated on Mekong River, June 16-21, 1966
USS Warrington (DD-843) operated on Mekong River Delta and Rung Sat Special Zone during March
1967
USS Ozbourn (DD-846) conducted re support missions on Saigon River October-November 1965
and August-October 1966
USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-847) entered Song Da Rang River (near Tuy Hoi) and Rung Sat Special
Zone area during February-March 1969
USS Richard E. Kraus (DD-849) operated on inland river north of Da Nang during June 2-5, 1966,
protecting Marines holding a bridge
USS Rupertus (DD-851) operated on Saigon River during April 1966 and May 1969
158
USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) operated on Ganh Rai Bay and channels during August 1969
USS Fred T. Berry (DD-858) operated in Mekong River Delta area on March 15, 1966
USS Norris (DD-859) conducted operations on inland Song Nga River during November-December
1966
USS McCaery (DD-860) provided naval gunre support while in Mekong River during April 8-9,
1967
USS Vogelgesang (DD-862 ) provided gunre support while in Thu Bong River during October 18-29,
1966
USS Harold J. Ellison (DD-864) operated on Saigon River between late 1965 and mid 1966
USS Brownson (DD-868) operated on Song Nha Be River and Mekong River Delta during February
1967
USS Fechteler (DD-870) operated in Mekong River Delta on September 27, 1965 and Qui Nhon Bay
November 25-26, 1968 (see other category)
USS Damato (DD-871) operated on Saigon River during December 12-13, 1967
USS Forrest Royal (DD-872) operated on Saigon River during June 1967
USS Duncan (DD-874) operated on Long Tau River and Rung Sat Special Zone during January 1969
and Qui Nhon Bay during March 1969 (see other category)
USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875) operated on Qui Nhon Bay during 1965 and August 1968 and
Mekong River Delta during March 1966 and May1969 (see other categories)
USS Perkins (DD-877) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during October 1967 and on Saigon River during
June 1969
USS Vesole (DD-878) operated on Saigon River during December 1965-February 1966
USS Leary (DD-879) operated on the Mekong River Delta on October 9, 1967
USS Dyess (DD-880) operated on Saigon River and Rung Sat Special Zone from June 19–July 1, 1966
USS Newman K. Perry (DD-883) operated on Mekong River Delta and Saigon River November 23-28,
1966
USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) operated on Saigon River and Ganh Rai Bay during February and
March 1968
USS John R. Craig (DD-885) operated on inland waterway during July 1965 (see other category)
USS Orleck (DD-886) operated on Mekong River Delta during July 1969
USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) conducted re support mission on Saigon River during November 11-17,
1968, and in Rung Sat Special Zone during February 9-11, 1970 (see other category)
USS Barry (DD-933) operated on Saigon River during December 1965
USS Du Pont (DD-941) operated on Mekong River Delta during October 1968
USS Mullinnix (DD-944) operated on Vung Ganh Rai and Saigon River during August 5-6, 1966
USS Morton (DD-948) operated on Vung Ganh Rai and Saigon River during April 1966 and February
1969
USS Richard S Edwards (DD-950) operated on Mekong River Delta in Province of Kien Hoa during
February 28 and March 1, 1969 (see other category)
159
USS Turner Joy (DD-951) entered Cua Viet River channel on December 24, 1969
USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) [Guided Missile Destroyer] operated on Mekong River Delta during
May 1968
USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8) operated on Cua Ham Loung River and Mekong River Delta during
April 1966 and Mekong River Delta during March 1969
USS Towers (DDG-9) operated on Saigon River and Rung Sat Special Zone during July 1966
USS Robison (DDG-12) provided naval gunre support for Operation Jackstay in Rung Sat Special
Zone and Saigon River during April 1966
USS Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) operated on Mekong River Delta March 4, 1966 and Ganh Rai Bay
during November 7 and December 7, 1968
USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) operated on Cua Dai River December 13, 1968 (see other category)
USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22) operated on the Song Lang Nuog River December 24, 1965 and the
Cua Viet River April 25, 1972 (see other category)
USS Waddell (DDG-24) operated on Saigon River during March 1966 and Cua Viet River during
March 1967
USS Duncan (DDR-874) [Radar Picket Destroyer] operated on Saigon River during September and
October 1965
USS Falgout (DER-324) [Radar Pickett Ship] operated on Mekong River during June 1965 and entered
Qui Nhon Bay as part of operation with PCFs interdicting junk trac during May 1966
USS Lowe (DE-325) anchored in Saigon Harbor during April 1966
USS Walton (DE-361) travelled up Saigon River and docked in Saigon Harbor during March 1962
USS Alvin C. Cockrell (DE-366) anchored in Saigon Harbor for four days during May 1962
USS McMorris (DE-1036) entered Qui Nhon Bay during July 1965
USS Davidson (DE-1045) operated on Vung Ganh Rai and Rung Sat Special Zone of Mekong River
Delta from September 16 to October 5, 1967 (see other category)
USS Finch (DER-328) [Destroyer Escort Radar] entered Qui Nhon Bay on January 20, 1966 and
December 1967 (when crewmembers painted a Vietnamese orphanage)
USS Kretchmer (DER-329) entered Qui Nhon Bay during September and November 1965, June and
August 1966, and April 1967
USS Vance (DER-387) entered Qui Nhon Bay on January 20, 1966
USS Mahan (DLG-11) [Guided Missile Frigate] visited Saigon via Saigon River October 24-28, 1962
USS Vancouver (LPD-2) [Amphibious Transport Dock] entered Qui Nhon Bay during September 11-
12, 1971
USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) [Landing Platform, Helicopter] entered Qui Nhon Bay in July 1965 (see other
category)
USS Princeton (LPH-5) operated on Ganh Rai Bay during April 1966 (see other category)
USS Valley Forge (LPH-8) entered mouth of Hue River during December 1965 (see other category)
USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) [Landing Ship Dock] delivered supplies up Saigon River to Nha Be during
March-May 1967 and June 1968 (see other category)
160
USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) operated on Saigon River during April 1965 and March 1968 (see other
category)
USS Oak Hill (LSD-7) conducted salvage operations for damaged swift boat on Ganh Hao River
during July 1967 (see other category)
USS Cabildo (LSD-16) delivered equipment to Nha Be via the Long Tau River during June 1968
USS Catamount (LSD-17) travelled up Saigon River to Saigon during November 1962 and operated
on Nha Be and Long Tau Rivers during April 1969 (see other category)
USS Colonial (LSD-18) travelled up Saigon River to Nha Be during April 1966 and June and
September 1969 (see other category)
USS Fort Marion (LSD-22) navigated Saigon River to dock in Saigon during February 1966 (see other
category)
USS Whetstone (LSD-27) anchored as long term “boat haven” for repairs of smaller vessels on Qui
Nhon Bay during June-July 1965 (see other category)
USS Thomaston (LSD-28) conducted dredge lift on Saigon River during November 1964
USS Point Deance (LSD-31) entered Qui Nhon Bay to deliver troops during July 1965; operated on Saigon
River during March 1967; and conducted several operations on Saigon River to Saigon Port during October and
November 1968 (see other category)
USS Alamo (LSD-33) landed Marines while at Qui Nhon Bay during July 1965 and at Rung Sat
Special Zone during March-April 1966 (see other category)
USS Anchorage (LSD-36) transported troops and supplies into Qui Nhon Bay during June 1970 and
January 1972
USS Catskill (MCS/MSC-1) [Minesweeper-Coastal] entered Saigon River on March 18, 1970
USS Woodpecker (MSC-209) entered Qui Nhon Bay during May 1965
USS Gannet (MSC-290) operated on rivers of Mekong Delta at Vinh Long and Binh Thuy during May
1967
USS Whippoorwill (MSC-207) [Minesweeper-Ocean] entered Qui Nhon Bay repeatedly during July-
August 1968 (see other category)
USS Conict (MSO-426) [Minesweeper-Ocean] operated on Saigon River April 1, 1966 and Song
Huong River (Perfume River) May 14, 1966 (see other category)
USS Enhance (MSO-437) entered Qui Nhon Bay repeatedly during October through November 1968
and January through February 1969
USS Esteem (MSO-438) crewmembers painted a Vietnamese orphanage while docked at Qui Nhon
Bay during December 1967 and again during March 1969
USS Fortify (MSO-446) travelled up the Saigon River to Saigon September 19-22, 1964
USS Illusive (MSO-448) conducted training with Vietnamese Navy on Saigon River from January through
March 1962
USS Inict (MSO-456) travelled up the Saigon River to Saigon September 19-22, 1964
USS Loyalty (MSO-457) travelled up the Saigon River to Saigon September 19-22, 1964 (see other
category)
USS Conquest (MSO-488) operated on Saigon River during 1962 and entered Qui Nhon Bay on
January 29 and February 7-9, 1969
161
USS Pledge (MSO-492) entered Qui Nhon Bay on May 8, 15, and 21, 1971 (see other category)
USS W. A. Mann (T-AP-112) [Military Transport] entered Qui Nhon Bay August 23, 1965
USS Breckinridge (T-AP-176) entered Qui Nhon Bay September 16-17, 1965
USS Geiger (T-AP-197) entered Qui Nhon Bay November 23-26, 1965
USNS General Hugh J. Gaey (T-AP-121) entered Qui Nhon Bay November 6-8, 1966
USS Eaton (DD-510) entered the mouth of the Saigon River in the Mekong River Delta on August 23,
1967
USS William C. Lawe (DD-763) – Operated on the mouth of the Cua Viet River on December 20, 1972
USS Sample (DE-1048) – Travelled on Cua Viet River on April 27, 1972
USS Corry (DD-817) – provided Naval gunre support on the Mekong River on October 27, 1968
USS Harwood (DD-861) – conducted Naval gunre missions in the Mekong River Delta from July 19-
22, 1968
III. Ships that docked to shore or pier in Vietnam
USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37) [Destroyer Tender] multiple dockings to piers at Da Nang during
April 1972
USS Graas (AF-29) [Auxiliary Stores Ship] docked to pier at Da Nang for resupply on February 20
and November 25, 1967, and conducted other in-port docking replenishments at An Thoi and Vung
Tau during 1967
USS Pictor (AF-54) docked to pier at Da Nang during 1969 (see other category)
USS Aludra (AF-55), conducted in-port docking replenishments at Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, An
Thoi, and Da Nang during March-April 1969
USS Regulus (AF-57) conducted numerous in-port docking replenishments at Cam Ranh Bay, Vung
Tau, An Thoi, and Da Nang during March-November 1966, May-July 1967, February-December 1968,
October-December 1969, June-September 1970, and April-July 1971
USS Procyon (AF-61) docked and conducted in-port replenishments at Da Nang during June 1965,
November 1965, January 1966, December 1966, August 1967, and April 1970; and at Cam Ranh Bay during
January 1966 and May 1970
USS Castor (AKS-1) [General Stores Ship] docked to pier at Da Nang on October 7, 1966
USS Caliente (AO-53) [Fleet Oiler] docked for in-port replenishment at An Thoi and Vung Tau during
June 1970
USS Manatee (AO-58) docked for in-port replenishment at An Thoi and Vung Tau during November
1968
USS Passumpsic (A0-107) docked in-port at An Thoi on June 28, 1971
USS Grapple (ARS-7) [Salvage Ship] conducted numerous repair and salvaging operations while
moored to beach or piers at Da Nang, Chu Lai, Cam Ranh Bay, and Tan My during January 1967;
November 1970 through April 1971; and August 1972 through January 1973
USS Deliver (ARS-23) docked in Cam Ranh Bay to pick up DeLong oating pier July 26-28, 1973
USS Safeguard (ARS-25) docked at Pier-2 in Cam Ranh Bay on August 14, 1971 (see other category)
USS Mataco (ATF-86) [Fleet Ocean Tug] docked to piers at Da Nang during May and August 1968
162
USS Arikara (ATF-98) docked to piers at Da Nang from September to December 1969 (see other
category)
USS Kula Gulf (CVE-108) [Small Aircraft Carrier: used as helicopter and troop transport] docked at
Cam Ranh Bay November 13-16, 1965
USS Braine (DD-630) docked to pier at Da Nang on November 27, 1966
USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) docked at Da Nang during January 1966 (see other category)
USS Wiltsie (DD-716) docked in Da Nang during January 1973, with evidence of crew members going
ashore
USS Hamner (DD-718) docked to pier with destroyer tender at Da Nang during April 11-12, 1972
USS Epperson (DD-719) docked to Da Nang Pier on October 4, 1970 (see other category)
USS James C. Owens (DD-776) docked at Cam Ranh Bay on April 30, 1968
USS Richard B Anderson (DD-786) docked to pier at Da Nang on August 29, 1972 (see other category)
USS Dennis J Buckley (DD-808) docked to pier in Da Nang Harbor to deliver drone on December 15,
196
USS Rich (DD-820) docked to pier at Da Nang on December 13, 1972
USS Ozbourn (DD-846) docked briey to piers in Da Nang Harbor on February 21, April 1, and April
11, 1971
USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) docked to pier at Da Nang on February 12, 1973
USS Cone (DD-866) docked to pier in Da Nang Harbor on December 11, 1972
USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875) docked to pier in Da Nang Harbor on September 12, 1971 (see other
categories)
USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) sent crew ashore for work details and liberty leave while anchored at Da
Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and Vung Tau during April-May, 1970 (see other category)
USS Manley (DD-940) docked periodically at Da Nang and sent crew members ashore for liberty
leave and work details between November 1966 and March 1967
USS Bigelow (DD-942) docked to pier at Da Nang on April 19, 1967
USS Edson (DD-946) docked to Da Nang pier and sent small boats ashore while anchored in Da Nang
Harbor and o Point Allison during July 1971
USS Morton (DD-948) docked to pier at Da Nang on February 7-10, 1973 (see other category)
USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) [Guided Missile Destroyer] docked at Da Nang pier on April 2, 1967
and September 29, 1971 (see other category)
USS Buchanan (DDG-14) docked to pier with destroyer tender at Da Nang during April 11-12, 1972
USS Bronstein (DE-1037) [Destroyer Escort] docked to pier at Da Nang on December 11, 1972
USS Lang (DE-1060) docked to pier #4 in Da Nang Harbor for 38 minutes on January 5, 1973, and sent
whaleboat to and from shore with “brieng personnel” on January 8, 1973
USS Ramsey (DEG-2) [Destroyer Escort] docked to pier in Da Nang Harbor on November 24
th
and 30th,
1969, and January 6, 1973
USS Newell (DER-322) [Destroyer Escort Radar] docked at port of Nha Trang during December 22-24,
1965
163
USS Gridley (DLG-21) [Guided Missile Frigate] Docked to Pier #2 in Da Nang Harbor to unload a
damaged helicopter on January 12, 1967
USS Durham (LKA-114) [Amphibious Cargo Ship] docked to piers at Da Nang during March 20-21,
July 20-21, August 18-19, and September 7, 1970
USS Mobile (LKA-115) docked to pier at Da Nang on September 20, 1970 and April 16, 1971 (see other
category)
USS Ogden (LPD-5) [Amphibious Transport Dock] made numerous dockings at Da Nang to transport
troops and supplies, with crew members going ashore, from February 1966 to March 1973
USS Duluth (LPD-6) made numerous dockings at Da Nang, as well as transporting troops and
supplies to Chu Lai, Vung Tau, and Quang Tri, from May 1967 to August 1972; also participated in
evacuation of Saigon during April 1975 by sending rescue boats ashore at Vung Tau
USS Dubuque (LPD-8) docked at Da Nang on March 15, 1970
USS Vancouver (LPD-9) docked to pier at Da Nang on June 19, 1971 (see other category)
USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) [Landing Platform, Helicopter] docked to pier at Da Nang on October 6, 1969
and May 19-20, 1971 (see other category)
USS Okinawa (LPH-3) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay to ooad aircraft during May 1971
USS Boxer (LPH-4) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay on September 9, 1965
USS New Orleans (LPH-11) docked to pier at Da Nang on March 12, 1970
USS Hermitage (LSD-34) [Landing Ship Dock] docked to Da Nang pier June 2-3, 1967 (see other
category)
USS Warbler (MSC-206) [Minesweeper-Coastal] docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay July 22-25, 1964 and
June 18 and July 6, 1970
USS Widgeon (MSC-208) docked repeatedly to piers at Cam Ranh Bay during July 1964 and June-July
1969
USS Whippoorwill (MSC-207) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay during July 22-25, 1964; March 10,
1969; July 21 and 29, August 13, and September 1, 1970 (see other category)
USS Conict (MSO-426) [Minesweeper-Ocean] docked at Cam Ranh Bay on September 30, October 7, 27, 28,
and 31, 1971
USS Endurance (MSO-435) docked to piers at Da Nang at various times during March-June, 1969
USS Excel (MSO-439) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay July 31, 1967
USS Firm (MSO-444) docked to pier at Da Nang November 26-30, 1969 and docked to piers at Cam
Ranh Bay February-April, 1971
USS Force (MSO-445) while moored with other ships in Vung Tau Harbor, sent crew ashore for
liberty leave March 3-7, 1967; and docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay March 13-15, 1972 and Vung Tau
April 25-May 3, 1972
USS Fortify (MSO-446) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay on September 30 and November 29, 1971
USS Guide (MSO-447) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay on September 30, 1971 (see other category)
USS Loyalty (MSO-457) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay on April 9 and 25, 1971 (see other category)
USS Lucid (MSO-458) docked to pier at Da Nang for o-loading and on-loading equipment during
May 1967
164
USS Prime (MSO-466) docked to pier at Da Nang on February 16, 1967
USS Gallant (MSO-489) docked to pier at Da Nang during November 5-6, 1969
USS Leader (MSO-490) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay on November 30, 1968
USS Persistent (MSO-491) docked to piers at Da Nang and Cam Ranh Bay during October-December
1970
USS Pledge (MSO-492) docked to pier at Cam Ranh Bay intermittently during July 1967 and May-
June 1971
USS Boston (CAG-1) – docked in-port at Da Nang Harbor on April 30
th
and May 17
th
, 1967
USS Grasp (ARS-24) – moored to the shore at Wunder Beach and Chu Lai on multiple occasions to
repair seaload fuel lines in July and August 1968
USS Albatross (MSC-289) – docked to Junk Training Command Pier, Cam Ranh Bay, on July 22-25,
1964
USS Abnaki (ATF-96) – docked to pier in Da Nang on September 16, 1967
USS Advance (MSO-51B) – docked to pier in Da Nang Harbor and sent personnel ashore on October
7, 1966
IV. Ships operating on Vietnam’s close coastal waters for extended periods with evidence that
crew members went ashore
USS Isle Royale (AD-29) [Destroyer Tender-Repair Ship] salvaged the beached USS Mahnomen
County (LST-912) at Chu Lai during January 1967 with crewmembers going ashore for stripping
operations
USS Surfbird (ADG-383) [Degaussing Ship] sent crew members ashore during anti-mine degaussing
operations at Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, Da Nang, and Con Son Island during September-November
1967; March-July and
December 1968; March and December 1969; and January-February 1970 (see other category)
USS Pyro (AE-24) [Auxiliary Explosive, Ammunition Ship] sent small boat ashore from Da Nang
Harbor with injured crew member for medical treatment on September 29, 1972
USS Mount McKinley (AGC-7) [Amphibious Force Flagship] Command ship for 7
th
Fleet Amphibious
Force operated out of Da Nang during 1969 with evidence that crew members went ashore (see other
category)
USS Eldorado (AGC-11) sent crewmembers ashore for liberty leave at Cam Ranh Bay during June 1967
and July 1970
USS Estes (AGC-12) sent crewmembers ashore for beach picnic at Vung Tau during April 1968 (see
other category)
USS Oxford (AGTR-1) [Technical Research Ship] conducted numerous month-long deployments
along the Vietnam coast collecting data, with evidence that crewmembers went ashore, between 1965
and 1969
USS Jamestown (AGTR-3) conducted numerous month-long deployments along the Vietnam coast
collecting data, with photographic evidence that crewmembers went ashore, between January 1966
and September 1969
USS Repose (AH-16) [Hospital Ship] operated continuously on close coastal waters from 1966-1970,
with evidence that crewmembers went ashore on liberty leave
165
USS Sanctuary (AH-17) operated continuously on close coastal waters from 1967-1971, with evidence
that crewmembers went ashore on liberty leave
USS Ponchatoula (AO-148) [Fleet Oiler] sent crew members ashore to visit the An Thoi Naval Base on April
27, 1969
USS Tolovana (AO-64) sent crew ashore for beach party at Phu Quoc during May 1971
USS Sacramento (AOE-1) [Fast Combat Support Ship] regularly sent helicopters ashore to Da Nang
for mail pick-up during March-August 1970
USS Calvert (APA-32) [Amphibious Attack Transport] served as Da Nang Harbor station ship, with
crewmembers going ashore, from November 1965 through January 1966 (see other category)
USS Cavalier (APA-37) served as Da Nang Harbor station ship, with crewmembers going ashore,
from June-July 1966 (see other category)
USS Cook (APD-130) [High Speed Transport] conducted tactical beach surveys with crew members
ashore along Vietnam coast during June and July 1966
USS Ajax (AR-6) [Repair Ship] anchored in Vung Tau area for repair duties with evidence of shore-
based repairs during June 1968, September to October 1969, April to May 1970, and August to
November 1971
USS Hector (AR-7) anchored in Vung Tau Harbor repairing other vessels from July 20 to August 16,
1970, with deck logs stating that crewmembers went ashore on liberty leave
USS Jason (AR-8) anchored in Vung Tau Harbor repairing other vessels with deck logs showing evidence
of crewmembers going ashore June through August 1968, December 1969 through January 1970, and March
through April 1971
USS Safeguard (ARS-25) [Salvage Ship] anchored in Da Nang Harbor repairing other vessels with
evidence that workboats went ashore during July 1971 (see other category)
USS Delta (AR-9) anchored in Vung Tau Harbor repairing other vessels during July 1969 with deck
logs showing that crewmembers went ashore on liberty leave
USS Klondike (AR-22) anchored in Vung Tau Harbor repairing other vessels during April 1969 with
deck logs showing that crewmembers went ashore
USNS Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH-1) [Helicopter Repair Ship] anchored in Cam Ranh Bay from 1966
to 1969 with US Army crew of helicopter repair technicians who went ashore regularly and assisted a
Vietnamese orphanage
USS Ute (ATF-76) [Fleet Ocean Tug] conducted numerous salvaging operations on beached vessels from
April 1966 through April 1971 with crewmembers going ashore and all attended beach party at Cam Ranh
Bay on April 12, 1969
USS Currituck (AV-7) [Sea Plane Tender] anchored at Cam Ranh Bay for month long periods during
1966 and 1967 to repair and tend to Navy sea planes, with evidence that crewmembers went ashore
on liberty leave
USS Pine Island (AV-12) anchored at Da Nang during August 1964, and Cam Ranh Bay for month long
periods during 1965 and 1966, to repair and tend to Navy sea planes, with evidence that crewmembers
went ashore on liberty leave
USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) anchored at Da Nang during February 1965, Con Son Island during
May 1965, and Cam Ranh Bay for month long periods during 1966, to repair and tend to Navy sea
planes, with evidence that crewmembers went ashore
166
USS New Jersey (BB-62) sent 30 crew members ashore for Thanksgiving dinner while oshore near
Hue on November 28, 1968
USS Saint Paul (CA-73) [Cruiser] while anchored in Da Nang Harbor, small boats sent ashore on May
9, 1969, and May 25, July 17, and September 17, 1970
USS Canberra (CAG-2) [Guided Missile Cruiser] sent small boats and helicopters ashore while
anchored in Da Nang Harbor during April 1965 (see other category)
USS Chicago (CG-11) [Guided Missile Cruiser] while anchored in Da Nang Harbor on May 22, 1969,
deck logs show a utility boat went ashore for one hour with 8 crewmembers aboard
USS Long Beach (CGN-9) [Guided Missile Cruiser, Nuclear] while anchored in Da Nang Harbor, deck
logs show that utility boats went ashore with passengers on May 5, 1968 and the Captains Gig went ashore
on September 4, 1969
USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5) [Light Guided Missile Cruiser] sent small boats ashore while anchored
in Da Nang Harbor during September 1966 and January-February 1970 and sent ship’s softball team
ashore during July 1969
USS Portereld (DD-682 [Destroyer] while operating in close coastal waters on March 19, 1966, two
ocers and a seaman went ashore in a junk and, on April 8, 1966, a small boat went ashore from Da
Nang Harbor with Vietnamese ocers
USS Wiltsie (DD-716) while operating in close coastal waters during September 1970, two ocers and
ve sailors were sent ashore by helicopter for one night (see other category)
USS Epperson (DD-719) while anchored o Phan Thiet on November 16, 1969, crewmembers went
ashore for liberty leave (see other category)
USS O’Brien (DD-725) sent motorized whaleboat ashore while anchored in Da Nang Harbor on
December 16, 1969
USS Maddox (DD-731) sent motorized whaleboats ashore while anchored in Vung Tau Harbor on
March 3, 1967
USS Blue (DD-744) anchored in Da Nang Harbor on April 21, 1968, with crewmembers going ashore
for picnic
USS Lowry (DD-770) sent motorized whaleboat ashore at Phan Thiet on June 5, 1968 (see other
category)
USS Stormes (DD-780) sent motorized whaleboat ashore to assist 2
nd
ARVN and 2
nd
US Advisory
Group on September 17, 1966
USS Eversole (DD-789) sent motorized whaleboat ashore to Chu Lai from oshore anchorage to
transfer two crewmembers on July 25, 1972
USS Shelton (DD-790) conducted small boat inland waterborne logistics craft (WBLC) surveillance of
Cua Viet River on August 16, 1972
USS Higbee (DD-806) sent small boats ashore while anchored in Da Nang Harbor on September 9,
1965 and December 7, 1967 (see other category)
USS Corry (DD-817) sent small boats ashore while anchored in Da Nang Harbor January 11-12, 1969
and Nha Trang Harbor February 20, 1969
USS New (DD-818) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mission brieng on August 8,
1967
USS Carpenter (DD-825) sent medical team ashore at Song Tra Village on December 20, 1968
167
USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830) sent crew members ashore for beach party while anchored in Van
Phong Bay on September 15, 1969
USS Hanson (DD-832) sent motorized whaleboats ashore from Da Nang Harbor on September 17,
1972, for medical evacuation and mail pickup (see other category)
USS Power (DD-839) sent Commanding Ocer and others ashore in whaleboat for brieng while
anchored in Da Nang Harbor on November 13, 1968
USS Bausell (DD-845) sent small boat ashore for brieng while in Da Nang Harbor on November 27,
1968
USS Richard E. Krause (DD-849) sent motorized whaleboats ashore while in Da Nang Harbor on
December 29, 1972
USS Rupertus (DD-851) sent motorized whaleboats ashore while in Da Nang Harbor on January 4,
1973
USS McCaery (DD-860) sent small boat ashore while in Da Nang Harbor December 12-14, 1972
USS Vogelgesang (DD-862) anchored in Da Nang Harbor and sent 30 crewmembers ashore on August
15, 1966
USS Steinaker (DD-863) anchored o Phan Thiet July 25- August 3, 1968 with crewmembers going
ashore to visit Junk Base
USS Arnold J. Isbell (DD-869) sent small boat ashore while anchored in Da Nang Harbor on April 12,
1970
USS John R. Craig (DD-885) anchored o Nha Trang during summer 1968 with crewmembers going
ashore for beach party (see other category)
USS Fechteler (DD-870) sent crew ashore for beach party on September 25, 1965, and while
conducting night patrols of Da Nang Harbor, crewmembers went ashore for daytime liberty leave
during October 1965
USS Duncan (DD-874) sent small boat ashore for brieng while anchored in Da Nang Harbor on
December 14, 1968 (see other category)
USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875) sent whaleboat ashore at Da Nang for brieng on January 23, 1969;
sent medical team ashore while o Quang Ngai on 27 February, 1969; conducted whaleboat transfers
of personnel to shore on August 27, 1972; sent small boat ashore to transport body for transfer to An
Thoi on November 14, 1972; ship’s helicopter transported personnel ashore on November 22, 1972
(see other categories)
USS Rogers (DD-876) sent whaleboats ashore while anchored in Da Nang Harbor July 29-August 3,
1971
USS Davis (DD-937) sent small boats ashore from anchorage while providing gunre support in Da
Nang Harbor during December 1968
USS Hull (DD-945) sent small boats ashore while anchored o Nha Trang on February 17, 1968
USS Morton (DD-948) sent small boat ashore at Hue on November 13, 1972 (see other category)
USS Barney (DDG-6) [Guided Missile Destroyer] while serving as Flagship for Destroyer Division
One Six Two, sent crew members ashore at Da Nang for gunre mission planning during June-July
1967
USS Berkeley (DDG-15) sent small boats ashore at Da Nang and elsewhere for gunre support
missions during May-June 1970
168
USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) sent small boats ashore from Da Nang Harbor on December 20 and 24,
1972
USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22) sent small boats ashore from Da Nang Harbor on September 17,
1969 and December 22, 1970 (see other category)
USS Ernest G. Small (DDR-838) [Radar Picket Destroyer] repeatedly sent small boats ashore with
naval gunre spotters in II Corps area during April-May 1966
USS McGinty (DE-365) [Destroyer Escort] sent crew members ashore at Da Nang for a party on
WESTPAC cruise during spring 1962
USS Charles E. Brannon (DE-446) sent crew members ashore for liberty leave at Duong Dong during
March 1962
USS Davidson (DE-1045) sent motorized whaleboat ashore while anchored o coast of Tan My on
September 20, 1972
USS O’Callahan (DE-1051) sent gunre spotters ashore in vicinity of Cua Viet River on January 13,
1973
USS Gray (DE-1054) sent motorized whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mail pickup on
October 7, 1972
USS Ouellet (DE-1077) sent motorized whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor on July 29, 1972
USS Koiner (DER-331) [Destroyer Escort, Radar] crew had liberty leave at Vung Tau and survey
parties were sent ashore at various locations while on Operation Market Time radar patrol during
1967
USS Forester (DER-334) crew had liberty leave at Nha Trang on June 28 and July 10 1965, with whale
boat ashore for medical assistance on August 20, 1965
USS Wilhoite (DER-397) sent crew members onto enemy vessel in De Sey Ky River during July 16,
1965 and sent landing party ashore from Vung Tau Harbor on September 28, 1968
USS Hissem (DER-400) moored to port side of USS Tuluita (ARG-4) for repairs in Vung Tau area
from January 11-23, 1967, with evidence that crewmembers went ashore for liberty leave and sent
motorized whaleboat ashore for brieng at An Thoi on February 3, 1967
USS King (DLG-10) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for operations brieng on April 13,
1969 and August 8, 1970
USS Mahan (DLG-11) [Guided Missile Frigate] sent a “group of personnel” ashore at Da Nang for a
short tour of Monkey Mountain on October 6, 1968 (see other category)
USS Dahlgren (DLG-12) sent motorized whaleboat and Captain’s gig ashore while anchored in Da
Nang Harbor on June 4, 1967
USS William V. Pratt (DLG-13) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mission brieng on
August 8, 1967
USS Dewey (DLG-14) sent whaleboat ashore for brieng while in Da Nang Harbor on January 15,
1968
USS Worden (DLG-18) sent whaleboat ashore for brieng while in Da Nang Harbor on November 27,
1968
USS Richmond K. Turner (DLG-20) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mission brieng
on December 4, 1966
169
USS England (DLG-22) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mission briengs on March
9, 1967 and July 30, 1968
USS Belknap (DLG-26) while in Da Nang Harbor on December 1, 1969, received crew members back
to ship from temporary duty ashore
USS Jouett (DLG-29) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for mission briengs on February
15, April 15, and June 1, 1968
USS Fox (DLG-33) sent small boat ashore from Da Nang Harbor with Captain for mission briengs on
October 24, 1967
USS Biddle (DLG-34) sent whaleboat ashore from Da Nang Harbor for briengs on March 5 and June
2, 1968 and delivered North Vietnamese sherman ashore at Da Nang on July 30, 1969
USS Truxtun (DLGN-35) sent small boats ashore from Da Nang Harbor on June 2, 1968 and October
25, 1969
USS Cleveland (LPD-7) [Amphibious Transport Dock] sent Naval Academy Midshipmen on training
mission ashore at Da Nang on 9-10 July, 1970 (see other category)
USS Tripoli (LPH-10) [Landing Platform Helicopter] sent crew members ashore for beach party at Da
Nang on July 29, 1967 (see other category)
USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) [Landing Ship Dock] served four-month duty as “boat repair ship” in Da
Nang Harbor during 1965, with evidence of crew members going ashore (see other category)
USS Oak Hill (LSD-7) served as station and repair ship in Da Nang Harbor with evidence of
crewmembers going ashore from January through March 1966 (see other category)
USS Whetstone (LSD-27) anchored as long term “boat haven” in Da Nang Harbor for repairs of
smaller vessels, with evidence of crewmembers going ashore, during April-May 1965 (see other
category)
USS Alamo (LSD-33) while anchored in Da Nang Harbor, sent crewmembers ashore for R&R beach
parties during March-April 1969 (see other category)
USS Epping Forest (MCS-7) [Mine Countermeasure Support Ship] conducted “goodwill” tours at
Cam Ranh Bay and Nha Trang with crewmembers going ashore and Vietnamese coming aboard
during September-October 1964, and
mine sweep of Cua Viet River using smaller vessels from main ship during May 1968
USS Guide (MSO-447) [Minesweeper-Ocean] sent motorized whaleboats ashore for briengs while in
Da Nang Harbor during May 1970 (see other category)
USS Queensh (SS-393) sent crew ashore for liberty leave while anchored in Nha Trang Harbor from
August 27-September 7, 1962
USS Camden (AOE-2) sent a helicopter to Da Nang on October 6, 1970
USS Haleakala (AE-25) anchored in Da Nang Harbor August 27 – 29, 1969, due to boiler accident and
sent crew ashore prior to departure for Subic Bay for repairs
USS Savage (DER-386) Sent crew ashore to provide medical assistance to villages from January 1 to
15, 1966, and from June 12 to September 15, 1966
USS Lawrence (DDG-4) Sent a motorized whaleboat ashore on December 8, 1972, to pick up mail and
passengers
USS Albert David (DE-1050) Sent a motorized whaleboat ashore while anchored in Da Nang Harbor
170
on December 30, 1969
USS Waddell (DDG-24) Launched a whaleboat and Captain’s GIG to shore while anchored in Da
Nang Harbor on December 28, 1971
USS Sample (DE-1048) – sent motor whaleboat to shore on July 26, 1972
USS Blandy (DD-943) – sent motor whaleboat to shore on January 25, 1973
USS Richard S. Edwards (DD-950) – sent personnel ashore via small boat on November 5, 1967, and
December 1, 1967
USS Brush (DD-745) – sent whaleboat ashore on January 11, 1969, while anchored in Cam Ranh Bay
and on January 12, 1969, while anchored in Vung Tau Harbor
USS Diachenko (APD-123) – conducted tactical beach surveys with crew members from April to
August 1968; also, on May 21, 1968, while anchored in Qui Nhon Harbor, a harbor patrol craft arrived
at the ship and departed with the commanding ocer, operations ocer, and communications ocer
for briengs in Qui Nhon.
USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) – anchored in Da Nang Harbor on July 21, 1965, and sent crew
members ashore for liberty following Change-of-Command ceremony.
USS Edmonds (DE-406) – anchored in Da Nang Harbor on April 6 – 7, 1962, and sent crew members
ashore
V. Ships operating on Vietnam’s close coastal waters for extended periods with evidence that
smaller craft from the ship regularly delivered supplies or troops ashore
USS Zelima (AF-49) [Auxiliary Stores Ship] conducted numerous in port supply replenishments at Da
Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from July-October 1965, January-August 1966, October-
December 1968, and May-June 1969
USS Vega (AF-59) conducted numerous in port supply replenishments with docking and crew going
ashore at Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi during March-April 1966, July-August
1968, June-July 1969, November-December 1970, and April-September 1972 (see other category)
USS Mars (AFS-1) [Combat Stores Ship] conducted numerous on shore supply replenishments at Da
Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from May 1965 to November 1972 with evidence of
crewmembers going ashore
USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) conducted on shore supply replenishments with helicopters and small
boats at Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from April 1968 to March 1973
USS White Plains (AFS-4) conducted on shore supply replenishments with helicopters and small
boats at Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from January 1969 to March 1973
USS San Jose (AFS-7) conducted on shore supply replenishments with helicopters and small boats at
Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and Vung Tau from October 1971 to February 1972 and September 1972 to
March 1973
USS Mount McKinley (AGC-7) [Amphibious Force Flagship] conducted troop and supply beach
landings at Da Nang and elsewhere during March-May 1965, June-July 1966, and July-November
1967 (see other category)
USS Estes (AGC-12) conducted troop and supply beach landings at Chu Lai and Da Nang during March-
October 1965
USS Winston (AKA-94) [Attack Cargo Ship] conducted relief operations into Da Nang from
November 13-23, 1964, to assist the local people in recovering from a typhoon and resultant ooding;
171
and conducted troop and supply beach landings during July 1965; April-August 1966; September-
October 1967; and November 1968-May 1969
USS Mathews (AKA-96) on-loaded supplies at Da Nang and delivered them up the Cua Viet River to
Dong Ha with “mike boats” from August through December 1967
USS Merrick (AKA-97) conducted troop and cargo beach landing with small boats at Hue, Chu Lai,
and Da Nang from July 1965 through November 1968 (see other category)
USS Seminole (AKA/LKA-104) [Attack/Amphibious Cargo Ship] sent smaller amphibious assault
craft ashore for troop landings in November 1965 in support of Operations BLUE MARLIN I and II;
conducted troop landings with small boats at Da Nang, Hoi An, and Quang Tri from March through
August 1967, September 1968 through February 1969, and during January 1970 (see other category)
USS Skagit (AKA/LKA-105) conducted troop and cargo beach “mike boat” landings at Da Nang, Chu
Lai, and Quang Ngai from November 1965 to November 1967
USS Union (AKA/LKA-106) conducted numerous troop and cargo “mike boat” beach landings at Da
Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and Chu Lai from March 1965 to November 1969 (see other category)
USS Washburn (AKA/LKA-108) conducted numerous small boat beach landings at Da Nang, Thon
My Thuy, Hue on Perfume River, and Dong Ha on Cua Viet River from 1965 to 1969
USS Tulare (AKA/LKA-112) conducted troop and cargo “mike boat” beach landings at Da Nang, Chu
Lai, Cam Ranh Bay, and Vung Tau from July 1965 to February 1973
USS St. Louis (AKA/LKA-116) conducted troop and cargo landings with small boats at Da Nang,
Vung Tau, and Quang Nam Province during August-October 1970; January-March 1971; and April-
November 1972
USS Navasota (AO-106) [Fleet Oiler] conducted on-shore and in-port replenishment at Vung Tau, Da Nang,
Mai Ong Dai, etc. during September 1965-May 1967; January-July 1968; April-July 1969; June-November 1970;
and September 1971-June 1972
USS General R M Blatchford (AP-153) [Transport Ship] landed elements of 1
st
Infantry Division at
Vung Tau by small boats during October 1965
USS George Clymer (APA-27) [Amphibious Attack Transport] conducted troop and supply “mike
boat” beach landings during July 1965, and March-July 1966, at Da Nang and Chu Lai (see other
category)
USS Bayeld (APA-33) conducted troop on loading and “mike boat” landings at Da Nang, Chu Lai,
Baie de My Han, and Cua Viet River from July through October 1965 and February through May 1967
USS Cavalier (APA-37) conducted troop landings with mike boats at Chu Lai and Da Nang during
March- August 1966 and January-May 1968 (see other category)
USS Henrico (APA-45) conducted numerous troop landings at Da Nang, Chu Lai, and Hue from
March through May 1965 and from August 1966 through March 1967
USS Lenawee (APA-195) conducted troop and supply landings at Da Nang and Chu Lai from April
1965 to December 1966
USS Magon (APA-199) conducted troop and supply landings at Da Nang and other Vietnam
locations from October 1965 through February 1966 and May through November, 1967 (see other
category)
USS Navarro (APA-215) conducted troop on and o loading operations from May 1965 to February
1968 at Da Nang, Chu Lai, and Quang Ngai Province (see other category)
172
USS Okanogan (APA-220) conducted troop and supply landings at various locations during January-
July 1962, September 1963-April 1964, July-October 1965, July 1966, November 1966- March 1967,and
June-November 1968
USS Pickaway (APA-222) conducted troop and supply landings at various locations during January
1963, July 1965, March-June 1966, and June-October 1967 (see other category)
USS Renville (APA-227) conducted troop landings at Da Nang during August-September 1964, May-
August 1965, and March-October 1966
USS Paul Revere (APA-248) conducted small boat troop landings at Quang Ngai Province, Da Nang,
and elsewhere from August 1965-April 1966, June- November 1967, March-August 1969, September
1970-March 1971, and August 1972-February 1973 (see other category)
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) [Amphibious Command Ship] participated in amphibious landings of
troops during March 1972
USS Mobile (LKA-115) [Amphibious Cargo Ship] transported troops and cargo to/from Da Nang and
elsewhere July-September 1970, during April 1971, October-November 1971, and January-July 1972
(see other category)
USS Vancouver (LPD-2) [Amphibious Transport Dock] while anchored oshore, conducted numerous
amphibious troop beach landings with smaller “mike boats” in the areas of Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay,
Cua Viet River, and Mekong River Delta from February 1965 to September 1971 (see other category)
USS Cleveland (LPD-7) while anchored oshore, sent “mike boats” up Cua Viet River and Hue River
from November 1967 through 1968 and up Saigon River during September 1969 (see other category)
USS Dubuque (LPD-8) transported troops, equipment, and supplies ashore with smaller vessels and
docked at Da Nang and elsewhere from June-November 1968, October-December 1969, January-March
1970, and April-July 1971
USS Denver (LPD-9) transported troops, equipment, and supplies ashore with smaller vessels and
docked at Da Nang and elsewhere from February-September 1970; March-June and November 1971;
and January-August 1972
USS Juneau (LPD-10) picked up troops and equipment with smaller vessels and transported them out
of Vietnam from August 1970 to March 1971 and June to November 1972
USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) [Landing Platform, Helicopter] operated as troop transport with helicopters
and smaller vessels transporting troops on and o shore for amphibious assaults from May 1965 to
August 1972
USS Okinawa (LPH-3) operated as troop transport with helicopters and smaller vessels transporting
troops on and o shore for amphibious assaults, with evidence that crew members went ashore to
assist civilians, from April-November 1967, December 1968-May 1969, June- November 1970, and
April-November 1972
USS Princeton (LPH-5) operated as troop transport with helicopters and smaller vessels transporting
troops on and o shore during April 1962 and from October 1964 to December 1968 (see other
category)
USS Valley Forge (LPH-8) operated as troop transport with helicopters and smaller vessels
transporting troops on and o shore from September 1964 to September 1969 (see other category)
USS Tripoli (LPH-10) operated as troop transport with helicopters and smaller vessels transporting
troops on and o shore intermittently from May 1967 to December 1973 (see other category)
USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) [Landing Ship Dock] while anchored oshore, conducted troop-landing
173
operations with “mike boats” at Da Nang, Dong Ha, and other locations from July 1965 through
November 1968
USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) conducted numerous troop, supply, and equipment landings at Da Nang,
Chu Lai, etc. during January-June 1965; May-December 1966; March-July 1968; and September 1969 to
February 1970
USS Oak Hill (LSD-7) conducted numerous troop and supply landings with evidence of crew
members going ashore at Da Nang, Chu Lai, Vung Tau, and Hue, from October 1965-April 1966,
March-August 1967, and September 1968-February 1969 (see other category)
USS Colonial (LSD-18) conducted numerous troop, supply, and equipment landings at Da Nang, Chu
Lai, and Vung Tau from March 1966 to September 1969 (see other category)
USS Cabildo (LSD-16) conducted numerous troop, supply, and equipment landings at Da Nang, Cam
Ranh Bay, and Vung Tau from July 1965 to November 1968
USS Catamount (LSD-17) conducted numerous troop, supply, and equipment landings at Da Nang,
Vung Tau, and Cua Viet River area on piers and with small boats from December 1965 to May 1969
(see other category)
USS Fort Marion (LSD-22) conducted numerous supply landings at Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, and
Mekong Delta area, with crew members going ashore, from October 1965-June 1966, September-
December 1967, and December 1968-May 1969 (see other category)
USS Whetstone (LSD-27) conducted numerous troop and supply landings with smaller mike boats at
Da Nang, Hue, Phu Bai, and Dong Ha from March 1965 to September 1969 (see other category)
USS Thomaston (LSD-28) conducted numerous troop and supply landings with small boats at Da
Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Song Co Chien River area, and Cua Viet River area from 1965 to 1972 [Note: no
AO exposure for 1975 operations]
USS Point Deance (LSD-31) conducted numerous troop and supply landings with small boats at Da
Nang, Van Tuong, and Kien Hoa from May 1965 through October 1972 (see other category)
USS Alamo (LSD-33) conducted numerous troop, supply, and equipment landings with smaller boats
at Da Nang, Vung Tau, Song Bo De, An Thoi, and Tan My between August 1964 and October 1972 (see
other category)
USS Hermitage (LSD-34) conducted troop landings in Da Nang area from June through October 1967
USS Monticello (LSD-35) conducted numerous troop and supply landings at Chu Lai and elsewhere
from October 1965-March 1966, February-September 1967, March1968-February 1969, February-
September 1970, March 1971, November 1971, October-December 1972, and January 1973
USS Anchorage (LSD-36) transported troops and supplies to and from shore with smaller craft at
Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi from February 1970 through July 1972 (see other
category)
USNS General W. H. Gordon (T-AP-117) [Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) Transport Ship]
transported troops and cargo to Vung Tau and elsewhere in Vietnam, with crew members going
ashore, during 1965 and from December 1967 to March 1968
USNS Barrett (T-AP-196) carried US Army 2
nd
Transportation Company to Qui Nhon during August
1965 and transported additional troops to Vietnam from April to December 1968 and January to May
1969
USNS Geiger (T-AP-197) transported troops to Qui Nhon and Vung Tau from September to December
1965 and additional troops to Vietnam January to February 1967 and July 1969
This material is available in alternate format upon request.
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