1. Things to Know, Actions to Take For Transitioning Service Members
VA Benefits
and Services
Things to Know, Actions to Take
For Transitioning Service Members
Intro –

2. VA - Organization Veterans Benefits Administration
All VA benefits - Compensation, Education,
Home Loans, Voc. Rehab, Survivor benefits etc.
Administered by VA Regional Offices (Roanoke RO)
Veterans Health Administration
All VA health care services
VA Medical Centers: (VAMC Hampton)
Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC VA Beach)
National Cemetery Administration
National and State Veterans Cemeteries
Headstones/Markers & Medallions for private cemeteries
Presidential Memorial Certificates

3. This is all open source material
Resources: Veteran Service Orgs
This is all open source material
You can find all of the following info online but..
My civilian work is with VBA. I’ll review basics of service connected disability compensation.
Veterans Service Organizations (VSO’s) like American Legion, DAV, VFW and State can be POA to process/monitor your disability claim.
Due Diligence! Visit VSO: Is it clean or messy?
Form: Appoints VSO as POA

4. Compensation
A service-connected disability is a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty. The disability does not have to be combat or wartime related.
How many of you have been in heavy seas, maybe wearing body armor, before those 10 thousand dollar bouncy seats were around? How is your back pain these days? How are your knees and ankles?

5. Compensation Disability Examples Knee/ankle injuries
Amputation (Spec. military Comp)
Heart disease (AO)
Post traumatic stress (includes MST and Fear based PTSD)
Skin conditions: scars (ie: burns that limit mobility), psoriasis (AO)

6. Compensation Disabilities are rated 0% to 100%
VA rating is independent of any military disability rating
Payments begin with 10% ratings
Additional allowance for dependents with 30% or higher rating
100% might be P&T (static) or require Routine Future Exams (RFE)

7. Compensation-Sample Rates
Rating
Vet Only
Vet+S
Vet+S+1C
Vet+S+2C
Vet+S+3C
10%
$133
N/A
20%
264
30%
409
457
493
517
541
40%
589
654
702
734
766
50%
838
919
979
1019
1059
60%
1062
1,159
1,230
1,278
1,326
70%
1,339
1,451
1,535
1,591
1,647
80%
1,556
1,686
1,781
1,845
1,909
90%
1,749
1,895
2,002
2,074
2,146
100%
2,915
3,078
3,197
3,278
3,359
S – Spouse C = Child(ren) Rates effective Dec 1, 2016
Updates usually happen Dec 1, but not every year

8. Compensation Service Connected (S/C) Compensation is tax free
Additional Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) added for loss of limb, organ, etc.
Concurrent receipt of retired pay is allowed at 50% or higher S/C disability compensation.
When child(ren) of Veteran turn 18 thru 23, they can be continued on the award if in school ($78-$261/mo).
Form needed: Application for Sch. Child Status
Sign your forms, many forget, also let VA know if there is any change in your dependents (avoid overpayments)

9. Compensation – Add. Benefits
VA health care for all rated service-connected conditions
Voc Rehab & Employment services
$10,000 life insurance
Federal employment pref. (5-10 Pts)
VA home loan funding fee waived – saves 10K
State/local reduction on property taxes, might be waived completely for 100% P&T disabled

10. VA.GOV is your 1st step
Explore E-Benefits - If not for you, then for someone else. Take it upon yourself to become a better asset for your shipmates and for your friends and neighbors

11. ebenefits.va.gov is your 2nd step
Explore E-Benefits - If not for you, then for someone else. Take it upon yourself to become a better asset for your shipmates and for your friends and neighbors

12. Some forms you will use
Statement in Support of Claim for you &
Spouse/shipmates to describe events/effects disability. Also use to document any changes: new/current conditions
Intent to File a Claim For Compensation
Locks in DOC for one year to submit a 526/EZ/C
21-526/EZ/C App for Disability Comp. & Benefits
21-686c Declaration of Status of Dependents- (Who is in your household) also use to adjust your dep. status (Child ages out) – Please Sign!
Authorize release of Private Med. Records
Last slide if running out of time – then describe DOD-Centric viewpoints. Lack of understanding about USCG and roles in Deepwater Horizon, Title 14 and role in Title 10 missions.

13. 21-0781 PTSD Stressor Questionnaire
More forms to Know
Status of Dependents: Sent out every 8 years even w/ recent sub
Request Approval of School Attendance: Send right before 18th Birthday. For College send right after start
XX Disability Benefits Quest. (DBQ) There are several types (Med Specialists) Examples: Heart Conditions, Parkinson’s, Prostate, lymphoma, knee, Mental disorders
PTSD Stressor Questionnaire
Last slide if running out of time – then describe DOD-Centric viewpoints. Lack of understanding about USCG and roles in Deepwater Horizon, Title 14 and role in Title 10 missions.

14. DOD-Centric VA needs your USCG career details and documentation to alert them to what you experienced!
Out of 425 staff at my office, 4 of us are CG.

15. Compensation
To some, this could appear to be just a boat ride – Details you provide (your job) and the clarity of your documents matters!

16. in military workplaces in the other DOD branches.
USCG is Unique
You might be teaching a VA employee the how & why of what you did. Your job has had MORE physical impact than many Rates/MOS’
in military workplaces in the other DOD branches.
Written documentation is key: awards that mention boat hours
PQS sign offs showing tasks & work location
Make sure health record is up to date and includes all visits:
24 hour clinics, other branches’ clinics etc.
Diagnosis while on active duty is helpful for the RVSR (Rating VSR)

17. Compensation
Questions?
ay 2010