U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs & Federal Agencies
"It's time we made everyone in uniform aware that the act of reaching out for help is, in fact, one of the most courageous acts and one of the first big steps to reclaiming your career, your life and your future." --Admiral Mike Mullen, United States Navy, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) continues to build better lives for veterans and their families living in Oregon. From helping veterans obtain earned medals and military awards to filing claims for education benefits, ODVA is here with you every step of the way.
Federal Benefits Checklist
  Military Personnel Records
The National Archives maintains a customized order form to request information from your, or your relative's, military personnel records. DD 214s are not available online. They are sent to the requester through the mail and like all other similar requests do require a written signature before the request is processed. Additionally, although our web site (eVetRecs) is set up to accept orders for DD 214s, it uses a secure, encrypted channel with the customer. You may use this system if you are:
- A military veteran, or
- Next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military
- The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother.
www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs
Military Medals, Awards and Decorations
Veterans are entitled to one replacement set of military medals. Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. Generally, there is no charge for medal or award replacements. The length of time to receive a response or your medals and awards varies depending upon the branch of service sending the medals.
www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html
Combat Veteran Health Care & Medical Check-Up
Under the 'Combat Veteran' authority, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides cost-free health care services. The 5-year enrollment period applicable to these veterans 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.
Combat veterans, while not required to disclose their income information, may do so to determine their eligibility for a higher priority status, beneficiary travel benefits, and exemption of copays for care unrelated to their military service. Combat veterans are strongly encouraged to apply for enrollment within their enhanced eligibility period, even if no medical care is currently needed.
Veterans, including activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, are eligible 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.
VA Health Care Overview
Enrollment Calculator
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for Medical Benefits (Enrollment)
Oregon VA Medical Facilities
Veterans Identification Card (VIC)
VA issues eligible veterans a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for use at VA Medical facilities. Once your eligibility for VA medical benefits is verified and you have your picture taken at your local VA medical facility, your card will be mailed to you, usually within 5 to 7 days. VICs cannot be used as a credit or an insurance card and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities.
The VIC now displays the following special eligibility indicators: Service Connected, Purple Heart, and Former POW. If you lose your card or do not receive your card in the mail, contact the VA where your picture was taken to request a new card be sent to you. You may also contact 1-877-222-8387 to check on the status of your card.
How do I get an Identification Card?
Eye Glasses and Hearing Aids
VA ensures access to audiology and eye care services including preventive health (care) services and routine vision testing for all enrolled veterans and those veterans exempt from enrollment. Eyeglasses and hearing aids will be provided to the following veterans:
- Veterans with any compensable service-connected disability
- War Veterans who are former Prisoners of War (POWs)
- War Veterans who were awarded a Purple Heart
- Veterans in receipt of benefits under Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 1151.
- Veterans in receipt of an increased pension based on being permanently housebound and in need of regular aid and attendance.
- Veterans with vision or hearing impairment resulting from diseases or the existence of another medical condition for which the veteran is receiving care or services from VHA, or which resulted from treatment of that medical condition, e.g., stroke, polytrauma, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, vascular disease, geriatric chronic illnesses, toxicity from drugs, ocular photosensitivity from drugs, cataract surgery, and/or other surgeries performed on the eye, ear, or brain resulting in vision or hearing impairment.
- Veterans with significant functional or cognitive impairment evidenced by deficiencies in the ability to perform activities of daily living.
- Veterans who have vision and/or hearing impairment severe enough that it interferes with their ability to participate actively in their own medical treatment and to reduce the impact of dual sensory impairment (combined hearing and vision loss).
- Veterans who have service-connected vision disabilities rated zero percent or service-connected hearing disabilities rated zero percent if there is organic conductive, mixed, or sensory hearing impairment, and loss of pure tone hearing sensitivity in the low, mid, or high-frequency range or a combination of frequency ranges which contribute to a loss of communication ability; however, hearing aids are to be provided only as needed for the service-connected hearing disability.
The VA policy ensures all enrolled veterans and those veterans exempt from enrollment are eligible for medical services that include diagnostic audiology and diagnostic and preventive eye care services, and that the prescription and provision of hearing aids and eyeglasses must be furnished to all eligible veterans.
Dental Care and Treatment
Outpatient dental benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs according to law. In some instances, VA may provide extensive dental care, while in other cases treatment may be limited. Those having a VA service-connected compensable dental disability or condition are eligible for any needed dental care.
- Former Prisoners of War (POWs) and those whose service-connected disabilities have been rated at 100 percent.
- Veterans participating in VA vocational rehabilitation program under 38 U.S.C. chapter 31.
- Veterans with service-connected compensable dental disability or condition.
- Veterans with service-connected noncompensable 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 dental condition clinically determined by VA to be currently aggravating a service-connected medical condition are eligible for dental care to resolve the problem.
- Veterans with nonservice-connected dental conditions or disabilities for which treatment was begun while the veteran was in an inpatient status in a VA medical center, when it is clinically determined to be necessary to complete such dental treatment on an outpatient basis.
- 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.
- Veterans enrolled in a VA Homeless Program for 60 consecutive days or more may receive certain medically necessary outpatient dental services.
Recently discharged veterans with a service-connected noncompensable dental condition or disability who served on active duty 90 days or more and who apply for VA dental care within 180 days of separation from active duty, may receive one time treatment for dental conditions.
Automobile Grant
Financial assistance, in the form of a grant, is available to purchase a new or used automobile (or other conveyance) to accommodate a veteran or servicemember with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. The one time grant is paid directly to the seller of the automobile for the total price (up to $11,000) of the automobile.
Information about Automobile Grants
Clothing Allowance
Prosthetic appliances and medications have an effect on clothing. If qualified, a veteran can receive a one time or yearly allowance for reimbursement. Any veteran who is service-connected for a disability for which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive an annual clothing allowance. This allowance also provides for any veteran whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages outer garments.
Commissary and Exchange Privileges
Unlimited exchange and commissary store privileges in the United States are available to honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 100 percent, unremarried surviving spouses of members or retired members of the armed forces, recipients of the Medal of Honor, and their dependents and orphans. Certification of total disability is done by VA. Reservists and their dependents also may be eligible.
Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)
The VA VCS has partnered with Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to offer more products and services for veterans. Veterans enrolled with the VA Healthcare system may enroll with VCS to shop online. To enroll, go online to www.vacanteen.va.gov or send an email to vcs.canteen@med.va.gov and use the subject line VAVCS Catalog.
Social Security and Wounded Warriors
Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs (VA) and require a separate application. The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.
Travel Reimbursement
VA reimburses 41.5 cents per mile for veteran travel. VA has authority to provide eligible beneficiaries reimbursement for mileage, special mode of transportation (when medically justified by a VA health care provider), and in certain circumstances, taxi or hired car. Reimbursement for mileage or public transportation may be paid to the following:
- Veterans rated 30% or more SC for travel relating to any condition
- Veterans rated less than 30% for travel relating to their SC condition
- Veterans receiving VA pension benefits for all conditions
- Veterans with annual income below the maximum applicable annual rate of pension for all conditions
- Veterans who can present clear evidence that they are unable to defray the cost of travel
- Veterans traveling in relation to a Compensation and Pension (C&P) Examination
- Certain veterans in certain emergency situations
- Certain non-veterans when related to care of a veteran (attendants & donors)
VA may provide reimbursement for the actual cost up to 50% of the government employee rate for meals and/or lodging, when appropriate. The need for such costs should be determined on a case-by-case basis and based upon the veteran’s medical condition, distance required to travel, and any other extenuating circumstances. Such items should be requested and authorized in advance of travel. Reimbursement should not be provided solely because the veteran chooses to stop or take a less direct route to the VA facility.
Beneficiary Travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GI Bill
VA administers the following education benefit programs, please click on the program name for more information. Call 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) to speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor. Veterans may also call 1-800-827-1000 to reach the nearest VA Regional Office.
Counseling and Outreach Services
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans and family members who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. There are four Vet Centers serving Oregon, Salem, Portland, Grants Pass, and Eugene.
Pension for Low-Income Veterans
Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.
Veterans Pension Program
Service-Connected Disability Compensation
Military veterans with a service-related disabilities may qualify for over $3,100 in monthly benefits. Addional amounts are paid for the veterans spouse, children, and dependent parents. These benefits are paid to veterans who have injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. These disabilities are considered to be service-connected. It is also paid to certain veterans disabled from VA health care.
Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
CRSC may entitle you to additional funds which are designed to compensate you for the reduction of your military retired pay due to the receipt of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation (also known as the VA waiver's). With CRSC, you can receive either partial or full concurrent receipt of your military retirement pay and your VA disability compensation.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VR&E Program
 Education and Employment program for veterans with 20% or higher service-connected disability. Veterans generally have 12 years from the date they are notified of their entitlement to the program. Eligible veterans may be allowed up to 48 months of full-time benefits.
Aid and Attendance or Housebound Veterans
A veteran who is determined by VA to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, or a veteran who is permanently housebound, may be entitled to additional disability compensation or pension payments. A veteran evaluated at 30 percent or more disabled is entitled to receive an additional payment for a spouse who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has an active role in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) throughout the United States and around the world. Since the implementation of TAP/DTAP through the original legislation VA has provided benefit information to separating service members and their families. VA encourages all separating service members to contact their respective Family Service Centers/Transition Center to determine when the Transition Assistance Briefings are scheduled for a particular site and attend.
Taps Slideshow
Turbo TAP - The official Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Personal Finance & Transition web site operated on behalf of U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Life Insurance
Honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for insurance. The Insurance programs developed to provide benefits for veterans who may not be able to get insurance from private companies because of the extra risks of a service connected disability. Veterans with service-connected disability must sign-up within the first two years.
Life Insurance Benefits for Service-Disabled Veterans
VA Life Insurance
File a Death Claim
Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office and Insurance Center
P O Box 7208
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
(888) 748-5822
Home Loan Counseling
In order to help veterans in serious financial trouble, VA Regional Loan Centers have technicians available to conduct financial counseling. This counseling is designed to help you avoid foreclosure. VA Regional Loan Centers have technicians available to conduct financial counseling. If you want this assistance, call 1-877-827-3702. When serious financial troubles arise, it is obvious that living expenses must be cut to the bone. Most of the luxuries previously enjoyed, and even some things which may have been thought of as necessary, may have to be dropped for a time.
Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans
VA counselors at nine regional loan centers assist people with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure through counseling and special financing arrangements. Counselors also can assist other veterans with financial problems. Depending on a veteran’s circumstances, VA can intercede with the borrower on the veteran’s behalf to pursue options -- such as repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications -- that would allow a veteran to keep a home. To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702.
VA Home Loan Guaranty Eligibility Center
VA Loans can be used to obtain a loan to: Buy or build a home, Buy a residential condominium, Buy a residential cooperative housing unit, Repair, alter or improve a home, Refinance an existing home loan, Buy a manufactured home with or without a lot, Buy and improve a manufactured home lot, Install a solar heating or cooling system or other weatherization improvements, and Buy a home and install energy-efficient improvements. Call the VA Eligibility Center is 1-888-244-6711.
Loans for Native American Veterans
Eligible Native American veterans can obtain a loan from VA to purchase, construct or improve a home on Federal Trust land, or to reduce the interest rate on such a VA loan. The maximum loan amount is equal to the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit for a single-family home. This limit changes yearly. Veterans who are not Native American, but who are married to Native American non-veterans, may be eligible for a direct loan under this program.
Specially Adapted Housing Program
Veterans or servicemembers who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the veterans or servicemembers a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy.
http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm
Housing and Urban Development
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Veteran Resource Center (HUDVET), which works with national veterans service organizations to serve as a general information center on all HUD sponsored housing and community development programs and services. To contact HUDVET, call 1-800-998-9999.
Loans for Farms and Homes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and guarantees to buy, improve or operate farms. Applications from veterans have preference. Loans and guarantees are available for housing in towns generally up to 20,000 in population. For further information, contact Farm Service Agency or Rural Development, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250, or apply at local Department of Agriculture offices, usually located in county seats.
Small Businesses Economic Injury Disaster Loan
A special Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan is available for self-employed Reservists whose small businesses may have been damaged through extended absences of the owner or essential employee as a result of activation of the owner or essential employee to military active duty. The SBA also conducts important research in veterans’ entrepreneurship. A Veterans Business Development Officer is stationed at every SBA District Office. Contact SBA at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722).
Veterans' Recruitment Appointment
Allows federal agencies to appoint eligible veterans to jobs without competition. These appointments can be converted to career or career-conditional positions after two years of satisfactory work. Veterans should apply directly to the agency where they wish to work.
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei4.asp
 Veterans' Employment PreferenceSince the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to Federal jobs. Recognizing their sacrifice, Congress enacted laws to prevent veterans seeking Federal employment from being penalized for their time in military service. Veterans' preference recognizes the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uniform, restores veterans to a favorable competitive position for Government employment, and acknowledges the larger obligation owed to disabled veterans.
Preference applies in hiring from civil service examinations, for most excepted service jobs, and when agencies make temporary appointments or use delegated examining authorities from the U. S. Office of Personnel Management. To be entitled to preference, a veteran must meet the eligibility requirements in section 2108 of title 5, United States Code. This means that:
- An honorable or general discharge is necessary.
- Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible for preference unless they are disabled veterans.
- Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for preference.
- When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on their application or resume. Applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete form SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference.
Application for Veterans Preference - SF15
Veterans Preference Advisor
Office of Personnel Management
Transportation to VA Medical Appointments
The DAV Transportation Network provides veterans with a ride to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities. The Transportation Network is administered nationwide by DAV Hospital Service Coordinators (HSCs) at the VA’s 172 medical centers, including Oregon medical facilities.
Contact the the VA facility DAV Coordinator
Military Service and Social Security
Earnings for active duty military service or active duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957. Social Security has covered inactive duty service in the armed forces reserves (such as weekend drills) since 1988. If you served in the military before 1957, you did not pay Social Security taxes, but we gave you special credit for some of your service. You can get both Social Security benefits and military retirement.
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Veterans are eligible to live in the Armed Forces Retirement Home located in Gulfport, Miss.,* or Washington, D.C., if their active duty military service is at least 50 percent enlisted, warrant officer or limited duty officer. Eligibility determinations are based on rules prescribed by the Home’s Chief Operating Officer. Veterans are not eligible if they have been convicted of a felony or are not free from alcohol, drug or psychiatric problems. For information, call 1-800-332-3527 or 1-800-422-9988.
www.afrh.gov
Military Funeral Honors
Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. The core elements conducted for military funeral honors ceremonies include Flag folding, Flag presentation, and Playing of Taps. The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag.
Burial and End of Life
Naturalization Preference
USCIS recognizes the important sacrifices made by non-U.S. citizen members of the United States armed forces and their families and is committed to processing their naturalization applications in a timely and efficient manner while providing exemplary customer service, maintaining the integrity of the immigration system, and the security of the process. Qualifying military service is generally in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain components of the National Guard and the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
Service in Peacetime
Section 328 of the INA applies to all members of the U.S. armed forces or those already discharged from service. An individual may qualify for naturalization under this provision if he or she has:
- Served honorably in the military for at least one year;
- Obtained lawful permanent resident status;
- Filed an application while still in the service or within six months of separation.
Service in Wartime
Section 329 of the INA applies to members of the U.S. armed forces who serve during specifically designated periods of hostilities. This section is sometimes referred to as wartime naturalization. An individual may qualify for naturalization under this provision if he or she has:
- Served honorably in active-duty status for any period of time;
- Such active-duty service was during a specifically designated period of hostility;
Unlike all other provisions for naturalization, a qualifying service member is not required to be a lawful permanent resident to naturalize under this provision if the service member enlisted or was inducted within the United States or other qualifying geographical area. The Expedited Naturalization Executive Order of 2002 provides for expedited naturalization under this provision to qualified aliens and non-citizen nationals serving honorably in an active-duty status in the U.S. armed forces beginning on Sept. 11, 2001 to the present. This section also covers veterans of designated past wars and conflicts.
www.uscis.gov/military
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