Department of Veteran Affairs Provided Benefits Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for ensuring that you receive the care, support, and recognition that you have earned.The VA Veterans Benefits fact sheets provide basic information on VA benefit programs by category. You can find this information at http://www.vba.va.gov/vba/benefits/factsheets/. You may be eligible for the following federal veterans' benefits:
Health Care
In October 1996, Congress passed the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act, paving the way for the Medical Benefits Package plan, available to all enrolled veterans. The Medical Benefits Package emphasizes preventive and primary care, offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient services. 
Education & Training – MGIB-SR
You may have education benefits that can be used for education, training, certification, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training programs. National Guard and Selected Reserve may be eligible under previous active duty enlistment. 
Home Loan Guaranty
Home Loan Guaranty benefits enable eligible veterans and service members to purchase a home without making a down payment. 
Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI is a life insurance program that allows service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance. 
If you are unable to visit a VA counselor at a military installation, call the nearest VA regional office at the toll-free number listed below. A Veterans Service Representative will be happy to provide information about specific benefits and how to file a claim. 
To get complete information concerning all the VA benefits to which you and your family members may be entitled, please visit our website at http://www.va.gov/ or Call your local VA regional office toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
You can also submit a specific question at the above website by sending an inquiry through the VA Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS). This application provides VA customers with secure communication of personal data, should they voluntarily choose to send it to VA.
Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
Your State, County, or local Veteran Service Organizations have specially trained individuals who can offer assistance. A VSO can give you counseling and help with everything from filling out VA claims and enrollment forms to assisting with claims appeals. You can call the VA toll free number for assistance with contacting the nearest VSO.
Veteran Centers
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans 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. 
Readjustment counseling is wide range of services provided to combat veterans in the effort to make a satisfying transition from military to civilian life. Services include:
Contact your nearest Vet Center through the Vet Center Directory at http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.aspor listings in your local blue pages. The Vet Center staff is available toll free during normal business hours at 1-800-905-4675 (Eastern) and 1-866-496-8838 (Pacific).
Date Last Reviewed: September 6, 2011

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