Veterans Affairs

Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of benefits to wounded, ill, and injured Veterans and their Families. Some of these benefits are also available to servicemembers still on active duty.

Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) cadre will work closely with each wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers to ensure that he/she receives the benefits appropriate for his/her individual situation. For Soldiers separating from the Army, the WTU cadre will facilitate a warm hand-off and seamless transition to the VA.

Important Resources for Soldiers

eBenefits
VA’s eBenefits web portal is a one-stop shop for benefits-related online tools and information. It allows servicemembers and Veterans to apply for benefits, check the status of applications, view payment history, and access copies of certain official military personnel records.
Benefits Delivery at Discharge
The Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program allows servicemembers to apply for VA disability compensation benefits prior to retirement or separation from military service. BDD accelerates receipt of VA disability benefits, with a goal of providing benefits within 60 days after separation. BDD is a time-sensitive process requiring a minimum of 60 days to complete the medical examination process prior to separation from service. Soldiers interested in the BDD program should contact their squad leaders for more information.
My HealtheVet
My HealtheVet offers Veterans, active duty servicemembers, and their dependents and caregivers online access to VA health care information and services. With My HealtheVet, Veterans can access trusted, secure, and current health and benefits information as well as record, track and store important health and military history information at their convenience.

VA Benefits

Each year, VA publishes Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors , a comprehensive guide to VA programs, benefits, and services. This booklet can be viewed online, and select benefits are also outlined below.

For more information about qualifying for VA benefits, Soldiers should contact their squad leaders and local VA representative. In addition, phone numbers and websites for specific VA programs are published online.

Some programs of particular benefit to Soldiers and their Families are outlined below:

VA Health Care
VA provides health care for enrolled Veterans at facilities throughout the country and U.S. territories. This comprehensive medical benefits package provides preventive outpatient and inpatient services within the VA health care system. Once enrolled, a Veteran may be seen at any VA health care facility across the country.
VetCenters
VetCenters are local VA facilities that support Veterans who have served in combat zones and their Families. VetCenters offer a wide range of services to help Veterans make a successful transition from military to civilian life, such as:
- individual and group counseling
- marital and family counseling
- bereavement counseling
- medical and benefits referrals
- employment counseling
VA Disability Compensation
VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to a Veteran because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. Monthly compensation amounts are based on the individual Veteran’s VA disability rating and number of dependents. Soldiers interested in separating from the Army should discuss qualifications for VA Disability Compensation with their squad leaders.
Education Benefits
The VA provides several educational benefits to help Soldiers progress toward their goals. Two of the most popular are:
- Montgomery G.I. Bill: The Montgomery G.I. Bill is available for those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. Servicemembers who choose to enroll in this program receive up to 36 months of education benefits, which may be used during active duty.
- Post-9/11 G.I. Bill: The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Servicemembers must receive an honorable discharge to be eligible for this benefit.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

The VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess program assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs. Servicemembers who have received a VA disability rating may begin using this program while on active duty. VetSuccess provides a comprehensive range of services, such as:
- Comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to determine abilities, skills, and interests for employment
- Vocational counseling and rehabilitation planning for employment services
- Employment services such as job-training, job-seeking skills, resume development, and other work readiness assistance
- Assistance finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives and job accommodations
- On-the-job training, apprenticeships, and non-paid work experiences
- Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
- Supportive rehabilitation services including case management, counseling, and medical referrals
- Independent living services for Veterans unable to work due to the severity of their disabilities
Adaptive Benefits
- Adaptive Housing
  VA offers three adaptive housing grants to Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
  - Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
    Under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program , Veterans with disabilities may receive assistance for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities.
  - Specially Adapted Housing Grant
    The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is available to Veterans or servicemembers who are entitled to compensation for certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
  - Special Housing Adaptations
    Veterans with service-connected disabilities may receive a Special Housing Adaptation grant for the actual cost to adapt a house or for the appraised market value of necessary adapted features already in a house when it was purchased, up to the maximum grant amount allowable by law.
- Automobile Adaptive Equipment
  The Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) program permits physically challenged Veterans to enter, exit and/or operate a motor vehicle. Veterans are trained, through the VA Driver's Rehabilitation Program, how to safely operate their vehicles.
  VA also provides necessary equipment such as platform wheelchair lifts, under vehicle lifts, power door openers, lowered floors/raised roofs, raised doors, hand controls, left foot gas pedals, reduced effort and zero effort steering and braking, and digital driving systems. VA also provides reimbursements for standard equipment including, but not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats and other special equipment necessary for the safe operation of an approved vehicle.
- Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
  The Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) ensures Veterans receive the device(s) and/or service(s) required to help them overcome their disability, regain an independent lifestyle and enhance their quality of life.
- Clothing Allowance
  Any Veteran who is rated for a service-connected disability for which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances may receive an annual clothing allowance. This benefit is also available to any Veteran whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages the Veteran's outer garments.