VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Online Courses available on the eBenefits website enable you to learn about VA federal benefits
at your convenience. You can complete benefit courses electronically to develop
an understanding of all VA benefits you may be entitled to as you transition from
active duty. In addition, eBenefits FAQs answer the most frequently asked benefits
questions. Be sure to go to the Department
of Veterans Affairs website, which contains excellent information.
Disabled Veterans Benefits
If you are leaving the Army with a service connected disability, you may be eligible
for one of several federal programs designed to assist your transition and provide
for you and your family's future. You do not need to be medically discharged or
retired to qualify for some of these programs. Your eligibility will be determined
based on the degree of disability and its cause. Your SFL-TAP Center can help you
identify sources of additional information available on the installation or you
can locate information online at VA
and Veteran’s Services Links.
VA Disability Benefits
Medical Care:
The VA provides medical care for disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities.
The VA makes an important distinction between veterans based on the nature of their
disability. This distinction, service-connected or non-service connected, determines
the cost and availability of VA medical services. Any veteran who was disabled by
injury or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during active military
service will receive VA medical care on a priority basis. Contact the VA for more
information or visit their
website.
CHAMPVA:
The VA's Civilian Health and Medical Program helps pay for medical services and
supplies a veteran's family members and survivors obtain from civilian sources.
To qualify, family members and survivors must not be eligible for TRICARE. Contact
the VA for more information or read the online CHAMPVA Handbook.
Disability Compensation:
The VA pays monetary benefits to veterans who were disabled by injury or disease
incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during active military service. To obtain
a VA disability rating, you must file a claim with the VA using VA Form 21-526,
Veterans Application for Compensation and/or Pension. This serves to notify the
VA about your health problems so that service connected disabilities can be evaluated.
There is no time limit to apply for VA disability compensation. However, you are
encouraged to apply within one year of your release from active duty because entitlement
is established retroactively to the date of separation if your claim is filed within
this period. The effective date of eligibility for benefits will be based on the
date of your claim if you apply after the one-year period. Contact the VA for more
information or visit their
website.
Vocational Rehabilitation:
The VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program provides necessary services and assistance
to veterans with service connected disabilities so they may achieve independence
and obtain and maintain suitable employment. Vocational Rehabilitation can include
college, technical school or on-the-job training or special training at rehabilitation
facilities or at home when it is necessary because of a serious disability. Vocational
Rehabilitation services include, in part, assessment, counseling, training, subsistence
allowances and employment assistance. VA also will assist you with job placement.
While you are enrolled in a Vocational Rehabilitation program, VA pays the cost
of tuition, fees, required books, supplies and equipment. VA also may pay for special
supportive services such as medical and dental care, prosthetic devices, lip-reading
training and signing for the deaf. For more information contact the Department of
Veterans Affairs or visit their website.