Veterans Benefits

Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won’t tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you — and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.

 

 

Appeals http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc

Board of Veteran’s Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105

Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/

Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm

Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/ Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html

Classified Records – American Gulf War Veterans Assoc http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html

Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6

<http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc>  /ch07.doc Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm

Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/ Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view

Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm

Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc

Dut y to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/ Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf

Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/ Environmental Agents M10

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002

Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibi lity

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315

EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158

See also,

Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc

EVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC

Fee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf OR, http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm

Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/ General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html

 

Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/ Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm

 

Guide to Gulf War Veteran’s Health

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf

Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7

<http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A>

&template=main&letter=A

Gulf War Veteran’s Illnesses Q&As

http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf

Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admi <http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc>

n21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc

Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/ HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/ Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm

Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/ Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/ M10 for spouses and children h <http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007>

ttp://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007

M10 Part III Change 1

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008

M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1.html

Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130.DOC

Mental Health Program Guidelines

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094

Ment al Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/ MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp

 

My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/ NASDVA.COM National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/ National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp

Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc

<http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4_124a.doc>

OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/ Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

Parkinson’s Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and, http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/ Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc

<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=

Cite:+38USC1131> &docid=Cite:+38USC1131 Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html

and,

http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html

 

and, http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/tit

<http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.ht

ml>  le38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html

 

Persian Gulf Registry

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003

This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005:

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232

Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006

Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans’_Illnesses_Appendices.doc

Persian Gulf Veterans’ Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf

Phase I PGR

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004

Phase II PGR

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005

Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm

Power of Attorney

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc

Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/ Prosthetics Eligibility

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337

 

Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/

 

Public Health/SARS http://www.publichealth.va.gov/SARS/

Publications Manuals

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4

Publications and Reports

http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm

Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html

Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html

REQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT’S RECORDS http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-fo

rm.xft

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002 http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc

Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf

Research and Development

http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm

Survivor’s and Dependents’ Educational Assistance http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html

 

 

Title 38

Index

Parts 0-17

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Part 18

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Title 38

Part 3 Adjudication

Subpart Aââ,¬”Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity

Compensation http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr

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Title 38

Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief

(also Ã,§ 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed

illnesses found here)

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr

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Title 38

PART 4–SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES

Subpart B–DISABILITY RATINGS

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Title 38

Ã,§ 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability

of the

individual. PART 4ââ,¬”SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES

Subpart Aââ,¬”General Policy in Rating

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?c=ecfr

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U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/

VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf

VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html

VA Health Care Eligibility

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp

VA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF)

http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html

VA Life Insurance Handbook ââ,¬” Chapter 3

http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310

 

VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans

http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm

VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp

VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/

VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/

VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War

http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp

VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/

VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/

VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address

http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.

<http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm>  htm

Vet Center Eligibility – Readjustment Counseling Service

http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm

Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/

Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/

VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/

VHA Programs – Clinical Programs & Initiatives

http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13

VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http:

//www.publichealth.va.gov/ <http://www.publichealth.va.gov/> 

VHI Guide to Gulf War Veteransââ,¬(tm) Health

http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp

Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/

Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc

VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

WARMS – 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html

Wartime Di sability Compensation

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc

<http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=

Cite:+38USC1110> &docid=Cite:+38USC1110

War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center – New Jersey

http://www.wri.med.va.gov/

Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/

What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3

WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html

Bright side to divorce

1. Discover strength within you never knew existed

2. Understand who you really are

3. Create the life you’ve always dreamed of

4. Become your own best friend

5. Fall in love again

 

Source:  Modern Woman’s Divorce Guide

3 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Divorce

1.  Be ready for horrible lies and even more horrible truths

2.  Divorce is not about gaining freedom

3.  Kids feel responsible

Read more here.

When to Seek Professional Counseling or Therapy During a Divorce

I personally recommend most of my clients visit with a mental health professional while going through a divorce.  I believe it is great to vent or discuss issues with a person who is not a friend, family member, or someone who has a personal or emotional interest in you or your divorce proceedings.  By consulting with a mental health professional, you are free to discuss whatever is on your mind without fear of a loved one’s opinion or unsolicted advice.

 

How do you know when you really need to seek assistance from a mental health professional?  How do you know what’s “normal” for someone going through a divorce?  What signs indicate you could benefit from professional care?  Anne Shale‘s article is here to help!

 

Being confronted with the fact that a divorce proceeding has been initiated can certainly be disconcerting and upsetting. As a former nurse and having primarily practiced divorce and family law for over twenty years, I would like to share some of my insights. While some parties may be knowledgeable that this action is taking place, other parties may be absolutely caught “off guard”, being unaware that anything was or is amiss. The fact that one party, either Husband or Wife, is placed on notice that a divorce proceeding has been initiated evokes many feelings and emotions. Many persons may need some assistance as they attempt to cope with the emotional roller-coaster they may be experiencing. If either party is having any or all of the following signs and/or symptoms, it may certainly be beneficial to seek some assistance from a family physician, psychologist, and/or counselor.

 

Inability to sleep soundly and to get a good night’s sleep. If a person is not able to get to sleep and/or is not able to get six to eight hours of sleep per night, that person may begin to exhibit symptoms of sleep deprivation. A person who is sleep deprived will not be able to function well, may be irritable and easily distracted, and may be prone to errors and/or accidents.

 

Inability to stop crying and being emotionally labile. If a party is feeling weepy or teary, is crying very easily, or is experiencing rapid changes in mood(s), i.e. going from being happy to being very sad to being very angry to being irritated and tense, it may well be time to seek some assitstance.

 

Inability to make decisions–even minor ones. When one is overwhelmed emotionally, it becomes difficult to make decisions. What should I wear today? What should I do today? What shall I tell the children? Can I go to work? Can I face the persons with whom I work? Can I just stay home? Do I have to do anything today? It may seem as though it is impossible to make any decisions, and there may be fear that any decision made could be the “wrong” decision.

 

Inability to eat and/or eating in excess. Some persons may experience a loss of appetite or even nausea or vomiting due to the emotional trauma they are undergoing. Other persons may seek solace in food and overeat during the proceeding. Either can cause health problems and changes in one’s appearance and self-image.

 

Inability to function at work and/or at home. If a party is unable to perform or complete the expected tasks at the workplace, it is surely time to seek assistance. Likewise, if a party, often the woman, is unable to manage the household and/or to prepare meals, take care of the laundry, attend to housekeeping tasks, these are signals that assistance is needed.

 

Inability to concentrate and/or to remain focused on the task at hand. Persons experiencing these symptoms may not be able to complete assignments or projects as they are not able to remain focused. They may be trying to complete two to four different tasks and be unable to finish any of them.

 

Lack of attention to personal hygiene and appearance. Friends or family members of persons undergoing a divorce proceeding may notice that either party is becoming lax regarding cleanliness of person and/or clothing. Women may stop wearing makeup and/or taking care of their hair. Men may stop shaving and generally appear poorly groomed. It would be a kindness for family members and/or friends to talk with the party involved and to encourage them to seek assistance.

 

It must be recognized that seeking help is not a sign of “weakness” but a sign of “strength”! Getting

assistance in a timely manner can be very beneficial for the party experiencing any or all of the above signs/symptoms and is also bound to be beneficial for other family members who may be experiencing a “trickle down” effect from having one’s parent or loved one suffering from the negative emotions of being in a divorce proceeding.

 

Source:  “When to Seek Professional Counseling or Therapy During a Divorce,” by Anne Shale on Ohio Family Law Blog.