Veterans Benefits Resources
Navigate your VA benefits with confidence. Select your status below for tailored information, or explore general resources further down.
Claims Application Tracker
Track your progress through the VA claims application process with our step-by-step guide
Claims Application Tracker
Track multiple VA disability claims and their progress
Select Your Status
Future Service Members
Planning to join? Learn how service choices impact future benefits.
Transitioning Out
Leaving service? Understand how to claim and use your earned benefits.
Veterans
Explore benefits like disability, pension, and learn how to manage them.
Military Families
Spouses and dependents: explore survivor benefits and other support.
Managing Your Veteran Benefits
Access and manage the benefits you earned through your dedicated service.
Disability Compensation Overview
Details on eligibility, how ratings work, and how to file or increase claims for service-connected conditions.
Pension Benefits Explained
Information on VA Pension for wartime veterans with limited income, including eligibility and Aid & Attendance. VA Pension is a needs-based benefit for veterans 65 or older, or those with permanent disabilities, who served during wartime and have limited income and resources.
Appealing a VA Decision
Understanding the options available if you disagree with a VA decision on your benefits claim. Long Story Short: Always appeal.
General Benefits Information & Resources
Official Benefits Resources
VA.gov Benefits Portal
The official VA website for managing all your benefits in one place, from disability compensation to healthcare enrollment.
- File disability claims online
- Track the status of pending claims
- Download benefit letters
- Update your personal information
VA Mobile Apps
Official mobile applications that provide convenient access to VA benefits and services on your smartphone or tablet.
- VA Health and Benefits (combined app)
- VA Benefit Verification Letter
- VA Benefits Navigator
- Smartphone access to all your benefits
eBenefits Portal
The eBenefits portal provides personalized tools that let you apply for and manage your VA benefits online.
- Apply for disability compensation
- Add dependents to your benefits
- Generate home loan certificates
- View your payment history
Community Tip: Filing and Documentation
When filing disability claims, get a VSO to help - they're free and know the system inside out. The American Legion, VFW, and DAV all have trained service officers.
Keep ALL your medical records, even ones that seem minor. That small injury from years ago might become a bigger issue later, and you'll need documentation.
Take advantage of VA healthcare enrollment within 12 months of discharge to establish immediate eligibility - don't wait until you need it.
For VA home loans, get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before house hunting. Some lenders can pull it instantly with your information.
If you're denied benefits, APPEAL! Many veterans get approved on appeal. You have one year from the denial date to file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about accessing and using VA benefits.
Benefits Categories
Disability Compensation
Tax-free monetary benefits for Veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred during active military service.
Learn MorePension Benefits
Need-based benefit paid to wartime Veterans who have limited or no income and who are 65 or older or have a permanent disability.
Learn MoreSurvivor Benefits
Financial support for spouses, children, and parents of Veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.
Learn MoreCommunity Tip: Healthcare Access
Get seen for ANY service-related health issues before leaving service - it's much easier to establish service connection this way. Do not let DS, peer-pressure or higher ups tell you otherwise. Your body, your future.
VA urgent care is now available at many civilian clinics - save the VA urgent care locator in your phone for emergencies.
You can get hearing aids and glasses through VA, even with a 0% service-connected rating for those conditions.
Mental health services are available same-day at VA facilities - you don't need an appointment for urgent mental health needs.
Community Care options are available if VA wait times are too long or if you live far from a VA facility - ask your VA provider about eligibility.
Community Resources & Groups
VA Disability Compensation Claims
A community of over 100,000 veterans helping each other navigate the VA claims process.
- Get advice on filing claims
- Share success stories
- Ask questions about the process
- Find emotional support from peers
r/VeteransBenefits Subreddit
An active Reddit community focused on helping veterans understand and maximize their VA benefits.
- Community-created knowledge base
- Weekly Q&A threads
- Success stories and advice
- Updates on VA policy changes
Veterans Benefits Discord
A Discord server where veterans can chat in real-time about benefits issues and get support.
- Chat channels for specific benefit types
- Voice chat support sessions
- File sharing for helpful documents
- Community events and webinars
Community Tip: Education Benefits
The GI Bill's housing allowance is based on the school's ZIP code - research this before choosing between online and in-person classes.
Many schools offer Yellow Ribbon programs to cover costs above the GI Bill cap - this can save you thousands at private universities.
You can use VR&E (Chapter 31) first, then use your GI Bill later - this effectively extends your education benefits.
Some certification programs can be paid for with GI Bill benefits AND give you housing allowance - great for IT certifications.
If you're using GI Bill for trade school, you might be eligible for additional stipends through veteran apprenticeship programs.
Tips & Tricks for VA Benefits
Keep Detailed Records
Document everything related to your service and medical conditions. Keep copies of all military records, medical reports, and correspondence with the VA. Having organized records can make the difference in successfully claiming benefits.
Work With a VSO
Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) provide free assistance with filing claims. Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV have trained representatives who can help navigate the process and advocate on your behalf.
Submit Intent to File
Before submitting a complete claim, consider filing an "Intent to File" form with the VA. This establishes your effective date for benefits while giving you up to a year to gather evidence and complete your application.
Get a Fully Developed Claim
The Fully Developed Claims program can lead to faster decisions. Submit all evidence with your claim instead of waiting for the VA to gather it, and include supporting statements from family, friends, or fellow service members.
Don't Give Up on Appeals
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Many veterans receive benefits after appealing initial denials. The new Appeals Modernization process offers multiple review options with different timelines.