BENEFIT SERVICES PROVIDED

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What is the difference between VA disability compensation and pension?

Compensation is paid to a veteran with a disability that is related to military service. While the disability need not be a result of performance of duty, it must have occurred or have been aggravated during military service. Pension eligibility is determined by the income of a war time veteran and the number of his or her dependents. To qualify for pension, a veteran must be permanently and totally disabled as determined by the VA.

 

I understand that the VA is required by law to recover costs from health insurers for non-service connected medical care provided to veterans covered by private insurance policies and plans. Since I don’t have medical insurance, will I lose my eligibility to receive VA care?

No. Whether or not you have insurance does not affect your eligibility for VA care. Neither does it have a bearing on your income level that determines your category of eligibility under the VA Means Test.

Will my insurance costs go up because VA bills my insurance for medical care?

To date, there have been no reported instances of insurers premiums being raised due to claims being filed by the government. Health insurance is intended to cover medical services listed in your policy. The premiums you, your spouse or your employer pay are for those services. Since you are using your policy to allow VA to recover costs, the insurance is being used as intended.

I got married recently. Does my wife automatically become the beneficiary of my VA insurance?

 Answer: No. You must notify the VA in writing that you wish to change your beneficiary and provide complete identification of the new beneficiary.

What is the best way for me to find out how to get a headstone from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)?

VA has established a single, nationwide, toll-free number to make it easier for veterans and their dependents to inquire about the veterans headstone and grave marker The number, 1-800-697-6947, connects callers to VA’s National Cemetery System’s Office of Memorial Programs in Washington, DC, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm (ET).

What is the average time for processing and receipt off the various grave markers from the VA’s Office of Memorial Programs (OMP)?

Generally, it takes approximately 60 days from receipt of application (VA Form 40-1330) to delivery of a headstone or marker to its destination. OMP processes the applications, on average, in 16 days. The contractors have 30 days to manufacture the headstone or marker. The remaining 14 days are for delivery.

Are Reservists and National Guard personnel eligible for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan?

Yes, if they have served for a least six years in the selected reserves, i.e., they attended weekend drills and annual active duty for training commonly referred to as summer camp.

Does VA establish the interest rate on VA-guaranteed home loans to veterans?

Legislation enacted in October 1992 lifted the requirement for VA to set interest rates. Under the law, interest rates and the payment of discount points are now a matter of negotiation between the veteran, seller and lender.

I’m planning to sell my home on which I have a VA-guaranteed loan. If I let someone assume my loan, will I still be potentially liable in case of default?

On VA home loans for which a commitment was issued on or after March 31, 1988, approval by VA of assumes is required, and if granted, the veteran is released from future liability, but such a release does not restore loan guaranty entitlement.

 

I am permanently and totally disabled and currently receive a pension check from the VA each month. Do I have to report my income to the VA should I decide to work or receive money from an inheritance?

If you are drawing a pension from the VA, all income and any changes in income are immediately reportable to the VA. Changes in dependency status are also immediately reportable to the VA. Failure to report these changes to the VA in a timely manner could cause an overpayment to you which will have to be paid back to the VA.

Veterans who draw compensation for service connected disabilities are not required to report income changes, but should report dependency changes to the VA whenever there is a change.

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