VA Benefits and Services

1 Version and ServicesVersion T I CIPAN T GUID ETable of ContentsIntroduction: VA Benefits and Services ..1 Welcome ..2 How VA Supports You ..3 Resources ..4 Proof of Military Service ..10 Qualifying Service in the Reserve Components ..18 Module 1: Navigating Your Journey ..19 Introduction ..20 Your Transition Journey ..21 Module 2: Supporting Yourself and Your Family ..25 Introduction ..26 What Are Your Needs? ..27 Service-Connected Disabilities ..28 Life Insurance Benefits ..36 Burial and Memorial Benefits ..47 Monetary Benefits for Survivors ..51 Managing Monetary Benefits and Fiscal Stewardship ..54 Module 3: Getting Career Ready ..57 Introduction ..58 Education and Training Resources ..59 Career and Employment Resources ..80 Summary of Education Benefits ..88 Module 4: Finding a Place to Live ..91 Introduction ..92 Comparing Locations.

2 93VA Home Loan Benefit ..96 Discovering Housing Options ..102 State and Local Benefits ..103 Module 5: Maintaining Your Health ..107 Introduction ..108VA Whole Health ..109VA Health Care Services ..114 Family Support ..12 2VA Mental Health Care Services ..12 5 Health Care Tools ..137 Making Informed Decisions ..141 Accessing VA Health Care ..147 Module 6: Connecting with Your Community ..151 Introduction ..152 Integrating into Your Community ..153 Community Support for Veterans ..15 4VA Resources ..157 Appendix A: Your Key Resources ..163 Appendix B: Your Personal Checklist ..165 Participant Guide | Version 4 .0iMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROW elcome to the VA Benefits and Services Participant GuideOn this page, we have highlighted interactive tools you can use to navigate the digital guide .Select this arrow to move to previous get a paper copy, select the Print to return to Table of to navigate to different this arrow to move to next 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROI ntroductionMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROINTRODUCTIONVA Benefits and ServicesMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROW elcomeWelcome to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits and Services , part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) curriculum.

3 This course is key to helping you understand the VA Benefits , Services and tools you have earned through your service to our country .The information included in this guide matters to all members of the U .S . Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components . It also applies to your families, caregivers and survivors .For more details about VA Benefits and Services and how they apply to you, please see your Benefits Advisor to set up a One-On-One Assistance session . Refer to Appendix A where you can write their contact information, along with any additional information and resources you need .Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: yDescribe how VA makes a difference to you and those in your life . yIdentify key VA resources available to support your transition . yDescribe how your character of discharge, type of service and length of service impact eligibility for VA Benefits .

4 Throughout this course, you will: yDescribe how your service impacts your eligibility for VA Benefits that can support you during and after your transition . yIdentify major stages of your transition journey that VA Benefits and Services may support . yDescribe how VA Benefits , Services and tools can help support you and your family . yDescribe how VA can help you prepare to get a job or career that fits your goals . yIdentify how VA can support your relocation and housing needs . yDescribe VA health care and resources and identify how to apply . yRecall resources for ongoing support during and beyond transition .Course Evaluation: yYour feedback helps us improve the course and provide a better transition experience for future Service members . yWhen instructed, complete the Transition Assistance Curriculum Participant Assessment at www .dodsurveys .mil/tgpsp . Participant Guide | Version 4.

5 02 MODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROHow VA Supports YouVA 101 You made sacrifices to keep our country and everything it represents safe from threats. This sacrifice is at the very core of our mission to fulfill President Abraham Lincoln s promise, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan, by serving and honoring the men and women who are America s Veterans . VA has three administrations (Figure 1) that work together to support this mission .Veterans Health Administration (VHA)National Cemetery Administration (NCA)Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)Health CareMemorial BenefitsHome Loans and Housing-Related AssistanceEducation and TrainingDisability CompensationEmployment ServicesPensionLife InsuranceFigure 1: VA s AdministrationsWe want you to choose VA when making important choices about your health, well-being, career, family support and much provides an exceptional level of service.

6 We want you to take advantage of the Benefits , Services and tools that VA offers to Veterans, Service members, members of the reserve components, families, caregivers and survivors .VA has three administrations to serve and deliver Benefits to Health Administration (VHA) is America s largest integrated health care system, serving nearly 9 million Veterans each year . VHA provides health care in all its forms at medical centers, clinics and Vet Centers .National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provides burial and memorial Benefits and maintains VA national cemeteries . NCA honors you and your eligible family members with lasting tributes that commemorate your service and sacrifice to our nation .Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) takes your applications and determines your eligibility for compensation, pension, education, home loan guaranty, life insurance, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) and Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), as well as provides Benefits assistance.

7 Participant Guide | Version 4 .03 IntroductionMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROR esourcesOVERVIEWThis Participant Guide serves as a key resource for you after you leave this this guide, you can find information on Benefits beyond what is covered in the classroom, including: ySummaries of VA Benefits and programs yEligibility requirements yHow to applyThis document and your notes from the course will be a valuable resource after you leave . You can also access this Participant Guide online at www . Benefits .va .gov/TAP .What support network is available for me?There is an entire network of support available to assist you, including:VA Medical CentersVA Regional OfficesCommunity PartnersLocal ResourcesVeterans Service Organizations, Military Service Organizations and Veteran Peer GroupsVA Benefits AdvisorsVA regional officescan help you and your families and survivors with Benefits including: yCompensation yEducation yInsurance yHome Loan Guaranty yPension yPCPG yVR&ETo find your nearest VA regional office, visit:www.

8 Va .gov/find-locations .Visit the website for your regional office to learn about the Services it provides, hours of operation and more . Participant Guide | Version 4 .04 IntroductionMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROMODULE 2 MODULE 3 MODULE 1 MODULE 4 MODULE 5 MODULE 6 APPENDIX AAPPENDIX BINTROA ctivity Worksheet: Create a DS LogonA DOD Self-Service Logon (DS Logon) Premium (Level 2) account allows you to view personal data about yourself in VA and DOD systems, apply for Benefits online, check the status of your claims, update your address information and much more . If you already have an account, but forgot your DS Logon or have other issues signing in, follow the links at the sign-in screen to reset your password or get help with any issues. To create a DS Logon, follow the step-by-step instructions provided in Table 1.

9 InstructionStep 1: Initiate DS Logon Account RegistrationFirst, navigate to VA .gov . Select the Sign in button at the top right of the screen and select the Sign in with DS Logon button . Then select the Need an Account? button .Step 2: Select Registration MethodThe DS LOGON Registration Procedures screen appears . Select the I have my Common Access Card (CAC) WITH access to a card reader option . Then select Continue .Step 3: Select RegisterThe Registration Process screen appears . Select the Register button .Step 4: Select a CertificateThe Select a Certificate window appears . Select your DOD certificate, and then select the OK button .Step 5: Create PasswordCreate your password according to the security requirements . Enter it in the Password field and enter it again in the Confirm Password field . yTo view the password as you enter it, select the Show Passwords check box.

10 YGreen check marks appear when the password has met each of the password security requirements listed .Select the Continue button .Step 6: Select Security QuestionsThe Challenge Question screen appears . Select your challenge questions from the drop-down menus and enter your answers in the fields provided below each question . Select the Continue button .Step 7: Review Security Image OptionsThe Security Image screen appears . You have the option to set a security image for your account . yIf you do not want to select a security image, select No (skip to Step 9) . yTo set a security image, select Ye s .Step 8: Select Security Image (Optional)If you selected Ye s in Step 7, the Security Image Selection screen appears . yTo view additional images, select the arrow at the bottom right of the screen . ySelect a security image, and then select the Save button .Step 9: DS Logon ConfirmationA confirmation screen appears.