Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Supporting Veterans with Crucial Programs

May 6, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many important and fundamental veteran benefits and programs. Unfortunately, the majority of the veterans in this country are completely unaware of these programs. Without awareness, veterans cannot take advantage of owed veterans' benefits. 

Only approximately 8 million of the 23 million veterans in this country are actively taking advantage of their due VA benefits. Congressional actions have made more benefits and programs available than ever before. Simultaneously, Congress relaxed the eligibility standards needed to make veterans eligible for their benefits.  

Of all the VA benefits available, there are 8 core programs to support veterans in their civilian lives. For many, these programs not only offer needed help, but hope for those veterans suffering. These 8 programs are:    

• Disability compensation
• War veteran pensions
• VA Health care
• In-home care
• Assisted living
• Prescription drug plans
• Nursing Home Care
• VA-guaranteed mortgages

As far as assessing veterans' personal income, eligibility for veterans' benefits is less stringent than Medicaid. Neither homes nor Federal Aid are counted in the assessment, unlike Medicaid. Finally, veterans can have up to $80,000 in personal savings and investments and still be eligible for both VA pensions and health care.

Every state's VA offices are staffed with personnel who can help veterans register for benefits. Because of the VA's excessive amount of red tape, the VA itself strongly encourages veterans to use a representative such as a VA lawyer, to help with the process. Experienced advocates can only make the process easier.