Benefits for Veterans in the United States

U nited States veterans discharged from active service under honorable conditions are eligible for certain benefits provided by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). They include VA Health benefits, Burial and Memorial Services, among others that will be explained below. Health Benefits Veterans are granted inpatient hospital services and outpatient services. These include surgery, mental health, pharmacy, radiology, orthopedics and physical therapy. Compensation and Pensions Disability compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to veterans for disease or injury that occurred or was aggravated while serving. Dependency and indemnity compensation is a tax free monetary benefit paid to a financially dependent surviving parent, spouse or child of a veteran who died in active service, or from other service related causes like disease or disability. Special monthly compensation is paid to veterans, spouses, parents. This tax free benefit covers special circumstances like the need for attendance by another person or the need for aid following accidents that result in disability. Education and training If veterans wish to further their education after service, they are eligible for education and training programs like Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance Program, and Survivors' and Assistance Program. These benefits are crucial when adjusting to civilian life, and can be used for traditional degrees and non-college degrees, apprenticeships, licensing and certification. Home Loans and Insurance These are mortgage loans made by private lenders and guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs. These loans help veterans or spouses become homeowners, or repair, retain, build, or adapt a home. They include Purchase Loans, Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, Cash out Refinance Loan, Adapted Housing Grants and Native American Direct Loan Program. Veterans are eligible for Life insurance together with their spouses and children. Insurance benefits from VA include Veterans Group Life Insurance, Family Service members' Group Life Insurance, Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance and Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits here enlighten veterans on finding out the best employment opportunities and tackle any related training they may need. These include: Educational and Vocational Counseling, Independent Living Program, VOW to Hire Heroes- Vocational Rehabilitation and VetSuccess. Burial and Memorial Services These benefits help reimburse burial costs of veterans and their dependents. For veterans, they include burial at a national cemetery, burial flag for the casket, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, headstone and marker and/or medallion, Military Funeral Honors, and Survivor Benefits.