[CO-CURE] NOTICE: Comprehensive VA Benefits Guide Available Free on the Internet

[Guest guest]

[Moderators' Note: This may be of general interest to

patients and others with prior US military service. Our

thanks to Carol Lavrich for providing us with this

information.]

New online VA benefits guide available

By Sgt. 1st Class Kathleen T. Rhem, USA American Forces

Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2002 -- The Department of Veterans

Affairs has made its comprehensive benefits guide available

for free on the Internet.

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

http://www.va.gov/pubaff/fedben/Fedben.pdf

is a 100-page handbook describing benefits provided by the

VA and an overview of programs and services for veterans

provided by other federal agencies.

VA officials estimate most of America's 25 million veterans

qualify for at least some VA benefits, but many are unaware

of their entitlements. This handbook includes a listing of

toll-free numbers, World Wide Web information resources,

and VA facilities.

Most veterans are eligible for healthcare and burial

benefits. Many are also eligible for home loan guarantees,

educational assistance, vocational rehabilitation, life

insurance, and compensation for service-connected

disabilities.

This guide explains how to access many of these benefits

online. For instance, it provides a Web address and

instructions for enrolling via the Internet into the VA

healthcare system. The book describes in detail the

priority for care and services available. Separate sections

describe specialized services available to Gulf War

veterans and those exposed to Agent Orange or radiation.

The Montgomery GI Bill and other education benefits are

explained in depth. Burial benefits and employment service

are also covered, as are rate charts for the various forms

of compensation VA provides.

The book can be purchased through the Government Printing

Office for $5 for U.S.-based customers and $6.25 for those

overseas by calling toll-free . By providing

it online at www.va.gov/opa/feature/, the VA hopes to make

the information available to more veterans.

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