Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Benefit Programs

VA offers a variety of benefits for servicemembers, veterans, survivors and dependents. As part of your transition process, be sure to research and verify your eligibility for each the following DVA programs:

For fact sheets that explain these DVA benefits, visit: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/

Additional DVA Program Information:
VA Disability Compensation
Disability compensation is a monthly benefit paid to veterans for disabilities incurred or aggravated during military service. The amount of benefit varies based on the degree of your disabilities and the number of your dependents. Entitlement is established from the date of separation if your claim is filed within one year following separation from service. Receipt of military longevity or disability retirement, disability severance pay, or separation incentives can affect the amount of VA compensation paid.
VA Health Care Benefits
VA provides free health care to veterans with combat service for conditions possibly related to military service for a period of two years, beginning on the date of their separation from active military service. Additionally, one-time dental treatment is available up to 90 days following separation if you were not provided treatment within the 90-day period preceding your separation. VA health care is also available while on active duty in emergency situations and upon referral by military treatment facilities or TRICARE. Veterans with disabilities that VA determines are related to their military service are entitled to free lifetime health care for those disabilities and are assigned to priority groupings in the VA health care system.
VA Insurance Benefits
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is low-cost life insurance for servicemembers and reservists. Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a program of post-separation insurance and allows servicemembers to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance.  If you have an SGLI policy and are totally disabled when you separate from service, you may be able to keep your SGLI coverage for up to 2 years at no cost. Traumatic Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) is a disability rider to the SGLI program that provides automatic traumatic injury coverage to all servicemembers covered under the SGLI program who experience certain severe losses due to traumatic injuries. If you have suffered such a loss, call 1-800-419-1473 to learn how to make a claim for the TSGLI benefit.
For more information, visit the VA website at http://www.va.gov
or Call Toll-Free:
Disability Benefits/General Information: 1-800-827-1000
Insurance: 1-800-669-8477
Education: 1-888-442-4551
Health Benefits: 1-877-222-8387




Note: This checklist is intended to be a quick reference for planning your DVA benefits. It is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for the DD 2648 or DD 2648-1. Additionally, you need to check your eligibility for any benefit with the appropriate agency.