The Department of Veterans Affairs — commonly called the VA — is a federal cabinet-level agency of the United States government responsible for providing benefits, services, and healthcare to the nation’s military veterans and in many cases their families and survivors. The VA is one of the largest federal agencies in the United States serving millions of veterans across the country through an extensive network of facilities programs and services.
Understanding what the VA does, what benefits it provides, and how to access its services can help veterans and their families take full advantage of the benefits they have earned through their military service.
History of the Department of Veterans Affairs
The roots of veterans benefits in the United States go back to the colonial era when the Plymouth Colony provided support to soldiers disabled in conflicts with Native Americans. The modern VA traces its origins to the establishment of the Veterans Bureau in 1921 which was later reorganized into the Veterans Administration in 1930. In 1989 the Veterans Administration was elevated to cabinet-level status and renamed the Department of Veterans Affairs under President Ronald Reagan.
Today the VA operates under the leadership of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and employs hundreds of thousands of people making it one of the largest employers in the federal government.
The three administrations of the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs is organized into three main administrations each responsible for a different category of benefits and services:
Veterans Health Administration — VHA The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States operating hundreds of VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and community living centers across the country. The VHA provides comprehensive medical care to eligible veterans including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, long term care, and rehabilitation services.
Veterans Benefits Administration — VBA The VBA administers the financial and other non-healthcare benefits provided to veterans and their families including disability compensation, pension benefits, education benefits, home loan guaranty, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, and survivor benefits. The VBA processes millions of claims each year through a network of regional offices located throughout the country.
National Cemetery Administration — NCA The NCA manages the national cemetery system providing burial benefits to eligible veterans and their families. The VA operates hundreds of national cemeteries across the country and provides burial flags, grave markers, and Presidential Memorial Certificates to the families of deceased veterans.
VA healthcare benefits
The VA healthcare system provides comprehensive medical care to eligible veterans. Services covered include:
- Primary care and preventive services
- Specialty care including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics
- Mental health services including treatment for PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders
- Prescription drugs through VA pharmacies
- Inpatient hospital and surgical care
- Rehabilitation services
- Long term care services
- Women’s health services
- Telehealth services
- Dental and vision care for eligible veterans
Eligibility for VA healthcare is based primarily on military service history. Veterans must enroll in the VA healthcare system to receive care and are assigned to priority groups based on factors including service-connected disability rating and income.
VA disability compensation
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to veterans who have a service-connected disability — an injury or illness that occurred or was aggravated during active military service. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the disability expressed as a percentage rating from zero to 100 percent.
Veterans with higher disability ratings receive higher monthly payments. Veterans rated at 100 percent receive the maximum compensation amount. Additional compensation may be available for veterans with dependents or certain severe disabilities.
VA pension
The VA pension is a needs-based tax-free monthly benefit available to eligible wartime veterans with limited income and a non-service-connected disability. Enhanced levels of the pension — the Housebound benefit and Aid and Attendance — provide additional monthly payments for veterans who need help with daily activities or are confined to their homes.
Education benefits
The VA administers several education benefit programs collectively known as the GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive current program providing tuition assistance, a housing allowance, and a book stipend to eligible veterans. Other programs include the Montgomery GI Bill and education benefits for dependents of certain disabled or deceased veterans.
Home loan guaranty
The VA home loan guaranty program helps eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses purchase homes with favorable terms including no down payment requirement in most cases, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. The VA does not make loans directly but guarantees a portion of loans made by private lenders reducing the lender’s risk and allowing more favorable terms for borrowers.
Life insurance
The VA offers several life insurance programs for veterans and service members including Servicemembers Group Life Insurance — SGLI — for active duty members, Veterans Group Life Insurance — VGLI — for veterans, and Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance — S-DVI — for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Survivor benefits
The VA provides several benefit programs for the surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation — DIC — for survivors of veterans who died from service-connected conditions, the Survivors Pension for low income survivors of wartime veterans, and educational assistance for dependents of certain disabled or deceased veterans.
How to contact the VA
The VA can be contacted through several channels:
- Online — at va.gov where veterans can access information about benefits, apply for benefits, and manage their accounts
- By phone — the VA benefits hotline is available at 1-800-827-1000. The VA health benefits hotline is available at 1-877-222-8387.
- In person — at VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and regional benefits offices located throughout the country
- Veterans Crisis Line — veterans in crisis can call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net
Getting help with VA benefits
Navigating the VA system can be complex. Free assistance is available through:
- Veterans Service Organizations — VSOs — organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and others provide free claims assistance and representation for veterans
- State veterans affairs agencies — most states have their own veterans affairs agencies that provide additional benefits and assistance
- VA accredited claims agents and attorneys — can represent veterans in VA claims and appeals
Key terms to know
- Department of Veterans Affairs — VA — the federal agency responsible for providing benefits and services to military veterans
- Veterans Health Administration — VHA — the VA component that operates the national veterans healthcare system
- Veterans Benefits Administration — VBA — the VA component that administers financial and other non-healthcare benefits
- National Cemetery Administration — NCA — the VA component that manages the national cemetery system
- Service-connected disability — an injury or illness related to military service for which disability compensation may be paid
- VA disability rating — a percentage assigned by the VA reflecting the severity of a service-connected disability
- Veterans Service Organization — VSO — a nonprofit organization providing free assistance to veterans with VA benefits
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
- Veterans Crisis Line — veteranscrisisline.net
- USA.gov — Veterans Benefits
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. VA benefit rules and procedures are subject to change. Visit va.gov or contact a Veterans Service Organization for the most current information specific to your situation.