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1. What is VA Disability Compensation?

Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you believe you are eligible for VA disability compensation and wish to apply, visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

2. What benefits and services are available for spouses and dependents of deceased veterans?

The Veterans Benefits Administration has created a "survivors" Web site for spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The Web site is organized into two broad categories - death in service and death after service. It provides website visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from and provides links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents. The Web site can be reached by clicking on the Benefits link on the VA home page and then the Survivor benefit link that appears in the dropdown box, or by going to: http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/

If you believe you are eligible for these benefits and wish to apply, visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

3. What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one?

The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for veterans to use at VA medical facilities. The VIC will be issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. The new card protects personal privacy by not showing Social Security Numbers or dates of birth on the front of the cards.

VA has Service Connected, POW and Purple Heart (PH) indicators on the new VIC. Veterans who have been awarded service-connected status after their VIC has been issued or SC status is not properly documented on their card, will need to present their letter showing their SC rating to the eligibility clerk at the local VA Medical Center where they obtain treatment. After verification, the eligibility clerk will submit a request to National Card Management Directory (NCMD) System for a new card to be issued to the veteran.

Once a veteran has his/her picture taken for the new card at the VA medical facility, the card will be mailed to the veteran at the address that has been provided. To ensure that a veteran receives the new VIC card, the veteran should please verify that VA has the correct address on file. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility at which the card was requested. The card will then be held in a secure location at the facility for 90 days. If the card is not picked up within the 90-day period, the card will be destroyed.

With regard to the use of veteran ID cards for store discounts, please note: If these are valid store discounts for Veterans, a Veteran's DD-214 and a driver's license or non-driver's license should be appropriate. The VIC is the only ID card offered for veterans by VA; if a store will not accept this proof of veteran status, please check with your State's division of Veterans Affairs to see if they offer this service.

For all information about Veterans Identification Cards (what it is, how to get one, what to do if lost or stolen, when it can be used, etc.)

4. Are dependents of veterans eligible to receive any benefits from VA?

For a dependent to receive benefits from the VA, the veteran needs to have been rated by the VA for a service-connected disability. If the veteran is deceased, certain minor dependents, or helpless adult children may be entitled to VA benefits. Please visit the following web sites for additional information: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/index.htm and http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/index.htm

5. How do I find out if I am eligible for any medical care or drug benefits?

You are eligible to apply for VA health care if you are a veteran of active military service and were discharged or released from service under honorable conditions, provided that you meet minimum duty requirements.

To apply for health care benefits, you will need to bring a copy of your discharge papers and information about your total yearly household income, medical expenses and any liquid assets to the Anoka County Veteran Services office. This information will be used by a CVSO to complete the VA health care application.

6. Do VA benefits cover nursing home care?

VA benefits provide for a range of long-term services which include, Nursing Home Care, Domiciliary Care, Adult Day Health Care, Geriatric Evaluation and Respite Care. Nursing home benefits may be provided if specific qualifications are met; those are: a veteran must be in need of such care and seeking nursing home care for a service-connected (SC) disability, OR is rated 60% SC and unemployable, OR is rated 60% SC and permanently and totally disabled (P&T) OR for any condition if the veteran has a combined SC disability rating of 70% or more. The care will be provided in a VA nursing home or contract nursing home. NSC and non-compensable zero percent SC veterans can apply for long term care in the VA but could be subject to long term care co-payments. Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability are exempt from long term care co-payments. NSC veterans applying for Extended Care or the Nursing Home Care Unit may be required to complete VA Form 10-10EC to determine the family's current income and assets. Veterans may be discharged from a VA Nursing Home Care Unit (NHCU) without consent when VA nursing home care is no longer needed; for example, if the veteran's needs can be met at home or in a private nursing home close to the family.

Veterans requiring nursing home care for a service-connected condition or a veteran rated 70% or more have mandatory eligibility for admission to Extended Care Services; and, those veterans are eligible to have indefinite care provided to them in the VA or in a VA contracted nursing home.

If you believe you are eligible for these benefits and wish to apply, visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

7. Can I have Medicare benefits and still receive health care services at VA?

Yes. VA Health care depends primarily on annual Congressional appropriations, VA encourages veterans to retain any health care coverage they may already have, especially those in the lower enrollment priority groups. Veterans with private health insurance or with federally funded coverage through the Department of Defense (TRICARE), Medicare, or Medicaid, may choose to use these sources of coverage as a supplement to their VA benefits.

8. Can I have my claim reconsidered even though denied in the past?

If you have new evidence to support your previously denied claim, you should send a written request to your VA regional office to have your claim reopened. Include the new supporting evidence (or information telling VA where the evidence can be obtained).

Visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

9. How long will it take to receive a decision on my compensation claim?

The length of time it takes to receive a decision depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. Currently most claims are being processed within six months, but can take longer in complex claims.

10. What is the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on VA health benefits?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.

If you are enrolled in VA health care, you have coverage under the standards of the health care law.

If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time to have coverage under the standards of the health care law. The health care law does not change VA benefits or out-of-pocket costs.

For assistance in applying for VA health care visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office.