Veterans Benefits
A great number of veterans who have served their country may be eligible for a variety of benefits. The VA Hospitals and affiliated facilities provide health care through the Veterans Benefits Administration.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly the "VA") serves two important functions: medical care and benefits.
The Veterans Health Administration provides medical care to veterans and some of their dependants.
The Veterans Benefits Administration pays benefits to veterans for service connected disabilities, compensation to widows and families of veterans, and pensions to veterans and their widows who meet the income and asset limitations and are totally disabled or over age 65.
A veteran is someone who has served in the active military and who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Claims are initially filed with the VA, and are subject to various administrative and court appeals. The process is complex and often long. While the VA has a duty to assist veterans claiming benefits, the sheer numbers of veterans has overtaxed the resources of the VA and service organizations, and has at the same time created very long delays.
The law and regulations are quite complex. The assistance of an experienced attorney may be helpful in evaluating claims, securing evidence, and mustering arguments in support of claims.