Guides on VA benefits, the claims process, and state-specific programs. Written by a veteran and former VA employee.
A step-by-step guide to filing a VA disability claim in 2026 — the three elements the VA needs to grant a claim, how to gather evidence, how to file, and what happens next.
FeaturedThe PACT Act added 300+ presumptive conditions for toxic exposure veterans. See the full list of new conditions, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step filing instructions for 2026.
FeaturedThese common VA claim errors lead to lower ratings and outright denials. Learn how to avoid missing secondary conditions, botching your C&P exam, filing without an Intent to File, and more.
FeaturedThe VA uses a formula — not addition — to combine disability ratings. A 50% + 30% = 65%, not 80%. Step-by-step examples, the bilateral factor, and how to calculate your combined rating.
TDIU pays compensation at the 100% rate if your service-connected disabilities prevent you from working — even if your combined rating is only 60% or 70%. See eligibility, 2026 pay, and how to apply.
The VA provides national cemetery burial, headstones, burial flags, and burial allowances. Here is what is covered in 2026, the current amounts, filing deadlines, and how to plan ahead.
When the VA approves your claim, back pay reaches back to your effective date. Here is how effective dates work, the one-year rule, the Intent to File, and AMA appeals.
From filing to decision, here is a realistic 2026 timeline of a VA disability claim — the eight stages, how long it takes, and what happens during evidence gathering.
A nexus letter can decide a VA claim. Learn what one is, when you need it, the "at least as likely as not" standard, who can write one, and what it costs.
How VA disability ratings actually work: the 0%–100% scale, how VA math combines multiple ratings, what each percentage pays monthly in 2026, and the extra benefits unlocked at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%.
Comparing the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31). Learn which is better for your situation and whether you can use both.
Beyond federal VA benefits, every state offers its own veteran benefits — from property tax exemptions and free hunting licenses to state education programs and vehicle registration waivers.
How the VA home loan works, who qualifies, and why it's consistently rated the best mortgage product available. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates.
CHAMPVA has no monthly premium and covers families of 100% P&T disabled veterans. TRICARE covers military retirees. Compare eligibility, costs, and coverage side by side.
Property tax exemptions for veterans vary wildly by state. Some offer full exemptions at 100% disability, others start as low as 10%. Here's what you need to know.
Your service-connected disability may qualify you for additional ratings. PTSD commonly links to sleep apnea, migraines, and GERD. See the most common secondary conditions and how to file.
VA healthcare eligibility is based on priority groups. Your group determines your copays, travel reimbursement, and access to services. Here's how to find your group.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides tax-free monthly payments to surviving spouses and children of veterans. Here's who qualifies and how to apply.
When the VA can't provide timely care, veterans can get treatment from private providers through the Community Care program. Here's how it works.
Veterans who want to start or grow a business have access to SBA loans, federal contracting preferences, and training programs. Here's what's available.
The VA provides comprehensive mental health services including therapy, psychiatry, crisis support, and specialized programs for PTSD, substance use, and more.
Aid and Attendance provides additional monthly compensation for veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. Here's who qualifies.
How to get the most value from your GI Bill, VR&E, and other education benefits — from choosing the right program to stacking benefits for your family.
The VA offers several life insurance programs for veterans and service members. Here's a comparison of SGLI, VGLI, and Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife).
Veterans get hiring preference for most federal jobs. Here's how the points system works, which jobs qualify, and how to claim your preference.
The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers provides stipends, training, healthcare, and respite care. Here's who qualifies.
Denied a VA claim? You have three appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act. Here's how supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and Board appeals work.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) provides extra payments for veterans with severe disabilities. From loss of limbs to housebound status, here's what qualifies.
VSOs provide free help with VA claims, appeals, and benefits. Here's how to choose between the DAV, VFW, American Legion, and other organizations.
VA dental benefits are more limited than medical benefits, but several categories of veterans qualify. Here's who's eligible and what's covered.
Guard and Reserve members earn veteran benefits differently than active duty. Here's what you're eligible for based on your service type and activation history.
VA disability ratings gain increasing protection over time. Here's how the 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year rules work to protect your rating from reduction.
Military and veteran spouses have access to education benefits, healthcare, career programs, and more. Here's what's available depending on the veteran's status.
Presumptive conditions allow veterans to skip proving a service connection. Here's the current list for Agent Orange, burn pits, Gulf War illness, and more.
The VA provides grants up to $109,986 to help disabled veterans modify or build accessible homes. Here's how the SAH and SHA grant programs work.
Combat veterans have access to additional benefits beyond standard veteran programs, including enhanced healthcare, combat-related special compensation, and more.
Leaving the military for medical reasons can happen through retirement or separation, and the difference significantly affects your benefits. Here's what you need to know.
Your data never leaves your browser when you use Vet Debrief. Here's exactly how the tool works to keep your information private and secure.
From free tax preparation and legal help to free national park passes and discounts, here's a roundup of free services available to all veterans.
You've completed your briefing and have a list of benefits you may qualify for. Here's a step-by-step action plan for filing the claims you qualify for.
Knowing when the VA covers emergency room visits at non-VA hospitals can save you thousands. Here are the rules and what to do after an ER visit.
VA disability compensation increases each year with COLA adjustments. Here's how COLA works, when increases take effect, and how it impacts your benefits.
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) lets qualifying military retirees receive their full retirement pay and VA disability compensation without offset.
Practical tips for veterans using the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program to maximize education and career benefits.
There are several types of veteran ID cards — VHIC, VIC, state veteran designation, and retired military ID. Here's which ones you should have and why.
Most veterans don't know the VA will reimburse travel costs for medical appointments. Here's who qualifies, how much you can get, and how to file.
A state-by-state overview of hunting and fishing license benefits for veterans, including which states offer free lifetime licenses for disabled veterans.
When a financial crisis hits, these veteran-specific emergency assistance programs can help with rent, utilities, food, and more — often within days.
Your VA benefits extend to your family. Here's a comprehensive look at healthcare, education, and financial benefits available to veteran dependents.