What benefits are available from the VA?
The VA offers many types of benefits available to the men and women who have served on Active Duty or with Reserve Components of the U.S. Armed Forces, including, but not limited to:
Healthcare
Disability Compensation
Disability Pension
Survivor and Dependent Benefits
Education Benefits
Life Insurance
Burial Benefits
Home Loans
For more information on these and other VA benefits, please see the VA's benefits fact sheets webpage.
How do I apply for VA healthcare benefits?
Veterans can enroll in the VA Health Care System by:
- Applying in person at any VA Medical Center or VA clinic
- Applying online at: https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez
- Mailing or faxing a completed VA form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Care Benefits, to the VA Medical Center or VA clinic of their choice.
Enrollment assistance can be obtained by calling the VA's Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387, or by calling your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).
Are Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom veterans eligible for VA Healthcare?
VA healthcare benefits are available to veterans who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations. Free medical care is available for a period of five years from discharge from active duty. Each VA Medical Center has a Point of Contact to assist with OEF/OIF veterans with accessing care.
North Chicago Office (224) 610-4708
Who can provide assistance with my VA claim?
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are organizations or individuals who help veterans or beneficiaries with their claims without charge. VSOs can help with questions about your claim, and they also can act on your behalf regarding your claim with the VA. See the VA's online Directory of Veterans Service Organizations for VSO contact information.
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
Copies of military personnel and service medical records that are on file at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), including Reports of Separation (DD Form 214 or equivalent), can be made available upon request to veterans and the next-of-kin of deceased veterans. Next-of-kin is defined as the father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister, and the un-remarried widow or widower of the deceased veteran.
In November 2007, the NPRC opened to the public the military personnel records of individuals separated from the military prior to 1946. Each year, additional military personnel records will be made available to the public for individuals who have been discharged, deceased or retired for at least 62 years.
For information on how to request military records, please visit the NPRC's military records request page, or contact the NPRC at:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132
Phone: (314) 801-0800
How can I get replacement medals?
Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals. The Standard Form (SF 180), Request Pertaining to Military Records, is recommended for requesting medals and awards. Provide as much information as possible and send the form to the appropriate address from the following:
Army
National Personnel
Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
Air Force
National Personnel
Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
Navy
Navy Personnel Command
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
Marine Corps
Navy Personnel Command
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
Coast Guard
Navy Personnel Command
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
