Federal Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs, which is commonly referred to as the VA, is a federal agency divided into three branches, each with their own distinct operations. They are the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

1. Veterans Health Administration (VHA):

The VHA provides a full range of healthcare for Veterans, to include perscriptions, surgery, counseling and rehabilitation. New combat Veterans are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any illness potentially related to their service in the combat theater. Service Members may take advantage of this benefit for a 5-year period following separation from military service, even if there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that conditions are attribuable to such service.

• Dental Exam - You may be elibigle for a free dental exam through the VA Medical System. You need to apply for the dental exam at your nearest VA Hospital WITHIN 180 DAYS of de-mobilization to be eligible for the free dental exam.

• Women's Programs - The VA provides specialized physical and mental wellness programs for women veterans. Women Veterans Coordinators are available at all VA facilities to assist women seeking treatment and benefits.

• VET Centers - Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all Veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military issues. Vet Centers are located in the community, outside of the larger medical facilities. Visit the Vet Centers Web site or see below for the list of Vet Centers that service the surrounding areas:
  • Duluth Vet Center: 218-722-8654
  • Saint Paul Vet Center: 654-644-4022
  • Fargo Vet Center: 701-237-0942
  • Sioux Falls Vet Center: 605-330-4552
  • For more information: 1-800-905-4675

To utilize the VA and receive care, Veterans generally must be enrolled with the VA. A Veteran may apply for enrollment at any time by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). VA form 10-10EZ can be filled out online, but MUST be signed and mailed or delivered to the enrollment office at the VA Medical Center. You are not enrolled until the signed form is received in the enrollment office along with your DD214 (member four) copy. The VA Medical Centers that service the surrounding area are:

• VA Medical Center, OIF/OEF Point of Contact Minneapolis: 612-467-3757
• VA Medical Center, OIF/OEF Point of Contact Saint Cloud: 320-255-6453
• VA Medical Center, OIF/OEF Point of Contact Sioux Falls: 605-336-3230 ext. 96983
• VA Medical Center, OIF/OEF Point of Contact Fargo: 701-239-3700 ext. 93787

VHA Resources Available to assist:
Naitonal OEF/OIF VA Web site : Click here
MNARNG Contact Point: 651-268-8846
MMSO Office: 1-888-647-6676
TRICARE Dental: 1-888-622-2256

2. Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA):

The VBA administers federal benefit programs. The programs include the following:

• Disability Compensation - helps Veterans with conditions reulting from their military service. Those conditions may include hearing loss, an injured back, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Verterans receiving Disability Compensation will receive free care for their service-connected conditions, may receive a monthly payment, and may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation to help them return to work. Receiving payments does not bar continued service in a reserve component.

• Life Insurance Benefits - If you are in the military or have recently separted from the military, you may be eligible for life insurance. Insurance programs are currently available to new policyholders.
  • Service Members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) - open to active-duty members and reservists of the uniformed services
  • Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) - open to individuals released from active duty and separated reservists if applied for within 16 months of release or separation
  • Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) - open to Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Application must be made within 2 years of receiving a service-connected disability rating
  • Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) - open to Veterans who are granted specially adapted housing grants

• Home Loan Benefits - The VA does not directly loan money, but it guarantees the lender against loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan. VA loan guarantees are made to Service Members, Veterans, reservists, and unmarried surviving spouses to purchase, construct, repair, or improve a dwelling that the Veteran will own and occupy as his or her home. For more information, or other related home benefits topics, please call 1-800-827-1000 or visit the VA Home Loan Web site.

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits (VR&E) - The VR&E program assisted Veterans with service-connected disabilites by offering them services and assistance to prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment. For more information, click here.

3. National Cemetary Association (NCA):

The NCA operates programs to memorialize Veterans. Veterans may receive a free government headstone to mark their grave, even in private cemeteries. National Cemetery staff will assist in arranging for the honors to be provided. For more information on burial benefits, please call 1-800-827-1000 or visit the NCA Web site.


More "Veteran Benefits" pages:
Veteran Benefits
Minnesota State Benefits
TRICARE

---