Hey Veterans, Did You Know?

... Type II diabetes may qualify you for VA benefits?

If you develop Diabetes Mellitus (Type II), you are eligible for VA health care benefits and a monthly disability check. Due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, there are currently 17 listed diseases that automatically qualify you to receive compensation. Conditions secondary to diabetes are also covered, including neuropathy, chronic kidney failure and heart disease. Refer to the Resource Center on Page 5 of this publication and contact your Veterans Services Officer (VSO) for more information or for assistance in filing a claim. This is a free service.

... Veteran discounts can be accessed with a Veterans Identification Card (VIC)?

A Veteran ID Card (VIC) is a form of photo ID you can use to get discounts offered to veterans at many restaurants, hotels, stores and other businesses. Find out if you’re eligible for a veteran ID Card and how to apply at www.va.gov/records/getveteran-id-cards/vic.

... Veterans and families receive free access to national parks, recreation areas?

The National Park Service in partnership with Operation Live Well would like to thank military personnel and families for their service and invite them to enjoy national parks. Since Veterans Day 2020, Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans can receive free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. The free access program is a way to thank America’s veterans and Gold Star Families for their support of our country and to encourage them to explore recreational opportunities on their public lands and waters. On Nov. 11, 2020, agencies began issuing Interagency Military Passes to veterans and Gold Star Families upon request and with proof of eligibility. The entrance fee waiver does not cover expanded amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, transportation, special recreation permits, reservation fees, or special tours. For more information visit store.usgs.gov/ faq#US-Military.

... Veteran housing benefit laws have expanded?

Many veterans may find themselves moving to a new address as they take advantage of the Department of Veterans Affairs expanded home loan program, which now includes additional benefits for eligible borrowers. The VA is currently implementing Public Law 116315 containing loan provisions for Vietnam War era veterans, eligible National Guard members, and service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses with VA-guaranteed loans.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an estimated 35 million people will relocate this year. These numbers could increase with the following expansions: •Expanded criteria for eligibility among Vietnam-era veterans to those whose wartime service began on or after Nov. 1, 1955. The previous start date was Feb. 28, 1961. •Enhanced access to service members and some veterans of the National Guard. The new statutory authority extends eligibility to members of the National Guard who have been mobilized to perform full-time guard duty for at least 90 cumulative days, with 30 days being consecutive.

Service members, veterans, and certain survivors with VA-guaranteed home loans or VA direct loans whose residences have been substantially damaged or destroyed in an area declared a major disaster by the President are now eligible to be charged a first-time use funding fee on a VA-guaranteed loan rather than a subsequent use funding fee. The borrower’s next VA-guaranteed loan must be for the repair of the damaged or destroyed residence or purchase or construction of a new home closed within three years of the Presidential disaster declaration.

... If you're concerned about a veteran who's homeless or at risk of becoming homeless ...

Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You or the veteran can talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.

For local help see “How Can I Get Help?” on Page 5.