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Veterans Benefits Newsletter

March 2023

Report and Prevent VA Benefit Scams

Scammers are targeting Veterans and their VA benefits through misleading commercials, emails, texts, cold calls, or online ads. Some may even pose as someone from VA or an organization providing discounts on fees for services. But VA never charges you for processing a claim. Keep your benefits safe from fraudsters by knowing what to look out for and reporting fraudulent activity to the VA Office of Inspector General Hotline or call 1-800-488-8244.

Find Free Support from VA-Accredited Reps

If you would like help understanding or applying for VA benefits you may be entitled to, a VA-accredited representative can help free of charge. These representatives include Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), attorneys, and claims agents who have undergone a formal application and training process recognized by VA. Find an accredited representative near you.

Pension Payments for Eligible Survivors

VA’s Survivors Pension program offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. If you're a surviving spouse or child of a deceased wartime Veteran, find out if you're eligible and how to apply.

GI Bill Covers On-the-Job Training Programs

Did you know your GI Bill benefits can be used to receive on-the-job training or apprenticeships? If you are a Veteran or currently serve in the Guard or Reserve, VA can help you pay for books, supplies, and housing while you are training for a new career. Find out if your training program is approved for VA education benefits.

Increased Disability for Time in a Hospital

Have you spent time in a VA medical center or a VA-approved hospital for a disability related to your military service? If so, you may be eligible to get added disability compensation or benefits with a temporary 100% disability rating for the time spent in the hospital. Find out if you qualify and how to file a special claim.

Request a Higher-Level Review for Your Appeal

Disagree with VA's decision on your claim? Veterans can request a higher-level review (HLR) of a benefits claim decision. As part of the HLR process, VA offers an optional one-time informal conference. This allows a Veteran or their representative to speak directly with a higher-level reviewer assigned to complete the decision review. Learn how to sign up for an HLR informal conference.

FAST Way to Process Fiduciary Claims

Fiduciaries protect Veterans and other beneficiaries who, due to injury, disease, or age, are unable to manage their financial affairs. With VA's online Fiduciary Accounting Submission Tool (FAST), the accounting submission process for fiduciaries is easier than ever. Learn how to access and navigate FAST.

DAV Provides a Lifetime of Support

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free, professional assistance to help Veterans and their families get the benefits they’ve earned. DAV works with you to achieve personal victories, great and small, such as being able to provide for your families, overcome homelessness, finish your education, access vital funds, and even gather together with fellow Veterans to share good times. Find DAV programs and services that meet your specific needs!

Read the VBA Annual Benefits Report

The Annual Benefits Report summarizes VA benefit programs delivered over the past year, identifies the current level of program participation, and profiles the beneficiaries. Learn how VBA is helping deliver the benefits you have earned and deserve.

Upcoming Events

Mar. 9 – Women Veterans Outreach Symposium

Mar. 15 – Financial Mistakes to Avoid

Mar. 30 – Homeless & Justice-Involved Veteran Outreach Symposium

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