Celebrating Veterans Day: Important Vital Records for Veterans Benefits

If you’re one of the millions of veterans who’ve served our nation during  the course of U.S. history, you’re familiar with the upcoming day recognizing your service – Veterans Day. This day of recognition, which is always observed  on November 11th, falls on a Friday this year. The holiday is meant specifically to thank and honor the men and women who’ve served our great country. Whether you served recently or decades ago, Veteran Benefits are available to assist you long after your military service is complete..

Veteran Benefits Explained:

To be eligible for Veteran benefits, you must meet minimum military duty requirements  and have been honorably discharged or released in good standing with the U.S. Government. A dishonorably discharged veteran is not eligible for any type of federal benefits.. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommends applying for Veteran benefits so they may determine your eligibility. To apply for veteran benefits, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has a series of requirements you will need to meet depending on the type of benefit you’re looking to receive. For example, as of July 5, 2016, all veterans looking to receive health benefits will be required to carry a VHIC (Veteran Health Identification Card). In order to obtain a VHIC, you must be enrolled in the VA health care system. Since the VHIC can also be used to access U.S. military bases, and in certain instances may be used to process through security at U.S. airports , you will be required to provide two forms of identification when applying for your VHIC. The  important vital records you might need  to receive Veteran benefits may include  a certified copy of a birth certificate or a certificate of birth abroad, a social security card as well as a military ID, passport, or  Veterans ID card.

What are the benefits for a Veteran?

If you’ve honorably served the U.S. military,  there are four major benefits programs available to you.

1. Disability Compensation
2. Veteran’s Pension Programs
3. Reduced cost or free medical Care through VA medical facilities
4. Educational Programs

Additional services that fall under these four categories include caregiver support, life insurance, mortgage assistance and spousal benefits after a Veteran’s death.

The important first step in obtaining Veteran benefits is having all your vital records and other documentation ready and available when you begin the application process. This should make gaining access to your benefits a much smoother process. If you’re one of the more than 20 million Veterans who’ve served this country honorably,  we thank you for your service.