FAQ
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Get answers to frequently asked questions about the VA claims process. Learn about your eligibility and how you can get prepared for filing your VA claim.
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Service
Yes, there are generally three ways that a claim can be expedited.
1. Advanced age over 85 years old
2. If the veteran has a terminal illness
3. If the veteran is homeless
Yes, the VA does offer burial benefits for veterans. These benefits may include a burial allowance, plot allowance, burial in a National Cemetery, transportation allowance, gravestone or marker, burial flag, and memorial certificates.
If you disagree with a decision made by VA, there is an appeal process; however, most appeals must be submitted within one year of VA's decision. The VA has several appeal options including Regional Office appeals and appeals at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
A DD214 is a military document that proves an individual's military service. It contains information such as the dates of service, locations served, military awards, and units served with. You can request a copy of your DD214 through the national archives.
The VA Intent to File (ITF) allows veterans or dependents to notify the VA that they will file a claim for benefits. This preserves the effective date of the claim for up to one year from the submission of the ITF and allows time to gather evidence for the claim. An ITF can be filed using VA Form 21-0996 and can be submitted to the VA using eBenefits, by calling the VA at (800) 827-1000, or by contacting an accredited representative.
DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of service members who died on active duty or veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Dependents of veterans who were totally disabled due to service-connected conditions for 10 years prior to their passing are also eligible for DIC.
Note on remarrying:
If a surviving spouse of a veteran remarries before age 55, all DIC benefits will be terminated. If remarried after 55, DIC remains active.
Survivors Pension is a needs-based benefit available to un-remarried surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of deceased wartime veterans. Similar to Non-Service Connected Pension for veterans, the surviving dependent will qualify based on income limits, net worth limits, and the service requirements of the veteran.
VA pre-need burial is a program that allows eligible veterans and their families to get an advance determination of their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. This helps simplify the process for family members after the veteran's death by pre-determining eligibility for benefits like a grave, headstone, grave liner, and burial flag.