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    I Lost TRICARE, now what?
    Government benefits; the gift that keeps on giving. Until they decide not to. Last month I got this nifty letter from PERS-954 “Reference (a) dictates that your pay and all benefits will be terminated after three years on the TDRL, unless your final disposition is determined at an earlier date….
  • How does the VA rate depression?
    I’ve had a wildly emotional day.Not really sure why I didn’t realize it would totally wipe me out. I was planning on going to the car dealership today but that definitely didn’t happen. After 3 long years I finally got my TDRL* re-assessment and the interviewer ended the conversation with:“So……
  • Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Briefing on VA Benefits
    If you have not taken the on-line course or attended the classroom briefing for the TAP briefing on VA benefits, you still have time. The TAP briefing on VA benefits provides information regarding VA benefits that may be available to separating or retiring Service Members, including Active Duty, National Guard,…
  • VA Education Benefits – Predischarge
    With only six months left in your current obligation you might now be deciding whether to leave your active duty career for the civilian life. We know you have several important decisions to consider when planning for your future. As Director of Education Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs,…
  • Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)
    If you are a Service member, you may be able to transfer your unused VA educational benefits to your spouse or children. In order to transfer educational benefits to a family member, Service members must transfer education benefits prior to retirement, separation, or release from active duty or the Selected…
  • About the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program
    If you have between 180 – 90 days left on active duty you may be eligible to participate in the joint VA/DoD Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) Program. This program is designed to give Service members an early start in the disability claims process. We encourage you to find out…
  • VA Home Loan Benefit Reminder
    This is a reminder notice that you may be eligible for the VA Home Loan Program. If you are interested in obtaining more information on VA home loans, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/   25 Emails You Get From The VA During Separation TweetShareSharePin0 Shares
  • Returning Combat Veterans: Do I have PTSD?
    You have honorably defended our Nation in time of war. We know that some warriors experience wounds of war that are not always visible. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, remember that it is a sign of strength to seek help and support. For information…
  • About Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Services
    Dear Transitioning Servicemember or Veteran, Are you utilizing training through the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program or one of VA’s educational programs, such as the Post 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bills? Did you know VA’s VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program currently supports 104…
  • Returning Combat Veterans: Help for Invisible Wounds
    You served our Nation honorably and well overseas. Now, you deserve to enjoy stateside life to the fullest as a proud veteran. If you are experiencing difficulties readjusting to civilian life, perhaps reintegrating with your family, friends or co-workers, remember that it is a sign of strength to seek help…
  • About the VA Veterans Crisis Line and Veterans Chat
    VA offers a Veterans Crisis Line staffed by trained professionals. The Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day to help in an immediate crisis. There is also a Chat Service where Veterans can have one-to-one conversations with Crisis Line counselors. If you are concerned that someone in your life…
  • About My HealtheVet
    My HealtheVet is VA’s online Personal Health Record. Launched nationwide in 2003, My HealtheVet is the gateway to web-based tools that empower you to become a partner in your own health care. Using My HealtheVet, you and your caregiver can access trusted, secure health and benefits information at your convenience….
  • About the Women Veterans’ Health Program
    The Women Veterans’ Health Program is here to help you. Our mission is to monitor and coordinate VA health care and programs for women Veterans. We strive to provide the best health care for women Veterans, including primary care, preventive health, gynecology, and maternity services. We are equipped to provide…
  • About Enhanced VA Benefits for Combat Veterans
    If you are a Veteran who has served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, you may be eligible for enhanced VA health care benefits. This includes five years (post-discharge) of cost-free health care for any injury or illness associated with your combat service. After the five-year…
  • About VA’s Chapter 36 Vocational Counseling Services
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Service understands you are in the process of separating from the military. As such, the VR&E program may be able to assist you while you transition. The National Defense Authorization Act established VR&E eligibility and automatic entitlement for…
  • Returning Veterans: Rethinking Drinking
    You have served honorably overseas – maintain that military pride stateside! Now that you have returned home, if you drink, please do so in ways that keep you safe and healthy. And if you are a Veteran interested in learning more about health and wellness issues related to alcohol, tobacco…
  • Are you looking for a job with the Federal Government?
    If you’re looking for Federal employment, check out this Federal agency Point of Contact (POC) list here: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/AgencyDirectory/index.aspx These Federal POCs are responsible for promoting Veterans’ recruitment, employment, training and development, and retention within their respective agencies. Veterans are encouraged to contact these individuals for specific information on employment opportunities…
  • Returning Veterans: Potential environmental exposures during your military service
    OEF/OIF/OND Veterans may have health concerns related to potential environmental exposures while they were on active duty, which can include: – Animal contacts, including bites – Airborne pollutants from burn pits and other sources – Infectious diseases – Depleted uranium – Toxic embedded fragments – Chromium at the Qarmat Ali…
  • About Eligibility for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance
    Have you received a new VA service-connected disability rating of 0% or more after you separated from the service? If so, you may be eligible for up to $10,000 of Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI), if you apply within two years of notification of your new rating. If you are totally…
  • About VA Healthcare Enrollment and Eligibility Determination
    You are receiving this message because you may qualify for VA Healthcare. To start the application process, you first need to complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits. If you want to apply right away, complete the form online by following the link provided at the end of this…
  • Transitioning from SGLI to VGLI Coverage
    Your SGLI coverage ends 120 days after you separate from service. If you would like to continue your coverage, you can apply for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). You have one year and 120 days to apply for VGLI. If you apply within 240 days of your date of separation,…
  • Free extension of SGLI coverage after separation if you are totally disabled
    If you have a disability that prevents you from working or makes it difficult to work OR you have one of the conditions listed below regardless of your employment status, you may qualify for an extension of the SGLI coverage you had in service at no cost to you. If…
  • VA Home Loan Benefit
    Our records indicate that you may now be eligible to obtain a VA home loan. If you are currently thinking about purchasing a home, visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/elig2.asp to help you determine if you are eligible for the VA Home Loan Program. Note that eligible veterans must still meet credit and income…
  • Resources for State Veterans’ Benefit
    Do you know that many states offer unique Veterans’ benefits? These benefits may include educational grants and scholarships, special exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes, home loans, veterans’ homes, free hunting and fishing privileges, and more. State Veteran Affairs Departments are great resources for benefits information. You can visit…
  • Are you looking for a good job?
    Federal jobs are available across our country and around the world! Transitioning Veterans have technical skills in areas of critical importance, and many also already have security clearances required for some Federal positions. Take advantage of the variety of resources that can help you apply and be competitive for these…
  • About VA Services for Homeless Veterans
    In November 2009, VA announced that it was taking decisive action to end Veteran homelessness. All Veterans at risk of homelessness or attempting to end their homelessness must have easy access to health, housing, and employment programs and services. VA offers a variety of resources, programs, and benefits for Veterans…
  • About Vet Centers and How They Can Help You
    Vet Centers: Conveniently located in your community, Vet Centers help you and your family build meaningful connections and develop tools for achieving success in both your military and civilian lives. Services * Counseling: Individual, group, couples, and family counseling. * Referrals: Medical, benefit, employment, other VA and community resources. *…
  • 25 Emails You Get From The VA During Separation
    This is just an archive of the emails I received from the VA during my military transition. Nearly all of them come all at once. I have two theories for this: No one at the VA understands the concept of a drip email campaign These are all programs they’re mandated…