VA Benefit Programs

Disability Compensation (service-connection)

A monetary benefit paid to Veterans because of injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty, or were made worse by active military service. Most common disabilities are hearing loss, tinnitus, and presumptives (Agent Orange, Gulf War Syndrome and Camp Lejeune). To submit a claim, an application form as well as supporting evidence needs to be completed and forwarded to the appropriate VA claim center. The Douglas County Veterans Service Office can help guide you through this process.

Pension (non-service connection)

A needs-based benefit paid to wartime Veterans, who meet certain age or non-service connected disability requirements.  To submit a pension claim, an application form as well as supporting evidence is necessary and must be forwarded to the appropriate VA claim center. Your Douglas County Veterans Service Office can help guide you through this process.

Education and Training

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) is an education benefit program for Eligible Service members who may receive up to 36 months of education benefits. The monthly benefit paid to you is based on the type of training you take, length of your service, your category, any college fund eligibility, and if you contributed to the $600 buy-up program. You usually have 10 years to use your MGIB benefits, but the time limit can be fewer or more years depending on the situation

Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is an education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 10, 2001.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program, provides services to eligible Service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independence in daily living.