May14, 2002

Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents is a 100-page handbook (a .pdf document) describing benefits provided by the VA and an overview of programs and services for veterans provided by other federal agencies.

VA officials estimate most of America's 25 million veterans qualify for at least some VA benefits, but many are unaware of their entitlements. This handbook includes a listing of toll-free numbers, World Wide Web information resources, and VA facilities.

Most veterans are eligible for healthcare and burial benefits. Many are also eligible for home loan guarantees, educational assistance, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance, and compensation for service-connected disabilities.

This guide explains how to access many of these benefits online. For instance, it provides a Web address and instructions for enrolling via the Internet into the VA healthcare system. The book describes in detail the priority for care and services available. Separate sections describe specialized services available to Gulf War veterans and those exposed to Agent Orange or radiation. The Montgomery GI Bill and other education benefits are explained in depth. Burial benefits and employment service are also covered, as are rate charts for the various forms of compensation VA provides.