In the first of this ongoing series we introduce some specific answers to general questions often asked and just as often misunderstood. Then in part two we jumped into one of the "meatiest" of topics - VA Health Care. This week we'll pull back a little bit and look at the overall "other" Federal VA Benefits picture. Federal VA Benefits VA Regional Offices VA Regional Offices are responsible for delivering five major benefit programs as well as other services to veterans and their dependents: Disability compensation and pension Vocational rehabilitation and employment Education Insurance Home loan guaranty. Veterans may call the toll free number or visit VA Regional Office for more information. Veterans with internet access may also apply online for benefits. New York Regional Office 245 West Houston Street New York, NY 10014 (800) 827-1000 (212) 807-7229 FAX: (212) 807-4008 VONAPP (Veterans On-Line Applications) Apply for VA benefits online Website: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp VA Compensation and Pension Disability compensation is a monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred or aggravated during active military service. Pension benefits are paid for non-service connected disabilities. Eligibility requirements for disability benefits can be obtained from a VA Regional Office, online or through a veteran service organization. Website: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21 VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides training and rehabilitation for veterans with VA service-connected disabilities. The VR&E program is an employment oriented program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep suitable employment. Website: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre VA Education Benefits VA provides education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, the Dependents Educational Assistance Program and the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve. Additional information can be obtained from a VA Regional Office, online or through the toll-free number. Telephone: (888) 442-4551 Website: http://www.gibill.va.gov VA Home Loan Guaranty Veterans can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in VA home loan program. VA guaranteed loans are offered by private lenders, banks, savings & loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home for personal occupancy. Veterans are exempted from a down payment. Telephone: (888) 244-6711 Website: http://www.homeloans.va.gov VA Insurance There are currently eight life insurance programs with four programs open to new issues. Two of the programs, Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (SDVI) and Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI), are specifically designed for disabled veterans. The other two programs, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI), are administered by a private company under the supervision of VA. Telephone: (800) 669-8477 Website: http://www.insurance.va.gov This Week's Not Commented on Topic Patrick Daniel Tillman (November 6, 1976 - April 22, 2004) a football player who left his professional sports career and enlisted in the United States Army in May 2002, along with his brother Kevin Tillman. Patrick was killed in action in Afghanistan. The controversy surrounding the full details of his death has sparked many investigations; currently, our Congress is conducting its own investigation into how Tillman died because of the apparent inadequacy of past investigations. --- Regards, Walt Schmidt