Frequently Asked Questions

Recent changes in the law governing VA Benefits make it possible for eligible veterans to transfer education benefits to certain family members. Specific information can be obtained through https://www.va.gov/ or speaking to a VA Education Counselor at 888-442-4551.

All veterans who were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions are eligible for a grave marker or headstone provided by Veterans Affairs and burial in a National Cemetery. Assistance with the cost of funeral expenses may be available to families of certain veterans in receipt of compensation or pension through VA at the time of death.

Children of veterans who are deemed 100% Permanently and Totally disabled by Veterans Affairs or received the Purple Heart may be eligible for assistance with college tuition.

Veterans seeking health care through a VA Medical Center are placed into one of eight priority groups, based on percentage of service connected disability and /or financial status. Contact the Eligibility Office at the Charleston VAMC at 843-577-5011 or 888-878-6884

Certain veterans who meet eligibility requirements may qualify for Wartime Veteran’s pension, even if they did not serve in combat.

Veterans who are receiving compensation for service connected disabilities that have worsened should apply for an increase in compensation by contacting this office or applying on line at benefits.va.gov/benefits/vonapp.asp or https://www.va.gov/.

There are two benefits available to certain widows / orphans of veterans:

1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors of veterans who die from service related causes

OR

2. Wartime Veterans survivor pension for certain survivors who meet income and / or medical requirements.

The laws governing Veterans Benefits are constantly changing. Contact our office for the most current information, or log on to www.va.gov.

There is a program by which a veteran or surviving spouse may obtain monetary assistance to help pay the cost of assisted living or nursing home. The veteran must have served at least one day during a time of war and meet certain other eligibility requirements.

By filing, either electronically or by mail, an SF 180 request for military records. The website for this is www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ or https://www.va.gov/