Veterans Benefits Newsletter

April 2022

Track Your VA Claim or Appeal Status

Going online is the easiest way to check the status of your VA claim or appeal! Use VA's online tool to review the status of claims, appeals, and decision reviews for education benefits, compensation, health care, and more. Find out how to track your status online.

Coping with Current Events in Ukraine

We understand the current events in Ukraine can cause a range of challenging emotions. If you're going through a difficult time, VA is here for you. Whether you want to speak to another Veteran who may be going through a similar situation or meet with a trained counselor, resources are available. You can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or text 838255, or visit a Vet Center near you.

Transfer Your Unused Education Benefits

Active-duty service members can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their spouse or dependent children, including a ward or foster child. Once the transfer is approved, dependents can apply for the benefits through VA. Find out if you are eligible to transfer your GI Bill entitlement.

Back Pay for VA Disability

VA disability back pay is the compensation owed to Veterans from the effective date of their claim to the date they were granted those benefits. The amount of back pay you receive depends on the effective date of your claim, and the disability rating you're granted from VA. Watch theSITREP podcast's episode on back pay to learn how much VA will cover.

Access Your Financial Status Reports Online

VA has enhanced its debt portal by adding a new user-friendly online financial status report form for VBA debts. In addition to the online debt management tool launched in 2021, this feature makes it easier to manage benefit-related debt online.

Buying a Home with VA

Buying a home is a big milestone, but it can be intimidating when you’re not sure what to expect. VA-backed home loans make purchasing a home easier than ever with little to no down payment. Get step-by-step instructions for buying a home through the VA home loan program.

VA Life Insurance for Disabled Veterans

Service-Disabled Veterans’ Insurance (S-DVI) provides life insurance to Veterans with service-connected disabilities with basic coverage up to $10,000 and supplemental coverage up to $30,000. Interested Veterans should apply for S-DVI by December 31, 2022. S-DVI enrollees may also consider VA Life Insurance (VALI), a new program taking effect in January 2023. Learn about S-VI eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Join the RallyPoint Community

RallyPoint is a social network made by, for, and about service members and Veterans. From recruitment to retirement and beyond, RallyPoint provides tools to help you succeed. Join RallyPoint today to connect with members in a secure environment and explore educational and career opportunities.

IAVA: Empowering Post-9/11 Veterans

Since its founding in 2004, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has fought for post-9/11 Veterans and their families. Even with the ongoing challenge of a global pandemic, IAVA kept up the pressure on legislators, in many cases collaborating with other organizations to magnify the Veteran voice. Learn about strides IAVA has made to better support Veterans and their families.

Request Your Military Service Records

Did you know you can submit a military records request to get your DD214 or other military service records? Learn how to submit a request through the milConnect website.