Veterans Benefits Newsletter

March 2022

Proposed Changes to the Disability Rating Schedule

In February, VA published in the Federal Register, proposed changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD), specifically for conditions related to the respiratory, auditory, and mental disorders body systems. The proposed updates to the rating schedule for these conditions will enable VA to incorporate modern medical data and terminology to provide Veterans with more accurate and consistent decisions. Learn more about what the schedule change may mean for you.

Tell Us About Your Burn Pit Exposure

Open air combustion of trash and other waste in burn pits was a common military operations practice in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas of Southwest Asia. Veterans exposed to burn pits are encouraged to join the registry to help VA better understand the long-term effects of burn pit exposures. If you have an illness or condition related to in-service exposure, file a claim for VA benefits.

Serving Women Veterans

Do you receive all VA benefits you're eligible for? Women Veterans often underutilize VA care and services, despite being eligible for the same benefits as male Veterans. From benefits like pension or support for small businesses, to VA health care and mental health services, learn more about benefits available to you.

Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Service

Veterans and active-duty service members can get one step closer to student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. PSLF removes the burden of student debt for borrowers who work for a government or non-profit employer. Use the PSLF Help Tool to search for qualifying employers.

Veteran Memorial Benefits

Preparing for a funeral can be a difficult and confusing process. VA’s memorial and burial services can help ease families through loss and save them thousands of dollars. If you are a Veteran, service member, spouse, or dependent, you may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery and other benefits.

VRRAP: Train for a Post-COVID Career

Need a new job due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Land a role in a high-demand industry with the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). Participating Veterans can receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.

Free Entrance to National Parks

Explore the outdoors. You can use your Veteran ID Card (VIC) to gain free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. Gold Star Families and Veterans can enjoy a variety of activities like camping, hiking, biking, and much more.

Army Women Veterans United

Are you a female service member or a woman Veteran that served in the U.S. Army, National Guard, Army Reserves, Army Nurse Corps, or the Women’s Army Corps? The Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association - Army Women United (WAVA-AWU) is the only female Veteran’s association chartered by Congress. Local chapters meet eight to 10 times each year. These fun social events with local Veterans’ events highlight outreach to women Veterans. Join WAVA-AWU for their annual convention in Killeen, Texas, this August!

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.