Introduction

1

PART 1

BENEFITING FROM BENEFITS

7

Chapter 1

The Wonderful World of Veterans Benefits

9

Chapter 2

Determining Veteran Status and Qualifying for Benefits

17

Chapter 3

Navigating Your Way through the Red Tape of Claims and Appeals

35

PART 11

A HEALTHY LOOK AT MEDICAL CARE AND COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

55

Chapter 4

Veterans Affairs Healthcare

57

Chapter 5

Tricare: the Military’s Health Insurance

79

Chapter 6

Disability Compensation and Pensions

93

Chapter 7

Getting Your Military Retirement Pay

115

Chapter 8

Carrying On: Payments and Benefits for Survivors

129

Chapter 9

Burial and Memorial Benefits

149

PART 111

UNDERSTANDING EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

169

Chapter 10

Advancing Your Education through the GI Bill

171

Chapter 11

Aid and Vocational Training for Disabled and Homeless Veterans

195

Chapter 12

Veterans’ Job Preference & Small Business Loans

211

PART IV

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS — EXCEPT WHEN YOU’RE TRAVELING

225

Chapter 13

Financing Your Dream House: VA Home Loan Guarantees

227

Chapter 14

There’s No Place Like (A Military Retirement) Home

237

Chapter 15

Shopping Until You Drop

251

Chapter 16

Things to Do, Places to See: Travel Benefits

265

PART V

THE PART OF TENS

287

Chapter 17

Ten Places to Get Help with Veterans Benefits

289

Chapter 18

Ten Tips for Avoiding Problems with Your VA Benefit Claims

295

Chapter 19

Ten Tips for Traveling via the Military

299

PART VI

APPENDIXES

303

Index

357