Quite possibly the most misunderstood and underused from of assistance, Veterans Benefits are available to millions of people who have served this country. Many Utah veterans and their families do not know that benefits are at their disposal through the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs. They might be eligible even if they were not injured in the line of duty or did not retire directly from the military.

Benefits offered to qualified Utah veterans include:

• Memorial Benefits – The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs offers both burial and memorial services for past and present members of the military. This includes all active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired and veteran members.
• Death Benefits – Death Benefits are benefits paid to qualified dependents of wartime veterans who are deceased.
• Compensation for Indemnity and Dependency – Military veterans with disabilities that are service-related might be eligible for monthly compensation. In general, these benefits are tax-free. They are paid out to veterans who have injuries or diseases as a result of service. They are also available to veterans disabled from treatment at VA medical facilities.
• Training and Employment – Several education, training, and employment opportunities are available to veterans from the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Some of these programs include the G.I. Bill, Veterans’ Upward Bound, Veterans’ Employment and Training, and the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program.
• Parents DIC – The Parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a monthly benefit based on income for parents of a deceased active-duty member or veteran.
• Special Compensation – A monetary benefit, the Special Monthly Benefit, is available to veterans who have suffered a loss of organs or extremities or the loss of their use because of military service. This loss is defined as either an amputation or no remaining effective functioning. This special benefit is in addition to VA Disability Compensation.
• Benefits for Survivors – Certain benefits are available to help ease the financial burdens of surviving family members. Eligible survivors should start the process as soon as possible to prevent problems with eligibility.
• Health Care – The Medical Benefits Package for enrolled veterans covers preventative care as well as a variety of inpatient and outpatient services. Combat veterans are also eligible to receive free health care and nursing home care for up to two years upon returning from active duty.
• Life Insurance – The Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance is a low-cost group life insurance option for service members. This includes those on active duty, members of the National Guard, reservists, members of the four service academies, and members of the Reserve Officer Training Corp.

Many veterans and their families face large obstacles when it comes to receiving benefits. Claims are often denied and the appeals process can be confusing. If a veteran has been denied benefits they are eligible for, it is strongly recommended that they contact an attorney to assist them with the process.

While our firm does not currently represent veterans in an appeals process, we do offer clients counsel and preparation before they begin the qualification process.