Military Connection: YOUR Veteran Benefits: By Debbie Gregory

Would it surprise you to know that many Veterans aren’t taking advantage of their Veteran benefits? While many Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are utilizing their education benefits, most notably the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there are a multitude of additional benefits that Veterans are just not applying for.

Veteran disability benefits are among the most underused benefits by Veterans from all generations. If an injury or illness can be linked to your service, you could be entitled to disability compensation. The benefit is tax free monetary compensation for injuries or illnesses that occurred during, are related to, or were aggravated during your military service.

The best way to get started with your VA disability compensation claim is by going online and utilizing the VA’s eBenefits page. Veterans can also utilize the Facility Locator Page and find the closest VA facility to file a claim with assistance from a VA employee. Veterans may also take advantage of an accredited representative or agent. Service officers within Veteran organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans are accredited, and help all Veterans with their claims, regardless of whether or not you are a member of their organization. The VA website also offers a a resource link to Connect to Representatives near you.

Members of the armed forces are inundated with information when they separate from the military, including benefits that don’t necessarily apply to them at that time. But they should make a point to find out all that they are entitled to–– all that they deserve–– through their military service. Benefits won’t seek Veterans out, Veterans have to apply for them.

Find out all that YOU are entitled to through your military service by frequenting www.MilitaryConnection.com and www.VA.gov.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.