FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are answers to common questions many veterans have when they first contact us. Remember, if your initial claim for veteran's disability is denied, don’t give up. There are a number of things you can still do. The first thing you can do is to make an appointment with Betty LG Jones to discuss your options.
Click on the questions below to view the answers...
Do I qualify for VA Benefits if I have been discharged from the military many years ago?
There is no time limit to apply for benefits.
If I work, can I still receive my VA Disability Benefits?
Yes, if you are Service-connected. Pension is based on income and severity of disability & inability to work.
My discharge was not Honorable; can I still receive my VA benefits?
You have a right to receive and submit an application for benefits. The final decision is in the ruling of the agency, which is called an administrative decision, not the military discharge.
I am not a veteran but need information about my spouse, child or other love ones’ government benefits to include VA, Social Security or Military entitlements.
There are restricting laws on privacy and protection of individual information. There has to be a written approval from the claimant to release information to an individual including a spouse.
I am using my Military or VA Education benefits; how do I file for a VA claim or get an increase in my current disability benefits?
You must file for benefits with both Veteran’s Benefits Administration (VBA) and Veteran’s Hospital Administration (VHA) if you are seeking entitlements or increase in benefits. Also, under VA law 1151, you can receive VA benefits if a disability occurs from attending VA approved training.
My spouse died but never received his VA benefits. Do I qualify for benefits?
There is no time limit on filing for Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits as an eligible spouse, child or disabled adult child.
Can I receive my medication from the VA hospital if prescribed by a private physician?
Most VA physicians are willing to assist veterans in any way regarding their health care treatments. VA physicians will normally work with your civilian physicians. On a case by case basis, a veteran has to be registered and have their primary care at the VA hospital and have a VA prescription from a VA physician.
If my military records were lost or destroy by a government agency what can I do to verify my claim?
If your claim was denied by the VA in the past based on lost records, re-file claim, appeal the decision if you are within your appeal time frame. Because of the “share of information age”, many lost records have resurfaced. Also, many other sources from the military can help verify people, places and events. Please make an appointment to find out more.
Do I need to still file a claim with the Veteran’s Benefits Administration (VBA) if I am registered at the Veteran’s Hospital Administration (VHA)?
Even if you are receiving treatment or any other services from the VA hospital you have to file a claim with the VBA. VHA does not share information with the VBA unless you give them permission. VHA physician or other personnel do not as a rule file VBA claims for veterans.
Can I receive both VA and Social Security Benefits at the same time for my Service-Connected (S/C) disabilities?
Yes, if you are unable to work you can receive both VA and SSDI (not SSI). Regardless of your VA rating.
What percentage do I need from VA to receive free health care without paying a co-payment?
Normally, you have to be 50% or above in order for VHA to waive co-payments. Also, if you are rated at any percentage for a s/c disability, you should not have to pay for a co-payment for treatment or services for that s/c disability. Furthermore, if you meet a certain income requirement, you can apply for a “means test” to waive co-payments.
Can the VA reduce my service connected disability, even if I'm rated at permanent and total?
Yes, if medical evidence shows an improvement in your condition or no, if you meet the 5 year rule, 10 year rule, or 20 year rule.
If I received an SSB (Special Separartion Benefit) payment when I left the military, and now I have a service connected disability, does the I.R.S. owe me money?
Yes, if the I.R.S. withheld federal income tax from the SSB payment, they may owe you a refund because service connected compensation is non taxable. Please contact us for further information.
Do I have to be a combat veteran to qualify for a VA pension?
No, If you have served a minimum of 1 day of active duty service during a wartime period and have a disability that renders you unemployable you qualify for a VA pension.
If my father died while he was awaiting his decision on an appeal, as an eligible dependent can I apply for any back pay?
Yes, you will have to fill out a form which is called the”Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant”. Please contact us for more details.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended for general use and not as legal or medical advise. No attorney-client, or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of this website. Information and processes may be updated by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs or Social Security Administration. Please call them at 1-800-827-1000 (VA) or 1-800-772-1213 (SSA).
These questions and answers were prepared by Ms. Betty L.G. Jones, Accredited Agent, VA. I am a disabled veteran, a formal Assistant Veteran of Foreign Wars Service Officer for the State of IL. While in the service I worked as personnel, unit and legal clerk and I have been an Agent with VA since 2002, representing VA claimants nationally.
As a military “brat” I graduated from Baumholder American High School in Germany and hold a Bachelor Degree in Psychology, minor in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Currently, I am working on a law degree. Also, I have represented many social security cases for veterans and their family members.
If you have any questions pertaining to the aforementioned Q&A, or any questions regarding VA or Social Security benefits, please call me at 773-936-3281 or send us a message through this website. I encourage each and every eligible veteran and their dependents to file a claim for benefits.
