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22 articles in VA Benefits
Comprehensive overview of all VA benefits available to veterans, dependents, and survivors. Browse all articles below or explore other categories for more military transition resources.
Military Transition Toolkit publishes in-depth guides across 39 categories to help active duty service members, reservists, and retirees navigate every aspect of military transition. Each article is written with practical, actionable advice you can use immediately — whether you are 12 months from separation or already building your civilian career.
Comprehensive overview of all VA benefits available to veterans, dependents, and survivors. Our content is updated regularly and covers topics from VA disability claims and compensation to career planning, financial readiness, and state-by-state veteran benefits.
Looking for something specific? Browse our other categories or use the resources page for curated links to official VA, DoD, and veteran service organization websites. All tools and content on Military Transition Toolkit are free — no account required for public resources.
Start with our most popular tools: the VA combined rating calculator, retirement pay calculator, 50-state benefits comparison, and military resume builder. Each tool is designed specifically for the unique challenges of military-to-civilian transition.
Top articles in this category:
Other Than Honorable discharge does not auto-disqualify you from VA benefits. Eligibility map for health care, disability comp, education, housing — separated from the discharge upgrade question.
Character of Discharge is the VA's separate review of whether your service should count as honorable for benefits. Statutory bars, regulatory bars, mitigating factors, and how to file.
DRB handles upgrades within 15 years for non-court-martial discharges. BCMR handles everything else. Picking the right track saves you 6-12 months.
Three DOD policy memos require boards to give favorable presumption to discharge upgrades involving PTSD, MST, mental health, and TBI. How to use them.
Don't pay private lawyers for a discharge upgrade. Free representation is widely available from NVLSP, Swords to Plowshares, CVLC, law school clinics, and accredited VSOs.
VA adapted housing grants for service-connected veterans: SAH ($126,526), SHA ($25,350), HISA ($6,800). Eligibility, application path, and how to combine with VA loan.
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VA claims tracker, MOS translator, resume builder, career planner, budget tool — all in one place, all free. Join 140+ members already using MTT.
VA Solid Start representatives call newly-separated veterans at 90, 180, and 365 days post-separation to connect them with benefits, mental health resources, and crisis services.
Vet Centers offer free, confidential, walk-in counseling for combat veterans, MST survivors, and qualifying loss. VAMCs are the standard medical care system. They're complementary.
The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA care and compensation for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, and other toxic substances. 21+ presumptive conditions and how to file.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend to family caregivers of severely disabled veterans, with expansion to all eras now phased in.
COMPACT Act of 2020 made VA-paid emergency mental health care available to any former service member in suicidal crisis — even those with OTH discharges. 30 days inpatient, 90 days outpatient.
Complete guide to VA GERD and acid reflux ratings, monthly compensation amounts, evidence requirements, and filing strategies for gastrointestinal disability claims.
Comprehensive guide to VA hearing loss ratings (10%-100%), monthly compensation amounts, evidence requirements, and successful filing strategies for audiometric claims.
Complete guide to VA knee pain ratings from 0%-100%, monthly compensation amounts, evidence requirements, and successful filing strategies.
Complete guide to VA migraine and headache ratings (10%-100%), compensation amounts, evidence requirements, and proven filing strategies.
Comprehensive guide to VA plantar fasciitis and foot pain ratings, monthly compensation, evidence requirements, and successful filing strategies for foot injury claims.
Comprehensive guide to VA shoulder pain and rotator cuff ratings, monthly compensation, evidence requirements, and successful filing strategies for shoulder claims.
Full guide to VA sleep apnea ratings (10%-100%), monthly compensation amounts, evidence requirements, and filing strategies for veteran claims.
Comprehensive guide to VA tinnitus ratings, compensation amounts, evidence requirements, and filing strategies. Learn how to maximize your claim.
Comprehensive guide to VA back pain ratings (10%-100%), monthly compensation, evidence requirements, and proven filing strategies for lumbar spine claims.