Military / VA / DoD Glossary

Federal hiring authority (5 USC § 3112) for veterans with 30%+ disability rating. NO grade ceiling. Used as noncompetitive appointment; agency may convert to career at any time.

The 2019 law that replaced the old VA appeals system with three lanes: Higher-Level Review (HLR), Supplemental Claim, and Board Appeal. Each has a 1-year deadline from the decision letter.

Tax-free monthly allowance covering housing costs at your duty station. Varies by ZIP code, pay grade, and dependent status. Typically $1,200-$5,000+/mo depending on area.

Tax-free monthly food allowance. FY2026 rates effective 1 Jan 2026: $476.95 enlisted, $328.48 officer. Flat across grades.

VA disability claim filed 180-90 days before separation. Disability rating becomes effective the day after DD-214 — eliminating the typical 90-120 day post-separation gap. Highest-leverage move most service members miss.

2.0% multiplier per year of service plus 5% TSP matching. Service members joining after 1 Jan 2018 are auto-enrolled. Earlier members had a one-time election in 2018.

The current standard for secondary service connection in VA disability claims, established by Spicer v. McDonough (Fed. Cir. 2023). A non-service-connected condition is service-connected on a secondary basis if it would have been less severe "but for" a service-connected condition — either through an etiological link (the SC condition caused or worsened the new condition) or because the SC condition prevented standard treatment of the new condition. Broader than the prior "proximate cause" standard.

VA-scheduled medical exam to evaluate a claimed disability. Conducted by VA staff or contracted providers. Outcome heavily influences your rating decision.

Health insurance for spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled (P&T), or who died from service-connected conditions. Covers most medical care similar to TRICARE.

Two distinct meanings: (1) CONUS COLA — taxable allowance for high-cost stateside duty stations; (2) OCONUS COLA — non-taxable allowance for overseas locations. Separate from the annual basic-pay COLA increase.

DoD program that funds civilian certifications and licenses for active-duty service members throughout their career. Each branch has its own portal (Army COOL, Navy COOL, etc.). Not tied to separation.

Lets retirees receive BOTH military retirement AND VA disability compensation without offset. Eligibility: 50%+ VA rating + 20+ years of service. Below 50%, the offset still applies.

Tax-free monthly payment to retirees with combat-related disabilities, restoring retirement pay offset by VA disability. Doesn't require 50% rating like CRDP, but the disability must be combat-related.

The branch-specific regulatory framework that authorizes a service member to participate in SkillBridge and similar civilian-work-experience programs. Each branch has its own (Army AR 600-81, Navy NAVADMIN 064/23, etc.).

Federal income tax exclusion for military pay earned while serving in a designated combat zone. Enlisted pay is fully excluded; officer pay is excluded up to the highest enlisted pay rate plus IDP.

Standardized VA forms that document a veteran's medical condition for claim adjudication. Can be completed by your private doctor and submitted with a claim — speeds up adjudication when done thoroughly.

The single most important document a separating service member receives. Documents service dates, awards, MOS, character of service, and reason for separation. Required for almost every VA benefit and federal hiring program.

Form used to correct errors on a DD-214 — missing awards, wrong dates, missing service time, etc. Submit through the National Archives or your branch's personnel command.

Education benefit for spouses and children of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled (P&T) or who died from a service-connected condition. Up to 36 months of benefits at the school of choice.

The DoD database that tracks eligibility for military benefits — TRICARE, ID cards, dependent enrollment. Must be kept current through major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death).

The DoD agency that handles military pay, retirement pay, and disability allotments. myPay (mypay.dfas.mil) is the self-service portal.

OPM-granted authority for federal agencies to hire candidates noncompetitively in shortage occupations. Skips category rating and veterans' preference. Currently extended through Dec 31, 2028 for STEM, cyber, AI, medical roles.

The date a service member was promoted to their current rank. Used for time-in-grade calculations, promotion eligibility, and seniority.

Enlisted pay grades from E-1 (lowest, junior enlisted) through E-9 (highest, senior enlisted leader like Sergeant Major or Master Chief). Title varies by branch (E-5 = Sergeant in Army/Marines, Petty Officer 2nd Class in Navy).

The date a service member separates from active duty. Different branches use different terms — Marines use EAS, Army uses ETS, Navy uses EAOS, Air Force uses DOS. RAD is Release from Active Duty (typically used for retirees).

Standards for VR&E eligibility under 38 CFR §§ 21.51 / 21.52. 20%+ rated veterans need standard EH; 10% rated need the higher SEH bar. The split is the most-misunderstood part of VR&E eligibility.

$250/mo non-taxable allowance paid when a service member is separated from dependents for 30+ days due to military orders (deployment, unaccompanied tour, TDY).

36 months of education benefits for veterans with 90+ days of post-9/11 active duty service. Pays tuition (capped at private-school rate), monthly housing allowance (BAH-based), and book stipend. Transferable to spouse/children with 6+ years of service + 4-year service obligation.

The pay scale for most federal civilian employees. 15 grades (GS-1 through GS-15) with 10 steps within each grade. GS-9 entry level for college grads, GS-11 with masters/specialized experience.

Special pay for service in hazardous roles — flying, parachuting, demolition, diving, etc. Stops when SkillBridge starts since the member isn't performing the hazardous duty.

2.5% multiplier per year of service on the average of the highest 3 years of base pay, with no TSP match. Applies to members who joined before 2006 or who declined BRS in 2018.

The joint DoD/VA process that determines if a service member is medically fit to continue serving and, if not, what their VA disability rating is. Replaces the legacy DES with a single integrated process.

$225/mo paid for service in designated combat zones or hostile fire areas. Tax-free and stops when leaving the zone.

A medical opinion from a non-VA provider (often paid by the veteran) supporting a disability claim. Useful when the C&P exam is contested or when establishing nexus between condition and service.

The formal VR&E document outlining a veteran's vocational goal, training/services needed, estimated duration, and specific support. Jointly developed by veteran and VRC.

Determination by command that an injury or illness occurred while on duty. Required for VA claims based on Reserve/Guard service that wasn't continuous active duty.

The first phase of the IDES process — determines if a service member's medical condition makes them unfit for continued service. If found unfit, the case proceeds to the PEB.

The job classification code that identifies a service member's primary military occupation. Army/Marines use MOS, Air Force uses AFSC, Navy uses Rate (enlisted) and Designator (officer), Coast Guard uses Rating.

Sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. VA provides free counseling and medical treatment for MST regardless of disability rating. Lower evidentiary standard for related claims.

DoD program providing up to $4,000 in education and training to spouses of active-duty E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 service members. Specifically for portable career credentials.

A structured medical summary of a service member's case used in MEB/PEB proceedings. Authored by a military physician; documents diagnoses, treatment, and functional limitations.

A 4-character code identifying specialized Navy training or qualifications beyond the basic rating. A Sonar Tech (STG) might have an NEC for a specific sonar system.

The medical link between a veteran's current condition and their military service. The "nexus letter" from a doctor stating "it is at least as likely as not that this condition is related to service" is often the key piece of evidence.

The form (VA Form 10-0182) used to file a Board of Veterans' Appeals appeal under AMA. Three sub-lanes: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or Hearing.

Officer pay grades from O-1 (Second Lieutenant / Ensign) through O-10 (General / Admiral). O-1 to O-3 are company-grade officers; O-4 to O-6 are field-grade; O-7 and above are general officers / flag officers.

Equivalent to BAH but for OCONUS duty stations. Reimbursement-based — covers actual rent up to a cap, plus utilities and move-in expenses.

The federal HR agency. Sets hiring policy, approves DHAs, runs USAJobs, and manages federal employee benefits.

The rate at which a unit conducts operations, training, and deployments. High OPTEMPO is one of the most-cited reasons commands deny SkillBridge.

A 100% disability rating that VA has determined is unlikely to improve. Triggers eligibility for additional benefits like CHAMPVA, DEA, and Chapter 35.

Federal law expanding VA healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxic substances. Added 23 presumptive conditions and extended eligibility deadlines.

A move from one duty station to another, lasting more than 6 months. Triggers government-paid travel, lodging, household goods shipment, and dislocation allowance.

Permanent retirement for medically unfit service members rated 30%+ where the condition is stable and unlikely to improve.

The second phase of IDES — assigns a disability rating (using VA criteria) and determines whether the service member is retired (30%+ rating) or separated (under 30%).

Up to 10-30 days of non-chargeable absence specifically for transition activities — job hunting, house hunting, transition appointments. Discretionary at the commander's level; rarely denied if requested cleanly.

Annuity that pays a retiree's spouse 55% of retirement income upon the retiree's death. Costs 6.5% of monthly retirement check. Most retirees with healthy spouses elect it; cheaper than equivalent term life.

Federal hiring authority (5 CFR § 213.3102(u)) for persons with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Excepted-service appointment at any grade level. Requires a Schedule A letter from a licensed medical professional or VA.

The person at each VA-approved school who certifies enrollments to the VA. Manages how your training time, tuition, and BAH/MHA are reported to VA.

Form to claim 10-point Veterans' Preference (vs the default 5-point). Requires VA documentation of service-connected disability or other qualifying condition.

Government-sponsored term life insurance for active-duty members. Up to $500,000 coverage at $0.06 per $1,000 — the cheapest term life rate available. Converts to VGLI post-separation.

Up to 180 days of civilian internship during your final 180 days of active duty. Full military pay continues; the host employer pays nothing. Governed by DoDI 1322.29.

Additional VA disability compensation for severe disabilities — loss of use of limbs, loss of vision, requiring aid and attendance, etc. Adds to base disability payment based on letter codes (SMC-K through SMC-T).

Federal Circuit decision that broadened secondary service connection. Replaced the old "proximate cause" standard with "but-for" causation — a non-service-connected condition can qualify if a service-connected condition caused it OR prevented standard treatment for it. Struck down 38 CFR § 3.310(b) as inconsistent with 38 USC § 1110. VBA incorporated the standard into M21-1 around May 2026; ratings issued earlier may have applied the older standard, making them potential candidates for HLR or Supplemental Claim.

Special incentive pay for submariners. Stops during SkillBridge or any non-submarine duty.

DoD program covering up to $4,500/year of college tuition while on active duty. Each branch has slightly different policies. TA is for college courses; COOL is for civilian certifications.

180 days of TRICARE coverage post-separation for service members involuntarily separated, demobilized after 30+ days of contingency-related active duty, or separating after a sole-survivorship discharge.

The DoD-mandated workshop every separating or retiring service member attends 365-180 days before separation. Covers VA benefits, resume basics, financial planning, and career-track-specific tracks (employment, education, entrepreneurship, vocational).

VA benefit paying veterans at the 100% rate when their service-connected disability prevents substantially gainful employment, even if combined rating is below 100%. Eligibility requires one disability at 60%+ OR multiple combining to 70% with at least one at 40%+.

Status for retirees whose disability may improve over time. Re-evaluated periodically (typically every 18 months); after 5 years on TDRL, member is either restored to duty, separated, or moved to PDRL.

Short-term assignments away from home station, typically 30 days or less. The Army/Air Force use TDY; the Navy/Marines use TAD.

Federal government 401(k)-equivalent. 2026 elective deferral limit: $24,500. BRS members get DoD match up to 5% of base pay. Five core funds (G/F/C/S/I) plus Lifecycle (L) target-date funds.

No-down-payment home loan guaranteed by VA for eligible veterans, active-duty members, and surviving spouses. No private mortgage insurance (PMI). Reusable — entitlement is restored after a previous VA loan is paid off.

The branch of VA that handles disability compensation, pension, education benefits, home loans, and VR&E. Distinct from VHA (medical care).

Term life insurance for separated veterans, converted from SGLI without medical underwriting if applied for within 240 days of separation. Premiums increase with age but coverage continues for life if maintained.

The branch of VA that operates VA hospitals, clinics, and the VA medical care system. Distinct from VBA, which handles benefits.

VA program for service-connected veterans (10%+ rating) covering education, training, employment placement, and self-employment. Often beats the GI Bill cash-wise via Form 28-0987 (BAH-equivalent election).

Federal hiring authority (38 USC § 4214) allowing noncompetitive appointment of eligible veterans up to GS-11. After 2 years, agency must convert to career or career-conditional.

The VA professional assigned to a VR&E case. Determines entitlement, develops the IWRP, manages the case, and approves expenditures. Each veteran has a single VRC throughout their VR&E participation.

Accredited organizations (DAV, VFW, American Legion, etc.) that help veterans file disability claims and appeals at no cost. Required to be free under federal law.

Warrant officer pay grades. W-1 is appointed by branch secretary; W-2 through W-5 are commissioned. Specialized technical experts who fill roles between senior NCOs and field-grade officers.

VA database of all approved educational institutions, programs, and apprenticeship sponsors. If a school isn't in WEAMS, GI Bill / VR&E benefits can't pay for it.