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Do you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevent you from working? Veteran Readiness and Employment helps you explore employment options and address education or training needs. In some cases, your family members may also qualify for certain benefits. For eligibility requirements and how to apply go to: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

You may be eligible for disability compensation for an illness or injury that was caused by, or got worse because of your active military service. Compensation may include financial support and other benefits like health care. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/

As a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit. For more information: https://www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/

The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/veteran-rapid-retraining-assistance/

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans — and their survivors — with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

Virginia Taxable Income Subtraction for Military Retired Pay: The Virginia State Budget for 2022 has authorized a graduated income subtraction for military retired pay. For the 2022 tax year Veterans age 55 and over who are receiving military retired pay can deduct $10,000 from their Virginia taxable income. This subtraction will increase each year by $10,000 until the 2025 tax year, for a maximum subtraction of $40,000.

• 2022 -$10,000
• 2023 - $20,000
• 2024 - $30,000
• 2025 - $40,000

What VA documentation can a veteran provide that meets the U.S. AbilityOne Commission policies 51.407 or 51.408 requirements for medical documentation? How can veterans obtain this documentation? (added July 20, 2024)

1. VA documentation that a veteran can provide that meets the requirement for medical documentation is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Breakdown Letter that lists the individual’s service-connected:
   1. Percentage (%)
   2. Disability
   3. Diagnosis Code
   4. Combined Rating
2. Veterans can obtain a VA Disability Breakdown Letter by calling the VA Benefits Assistance Service hotline at (800) 827-1000. When prompted, either say “Request Letter” or select option 9, then say “Yes”. The automated system will initially prompt the veteran to enter his/her social security number, date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY format) and branch of service (select 1-Army; 2-Marine Corps; 3-Navy; 4-Air Force; or 5-Coast Guard). A VA representative will answer the call, confirm the veteran’s identity, and determine the preferred method for receiving the letter: mail, email, or fax.
   1. Please allow 7-10 days for mail delivery.
   2. Emails should be received within 5-10 minutes after the call. Please be sure to check your spam or other non-primary mailboxes for a protected message from: NCCNOREPLY, StLouis, VBASTL / [email protected], Subject: Requested Documents from VA – Secure. Click the blue Read the message button within this email and you will then be prompted/asked to sign in with Google or with a one-time passcode. When you are signed in successfully, a new window will appear with the letter attached. You must save the letter immediately because the message/letter will be deleted after 15 minutes.
3. Other accepted VA documentation that a veteran can provide that meets the AbilityOne Commission policies 51.407 and 51.408 requirement for medical documentation includes any VA record that certifies the veteran has a diagnosed medical condition. For example, the VA sends a service-connected disability compensation ratings decision letter to the veteran explaining the final decision on a veteran’s disability compensation claim.

Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
This expansion of care will help prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to Veterans in times of crisis. It will also increase access to acute suicide care for up to 9 million Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA.
https://news.va.gov/news-releases/starting-jan-17-veterans-in-suicidal-crisis-can-go-to-any-va-or-non-va-health-care-facility-for-free-emergency-health-care/