Basic Eligibility

A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits. Reservists and National Guard members may also qualify for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a Federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.

To see current eligibility requirements for VA Health Care, please visit: www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

Enrollment

Eligible Veterans may apply for enrollment. There are multiple different ways to apply, you can see them by visiting: www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/

Recently Discharged Combat Veterans

Returning service members that meet a separate set of requirements have special eligibility to enroll in the VA health care system. You can see the current eligibility requirements and apply by visiting: www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/active-duty/

Reimbursement of Travel Costs

The Beneficiary Travel Program provides eligible Veterans and other beneficiaries mileage reimbursement, common carrier (plane, train, bus, taxi, etc.) or when medically indicated, "special mode" (ambulance, wheelchair van) transport for travel to and from VA health care, or VA authorized non-VA health care for which the Veteran is eligible.

To see the eligibility requirements for travel reimbursement and special mode transportation, visit: www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/

Outpatient Dental Treatment

Some Veterans may be eligible to receive dental benefits if they meet certain requirements.

To view more information on eligibility you can visit:
www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/ or
www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-outpatient-dental-care.html

Disability Compensation Overview

VA Disability Compensation is a tax-free monthly monetary benefit paid to Veterans with physical or mental health conditions that developed during, or were made worse by, their active military service. This includes chronic injuries, illnesses, physical impairments, as well as mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

To qualify for disability compensation, you must have separated or been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and your disability must be the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty, active duty for training, or from an injury, heart attack, or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training.

To get started with an application layout or view instructions, visit: www.va.gov/disability/

Core Eligibility Criteria

When filing a standard claim, a direct nexus must be proven. This means three components must be documented:

• A current medical diagnosis from a healthcare professional outlining the specific condition.
• Clear medical or administrative evidence that an injury, illness, or toxic exposure occurred during an active service frame.
• A professional medical opinion linking the current diagnosis directly to the in-service event.

To check comprehensive tracking rules and criteria, visit: www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/

Presumptive Conditions

For certain situations, the VA automatically assumes ("presumes") that your military service caused your condition due to specific environmental hazards or exposures (such as Agent Orange, contaminated water, radiation, or toxic substances expanded under the 2022 PACT Act). If your condition is designated as presumptive, you do not need to prove that your service caused the condition; you only need to show that you meet the specific service locations and duration metrics required for that presumption.

Disability Ratings & Combined Percentages

The VA assigns a disability rating ranging from 0% to 100% based on the clinical severity of your condition. This percentage reflects how much the disability decreases your overall health and ability to function, and it dictates your monthly tax-free compensation payout amount. If you have multiple distinct conditions, the VA calculates a combined rating using the "Whole Person Theory" matrix to ensure the sum never mathematically exceeds 100%.

To learn how ratings are calculated or check current tables, visit: www.va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings/

Veterans Non-Service Connected Pension

Separate from disability compensation, the VA offers a needs-based monthly pension framework for wartime Veterans who are age 65 or older, or who have a permanent and total non-service connected disability, provided they have limited or no income and net worth within limits set by Congress.

To view current rules regarding pension layout options, visit: www.va.gov/pension/

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

Sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 Program. VR&E provides services to eligible service members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independence in daily living.

Eligibility for Veterans: You can view the current eligibility requirements, services included, and how to apply by visiting www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/.

Education & Training

A summary of all VA educational and training information can be found at www.va.gov/education/ or by calling 1-888-442-4551.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an education benefit program for service members and Veterans who served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001.

Eligibility: For the up-to-date eligibility requirements, approved training, and factors to consider, please visit www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/.

Transfer of Entitlement (ToE)

The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows service members to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children. For the current information regarding Transfer of Entitlement restrictions and eligibility, please visit www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is available to those who enlist in the US Armed Forces. There are two main programs, each with their own eligibility and benefits. For the current information regarding the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), please visit www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/. You can also find the current information regarding the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) at www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/.

For extensive information on GI Bills & other educational information, visit VA.gov. You can also compare educational benefits here.

Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable; Service members who die while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training; and spouses and dependent children of Veterans and active duty Service members, may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits.

Please note: All required VA Forms can be obtained either online or in our office.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries

For information and resources regarding eligibility for burial and locations of VA national cemeteries, please visit either www.cem.va.gov or VA Cemeteries in North Carolina.

Surviving Spouses of Veterans

Surviving spouses of veterans may be eligible for burial with their deceased veteran spouse. Unmarried dependent children of Veterans who are under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational institution, are eligible for burial. Unmarried adult children who become physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support before age 21, or age 23 if a full-time student, also are eligible.

VA's National Cemetery Scheduling Office or local national cemetery directors verify eligibility for burial. A copy of the Veteran's discharge document (DD-214) is usually sufficient. A copy of the deceased's death certificate and proof of relationship may be required.

Contact the national cemetery directly, or visit VA.gov to determine if a particular cemetery is open for new burials.

Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world. More information can be found at www.cem.va.gov/hmm/index.asp.

• Headstones or Markers for Private Cemeteries: Before ordering, the next of kin should check with the cemetery to ensure the Government-furnished marker will be accepted. Installation fees at private cemeteries are the responsibility of the applicant. Use VA Form 40-1330, Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker.
• Inscriptions: Headstones and markers must be inscribed with the name of the deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and death. Optional information, including emblems of belief and military awards, may be included as space permits.
• Medallion in Lieu of Government Headstone for Private Cemeteries: The VA can provide a medallion instead of a headstone if the grave is in a private cemetery and already marked with a privately-purchased marker. Use VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

These certificates recognize the military service of honorably discharged deceased Veterans. Apply using VA Form 40-0247, along with a copy of discharge documents. Eligibility requirements are listed at www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses

VA will reimburse up to a certain amount in burial allowance for qualifying Veterans. See specific information on amounts and eligibility at VA Burial Allowances.

• Burial Allowances: Information on burial allowance eligibility and payment amounts can be found at www.va.gov/burials-memorials/.
• Plot Allowances: VA pay a plot allowance up to a certain amount when a Veteran is buried in a cemetery not under U.S. government jurisdiction. View the NCA Quick Guide for details.

Military Funeral Honors

Upon request, DoD will provide military funeral honors consisting of folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of "Taps." Families should inform their funeral director to arrange these honors.

Veterans Cemeteries Administered by Department of the Army

The Army administers Arlington National Cemetery. Eligibility is generally more restrictive. For information, call (703) 607-8000 or visit the Arlington National Cemetery Website.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, or to survivors of Veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities.

To view current eligibility metrics, income limits, and application instructions, please visit: www.va.gov/disability/dependency-indemnity-compensation/

Survivors Pension (Death Pension)

The VA Survivors Pension offers a monthly tax-free monetary benefit to eligible surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limitations set by Congress.

To see up-to-date income threshold criteria and application methods, visit: www.va.gov/pension/survivors-pension/

Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA - Chapter 35)

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

For the latest guidelines on monthly payment rates, approved programs, and schooling duration parameters, visit: www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/

Fry Scholarship

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.

To learn more about the rules for combining or choosing between DEA and the Fry Scholarship, visit: www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/fry-scholarship/

Family Health Care (CHAMPVA)

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries who do not qualify for TRICARE.

To check application forms, coverage lists, and pharmacy networks, please visit: www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva/

Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF) & DD-214

Your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the primary document required to verify military history and initiate state or federal veteran claims paths.

Veterans, their next of kin, or authorized legal representatives may request copies of their administrative and medical service files online at no cost through the National Archives eVetRecs system.

To launch an online service document request or print Standard Form 180 (SF-180) for mail-in submission, visit: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

Replacement Military Medals and Decorations

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) assists veterans and their immediate next of kin in verifying entitlement to service medals, decorations, badges, and citations. Once verified, the data is pushed to specific branch infrastructure for processing and physical shipment.

Generally, replacement medal requests filed directly by the veteran or family members with signed authorization are worked by the respective military branches at no cost.

To view the online replacement application portals and routing instructions by branch of service, visit: www.archives.gov/veterans/replace-medals

Public Access & Archival Timeline Rules

Military personnel records become formal public historical records ("archival status") 62 years after the service member separates from military service. This calculation operates on a rolling year metric.

• Discharged under 62 years ago: Basic record sets are restricted and provided free of charge only to the veteran, qualified next of kin, or authorized agents.
• Discharged 62 or more years ago: Records are fully open to the general public. Anyone may order a copy of the archival OMPF files for a standard copying fee to determine medals due and buy duplicates via commercial vendors.

Emergency & Medical Request Tracking

If you require records urgently for an upcoming military burial service or a critical medical tracking timeline, you can mark your request as an "Emergency Request" inside the online eVetRecs portal or submit an expedited fax tracking request directly to the NPRC at (314) 801-9195.

Thank A Vet Program

One of the responsibilities of the Register of Deeds office is to record certificates of discharge (DD 214) in Johnston County. This program encourages Veterans to record their documents by providing a Thank A Vet Photo ID Card. This ID card entitles the Veteran to discounts or incentives from participating local county businesses.

A list of participating businesses can be found at Johnston County ROD - Thank A Vet.

Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1C)

Eligible Disabled Veterans may receive a property tax exclusion for the first $45,000 of the appraised value of a permanent residence. The residence must be owned and occupied by a North Carolina resident who is either an Honorably Discharged Disabled Veteran or an Unmarried Surviving Spouse.

Note: The official certification documents can now be completed using our online NCDVA-9 form.

Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License

Resident Disabled Veterans (rated 50% or more disabled) are eligible for Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Note: The official wildlife commission applications and credential records can now be completed using our online NCDVA-50 form.

Military/Veterans Vehicle Plates

Veterans may be eligible for special registration plates at a reduced cost (limited to one per Veteran). Disabled Veteran plates require a 100% service-connected rating.

Note: Form MVR-33A can now be completed using our online MVR-33 form.

NCDVA Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans

A four-year scholarship program for children of deceased, disabled, combat, or POW/MIA Veterans.

• Applicant must be a NC resident under age 25.
• Veteran parent must have been a legal NC resident at time of entry into service.

Apply online at milvets.nc.gov. Deadline is February 14th.

State Veteran Home Program

North Carolina operates four State Veterans Homes. Please contact the locations directly for eligibility and service details:

• Fayetteville: (910) 482-4131
• Salisbury: (704) 638-4200
• Black Mountain: (828) 257-6800
• Kinston: (252) 939-8000

Appeals

Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appeal decisions made by a VA regional office, medical center, or National Cemetery Administration (NCA) office...

• Board of Appeals: The Board of Veterans' Appeals ("the Board") makes decisions on appeals on behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Visit www.va.gov/board-of-veterans-appeals/ for more info.
• U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims: A final Board decision may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Visit www.uscourts.cavc.gov.

Home Loan Guaranty

VA home loan guaranties help eligible service members and Veterans obtain homes and refinance loans. Visit VA Home Loans.

• VA Appraisals: No loan can be guaranteed without a VA-assigned appraisal. This is not a home inspection. Visit Appraisal Info.
• Closing Costs: For current information regarding Closing Costs, visit VA Funding & Closing Costs.
• Funding Fees: Most Veterans must pay a funding fee to reduce the loan's cost to taxpayers. Details at Funding Fee Schedules.
• Financing, Interest Rates and Terms: Interest rates are negotiable between the lender and borrower. For refinance info, visit IRRRL Loans.
• Assistance with VA-Guaranteed Home Loans: If a loan becomes delinquent, call 1-877-827-3702 to speak with VA loan specialists.

VA Life Insurance

Visit www.va.gov/life-insurance/ or call 1-800-669-8477 (8:30am - 6pm ET).

Service-Disabled Veterans' Insurance (S-DVI): Available for Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Visit S-DVI Insurance Info.

Reserves and National Guard

• Eligibility for VA Benefits: For up-to-date lists of benefits, visit www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/.
• Qualifying for VA Health Care: Eligibility varies by status (Active Guard, Traditional, etc.). Learn more at Guard/Reserve Health Care.
• Reserve and National Guard Home Loan Guaranty: Specific home loan benefits for Guard/Reserve can be found at VA Home Loans for Reserves.
• Burial and Memorial Benefits: Status affects eligibility for burial benefits. Visit Guard/Reserve Burial Info.

Homeless Veterans

Extensive information is available at www.va.gov/homeless/.

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: Call 1-877-424-3838 24/7 for assessment and resource connection.
• HUD-VASH Program: Provides permanent housing and case management. Visit HUD-VASH Details.
• Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF): Aims to improve housing stability for low-income families. Visit www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.

Incarcerated Veterans

• Benefit Changes: Benefits may change if convicted of a felony. View the Factsheet or visit the Incarcerated Veterans Portal.
• Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO): Aims to avoid unnecessary criminalization and ensure VHA access. Visit www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp.