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Applying for VA benefits in Orlando, Florida

VA benefits refer to the compensation provided by the US Department of Veteran Affairs to disabled veterans who incurred an injury aggravated by their military service or suffer from a medical disorder that causes occupational or social impairment.

In the Orlando area, several benefits are provided, some including veteran’s nursing homes, recreational benefits, and educational benefits. However, there are some requirements required to apply for VA benefits.

Documents Needed for VA Benefits Application

If you decide to apply for VA benefits, you must submit a copy of your discharge paperwork. The discharge paperwork should show your full name, show your service date, type of discharge, social security number, and branch.

Consequently, your preference regarding burial in a national cemetery and use of a headstone provided by a VA should also be documented and kept with this information. One can apply for the VA benefits online at VA’s Website, by telephone by calling the toll-free number 877-222-VETS (8387) or in-person by finding the VA medical center near you.

Eligibility for VA Benefits

For most VA benefits, eligibility is established on the type of discharge from active military service other than dishonorable conditions. Active service means full-time service as a member of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force. It also refers to commissioned officers of the public health service, the Environmental Service Administration or the Atmospheric Administration, and the National Oceanic.

A veteran with Honorable or general discharges qualifies for most VA benefits, whereas parolees and veterans in prison may be eligible for certain benefits. Bad conduct and dishonorable discharges issued by general courts-martial may bar VA benefits. One can get clarification for eligibility for parolees, prisoners, and individuals with many discharges issued under different conditions from the VA regional offices.

Benefits Provided In Orlando, Florida

1. Disability compensation
·Veterans with a service-related disability and a general discharge other than dishonorable can qualify for a monthly tax-free VA benefit ranging from $133 to over $3,400 every month.

2. Preference for government jobs
·Wartime veterans, veterans with an honorable discharge, spouses, and living spouses of totally disabled veterans are given preference in hiring of government jobs by the state of Florida, county, and municipal governments.

3. Veteran education benefits
·Tuition waiver for purple hearts and higher combat decorations.
·Four-year college educational opportunities for children of deceased or disabled veterans who reside in Florida.

4. Veteran recreation benefits
·Hunting and fishing licenses
·County and municipal parks
·State park admission

5. Veteran financial benefits
· Basic property tax exemptions
· Homestead exemption
· Free Driver’s license for permanently and totally disabled veterans.

Other than applying for VA benefits, it’s essential to stay on top of your veteran benefits as they change from time to time.