Veteran Support & Resources
Life after military service brings unique challenges. Whether you separated last month or years ago, these resources are here to help you thrive, not just survive.
Disability Rating Help
Check if you're underrated and how to increase your VA disability compensation
Financial Health Resources
Budget help, debt management, and maximizing your VA benefits
Mental Health Support
Crisis resources, Vet Centers, and connecting with veteran community
Career & Employment
Dealing with civilian workplace challenges and career advancement
Many veterans don't realize the full scope of benefits and support available to them. It's never too late to access your earned benefits, increase your disability rating, get mental health support, or connect with your veteran community.
Struggling with Disability & VA Claims
Over 5 million veterans receive VA disability compensation, but many are underrated or unaware of conditions they can claim. Your rating can be increased, and help is free through VSOs.
Understanding Your Disability Rating
Your disability percentage determines your monthly compensation and healthcare access. Many veterans are rated lower than they should be.
Action Items:
Living with Service-Connected Disabilities
Your service-connected disabilities qualify you for healthcare, equipment, and other benefits beyond monthly compensation.
Action Items:
Increasing Your Disability Rating
If your condition has worsened or you have new service-connected conditions, you can file for an increase at any time. It's free with VSO help.
Action Items:
Mental Health Disability Claims
PTSD, depression, and anxiety are among the most common and underrated conditions. You don't need combat experience to file for PTSD.
Action Items:
Financial Literacy & Money Management
Veterans lose an average of 25% of their income post-separation due to loss of BAH, BAS, and tax-free pay. Many face predatory lending and financial struggles.
Understanding Your Civilian Paycheck
Your take-home pay is significantly less than your military pay appeared to be. Understanding taxes, insurance, and missing allowances is critical.
Action Items:
Avoiding Predatory Lending & Debt
Veterans are targeted by predatory lenders, car dealerships, and MLM schemes. Protect yourself from financial traps.
Action Items:
Maximizing Your VA Disability Benefits
VA disability compensation is TAX-FREE and comes with additional perks at certain rating levels. Make sure you're getting everything you're entitled to.
Action Items:
Building Civilian Credit & Financial Health
Your military payment history doesn't show on credit reports. You need to actively build civilian credit.
Action Items:
Using Your VA Home Loan Benefit
VA home loan has no down payment and no PMI, but understand all the costs involved. Don't rush into buying.
Action Items:
Mental Health & Civilian Adjustment
Veteran suicide rate is 1.5x higher than civilians. Mental health struggles often appear AFTER transition, not during. Getting help is a sign of strength.
What's Normal vs. What Needs Help
Adjusting to civilian life takes 6-18 months minimum. Some struggles are normal, others need professional help. Know the difference.
Action Items:
Getting Mental Health Help Without Stigma
Mental health treatment is confidential, effective, and won't affect your career or clearance. Vet Centers are often easier and faster than VA hospitals.
Action Items:
Finding Your Veteran Community
Isolation kills more veterans than combat. Finding your people - other veterans who understand - is critical for mental health.
Action Items:
Employment & Career Challenges
44% of veterans say their first civilian job was a poor fit. It's okay to pivot, quit, or change careers. You're not in the military anymore - you have options.
When Your First Civilian Job Isn't Working
Your first civilian job was a learning experience. If it's not working, you can leave. Loyalty works differently in the civilian world.
Action Items:
Navigating Civilian Workplace Culture
Civilian workplace operates differently than military. Understanding the unwritten rules helps you succeed and reduces frustration.
Action Items:
Advancing Your Civilian Career
Military leadership experience is valuable, but you need to adapt your communication and actively advocate for yourself.
Action Items:
Federal Jobs & Veterans Preference
Veterans get preference for federal jobs. The process is complex but worth it for job security and benefits.
Action Items:
VA Healthcare & Medical Benefits
50% of eligible veterans don't use VA healthcare. Depending on your disability rating, it may be completely free. Enrollment is worth it even if you have other insurance.
Enrolling in VA Healthcare
VA healthcare enrollment is separate from disability claims. Even 0% disabled veterans can enroll, though costs vary by Priority Group.
Action Items:
When to Use VA vs. Civilian Healthcare
Understanding when to use VA versus private insurance saves money and gets you faster care.
Action Items:
Chronic Conditions & Aging
Service-connected conditions often worsen over time. The PACT Act added many presumptive conditions for toxic exposure.
Action Items:
Relationships & Family Challenges
38% of veteran marriages end within 3 years post-separation. Transition affects your whole family, and free counseling is available.
When Your Partner Doesn't Recognize You
You've changed through military service and transition. Acknowledging this and working together strengthens relationships.
Action Items:
Kids Struggling with Your Transition
Children notice when parents are stressed, angry, or different. They need support too.
Action Items:
When Military Friendships Fade
Losing touch with military friends is normal due to distance and diverging lives. It's okay to grieve these relationships.
Action Items:
Housing Stability & Homelessness Prevention
Veterans are 50% more likely to experience homelessness than non-veterans. If you're at risk, help is available BEFORE you lose housing.
If You're At Risk of Losing Housing
Get help BEFORE you're evicted or homeless. Programs exist for emergency assistance with rent, deposits, and utilities.
Action Items:
Using Your VA Home Loan Benefit
VA home loan can be used multiple times and has significant advantages, but understand all the costs before buying.
Action Items:
Education & GI Bill Optimization
Only 4% of veterans use all their GI Bill benefits. You have 15 years from separation - don't rush into a bad program, but don't let it expire unused.
Maximizing Your GI Bill Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition AND pays you housing allowance while in school. It's basically a paid education.
Action Items:
Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31) for Disabled Veterans
VR&E (Voc Rehab) can be BETTER than GI Bill if you're service-connected disabled. It's underutilized but incredibly valuable.
Action Items:
Additional Resources & Community Support
You're not alone. Millions of veterans have successfully transitioned, and veteran-specific resources exist to help you thrive.
Important Reminders
Your Disability Rating Can Be Increased
Many veterans are underrated. If your condition worsened or you have new service-connected issues, file for an increase. VSOs help for FREE.
Free Help from VSOs
VFW, DAV, and American Legion have trained service officers who help with VA claims for FREE. You don't need to pay anyone to file claims or appeals.
Mental Health Struggles May Appear Late
PTSD, depression, and anxiety often appear months or years AFTER separation, not during transition. Getting help early prevents crisis.
You Earned These Benefits
VA benefits, healthcare, and support are not charity - you EARNED them through service. Use everything you're entitled to without guilt.
BEWARE: VSO Scams & Fake Representatives
NEVER pay upfront for VA claims assistance. Legitimate Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion) help for FREE. Only work with VA-accredited representatives. Verify accreditation at https://www.va.gov/find-a-representative/ before sharing personal information or paying any fees.