Reservists, Guardsmen can qualify for benefits

Veterans, this week let’s discuss how reservists and National Guard members can qualify for VA Benefits.  Reservists who serve on active duty establish veteran status and may be eligible for the full-range of VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and a discharge or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. In addition, reservists not activated may qualify for some VA benefits.

National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA benefits if activated for federal service during a period of war or domestic emergency. This means service under Title 10 orders. Activation for other than federal service, Title 32 Orders, does not qualify Guard members for all VA benefits.  Claims for VA benefits based on federal service filed by members of the National Guard should include a copy of the military orders, presidential proclamation or executive order that clearly demonstrates the federal nature of the service.

Effective Jan. 28, 2008, VA health care is available to veterans discharged from active duty on or after Jan. 28, 2003. They are eligible for enhanced enrollment placement into Priority Group 6 (unless eligible for higher priority group placement) for five years post discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty and active duty for training as a result of injury or disease, and for disabilities due to injury, heart attack or stroke that occurred during inactive duty training.

National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, or are discharged because of a service-connected disability.  Reservists who do not qualify for VA housing loan benefits may be eligible for loans on favorable terms insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of HUD.

National Guard members and reservists are eligible to receive Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI).

Call me at 541-962-8802 for additional information or to set up an appointment.

I am located at the Center for Human Development, 2301 Cove Ave., La Grande.

Byron Whipple is the Union Coounty veterans service officer.