Benefits for Vietnam Veterans
Vietnam veterans are provided one particular benefit that is related to the Vietnam war. Understanding this benefit can help veterans gain compensation for certain illnesses. However, there are other benefits that are common to all veterans and their dependents. It is pertinent to be aware of the changes to policies and what can be afforded to you and family members.
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Agent Orange
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The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides wide-range support and compensation for illnesses related to Agent Orange, a chemical used widely during the Vietnam war. Agent Orange has been related to the onset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diabetes, Hodgkin's and several other illnesses. Vietnam veterans do not have to prove that the disease is related to their time in the service (see Resources).
Burial
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VA will reimburse burial costs of up to $2,000 and plot costs of up to $300. VA will provide the headstone, burial flag and memorial certificate in a national or private cemetery.
Vehicle Grants
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Grants for a new or used vehicle of up to $11,000 are available for veterans with loss of limb or permanent visibility impairment. This grant is only issued once to the veteran.
Dependents and Survivor Benefits
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A dependent of a disabled or dead veteran is eligible for benefits towards a college degree, training and certificates. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is available to surviving spouses and children. This compensation is tax-free.
Home Loan
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VA loans are no down payment loans that can be used to refinance, purchase, rebuild or improve a home. VA guarantees up to 25 percent of the home loan. It protects the lender from loss on the guaranteed portion. Homeless veterans can benefit from a 50 percent discount off of VA foreclosure-purchased homes.
Health Care
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VA provides all health care for Vietnam veterans, with possible of co-pays. Veterans injured while on duty have priority and are not charged for health care. Veterans can use Champva to pay for the majority of their family members' care (see Resources).
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Comments
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I served in Vietnam also. Most of us who served was nothing more then young kids when served in Vietnam and we were happy to serve our country. when we came home we did not get a parade or even a think you. We got called all kind of names, and looked upon as second class citizens. Then the government discovered that herbicides that they was using in Vietnam to kill vegetation, Agent Orange was also killing those who served in Vietnam. I have Ischemic Heart Disease from Agent Orange and I have been fighting with the VA since 2008 to get more the 20 percent compensation. The think about Agent Orange is that it has no time fame when it can show up. I can show up a week after ex poser or 30 years later. Most of the Vietnam benefits has expired so we are still fighting for some recognition. For those of us who severed in Vietnam will never get the thanks that we deserve for serving our country.
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I m nam vet and spent the whole of my drugged drunk or working dangerous jobs life twisted and fooled by the government it was not there fault blame falls right where it belongs on the newsmen reporting the war on prime time at night while our loved ones watched and ate there dinner that is what made everyone hate all of us welcome home my brothers the silent warrior shall not keep silent any longer.
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to->Christopher S-Cellinese . Viet Nam Vets were not appreciated back then. This was a war the American People didn't want and the sad thing is they forgot to tell our service men and women thanks for putting your life on the line for us. My husband served in Viet Nam and he never received a thank you either until after 9/11. I'm glad people are thanking our veterans now. They deserve it just like our police and firemen. WE are proud of all our service men and women. And Thank you for your service as well. @christine Dalton - If your father has enough money to live on then he could retire early at 62. YOu have to remember everyone is in charge of themselves. we have to look at our financial well being as to when we can retire. Maybe your dad doesn't want to retire early. Retirement isn't a guarantee for anyone.
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Thank you Mr. Sager, my father was an Airborne ranger, long range reconnaissance sent on missions deep into the jungle with 2 other men. He came back and started working, and now is recognized as an electrical engineer although he had no formal training he was a a very gifted draftsmen who is called on regular storm duty when the power goes out, because he's the only one who put together a power substation once its blown off the map LOL. He works for Georgia Power and is 63. I feel like he should be enjoying his Golden Years, doing missionary work which he truly loves. He works so hard it worries me. He is so tough but I believe his hearing is going finally, it's never been really perfect since Vietnam. He was wounded by a pungi stake in the leg and almost lost it. Now he is fine and his leg doesn't bother him. He received 2 purple hearts, the other was a bullet in his hand. Anyway, I just want to see him traveling and enjoying his life. It has been nothing but war, a divorce, raising me alone, then remarrying my mom, then she left again...it's been awful. He is hero, and deserves to be treated like one. He came from a very poor family in the south and had three other brothers, one of which became a rich banker. I just don't feel like any man should have to still be working at his age if they are a veteran. I mean if the want to that's great, but deep in my heart I know my Dad wanted to retire at 65 and it makes me very sad a lot. Looks like you guys were there the same time too, he was drafted in 1968. He came home with a drug and alcohol problem. Then became a Christian in 1973. I was born in 1976 and he started raising me as a single Dad in 1984. I would give anything if my Dad could just rest, he gets up at 3:30am everyday, except weekends. Once a year the Georgia Power company provides a free lunch for veterans. WTF? Something needs to change, especially for ALL wounded vets.
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Christine, You're question is very good. But, the bottom line in the USA is, We combat veterans are taken for granted by americans. They think they will always be safe with us fighting the US wars. I served 2 years in Vietnam and "Never" received a thank you from anyone "Until" after 911. I guess it was a Wake-up Call when we got hit and now Americans, well some anyway, think about us. Tell your father to please take care & you also. Christopher Sager US Combat Veteran-Vietnam//1968-69 & 1970-71 Ret. KCMO-PD
