Benefits I Didn’t Use (and Wish I Had Known About Sooner)

A Veteran’s Guide to Overlooked VA & State Benefits

By Barbara M. Soto
Veteran Service Representative & PR Professional

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When most veterans think about benefits, the same few come to mind: disability compensation, the GI Bill, and VA health care. But after years of working directly with veterans—and being one myself—I’ve learned something important:

Some of the most valuable benefits are the ones we never use simply because no one told us about them.

This blog is for the veterans who assumed they “made too much,” “waited too long,” or “didn’t qualify.” If that sounds like you, keep reading—because these benefits might still be available.

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1. VA Health Care (Even If You Have Other Insurance)

Many veterans believe VA health care is only for those with service-connected disabilities. That’s not true.

You may qualify for VA health care even if you:

• Have private insurance or Medicare
• Never deployed
• Have a low or 0% service-connected rating
• Haven’t used VA care since separation

Why it matters:
VA health care can reduce out-of-pocket costs, provide specialty care, and create medical records that later support disability claims.

🔗 Apply here: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/

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2. Travel Reimbursement for Medical Appointments

If you attend VA or VA-authorized medical appointments, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement or travel pay.

You may qualify if you:

• Have a service-connected disability (any percentage)
• Receive VA pension
• Meet income thresholds
• Travel long distances for care

This is one of the most underused benefits—and it adds up over time.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/

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3. VA Dental Care (Not Just for 100%)

Dental care is one of the biggest misconceptions in VA benefits.

You may qualify if you:

• Are 100% service-connected
• Have a service-connected dental condition
• Are within 180 days of separation (very important!)
• Are enrolled in certain VA programs (like Voc Rehab)

Even if you don’t qualify, VA can help you find low-cost dental insurance options.

🔗 Eligibility details: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/

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4. VA Home Loan Benefits (Used More Than Once)

Many veterans think the VA home loan is a one-time benefit. It’s not.

You can:

• Use it multiple times
• Refinance using an IRRRL
• Buy with no down payment
• Avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Even if you were denied before, changes in income, credit, or entitlement can reopen doors.

🔗 VA Home Loan info: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/

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5. Caregiver Support Benefits

If you’re caring for a veteran—or someone helps care for you—the VA Caregiver Support Program can provide:

• Monthly stipends
• Health insurance
• Mental health resources
• Training and respite care

This applies to post-9/11 AND pre-9/11 veterans, depending on eligibility.

🔗 Caregiver Support: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

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6. State & Local Veteran Benefits (Often Better Than Federal)

Every state offers additional benefits, and many veterans never check.

These may include:

• Property tax exemptions
• Vehicle tax relief
• Tuition assistance
• State veteran homes
• Free or discounted licenses

📍 Example for Virginia veterans:
🔗 https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/benefits

(Check your state’s Department of Veterans Services website.)

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7. Burial & End-of-Life Planning Benefits

No one likes to talk about this—but planning ahead protects your family.

VA burial benefits may include:

• Burial in a national cemetery
• Headstones or markers
• Burial allowance
• Survivor support

🔗 VA burial benefits: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/

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Final Thought: Benefits Are Earned—Not Handouts

One thing I tell veterans every day:

Using your benefits doesn’t take anything away from anyone else.
They are part of your compensation for service.

If you haven’t used a benefit yet, it doesn’t mean you missed your chance. It just means now is a good time to ask questions.

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Need Help or Not Sure Where to Start?

• Talk to an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
• Visit your state Department of Veterans Services
• Start with VA.gov and build from there

🔗 https://www.va.gov
🔗 https://www.nacvso.org/find_service_officer

Do you need a VSO/VSR?
Video appointments are available!
To request a video appointment, please call the office or send
an email to Barbara.Sotorodriguez@dvs.virginia.gov. 
In-person appointments available at the Virginia
Department of Veteran Services – Springfield Benefits Office.

VDVS – https://vesa.dvs.virginia.gov/