A veteran is any person who has been discharged from active military service with an honorable discharge. Veterans may be eligible for various benefits such as:

• home loans,
• education,
• medical services, or
• financial services.

Medical care for eligible veterans is available at medical centers and outpatient clinics in all fifty states. Along with hospital care, the VA can provide:

• clinic care,
• care at skilled nursing facilities when ordered by a VA physician,
• hospice care,
• home renovations for equipment needed by the disabled, and
• burial benefits.

Disability compensation is money paid to veteran who is disabled from a disease or injury that occurred from, or was made worse by, military service. These payments are not subject to federal or state income tax.

Veterans with a service connected disease or injury have first priority to receive hospital and outpatient care without charge at VA facilities. Some may also be entitled to receive financial allowances for dependents, such as spouses or children.

Medical care at a VA facility may also be provided to veterans without service related diseases or injuries. They are subject to an income eligibility verification and pay for part of their care if their income is above certain levels. A supplemental pension along with hospital care may be provided to low-income veterans who:

• are totally disabled,
• have served during specific war time periods, such as World War II, Korea, or Vietnam.

Financial and health care benefits are also available to family members and survivors of some veterans.

All benefits are provided by the Veterans Administration (VA). For current benefit information, contact the VA at (800) 827-1000. Many veterans' service organizations also provide VA benefits information and assistance.

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