This generation of veterans and servicemembers have access to the best benefits of any era in history. From the VA Home Loan program, to the GI Bill you can save you money, enhance your career opportunities and even change your life. Don’t miss out on any of the military and veteran benefits you have earned.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental health issue that can be diagnosed and rated by the VA as a service-connected disability. If you are about to retire or separate from military service and suspect you may have a PTSD claim, knowing how the VA reviews and rates this condition for compensation is helpful…. Read more »
Did you know that military members can get both military retirement benefits and draw Social Security? Since 1957, military members on active duty have enjoyed Social Security coverage. Those who served before then did not pay into Social Security but did get credit for some military duty. SSI Versus SSDI: What to Know According to… Read more »
Military members have a variety of retirement savings and investing options. In addition to the military retirement pay you earn for serving 20 years or more in uniform on active duty or the equivalent in service for the Guard and Reserve, there are several ways to set aside money to use after age 65. Military… Read more »
In 2021, we reported on the Department of Veterans Affairs installation of a new electronic health records system, debuting at selected Pacific Northwest sites. The new electronic healthcare records system was intended to help “…improve how physicians store and manage patient information concerning visits, test results, prescriptions, and other crucial information.” This is all the… Read more »
There are multiple types of military retirement pay plans for those who serve long enough to qualify for military retirement or are given a disability retirement due to medical issues caused or aggravated by military service. Defense.gov says, “Members who accumulate 20 or more years of active service are eligible for retirement.” That applies to… Read more »
John Deere Military Discount John Deere is an American corporation that manufactures agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, lawn care equipment, and more. They offer an upgraded rewards program as a military discount. What is the discount? The John Deere military discount is for an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership. This membership unlocks extra discounts on equipment,… Read more »
If you are a veteran with a service-connected medical issue, you can file a VA disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Doing so makes you eligible for consideration for a VA disability rating, and you may be entitled to monthly compensation for your service-connected medical issues.
Military Pay and Allowances Explained To understand military pay and allowances, you must first understand Basic Pay. Military members are offered Basic Pay for their time served, this is the salary for those in uniform. Most other payments above and beyond Basic Pay are either “special pay”, allowances, “incentive pay” or similar. Basic Pay does… Read more »
Have you filed a claim for VA benefits under the PACT Act? This legislation created new “presumptive conditions” for troops exposed to toxic operations such as burn pits, the use of Agent Orange, and duty-related radiation exposure. Under PACT Act guidelines, those submitting claims to the VA may get automatic approval for 24 newly added… Read more »
The Basic Needs Allowance is a taxable military benefit offered to low-income troops and their families who qualify. The allowance, offered for the first time at the start of 2023, is meant to address food insecurity issues within the ranks with a monthly allowance calculated on financial need (see below.) Each branch of the United… Read more »