VA Benefits: Basic Training

This 3-hour CLE focuses on the two main areas of VA benefits, non-service connected pension benefits, and service-connected compensation benefits; how a veteran qualifies for these benefits and how a practitioner can assist a veteran in obtaining these benefits. Non-service connected pension benefits are for veterans of limited means whose unreimbursed medical expenses begin to outpace their income. There are both military and financial (means tests) requirements to qualify for this benefit. Service-connected compensation benefits have a means test, but exist to compensate a veteran who incurred some type of injury, or aggravation of an existing condition, and who continues to suffer negative effects from such service-related injuries. 

Further, this CLE will also cover several lesser-known benefit programs that exist, so that every practitioner will be able to at a minimum, recognize a veteran's potential eligibility and either assist the veteran or vector that veteran to someone who can. There is a great deal of terminology that must be understood, as the military world possesses its own lexicon, and this CLE will use the precise terminology to better help the practitioner 'speak the language' of the VA as they represent clients for this underserved community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the fundamentals, and be able to effectively pursue non-service-connected pension claims and service-connected compensation claims

2. Identify the fundamentals, and be able to effectively pursue all claims for surviving spouses of veterans

3. Discuss the fundamentals, and be able to effectively pursue all potential appellate processes, their timelines, and rules