Organización Veteranos Mocanos, Inc.
"Leave No Mocano Veterans Behind"

Federal VA Benefits for Veterans

Below is a list of the principal benefit categories administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with direct URLs to the official VA pages for each. These benefits generally apply nationwide, including Puerto Rico (VA benefits are available to eligible veterans residing in U.S. territories). 

VA Caribbean Health Care

• Puerto Rico VA Caribbean Healthcare System: https://www.va.gov/caribbean-health-care/
• Puerto Rico - Schedule a Ride: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vtp/Puerto Rico

Veterans Transportation Program (VTP)

• Program Overview: https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vtp/
  • VA's Veterans Transportation Program
• Schedule a ride at: https://www.vetride.va.gov/app/home

Health Care

• Overview & Enrollment: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/
  • VA health services and how to apply
• Travel Reimbursement: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefit/314
  • For mileage and travel expense reimbursement to approved VA medical appointments.
• Mental Health & Substance Use: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/

Disability Compensation

• Eligibility & Application: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/
  • Explains service-connected condition criteria and how to file a claim.
• General Disability Info: https://www.va.gov/disability/
  • Disability compensation, including rating information.

Pension

• Veterans Pension: https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/
  • Eligibility for pension based on wartime service, income limits, and age/disability.
• Aid & Attendance / Housebound: https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/aid-attendance-housebound/
  • Special monthly pension for veterans and survivors needing aid & attendance or who are housebound.

Education and Training

• GI Bill & Education Benefits: https://www.va.gov/education/
  • Covers Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational training, and other education programs.
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/288
  • Chapter 35 benefits for spouses/children of veterans who died or are permanently disabled due to service.

Home Loans

• VA Home Loan Guaranty: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/
  • Information on VA-backed home purchase, refinance, and adapted housing grants for disabilities.

Life Insurance

• VA Life Insurance Programs: https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
  • Details on Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and other options.

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)

• Veteran Readiness & Employment: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
  • Services for veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment.

Burial and Memorial Benefits

• Burials & Memorials: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
  • Information on burial in VA national cemeteries, headstones/markers, burial allowances, and memorial benefits.

Survivor and Dependent Benefits

• Survivor Benefits Overview: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/
  • Covers survivor compensation, education assistance, and other benefits for spouses/dependents.

Small Business Support

• Veteran-Owned Small Business: https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/
  • Guides for registering as a Veteran-owned or service-disabled Veteran-owned small business.

Health Care for Caregivers

• Caregiver Support Program: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/long-term-care/caregiver-support/
  • Resources and stipends for eligible caregivers of veterans.

Geriatrics and Extended Care Services

• Respite Care: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefit/319
  • Short-term relief for caregivers through home or nursing home respite.
• Geriatrics Services Overview: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/
  • Comprehensive care for older veterans, including home-based primary care, adult day health care, and more.

Special Legislation Impacting Benefits

• PACT Act Benefits Expansion: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
  • Details on expanded health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins.

Retirement Benefits

• Military Retirement & Survivor Benefits: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/284
  • Pension for career retirees, Survivor Benefit Plan information, and how retirement pay interacts with VA benefits.

Tax and Financial Benefits

• Veteran Tax Exemptions: https://news.va.gov/139592/unlocking-veteran-tax-exemptions-across-states-and-u-s-territories/
  • Overview of property and income tax exemptions that may apply in various states and territories, including Puerto Rico.
  • Commissary & Exchange Privileges: Information typically included under VA benefit eligibility summaries (e.g., via VA Benefit Eligibility Matrix).
  • Veteran Preference in Federal Hiring: Covered under benefit eligibility matrices and federal employment regulations.

Service Dog Benefits

Service Dog Benefits Overview

• Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service – Service Dog Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp 

          https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-ServiceDogs.pdf

• VA does not directly provide service dogs but offers a veterinary health insurance benefit for veterans prescribed guide or service dogs under 38 CFR 17.148. This covers comprehensive veterinary care (preventive visits, immunizations, dental care under sedation, urgent/emergent care, prescription medications, and chronic care) to maximize the life and utility of these dogs.
• Covered care applies nationwide—including Puerto Rico—and veterans may use any veterinarian, with no need for pre-authorization for covered services. Equipment essential for the dog’s duties (e.g., harnesses, backpacks) may also be covered if not provided by the accredited organization.

Eligibility and Referral Process

• Eligibility Determination: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Docs/ServiceDogFAQ.pdf
  • Veteran must be enrolled in VA health care. A VA provider (e.g., primary care clinician) refers the veteran for an evaluation by a specialist (often within Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service). The specialist assesses whether a service dog is clinically appropriate based on the veteran’s disability, ability to care for the dog, and goals to be achieved through the dog versus other assistive devices or therapy. Each case is reviewed individually.
• Accredited Training Requirement: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp
  • The dog must come from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited organization, with a certificate of successful completion. VA refers veterans to these accredited agencies; there is no charge for the dog or its training.

Covered Benefits for Service Dogs

• Veterinary Care: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp
  • Preventive and routine care (annual exams, immunizations, dental cleanings under sedation once per year).
  • Urgent/emergent care and treatment of chronic illnesses/disorders that affect the dog’s ability to perform service tasks.
  • Prescription medications prescribed to maintain the dog’s health and service capability.
  • No billing to veteran for covered services; VA handles costs directly under a contracted insurance policy.
• Equipment: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp
  • Coverage may include replacement or specialized equipment necessary for the dog to perform its duties (e.g., harnesses, vests) not provided by the training organization.
• Limitations (Not Covered): https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Docs/ServiceDogFAQ.pdf
  • Over-the-counter items (e.g., non-prescription food, treats), grooming, boarding, non-sedated dental care, and routine maintenance not essential to service tasks are not covered.

Service Animal Policy on VA Property

• Access Rights and Responsibilities: https://www.va.gov/palo-alto-health-care/programs/service-animals/service-dogs/
  • VA policy aligns with ADA standards: service dogs (only dogs trained for physical, sensory, or mental impairments) must be allowed on VHA property with the veteran. Staff cannot require medical documentation or demonstration of tasks, only ask: “Is your dog required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has your dog been trained to do?” va.gov
  • Handler is responsible for care and control of the dog on VA premises; VA staff do not provide care or supervision of service animals.

Special Considerations and Additional Resources

• PTSD and Service Dogs: https://news.va.gov/118407/how-service-dogs-can-help-veterans-with-ptsd/
  • Although VA covers veterinary benefits, many service dog placements for PTSD occur via external providers (e.g., K9s For Warriors). VA clinicians may consider service dogs as part of a holistic treatment plan, but referrals follow the standard evaluation and accredited agency process.
• Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) and Service Dogs
  • While VR&E focuses on employment and training, veterans whose disabilities involve mobility or sensory impairments may have their service dog needs factored into their broader rehabilitation plan through Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.
  • No separate VR&E URL is needed beyond the primary Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service referral process.
• Regional Coverage (Including Puerto Rico)
  • VA’s veterinary benefit for service dogs applies nationwide, including Puerto Rico, via local VA medical centers’ Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. Veterans in Puerto Rico follow the same referral and evaluation steps, with coverage usable at any VA-authorized or private veterinarian. 

How to Apply or Start the Process

1. Enroll in VA Health Care (if not already): https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
2. Discuss with Your VA Provider: Request referral for an evaluation of need for service dog through your primary care or mental health provider.
3. Specialist Evaluation: VA specialist completes clinical determination; if approved, coordinates with Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service.
4. Accredited Agency Placement: VA refers to ADI/IGDF-accredited organizations; veteran obtains the dog with no charge.
5. Submit Certificate and Enroll Dog in VA Benefit: Provide certificate of successful completion to Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service to activate veterinary coverage.
6. Use Benefits: Schedule veterinary visits, obtain equipment as needed, and submit claims per VA process (handled directly under the insurance benefit).

VA Regional and Local Offices (Including Puerto Rico)

Veterans often need to contact or visit a VA Regional Benefit Office for in-person assistance with claims and benefits:

• San Juan Regional Office (Puerto Rico): https://www.benefits.va.gov/sanjuan/
  • Administers Compensation, Education, Insurance, Loan Guaranty, Pension, VR&E, Military Sexual Trauma services, etc., for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. 
• Regional Offices Directory: https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp
  • Lists all VA Regional Benefit Offices by state/territory (including Puerto Rico).
• VA Facility Locator for Puerto Rico: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=PR&dnum=ALL
  • For medical centers, Vet Centers, and other facilities in Puerto Rico.

Additional Resources and Publications

• Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (PDF): https://department.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Federal-Benefits-for-Veterans-Dependents-and-Survivors.pdf
  • Annual publication summarizing federal benefits available to veterans and their families.
• VA Benefits Eligibility Matrix: https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/derivative_sc.asp
  • Overview of eligibility across benefit programs.
• Veterans Living Overseas (includes U.S. territories): https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-abroad.asp
  • Confirms that most VA benefits remain payable regardless of residence.