Introduction to VA Benefits
Why We Built This
We got tired of watching veterans struggle with a benefits system that feels designed to confuse them.
Filing a VA claim shouldn't require a law degree. Understanding why you got denied shouldn't feel like cracking a code. And figuring out what benefits you're actually entitled to shouldn't take years of trial and error.
So we built this knowledge base—a plain-English guide to everything VA benefits.
What You'll Find Here
This isn't a surface-level FAQ. We go deep:
- Disability Compensation - How ratings work, what examiners look for, and how to build a claim that actually gets approved
- Healthcare - VA medical benefits, CHAMPVA for dependents, community care options
- Education - GI Bill, Chapter 35 for dependents, Yellow Ribbon, VR&E
- Housing - VA home loans, adapted housing grants, homeless assistance
- Employment - Federal hiring preferences, VR&E job training, USERRA protections
- Survivor Benefits - DIC, burial benefits, dependency claims
Key Resources We Cover
- VA M21-1 Manual - The actual claims process that VA raters follow
- 38 CFR - The legal code that governs VA decisions
- Rating Schedules - How the VA calculates your disability percentage
- C&P Exam Process - What happens in those exams and how to prepare
How to Use This Knowledge Base
New to VA claims? Start with Filing a VA Claim and Claim Stages.
Dealing with a denial? Check out Appeals and Rating Decisions.
Looking for something specific? Use the search or browse by category.
Everything here is based on actual VA regulations and procedures—not rumors, not guesses. We cite our sources and explain the "why" behind the rules.
Questions? Use the VA Assistant chat or reach out through our support page.