Released 2/12/24 | Tags:
NVLSP Issues Self-Help Manual: Applying for VA Benefits After a Discharge Upgrade
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 12, 2024
ARLINGTON, VA – Today the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) issued a free “Self-Help Manual: Applying for VA Benefits After a Discharge Upgrade” for veterans. The manual is designed to be a step-by-step guide to inform and assist veterans in accessing the benefits that they may be eligible to receive once they have obtained a discharge upgrade. It also highlights some resources available to veterans after an upgrade.
The first section of the manual is an overview that lists the categories of veterans benefits available from the VA and the discharge characterization required to qualify. The second section discusses each of these programs in detail and explains how to apply. The third section provides guidance on the appeals process if the VA denies the application. Finally, the last section identifies several resources for veterans applying for VA benefits and/or challenging denials.
“Veterans whose discharge status has been upgraded may become eligible for numerous VA benefits to which they are entitled due to illness or injury they sustained as a result of their military service. Yet, they may not know which benefits they qualify for or how to obtain those benefits,” said NVLSP Staff Attorney Abigail Reynolds. “We hope this self-help manual enables veterans to successfully receive the benefits they have earned for themselves and their families.”
NVLSP’s Self-Help Manual: Applying for VA Benefits After a Discharge Upgrade is available here.
About The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 18 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.4 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org.
Media contact:
Patty Briotta, office 202-621-5698, patty@nvlsp.org