The American Legion (www.legion.org)• For assistance with fi ling a VA claim, call Helpline:

(800) 433-3318• Latest info on web-page: www.legion.org/gulftoc.htmDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA)• Helpline: (800) PGW-VETS• Local VA offi ce: (800) 827-1000• Gulf Illnesses homepage:

www.va.gov/health/environ/persgulf.htmDepartment of Defense (DoD)• To Schedule clinical evaluation: (800) 796-9699• To report suspicious incidents: (800) 497-6261• Gulf Illnesses homepage: www.gulfl ink.osd.mil• Deployment Link Website: www.deploymentlink.osd.mil

1/05

A

rtw

ork

# 13

VAR0

105

The American Legionwww.legion.org

Persion Gulf Task Force

Th e American Legion

1601 “K” Street, NW

Washington, DC 200006

(202) 861-2700

Join The Legion

At 2.8 million strong, Th e American Legion is the largest veteran service organization in the world. Are you giving back? Join the ranks of America’s veterans who are still serving their communities, become a Legionnaire. Contact a Legion Post in your area or call 1-800-433-3318, Ext. 321

Gulf War EraBenefits&Programs

A Guide for Veterans and Their Families

The American Legion

ResourcesDon’t do it alone. A number of resources are available to help all Gulf War-era veterans and their families.

The American LegionOne out of every fi ve disabled Gulf War Era veter-ans received free help from Th e American Legion in preparing their disability claims.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been given by the Legion as grants to needy vets under the Tempo-rary Financial Assistance (TFA) program.

Th e Legion also publishes the Free “Sourcebook for Military Personnel and Veterans.” To order, call 1-800-433-3318.

Legion at a Glance

• World’s largest vets group.• 2.8 million members in 15,000 posts.• 100,000 members from Gulf War era.• Members served on active duty – not necessarily in-

theater – during a war.• Creator of original GI Bill; sponsor of Scout troops,

blood drives and Boys State.

Military service distinguishes some of America’s men and women. Th ey were willing to sacrifi ce their time – and perhaps much more – when the nation called.

Th e government has a wide variety of programs that acknowledge the contributions of veterans. Th ese benefi ts are available to our newest generation of veterans, the men and women who served in uniform during the Gulf War Era (8/2/90-present).

Some veterans benefi ts are earned as a condition of service. Others are compensation for injuries incurred or aggravated during service. But all share a common trait – they were earned by military service.

The Basics on Benefi tsPeople who served on active duty during the Gulf War Era are eligible for the same benefi ts off ered to U.S. veterans of other confl icts.

For most benefi ts, what counts is that you wore the uniform. Being in the Gulf during the war is a factor in only two benefi ts – veterans preference and VA pension.

Education: Montgomery GI Bill (www.gibill.va.gov). Honorable discharge is a must. Only those who en-rolled while on active duty are eligible. It can be used for college, business, or vocational school, job train-ing, correspondence courses, and remedial/ refresher training. GI Bill provides up to 36 months of educa-tional benefi ts. Monthly payments vary, depending on length of program and the individual’s time in service.

Home Loans (www.homeloans.va.gov) – No money down and low interest rates are features of the GI Bill home-loan. Certifi cate of eligibility must be obtained.

Insurance (www.insurance.va.gov) – Veterans can convert their Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) within 120 days of discharge without a medical exam. An application for VGLI aft er the 120 day period must be accompanied by proof of good health and must be submitted within one year aft er SGLI.

VA Pension – Economically disadvantaged veter-ans who are permanently and totally disabled from non-service-related disabilities and served during an offi cial period of war may be eligible to receive annual payments not to exceed $9,304.

Veterans Preference – Veterans who served during a period of war also get priority in fi lling federal civil service jobs.

Upgraded Discharges – A discharge that is not of-fi cially stamped “honorable” can limit access to VA benefi ts and aff ect employment opportunities. Veter-ans can have those discharges improved, or “upgrad-ed” – long aft er they leave the military. For assistance please call, Th e American Legion (202) 861-2700.

Basics on Disability CompensationTh e government provides free medical care to those who sustain injuries while on active duty. For severe cases, tax free disability pay is awarded.

Th e pay, called “VA disability compensation,” is de-termined by degree of disability.

For veterans with the severest problems, the govern-ment can off er rehabilitation, vocational training, and even stipends for spouses and children.

Getting HelpTh e American Legion has professional service offi cers to assist any veteran with issues such as:

Completing Applications

• Filing applications for VA disability benefi ts

• Obtaining necessary evidence and other supporting documents

Advocacy

• Representing veterans in formal hearings. Appeals Representatives and Service Offi cers are familiar with procedures and requirements.

Obtaining Family Benefi ts

• Obtaining stipends and educational benefi ts for spouses of severely disabled veterans.

• Obtaining monthly pensions for widows and widowers of veterans who die while receiving disability compensation.

• Obtaining free health exams for family members of gulf war veterans who suspect Gulf-related causes for their illnesses. Please call 800-749-8387 for more information.

The American Legion

Gulf War EraBenefits&Programs

A Guide for Veterans and Their Families

Basic Benefi ts for Gulf War Era Veterans & Families

Don’t do it alone.

Contact a service offi cer prior to beginning any VA processing. Legion membership is not a requirement for assistance and this service is provided free of charge. To locate an American Legion service offi cer in your area, call (800) 433-3318.