Veteran Navigation Library
Guides for finding your way through the system.
Short, practical guides for veterans and the people helping them. What it is, why it matters, what to do first, and what experienced veterans wish they had known sooner.
- VA Benefits·4 min read
Before You File a VA Disability Claim, Start With an Intent to File
An Intent to File is a short VA form that locks in your effective date for up to a year while you gather records and prepare a full disability claim.
Read guide - VA Benefits·6 min read
C&P Exams: What Veterans Wish They Knew Before Their Exam
What to know before a VA C&P exam.
Read guide - Crisis Support·5 min read
What Happens When You Contact the Veterans Crisis Line?
What to expect when contacting the Veterans Crisis Line.
For: Veterans, service members, families, and supporters
Read guide - VA Benefits·6 min read
What Is CHAMPVA? What Families Should Know Before Applying
What eligible veteran families should know about CHAMPVA.
For: Veterans, spouses, dependents, survivors, and families
Read guide - Mental Health & Readjustment Support·6 min read
What Is a Vet Center? What Veterans Should Know Before Their First Visit
What veterans should know before contacting a Vet Center.
For: Veterans, service members, families, and supporters
Read guide - VA Benefits·10 min read
VR&E Step-by-Step Guide: How Disabled Veterans Can Use Chapter 31 to Find New Employment
A plain-language guide to VA Veteran Readiness and Employment, also called VR&E or Chapter 31. Who may qualify, how to apply, what to expect, and common delays.
For: Disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities who may need help preparing for, finding, or keeping suitable employment.
Read guide - Health Benefits·8 min read
CHAMPVA vs. TRICARE: Which One Covers Your Family?
Understand the difference between CHAMPVA and TRICARE.
For: Veterans, spouses, dependents, survivors, military families
Read guide - VA Health Care·19 min read
VA Community Care: Getting Care Outside VA
How VA Community Care works, who qualifies, how referrals and authorizations work, urgent care versus emergency care, and mistakes to avoid before receiving treatment outside the VA.
For: Veterans, family members, caregivers, and supporters
Read guide - VA Health Care·9 min read
How to Apply for VA Health Care Benefits
Everything a veteran needs to know before applying for VA Health Care — eligibility, documents, toxic exposure eligibility, priority groups, and what happens after applying.
For: Veterans, family members, and supporters
Read guide - VA Disability Benefits·27 min read
VA Disability Ratings: What Changes at Each Percentage
Understand what changes at every VA disability rating from 0% through 100% — compensation, health care, dependents, CHAMPVA, VR&E, TDIU, dental, and Permanent & Total status.
For: Veterans, family members, caregivers, and supporters
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More guides are in the works. This library will grow over time.
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