Women are Veterans Too!
As a We Honor Veteran’s Partner and community collaborator, being an open door to veterans, not just at end of life, is a priority and an honor. We hear a lot about Veteran’s in general, but many of our veterans are still not utilizing the resources available to them.
According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, “Women served in the United States Military as early as the Revolutionary War. Since then, women of all ages, ranks, and levels of authority have entered every branch of service, made significant contributions, and suffered the same sacrifices as men.”
As many male veterans do not understand what is available to them or how to access these resources, that same can be said for our women veterans.
As a woman with military service, you may qualify for a wide range of benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs states with respect to VA Benefits, “Women Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.”
They also have provided information about VA benefits and programs specifically for Women Veterans.
VA Benefits and Programs for Women Veterans
Center for Women Veterans
VA’s Center for Women Veterans monitors and coordinates VA’s administration of benefit services and programs for women Veterans. The Center advocates for a cultural transformation that recognizes the service and contributions of women Veterans and women in the military, and also raises awareness of the responsibility to treat women Veterans with dignity and respect.
Learn more about the Center for Women Veterans.
Women Veteran Coordinators
There are Women Veteran Coordinator (WVCs) located in every regional office who function as the primary contact for women Veterans. WVCs provide specific information and comprehensive assistance to women Veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries concerning VA benefits and related non-VA benefits. They may assist you in the claims intake, development, and processing of military sexual and personal trauma claims.
VA Health Care for Women Veterans
At each VA medical center nationwide, a Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) is designated to advise and advocate for women Veterans. The WVPM can help coordinate all the services you may need, from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions or reproductive health. Woman Veterans who are interested in receiving care at VA should contact the nearest VA Medical Center and ask for the WVPM.
Learn more about the VA Health Care for Women Veterans.
VA Benefits for Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma
VA has special services available to help women who experienced military sexual trauma (MST), including free, confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to MST. You do not need to have a service-connected disability or injury, and may be able to receive this benefit even if you are not eligible for other VA care. You do not need to have reported the incidents when they happened or have other documentation that they occurred in order to receive MST services.
Every VA facility has a designated MST Coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related issues. This person is your advocate and can help you find and access VA services and programs, state and federal benefits, and community resources.
Learn more about MST and other violence and abuse from the National Center for PTSD. Watch an overview webinar on MST and learn about the benefits available to Servicemembers and Veterans.
How to Apply
The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
- Apply online using eBenefits, OR
- Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRAFICE!
