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I Have Been Charged With A Crime. Can That Affect My Receipt Of Benefits?

Yes. If you have been indicted for the commission of a crime the Department may suspend the distribution of any benefits, and you will forfeit your rights to any benefits, even those which have accrued during military service prior to the commission or alleged commission of the crime that you have been indicted for. However, if you have been indicted for a crime and are later acquitted or the charges are dropped, you can have your benefit payments restored, and recover the past benefits that you did not receive. Conviction of certain offenses, including treason and other offenses against the United States will result in a forfeiture of all benefits, both accrued and those to which you are entitled in the future.

Other Veterans Law FAQs

Q: What Is Veterans' Law?
A: Obviously, if you are a veteran you are still subject to most of the same criminal and civil laws as the rest of us. However, there are certain laws that apply … More
Q: What Is The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (Scra)?
A: The SCRA was created in 2003 completely replaced the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) of 1940. The SCRA (and previously the SCCRA) … More
Q: Am I Entitled To Legal Protections Under The Scra?
A: It depends. Those who qualify for the protections of the SCRA include the following: Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, … More
Q: Who Is Eligible For Benefits And Services Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?
A: Generally, anyone who has served in the military, and was discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable. Anyone who has enlisted with any … More
Q: I Was Injured While Serving In The Military – Am I Eligible For Any Benefits?
A: It depends. In order to receive benefits for injuries from the Department an applicant must qualify for “active duty” status as discussed above, meaning … More
Q: What Kind Of Legal Protections Am I Entitled To If I Qualify For The Protections Of The Scra?
A: The SCRA states that a debt incurred by a servicemember, or servicemembers and spouse jointly, prior tot entering military service shall not bear interest … More
Q: How Does A Servicemember Or Dependent Request Relief Under The Scra?
A: In order to request relief under the SCRA, a servicemember or spouse, or both, must provide a written request to the lender, together with a copy of … More
Q: I Lied To The Department Of Veterans Affairs So That I Could Receive Benefits. What Can Happen To Me?
A: If you intentionally make a false statement, or even help someone else present a false statement regarding benefits to the Department, you will forfeit all of your … More
Q: During What Time Period Do The Protections Of The Scra Apply?
A: SCRA protections generally begin the first date of the active duty period, and may extend from 30 days up to 180 days after the member is released from active duty. More
Q: Do The Protections Of The Scra Automatically Take Effect, Or Must I Take Action To Invoke Scra Protections?
A: It depends. Many SCRA protections are not automatic and require the member to request the protection in a timely manner. For certain SCRA protections … More