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    <title>Who Is Eligible For Benefits And Services Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?</title>
    <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/index.html</link>
    <description>LawInfo - Legal Resource Center offers free legal forms and free legal documents that is designed to help consumers and businesses resolve their legal issues</description>
    <item>
      <title>Who Is Eligible For Benefits And Services Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/who-is-eligible-for-benefits-and-services.html</link>
      <description>Generally, anyone who has served in the military, and was discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable.&amp;nbsp; Anyone who has enlisted with any branch of the military after September 7, 1980 must serve or have served continuously for 24 months to be considered on &amp;ldquo;active duty&amp;rdquo; and be eligible for the benefits and services that are governed by the Department.&amp;nbsp; Anyone who has enlisted and been discharged before serving continuously for 24 months, or has failed to complete the time of service they were ordered to complete, whether 24 months in length or more, will not be allowed to benefit from the laws administered by the Department.</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:18:14 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Am I Entitled To Legal Protections Under The Scra?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/am-i-entitled-to-legal-protections-under-the-.html</link>
      <description>It depends.&amp;nbsp; Those who qualify for the protections of the SCRA include the following:&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;Active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and active service National guard;&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;Active service members of the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;Active service members of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service;&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;United States citizens serving with the armed forces of a nation with which the United States is allied in the prosecution of a war or military action; and &lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;Their spouses.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:28:27 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>As A Veteran, Am I Eligible For Home And Business Loans Administered By The Department Of Veterans Affairs?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/as-a-veteran-am-i-eligible-for-home-and-busin.html</link>
      <description>If you served on active duty during World War II, the Korean War or during the Vietnam era for 90 days or more, were released from active duty for a disability resulting from military service, served for more than 180 days after July 25, 1947 and were discharged for a conditions other than dishonorable, served for 180 days in active duty and continues to do so without a break in duty, or served for 90 days or more during the Persian Gulf War, you will be eligible to receive home or business loans from the Department.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:32:24 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can I Hire An Attorney To Help Me Prepare A Claim Or Argue The Denial Of A Claim In Front Of The Secretary Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/can-i-hire-an-attorney-to-help-me-prepare-a-c.html</link>
      <description>Yes &amp;ndash; but the attorney needs special qualifications in order to be allowed to appear on your behalf.&amp;nbsp; No individual can act as an attorney or as an agent in preparing, arguing or advocating for an applicant regarding a claim that is governed by the laws of the Department of Veterans Affairs, unless they are certified to do so by the Secretary of the Department.&amp;nbsp; To be certified to advocate for a veteran in issues under the administration of the Department an individual must be a member of the bar of the highest court in their state, and must submit a written declaration to the Secretary outlining their qualifications to appear before the Secretary in such matters.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:35:54 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can I Receive Pension Payments From The Department Of Veterans Affairs If I Am Also Receiving Compensation Payments From The Department For An Injury?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/can-i-receive-pension-payments-from-the-depar.html</link>
      <description>No, you cannot receive both a monthly pension payment and compensation payments for an injury sustained during military service.&amp;nbsp; However, if a veteran applies for and is granted pension moneys, but cannot receive them because he is already being paid compensation, the Department will pay whichever benefit is greater to the veteran.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:26:54 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can Protection Of The Scra Be Waived?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/can-protection-of-the-scra-be-waived-.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Yes.&amp;nbsp; A servicemember may waive any SCRA right and protection.&amp;nbsp; Waiver of certain SCRA rights or protections requires a written waiver that meets the applicable requirements of the SCRA.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:33:06 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Do The Protections Of The Scra Automatically Take Effect, Or Must I Take Action To Invoke Scra Protections?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/do-the-protections-of-the-scra-automatically.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;It depends.&amp;nbsp; Many SCRA protections are not automatic and require the member to request the protection in a timely manner.&amp;nbsp; For certain SCRA protections (i.e., interest rates), the member also may have to show that the active military service materially affects the member&amp;rsquo;s ability to pay.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:32:29 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Does The Scra Offer Any Other Protections In Court Proceedings?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/does-the-scra-offer-any-other-protections-in-.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Yes.&amp;nbsp; A member may request the court to re&amp;shy;open a matter and set&amp;shy;aside a default judgment (meaning a judgment that was entered against a member, because they could not appear at a hearing or respond to a lawsuit) if the judgment was entered against the member during the member&amp;rsquo;s active duty period, or within 60 days after the member&amp;rsquo;s release from active military duty.&amp;nbsp; The member must timely request such relief (i.e., within 90 days from release from active duty), show the active service materially affected the member&amp;rsquo;s ability to defend against the action, and show that he or she has a good defense.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:34:06 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>During What Time Period Do The Protections Of The Scra Apply?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/during-what-time-period-do-the-protections-of.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:31:56 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Do Scra Protections Affect Foreclosures And Repossessions?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-do-scra-protections-affect-foreclosures-a.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;If because of active military service, a member breaches the terms of a purchase contract for real property or an automobile, the property may not be foreclosed or repossessed without a court order.&amp;nbsp; The member, under certain circumstances, may request a stay (meaning delay) of the proceedings.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:36:53 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Do Scra Protections Affect Insurance?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-do-scra-protections-affect-insurance-.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;The SCRA provides for reinstatement of health insurance without waiting periods or other penalties, provided the insurance was effective before the active duty period, the insurance was terminated during the active duty period, and certain other conditions exist.&amp;nbsp; The SCRA also provides protection against termination of policy or forfeiture of premiums to members who have individual life insurance policies.&amp;nbsp; For SCRA protection for life insurance policies, the member must submit a written request to the Department of Veterans Affairs.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:37:32 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Does A Servicemember Or Dependent Request Relief Under The Scra?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-does-a-servicemember-or-dependent-request.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;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 servicemember&amp;rsquo;s military orders.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:31:13 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Does Deploying For Active Duty Or Be Ordered To Relocate Affect My Domicile (Legal Residence)?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-does-deploying-for-active-duty-or-be-orde.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;The SCRA continues the protection the SSCRA granted for domicile and residence.&amp;nbsp; A member can maintain the domicile or legal residence in the state the member resided before entering active duty.&amp;nbsp; A member does not lose the domicile (legal residence) in a state when absence from that state is due to military orders.&amp;nbsp; Members, however, can change his or her domicile if the member meets the conditions for changing legal residence.&amp;nbsp; Legal residence (domicile) should not be confused with residence.&amp;nbsp; A person can have as many residences as they can afford, but can have only one legal residence (domicile).&amp;nbsp; The domicile is considered to be the state entered in the member&amp;rsquo;s pay records.&amp;nbsp; The domicile is a state where the member resided at some point in time and while residing there formed the intent to return to this state after his or her military service ends and remain there indefinitely.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:38:01 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Does The Scra Protect Servicemembers From Lenders?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-does-the-scra-protect-servicemembers-from.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;A member may reduce the higher interest rates the member pays for any financial obligation (credit card, loan, mortgage) individually or jointly entered into before active service to six percent (6%) if active service materially affects the member&amp;rsquo;s ability to repay the financial obligation.&amp;nbsp; In addition, the SCRA prohibits the lender from accelerating the principal amount owed, and forgives (vs. defers) the excess interest payments that would have been due under the higher interest rate so that the member is not liable for the excess after he or she is released from active service.&amp;nbsp; This reduced interest rate is effective only during the period of active military duty.&amp;nbsp; Finally, this reduced rate does not apply to financial obligations (including refinancing or credit card balance increases) entered into or accrued while on active service, or to federal guaranteed student loans.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:35:09 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Much Can I Borrow If I Am Eligible For A Home Loan Through The Department Of Veterans Affairs?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-much-can-i-borrow-if-i-am-eligible-for-a-.html</link>
      <description>A qualified veteran can get a no down payment purchase loan up to $417,000 (as of December 31, 2006 &amp;ndash; amount usually changes yearly).&amp;nbsp; There is no cap or maximum amount that you can borrow.&amp;nbsp; Lenders may lend qualified veterans up to four times their entitlement through the Department without requiring a down payment.&amp;nbsp; If you have previously received a home loan by qualifying through the Department, and have not used all of your available entitlement, you can receive what is left of the maximum amount of entitlement that has not been previously borrowed.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:33:03 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Much Will I Receive If I Am Eligible For A Department Of Veterans Affairs Pension?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/how-much-will-i-receive-if-i-am-eligible-for-.html</link>
      <description>It depends on your income.&amp;nbsp; All of an applicant&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ldquo;countable income&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; meaning any income received by a veteran and his or her dependents from earnings, disability and retirement payments, interest and dividends, and net income from farming or business.&amp;nbsp; Any deductions will then be subtracted from the total of your countable income.&amp;nbsp; The remaining countable income is deducted from the appropriate annual pension limit which is determined by the number of your dependents, if any, and whether or not you are entitled to household or aid and attendance benefits.&amp;nbsp; This amount is then divided by 12 and rounded down to the nearest dollar.&amp;nbsp; This gives you the amount of your potential monthly pension payment.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:26:16 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Am A Veteran And I Am Homeless.  Can The Department Of Veterans Affairs Help Me?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-am-a-veteran-and-i-am-homeless-can-the-dep.html</link>
      <description>Yes.&amp;nbsp; There are many programs administered by the Department to help homeless veterans find shelter.&amp;nbsp; Additionally, the Department can provide veterans with housing at any of the group homes or property that the Department has secured for such purposes.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:31:47 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Have Been Charged With A Crime.  Can That Affect My Receipt Of Benefits?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-have-been-charged-with-a-crime-can-that-af.html</link>
      <description>Yes.&amp;nbsp; 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.&amp;nbsp; 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.&amp;nbsp; 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.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:20:56 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Have Been Injured During Military Service, And Cannot Get A Job Because Of My Disability.  What Services Can The Department Of Veterans Affairs Provide Me?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-have-been-injured-during-military-service-a.html</link>
      <description>In addition to a monthly compensation stipend for your disability, assuming your disability is determined to be at least 10% disabling, the Department provides vocational rehabilitation and employment for disabled veterans.&amp;nbsp; These services include job search assistance and various training programs, all at no cost to veterans who are eligible.&amp;nbsp; Generally, a veteran will have 12 years from the time they are notified that they have at least a 10% disability to receive vocational services.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:28:30 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Lied To The Department Of Veterans Affairs So That I Could Receive Benefits.  What Can Happen To Me?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-lied-to-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-.html</link>
      <description>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 rights and benefits under the laws administered by the Department.&amp;nbsp; In addition, you may have criminal charges filed against you by the federal government and/or by the state government in which you live.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:20:11 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Served In The Military Am I Eligible For A Pension?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-served-in-the-military-am-i-eligible-for-a-.html</link>
      <description>Yes.&amp;nbsp; You can receive a monthly pension if you are a wartime veteran with limited income, and you are permanently and totally disabled or at least 65 years old.&amp;nbsp; A veteran is considered a wartime veteran if they served at least 90 days in the military, at least 1 day of which was during a war time.&amp;nbsp; Additionally, if you were discharged from the military, the discharge must not have been dishonorable.&amp;nbsp; Another requirement, with exceptions, applies to those who entered active duty after September 7, 1980, who must have served for at least 24 months or the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.&amp;nbsp; The yearly limit over which will disqualify a veteran from eligibility for pension service is set by Congress.&amp;nbsp; The current limits are as follows:&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Veteran without spouse or child = $10, 929&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Veteran with one dependent = $14, 313&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Veteran housebound without dependents = $13,356&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Veteran housebound with one dependent = $16, 740&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Veteran receiving Aid &amp;amp; Attendance without dependents = $18,234&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Veteran receiving Aid &amp;amp; Attendance with one dependent = $21, 615&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;$2, 480 can be added to each category if you are an &amp;ldquo;Early War&amp;rdquo; veteran.&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;$1, 866 can be added to each category for each additional dependent a veteran may have.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;In addition to the limits on yearly income set above, a veteran&amp;rsquo;s net worth &amp;ndash; meaning assets such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and any property other than the veteran&amp;rsquo;s residence &amp;ndash; can not be &amp;ldquo;excessive.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; There is no stated&amp;nbsp; limit on the allowable amount of net worth, however, the Department can, at its discretion determine if net worth is excessive.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:24:45 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Was Injured As A Result Of My Military Services, And Now I Cannot Obtain Life Insurance To Protect My Family.  Can The Department Of Veterans Affairs Help Me?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-was-injured-as-a-result-of-my-military-serv.html</link>
      <description>Yes.&amp;nbsp; The Department administers several different insurance programs that help veterans, who would ordinarily be unable to acquire life insurance because of disabilities, obtain life insurance coverage.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:36:34 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I Was Injured While Serving In The Military  Am I Eligible For Any Benefits?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/i-was-injured-while-serving-in-the-military-a.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;It depends. In order to receive benefits for injuries from the Department an applicant must qualify for &amp;ldquo;active duty&amp;rdquo; status as discussed above, meaning they qualify for benefits and services of the Department.&amp;nbsp; Secondly, an applicant for benefits must show that there is a disability, and that the disability is present as a result of service in the military.&amp;nbsp; If your disability developed as a result of service during a period of war, or any time of peace after 1946, the disability will be determined to have resulted from military service.&amp;nbsp; Other factors determining whether benefits can be received and the amount of those benefits include the time the disability became effective and the seriousness of the disability.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;Therefore, if you are eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and you are disabled because of an injury incurred or aggravated during military service, you will be able to collect benefits from the Department. You will be allowed to collect benefits for a certain period of time, depending on the seriousness of your injury, and the amount of benefits that can be received will be determined by the seriousness of the injury. Benefits can also be sought for contraction or aggravation of a disease.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:19:06 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>If I Have Forfeited My Rights To Benefits Under The Laws Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs, What Affect Does That Have On My Family Receiving Benefits?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/if-i-have-forfeited-my-rights-to-benefits-und.html</link>
      <description>If you have submitted a fraudulent statement or correspondence to receive benefits to the Department, your dependent family members may still receive benefits, even though your benefits have been forfeited.&amp;nbsp; However, if you are convicted of certain crimes the Department can take away all benefits from you and your family.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>If My Deceased Husband/Wife Was A Veteran Am I Entitled To A Pension?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/if-my-deceased-husband-wife-was-a-veteran-am-.html</link>
      <description>You may be, however, there are qualifications.&amp;nbsp; If you are widowed by a veteran, to receive a Department of Veterans Affairs Death Pension you must not be remarried, and a child of a deceased veteran must not be married.&amp;nbsp; Additionally, the deceased veteran must have qualified for a pension while alive &amp;ndash; meaning they could not have been dishonorably discharged and must have served during wartime.&amp;nbsp; The limit on countable income for death pensions applies to the surviving spouse or children, whose income must be under that amount to receive a death pension.&amp;nbsp; Additionally, for the child of a veteran to be eligible they must be under 18, under 23 and still in school, or incapable of self&amp;shy;support before the age of 18.&amp;nbsp; Also, the net worth of the family after the veteran is deceased cannot be &amp;ldquo;excessive.&amp;rdquo;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:27:55 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>My Husband Was Killed While Serving In The Armed Forces, Do I Have A Right To Compensation From The Department Of Veterans Affairs?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/my-husband-was-killed-while-serving-in-the-ar.html</link>
      <description>Yes.&amp;nbsp; The Department will pay a monthly stipend to you and your family.&amp;nbsp; This benefit is called &amp;ldquo;dependency and indemnity compensation.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Spouses and children of persons who were killed during service at anytime after December 31, 1956 are entitled to &amp;ldquo;dependency and indemnity compensation.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp; Dependents will also be able to collect a deceased veteran&amp;rsquo;s benefits that accrued up until the time of death.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:22:43 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>My Spouse Who Was A Veteran Has Died.  Will The Department Of Veterans Affairs Help Me Cover The Cost Of The Funeral And Burial?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/my-spouse-who-was-a-veteran-has-died-will-th.html</link>
      <description>Generally, the Department will cover the costs of burial.&amp;nbsp; However, funeral costs will most likely be left up to those who survive a veteran.&amp;nbsp; The Department can provide headstones and markers for burial and an American flag to drape across the casket of the deceased and can reimburse the survivors of a deceased veteran for expenses related to burial.&amp;nbsp; For veterans who died as a result of their service the Department can give an allowance of up to $2,000.&amp;nbsp; For other veterans the allowance will be up to $300.&amp;nbsp; Additionally, most veterans and some dependents of veterans can be buried in national cemeteries.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:33:49 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>On What Grounds Can The Denial Of My Claim For Benefits Or Services Be Overturned?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/on-what-grounds-can-the-denial-of-my-claim-fo.html</link>
      <description>If new and material evidence has been presented that affects a previous denial of a claim the secretary can reopen the claim for review and possibly reverse the previous decision to deny the claim.&amp;nbsp; Also, if the Board of Veterans&amp;rsquo; Appeals or a court of law finds that a denial of benefits by the Department has been made because of a &amp;ldquo;clear and unmistakable error,&amp;rdquo; the decision can be revised or reversed.&amp;nbsp; If a decision regarding a benefit or service claim by a veteran has been remanded to a regional office for reconsideration by the Board of Veterans&amp;rsquo; Appeals or a court of law, the regional office must expedite such a matter to make the proper decision regarding the claim in a timely manner.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:30:51 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Are Aid And Attendance And Housebound Benefits?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-are-aid-and-attendance-and-housebound-be.html</link>
      <description>Aid and Attendance benefits are paid, in addition to pension moneys, to veterans who require the aid of another person to perform the functions of everyday living, are bedridden by their disabilities, are patients in nursing homes because of mental or physical incapacities, or are blind.&amp;nbsp; Housebound benefits are paid, in addition to pension moneys, to veterans who, because of a disability that is evaluated as 100% disabling cannot leave their own home, or veterans who have a disability that is evaluated as 100% disabling and an additional disability that is at least 60% disabling.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:25:25 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Are The Requirements For Filing A Successful Claim For Benefits?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-are-the-requirements-for-filing-a-succes.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;All claims for services or benefits administered by the Department are subject to the review and acceptance of the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.&amp;nbsp; A veteran carries the burden of proving that he or she qualifies for the benefit or service for which they are applying.&amp;nbsp; If the Secretary determines the application for benefits is incomplete or more evidence is needed to make a decision, the Secretary must notify the applicant, and the applicant will have one year to provide the requested evidence or information.&amp;nbsp; If the requested evidence or information is not received on time, the claim for benefits or services can be denied.&lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;If medical information is required for approval of your claim you may have a report prepared by a private physician, and submit that report as evidence for your claim.&amp;nbsp; The Secretary can accept the report from a private physician at their own discretion if it is believed to be thorough enough.&amp;nbsp; However, when reviewing a claim the Secretary has the right to have another physician review the evidence.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:34:29 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Is The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (Scra)?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-is-the-servicemembers-civil-relief-act-s.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;The SCRA was created in 2003 completely replaced the Soldiers&amp;rsquo; and Sailors&amp;rsquo; Civil Relief Act (SSCRA) of 1940.&amp;nbsp; The SCRA (and previously the SCCRA) protects those persons who serve on active military duty for the nation&amp;rsquo;s defense, from adverse consequences to their legal rights that may result because of such service, so that such persons may devote their full attention and all their energies to the nation&amp;rsquo;s defense.&amp;nbsp; The SCRA strengthens the protections originally granted by the SSCRA, extends certain protection for dependents of the member on active duty, and creates new protections for members.&amp;nbsp; The SCRA provides protection for members in civil court and administrative actions.&amp;nbsp; It also provides protections for issues involving taxation, house/apartment leases, car leases, interest rates and insurance.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:27:55 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Is The Veterans Benefits Administration?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-is-the-veterans-benefits-administration-.html</link>
      <description>The Veterans&amp;rsquo; Benefits Administration is the governing body within the Department responsible for administering non&amp;shy;medical benefits to veterans entitled to benefits.&amp;nbsp; These non&amp;shy;medical benefits include pension moneys, educational benefits, money lending benefits and insurance benefits.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:23:19 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Is The Veterans Health Administration?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-is-the-veterans-health-administration-.html</link>
      <description>The Veterans' Health Administration is the governing body within the Department that is responsible for providing medical and hospital treatment for veterans. The Veterans' Health Administration is responsible for the creation and management of hospitals and medical research projects similar to those of civilian medical groups and hospitals. There are a large number of VA Medical Centers throughout the United States that are created and managed by the Veterans' Health Administration.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:24:04 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Is Veterans' Law?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-is-veterans-law-.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Obviously, if you are a veteran you are still subject to most of the same criminal and civil laws as the rest of us.&amp;nbsp; However, there are certain laws that apply specifically to veterans.&amp;nbsp; The Department of Veterans Affairs (Department), which is part of the executive branch of the government, administers certain laws that deal with various benefits and services that veterans and their families are entitled to.&amp;nbsp; The head of the Department is given the title of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary).&amp;nbsp; Benefits and services available to those who qualify for them include pension programs, medical insurance and services, injury compensation and benefits for dependents of veterans. &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;p&gt;In addition to administering the laws that apply to the various benefits and services to which qualified veterans are entitled, the Department is responsible for setting up medical emergency preparedness centers in different parts of the United States and must administer training and education programs for medical responses to terrorist attacks.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:17:29 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Kind Of Legal Protections Am I Entitled To If I Qualify For The Protections Of The Scra?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-kind-of-legal-protections-am-i-entitled-.html</link>
      <description>&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;The SCRA states that a debt incurred by a servicemember, or servicemembers and spouse jointly, prior tot entering military service shall not bear interest at a rate above 6 percent during the period of military service.&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;The SCRA states that in a legal action to enforce a debt against real estate that is filed during, or within 90 days after the servicemember&amp;rsquo;s military service, a court may stop the proceedings for a period of time, or adjust the debt.&amp;nbsp; In addition, the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of real estate shall not be valid if it occurs during, or within 90 days after the servicemember&amp;rsquo;s military service unless the creditor has obtained a court order approving the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of the real estate.&lt;br /&gt;&#xD;
&amp;shy;&amp;nbsp;The SCRA contains many other protections besides those applicable to home loans.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:30:31 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Kind Of Tax Protection Does The Scra Provide?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-kind-of-tax-protection-does-the-scra-pro.html</link>
      <description>A member does not acquire a new domicile or legal residence for purposes of income tax when the member&amp;rsquo;s presence in the state is solely due to military orders.&amp;nbsp; Furthermore, the SCRA prohibits states (where the member is located merely because of military orders) from including military income of a nonresident member to increase the tax liability imposed on nonmilitary income earned by the nonresident member to increase the tax liability imposed on nonmilitary income earned by the nonresident member or spouse subject to tax by the state.&amp;nbsp; The military income is taxable only by the member&amp;rsquo;s domicile state, if the domicile state has an income tax.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:38:27 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Protection Does The Scra Offer Servicemembers From Evictions?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-protection-does-the-scra-offer-serviceme.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Some states require a court order for a landlord to evict and other states do not require such a court order.&amp;nbsp; The SCRA makes it a requirement for all states that landlords obtain a court order to evict a military member or the member&amp;rsquo;s dependents during the period of the member&amp;rsquo;s active duty service.&amp;nbsp; If the member or the member&amp;rsquo;s dependents meet certain qualifications, the member or the member&amp;rsquo;s dependents may request a stay (meaning delay) of an eviction action.&amp;nbsp; The court will grant relief it deems appropriate.&amp;nbsp; The SCRA creates criminal offenses for landlords who violate this SCRA protection.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:36:27 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Protections Does Scra Provide Servicemembers Who Have Automobile Leases?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-protections-does-scra-provide-servicemem.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;The SCRA creates a new protection to allow a member to terminate an automobile lease that the member signed either before or during active duty if the member meets certain conditions.&amp;nbsp; Generally, a reserve or guard member must, after entering the lease, be called to active duty service for at least 180 days or more.&amp;nbsp; An active duty member must, after entering the lease, either (a) receive military orders for a permanent change of station either (i) from the continental United States (CONUS) to outside CONUS or (ii) from a state outside CONUS to any location outside that state OR (b) deploy for 180 days or more.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:35:34 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Protections Does Scra Provide Servicemembers Who Have Real Estate Leases?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-protections-does-scra-provide-servicemem.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;A member may terminate, without penalty, leases and rental agreements entered into before or during active military service for real estate properties (i.e., residences, businesses) if the member meets certain conditions.&amp;nbsp; Previously, the SSCRA did not permit such terminations if the lease or rental agreement was entered into during active service.&amp;nbsp; Generally, the member must be called to active duty service for at least 90 days, or receive military orders for a permanent change of station or orders to deploy for at least 90 days.&amp;nbsp; Such terminations also terminate any obligation of the member&amp;rsquo;s dependents under the lease.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:36:01 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Protections Does The Scra Provide To Servicemembers In Court And Administrative Proceedings?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-protections-does-the-scra-provide-to-ser.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;The SCRA provides for an automatic stay (meaning delay) of at least 90 days upon a proper request from the member in civil administrative and civil matters.&amp;nbsp; The member who is unable to appear in court on the date required because of active military service must request this SCRA protection in writing and include certain information with the request.&amp;nbsp; After receiving the written request, the judge, magistrate or hearing officer must grant a minimum 90 day delay.&amp;nbsp; Unlike the SSCRA, under the SCRA, this delay is mandatory, and the member&amp;rsquo;s letter requesting postponement is not an appearance or waiver of any defense by the member.&amp;nbsp; Any additional delay beyond the mandatory 90&amp;shy;day period is within the discretion of the judge, magistrate or hearing officer.&amp;nbsp; You should know that this protection does not apply to criminal court or criminal administrative proceedings.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:33:42 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Should I Do If My Claim For Benefits Or Services Has Been Denied?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/what-should-i-do-if-my-claim-for-benefits-or-.html</link>
      <description>You should file an appeal with the Board of Veterans&amp;rsquo; Appeals.&amp;nbsp; This board, which is comprised of judges and attorneys trained in veterans&amp;rsquo; law, will review your denied claim for benefits or services and issue a decision that can either affirm or reverse the decision of the office to which you made your claim.&amp;nbsp; The Board of Veterans&amp;rsquo; Appeals is the administrative body that handles veterans&amp;rsquo; disputes regarding benefits and services administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:30:09 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Will Creditors Refuse To Lend Me Money Because, As A Member Of The National Guard Or Military Reserve, I Qualify For Indebtedness Protection Under The Scra?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/will-creditors-refuse-to-lend-me-money-becaus.html</link>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;No.&amp;nbsp; Credit agencies are not allowed to identify a member&amp;rsquo;s status as guard or reserve because such identification may cause a lender to deny or revoke credit, change credit terms or view the credit report negatively.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:34:45 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Will The Department Of Veterans Affairs Cover The Costs Of My Education?</title>
      <link>http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Veterans-Law/Federal/will-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-cover.html</link>
      <description>Yes.&amp;nbsp; If you first entered active duty serve after June 30, 1985, you will generally be eligible to have your educational costs covered under the Montgomery GI Bill.&amp;nbsp; If you entered active service between December 31, 1976 and July 1, 1985, you will generally qualify for educational coverage under the Veterans Educational Assistance Program.&amp;nbsp; Military reserve or guard service members will be eligible for covered educational expenses if they signed a six year or more service agreement after June 1, 1985, pursuant to the Montgomery GI Bill.&amp;nbsp; Also, anyone who was activated for reserve or guard service for 90 continuous days or more after September 11, 2001, can have their educational expenses covered, pursuant to the Reserve Educational Assistance Program.</description>
      <category>Veterans Law FAQs</category>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:29:50 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
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