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1. What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one?

The Veterans Identification Card Act 2015 (Public Law 114-31) was enacted on July 20, 2015. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is drafting regulations that will allow VA to implement and enforce the legislation. However, this is a lengthy process that requires time for a public comment period as well as approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The rule-making process is expected to take 12 months or more. VA is also in the process of developing procedures and policies to implement the VA ID card program. VA currently estimates the program will be implemented in 2017.

In the meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to provide a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for veterans to use at VA medical facilities. The VIC will be issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. The new card protects personal privacy by not showing Social Security Numbers or dates of birth on the front of the cards.

VA has Service Connected, POW, and Purple Heart (PH) indicators on the new VIC. Veterans who have been awarded service-connected status after their VIC has been issued or SC status is not properly documented on their card, will need to present their letter showing their SC rating to the eligibility clerk at the local VA Medical Center where they obtain treatment. After verification, the eligibility clerk will submit a request to National Card Management Directory (NCMD) System for a new card to be issued to the veteran.

Once a veteran has his/her picture taken for the new card at the VA medical facility, the card will be mailed to the veteran at the address that has been provided. To ensure that a veteran receives the new VIC card, the veteran should please verify that VA has the correct address on file. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility at which the card was requested. The card will then be held in a secure location at the facility for 90 days. If the card is not picked up within the 90-day period, the card will be destroyed.

With regard to the use of veteran ID cards for store discounts, please note that the VA identification card, once available, will allow Veterans to demonstrate proof of service for discounts at private restaurants and businesses.

It should be noted that the identification card is different from a Veteran Health Identification card or a DoD Uniformed Services or retiree ID card. As such, the VA identification cards cannot be used as proof of eligibility for any federal benefits and do not grant access to military installations.

When available, Veterans will be able to request an ID card from VA for a fee. VA is currently making plans to implement the new law in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while protecting Veterans' personal information. We estimate that VA will be able to implement the program in 2017. The cost of each card has not yet been determined.

In the meantime, Veterans who would like an identification card that displays their military service do not have to wait until VA implements the new law. You have several options:

You can access and print a free Veterans identification card through the joint VA/DoD web portal, eBenefits. This paper identification card serves as proof of honorable service in the Uniformed Services, as defined in the laws of the Department of Defense (DoD). Veterans can get a free eBenefits account.

Your driver's license or state identification card can carry a Veteran designation. This option is currently available in 49 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. We expect the 50th state, Washington, to offer this service in August 2017. Veterans wanting more information should contact their state Department of Motor Vehicles or the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can obtain a free Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).

Veterans who have retired from military service can receive an identification card from DoD. For information on obtaining or renewing such a card, please contact your nearest DoD identification card facility. 

2. How can I check on the status of my pending claim? Can I check status online ?

You can use the eBenefits portal to check the status of your claim online if you are an eBenefits Premium (Level 2) account holder. To determine the status of your pending claim, login to your eBenefits account and select My eBenefits. On the "Compensation" tab, select Compensation and Pension Claims Status to view your claim status. You can also call 800-827-1000 and follow the recorded instructions, or you can contact VA and fill out the Ask A Question form. If you are not an eBenefits account holder, you can visit the eBenefits Registration page for information on how to establish an account.

3. Did you know Military retirees should update your DEERS record and Military Retiree ID Card when eligible for Medicare?

Did you know that Military Retirees must update their DEERS record and Retired Identification Card when becoming eligible for Medicare, normally at age 65. Once updated, your new Identification Card will never expire.

Additionally, the new Identification Cards no longer display your Social Security Number. There is a new DoD ID Number on the front and a DoD Benefits number printed on the back. If your Retiree Identification Card currently displays your Social Security Number, you may get a new one anytime.

Save time by making an online appointment. Visit the Appointment Scheduler. Remember to bring 2 forms of government-issued Identification. If you need to locate your nearest Identification office, use the DEERS / RAPIDS Site Locator.

4. What information, services and benefits does VA provide to veterans regarding Agent Orange?

Information about Agent Orange can be found on our VA website. Please go to this website for all VA information related to this topic. Thank you.

5. Can I get a loan from VA to buy a house?

For a comprehensive look at what VA offers in the way of Home Loan services, please go to the Home Loans website.

6. Can I obtain free prescriptions from VA?

VA provides medication to eligible veterans who are receiving care from VA medical facilities, and to those veterans authorized by VA to receive care from private physicians at VA expense. VA pharmacies cannot fill prescriptions written by a private physician unless the veteran is specifically eligible.

7. What services are available from the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities?

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides to veterans with service-connected disabilities. This website is dedicated to providing information about veteran benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service to veterans, employers, and the general public.

The website provides information about vocational counseling available to active-duty service members and veterans who have recently separated from active duty. You will also find information about vocational counseling and special rehabilitation services available to dependents of veterans who meet certain program eligibility requirements. In addition, there is a link to VetSuccess.Gov which is Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Service's website that emphasizes employment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. There are links to employment information, small business resources, coming home to work, etc.

8. Does VA provide dental care and how do I qualify?

Eligibility for dental care is limited by law.

• Information on finding out if you are eligible for VA medical care
• Information on specific VA dental benefits

9. Do I still need Medicare Parts A and B if I receive my health care from VA?

VA does not require a Veteran to have Medicare Part A or B to be enrolled in VA health care. However, a Veteran may want to consider their total healthcare needs before changing any insurance coverage.

• More Information
• Information About Medicare

10. What benefits and services are available for spouses and dependents of deceased veterans?

The Veterans Benefits Administration has created a "survivors" website for spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The website is organized into two broad categories - death in service and death after service. It provides website visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from and provides links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents. 

Survivor Benefits

11. What assistance / support does VA provide to caregivers of veterans who are not hospitalized?

Information About VA's Caregiver Support Program

12. How do I get my discharge upgraded or changed?

Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with the authority to change, correct, or modify discharges or dismissals that are not issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges. The veteran or his surviving spouse, next of kin, or legal representative, may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned, using Department of Defense Form 293 and also DD 149. You can obtain this form from your local VA regional office, call 800-827-1000, from veterans service organizations, or online.