Federal VA Benefits for Veterans
Below is a list of the principal benefit categories administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with direct URLs to the official VA pages for each. These benefits generally apply nationwide, including Puerto Rico (VA benefits are available to eligible veterans residing in U.S. territories).
VA Caribbean Health Care
Veterans Transportation Program (VTP)
Health Care
Disability Compensation
Pension
Education and Training
Home Loans
Life Insurance
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Burial and Memorial Benefits
Survivor and Dependent Benefits
Small Business Support
Health Care for Caregivers
Geriatrics and Extended Care Services
Special Legislation Impacting Benefits
Retirement Benefits
Tax and Financial Benefits
Veteran Tax Exemptions
https://news.va.gov/139592/unlocking-veteran-tax-exemptions-across-states-and-u-s-territories/
Service Dog Benefits
Service Dog Benefits Overview
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-ServiceDogs.pdf
Eligibility and Referral Process
Eligibility Determination:
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/Docs/ServiceDogFAQ.pdf
Veteran must be enrolled in VA health care. A VA provider (e.g., primary care clinician) refers the veteran for an evaluation by a specialist (often within Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service). The specialist assesses whether a service dog is clinically appropriate based on the veteran’s disability, ability to care for the dog, and goals to be achieved through the dog versus other assistive devices or therapy. Each case is reviewed individually.
Accredited Training Requirement:
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp
The dog must come from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited organization, with a certificate of successful completion. VA refers veterans to these accredited agencies; there is no charge for the dog or its training.
Covered Benefits for Service Dogs
Veterinary Care:
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp
Service Animal Policy on VA Property
Access Rights and Responsibilities:
https://www.va.gov/palo-alto-health-care/programs/service-animals/service-dogs/
Special Considerations and Additional Resources
PTSD and Service Dogs:
https://news.va.gov/118407/how-service-dogs-can-help-veterans-with-ptsd/
Although VA covers veterinary benefits, many service dog placements for PTSD occur via external providers (e.g., K9s For Warriors). VA clinicians may consider service dogs as part of a holistic treatment plan, but referrals follow the standard evaluation and accredited agency process.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) and Service Dogs
Regional Coverage (Including Puerto Rico)
VA’s veterinary benefit for service dogs applies nationwide, including Puerto Rico, via local VA medical centers’ Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. Veterans in Puerto Rico follow the same referral and evaluation steps, with coverage usable at any VA-authorized or private veterinarian.
How to Apply or Start the Process
VA Regional and Local Offices (Including Puerto Rico)
Veterans often need to contact or visit a VA Regional Benefit Office for in-person assistance with claims and benefits:
San Juan Regional Office (Puerto Rico)
https://www.benefits.va.gov/sanjuan/
Administers Compensation, Education, Insurance, Loan Guaranty, Pension, VR&E, Military Sexual Trauma services, etc., for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Additional Resources and Publications
