Glossary

The world of veteran benefits runs on acronyms. Here are the terms we're asked about most, explained in plain English — no decoder ring required.

A – C

C&P Exam

A Compensation & Pension exam — a medical evaluation the VA schedules after you file a disability claim. The examiner's findings help the VA decide whether your condition is service-connected and how severe it is.

CHAMPVA

The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It shares the cost of health care for eligible spouses, survivors, and children of certain permanently disabled or deceased veterans who don't qualify for TRICARE.

COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment)

An annual increase applied to VA disability compensation, pension, and other benefit payments to keep pace with inflation. It matches the adjustment applied to Social Security benefits each year.

D – G

DD-214

The Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, issued when you separate from the military. It documents your service dates, character of discharge, and awards — and it's the key document for proving eligibility for most veteran benefits.

DEA (Chapter 35)

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance — a VA program that pays education and training benefits to eligible spouses and children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died in service or from one.

Disability Rating

A percentage from 0% to 100%, in steps of 10, that the VA assigns to each service-connected condition based on its severity. Your combined rating determines your monthly compensation and can unlock additional benefits.

eBenefits / VA.gov

The VA's online portals for managing benefits. Most eBenefits features have moved to VA.gov, where you can file claims, track their status, download benefit letters, and manage your health care in one place.

GI Bill (Post-9/11)

An education benefit for those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It can cover tuition and fees at approved schools, plus a monthly housing allowance and a books-and-supplies stipend, and some members can transfer unused benefits to a spouse or child.

Guard / Reserve

The National Guard and Reserve components — service members who train part-time and can be mobilized for federal duty. Eligibility for many veteran benefits depends on the type and length of activation, so orders matter as much as time in uniform.

H – P

Intent to File

A notice you send the VA saying you plan to file a claim. It locks in your effective date — so if your claim is approved within a year, back pay is calculated from the day you filed the intent, not the day you finished the full application.

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)

The code that identifies a service member's job in the Army and Marine Corps — for example, 11B or 0311. The Air Force uses AFSC codes and the Navy and Coast Guard use ratings; all are often used to match military experience to civilian careers.

PACT Act

A 2022 law that expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It added more than 20 presumptive conditions, making it easier for affected veterans to qualify for care and compensation.

Presumptive Condition

A condition the VA automatically presumes is connected to service for veterans who served in certain places, eras, or circumstances. You don't have to prove the direct link — only the qualifying service and a current diagnosis.

Q – T

Service-Connected

The VA's determination that an illness or injury was caused — or made worse — by your military service. Service connection is the foundation for disability compensation and many related benefits.

TRICARE

The Department of Defense health care program for active-duty service members, military retirees, and their eligible family members. It's separate from VA health care, which serves eligible veterans through the VHA.

U – Z

VA (Department of Veterans Affairs)

The federal agency responsible for serving veterans through health care, benefits, and memorial services. Its three main branches are the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration.

VBA (Veterans Benefits Administration)

The branch of the VA that administers non-medical benefits — disability compensation, pension, education programs, home loan guaranty, and vocational rehabilitation among them.

VHA (Veterans Health Administration)

The branch of the VA that operates its medical centers and outpatient clinics. It is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of enrolled veterans each year.

VR&E (Chapter 31)

Veteran Readiness and Employment — a VA program for veterans whose service-connected disabilities create a barrier to work. It provides job training, education, employment coaching, and other support to help them start or return to a career.

VSO (Veterans Service Organization)

An organization — such as the DAV, VFW, or American Legion — whose accredited representatives help veterans prepare and file VA claims at no charge. Working with an accredited VSO representative can make the claims process far less daunting.

Yellow Ribbon Program

An agreement between the VA and participating schools to cover tuition and fees above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap, typically at private or out-of-state schools. The school waives part of the difference and the VA matches its contribution.