Veteran Forward HQ Resources
VA Benefits Inventory
A personal audit of the benefits you've earned and a checklist for what you might be missing.
Section 1 — Current Benefits Snapshot
Start by documenting what you already have in place. This ensures your records are centralized and easy for your family to find.
Section 2 — Benefits You May Be Missing
Many veterans leave benefits on the table simply because they don't know they exist. Audit these common 'hidden' benefits.
| Benefit Name | Status (Have / Need / Not Sure) | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aid & Attendance (Long-term care support) | ||
| CRDP / CRSC (Concurrent Receipt) | ||
| Property Tax Exemption (State-specific) | ||
| Caregiver Support Program (Stipend) | ||
| State-level Tuition Waivers | ||
| Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants | ||
| VRE (Vocational Rehab & Employment) |
Section 3 — Claims & Appeals Tracker
If you have pending actions with the VA, track them here. This prevents things from falling through the cracks during long wait times.
| Claim / Issue | Date Filed | Current Status | Next Action Date |
|---|---|---|---|
Section 4 — The $800 Monthly Surprise
Thomas, an Army veteran who retired in 2005, assumed his 40% rating was 'good enough'. He never checked for updates to VA policy or state benefits.
While filling out an inventory like this one, he discovered that his state offered a full property tax exemption for veterans with his specific disability profile. He also realized he qualified for a secondary condition he hadn't filed for.
After working with a VSO, Thomas increased his rating to 70% and eliminated his $4,000 annual property tax bill. Between the new compensation and the tax savings, Thomas 'found' an extra $800 a month. 'I served for 20 years,' Thomas said. 'I realized it was my responsibility to my family to actually claim what those 20 years earned us.'
- •Check your benefits inventory annually; laws and state benefits change frequently.
- •Work with an accredited VSO (Veteran Service Officer) — their services are free.
- •Keep digital copies of your DD-214 and VA Award Letters in a secure location.