Navigating VA Programs: A Plain Map

A plain map of six VA programs: who may qualify, where to check, and one next action.

Media coming soon. Audio and video for this course are on the way. The full course is here as text today.

What you will be able to do

Given a stated need, match it to one of six VA programs (health care, disability compensation, education, careers, home loans, life insurance) and name an official or accredited place to check eligibility.
Check the basic service and discharge rules for VA health care against a case, and name the four ways to apply and the papers to gather.
Check the two basic requirements for disability compensation, explain that ratings are combined by table rather than added, and choose free accredited help.
Check the basic Post 9/11 GI Bill and VR&E rules against a case and choose which to ask about first.
Explain the COE and the lender's role in VA backed home loans, state the VGLI and VALife rules, and finish a one page VA benefits map with one dated next action.

Syllabus

Read the full course syllabus: outcomes, schedule, time, tests and how to get help.

Course glossary: key words from the lessons, A to Z.

Before you start: take the pretest (10 min, not graded) to see your starting point.

After the wrap up: take the posttest (10 min). Pass at 80% to unlock your certificate, then answer an optional 2 minute survey.

Scope note. BMU is not affiliated with VA. This course explains how VA programs work. BMU does not apply for benefits or file anything for you. Free help is available from VA accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs); find one with VA's accreditation search at va.gov/ogc.

An original BMU course.

Your progress

Not started yet

Free course

Starts with a 10 minute pretest. Not graded. It shows your starting point. Then start lesson 1.

Not an accredited institution. No college credit is awarded.

5 lessons plus a wrap up · About 26 to 48 minutes per lesson
Free. No account needed. Earn a badge for every lesson, and print a Certificate of Completion when you pass the Posttest with a score of 80% or higher. Progress is saved in this browser only.

Who it is for: This course is for you if you are a Veteran, a Guard or Reserve member, or about to leave service, or you are a family member helping a Veteran find benefits, or you are not sure which VA programs you might qualify for.

About BMU: not an accredited institution

BMU Learning is a self improvement learning community, and it is not affiliated with any government agency or the military. BMU is a learning community, not an accredited college. BMU courses do not award degrees, diplomas, licenses or professional certifications, and a BMU Certificate of Completion does not carry college credit. Courses are for education and personal growth, not legal, financial, medical or mental health advice.

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