Category: Navy SEALs

PTSD can be so severe that it makes it impossible to maintain gainful employment. You may be eligible for individual unemployability (IU) benefits if this applies to you. To qualify for IU, you must have a service-connected disability rating of at least 60%. It would be best if you also were unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of your service-connected disabilities. If granted IU, you’ll be paid at the 100% disability rate, even if your actual rating is lower. This can make a significant difference in your monthly compensation. The bottom line? Don’t let the complexities of the VA disability system overwhelm you. With the right knowledge and support, you can get the benefits you deserve for your service-connected PTSD.

In general, the US Army has strict policies regarding the enlistment of individuals with criminal records, including felons. However, it’s not a straightforward answer, and there are certain circumstances under which felons may be eligible to join the army. The Army has a list of automatic disqualifications, which include:
Felonies involving moral turpitude: Crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking are considered morally reprehensible and are typically disqualifying. Felony convictions with confinement: If an individual has been sentenced to confinement for a felony, they are usually disqualified from joining the army. However, in some cases, the Army may grant a waiver to an individual with a felony conviction. This is typically considered case-by-case and requires a thorough review of the individual’s circumstances.

Army Basic Training, also known as Basic Combat Training (BCT), is the initial training program for new recruits in the United States Army. The length of Army Basic Training can vary depending on several factors, including the type of training and the individual’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). After completing Basic Training, recruits attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn the skills specific to their MOS. AIT can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the job.

The family of the deceased veteran is typically responsible for paying for the funeral and burial expenses upfront. However, they can then submit a claim to the VA and other organizations to receive reimbursement for eligible expenses. It’s essential to note that the VA does not pay for funeral expenses directly to the funeral home or cemetery. Instead, the family must pay for the services and then seek reimbursement from the VA and other organizations.

Housebound benefits, also known as Aid and Attendance (A&A), are a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible veterans who need the aid and attendance of another person to perform daily living tasks. To be eligible for housebound benefits, a single veteran must meet the following requirements:
– Be 65 years or older
– Have a disability rating of 100% permanent and total
– Need the aid and attendance of another person to perform daily living tasks such as:
– Bathing
– Dressing
– Eating
– Toileting
– Transferring (e.g., from bed to chair)
– Be in a nursing home or require care in their home due to a disability

A protected veteran is a veteran who is entitled to the rights and benefits provided under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) of 1974. This act is a federal law that requires government contractors and subcontractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment-qualified protected veterans.

Shopping for a new home is an exciting yet often stressful process for anyone. However, as a veteran or active-duty service member, you have a distinct advantage when it comes to homeownership – the VA loan. Finding the best VA home mortgage lenders is important so you get the best deal. These loans, guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer incredibly favorable terms, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. One of the most alluring features of VA loans? Zero down payment. That’s right, you can potentially skip the daunting task of saving up for a large down payment, which holds many aspiring homeowners back. Plus, VA loans typically have more lenient credit requirements than conventional ones. But with so many lenders offering VA loans, where do you start? Picking the right lender can make a huge difference.

Credit Score Factors:
Payment history: Late payments, collections, and bankruptcies can negatively impact your credit score.
Credit utilization: High credit card balances and low available credit can lower your score.
Credit age: A longer credit history can positively impact your score.
Credit mix: A diverse mix of credit types, such as credit cards, loans, and a mortgage, can help your score.
New credit: Applying for too many credit accounts in a short period can lower your score.

The VA home loan program helps make homeownership more accessible and affordable for veterans. Here’s how: Zero Down Payment. The most significant advantage is that many VA borrowers don’t have to pay anything upfront. No down payment is a major perk of using the VA loan benefit, as highlighted in this overview of the VA Purchase loan. Compare this to a conventional loan, where you’d usually need at least 3%, possibly even 20% down. Considering the average home sale price in the second quarter of 2023 hit $503,000, a conventional borrower might be shelling out $25,150 or more just for a down payment. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Another win for VA loans is that you can avoid the added expense of private mortgage insurance. This is normally tacked onto conventional loans if your down payment is less than 20%. While not required for VA loans, most VA lenders require a minimum credit score of at least 620, the same standard for a conventional mortgage. According to Fannie Mae’s Eligibility Matrix, this score assesses a borrower’s ability to repay debts.