Student Affairs

Veteran's Resource Guide for WSU Vancouver

This is a guide to the benefits that veterans may be eligible to receive as students at WSU Vancouver. However, it is recommended that you see one of the Veteran's Representatives in the Student Services Center for the most up-to-date information. Thanks!

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

What can WSU Vancouver do for me as a veteran student?

The Veterans Office at WSU Vancouver provides a service to our students who are veterans by certifying their credit hours in order for them to receive their educational benefits.

Am I eligible for a VA/Firefighter/Law Enforcement Dependent Tuition Waiver?

WSU Vancouver Veteran Tuition Waiver Forms

Submit all waivers to:

WSUV Veteran's Affairs
Student Services Center (SSC)
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686

What do I need to do to initiate my benefits?

In most cases, veterans have already started receiving benefits at another institution, such as Clark College. When you start classes at WSU Vancouver, you will be required to fill out a "Change of VA Education Program or Place of Training" form.

If VA benefits have not been used before, you will fill out an "Application for VA Benefits" form.

These forms are available form the Veteran's Office in the Student Services Center.

In both cases, we would also like a copy of Page 4 of your DD-214 discharge papers. For Reservists, a NOBE form is required, which is obtained from your Unit.

What does the VA consider full, 3/4, and 1/2 time?

It depends on the length of the term. The VA considers a regular semester to be between 15 to 19 weeks long. For undergraduate students: 12 credits and above is full time, 9-11 credits is 3/4 time, and 6-8 credits is 1/2 time.

For graduate students: 10 credits and above is full time, 7-9 credits is 3/4 time, and 5-6 credits is 1/2 time.

For the summer term, since the classes run for variable number of weeks, the VA determines the "time." We report the number of credits and the dates of class and the VA determines the training time.

It is important to remember that the VA will only pay for classes that apply toward graduation in an approved program.

If I add or drop a class, will it affect my monthly benefits?

If you go BELOW the specified number of credits required for full, 3/4, or 1/2 time, your benefits will be adjusted accordingly.

For example, if you are taking 15 credits and drop a class bringing your total credits to 12, your status will not change. However, if you drop another class bringing your total to 9, you would now be considered 3/4 time and the VA will adjust your benefits accordingly.

Please notify the VA Rep at WSU Vancouver, either in person in the Student Services Center, or by phone at (360) 546-9570 if your status changes during a semester.

Students are required to do monthly verifications, indicating class attendance and changes of course load. This can be done in three ways: by mailing a form provided by the VA, by telephone (877-82302378) or on the web at www.gibill.va.gov.

I've just moved. What do I need to do?

You need to notify the VA desk when there is an address change. In order for your official records with WSU to reflect the change, a change of address needs to be done on myWSU. The change should also be reported to the VA when you complete your monthly enrollment verification.

What entitlements other than educational does the VA offer?

The Veterans Administration has several programs to assist veterans with the transition to civilian life. Below is a listing of some of them.

Special Programs

Delayed Stress (PTSD)—the department provides professional counseling services, free of charge, in areas of the state known to have high concentrations of Vietnam Veterans. Counselors experienced in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder provide therapy in individual sessions of through "rap group" method. Referral may be arranged through the Department's TOLL-FREE HOT LINE (1-800-562-2308).

Guardianship Program—The department operates both guardianship and protective payee programs for veterans and their beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their own affairs. The Department assumes custody of the finances for those individuals and provides management services to assure that life's basic needs are met. These programs are open to low income individuals who are referred to the Department by the Veterans Administration. Additional information is available by calling the Department's guardianship program manager at (360) 546-9570.

Nursing Home Project—Working with the Department of Social and Health Services, the Department seeks out veterans or their dependents on public assistance in nursing homes, and files for the federal benefits they earned in service to the nation. The program gives the veteran a measure of self- respect and saves the state millions of dollars.

Contracted Benefits Assistance—The Department contracts with several veterans organizations to operate service offices in the locations listed below. These offices are staffed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America who assist veterans, their dependents and survivors in filling claims for Veterans Administration benefits. Outreach services are also available in areas not close to contract offices.

Contracted veterans service offices

The American Legion:

Seattle	(206) 442-7043
Vancouver (VA Hospital)	(360) 690-0274
Wenatchee	(509) 663-9715

Veterans of Foreign Wars:

Seattle	(206) 442-4565
Pasco	(509) 545-8122
Everett	(206) 259-7168

Disabled American Veterans:

Seattle	(206) 764-2322
Yakima	(509) 575-2307
Portland	(503) 326-2622

Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Seattle

(206) 241-1843

AMVETS:

Tacoma	(206) 472-2822
Bellingham	(206) 676-2075

Agent Orange—The Department serves as an information resource for veterans who were exposed to agent orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam.

Agent Orange Settlement Hotline: (800) 244-4712

Offices to serve the veteran:

The Department of Veteran's Affairs
915 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98174
(206) 753-5586

Washington State University Vancouver
Veteran's Affairs Desk
Student Services Center
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686
(360) 546-9570

Washington Veteran's Home Washington Soldier's
Retsil, WA 98378
Home and Colony: (206) 895-4700

PO Box 500
Orting, WA 98360
(206) 893-2156

Veterans benefits timetable - you have (after separation):

10 YEARS Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP): For veterans with service after 1-31-76, who signed up before 3-31-87, financial assistance is available under this voluntary contributory program.

10 YEARS New G.I. Bill (Sonny Montgomery Bill): Provides financial assistance to honorably discharged veterans who enlisted after 7-01-85. Vietnam era veterans who enlisted prior to 12-31-76 and are on active duty on 7-01-88 are entitled to 50% of the Old G.I. Bill benefits plus $300 per month for 36 months beginning 01-01-90.

10 YEARS Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program: For members of the Selected Reserve who enlist of reenlist for six years between 07-01-85 and 06-30-88. Program is available only for college-level training. Persons with a 4-year degree are eligible for graduate work.

12 YEARS (FROM DATE OF DISABILITY) Vocational Rehabilitation: As part of a rehabilitation program for service-connected disabled veterans, the VA will pay tuition, books, expenses, and a monthly living allowance.

NO TIME LIMIT G.I. LOAN: The VA will guarantee your loan for the purchase of a home, mobile home, or condominium.

NO TIME LIMIT DISABILITY COMPENSATION: The VA pays compensation for disabilities incurred or aggravated by military service.

1 YEAR Appeal to Board of Veterans Appeals: A veteran has one year from the date of receipt of a notice of decision to disagree with the VA and file an appeal.

NO TIME LIMIT Medical Care: The VA provides hospital care covering the full range of medical services, with priority given to service-connected veterans.

TIME VARIES Burial Benefits: The VA provides limited burial benefits for veterans. Additional benefits are available for veterans who receive pension/compensation, or if death occurred in a VA facility or contract nursing home.

NO TIME LIMIT General or Psychological Counseling: Provided to assist in readjusting to civilian life. Also available for treatment of stress disorders and substance abuse.

WITHIN 90 DAYS (OF SEPARATION) One-Time Dental Treatment: The VA provides one-time dental care for certain service-connected dental conditions, if a certification was given by the service department that a complete dental examination was not completed within 90 days of release.

1 YEAR (FROM DATE OF DISABILITY RATING) RH Insurance: Life insurance (up to $ 10,000) is available for service-connected disabled veterans rated by the VA as having 10% or more disability.

120 DAYS (OR 1 YEAR WITH EVIDENCE OF INSURABILITY) Veterans Group Life Insurance: SGLI may be converted to a 5-year nonrenewable term policy.

NO TIME LIMIT Employment: Assistance is available in finding employment. Contact the Washington State Employment Office and ask for the Veterans Representative.

LIMITED TIME Unemployment Compensation: The amount of benefit and payment period varies among states. Veterans must complete their first term of obligated service under honorable conditions or be released at the convenience of the government to be eligible.

90 DAYS Reemployment: Apply to your former employer for reemployment.

The current rates for the Chapter 30 Pay Scale are available online:
Current rates