Recent Changes to Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

Recently there have been changes to the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. One of these changes includes adding certain types of Title 32 service when calculating the entitlement. Please send the word out to all veterans to ensure they are sending the VA proof of all Title 32 and Title 10 service. If the period of time was less than 90 days, which precludes the issuance of a DD214, have the service member send a copy of the orders showing the dates of service.

I recently sent a request to the VA along with copies of orders showing service that had not been previously counted. This additional time increased the level of entitlement veteran was eligible for from 60% to 100%. Because of this, the veteran will be receiving a retroactive check for the difference (in this case it happens to be just over $11,000 directly from St Louis, plus a little over $11,000 in reimbursements from the school due to the increase in their payments from St Louis).

I want to get the word out to other veterans to make sure they are receiving the full benefit to which they are eligible. We want to let our veterans know to send proof of all ALL Guard service to the VA. Let them sort out what qualifies and what doesn't.

Information from Rebekka L. Cary, Columbia County, Assistant Veterans Service Officer