VA is making it easier to find out
The Department of Veterans Affairs is making it easier for eligible Veterans to learn about their education and training entitlement under the Supreme Court’s 2024 Rudisill decision.
1.04 million Veterans were impacted. VA informed 380,000 of the impacted Veterans that they would need to submit a claim for VA to make an official decision on entitlement; however, VA is no longer requiring any Veterans to request a review to learn about their earned VA education and training benefits under Rudisill.
Additionally, as a result of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims’ Perkins v. Collins decision, Veterans who served for a single obligated period of sufficient length could also be eligible for two different education programs based on different months and days of service within that single obligated period.
What does this mean for me?
VA will automatically review the files of all 1.04 million Veterans who were previously identified as being potentially eligible for benefits and either issue a formal decision or inform you of additional action that is required. If you were previously informed as one of the 380,000 Veterans by VA to request a review to receive a formal decision on how the Rudisill decision impacts you, you no longer need to submit a request.
If you have applied for benefits but have not received a decision, you will soon receive confirmation from VA, via U.S. mail, that your application has been received, and the status is pending until VA is able to review the file.
If you are a Veteran who may be eligible for benefits through a qualifying single obligated period of service, VA will also automatically review your file and either issue a formal decision or inform you if additional action is required.
What if I’m in school already?
VA will automatically review records for benefits under Rudisill and Perkins if a Veteran exhausts their VA education benefits while enrolled in school.
What steps is VA taking to improve the process?
VA is updating systems to automatically evaluate Veteran files without any further action on your part. Veterans no longer need to request a review to learn about earned VA education and training benefits.
To learn more about this change, visit the Impact of the Rudisill and Perkins Court Decisions on Veterans’ Education Benefits webpage.
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It’s encouraging to see the VA trying to streamline this process, but as you can see from the other comments, this announcement has created more questions than answers. Veterans from every military era are asking the same fundamental things: “Do I qualify? How do I find out for sure? And who can I talk to for a straight answer?” There’s a lot of hope here, but it’s mixed with years of frustration from dealing with a system that many have found confusing, difficult, and slow. While an “automatic review” is a good step, what veterans really seem to need is clarity and a simple, direct path to get information about their specific situations. Also, did anyone see there’s an 87 year old who wants to go back to school? THAT.IS.AMAZING.
Do grandchildren that live with you qualify?
I used VA Educational Benefits when I attended MTSU several years ago but they supposedly ran out. Am I now qualified for additional benefits? I am an 87 year young Ar,y Vet but still want to gain more education.
I was under the VRAP plan, and Federal Loans, Post Baccalaureate. I have the ATS, in my final two semesters, but it phased out before I the admission clerk could process anything. The two classes are independent and recently added to my track of study. I have been waiting for a turnaround for almost two years to this day. The academic affairs clerk, registrant, and financial aid clerk stop syncing my information, and the maxed out federal loan, so I keep hoping and checking back on someone to clear the path to register and finish does classes.
What if my 15 yr period from ets passed but during the pandemic and inasked for and extension and send proof still no answer
Worst process ever.
I started filling out the necessary application and got as far as the information at the DOD when, I could not get back to the application. Why EVEN BOTHER.
Does the VA know about SB1071 that I wrote with Sen Josh Neumann that mandated college credit for military education and experience in ALL the public colleges and universities?
In the past I try using the education system, it was very difficult and it seemed the people in the system were not helpful in providing assistance, more so they did everything not to provide any services and discourage Vet’s from applying by giving nothing more than excuses.
A friend told me about Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) benefits for education but I don’t know where to find an application. I would like to know more about what benefits this Supreme Court’s 2024 Rudisill decision provides to me, please.
Laura Sedory
USMC
1987 – 1992
Honorable Discharge
I was told by the VA counselor that I was not eligible for VA funds because I had 175 hours…
I am a Vietnam veteran who served from 1971 to 1975. Am I eligible to receive educational benefits. I have an honorable discharge from the military.
I would like to know if I am eligible for additional benefits.
I really hope I’m able to use my benefits. Since my discharge date from active duty was January ’11, I only had ’til January ’26 to use it my entire benefits. I still have 13 months left of benefits I’d like to use.
I used my benefits… and still ended up owing 33k for my Bachelors…. then went on to get a Masters for 33k more.(so they say)… paid these student loans since 2003 till now..
And am now being told I still owe the same amount back after 23 years of payments… GI Bill and Education SCREWED ME!
How can I receive more educational benefits.
Nice article, I live in Ohio Dayton, Ohio specifically who do I get in contact with on the educational benefits and what options I have out there
Thank You
Raymond Schooler
I would like to learn more about these benefits
I would like to know if I am eligible for VA Education benefits.
I am now about to go into my RN program. It’s going to be tough and I am running out of GI bill benefits. With high stress school activities and I may need to go full time job, my future in not very bright the way I see it. Please help me.
I would like to know my educational benefits
I would like more information.
I would like more information, and too see if I qualify for the program
I am 100% VA disabled with SMC if that effects anything – Respectfully, Keian
I would like more information, and too see if I qualify for the program.
This is great because there are a lot of veterans here in America that need reeducation or continuing education in this fast evolving technological world what was learned yesterday may not be adequate for today or tomorrow so veterans in order to keep up me the educational resources and benefits to stay marketable in the civilian world. Especially with the rising new technology of AI in its infant stage. I feel that this should be continuing educational benefits for veterans who serve honorably to retrain and restructure their skill sets to compete in the civilian world so hopefully we find this all out and things work out for the veterans who served this country with honor, dignity, duty, and respect
I couldn’t agree more!
I have served in the United States Marines Corps from 1990 to 1994. Do I qualify for additional educational training?
Served in navy 1989 -1992,in 1992 went to school for semester then dropped out. Wasn’t ready for school . By the time was ready to go to school which was August 2002 was registered for school but denied my GI bill not realizing could apply for extension for my benefits. Is it possible to still get GI bill now.
I’m seeking an extension too, my benefits exhausted DEC 2024
Does the DOW’s limitation on the Ivey league schools limit our GI bill benefits? I was considering a specialization certificate from Harvard by was told this could not be funded by the GI bill. I thought this was not tied to the limitations
Do I have any remaining VA Education benefits available to me?
I too used the VEAP program. How do i find out if i have any funds left in that program. I’m i elgible for education benefits now ?
I am a Vietnam Veteran. I already had my college degree when I entered the military. Not a single person when I was getting discharged from the military mentioned the GI Bill to me. I arrived home from Vietnam in the morning and was discharged in the evening of that same day. I found out that there was a time period for using benefits around ten years ago. I’m now enrolled in Drama School and they asked me if I had military benefits for schooling. Yes, I’m older but I still work. Is there anything that I can do? When I got my disability several years ago I asked the placement officer if I could get money to go to school for drama and he laughed in my face and said to me , that’s not an employable profession. It is an employable profession.
How do I receive training to become a drug consultant.
The article did not fully explain my situation. The article sounds like it applies to those under the old GI Bill or under the Montgomery GI Bill. I joined the Navy after the old bill ended & before the new bill began. I was entered into the VEAP (Volunteer Education Assistance Program) program. I paid into the program & withdrew what I needed for educational fees & course costs. After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree, I was asked by the program to withdraw all remaining funds & close the account. I haven’t seen anything related to further educational benefits for veterans in my case. Are there any?
Can you tell me if me or my children are qualified for any additional education, educational benefits?
I am a disabled veteran in my late seventies. My son lost his job and is now trying to go back to school. is there a program that might help him in his endeavors?
Jerome J Prechtl
I am an out-of-work veteran, and I want to finish my education and find a job, but I don’t know where to start or who to talk to. Can you help me?
Derrell Smith
I served in the USAF from 1985 to 1990. I would like to know if I qualify for more educational money.
How do I apply?
Do you know who the contact at Robert J Dole VA would be to talk to about further education, i started GI bill and then was deployed to desert storm never went back to school found out years later it was expired
i waqnt to go back to school
I did 6 years in the US ARMY RESERVES 1970 to 1976 I was told because I only did 6 months active duty that I had no VA benefits. I have found out that some guys with the same service has gotten benefits. Do I qualify now??
When I entered the Air Force in 1984, VEAP was the education package available. You were able to start paying into it and if necessary pull your money out, for whatever reason, and the program would still be available for you to continue to contribute to. Well being a young E-4 getting married, I needed that money and withdrew it, knowing I could put the money back in at a later date. Fast forward many years and I was a helicopter pilot in the Army, no break in service, and I wanted to use my education benefits for a civilian flight program. I contacted the VA to ask how to go about adding that money in so I could use my education benefits.
I was informed that VEAP no longer existed and those accounts had been converted to the GI Bill. I asked how to utilize that and was told that since my VEAP account had a zero balance, I WAS NOT converted to a GI Bill and I was ineligible. I was told my education benefits no longer existed and I was ineligible.
It was not uncommon to feel like the VA was trying to cheat you out of you benefits, we had to fight for my wife’s education benefits when she got out. She left the AF, I think it was 6 months early, because of a difficult pregnancy. When we tried to get her benefits we were told she would not get them because she did not complete here full 4 years. If I had not been able to find the original contract that stated she had to complete 2 years service to use her GI Bill, she would have lost out. Fortunately, we won that battle. Unfortunately, we lost mine.
I will never forget when I was out processing from the Army and young guys were asking about the $30k or $40k education benefits they had signed up for and the person leading the class said “Do you have a contract proving you are eligible?” We shouldn’t have to “prove” we are eligible, that should be in our records and programs should never be changed and taken from us without notice.
Don’t fall for this bullshit folks. They talk a really good game but you can see what’s going on here.
Are the extended Va education benefits just for veterans or their spouses? Could someone please let me know !
I was told that if I used VA education benefits I would lose my disability because it would show I was not disabled. Education has nothing to do with my disability. I already had a bachelors degree and an associate degree before I realized that my life had been distroyed. Nice trap to get rid of us.
Seems like you are being misled. I’m 50% and using my Gibill
It would be nice if the article would have provided dates by when all records will be reviewed. Is it going to be a week, month, year……?
The VA should implement an AI-assisted verification system that automatically reviews Department of Defense service records to identify veterans who have an honorable or otherwise qualifying discharge, completed their obligated service time, and meet baseline eligibility criteria. By integrating this system with the VA’s claims platform, the program could flag these veterans and send a direct notification through their VA.gov profile or by official letter. This would ensure that when a claim is received, the VA already has verified service status and qualification data, allowing evaluators to focus on the medical and evidentiary aspects of the claim. Such a system would reduce administrative delays, improve accuracy, and ensure that veterans who have fulfilled their service are recognized and processed fairly and efficiently.
I am 90% certain that this is exactly what they are doing. This announcement is probably a result of a successful AI integration.
I was medically discharged from the military in 1997. I was an operating room nurse. I was bit informed of VA benefits upon my discharge; and was not made aware of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program two years ago. When I inquired I was informed that I was no longer eligible. Help please.
I served frpm Sept 67 thru July 88, how do I find out ifI have some GI Bill left? I know i used some in service GI Bill
Willie Clarence Mason
Need more information
I separated from the military before January 1, 2013, which means my GI Bill education benefits are subject to the 15-year expiration rule. At the time many of us transitioned out of service, the expiration of these benefits was not strongly emphasized during transition programs. Like many veterans, we focused on rebuilding our civilian lives—finding employment, supporting our families, and adapting to a new career path.
Years later, many of us realized that our education benefits were nearing expiration. Because of this, veterans are now rushing to enroll in classes simply to avoid losing benefits that were earned through years of service.
Some veterans are even taking random classes that do not align with their career goals or life plans, simply to prevent their benefits from expiring unused. Instead of allowing veterans to pursue meaningful education that supports long-term career success, the expiration policy forces many of us into a race against time.
Even with these efforts, many veterans are still losing months of benefits due to the expiration date.
Programs like the Forever GI Bill have already removed expiration limits for veterans who separated after January 1, 2013. Extending similar flexibility to veterans who served before that date would ensure fairness and allow us to use the education benefits we earned in a way that truly supports our long-term future.
These benefits were earned through service and sacrifice. Veterans should be given a fair opportunity to fully utilize them.
What about if you transferred your GI Bill to your children while serving? Are their any benefits for the veteran who transferred them and now is pursuing school for an education in a new career / skill>
I used my VA benefits going through Nursing school – way back in 1976. How can I find out these 2 things:
1. Do I have any of my GI Bill benefits at all if so, how much?
2. I have my granddaughter in Graduate school – Physician Assistant school – if I have benefits, can she use them?
Can I transfer my benefits to my daughter?
I served on active duty for 23 and retired never used my ed benefits I’m ready to use them what’s my next course of actions
Wonderful program. Thank you very much. Keep it coming.
Cordially, Dael Klippenstein
Will this include Reservists or just Active Duty/Prior Active Duty?
I respectfully request your support in introducing or co-sponsoring legislation to amend the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (the “Forever GI Bill”) to retroactively eliminate the 15-year expiration date for all Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) beneficiaries, regardless of their date of separation. Currently, the law only applies the elimination of the time limit to veterans whose last period of active duty service ended on or after January 1, 2013. This leaves a generation of veterans who served honorably before this date at a disadvantage, allowing their earned educational benefits to expire.
We have served our nation with the same commitment and sacrifice as those who separated after the cutoff date. The intent of the “Forever GI Bill” was to ensure that educational benefits remain a timeless promise to all who have earned them.
I urge you to champion this change to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all who served. Please consider this a vital issue for your veteran constituents.
Thank you for your service to our country and for your time and consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
100% agree with this comment. Thank you.
The VA is doing it excellent work , thanks so very much for your kindness and services to my husband David Strong your organization is amazing awesome .
Ana Strong
What are the two different educational programs mentioned in this article?
Is chapter 35 dependent’s benefits impacted by this change?
Vote for the rich and keep having up coming wars.
My sons educational benefits expired at 27 yrs of age can he continue w benefits please?
How does this apply to Veterans who previously had benefits under the VEAP program?
I am writing to know if I am eligible for additional schooling under the GI Bill. My Service term was from 26 March 70 until 2 November 1982 and was discharged with an honorable under medical condition of 70% Disability, after ten years i was awarded 80% 20% unemployability. in 1985 i enrolled in a vo-Tech school (Automotive Parts paint mixing for 1 year graduating #2 in in state competition of 75 competing Counties. after 13 years of employment in that fielded my health no long would allow me to work in that area of employment. i was later awarded 100% disability, but still felt that was more i could contributed so i took a course in graphic Art with University of Phoenix Online and maintained a 3.98 GPA. that came to an end during the COVID outbreak. and i have not reenrolled. the only schooling that was supported by my education Benefits was the Vo-tech. i never used my complete education benefit. my question is do i still qualify for benefits under the GI Bill?
I like to get more information containing to this article
I used two years of my VA GI Bill in 1976, do I still have benefits left.
Thank you,
I am in a bad situation, my GI bill has expired and I am currently enrolled in trade school at BRTC University I’m behind on rent and at risk of being homeless. I was counting on my remaining 28 months to see me through this year
How would I know if I qualify for education benefits as a Vietnam Veteran who served in Country from 1968 to 1969?
While I was going to school, I was told I ran out of benefits, this made me quickly change my major to graduate with just 3 classes, instead of the final 10 I needed.
My husband was a qualified disabled veteran. Our son is currently enrolled in college. Is he entitled to receive education benefits?
Need know all information about opportunities exists for study application for Veteran with a ninety %.
Does the VA offer benefits for veterans children to attend school after highschool classes like nursing school and is there a age limit on the child
I applied March of 2025 and have not heard anything back. Is this a real program? I contacted them and they said it was under review. When I asked who I can talk to they said there was no point of contact. There is no one to email or call. No one is accountable.
Are there any free cybersecurity or I T PROGRAMS for veterans?
What type of study we can qualify??
Handyman, mrcanic, etc
I want to go back to school to get my master’s because I can’t get the kind of job I want without.
It’s really a shame. Another battle in the middle east. Another forever war, because for those folks it’s all about revenge.
35 years ago we went in. Americans treat that as having no meaning these days. Not enough for a memorial.
OIF is trumped up in 2003 on false terms and I opposed it globally. Went anyways. Then OEF into Afghanistan. Both fail long term and we leave them worse.
Only we kept sending people 3,4, 5 tours and then write them off. America forgets there sacrifices. Legions of amputees to care for.
Whole middle east is a Toxic industrial wasteland that our troops are not ready for. Our government doesn’t even take the Dirty Dozen serious at home. Betrayed 35 years of soldiers that went.
Thousands more coming home that will get less than meaningful medical care. Then ignored by the American public. Iran has nuclear debris from its reactor in the sands much like Iraq with its. No clean up, no one cleans up reactors that get bombed. It’s in the sand as micro debris.
American military pay too high a price for the middle east. Here we go again. 2 trillion and here we go once more. Once back, they become expendable veterans being down played by the wealthy. Devalued. Insulted.
You know what people say to me about my service in Iraq? That I didn’t fight a real war. They will do the same with Iran.
None of this is fair. When they swore in, they did NOT wave there constitutional rights. Feres doctrine will stop due process. Then it’s about betrayal and denial when medical issues surface. They didnt deploy sick.
Endless cycle, using up the population for these economic wars. We don’t win.
What does this have to do with education benefits?
Vote out of office all those who have never served, don’t understand what it means to sacrifice, and would never step up if they knew they might become a casualty. This is your most powerful weapon.
Evidently you’d prefer to have the Shiites nuke us…..silly boy.
Support our troops
You do realize this war has been going on for 47 years and we are within weeks of it now being over.
And we all signed the dotted line willingly knowing the risks associated with joining the military.
I hear you brother, loud and clear; and I agree