by Guest Authors David Sevier, CDR USN (Ret), and Catherine Sevier, RN, DrPH
Military service to the United States is currently a voluntary role that many young people choose. Today, there are nearly 18 million “Veterans” who have completed their obligated time and returned to civilian life [1]. Most of these individuals earned benefits because of their service, including access to Veterans Affairs (VA) health care, service-connected disability benefits, and/or other assistance brought about by service-related injuries. Many of their health-related challenges may not be evident at the time the Veteran separates from the military but can become a problem as they age. As a result, many benefits and supports remain unclaimed for those eligible for assistance. Indeed, nearly half of all Veterans are aged 65 or older today, creating distinctly age-related questions for how the VA can best help this population [1].
Around 9 million Veterans are currently enrolled in federal and/or state VA health services for some or all their needs. Almost 7 million Veterans received some type of health care from the VA in 2024. Meanwhile, another 3 million individuals were eligible but did not apply for or take advantage of VA resources [1]. Aware that many individuals are not receiving care they are eligible for, AARP and the many related Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are motivated to help individuals go after deserved benefits [1].
AARP, the largest non-profit in the US focused on senior individuals, is an organization with around 38 million members. Among them are roughly 6 million Veterans. AARP has worked diligently to develop and provide educational services on how to best assist Veterans, their families, and their caregivers with information on obtaining resources. The tools provided are available at no cost, help individuals navigate through options, and encourage them to apply for assistance. In the process, the tools also give real examples of situations that people or their families may encounter and offer help on how to resolve them. The guides can be found on the AARP website and are designed to help individuals (and their health care providers) get started with identifying VA services and benefits [2].
This navigator provides essential information on how to seek assistance from the VA. For Veterans who may have separated from the military decades ago, this resource helps them understand that they may still apply for health care services. It helps them know where to start, how to find the right information, and who can assist them in their journey with VA health care. The Health Benefits Navigator offers several specific examples of individuals who may be eligible but have not yet accessed health care and then shows them how to go about getting it [3].
Designed exclusively for Veterans with disabilities, this guide describes how to apply for the different VA grants for home modifications and assistive devices and technologies that can help promote independent living. The Home Modification Benefits Guide points out that Congress appropriates hundreds of millions of dollars each year for disabled Veterans who only need to demonstrate that they qualify for the funds to be made available [4]. These unclaimed benefits are significantly underutilized, yet they can make an important difference in improving quality of life and autonomy for a Veteran.
Recognizing the unique and often overwhelming challenges faced by military service members, Veterans, and their caregivers, the Military Caregiver Guide offers practical guidance for common issues. It provides insights into accessing new benefits as well as managing the pressures and loneliness of caregiving itself. The guide describes many commonly faced issues and provides targeted information and useful resources that may be helpful during the caregiving journey [5].
In addition to these specific guides and navigators, there are many additional resources that support Veterans and military families throughout their post-military life. Additional resources include help with financial and retirement planning, information on how to maximize military benefits, how to address fraud and scam awareness, access to career information and job training, help with transitioning into the civilian workforce, and resume-building.
Many organizations actively advocate for Veterans' rights and benefits at the state and federal levels and offer volunteer and networking opportunities. Veterans and their families interested in exploring the many available resources can investigate any number of organizations that help Veterans navigate life beyond military services. Some well-known organizations include American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Wounded Warrior Project.
[1] The AARP and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) have different functions. The AARP is broadly focused on providing information and responding to the needs of individuals aged 50 or older; Veterans make up a portion of this population. VSOs specifically represent and advocate for Veterans’ interests.
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Guest posts are the authors' views and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCIOM.
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