April 15, 2025
5 minutes
Written by
Minah Han
Veterans
No items found.
April 15, 2025
5 minutes
Written by
Minah Han
Veterans
No items found.

Top 10 Resources for Veterans in 2025

Navigating life after military service can be complex—but finding the right support shouldn’t be. In 2025, with expanded healthcare eligibility through the PACT Act, improved digital tools, and new community-based programs, veterans have access to more benefits and services than ever before. Whether you're filing a disability claim, seeking care, or building community, this guide offers a clear and thorough overview of ten essential VA and partner resources. Each section explains what the program is, what it offers, who it helps, and how to access it—making this a comprehensive reference for veterans and their families.

Close-up of a person in military camouflage uniform sitting on a chair, hands clasped, suggesting a moment of reflection or conversation in a group setting.

1. Veteran Discounts

What it is: A directory of discounts offered to veterans, service members, and their families across a variety of industries.

What it offers:

  • Discounts on apparel, dining, electronics, hotels, airfare, cruises, theme parks, and more
  • Offers may be seasonal or year-round depending on the provider

Eligibility:

  • Veterans
  • Active-duty personnel
  • Retirees
  • Spouses and caregivers

*Proof of service is required (e.g., VHIC, VIC, DD214, or state-issued ID with veteran designation).

How to access:

2. Physical Fitness Resources

What it is: A variety of programs that promote physical health, community engagement, and wellness.

What it offers:

  • MOVE!: Weight management focused on nutrition, activity, and behavior
  • Team RWB: Peer-supported fitness and social events
  • Catch A Lift Fund: Home gym equipment and coaching for post-9/11 combat-injured veterans
  • Gerofit: Age-specific fitness plans for veterans 65 and older
  • VA Adaptive Sports: Competitive and recreational activities for veterans with disabilities

Eligibility:

  • MOVE!, Gerofit, and Adaptive Sports: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare
  • Catch A Lift: Post-9/11 veterans with ≥50% VA disability rating
  • Team RWB: All veterans

How to access:

3. VA Urgent Care Services

What it is: A benefit that allows eligible veterans to access walk-in clinics for non-emergency health concerns.

What it offers:

  • Treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, infections, and preventive care
  • Lab services, vaccines, and 14-day supply of prescriptions

Eligibility:

  • Must be enrolled in VA healthcare
  • Must have received VA care in the last 24 months

How to access:

4. VA Travel Reimbursement (BTSSS)

What it is: A reimbursement program for travel related to VA-approved medical appointments.

What it offers:

  • Mileage, parking, tolls, public transit, lodging, and meals (if eligible)
  • Direct deposit available for faster payments

Eligibility: Veterans must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have a 30% or higher service-connected disability rating
  • Have a low income (as defined by VA guidelines)
  • Receive a VA pension
  • Be traveling for a VA examination
  • Be traveling for care related to a service-connected condition

How to access:

  • Submit claims within 30 days at the BTSSS portal
  • Alternatively, file VA Form 10-3542 in person or by mail
The front entrance of Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital at night, featuring a well-lit, modern glass and steel canopy with the VA logo prominently displayed above the main entrance.

5. Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

What it is: An ID card for veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.

What it offers:

  • Easy check-in for appointments and entry to VA facilities
  • Required for base access and accepted at many retail locations
  • May display service indicators (e.g., "Service Connected")

Eligibility:

  • Must be enrolled in VA healthcare

How to access:

  • Apply or renew through AccessVA or at your local VA medical center

6. Buddy Finder from Together We Served

What it is: A digital platform to help veterans reconnect with former service members.

What it offers:

  • Access to over 2.3 million veteran profiles
  • Search by name, unit, service branch, or years of service
  • Messaging and reunion coordination features

Eligibility:

  • Available to all veterans

How to access:

Photo courtesy of VA News

7. DOD Installation Access Updates

What it is: A policy that grants base access to eligible veterans and caregivers.

What it offers:

  • Entry to commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities

Eligibility: Individuals must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Veterans with a service-connected disability
  • Purple Heart recipients
  • Former prisoners of war (POWs)
  • Caregivers approved under the PCAFC program

How to access:

  • Present a VHIC or caregiver eligibility letter at the base visitor center

8. VA Claim Status Tool

What it is: A secure online tool for tracking disability and compensation claims.

What it offers:

  • Real-time claim status updates and required actions
  • Uploading supporting documents and downloading decision letters
  • Visualization of the VA’s 8-step claims process

Eligibility:

  • Veterans who have filed a VA claim

How to access:

  • Log in at VA.gov with Login.gov, ID.me, or DS Logon

9. Expanded VA Health Care for Toxic Exposure (PACT Act)

What it is: A healthcare expansion that extends eligibility to veterans with toxic exposure.

What it offers:

  • Healthcare access without the need for a prior claim
  • Coverage for exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards

Eligibility: Veterans must have:

  • Served in Vietnam, Gulf War, or post-9/11 combat zones
  • Experienced stateside toxic exposure during service

How to access:

10. Disaster Assistance for Veterans

What it is: Emergency assistance for veterans affected by natural disasters.

What it offers:

  • Temporary housing and prescription refills
  • Continued benefit delivery
  • Help with VA loans, insurance, and education

Eligibility:

  • Any veteran or VA beneficiary affected by a federally declared disaster

How to access:

  • Call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411
  • Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center where VA representatives may be available

Download the 2025 Federal Benefits Guide

For a more detailed look at all available VA programs, download the official 2025 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers guide. This handbook includes in-depth information on healthcare, education, housing, employment, and more.

Final Thoughts: Your One-Stop Guide to Veteran Benefits in 2025

Whether you’re newly separated from service or have used VA benefits for years, understanding what’s available is essential. This guide brings together ten of the most impactful resources to support your health, independence, and community connection. From discounts and fitness programs to urgent care and disaster response, these benefits are designed to meet real needs—when and where they matter most.

If you're specifically interested in hearing-related benefits—one of the most common service-connected conditions—be sure to check out our in-depth blog on VA ratings for hearing loss. It breaks down how the rating system works, what to expect from an audiology exam, and how to strengthen your claim.

Stay informed. Share this guide. Visit VA.gov and subscribe to VA News for the latest updates.

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