Veterans Affairs Veterans of the United States military and their dependents may be eligible to receive educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This federal office determines eligibility each semester and, when students qualify for more than one educational benefit, can assist students in determining how to maximize these benefits. The Veterans Affairs office in Buffalo, NY, is responsible for assisting VHCC students.
Veterans should research the various options under both the new Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) before applying for the new GI Bill. For example, veterans who now receive a stipend under Chapter 30 will not receive a stipend if they are less than ¾ time under Chapter 33. Also, once a veteran has applied for certification under Chapter 33 the veteran will not be able to switch back to Chapter 30 benefits. Therefore, it may be advantageous for veterans to apply for Chapter 30 benefits first, and then after the veteran has explored benefits under both programs change to Chapter 33.
On the VHCC campus, a Veterans Officer works closely with students to certify enrollment each semester and assist them in applying for educational benefits. Please contact Debbie Barrett for additional information or assistance.
Veterans must request VA certification each semester (including summer sessions). You should contact the VHCC Veterans Officer (located in the VHCC Admissions Office). The Veterans Officer certifies enrollment and forwards the requests to the regional VA Office in Buffalo, NY, for processing. The VA determines eligibility for education assistance in all cases. For information about certification requirements for each program, click below on the appropriate classification:
How to Apply for Veterans Education Benefits
Monthly Verification Enrollment data should be verified by students each month by calling (877)823-2378 or logging on to the Web Automated Verification Enrollment (WAVE) site at www.gibill.va.gov/wave/. Monthly attendance verifications are accepted the last calendar day of each month.
Drop/Add/Withdraw/Stop Attending Classes The VHCC Veterans Affairs Officer must be contacted when students receiving veterans benefits withdraw from classes, or when classes are dropped or added and result in a change in the number of enrolled credit hours. This notification may eliminate future problems with VA overpayments. No payment is allowed for audited courses. Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans should also report changes to their VA Case Manager.
Address or Direct Deposit Change Students receiving veterans benefits should contact the Veterans Administration Office at (877)838-2778 or by using the WAVE System at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/ also, inform the VHCC Veterans Affairs Officer regarding address changes.
Curriculum Changes Curriculum changes should be reported to the VHCC Veterans Officer. Advanced Pay Advanced pay is available for new students and those who have a break of at least one calendar month between semesters. To apply, students should contact the VHCC Veteran’s Affairs Officer at least 30 days prior to the first day of class. VHCC Physical Education Credit for Military Service PED requirements for degree, diploma, and certificate programs may be waived for veterans. Please contact the VHCC Veterans Affairs Officer to complete the required form, which must be accompanied by a copy of the veterans DD-214. Credits and Pay Rate
Eligibility All veterans programs at Virginia Highlands Community College are approved for enrollment of veterans, survivors, and dependents under Title 38, U.S.C. and selected reservists under Title 10, U.S.C. Prior active military members have a ten year period of eligibility following their discharge from active duty. Dependent children of 100% permanent disabled service connected veterans have until their 26th birthday to complete their education, while wives/widows have a ten year period. If you may be eligible for educational benefits under Chapter 31 (VOCREHAB), call 800-827-1000. Members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard, who have entered into a six year contract, may be eligible under Chapter 1606 (nee 106). If you are not sure you qualify for veteran’s benefits, please call the Buffalo, NY toll-free number at 888-442-4551. If you qualify for more than one veterans educational benefits check with the Buffalo office to explore your options for maximum use. Replacing a DD-214 A request form is available online at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/for those interested in obtaining a copy of their DD-214. It may take approximately six weeks to process requests.
Military Transcript
To request a transcript, contact:
CHAMPVA The VHCC Veterans Affairs Officer must submit a letter verifying full-time enrollment before CHAMPVA benefits will be extended to students between the ages of 18 and 23. To request this letter, contact the VHCC Veterans Affairs Officer each semester. National Guard Kicker A copy of the National Guard Kicker Contract should be submitted to the VHCC Veterans Affairs Officer. Please contact your Unit if you cannot locate your contract copy.
Contact: Deborah Barrett Veterans Affairs Officer P.O. Box 828 Abingdon, VA 24212 dbarrett@vhcc.edu Telephone: 276-739-2460 Toll Free: 1-877-207-6115 (from selected areas)
For additional information visit the United States Department of Veterans Benefits or visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services
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