Sources
Every fact on VetAtlas is backed by a verifiable source. Here is the full list.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
VetAtlas prioritizes official government sources (.gov and .mil) for all veteran benefit information. When official sources do not cover a topic, we use well-known veteran advocacy organizations, accredited law firms, and established military news outlets — and we cross-reference those against multiple independent sources before publishing.
All sources listed below were verified as of early 2026. Every research area maintains a detailed source log with access dates, cross-reference maps, and notes on whether each source is an official government site. The sources below are organized by the section of the site they support. Sources marked with the .gov / .mil badge are official U.S. government or military websites.
VA Claims & Benefits
- VA.gov — How to File a Disability Claim.gov / .mil
Step-by-step filing process, 5 filing methods, processing times, intent to file, evidence submission window, Form 21-526EZ.
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/ - VA.gov — Disability Eligibility.gov / .mil
Service connection types (in-service, pre-service, post-service), discharge requirements, qualifying and presumptive conditions, PACT Act.
https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/ - VA.gov — Evidence Needed for Claims.gov / .mil
Required and supporting evidence types, buddy statements (Forms 21-10210, 21-4138), nexus requirement, FDC vs. standard claims.
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/ - VA.gov — Decision Reviews.gov / .mil
Four review pathways: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, Board Appeal, and Clinical Appeal.
https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/ - VA.gov — About Disability Ratings.gov / .mil
How combined ratings work, VA math explanation, combined ratings table method, rounding rules.
https://www.va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings/ - VA.gov — Combined Ratings Table (PDF).gov / .mil
Official combined disability ratings lookup table.
https://www.va.gov/VA-combined-ratings-table-2019.pdf - VA.gov — Compensation Rates.gov / .mil
Current monthly payment rates by disability rating percentage.
https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/ - VA.gov — Fully Developed Claims.gov / .mil
FDC program details for faster claim processing.
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/fully-developed-claims/ - VA.gov — Find a VSO / Accredited Representative.gov / .mil
How to find free accredited VSO help, services overview, representative search tool.
https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/ - VA.gov — Recognized VSOs.gov / .mil
Official list of VA-recognized Veterans Service Organizations.
https://www.va.gov/ogc/recognizedvsos.asp - VA.gov — PACT Act and Your Benefits.gov / .mil
Presumptive conditions, burn pit exposure, impact on C&P exam requirements.
https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ - VA.gov — C&P Claim Exam.gov / .mil
Scheduling, preparation, what to expect during and after your exam, telehealth options, rescheduling, recording policy, travel reimbursement.
https://www.va.gov/resources/va-claim-exam/ - VA.gov — VBA Claim Exam Information.gov / .mil
Contract examiner companies (LSGS, OptumServe, QTC, VES) with phone numbers and caller IDs.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claimexam.asp - VA.gov — Public DBQs.gov / .mil
Disability Benefits Questionnaire categories, restricted DBQs, private provider submission, Elizabeth Dole Act 2025.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp - VA.gov — After You File Your Claim.gov / .mil
8-step claims process, processing timeline, evidence gathering phase details.
https://www.va.gov/disability/after-you-file-claim/ - VA.gov — VA's Duty to Assist.gov / .mil
VA obligation to provide exams, gather records, duty-to-assist error remedies.
https://www.va.gov/resources/vas-duty-to-assist/ - VA.gov — Types of Disability Claims.gov / .mil
Original, increased, new, secondary, special, and supplemental claim types.
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/ - VA.gov — TDIU / Individual Unemployability.gov / .mil
TDIU eligibility criteria and exam requirements for unemployability claims.
https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/unemployability/ - VA.gov — Fraud Prevention.gov / .mil
VA fraud prevention resources and reporting.
https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/fraud-prevention.asp - VSAFE.gov — Claims Predators.gov / .mil
How to identify predatory claims companies.
https://vsafe.gov/va-toolkit/va-fraud-prevention-kit/claims-predators/ - CFPB — Warning on Claims Coaches.gov / .mil
Federal warning about unaccredited claims assistance companies.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/coaches-consultants-advertise-ability-to-assist-with-va-benefits-claim-but-may-not-be-accredited/ - VA OIG — Crime Alerts and Fraud Resources.gov / .mil
Fraud reporting and investigation overview from the VA Office of Inspector General.
https://www.vaoig.gov/crime-alerts-and-fraud-resources - 38 CFR 3.326 — Examinations
When VA authorizes exams, acceptance of private reports, POW provisions.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.326 - 38 CFR 3.327 — Reexaminations
Reexam scheduling (2-5 years), when reexams are not required (static conditions, 5+ years, age 55+).
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.327 - 38 CFR 3.655 — Failure to Report
Consequences of missing C&P exams by claim type, good cause examples, pretermination procedures.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/3.655 - 38 USC 5103A — Duty to Assist
Statutory requirement for VA to provide medical exams and opinions.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/5103A - 38 USC 5107 — Benefit of the Doubt
Benefit of the doubt standard when evidence is in approximate balance.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/5107 - VHA Directive 1046(1) — C&P Disability Examinations.gov / .mil
DMA oversight, examiner certification, exam procedures policy (Nov 2023).
https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=11577 - Wounded Warrior Project — C&P Exam Preparation
VSO guidance on contract providers, distance to exam, preparation, and consequences of missing exams.
https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/Preparing-for-a-C-P-Exam-4-Things-Veterans-Should-Know - DAV — Response to Washington Post Investigation
VSO context on fraud statistics showing fraud is a tiny fraction of VA claims.
https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2025/davs-response-to-shameful-washington-post-article-suggesting-our-nations-veterans-are-gaming-the-va-disability-system/ - MOAA — Disability Fraud is a Tiny Fraction
Fraud statistics and VSO pushback on the fraud narrative.
https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/health-care-and-earned-benefits/disability-fraud-is-a-tiny-fraction-of-va-claims,-advocates-say/
DD-214 Information
- National Archives — Request Military Service Records.gov / .mil
How to request a DD-214 (online, mail, fax), required info, processing times, next-of-kin rules, NPRC contact info.
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records - National Archives — The 1973 Fire at NPRC.gov / .mil
Details of the 1973 fire that destroyed 16-18 million records, branches and date ranges affected, reconstruction process.
https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/fire-1973 - National Archives — DD Form 214 Page.gov / .mil
DD-214 field contents, historical form predecessors, general overview.
https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/dd-214 - National Archives — Correcting Military Records.gov / .mil
DD Form 149 process, Board for Correction of Military Records by branch, Discharge Review Boards, DD Form 293.
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/correct-service-records.html - GSA — SF-180 Form Download.gov / .mil
Official Standard Form 180 for requesting military records by mail or fax.
https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms/request-pertaining-to-military-records - VA.gov — Request Military Service Records.gov / .mil
VA method for requesting records, redirects to eVetRecs; VA auto-retrieves DD-214 for benefits applications.
https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/ - VA.gov — Character of Discharge & Benefits.gov / .mil
Discharge types, benefits eligibility by discharge type, 2024 rule expanding OTH/BCD eligibility.
https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/character_of_discharge.asp - VA News — Expanded Discharge Access.gov / .mil
2024 final rule details, 75% eligibility determination rate for other-than-honorable discharges.
https://news.va.gov/135111/more-service-members-eligible-for-benefits-after-va-amends-character-of-discharge-barriers/ - Military.com — DD-214 Overview
General DD-214 overview, DD-215 correction addendum, DD214-1 for reservists, common uses.
https://www.military.com/benefits/records-and-forms/dd214.html
State Veterans Benefits
State benefit data is compiled from official .gov sources for all 50 states. Each state's research is backed by its own detailed source file covering tax breaks, college benefits, vehicle benefits, employment preferences, hunting & fishing licenses, healthcare, free programs, and miscellaneous benefits. Below are the primary source types used across all states.
- State Departments of Veterans Affairs.gov / .mil
Each state's DVA website served as the primary source for veteran-specific benefits, programs, and eligibility requirements.
https://www.va.gov/statedva.htm - State Departments of Revenue / Taxation.gov / .mil
State tax agency sites used for property tax exemptions, income tax exclusions, and other veteran tax breaks.
https://www.taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies - State DMV / Motor Vehicle Agencies.gov / .mil
State DMV sites used for veteran license plates, registration fee waivers, and vehicle-related benefits.
https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services - State Fish & Wildlife / Natural Resources Agencies.gov / .mil
State wildlife agencies used for reduced or free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans.
https://www.usa.gov/state-fish-and-wildlife - State Higher Education Commissions.gov / .mil
State education agencies used for tuition waivers, scholarships, and GI Bill supplemental benefits.
https://www.usa.gov/state-education - State Workforce / Labor Departments.gov / .mil
State labor agencies used for veteran employment preferences, hiring programs, and job training.
https://www.usa.gov/state-labor-offices - State Legislatures / Statute Databases.gov / .mil
State code and statute databases used to verify the legal basis for each benefit.
https://www.ncsl.org - VA Healthcare Directory by State.gov / .mil
VA medical centers and clinics by state for the healthcare sections.
https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp - National Cemetery Administration.gov / .mil
National and state veterans cemetery information for burial benefits.
https://www.cem.va.gov - Individual state source files (50 total) are maintained internally with per-file cross-reference maps. All state sources accessed March 2026.
MOS / Rating / AFSC Data (Resume Tool)
Military occupation data covers Army MOS codes, Navy ratings, Marine Corps MOS codes, Air Force AFSCs, and Coast Guard ratings. Each branch has its own detailed source file.
- GoArmy.com — Careers and Jobs.gov / .mil
Army MOS titles, general duty descriptions, and civilian-equivalent occupations.
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs - Army Publishing Directorate — DA PAM 611-21.gov / .mil
Official Army MOS duty descriptions, skill levels, and task listings.
https://armypubs.army.mil - MyArmyBenefits.gov / .mil
Career and benefits information related to Army MOS codes.
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil - Navy COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line).gov / .mil
Navy rating descriptions, civilian credentialing pathways, and equivalent occupations.
https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/ - MyNavy HR (BUPERS).gov / .mil
Official Navy rating task descriptions, NEC codes, and career paths.
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil - Navy.com — Careers.gov / .mil
Navy rating overviews and general duty descriptions.
https://www.navy.com/careers - Marine Corps COOL.gov / .mil
Marine Corps MOS descriptions, civilian credentialing, and equivalent occupations.
https://www.cool.osd.mil/usmc/ - Marines.com — Roles.gov / .mil
Marine Corps MOS overviews and general duty descriptions.
https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/roles - Air Force COOL.gov / .mil
Air Force AFSC descriptions, civilian credentialing, and equivalent occupations.
https://www.cool.osd.mil/usaf/ - AirForce.com — Careers.gov / .mil
AFSC overviews and general duty descriptions.
https://www.airforce.com/careers - Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC).gov / .mil
Official Air Force Enlisted Classification Directory (AFECD) with AFSC duty descriptions and skill levels.
https://www.afpc.af.mil - Coast Guard COOL.gov / .mil
Coast Guard rating descriptions, civilian credentialing, and equivalent occupations.
https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/ - GoCoastGuard.com — Enlisted Opportunities.gov / .mil
Coast Guard rating overviews and general duty descriptions.
https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities - Coast Guard Directives (COMDTINST M1000.6).gov / .mil
Official Coast Guard rating duty descriptions and advancement requirements.
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/directives/ - O*NET OnLine (Department of Labor).gov / .mil
Civilian-equivalent job titles and military-to-civilian occupation crosswalk used across all branches.
https://www.onetonline.org - Military.com — Jobs Database
Corroboration of duty descriptions and civilian equivalents for all branches.
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces
Rank Structure Data (Resume Tool)
- DFAS — Military Pay Tables.gov / .mil
Pay grade structure used to organize rank data across all branches.
https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/payentitlements/Pay-Tables/ - U.S. Army — Official Rank Structure.gov / .mil
Army enlisted and officer ranks, insignia descriptions.
https://www.army.mil/ranks/ - U.S. Navy — Ranks and Rates.gov / .mil
Navy enlisted ratings and officer ranks, insignia.
https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Ranks-Rates/ - U.S. Marine Corps — Ranks.gov / .mil
Marine Corps enlisted and officer ranks, insignia.
https://www.marines.mil/Ranks/ - U.S. Air Force — Fact Sheets.gov / .mil
Air Force enlisted and officer ranks, insignia.
https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/ - U.S. Space Force.gov / .mil
Space Force unique enlisted rank titles (officially adopted 2024).
https://www.spaceforce.mil - U.S. Coast Guard — Enlisted Opportunities.gov / .mil
Coast Guard enlisted and officer ranks, insignia.
https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities - Military OneSource.gov / .mil
Cross-branch rank comparison charts and general military information.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil - O*NET OnLine (Department of Labor).gov / .mil
Civilian-equivalent title mapping for resume translation of rank responsibilities.
https://www.onetonline.org - Military.com — Rank Charts
Cross-branch rank comparison and corroboration.
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-ranks
VA Healthcare & Education
- VA.gov — Mental Health Services.gov / .mil
Available services, eligibility, same-day access policy, treatment types, Vet Center info, peer support, caregiver support.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/ - VA.gov — Military Sexual Trauma (MST).gov / .mil
MST definition, broad eligibility (no reporting, proof, or enrollment required), available services, MST Coordinators.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/ - PTSD.va.gov — Treatment Programs.gov / .mil
Specialty PTSD care types including CPT, PE, and EMDR, BHIP teams, residential programs.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/tx_programs.asp - PTSD.va.gov — Help for Veterans.gov / .mil
How to access PTSD care, self-help tools (Decision Aid, AboutFace), Vet Center role, specialized care (LGBTQ+, women).
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/help_for_veterans.asp - VA.gov — Education Benefits.gov / .mil
Main education benefits hub page.
https://www.va.gov/education/ - VA.gov — Apply for GI Bill.gov / .mil
GI Bill application URL and process.
https://www.va.gov/education/apply-for-gi-bill-form-22-1990/ - VA.gov — Check GI Bill Balance.gov / .mil
Tool to check remaining Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
https://www.va.gov/education/check-remaining-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/
Crisis Resources
- Veterans Crisis Line.gov / .mil
Phone (988, press 1), text (838255), and chat access. Eligibility, hours, overseas numbers.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ - VA.gov — Homeless Veterans Services.gov / .mil
National Call Center (877-424-3838), housing programs, FY2025 data (51,936 housed), grant funding.
https://www.va.gov/homeless/ - SAMHSA — National Helpline.gov / .mil
Substance abuse and mental health helpline (1-800-662-4357), 24/7, free, confidential, available in English and Spanish.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline - SAMHSA — Veterans Support.gov / .mil
Veteran-specific SAMHSA support pathways and Technical Assistance center.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/how-to-cope/veterans - Military OneSource.gov / .mil
24/7 phone support (800-342-9647), counseling, MilTax, career resources, EFMP. Available to veterans within one year of separation.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Discounts & Services
Veteran discount and service information is compiled from individual company and organization websites. Discounts are verified directly with each provider and are subject to change. Where available, we link to the official discount or veteran program page of each company. This section will be expanded as the site grows.
Source Maintenance
All sources were accessed and verified as of March 2026. Government websites update frequently; if you find a broken link or outdated information, please let us know through our About page. We review and update sources on a regular basis to ensure accuracy.