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Watch the video
A curated, growing library of official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs videos, chosen for aging veterans and their families. Every video comes with the exact VA form you would need and a one-tap way to get help applying. We add new ones as the VA releases them, so it is worth checking back. Everything here is free to watch and free to share with anyone who could use it.
These are short, plain-language videos straight from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, on the benefits that matter most to aging veterans. We chose them because they explain things clearly, without the jargon that usually gets in the way. Every video is paired with the exact form you need and a one-tap way to get help applying. Watch at your own pace, come back as often as you like, and reach out the moment you want a human to walk it through with you.
The heads of Defense and VA explain the PACT Act - the law that expanded benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and radiation. If you served anywhere near these, you may now be owed care and compensation.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation (PACT Act claim)
A plain-language walkthrough of how to file a toxic-exposure claim under the PACT Act, including radiation and burn-pit exposure. Good to watch before you start your paperwork.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation (PACT Act claim)
The VA added new medical conditions presumed to be caused by Agent Orange. If you were denied before, or never filed, these additions may finally open the door for a Vietnam-era veteran.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation
A "presumptive" condition means you do not have to prove the link between your service and your illness - the VA already accepts it. This short video explains why that matters for your claim.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation
Step-by-step help enrolling in VA health care using Form 10-10EZ - including free hearing aids, prescriptions, and primary care that many aging veterans never claim.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for VA Health Care
A plain-language look at how enrolled veterans get hearing aids at no cost - the hearing test, the fitting, and free batteries, repairs, and replacements. If ringing ears or missed conversations are wearing you down, start here.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for VA Health Care (needed first for audiology)
VA dental is not automatic — eligibility hinges on your figuredental trauma rating, service-connected percentage, former-POW status, or participation in a VA rehab programfigure. Find out which class you fall into and what care you can get.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
When the VA cannot provide timely or nearby care, the figureMISSION Actfigure lets you see an approved community provider at VA expense. Covers referral criteria, drive-time and wait-time standards, and urgent-care walk-in benefits.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
VA mental-health services and the community-based Vet Centers that provide figureconfidential readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, MST support, and bereavement carefigure — often in a storefront setting that feels nothing like a hospital.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
From Community Living Centers (VA nursing homes) to home-based primary care and adult day centers, VA offers a full spectrum of figurelong-term services and supportsfigure. Eligibility depends on your clinical need and service-connected rating.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
VA will reimburse your mileage, tolls, and parking — or provide transport — when you travel for authorized VA care. Currently figure$0.415/milefigure with no deductible for SC-rated or low-income veterans. File within 30 days of each appointment.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
If you have both Medicare and VA health care, knowing figurewhen to use whichfigure can save you thousands. VA care has no premiums or deductibles for SC conditions; Medicare covers providers VA does not. They do not duplicate — learn how to play both.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The VHIC is your photo ID for VA health appointments. It is not a DoD or veteran-status ID — it is issued to enrolled veterans for figurefacility check-in and pharmacyfigure. Here is how to get yours.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The VA's own breakdown of who qualifies for VA dental care - it depends on your disability rating, discharge, and classification. Watch this to find out where you stand before assuming you are not covered.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for VA Health Care
Many retirees have both VA health care and TRICARE and are not sure how to use them together. This VA video compares the two so you can make the most of both and avoid paying out of pocket unnecessarily.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
A straight answer from the VA on marijuana and your VA benefits - whether it affects your care, your claims, or talking honestly with your VA doctor. Your benefits are not at risk for being honest about it.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
A short, hopeful message from the VA: PTSD treatment works, and it is never too late to get help. Older veterans who carried this for decades can still get better - here is the encouragement to take the first step.
Veterans Health Administration
The VA explains Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - one of its most effective, evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Learn what the therapy involves and why it helps veterans reframe the thoughts that keep them stuck.
Veterans Health Administration
The VA explains Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - a drug-free, non-invasive treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD when medication has not worked. A newer option many veterans have never heard of.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
How TDIU pays you at the 100% rate even when your combined rating is lower — because your service-connected conditions prevent substantial employment. Covers the figuretwo TDIU pathwaysfigure (schedular and extraschedular) and the evidence VA needs.
VA Claims Insider
The extra monthly payments above 100% that most veterans never claim. Covers SMC-S (housebound), SMC-L (aid & attendance), and the higher SMC tiers for loss-of-use, anatomical losses, and combinations. figureRates start at ~$4,300/mo and climb from there.figure
VA Claims Insider
If you retired from the military and have a VA rating of 50% or higher, you may be losing money to the figureVA disability offsetfigure. CRDP lets you collect both your full retirement pay and your VA compensation — no application needed once you qualify.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
Your service-connected condition caused a new problem — a bad knee changed your gait and now your hip is shot. That is a secondary service connection and it is one of the figurefastest ways to increase your ratingfigure. Learn the evidence chain VA requires.
VA Claims Insider
VA pays 100% temporarily in specific situations: figurepost-surgery convalescence, a hospitalization over 21 days, or an unstable condition after dischargefigure. Know the rules so you can request the rating before VA reduces you back down.
VA Claims Insider
A VA denial is not the end — it is the beginning of the appeals lane. This walks through the figurethree decision-review lanesfigure (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, Board Appeal) and when each one gives you the best shot at a grant.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The VA's own explanation of what to do when you get an unfair rating - request a Higher-Level Review or file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence. Straight from the source, so you know your real options.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 20-0996 - Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review
A quick VA walkthrough of your three decision-review lanes after a denial - Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or a Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing. A denial is not the end of the road.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 20-0995 - Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim
The VA Pension is a monthly, needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income - and it can be increased with Aid & Attendance if you need help with daily living. One of the most overlooked benefits for seniors.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 21P-527EZ - Application for Veterans Pension
Aid & Attendance adds money to a VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with everyday activities - bathing, dressing, or getting around - or who are housebound. It can help pay for in-home care or assisted living.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21-2680 - Exam for Housebound Status or Aid & Attendance
The VA explains the Veterans Pension - a tax-free monthly benefit for wartime veterans age 65+ or disabled with limited income. One of the most overlooked benefits for aging veterans on a fixed income.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21P-527EZ - Application for Veterans Pension
The VA's own explainer on Aid & Attendance - extra monthly money added to a pension for veterans or spouses who need help with daily activities or are housebound. It can help pay for in-home care or assisted living.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21-2680 - Exam for Housebound Status or Aid & Attendance
Many veterans confuse the two. This VA video explains how disability compensation (based on a service-connected condition) differs from a needs-based pension - and that you may qualify for one, the other, or benefit from choosing carefully.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
A VA explainer on the Survivors Pension - a needs-based monthly benefit for the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran. Many widows and widowers qualify and never know it exists.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21P-534EZ - Application for DIC, Survivors Pension & Accrued Benefits
A longer, in-depth VA briefing on pension eligibility - the income and net-worth limits, wartime service requirements, and how Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits increase the payment. Worth the watch if you are planning ahead.
Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Form 21P-527EZ - Application for Veterans Pension
See how the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant pays to remodel a home - ramps, widened doors, roll-in showers - so a disabled veteran can age in place safely instead of moving.
Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Form 26-4555 - Application for Adapted Housing Grant (SAH/SHA)
More real stories of veterans who used the housing grant to make their homes safe and accessible. A hopeful watch if stairs, doorways, or the bathroom have become a daily struggle.
Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Form 26-4555 - Application for Adapted Housing Grant (SAH/SHA)
Your VA home loan benefit never expires. This video explains how credit works with a VA loan and how to get your Certificate of Eligibility - useful for refinancing or right-sizing your home in retirement.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 26-1880 - Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (home loan)
The VA's own overview of the home loan guaranty - what the VA backing means, no down payment and no private mortgage insurance, and how the benefit works. Your loan benefit never expires and can be used more than once.
Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Form 26-1880 - Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (home loan)
A cash-out refinance lets you tap your home's equity or refinance a non-VA loan into a VA loan. This VA video explains when it saves you money - useful for paying off debt or funding home repairs in retirement.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 26-1880 - Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (home loan)
The VA warns veterans about refinance scams and predatory offers that target people with VA loans. Learn the red flags before you sign anything - especially the aggressive mailers promising to slash your payment.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
Even after a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or a rough patch with your credit, you may still qualify for a VA home loan. This VA video explains the waiting periods and how to rebuild eligibility.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 26-1880 - Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (home loan)
VALife is guaranteed-acceptance whole life insurance for veterans age 80 and under with any service-connected rating - no medical exam and no health questions. This video explains the coverage and how the two-year waiting period works.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
What happens to benefits when a veteran passes. Explains DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) and Survivors Pension - tax-free monthly support a surviving spouse may be owed.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21P-534EZ - Application for DIC, Survivors Pension & Accrued Benefits
The Survivors Pension is a needs-based monthly benefit for the surviving spouse or child of a wartime veteran. Many widows and widowers qualify and never know it.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 21P-534EZ - Application for DIC, Survivors Pension & Accrued Benefits
A comprehensive overview of every benefit the VA offers to the spouses, dependents, and survivors of veterans - from DIC and pension to CHAMPVA, education, and burial. A perfect starting point for any family member.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 21P-534EZ - Application for DIC, Survivors Pension & Accrued Benefits
CHAMPVA is a health-care program that shares the cost of care for the spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, or who has died. A vital benefit many families never hear about.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 10-10d - Application for CHAMPVA Benefits
When a veteran dies with a pending VA claim, the surviving spouse or dependent can figurestep into that claimfigure and collect the benefits that were owed. Must file within one year of the veteran's death — and the evidence already in the file often decides it.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35) and the Fry Scholarship help survivors and dependents pay for figurecollege, graduate school, apprenticeships, and on-the-job trainingfigure. Different eligibility triggers — know which one applies to you.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program extends to surviving spouses — providing figurerapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, and emergency financial assistancefigure to keep you and your family housed.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
From Family SGLI (automatic coverage for military spouses) to converting to commercial insurance after separation, know your figurelife-insurance options and deadlinesfigure so you do not lose guaranteed-issue rights.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The VA outlines the benefits a veteran's children may be owed - DIC, CHAMPVA health coverage, TRICARE, education, and burial benefits. Important for grandparents and parents helping the next generation claim what they are entitled to.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 21P-534EZ - Application for DIC, Survivors Pension & Accrued Benefits
If you care for an aging veteran, the VA can help YOU - with training, respite, counseling, and even a monthly stipend for eligible family caregivers. This explains both caregiver programs.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
VA Form 10-10CG - Application for the Family Caregiver Program
The VA's own overview of PCAFC - the program that gives eligible family caregivers of seriously injured veterans a monthly stipend, health coverage, respite care, and training. If you care for an aging or disabled veteran, watch this before you apply.
Veterans Health Administration
VA Form 10-10CG - Application for the Family Caregiver Program
The VA's overview of health care built for women veterans - primary care, gender-specific care, mental health, and a Women Veterans Program Manager at every VA medical center. Care you earned, whether or not you have used the VA before.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for VA Health Care
How the PACT Act expands toxic-exposure care and benefits specifically for women veterans. If you served near burn pits or other hazards, this explains the screening and benefits you may now be owed.
Veterans Health Administration
VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation (PACT Act claim)
A VA overview of reproductive and gynecological health services available to women veterans through VA health care - from routine care to specialized services. Comprehensive care many women veterans do not realize the VA provides.
Veterans Health Administration
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for VA Health Care
From the Post-9/11 GI Bill (tuition, housing, books) to the Montgomery GI Bill and the Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance, this covers every figureVA education pathwayfigure and how to transfer unused benefits to dependents.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
If your service-connected disability creates an employment barrier, VR&E provides figurecareer counseling, training, resume help, and even self-employment supportfigure — plus a monthly subsistence allowance while you are in the program.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The federal government gives 5- or 10-point hiring preference to eligible veterans. Covers figurewho qualifies, how to claim it, and the CPS/CP/XP/TP categoriesfigure — plus special appointing authorities that can place you non-competitively.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
The VA explains the five VR&E (Chapter 31) tracks - reemployment, rapid access to employment, self-employment, long-term services, and independent living. If a service-connected disability affects your ability to work, one of these paths is for you.
Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Form 28-1900 - Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation
A less-than-honorable discharge does not always mean you are locked out of VA benefits. Learn how to apply to your Discharge Review Board (DRB) or the figureBoard for Correction of Military Records (BCMR)figure — and how PTSD, TBI, or MST can support your case.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
Errors in your DD-214 or service records can block benefits you earned. The figureBoard for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMR/BCNR)figure can fix dates, decorations, reason for separation, and more — if you know how to file.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
VA and HUD combine housing vouchers with VA case management through figureHUD-VASHfigure, while SSVF provides rapid re-housing and prevention services. Covers eligibility, how to enter the program, and the other safety-net services (GPD, HCHV, Stand Downs).
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
Biological children of veterans who served in Vietnam, Thailand, or Korea during specific periods and were exposed to figureAgent Orange or other herbicidesfigure may receive monthly compensation, health care, and vocational training if diagnosed with spina bifida.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
VA disability and Social Security disability (SSDI) are figureseparate programs with separate criteriafigure — you can collect both. Learn how a VA rating supports your SSA claim, how income limits differ, and the expedited SSA processing for 100% P&T veterans.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
A gentle overview of the burial and memorial benefits a veteran has earned - burial in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and military funeral honors, all at no cost to the family.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 40-10007 - Application for Pre-Need Eligibility (national cemetery)
Answers the questions families are often afraid to ask about funeral and burial costs - what the VA pays, who qualifies, and how to claim a burial allowance.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 21P-530EZ - Application for Burial Benefits (allowance)
The VA's overview of burial benefits - burial allowances, plot allowances, and transportation reimbursement that help cover a veteran's funeral costs. Know what your family can claim so nothing is left on the table.
Veterans Benefits Administration
VA Form 21P-530EZ - Application for Burial Benefits (allowance)
From the VA's National Cemetery Administration: a gentle overview of burial in a national cemetery - the headstone or marker, the burial flag, and military funeral honors, all provided at no cost to the veteran's family.
National Cemetery Administration
VA Form 40-10007 - Application for Pre-Need Eligibility (national cemetery)
A step-by-step VA guide to applying for pre-need burial eligibility - getting confirmation now that you or your spouse can be buried in a national cemetery, so your family is not scrambling later. One of the kindest things you can do for them.
National Cemetery Administration
VA Form 40-10007 - Application for Pre-Need Eligibility (national cemetery)
An overview of the memorial items the VA provides to honor a veteran - government headstones and markers, medallions for private graves, Presidential Memorial Certificates, and burial flags. Ways to honor service that families often miss.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
A dignified VA overview of the final honors a veteran has earned - burial, memorialization, and military funeral honors. A comforting watch for any family beginning to plan.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Form 40-10007 - Application for Pre-Need Eligibility (national cemetery)
VA grants up to figure$109,986 (SAH) or $44,299 (SHA)figure to adapt or build a home for veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities — loss of use of limbs, severe burns, or blindness. Covers ramps, widened doors, roll-in showers, and more.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
After you leave the military your SGLI converts to VGLI — but only if you apply within figure240 days of separationfigure (1 year 120 days with proof of good health). Coverage up to $500,000 with no medical exam during the guaranteed window.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
If you received a Specially Adapted Housing grant, VMLI provides up to figure$200,000 of mortgage protectionfigure that pays off your home loan if you die. Coverage decreases as your mortgage balance drops — and it is only available to SAH grant recipients.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs
These videos are produced and published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and its offices. The Aging Veteran is not affiliated with the VA and shares them here for education only.
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If a video raised a question about your own benefits, ask our free assistant in plain language. It can explain toxic exposure, pension, home adaptations, or anything else the video touched on. Tell it what you saw and what you are trying to figure out, and it will walk you through the next step. There is no cost to ask, and no question is too basic.
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It is not too late
Far too many veterans - older veterans most of all - decide on their own that they are too old, that they waited too long, or that because nobody ever gave them the information they must be out of the game. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you file a disability claim, the VA does not look at your age. There is no age limit and no deadline on filing a first claim, and veterans in their fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond are approved every single day.
That is the entire point of this website: to make you aware of the benefits you are entitled to right now, as an aging veteran, so you can protect your health, protect your family, and protect your benefits. So do not give up, do not talk yourself out of it, and do not wait until you are no longer able to seek care. The best day to start was years ago. The next best day is today.
“I’m too old for this.”
There is no age limit on a VA claim. The VA does not look at your age - it looks at whether your condition is connected to your service.
“I waited too long, so I missed my chance.”
There is no deadline to file a first claim. You can file decades after you separated, and your effective date starts protecting you the day you file.
“I never got the information, so I’m out of the game.”
Nobody handed most veterans a list of what they earned. That is exactly why this site exists - the facts are here, in plain language, at no cost.
“I’ll deal with it when I really need care.”
Do not wait until you are too sick to fight for it. Filing while you can still gather records and attend exams is the single biggest advantage you have.
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