Veteran and Military Resources

The mission of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is to provide numerous services and benefits to veterans and their families. Some of those services include employment assistance, healthcare coverage, higher education assistance, treatment for service-related injuries, and burials in national cemeteries designated for veterans.

If you are a veteran in Puerto Rico and are having difficulties with a case related to your benefits, my office is here to help. You can call or write us to receive assistance.

How can I Help You?

Our office helps veterans and their families navigate the VA, including:

Addressing issues with Federal Agencies (IRS, Social Security, etc.)
Navigating VA programs and policies
Providing information on mental health resources
Connecting you with various Veteran job placement services
Connecting with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Checking the status of a VA disability claim appeal
Requesting a medal, award or decoration you received while in the service
Requesting personnel records from the National Personnel Records Center
Contacting the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)

For assistance from my office related to the above Veterans issues, please fill out this authorization form.

Veteran Benefits

The U.S. Veteran Benefits Administration offers assistance and benefits to spouses, children, and parents of service-members and veterans who are deceased or permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability.

Veteran Healthcare

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving more than nine million veterans each year. Eligible veterans in Puerto Rico have access to primary care, specialty services, and treatment through:

San Juan VA Medical Center (VA Caribbean Healthcare System Headquarters) – Provides full hospital and specialty care.
Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) across Puerto Rico:
Community Care – Eligible veterans can also access health care from local providers when VA services are not readily available. These services are covered by the VA through the Community Care Program. Learn more on how to apply for health care benefits HERE.

VA Services & Benefits for Dependents

Education Benefits (Chapter 35 & Fry Scholarship): Available for use at accredited institutions in Puerto Rico, the mainland, or abroad.
DIC & Survivors Pension: Paid monthly to eligible dependents living in Puerto Rico, no difference in eligibility.
CHAMPVA Health Care: Puerto Rico residents can enroll; care is provided through civilian providers who accept CHAMPVA.
Disability Compensation Add-Ons: Veterans in Puerto Rico with qualifying dependents receive the same extra monthly payments.
Life Insurance (FSGLI): Applies equally in Puerto Rico for spouses and dependent children of insured service members.

Burials and Memorials

The VA honors Puerto Rico’s veterans by providing memorial items and burial benefits to their families, recognizing their military service to the United States. Veterans and eligible family members may be laid to rest at one of Puerto Rico’s veterans’ cemeteries:

Puerto Rico National Cemetery – Bayamón, PR | +1 (787) 798-8400
Morovis National Cemetery (Annex) – Morovis, PR

An eligible spouse or other family member buried in a national cemetery, or certain other veterans or military cemeteries, may also qualify for a headstone or marker to identify the place of burial.

Families may also apply for burial flags, markers, medallions, Presidential Memorial Certificates, and veterans’ headstones.

Mental Health Assistance

Veterans in Puerto Rico can access confidential hotlines and support services, including:

Department of Veteran Affairs Vet Center
1-877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387)
1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life.

Veterans Crisis Line
Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255 to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of whom are Veterans themselves. This resource is free, confidential and available 24/7. For free confidential aid visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavior health of the nation. SAMHSA's National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free and confidential treatment referral and information service and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Additional Resources

The following information is for veterans. Please contact our office for assistance with any questions or problems you may have.

Territorial Benefits for Veterans and Families

Income Tax Exemption: $1,500 exemption on Puerto Rico income taxes for Veterans ($3,000 for married Veterans filing jointly).
Property Tax Exemptions: Partial or full exemption on primary residences for eligible Veterans, including additional relief for those with service-connected disabilities.
Education Benefits: Reduced or exempt tuition at the University of Puerto Rico and other public institutions for dependents of Veterans; full exemption for dependents of service members who died in the line of duty.
National Park Discounts: Reduced rate park and recreation tickets for veterans, spouses, and children at national parks.
License Plates and Registration: Special license plates and reduced registration fees for Veterans.