VA Services and Benefits for U.S. Veterans Living Abroad
Commonwealth Army (USAFFE) and Recognized Guerrillas
The term "Commonwealth Army Veterans" means persons who
served before July 1, 1946,
in the organized military forces of the Government of the Philippines,
while such forces were in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces pursuant to the military order of the President of the United States dated July 26, 1941,
(includes such military forces as organized guerrilla forces under commanders appointed, designated, or subsequently recognized by the Commander-in-Chief, Southwest Pacific Area, or other competent authority in the Army of the United States),
and, who were discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable.
Benefit Programs for Commonwealth Army Veterans
Disability Compensation. Payable to a veteran with service-connected condition(s) rated at 10% or more.
Prisoners of War - POW. POWs who were incarcerated for at least 30 days are entitled to a presumption of service-connection for disabilities resulting from certain diseases if manifested to a degree of 10 percent at any time after active service, including psychosis and anxiety states.
Allowances for Dependents. Payable to veterans whose service-connected disabilities are rated at 30 percent or more. Also entitled to receive a special allowance for a spouse who is in need of the aid and attendance of another person if the veteran is evaluated 30 percent or more.
Clothing Allowance. Payable to a veteran who is entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability for which he or she uses prosthetic or orthopedic appliances that tends to wear out or tear clothing or whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication which irreparably damages the veteran's outer garments.
NOTE:
Payments of the above benefits shall be made at a rate in pesos as is equivalent to $0.50 for each dollar authorized per Sec. 107(a), 38 USC.
Benefit Programs for Survivors
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).*
Payable to eligible spouses, children and parents.
Aid and Attendance.*
Payable to surviving spouses and parents receiving DIC if they are patients in a nursing home or require the aid and attendance of another person.
Housebound.*
Payable to surviving spouses qualified for DIC who are not so disabled as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person but who, due to disability, are permanently housebound.
Dependents' Educational Assistance. Payable only to children of veterans who are eligible under Chapter 35 benefits. Spouses are not eligible.
Note:
Payments shall be made at a rate in Philippine pesos equivalent to $0.50 for each dollar authorized per Sec. 3565(b)(1), 38 USC.
*
Payments shall be made in accordance with Sec. 107(a), 38 USC.
Burial Benefits
Burial and Funeral Expense Allowance. An allowance of $150 (in Philippine peso equivalent) may be paid to the person who paid the burial expenses of a veteran who was in receipt of compensation at time of death. If the veteran's death is service-connected, VA will pay a burial allowance up to $750 (in Philippine peso equivalent) instead of the $150 basic allowance and the $75 plot allowance.
Plot or Interment Allowance. An allowance of $75 (in Philippine peso equivalent) may be paid to the person who paid the plot or interment expenses of a veteran who was in receipt of compensation at time of death.
Burial Flags. A flag may be given to the next of kin or a close associate of the veteran who died on or after April 25, 1951.
Benefit Programs not Available
Non-service connected pension benefits for veterans and dependents.
Hospitalization, nursing home care, domiciliary care, outpatient dental and medical care even though the veteran has service-connected conditions. However, while in the United States or its territories, the VA may furnish hospital and nursing home care and medical services to Commonwealth Army veterans for the treatment only of their service-connected disabilities (Sec.1734, 38 USC).
VA loans such as home loan guarantees and small business loans.
Specially Adapted Homes
Automobiles or Other Conveyances
Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH)
PX and Commissary Exchange Privileges
Burial in National Cemeteries
Headstones and Markers
Note: This information does not apply to officers who were commissioned in connection with the administration of Public Law 190 (Authority: 38 USC 107). Commissioned officers (and their dependents) have the same benefits as U.S. veterans including payment in dollars.
Disclaimer --We will make every effort to keep this Internet Site current and accurate, but there will surely be times when this site will not be current. These pages are for general information only, your best source of current information is to contact the managers of the benefits programs, offices, and facilities identified at various locations throughout this web site.
Questions about or problems using this web site may be referred to the Webmaster, Veterans Benefits Administration. Please do not use this e-mail for benefits questions. You should use the Contact VA web messaging form for that purpose.
Thank you.
This page has been accessed times since October 14, 2004.
