Mass Vets Advisor

The VA presumes that certain birth defects in biological children of women Vietnam Veterans were caused by military service when the birth mother served in Vietnam between February 28, 1961 & May 7, 1975. Eligible children may receive VA benefits. For a complete list of covered birth defects & more information on available options please visit the link above. To contact the VA's Birth Defects Benefits Office: Call: 888-820-1756

Spina bifida is a spinal cord birth defect, with babies developing the condition while still in the womb. A parent’s past contact with specific chemicals may cause this birth defect, & those who served in Vietnam, Thailand, or in/near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) who had a child with spina bifida or certain other birth defects may be able to get disability benefits for their child. Find out if a child qualifies for benefits & learn more about the condition by visiting the VA's webpage.

Veteran or active-duty service members who are blind or have low vision may be able to get vision care & rehabilitation services through the VA to help live an independent life. Some services include: - Vision-enhancing devices & training - Visual skills training - Sensory training - Mobility & orientation training - Counseling/group therapy, & more. Learn more & register for care near you by visiting the link above. You can also call the Blind Rehabilitation Service Office: (202) 461-7317

A national organization of families with loved ones serving in the military. Its members provide support for active duty service personnel, promote patriotism, assist Veterans organizations, & assist in homeland volunteer efforts.

Offered by the Small Business Association as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Boots to Business (B2B) is an entrepreneurial education & training program that provides veterans with an overview of business ownership. B2B is open to transitioning service members, including National Guard & Reserve components, along with their spouses. To learn more about B2B visit the link above or: Email: boots-to-business@sba.gov Call: (202) 205-VET1 (202-205-8381)

The Boston Bar Association has developed several unique programs to support the men, women, & families who have served our country. If you are a military service member, a veteran, or a family member of either group looking for legal assistance, please call the Military & Veterans Legal Help Line housed at the Boston Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 617-742-0625 or 1-800-552-7046. Visit the link above to learn more, or fill out an online request: www.bostonbarlawyer.org.

Learn more about resources offered by the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure.

Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces & Veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements. Women Veterans married to a Veteran are entitled to their own separate no-cost burial benefit. In addition, members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or who die while on training duty under certain circumstances are also eligible for burial. To learn more info on eligibility visit the link above.