The United States Census Bureau reports that there are approximately 16 million military veterans nationwide. There are more than 450,000 military veterans in the State of Arizona alone. Veterans’ benefits exist to provide support to the people who protected us. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we are committed to serving those who have served. Within this article, our Phoenix VA disability attorney provides an overview of the key points to know about navigating veterans’ benefits in 2025.
A Guide to Veterans’ Benefits in 2025
Health Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides extensive health care services to former military members, including things like preventive care, specialized treatments, mental health support, and emergency medical services. There have been some recent changes. For example, a federal law called the PACT Act broadened eligibility for certain conditions, particularly for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. If you have any specific questions or concerns about health care benefits, our Phoenix VA attorney can help.
Disability
A significant number of military veterans are living with service-connected disabilities. Disabled veterans have a right to pursue disability benefits. The VA disability program—including the application process and the appeals process—has not fundamentally changed in recent years. However, in 2025, there was a 2.5 percent increase in disability compensation rates to adjust for changes in the cost of living. Beyond that, the VA has also updated its rating system to better assess conditions like PTSD and other mental health disorders. If you need help with a claim or appeal, contact our Phoenix VA disability attorney for immediate assistance.
Pension
Military veterans are also entitled to some well-earned retirement benefits. The VA offers pension programs for wartime veterans with limited income who are permanently and totally disabled or aged 65 and older. Eligibility criteria include standards related to service requirements, income, and net worth. If you have a question about pension benefits, our legal team is here to help.
Education and Training
The VA offers and sponsors a wide range of education and training programs. Through the GI Bill and other educational programs, the VA provides financial assistance for tuition, housing, and related expenses. Notably, recent changes have expanded benefits for veterans with multiple qualifying service periods, allowing more veterans to access more expansive education benefits.
Readiness and Employment
For many military veterans, the transition from the military to the civilian workforce can be challenging. However, support services are available. The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable careers. Services include everything from vocational counseling to direct job training to resume development support.
Life Insurance
The VA offers life insurance to provide financial security for veterans and their families. Programs like Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) allow veterans to convert their Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) into renewable term insurance after separation from service. It is a form of life insurance that can be highly advantageous for military veterans and their families.
Family Members and Survivors
The VA extends benefits to veterans’ family members and survivors, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), educational assistance, and access to healthcare programs. If you have any specific questions or concerns about available benefits as a family member or survivor, our Phoenix veterans law attorney is here to help.
How has the Change in Administration Impacted Veterans’ Benefits?
In January of 2025, President Donald Trump took office and promised many systemic reforms, including certain cuts to the budget. Indeed, the recent change in administration has led to concerns among veterans regarding potential restrictions and cuts to their benefits under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is led by Elon Musk. It is important to emphasize that as of February of 2025, there have not been cuts to services to veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to operate its programs without interruption.
Further, many of the most consequential VA benefits are established by statutory law. That means they are not subject to cuts in the way that many other programs are—VA benefits are enacted and protected by legislation. For example, Title 38 of the United States Code outlines various veterans’ benefits. Our law firm will keep a close watch on all legal and legislative developments to best protect the rights and interests of military veterans and their families in Maricopa County and across Arizona. It is crucial that veterans are able to access their full and fair benefits.
You Do Not Have to Navigate the System Alone: A Top Attorney Can Help
Military veterans have done so much to serve our country. They worked hard for the benefits that they earned—and those benefits should be paid out in full when the time comes. Unfortunately, navigating the veterans’ benefits system is not easy. Issues can arise for a wide range of different reasons. If you have a lot of questions about your rights and your options, you are certainly not alone. At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier, personalized legal representation to military veterans. No matter the situation you and your family are trying to work through—whether it is an initial claim or an appeal—our Phoenix VA benefits attorney will take the time to review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
Contact Our Phoenix Veterans’ Benefits Attorney Today
At The Law Office of Paul J. Dombeck, PLLC, our Phoenix VA benefits lawyer is standing by, ready to help you get answers to any questions that you have about the claims process or the appeals process. It is our goal to serve the people that served. Contact our law firm right away for your free, no obligation case review. With an office in Phoenix, we handle the full range of VA benefits cases in Maricopa County and throughout the wider region of Arizona.
