World War II (WWII) was the most widespread war in history with more than 100 million people serving in military units. About 16 million Americans served during WWII, and many of those Veterans are now receiving VA benefits including Pension and Health Care. WWII Veterans who were a part of the Occupation Forces assigned to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan soon after the detonation of Atomic-Bombs over those respective cities, and those American prisoners of war ( POW’s ) who were housed in close proximity to those cities are sometimes called “Atomic Veterans.”
Utah Veterans Benefits
World War II Veterans may be eligible for a variety of State benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. State benefits include: education and training, health care, employment, burial, nursing homes, claims assistance.
Federal VA Benefits
World War II Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include: disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial. See our Veterans page for an overview of the benefits available to all Veterans.
VA Benefits for World War II Veterans
The following sections provide information tailored to the experiences of World War II Veterans to help you better understand specific VA benefits for which you may qualify.
- May be eligible for assistance with Nursing Home or Assisted Living Costs
- The VA can pay disability compensation
- You may be eligible for Utah Disabled Veteran Property Tax Abatement
- May be eligible tor the Utah Veteran Cemetery
Benefits for World War II Veterans Exposed to Ionizing Radiation
World War II era Veterans may qualify for health care and compensation benefits if you were exposed to ionizing radiation during military service. Health care services include an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers. You may also be entitled to disability compensation benefits if you have certain cancers as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation during military service.
Learn more about VA benefits for Veterans exposed to ionizing radiation:
- Veterans Health Administration’s Radiation page
- Disability Compensation Ionizing Radiation Exposure page
Benefits for World War II Veterans Who Participated in Radiation-Risk Activities
World War II era Veterans may qualify for health care and compensation benefits if you participated in certain radiation-risk activities, such as nuclear weapons testing, during military service. These Veterans may be informally referred to as “Atomic Veterans”. Health care services include an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers. You may also be entitled to disability compensation benefits if you have certain cancers as a result of your participation in a radiation-risk activity during military service.
Learn more about VA benefits for Veterans who participated in radiation-risk activities:
- Veteran’s Health Administration’s Radiation Risk Activity page
- Disability Compensation Radiogenic Diseases Exposure page
Benefits for Survivors of Veterans with Radiation Exposure
Surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of Veterans who died as the result of diseases related to radiation exposure during military service may be eligible for survivors’ benefits.
Learn more on the Dependents & Survivors page.
How to Apply
The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, Servicemembers, Veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
For additional assistance please contact:
- American Legion: 1-801-326-2380
- Disabled American Veterans(DAV): 1-801-326-2375
- Military Order of the Purple Heart: 1-801-326-2471
- State of Utah Veterans & Military Affairs: 1-801-326-2372
- VFW: 1-801-326-2385
OR
FAQ’s
How do I get a copy of my DD214 (Relese from active duty service document)?
If your home of record upon your release from active duty service was within the State of Utah, then the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs may have a copy in our archive. You can send a request to 550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105 Salt Lake City, Utah 84113; call 800-894-9497 or 801-326-2372; or you can email veterans@utah.gov. To search the archive we will need your:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
There is no cost for certified copies of your DD214. You will need to be present and present valid photo identification at 550 Foothill Drive, Suite 105, Salt Lake City, Utah 84113 to receive your certified copies.
How do I apply for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Abatement?
To apply for Utah Disabled Veterans Property Tax Abatement, request a Summary of Benefits Letter from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once received, submit the letter with a completed Property Tax Abatement application, on or before 01 SEP, to the applicable county treasurer, tax assessor, or clerk / recorder located in the county courthouse or county government building of the county in which the property is located. All property must be on record as of 01 JAN of the year you wish to file. However, a recent change allows qualified widows and orphans an exemption to that rule. Disabled Veterans only have to file for the abatement one time; after which it will automatically renew each year. However, Veterans will have to re -file if:
- all or a portion of their abatement is used towards tangible personal property
- their service connected disability percentage changes
- the Veteran dies, sells the property, or no longer claims that property as the primary place of residence.
Ref: (Utah Code 59-2-1104 & 1105).
If I don’t live in the Salt Lake area how do I meet with someone to help me file my Veterans Administration claim?
To find a Veteran Service Officer outside of the Salt Lake City Area you can access the Claim Assistance Calendar at https://veterans.utah.gov/outreach-calendar/ or you can call 800-894-9497 or 801-326-2372.
What is the status of my Veterans Administration claim?
There are several ways to check the status for VA disability claims. You can check online using an eBenefits account, or you can go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. The Salt Lake Regional Office located at 550 Foothill Drive Salt Lake City Utah. You can also call the VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
Is the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs part of the Veterans Administration?
The simple answer is no, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs is not part of the Veterans Administration we are your Utah State representatives.
UTAH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS (UDVMA)
“We are the Department in the government of the State of Utah that assists former and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents in numerous capacities. This includes the preparing of claims for and securing compensation, hospitalization, education, vocational training, and other benefits or privileges which Veterans and our current armed forces may be qualified for under Federal or State Law, or regulation, by reason of their military service.”
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs was established as an independent agency under the President by Executive Order 5398 on July 21, 1930, and was elevated to Cabinet level on March 15, 1989 (PL No. 100-527). The Department’s mission is to serve America’s Veterans and their families with dignity and compassion, and to be their principal advocate in ensuring that they receive medical care, benefits, social support, and lasting memorials promoting the health, welfare, and dignity of all Veterans in recognition of their service to this Nation. VA is the second largest Federal department and has over 312,000 employees. Among the many professions represented in the vast VA workforce are physicians, nurses, counselors, statisticians, architects, computer specialists, and attorneys. As advocates for Veterans and their families, the VA community is committed to providing the very best services with an attitude of caring and courtesy. VA comprises a Central Office (VACO), which is located in Washington, DC, and field facilities throughout the Nation administered by its three major line organizations: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Services and benefits are provided through a nationwide network of 151 medical centers, 820 community-based outpatient clinics, 300 Vet Centers, 56 regional offices, and 131 national and 90 State or tribal cemeteries.
What is Housebound Aid and Attendance?
Veterans who are nursing home patients, otherwise determined by Veterans Administration to need regular Aid and Attendance of another person, or who are permanently housebound may be qualified for higher income limitations or additional VA benefits, depending upon the type of VA Pension.
Additional information and assistance in applying to the Aid and Attendance benefit may be obtained by calling 800-827-1000.
Applications may be submitted online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.
Information is also available on the internet at www.va.gov or you can work with an accredited service representative:
- Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (801) 326-2372
- American Legion (801) 326-2380
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (801) 326-2375
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (801) 326-2385
- Military Order of the Purple Heart (801) 326-2471
Can I be buried in the Utah State Veterans Cemetery?
The Utah State Veterans Cemetery follows the eligibility requirements of the VA National Cemetery System. Any U.S. Armed Forces active personnel who die while performing duty or after having served during wartime are eligible for burial. Reservist and National Guard retired personnel with 20 years of service are also eligible, as are surviving spouses and dependent children (under rules established by the State of Utah; Utah Code 71-7-3) Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park 17111 South Camp Williams Road Bluffdale, Utah 84065 Phone: (801) 254-9036.
Can I, as a dependent, continue to receive my Veterans compensation benefit after they are deceased?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments are available for un-remarried surviving spouses, surviving spouses who remarry after age 57, children under age 18, and children ages 18 to 23 (if attending a VA approved schools).
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military Service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease.
DIC payments may also be authorized for surviving dependents of Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability at time of death but whose death did not result from service-connected disability, if the Veteran was continuously rated totally disabled for 10 or more years immediately before death.
Can I use the Utah State Veterans Nursing Homes?
Quality nursing and health care services are provided for Utah Veterans with U.S. military service during peacetime or wartime. While wartime service is not a requirement for admission to the homes, wartime Veterans with one day or more of wartime service, as recognized by state and federal laws, receive priority. A Veteran’s spouse or surviving spouse may also qualify for admission to the Utah State Veterans Homes, providing the marriage to the Veteran occurred at least one year before the application. There are currently four (4) Veterans homes located in Utah for eligible Veterans, spouses, and Gold Star parents. These Veterans homes focus on improving the quality of life of the residents by providing skilled nursing care and many activities designed to enrich the lives of the residents. The current locations are:
- William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home 700 Foothill Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84113-1104 Phone: (801) 584-1900 (81 beds)
- George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home 1102 North 1200 West Ogden, UT 84404 Phone: (801) 334-4300 (120 beds)
- Central Utah Veterans Home — Payson 1551 North Main Street Payson, UT 84651 Phone: (801) 465-5400 (108 beds)
- Southern Utah Veterans Home — Ivins 160 North 200 East Ivins, UT 84738 Phone: (435) 634-5220 (108 beds)
Can I be buried in the Utah State Veterans Cemetery?
The Utah State Veterans Cemetery follows the eligibility requirements of the VA National Cemetery System. Any U.S. Armed Forces active personnel who die while performing duty or after having served during wartime are eligible for burial. Reservist and National Guard retired personnel with 20 years of service are also eligible, as are surviving spouses and dependent children (under rules established by the State of Utah; Utah Code 71-7-3) Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park 17111 South Camp Williams Road Bluffdale, Utah 84065 Phone: (801) 254-9036.
How do I apply for burial benefits?
To file for Death and Burial Benefits:
- Complete and mail your VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Allowance to your nearest VA regional office
- Visit a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you, the Veterans Administration Salt Lake Regional Office 550 Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City Utah 84113. - Call the VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000.
- Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (801)-326-2372
- American Legion (801) 326-2380
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (801) 326-2375
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (801) 326-2385
- Military Order of the Purple Heart (801) 326-2471
Work with an accredited service representative. Your accredited service representatives are the:
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