DFAS handles retirement pay from the military. One has usually served 20 yrs. to get retirement benefits. VA disability payments are issued by the Treasury dept. Then there is Aid and Attendance which is a VA pension based on the qualified veteran needing 24 hr. personal care and/or in a facility.
My father was 100% disable WWII Vet he received a disability pension, Retirement is completely different. The government states you must serve at least 20 years in order to receive retirement pay and benefits. This is two different birds. A retired Vet can receive certain benefits after retirement, such as healthcare, commissary privileges and so may disabled Vets. I receive health benefits but I did not retire or am I disabled due to military service. I must pay a copay but receive health care from the VA; whereas disabled Vets do not, it depends on the percentage of disability. There are many benefits for Veterans but you must contact a representative to find out those benefits. I used a Veteran's advocate to aid in my benefits. A good place to ask is at the local VFW chapter. You would be surprised what they can do for your father. You can get a DD214 from the Armed Service just Google DD214 copies and they will send you a copy of his service. That is very important to have. You'll need to know his service number. I served in the US Navy from 1963 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, but I did not see combat action.
No not the same. Retired means they served at least 20 years. Vet pension is normally certain percentage for disability related to service no matter how long they served.
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It's a reimbursement for medical expenses (non related to service). Widows qualify, too, but there are eligibility requirements.
There are many benefits for Veterans but you must contact a representative to find out those benefits. I used a Veteran's advocate to aid in my benefits. A good place to ask is at the local VFW chapter. You would be surprised what they can do for your father. You can get a DD214 from the Armed Service just Google DD214 copies and they will send you a copy of his service. That is very important to have. You'll need to know his service number.
I served in the US Navy from 1963 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, but I did not see combat action.