VA Office of Tribal Government Relations
Facilitates government-to-government relationships between the VA and tribal nations, ensuring tribal concerns on health and benefits reach the federal level.
Connecting Native American veterans with earned benefits, healthcare, and culturally competent support through federal and tribal partnerships.
Tribal Veteran Services provides a bridge between Native American veterans and the complex network of benefits they have earned. We focus on overcoming barriers to access, ensuring that tribal veterans receive high-quality healthcare, housing support, and disability compensation while respecting tribal sovereignty and cultural values.
Federal and tribal partnerships designed to support veterans in Indian Country.
Facilitates government-to-government relationships between the VA and tribal nations, ensuring tribal concerns on health and benefits reach the federal level.
Coordinates care between the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) for seamless access for rural and reservation-based veterans.
Tribally appointed advocates trained to help veterans navigate VA paperwork with awareness of cultural and geographic challenges.
Allows IHS and Tribal Health Programs to be reimbursed by the VA for services to eligible veterans — keeping resources within the community.
Comprehensive support covering legal, medical, and financial needs.
If you are a veteran or family member, here is the path to getting support.
Many tribal nations have a dedicated Veterans Department. Start there for local resources.
Locate a Tribal Veterans Service Officer accredited to file claims on your behalf.
Apply via VA.gov, but work with a TVSO to ensure your claim is fully documented.
Indian Country Legal Services can assist with appeals, discharge upgrades, and complex issues.
Direct links to official agencies and tribal departments.
Answers to common questions about eligibility and rules.
Native American veterans are eligible for the same federal benefits as all US veterans, including Disability Compensation, Pension, Education (GI Bill), and VA Home Loans. Additionally, the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program specifically helps veterans finance homes on trust land.
The "70/40 rule" refers to qualifying for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). To qualify, you generally need one disability rated at least 60%, OR two or more disabilities where one is at least 40% and the combined rating is 70% or higher.
If you go to a non-VA emergency room for care, you (or someone acting on your behalf) must notify the VA within 72 hours of your admission. This allows the VA to authorize the care and potentially cover the costs. Failing to notify them can result in you paying the bill.
Claims for Sleep Apnea and Mental Health conditions (like PTSD) are often considered the most difficult. This is usually because proving the "nexus" (the link) between the current condition and a specific event during service requires detailed medical evidence and service records.
Our team can assist with legal questions, discharge upgrades, and appeals.