WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!! Understanding Veteran Acronyms

If you are anything like me you have had a bit of trouble understanding what some of the acronyms mean that are used by our fellow vets.  In order to help you out I’ve compiled a list of the ones that I’ve seen.  If you know of any others or would like to elaborate on the ones I’ve provided please feel free to do so.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTLY – Be blessed.

VA – The Department of Veterans Affairs - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for providing vital services to America’s veterans. VA provides health care services, benefits programs and access to national cemeteries to former military personnel and their dependents. The department carries out its duties through three main administrative divisions: Veterans Benefits Administration; Veterans Health Administration; and National Cemetery Administration.

IU – Individual Unemployability - IU is a part of VA's disability compensation program that allows VA to pay certain Veterans compensation at the 100% rate, even though VA has not rated their service-connected disabilities at the 100% level.

DBQ – Disability Benefits Questionnaire - DBQs can help speed the processing of compensation and pension claims. DBQs allow Veterans and Servicemembers to have more control over the disability claims process by giving them the option of completing an examination with their own healthcare providers instead of at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility.

C&P Exam – Compensation and Pension Exam- If you've filed a claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for disability compensation or pension benefits, VA may ask you to go to an examination as part of the claim process.

BVA - The Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA or Board) - The administrative agency within the VA where veterans may appeal their claim after all appeals have been exhausted at the Regional Office level. The Board is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA or VA).

RBO (RO) – Regional Benefit Office – The local office that will handle your benefits claim.

PTSD - PostTraumatic Stress Disorder -  Is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.

SOC - Statement of the Case - Is an explanation of the decision made on the appellant’s case.

An SOC provides the appellant with a complete understanding of the decision so the appellant can prepare an effective substantive appeal with specific allegations of errors of fact or law.

DAV - The Disabled American Veterans - Is an organization chartered by the United States Congress for disabled military veterans of the United States Armed Forces that helps them and their families through various means.

SCD – Service Computation Date or Service Connected Disability

TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury

CRSC – Combat Related Special Compensation - CRSC is a monthly entitlement that allows eligible military retirees to recover some or all of their retired pay that was offset by their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation.

VSO – Veterans Service Officer or Veterans Service Organization – Provide assistance to veterans when filing their claims.

RBPS - Rules-Based Processing System - In order to shorten the amount of time it takes to add a dependent to a Veteran’s award, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) developed the RBPS, which automatically processes claims with minimal user involvement.