The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have improved the functionality of its joint self-service website: eBenefits. eBenefits provides its current two million registered users with secure online information and access to a variety of military and veterans benefits resources.

The latest release, eBenefits 4.3, provides easier navigation of its online disability compensation claim submission process by using interview-style questions and drop-down menus. It also pre-populates the application with information from a veteran's record in VA's secure database. Veterans can view processing times for each phase of their claim.

Other improvements include a tool for determining if a veteran has eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits, and a calculator for military reservists to determine retirement benefits. Also, a search function identifies a claimant's appointed veterans service representative, with links to Google Maps indicating the location of their nearest representative's office.

Through eBenefits, veterans and servicemembers can access records such as Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status, VA payment history and DoD TRICARE health insurance status.

To access the free service of eBenefits, veterans and servicemembers must obtain a DoD Self-Service Logon. This may be obtained in person at a VA Regional Office, DoD ID Card station or online: www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal [2]