GI Bill Question

[marianne202]

Ok, so there has been a lot of discussion lately about the GI Bill and I have a question that we can't get answered. Our closest VA office will not return our phone calls and they don't have any other contact method other than to drive the 2+ to their office during the two days a week they are open and my husband can't miss work for a hit or miss chance to get an answer, so I thought I would ask here to see if anyone has any suggestions or information. You are such a wise, knowledgable bunch!

My husband was in the Army from 1984-1994. He is also a Gulf War Vet and got out with a minimally rated, service connected hearing disability. He paid into the GI Bill education fund during his first enlistment period. When he got out he didn't have a chance to use any of his GI Bill money because of working 12 hour days, 6 days a week. Online classes and schools weren't as prevalent as they are now! They told us his benefits it would expire 10 years after discharge. Then last year, our local VFW rep at my school told me that some of the changes made to the GI Bill benefits in early 2000 might entitle him to some benefits, even now, since he never used them and he doesn't have any college education, just his MOS training. He said that coupled with his service rated disability, might entitle him to some funding. He was going to get his local rep to contact us, but we never heard anything.

He would like to take some classes and maybe earn a degree in CIS, but with me finishing my MHA and a son that just started college, he won't do it unless the GI Bill will pay for it. He thinks he is too old to spend the money on himself! Does anyone know where we can find any info online about this? I would love to be able to give him the chance to go back to school, as he may have an opportunity for a new job that is far better than his existing job, but his skills will need some updating.

Sorry for the rambling! Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

[valsacar]

I like to think I'm pretty versed in all of the GI Bill aspects, and honestly I know of nothing that he could use. Vohab might be an option though, depending on his disability rating.

Wish I could say more, but that's the best information as far as my understanding of the process.

[rhapsodyinblue]

The old Montgomery GI Bill has a 10 year limit. My friend retired in 1996 and they will not let him use any benefits at all. The new bill you are speaking of with the 15 year limit is the Post 9/11. You have to have served on active duty after 9/11/2001 to be eligible. Unfortunately I think the VA will tell you the benefits are now expired. But you may find a loophole, who knows?