The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently published an updated edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents handbook.

The handbook is revised every year to reflect the most current VA benefits and health care programs and services, as well as the rates for certain benefits payments. The 2008 version of the handbook also contains a state-by-state listing of VA medical facilities, including locations and contact information, an overview of programs and services for veterans provided by other federal agencies and a list of related Internet websites.

Some of the programs discussed in the handbook include disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, VA health-care, burial benefits, home loan guaranties, special housing and automotive adaptations, educational assistance, training and vocational rehabilitation, income assistance pensions, life insurance and survivors’ benefits.

The handbook can be downloaded free from VA’s website at http://www.va.gov/OPA/vadocs/current_benefits.asp. Printed copies of the handbook may be ordered from the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). The GPO accepts credit card orders by calling 866-512-1800 (toll-free) for a cost of $5.00 per copy to U.S. addresses, or $67.00 for bulk orders of 25 copies. The handbook may also be ordered by mail from the GPO at Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000 (stock number 051-000-00233-4), or on line at www.bookstore.gpo.gov.