Established 2025 Monday, July 6, 2026

Military Pay · VA Benefits · Retirement

Free tools and plain-English guidance for service members, veterans, and their families.

Latest News

See all →

I'm Looking For Help With…

VA Benefits

GI Bill, VA home loans, healthcare, life insurance, pensions, and vocational rehab.

VA Claims

How to file, gather evidence, appeal a denial, and navigate the ratings process.

VA Disability Ratings

Condition-by-condition criteria, combined ratings math, and TDIU eligibility.

VA Disability Forms

21-526EZ, 21-4138, 21-8940, 21-0781, and every other form you need to file or support a VA claim.

Military Pay

Base pay tables, BAH rates, BAS, special pay, and allowances by rank.

Military Retirement

Legacy vs BRS, SBP elections, CRSC vs CRDP, and retirement pay estimates.

State Veterans Benefits

Property tax exemptions, tuition waivers, and state-level benefits — all 50 states.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

BRS matching, Roth vs Traditional, the 5 funds, contribution limits, loans, and rollovers.

TRICARE

Prime, Select, For Life, Reserve Select — plans compared with 2026 costs and eligibility.

DD-214

How to request your DD-214, decode every block, and use it for VA claims and benefits.

SkillBridge & Transition

DoD SkillBridge eligibility, top programs, and how to line up a civilian career while on active duty.

PCS Moves

Entitlements, PPM/DITY reimbursement, checklists, and 2026 per diem & mileage rates.

ACFT

Army Combat Fitness Test events, scoring by age/sex, training tips, and passing standards.

Military Spouse Benefits

MyCAA, employment programs, TRICARE coverage, GI Bill transfer, and licensure portability.

EFMP

Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment, categories, PCS impact, and respite care.

Free VA & Military Calculators

See all 7 calculators →

Popular Guides

Rank and Pay provides informational content about veterans benefits and military compensation. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Get daily VA & military benefits updates

Policy changes, rating updates, and plain-English explainers — delivered free.