Welcome to LSU Health Sciences New Orleans and thank you for your service! We are
happy to support you throughout the duration of your education career here while using
your Post‑9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) education benefits. This message provides important
information about your eligibility, how your benefits work, and what the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) expects from you as a student.
What Qualifies You for Chapter 33 BenefitsYou may be eligible for the Post‑9/11 GI Bill if you have:
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Served on active duty for at least 90 aggregate days after September 10, 2001, or
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Been honorably discharged with a service-connected disability after at least 30 days of service, or
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Received an honorable discharge (or qualifying discharge status).
Log into the VA’s website here to begin your application or to transfer benefits. Your level of benefit (e.g., percentage
of tuition coverage, housing allowance eligibility) is determined by your length of
qualifying service and is outlined in your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the VA. The VA typically takes around 30 days to process your application,
then mail your Certificate of Eligibility to you. An example of the COE is below.
We must have your Certificate of Eligibility to process your benefits here at LSUHSC-NO.
How Your Benefits WorkUnder Chapter 33, you may receive:
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Tuition and Fees paid directly to the university
- A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) (if eligible and enrolled more than half-time)
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An annual Book Stipend.
Please note:
- Payments are issued by the VA, not the university
- Processing times may vary, especially at the start of each term
What the VA Expects From YouTo continue receiving your benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs requires that
you:
1. Submit Required Documentation
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Provide your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to us before you enroll
2. Enroll in Approved Courses
- Only take courses that apply toward your declared degree program
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Complete the LSU Health Sciences New Orleans VA Certification Request Form after you enroll each semester
3. Report Enrollment Changes Promptly
You must notify our office immediately if you:
- Add, drop, or withdraw from a course
- Change your major or program
- Stop attending classes
These changes may affect your benefits and could result in a debt to the VA.
4. Verify Your Enrollment (if required)
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If you are receiving monthly housing allowance or kicker payments, you must complete monthly enrollment verification through the VA (via text, email, or online system) to continue receiving those payments.
Important Reminders-
Certification is not automatic — you must request it each semester
- The VA may take several weeks to process payments
- You are responsible for any tuition/fees not covered by your benefits
- Overpayments may result in VA debt
We’re Here to HelpOur School Certifying Officials (SCO) are here to assist you with your benefits:
Matt Beard: and Ivy Strong
504-568-4829Only use this email for all of your VA correspondences with us. Please don’t hesitate
to reach out with any questions. We’re committed to helping you succeed.
Again, welcome to LSU Health Sciences - New Orleans. We look forward to supporting
you throughout your academic journey!