Welcome to LSU Health Sciences New Orleans! We are happy to support you throughout
the duration of your education career here while using your Dependents' Education
Assistance (DEA) Chapter 35 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 35 BenefitsYou may be eligible for the DEA if you are:
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the spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled, deceased, missing in action, or captured due to service-related conditions.
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 a 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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A stipend paid directly to you
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
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You must complete monthly enrollment verification through the VA (via text, email, or online system) at the end of each month to continue receiving 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 (SCOs) are here to assist you with your benefits:
Matt Beard and Ivy Strong
504-568-4829Use this email only 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!