VA's Flexibility Over GI Bill Choices

This month I cautioned veterans to carefully weigh benefits available under the new post 9/11 GI bill and the older Montgomery GI bill, even though the package of benefits under the new bill, in most cases, provides a better financial deal than the old one.

But not always, as an Iraq war veteran of mine still on active duty and attending college remotely discovered. He opted for benefits under the post 9/11 bill, and then found out it provided him about half the financial benefits as the Montgomery bill because he did not need housing allowances.

The veteran attempted to switch his election and was told by the Veterans Affairs Department that he had made an "irrevocable" choice, meaning he faced the loss of thousands of dollars a year.

My pal informally appealed to VA, and today the department told him the decision was not irrevocable until Aug. 1, when VA starts disbursing payments under the new GI bill.

I don't know if this decision just applies to my friend, but it does indicate that VA is flexible as veterans try to figure out the best package of benefits that meet their circumstances.

Before making an educational benefit choice, which will soon be irrevocable, readers suggest veterans consult online guides including those provided by Military.com and a VA chart that highlights the benefits available under both bills.