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 Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) Chapter 1606 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 1606 BenefitsYou may be eligible for the MGIB-SR if you have:
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You have a 6-year service obligation (you agreed to serve 6 years) in the National Guard or Reserve, or
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You’re an officer in the Selected Reserve and you agreed to serve 6 years in addition to your initial service obligation
You must first get your Notice of Basic Eligibility (DD Form 2384-1) from your unit.
Then, 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. We must have your Certificate of Eligibility to process your benefits here at LSUHSC-NO.
How Your Benefits WorkUnder Chapter 1606, you may receive:
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A stipend paid directly to you based on your enrollment status
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) on the last day of the 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 (SCO) are here to assist you with your benefits:
Matt Beard and Ivy Strong
504-568-4829Use only 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!