Veterans Field Guide Published Oct. 3, 2013 Peoria, Ill. -- Members are calling inquiring about their benefits. Please read this Field Guide from the VA so you can field their questions if asked. Claims processing and payments in the compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation programs are anticipated to continue through late October. However, in the event of a prolonged shutdown, claims processing and payments in these programs would be suspended when available funding in the compensation, pension, is exhausted. www.va.gov/opa/docs/Field_Guide_20130927.pdf