Any veteran, or family member of a veteran can get assistance from a Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office. You will be connected to the nearest Regional Office by dialing:
1 (800) 827 1000
You can access additional information by computer over the Internet.
Department of Veterans Affairs Homepage: www.va.gov
The VA’s webpage has been greatly reconfigured in 2005 - 2006 and it is now much logically laid out and it is much easier to find information.
In late 2005 the VA opened and excellent new website that deals with survivor’s benefits. To access the website go to:
http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/vabenefits.htm
You may also decide to go to the Regional Office in person and see a VBC, Veterans Benefits Counselor. They can assist you with your questions.
You may seek assistance from a Service Organization such as the VFW, BVA or the DAV. A list of all the recognized service organizations is provided in Annex 2 and web address are available in Annex 8. These organizations typically ask the veteran to sign a "Power of Attorney". In this instance this only allows them access to VA paperwork on the veteran. There is a further explanation in Annex 2 also.
Blinded Veterans Association Homepage: www.bva.org
For visually impaired veterans, the VIST, Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator may be of assistance. Legal Blindness has many special provisions and services outside and inside the VA. Each VA medical facility has a VIST Coordinator.
The Outpatient Social Worker at your nearest VA medical facility should also prove to be a valuable resource in answering questions.
One of the most confusing things about the VA is the fact there are 3 branches and they are not easily connected at any one location. VA Medical Centers provide health care. VA Regional Offices provide actions on benefits such as compensation, GI Bill and other entitlements associated with being a veteran. The Cemetery Service provides for the use and maintenance of National Cemeteries. In this booklet you are provided key phone numbers and contact points for each of these services.
The VA does not connect directly with the Department of Defense. Retirees may need to do actions in both systems at times. We have attempted to provide key DOD contacts and phone numbers.
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