Our veterans made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield and we owe them a debt of gratitude for that service. I am committed to ensuring our veterans can access the benefits they've earned through their service to our nation; whether it is accessing health care, employment and educational opportunities, or just support within our communities.
My office is frequently contacted by veterans who have questions about their VA claims, VA benefits, medical care, service records and other issues related to the VA.
Below are a few of the most common questions that my office receives:
How long does it take for the VA to process my claim?
Within the current legal framework, the average processing time for all appeals is approximately 3 years. Veterans who decide to appeal to VA’s Board of Veterans’ Appeals wait an average of 6 years from the initiation of their appeal in the Veterans Benefits Administration for the Board’s decision.
How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The VA has toll free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents.
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Benefits Information: +1 (800) 827-1000
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Life Insurance: +1 (800) 669-8477
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Debt Management: +1 (800) 827-0648
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Mammography Hotline: +1 (888) 492-7844
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Tele. Dev. for Deaf (TDD): +1 (800) 829-4833
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CHAMPVA: +1 (800) 733-8387
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Headstones/Markers: +1 (800) 697-6947
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Gulf War Helpline: +1 (800) 749-8387
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Veterans Crisis Line: +1 (800) 273-8255
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Sexual Trauma Hotline: +1 (800) 827-1000
Information for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan:
The Department of Veterans Affairs has set up a dedicated website for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to learn about benefits and available resources. Click here to visit the OIF/OEF returning service members page.
I would like more information about the education benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Where can I find information about this program and how can I apply?
As of August 1, 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to receive graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on the job training, tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement. The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains an up-to-date website dedicated to helping veterans access these benefits. Please visit this site to learn more and see if the program is right for you and also contact the Veterans’ Services Coordinator at the institution you plan to attend for more specific information.
How do I get a copy of my military records?
Request Military Service Records | National Archives - Most military records are stored at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
This is also an area where a congressional office can help. If you are trying to get records from your military service, or that of a family member, feel free to contact my office. Our office will need your written permission to help with this issue. To make that easier, you can print out this Authorization Form, and fax or mail it to my office.
How can I get replacement medals?
Replace Veterans' Medals, Awards, and Decorations | National Archives - You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals from the National Personnel Records Center
In many cases, it may be faster to get medals if you work through a congressional office. If you are owed medals from your service, or are the next-of-kin requesting medals for a family member, please complete my privacy release form and return it to one of my district offices. Once this information is received, my office will be in touch with you regarding any other paperwork that might be required in order to send the request to the proper officials.
Information about VA Claims Process and Compensation:
Claims Process
There are eight distinct steps that most claims for disability compensation follow. These phases may vary in time depending on the complexity of the claim, the amount of evidence that must be gathered to support the claims, and the type of evidence. You are strongly encouraged to submit as much evidence as possible with your claim to help minimize processing time.
Your claim has been received by the VA. If you applied online with VONAPP Direct Connect, you should see receipt in your list of Open Claims within one hour. If you applied through the U.S. mail, please allow mailing time plus one week for us to process and record receipt of your claim.
Your claim has been assigned to a Veterans Service Representative and is being reviewed to determine if additional evidence is needed. If we do not need any additional information, your claim will move directly to the Preparation for Decision phase.
The Veterans Service Representative will request evidence from the required sources. Requests for evidence may be made of you, a medical professional, a government agency, or another authority. It is common for claims to return to this phase, should additional evidence be required.
We have received all needed evidence. If, upon review, it is determined that more evidence is required, the claim will be sent back to the Gathering of Evidence phase.
The Veterans Service Representative has recommended a decision, and is preparing required documents detailing that decision. If more evidence is required, the claim will be sent back in the process for more information or evidence.
The recommended decision is reviewed, and a final award approval is made. If it is determined that more evidence or information is required, the claim will be sent back in the process for more information or evidence.
Your entire claim decision packet is prepared for mailing.
The VA has sent a decision packet to you by U.S. mail. The packet includes details of the decision or award. Please allow standard mailing time for your packet to arrive before contacting a VA call center.
For information regarding this matter please visit VA Disability Compensation | Veterans Affairs.
VA Compensation and Benefit
The benefit amount is graduated according to the degree of the veteran's disability on a scale from 10 percent to 100 percent (in increments of 10 percent). Compensation may also be paid for disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses.
If you have dependents, an additional allowance may be added if your combined disability is rated 30% or greater. Your compensation may be offset if you receive military retirement pay, disability severance pay, or separation incentive payments. More information about disability compensation benefit amounts can be found on the Compensation Rates page.
Eligibility
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Service in the Uniformed Services on active duty, OR
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Active duty for training, OR
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Inactive duty training, AND
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You were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
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You are at least 10% disabled by an injury or disease that was incurred in or aggravated during active duty or active duty for training, or inactive duty training
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Note: If you were on inactive duty for training, the disability must have resulted from injury, heart attack, or stroke.
Evidence Required
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Medical evidence of a current physical or mental disability, AND
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Evidence of a relationship between your disability and an injury, disease, or event in military service. Medical records or medical opinions are required to establish this relationship.
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Note: Under certain circumstances, VA may conclude that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific evidence proving this in your particular claim. The cause of a disability is presumed for the following Veterans who have certain diseases.
Presumed Disability
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Former prisoners of war
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Veterans who have certain chronic or tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge from service
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Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas, or Lewisite while in service
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Veterans who were exposed to certain herbicides, such as by serving in Vietnam
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Veterans who served in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War
VA Requirements
To support a claim for service connection, the evidence must show the following:
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You have a current physical or mental disability,
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You had an injury or disease in service or experienced an event in service that caused or aggravated an injury or disease,
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There is a link between your current disability and the event, injury, or disease in military service.
If you have any of the following relevant items, you should submit them with your claim:
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Discharge or separation papers (the DD-214 or equivalent),
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Service treatment records and supporting statements,
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Private medical provider records and hospital reports
Types of VA Claims
There are numerous types of claims that apply to disability compensation. They can be based on disabilities that existed when entering military service, but were made worse, disabilities that occurred during service, or disabilities that arose after you left military service. Additionally, there are claims that are filed for special circumstances.
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Pre-Discharge Claims: Servicemembers that are within 180 days of separation or retirement from active duty or full time National Guard duty may file claims for disability compensation. Learn more about pre-discharge claims
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Claims Based on Pre-Service Disabilities: Individuals may enter military service with a known disability. Should this disability become worse due to military service, VA may be able to pay compensation. This is known as aggravation; however, compensation can only be paid for the level of aggravation. For example, at entry into military service, an individual has a disabling condition that could be considered 10% disabling. In order for this condition to be considered aggravated, it would have to have worsened due to military service to at least 20%.
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Claims Based on In-Service Disabilities: These claims are based on disabilities that are a result of an injury or disease that occurred in active service, and in the line of duty. Injuries or diseases as a result of the Veteran's own willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol or drugs are excluded.
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Claims Based on Post-Service Disabilities: Claims for post-service disabilities would include claims for disabilities that are a result of disabilities considered to be service-related, even though the disability arose after service. There are various classifications of presumptive disabilities which can be based on location or circumstances of service or just by military service itself. Learn more about post service claims
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Claims Based on Special Circumstances: Claims regarding compensation are not always based on an in-service event. In other words, after a disability has been determined to be service connected, there may be other types of claims a veteran or surviving spouse may wish to file. This might include a claim for a temporary 100% rating due to surgery for a service-connected disability, or additional compensation based on being in need of regular aid and attendance. Learn more about special claims
How to Identify VA Claims
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Original Claim - an original claim is the first claim you file for compensation from VA. This can be filed by a servicemember, veteran or survivors of deceased veterans.
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Reopened Claim - a reopened claim is a claim filed for a benefit that could not be granted and the decision has become final, meaning that it is over one year old and has not been appealed. VA cannot reopen these claims unless new and material evidence is received. New evidence is evidence that the VA has never before considered in connection with the specific benefit claimed. Material evidence is evidence that is relevant to and has a direct bearing on the issue at hand.
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Secondary Claim - these are claims for disabilities that developed as a result of or were worsened by another service-connected condition. In other words, it is recognized that a service-connected disability may cause a second disability. This second disability may not otherwise be considered service-connected.
How can I get my VA claim or appeal processed faster?
The Veterans Administration currently has many claims pending for various types of benefits. Because of that, many veterans feel that their case might be overlooked or handled improperly.
Although the backlog of first-time disability compensation claims has been reduced dramatically from a high of more than 610,000 to approximately 233,760, it will still take a significant amount of time for the VA to process your claim and render a decision. The length of time that is needed can depend on many factors including the complexity of the claim and if the VA has all of the necessary medical evidence. To ensure that your claim is processed as expeditiously as possible, you may want to consider filing your claim electronically through the eBenefits.
The VA will not typically expedite the processing of any single claim. All claims are processed on a “first-in, first-out” basis. However, if you are experiencing a significant financial hardship such as a pending eviction or foreclosure, or repossession of your vehicle, the VA may consider a request to expedite your claim.
How do I request an upgrade of my discharge status or a correction in my military records?
The nature of your discharge can impact your ability to get veterans benefits or even find a job. Many veterans have successfully had their discharge corrected or changed. Each branch of the military, including the U.S. Coast Guard, has its own discharge review board. These boards have the authority to change or correct any discharge or dismissal from the service, unless it was the result of a general court martial. A discharge board has no authority to address medical discharges.
If you feel your discharge decision was not fair or did not consider all the facts in the case, you may request a discharge review. If you were discharged within the last 15 years, you may use a DoD Form 293, the Application for Review of Discharge or Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States, to request consideration of an upgrade.
If your discharge was more than 15 years ago, or if you are requesting a correction to your military records, you must complete DoD Form 149, the Application for Correction of Military Records.
My staff is always available to assist you with issues that you may be experiencing with your VA or military issues. If you cannot find the answer to your questions through the above links or would like my office to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense on your behalf, please complete my privacy release form and return it to one of my district offices. My staff will be happy to provide you with all possible assistance.
Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program is a pathway to employment for recently discharged veterans and transitioning service members. It’s an opportunity to apply hard-earned and at times battle-tested patient care skills under physician supervision while obtaining civilian medical credentials.
The program began accepting applications from U.S. military medics, corpsmen and technicians worldwide on December 1, 2016.
The MMAC staff recruit and screen candidates and assist with job placement. The hiring decisions, scope of practice and potential educational opportunities are determined by our partner healthcare systems. MMAC does not grant licensure and certification or financial assistance.
Information Regarding the VA Home Loan
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes loan guarantees to service members, veterans, reservists and unmarried surviving spouses for the purchase of homes, condominiums, manufactured homes and for refinancing loans. The VA guarantees part of a total loan, permitting the purchaser to obtain a mortgage with a competitive interest rate, even without a down payment if the lender agrees. The VA requires that a down payment be made for the purchase of a manufactured home.
The VA also requires a down payment for a home or condo if the purchase price exceeds the reasonable value of the property, or if the loan has a graduated payment feature. With a VA guarantee, the lender is protected against loss up to the amount of the guarantee if the borrower fails to repay the loan. A VA loan guaranty can be used to:
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Buy a home
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Buy a residential condominium
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Build a home
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Repair, alter, or improve a home
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Refinance an existing home loan
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Buy a manufactured home with or without a lot
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Buy and improve a manufactured home lot
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Install a solar heating or cooling system or other weatherization improvements
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Purchase and improve a home simultaneously with energy-efficient improvements
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Refinance an existing VA loan to reduce the interest rate and make energy-efficient improvements
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Refinance a manufactured home loan to acquire a lot
There are 4 steps to get a VA loan:
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Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility
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Decide on a home the buyer wants to buy and sign a purchase agreement
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Order an appraisal from VA (This is usually done by lender)
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Apply to a mortgage lender for the loan
For any other questions please visit Home Loan Guarantees - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services Benefits Offices:
There are Benefits Offices all over the state of Virginia. These program helps all veterans with any and all questions regarding the VA, they are the VA experts.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Veterans Choice Program
Free VA Transportation for Veterans | DAV
Veterans History Project
My office is always available to help you with addressing issues you may be having with Veterans Affairs. If you would like for my office to assist you, please complete my privacy release form. My staff will be happy to provide you with all possible assistance.
Casework is handled in my district offices and is assigned according to location.
