Home > Constituent Services > Veterans
Veterans
Congresswoman Pelosi's staff can assist veterans with applications for medical records, service records and investigation of their claims for benefits. Below please find answers to frequently asked questions. You can also view a list of additional local resources here.
Who may I contact to get information and assistance for filing for Veterans Administration services and benefits?
The San Francisco County Veterans Service Office can assist local veterans, and the dependents of every deceased Veteran, in presenting and pursuing claim against the United States, and in establishing the Veterans right to any privilege, preference, care or compensation provided for by the laws of the United States, or the state of California.
875 Stevenson Street
Suite 250
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-554-7100
800-807-5799 (toll free CA ONLY)
sfcvso@sfgov.org
How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?
The VA has toll free numbers for the convenience of veterans and dependents.
- Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
- Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477
- Debt Management 1-800-827-0648
- Education Benefits 1-888-442-4551
- Board of Veterans Appeals 1-800-869-8654
- Mammography Hotline 1-888-492-7844
- Tele. Dev. for Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833
- CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387
- Headstones/Markers 1-800-697-6947
- Agent Orange Assistance 1-800-521-0198
- Suicide Helpline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Sexual Trauma Hotline 1-800-827-1000
What's the difference between disability compensation and disability pension?
Disability Compensation: A monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during military service. Disability Pension: A monetary benefit paid to veterans of a period of war who are permanently and totally disabled for reasons not the result of their own willful misconduct and not related to their military service. This benefit is income-dependent.
What are the types of VA claims?
There are Four Types of claims:
- Original Claim: The very first claim for disability benefits (compensation or pension) filed by a veteran. All original claims must be filed on VA Form 21-526.
- Claim for increase: A claim for increased compensation for a disability already found to be service-connected.
- New Claim: A claim for compensation for a disability not part of the original claim. Also known as a supplemental claim.
- Reopened Claim: A claim asking for reconsideration of an issue previously considered and finally disallowed by VA (after more than one year has passed).The type of claim determines how much development is required by VA and/or the nature of the supporting evidence the veteran must submit in support of the claim. The processing time for a claim varies depending on the type of claim and the supporting evidence provided by the veteran.
Where’s the local Vet Center?
Vet Center Services include: Bereavement Counseling, Group Readjustment Counseling, Individual Readjustment Counseling, Job Counseling Referral, Marital and Family Counseling, Sexual Trauma counseling and Substance abuse information and referral.
505 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-441-5051
415-441-5092 Fax
Website
How do I get a copy of my military records?
For copies of your military service records you may contact:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
Website
How can I get replacement medals?
You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals from the National Personnel Records Center:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
Website
For more frequently asked questions, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
