Veterans Assistance
If you are having problems procuring service records, medals, or have encountered difficulty receiving disability, health or other benefits, we may be able to help in cutting through the red tape. Please contact our staff in the Ohio district office nearest you.
Coming Home
The Department of Defense notifies the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) when service members are released from active duty. Then the VA sends a letter with information about VA benefits and assistance to aid transition to civilian life. You can find help with personal and family concerns, and community readjustment issues. There are also toll-free numbers, VA Web sites, and brochures to help you get the information you need.
Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
Health Care Eligibility Information 1-877-222-8387
http://www.va.gov/
VA Facility Locator
http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp
Summary of VA Benefits
http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/General/English/VAP21-00-12%20January%202006.pdf
Veteran’s Benefits Timetable
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-0501.pdf
How much does VA pay in compensation?
Monthly tax-free benefits range from $112 for 10% disability to $2,393 for 100% disability. For 30% or more disability, an additional amount is added for each dependent. Additional amounts are also paid for severe disabilities such as the loss of use of a limb or an organ. Please go to http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm for current compensation rates.
I am the widow/surviving spouse of a veteran. Am I entitled to any benefits?
VA offers benefits for survivors:
1. Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is generally payable to survivors of veterans who die from service-related causes.
2. If the veteran dies from a disease or disability that is not related to military service, death pension is payable to the survivors provided the veteran had qualifying military service and the survivor meets certain income requirements. An additional benefit may be payable for eligible survivors who are in need of aid and attendance for their personal maintenance, or who are permanently housebound.
3. Some surviving spouses may be also entitled to education and training benefits, VA medical care and home loan guaranty benefits.
You can find more detailed information on the web in the VA publication, Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents. The web address for the guide is http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.asp.
You may also contact a benefits counselor via telephone at: 1-800-827-1000.
My disabilities are not related to my service. Are there any benefits for which I might qualify?
VA pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older. You may be eligible if you:
-Were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions,
-Served 90 days* or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time,
-Have family income is below a yearly limit set by law, and
-Are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.
* However, anyone who enlists after September 7, 1980, generally must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty.
How can I get replacement medals?
We can assist you in requesting replacements for lost or stolen medals of living veterans from the National Personnel Records Center or write to:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
Or
DATC-PAP-BC
Chief Military Awards Branch
Military Personnel Branch
Hoffman Building #2
200 Stovall Street
Alexandria, VA 22332
All requests must be completed in writing.
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
What do I do if my records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?
You may contact the National Personnel Records Center at:
National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
You can also find out the status of your records by phone at: (314) 801-0800.
