Veterans Information

  • How Can I Contact the Department of Veteran Affairs?
  • What's the difference between disability compensation and disability pension?
  • What Are the Types of VA Claims?
  • How Do I Get a VA Home Loan?
  • What do I do if my records were destroyed in the 1973 fire?
  • How Can I Get Replacement Medals?

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    How Can I Contact the Department of Veteran Affairs?


    Please note the toll-free numbers below for various divisions of the Veteran Affairs Department.

    • Benefits Information 1-800-827-1000
    • Life Insurance 1-800-669-8477
    • Debt Management 1-800-827-0648
    • Mammography Hotline 1-888-492-7844
    • Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-829-4833
    • CHAMPVA 1-800-733-8387
    • Headstones/Markers 1-800-697-6947
    • Gulf War Helpline 1-800-749-8387
    • Sexual Trauma Hotline 1-800-827-1000


      What's the difference between disability compensation and disability pension?

      Disability Compensation: A monthly 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).

        • VA claims may require extensive background information and documentation. Additionally, the processing time for a claim varies depending on the type of claim and the supporting documentation provided by the veteran.


        How Do I Get a VA Home Loan?

        There are 5 steps to obtaining a VA Home Loan:

        1) Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
        A Veteran who does not already have a Certificate of Eligibility can obtain one by completing the VA Form 26-1880
        See the following link-http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-26-1880.pdf
        (Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement) and mailing it to the local VA office at the address provided below.

        VA Regional Office

        Department of Veterans Affairs
        Denver Regional Office
        155 Van Gordon St.
        Lakewood, CO 80228

        2) Decide which home the buyer wishes to purchase and sign a purchase agreement.

        3) Order an appraisal from the VA. (This is usually done by lender.)

        4) Apply to a mortgage lender for the loan.
        • While the appraisal is being done, the lender has the opportunity to gather the necessary personal information about the purchaser, such as credit score and income verification.
        • If the VA grants the lender authorization for automatic processing, upon receipt of the appraised value of the home, the loan can be approved and closed without waiting for the VA to review the credit application.
        • For loans that require prior VA approval, the lender will send the application to the local VA office, and the VA will then notify the lender of its decision.

          • 5. Close on the loan and move into your new home.

          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
          (314)-801-0800



          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
          (314)-801-0800

          You can also determine the status of your records by contacting:
  • Army Records: (314) 538-4261

              For service between 1912 - 1959

  • Air Force Records: (314) 538-4243

              For service from 1964 - Present

              For service between 1947 - 1963 (for individuals with the last names of A through Hubbard, James D.)     

              For service between 1947 - 1963 (for individuals with the last names after Hubbard, James D.)

              contact Air Force Records  at  (314) 538-4261

  • Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Records: (314) 538-4141

          How Can I Get Replacement Medals?

          All requests must be submitted in writing. You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals by writing to:

          National Personnel Records Center
          9700 Page Avenue
          St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
          (314)-801-0800

          Or

          DATC-PAP-BC
          Chief Military Awards Branch
          Military Personnel Branch
          Hoffman Building 2
          200 Stovall Street
          Alexandria, VA 22332