Veterans

Who is Eligible for Veterans Health Benefits?

Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based solely on active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WWII) and a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions.

Health Care eligibility is not just for those who served in combat. Other groups may be eligible for some health benefits.
Veteran’s health care is not just for service-connected injuries or medical conditions.

VA offers full-service health care to both men and women veterans.

Reservists

Reservists who serve on active duty establish veteran status and may be eligible for complete VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and a discharge or released or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable.  In addition, reservists not activated may qualify for some VA benefits.

National Guard

National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA benefits if activated for federal service during a period of war or domestic emergency.  Activation for other than federal service does not qualify guard members for all VA benefits.  Claims for VA benefits based on federal service filed by members of the National Guard should include a copy of the military orders, presidential proclamation or executive order that clearly demonstrates the federal nature of the service.

Click here to get started in determining your eligibility for VA health care benefits.

For further information, please call my Dallas office.

How can I contact the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Please visit the  Department of Veterans Affairs website for contact information

How do I get a copy of my military records?

Most military records are stored at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are trying to get records from your military service, or that of a family member, feel free to contact my office.

I will need your written permission to help with this issue. To make the process easier, please put your request in writing, including a copy of the DD214 (Discharge Form) of the veteran, and fax or mail it to my Dallas office.

Who is eligible for a VA Home Loan?

• Veterans with active duty service, which was not dishonorable, during World War II and later periods are eligible for VA loan benefits.
• WWII, Korean conflict, and Vietnam era veterans must have at least 90 days service.
• Veterans with service only during peacetime periods and active duty military personnel must have had more than 180 days active duty service.
• Veterans of enlisted service which began after September 7, 1980, or officers with service beginning after October 16, 1981, must (in most cases) have served at least 2 years.
• Persian Gulf conflict reservists and National Guard members who were active on or after August 2, 1990, and served at least 90 days with an honorable discharge are eligible.
• Members of the Select Reserve, including National Guard, who are not otherwise eligible and who have completed 6 years of service and have been honorably discharged or have completed 6 years of service and are still serving may be eligible.

How can I get the medals I was awarded during my service but never received?

Military medals handled primarily through the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. It is an honor and privilege for me to present medals to deserving veterans. If you are owed medals from your service, please contact my Dallas office in writing. Once I receive your information, I will contact you regarding your request and any additional paperwork that might be required to forward the request to the proper officials.

How can I get replacement medals?

Replacements for lost or stolen medals can be requested from the following 2 offices:

National Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100

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.

Who is eligible for the Cold War Recognition Certificate?

All members of the armed forces who served the US during the Cold War era - from 2 September 1945 to 26 December 1991 - are eligible to receive a Cold War Recognition Certificate.

The application, instructions, and sample letter can be accessed on the internet at http://coldwar.army.mil You may also email at cwrs@Fairfaxemh2.army.mil or fax to (703) 275-6749. Applicants can mail requests to:

Cold War Recognition
4035 Ridge Top Road
Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22030

Acceptable proof of military service includes the following forms:

• DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty);
• WD AGO form 53-55 (War Department Separation Document); or
• Oath of Office -- Military Personnel or Letter of Appointment.

Do not send original copies of these records because they will not be returned to you. Copies of these records can be obtained from:

National Personnel Records Center
(Military Personnel Records)
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

The Total Army Personnel Command is the agent for the recognition project and can be reached at (703) 275-6279.

How can I help?

The Department of Veterans Affairs currently has many claims for benefits pending. Due to volume, many veterans feel that their case might be taking longer then it should. I am always glad to help in these situations. At my request, the VA can review a veteran's case and report the status back to me. Any time there is new information or updated medical reports, please send that information to my Dallas so that it can be forwarded to the VA.

Where do I find the VA?

VA Medical Centers

Dallas:
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, Texas 75216
(214) 742-8387
(800) 849-3597

Houston:
2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77030
(713) 791-1414
(800) 553-2278

Temple:
1901 Veterans Memorial Drive
Temple, Texas 76504
(254) 778-4811
(800) 423-2111)

Waco:
4800 Memorial Drive
Waco, Texas 76711
(254) 752-6581
(800) 423-2111

Clinics

Palestine:
2000 South Loop 256, Suite 124
Palestine, Texas 75801
(903) 723-9006

Tyler:
3414 Golden Road
Tyler, Texas 75701
(903) 593-6064

Regional Offices

Waco:
One Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay Avenue
Waco, Texas 76799
(800) 827-1000
Benefits Offices

Dallas:
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, Texas 75216
(800) 827-1000

Temple:
1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Room 5G38 [BRB]
Temple, Texas 76504
(800) 827-1000

Tyler:
1700 South Southeast Loop 323, Suite 310
Tyler, Texas 75701
(800) 827-1000

Vet Centers

Dallas:
10501 North Central Expressway, Suite 213
Dallas, Texas 75231
(214) 361-5896

Mesquite:
502 West Kearney, Suite 300
Mesquite, TX 75149
Phone: (972) 288-8030

National Cemeteries

Dallas-Fort Worth:
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, Texas 75211
(214) 467-3374