We help lots of veterans who need military records, are having problems with disability compensation, or are having difficulty with Veterans Affairs. If you have tried to work with the VA and have run into problems, we might be able to help. You will need to fill out a privacy release form and send it with the explanation of the problem you are having to my office.

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

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
Mammograpy 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
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 monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease incurred in or aggravated during military service.
Disability Pension: A monetary benefits 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 benefits is income-dependent.

What are the types of VA claims?

There are Four Types of Claims:

1. 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 21-256
2. Claim for increase: A claim for increased compensation for a disability already found to be service-connected.
3. New Claim: A claim for compensation for a disability not part of the original claim. Also known as a supplemental claim.
4. 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.

How do I get a VA home loan?

There are 5 steps to get a VA Loan:

1. Apply for a Certificate of eligibility. A veteran who doesn't have a certificate can obtain one by making an application on VA Form 26-1880, Request for Determination of eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement, to the local VA office.
   
   Department of Veterans Affairs
   VA Regional Office
   701 Loyola Avenue
   New Orleans, LA 70113-1912
   Email: neworleans.query@vbs.va.gov
   Website: www.va-louisiana.com
2. Decide on a home the buyer wants to buy and sign a purchase agreement.
3. Order an appraisal from the VA. (This is usually done by the lender)
4. Apply to a mortgage lender for the loan. While the appraisal is being done, the lender can be gathering credit and income information. If the lender is authorized by the VA to do automatic processing, upon receipt of the appraised value determination, the laon can be approved and closed without waiting for the VA review of the credit application. For loans that must first be approved by the VA, the lender will send the application to the local VA office, which will notify the lender of its decision.
5. Close of loan and you move in!

Who is eligible for a VA Home Loan?

Veterans with active duty service, that was no 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 activated 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. The expanded eligibility for Reserves and National Guard individuals expire in October, 2003. Call the VA toll free at 1-888-487-1970 for further information on eligibility.

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

You can request replacement for lost or stolen medals 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 submitted in writing.