Veteran Services

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:

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 21-526.
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 filling out and sending the VA Form 26-1880, Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement, to the local VA office.
   
   Department Of Veterans Affairs
   575 N. Pennsylvania Street
   Indianapolis, IN 46204
   Phone 1-800-827-1000
2. Decide on a home the buyer wants to buy and sign a purchase agreement.
3. Order an appraisal from VA. (This is usually done by 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 loan can be approved and closed without waiting for VA review of the credit application. For loans that must first be approved by VA, the lender will send the application to the local VA office, which will notify the lender of its decision.
5. Close on loan and you move in!

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 the following numbers:

Army Records: (314) 538-4261 For service during 1912 - 1959

Air Force Records: (314) 538-4243 For service during 1964 - Present, 1947 - 1963 (for individuals with the last names of A through Hubbard, James D.)

Air Force Records: For service during 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?

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 completed in writing.