Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Official VA Resources
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers numerous official resources to help veterans navigate their benefits and services. These resources are regularly updated and provide the most authoritative information directly from the source.
VA Websites
The VA maintains several websites focused on different aspects of veterans benefits and services:
VA.gov
The main portal for all VA services and information. Through VA.gov, you can:
- Apply for disability compensation, pension, education benefits, and more
- Check the status of claims and appeals
- Download benefit letters and service records
- Manage VA healthcare appointments
- Access educational and career counseling resources
eBenefits
While many eBenefits features are being transitioned to VA.gov, this portal still provides access to:
- Your VA benefit profile
- Dependent management tools
- Some specialized application forms
- Direct deposit information management
My HealtheVet
The VA's online health portal allows veterans to:
- Refill VA prescriptions
- Send secure messages to VA healthcare providers
- View lab and test results
- Download medical records
- Schedule and manage VA appointments
Veterans Crisis Line Website
Provides resources for veterans in crisis, including:
- Online chat with crisis counselors
- Self-check quiz
- Resources for friends and family
- Information about warning signs and safety planning
Board of Veterans' Appeals
The official website for the Board of Veterans' Appeals provides:
- Appeal status information
- Hearing scheduling tools
- Decision search database
- Information about the appeals process
VA Mobile Apps
The VA has developed several mobile applications to help veterans access services and manage their health:
VA Health and Benefits
The official VA app that provides access to:
- Health records and appointments
- Secure messaging with healthcare providers
- Claim status information
- VA facility locator
- Benefits information
PTSD Coach
Designed for veterans and others experiencing symptoms of PTSD, this app offers:
- Self-assessment tools
- Coping skills and exercises
- Relaxation techniques
- Support and resources
Rx Refill
Allows veterans to manage their VA prescriptions:
- Request prescription refills
- Track delivery status
- View prescription history
- Set medication reminders
CBT-i Coach
Designed to help veterans with insomnia:
- Sleep assessment tools
- Sleep diary
- Tools to improve sleep habits
- Relaxation exercises for sleep
VA Hotlines
The VA maintains several dedicated phone lines for veterans needing immediate assistance:
| Hotline | Number | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Crisis Line | 988, then press 1 or 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) |
24/7 crisis support for veterans and their loved ones |
| White House VA Hotline | 1-855-948-2311 | 24/7 service to address veterans' concerns about VA care, benefits, and services |
| VA Benefits Hotline | 1-800-827-1000 | Information about VA benefits, claims, and appeals |
| VA Health Benefits Hotline | 1-877-222-8387 | Information about VA healthcare eligibility and enrollment |
| Women Veterans Call Center | 1-855-829-6636 | Information about benefits and services for women veterans |
| Homeless Veterans Hotline | 1-877-424-3838 | 24/7 access to VA services for homeless veterans |
Text and Chat Options
Many VA hotlines also offer text and online chat options. The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by texting 838255, and most resource websites have chat features available during business hours.
Veterans Service Organizations
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide invaluable assistance with VA claims, appeals, and other veteran-related issues. Many offer free representation and have accredited service officers who specialize in navigating the VA system.
National Veterans Service Organizations
These organizations operate nationwide and have extensive experience with VA claims:
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The DAV offers:
- Free representation for VA claims and appeals
- Transition assistance for new veterans
- Employment resources
- Transportation to VA medical appointments
- Local chapters throughout the country
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW provides:
- Free VA claims assistance through accredited service officers
- Financial assistance programs
- Community service opportunities
- Legislative advocacy for veterans issues
The American Legion
The American Legion offers:
- Claims and appeals assistance
- Career fairs and employment resources
- Temporary financial assistance
- Local posts with community programs
- Veterans education resources
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
PVA specializes in assistance for veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases:
- Specialized claims representation
- Adaptive sports programs
- Accessibility advocacy
- Employment assistance
- Research and education
AMVETS
AMVETS provides:
- Claims assistance through national service officers
- Career centers for job seeking veterans
- Healing Heroes program for wounded veterans
- Local posts with community support
State Veterans Agencies
Each state has a department of veterans affairs or similar agency that provides localized assistance:
Finding Your State Veterans Agency
To locate your state's veterans agency, visit the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs website at www.nasdva.us and select your state from the directory.
State veterans agencies typically offer:
- State-specific veterans benefits information
- Claims assistance from state-employed veterans service officers
- Information about state veterans homes and cemeteries
- Education benefits specific to your state
- Employment resources and preference systems
Legal Resources
Legal assistance can be crucial for complex VA claims, appeals to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, discharge upgrades, and other veterans law matters.
Veterans Legal Clinics
Many law schools and legal aid organizations operate veterans legal clinics that provide free or low-cost legal assistance:
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
NVLSP offers:
- Representation before the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- Training for veterans advocates
- Publications on veterans law
- Class action litigation on behalf of veterans
Veterans Legal Services Clinic Finder
The VA maintains a directory of legal clinics that can help with:
- VA benefits appeals
- Discharge upgrades
- Housing issues
- Consumer debt
- Other civil legal matters
Stateside Legal
A resource specifically for veterans, service members, and their families that provides:
- Legal information on veterans issues
- Self-help tools and forms
- Directory of legal aid organizations
- Information about veterans courts
Finding an Attorney
For cases that require specialized legal representation:
VA Accredited Attorney Search
The VA maintains a searchable database of attorneys accredited to represent veterans before the VA:
- Search by name, city, or state
- Verify accreditation status
- Find contact information
National Organization of Veterans' Advocates (NOVA)
NOVA is an organization of attorneys and advocates specializing in veterans law:
- Attorney referral service
- Members specialize in VA claims and appeals
- Many members handle Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims cases
Attorney Fees
Attorneys can charge fees for work on appeals after an initial VA decision. Most veterans law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, typically taking a percentage of your retroactive benefits. For Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims cases, attorney fees are often paid by the government under the Equal Access to Justice Act if the veteran prevails.
Medical Resources
Access to quality healthcare is essential for veterans, both for treatment and for documenting conditions for VA claims purposes.
VA Healthcare System
The VA operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States:
VA Health Care Enrollment
Information about enrolling in VA healthcare:
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Priority groups
- Coverage details
VA Facility Locator
Find VA healthcare facilities near you:
- Medical centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Vet Centers
- Other VA facilities
VA Specialty Care Programs
The VA offers specialized programs for specific needs:
- PTSD treatment programs
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST) services
- Polytrauma centers
- Spinal Cord Injury centers
- Blind Rehabilitation centers
Community Care Options
Veterans may be eligible to receive care from community providers outside the VA:
VA Community Care Program
Information about receiving care from non-VA providers:
- Eligibility criteria
- Finding community providers
- Urgent care benefits
- Authorization process
Veteran Community Care Finder
Tool to locate approved community providers:
- Search by location and specialty
- View provider details
- Check if providers are accepting new patients
Medical Records for Claims
When seeking medical care for conditions related to your VA claim, be sure to discuss the potential service connection with your provider. Ask them to document their opinions about the relationship between your condition and military service, as these medical records can be valuable evidence for your claim.
Online Communities
Online communities provide peer support, information sharing, and a sense of connection for veterans navigating the benefits system:
r/Veterans
Reddit community with over 100,000 members discussing:
- VA claims and appeals experiences
- Healthcare questions
- Benefit eligibility
- Transition issues
- General veteran support
HadIt.com Veterans Discussion
Long-running forum focused specifically on VA disability claims:
- Claim filing guidance
- Success stories and strategies
- Condition-specific discussions
- Appeals advice
Veterans.gov Facebook Groups
Various Facebook groups focused on veterans benefits:
- Condition-specific support groups
- Era-specific veteran groups
- Claims assistance groups
- Local veteran community groups
Online Advice Caution
While online communities can provide valuable peer support and information sharing, always verify advice about your specific situation with an accredited representative or the VA directly. Veterans benefits are complex, and what worked for one veteran may not apply to your situation.
Educational Resources
These resources provide in-depth information about veterans benefits and the claims process:
Military.com Benefits Center
Comprehensive information about various veterans benefits:
- Detailed articles on benefit programs
- Eligibility calculators
- Forms and application guides
- News about benefit changes
CCK Law Veterans Law Library
Educational resources from a veterans law firm:
- Detailed articles on specific conditions
- Videos explaining VA processes
- Blogs about recent court decisions
- Guides to different benefit programs
VA M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual
The internal manual used by VA claims processors:
- Detailed procedures for evaluating claims
- VA's interpretation of regulations
- Specific guidance for different conditions
- Technical but extremely valuable for understanding how claims are processed
Financial Resources
Beyond VA disability compensation, veterans may be eligible for various financial assistance programs:
Veterans Pension
Tax-free benefit for wartime veterans with limited income:
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Aid and Attendance benefits
- Housebound benefits
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation, this program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities:
- Education and training for new careers
- Job-seeking skills and resources
- Assistance starting a business
- Independent living services
VA Home Loan Program
Benefits for purchasing, building, or refinancing homes:
- No down payment options
- Competitive interest rates
- Limited closing costs
- No private mortgage insurance
Crisis Resources
Immediate help is available for veterans experiencing crisis situations:
Veterans Crisis Line
24/7 crisis support accessible by:
- Phone: 988, then press 1 (or 1-800-273-8255, press 1)
- Text: 838255
- Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
- Support for veterans, service members, and their families
VA Homeless Veterans Resources
Help for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness:
- Emergency housing assistance
- Healthcare services
- Employment support
- Call 1-877-424-3838 for immediate help
Vet Centers
Community-based counseling centers providing:
- Readjustment counseling
- MST counseling
- Bereavement counseling
- Referrals to other VA services
Immediate Danger
If you or a veteran you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) is also available 24/7 for immediate support.