Disabled American Veterans Chapter #23

11/24/2024

Cold …

08/15/2022

FYI - VA TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT - PASS IT ON...

06/23/2022

Every household in the U.S. is now eligible to receive a third set of 8 free test kits. Go to www.covidtests.gov

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a 3rd round of free at-home tests. Order yours today.

05/25/2022

FYI

Memorial Day and Weekend events and remembrances in Central Florida

Please fly your American flags this weekend unless it is raining.
If your flag(s) are torn, tattered or faded you may take them to any veteran service organization post for proper retirement.
Every effort was made to include events that I was made aware of, and to have correct information to share. Sincere apologies for errors or omissions.
Every effort is made to put a space into email addresses and websites – firewalls and spam filters don’t like direct links, website and email addresses. If you use ‘Copy and Paste’ to make contact or get additional information, please keep this in mind.
If you wish to be removed from the email list, just let me know.
If you make changes to the event list, PLEASE, please insert: “Edited by: (insert name and date)”

ATTEND and PARTICIPATE. Teach our younger generations – make it a tradition!

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

Pre-Memorial Day/Weekend:

Florida’s Fallen Memorial – Now thru June 3 - The Florida’s Fallen Memorial is being installed in the Oviedo Cemetery, across the street from American Legion Post 243. 491 West Broadway St., Oviedo, 32765 The Memorial has over 400 crosses, representing Floridians who have died in military service for our Country since September 11, 2001. The individual crosses have names, military branch, rank, hometown, casualty date, age, photographs, and awards. The Memorial also includes flags of our military branches and large crosses representing the major campaigns from American history, the dates of those conflicts, and the total number of deaths incurred. Oviedo's American Legion Memorial Post 243 is responsible for this tribute. The Memorial is staffed daily from 0800-2000 starting Sun. May 23 for two weeks through June 3rd. Info: online and Post Commander at 407-227-5340.

The Center for Development and Civil Engagement (CDCE) – Fri May 28 - A short program outside the front entrance of the Lake Nona Orlando VA Medical Center Facility in Lake Nona, just over the bridge. CDCE will welcome those in attendance, the Chaplain will officially start the event with an invocation and introduce a moment of silence. There will be a table with 100 additional flags for anyone to write messages and place them with the others across the front lawn area. Info: VA Public Affairs, 407-631-4706

Heroes Honor Festival – Fri-Sat May 27 & 28 – A large event with notable persons appearing: country legends Toby Keith, Justin Moore, and Craig Morgan alongside special guests including the Patriot Parachute Team and more! Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, 32114. Honoring Vietnam veterans. Veterans and spouses get in free; Food, drinks, good music, military flyovers, special interactive exhibits, family fun zone, and more. Get your tickets online at www. heroeshonorfestival .com

Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando – Fri. 27 May - 6:30pm – 7pm – Traditional ceremony at the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801, downtown Orlando. Info: 321-297-6065.

SATURDAY MAY 28

Heroes Honor Festival – Fri-Sat May 27 & 28 – A large event with notable persons appearing: country legends Toby Keith, Justin Moore, and Craig Morgan alongside special guests including the Patriot Parachute Team and more! Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, 32114. Honoring Vietnam veterans. Veterans and spouses get in free; Food, drinks, good music, military flyovers, special interactive exhibits, family fun zone, and more. Get your tickets online at www. heroeshonorfestival .com

Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute - 9:45am to 11am – 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, 32839 in South Orlando. VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be performing a Prelude, patriotic guest speaker, POW/MIA Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Veterans pinning ceremony, Free and all persons welcome, especially veterans. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Info:407-254-6770 or 407-855-5877.

Annual Maritime Day Celebration – Sat. May 28 – Join the Propeller Club of Port Canaveral 10am – 2pm at Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar at the Port. Includes a Port oat Tour and Wreath Laying Ceremony followed by lunch at Rusty’s. Register on line at the Propeller Club web site.

SUNDAY MAY 29

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery – 9am – Flags to be placed on graves. 5525 US-1, Mims, 32754. All are welcome to attend. (Suggestion: Bring a #2 Phillips screwdriver with a 4” shaft, and bottled water) Ceremony on Monday. Info: 321-383-2638.

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 9am Flags to be placed on graves, but arrive early for briefing - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513. (Suggestion: Bring a #2 Phillips screwdriver with a 4” shaft, and bottled water) Ceremony on Monday. Info: 352-793-7740

National ‪‎Memorial Day Concert – 8pm Live on your local PBS TV station (WUCF, or other local PBS). This live concert is from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, both acclaimed actors dedicated to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service, will host this star-studded lineup on stage for one of PBS‘ highest-rated programs. A multi-award-winning television event, it has become an American tradition, honoring the military service and sacrifice of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Check your local channel guide. See www.wucftv.org for more information, stories, and ways to become locally involved. The concert will be taped and aired again at 9:30pm.

MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY MAY 30 - (Alphabetical by County)

The National Moment of Remembrance – 3pm - is an annual event that asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence for a minute at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. The 3 pm time was chosen, because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. It is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages. The National Moment of Remembrance Act became law in the year 2000.

Taps Across America – An invitation is issued for musicians of all abilities and ages across the country to honor our fallen soldiers by playing Taps during the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 pm local time.

BREVARD COUNTY

Memorial Day Murph Workout – 8am - 1pm at Titusville CrossFit, 235 Willow St, Titusville, 32780. This workout in tribute to Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. Staggered starts: 8am for RX athletes, 9am for Scaled athletes. Food and drinks after workout.

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery – 9am - at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, 32754. All are welcome to attend the memorable ceremony! Due to limited available seating please arrive early and bring seating (outdoor chairs). Info: 321-383-2638.

Veterans Memorial Center 9:30am- 10:30, located behind Merritt Square Mall. Reflections on Sacrifice will include stories of KIA, WIA and special veterans who have died in service to our country via VMC tenant veteran organizations. First Responders who have fallen also honored by Sheriff Ivey. A unique Ruck March of 5K will pause and reflect with each participant carrying the photo and name of a fallen hero. Sea Cadet Color Guard. Special exhibits, VMC partners, refreshments will add to the atmosphere. Info: www. brevardveteransmemorialcenter .com 321-453-1776

Cocoa Riverfront Park Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony 4pm - 6pm to honor and reflect on those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and their Gold Star families. 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa.

LAKE COUNTY

Memorial Day Murph Workout, including Adaptive Fitness – Victory Pointe Park, S Lake Trail (Lake Apopka Trail), Clermont, 34711 (next to Lily’s on the Lake). This workout in tribute to Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005. Heat times are 7am, 8:45am, or 10:30am. Register in advance at Clermont Crossfit. Info: 352-306-3420.

Amvets Post 2006 – Memorial Ceremony at 1pm followed by activities and a cookout!! 500 N. Canal St., Leesburg, 34748 Info: Peggy 407-484-2159

Clermont Memorial Day Observance – 10am - Waterfront Pavilion on Lake Minneola, 330 Third Street. Veterans organizations and friends; everyone welcome! www. clermontfl. gov/events

ORANGE COUNTY

Orange County Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony – 9am –10am Orange County Courthouse in the Jury Room (air conditioned!) 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801. Free parking in adjacent garage. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will express eternal gratitude. Also attending Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council. Guest speaker, Color Guard. Info: 407-836-7370.

Woodlawn Cemetery Memorial Day – 10am - 72nd annual Memorial Day commemoration at 10am, in front of the Christ Mosaic at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha (southwest Orange County). Arrive early.

Glen Haven Annual Memorial Day Service – 11am at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, 32789. Music begins at 10:30. Wreath ceremony, rifle salute by American Legion Post 286, Taps played, patriotic songs. War veterans will be recognized. 407.647.1100

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Osceola Memory Gardens – 8:30-9:30am - Ceremony with participation by the Osceola County Veterans Council. 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744. Light refreshments follow. The group generally proceeds to St. Cloud for the ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery. Info: Vanessa at 407-892-2155 Vanessa.Roman@ OsceolaMemGds .com

Mount Peace Cemetery – 10am-12 noon, 755 E. 10th St., St. Cloud, 34769. City of St. Cloud is a co-sponsor of the annual VFW Post 3227 and American Legion Post 80 Memorial Day Service. Guest speaker, first responders and scouts. Also with AMVET Auxil. of Post #33. Everyone is invited to remember and honor those who gave their all in the service of their country. Hot dogs, hamburgers and ribs are available at the VFW Post (Now a smoke-free Post!) after ceremony – 915 New York Ave., St. Cloud. (The Post also retires faded, tattered, and torn flags.) Info: 407-892-8808.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Oviedo Memorial 5K Run commemorating Memorial Day - Day of race registration opens at 7am, and the run will begin at 8am. The 5K race will be professionally chip timed. Walkers, runners, and strollers are all welcome! Also a Kids Fun Run. Medals and t-shirts will be awarded to all 5k finishers. Center Lake Park, 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo, 32765. Proceeds from the event will benefit local veterans organizations/scholarship fund. To early register or for info: cityofoviedo .net, 407-971-5590.

Static Display by military & friends units - Veterans Memorial Park from 8am – Noon, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771. Info: Jennifer 407.688.5120, ext. 5

Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony - 10am - 12noon - Veterans Memorial Park, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771. Speakers Seminole County Veterans Service Officer Jason Althouse, Lt.Col. Skip Barth (USMC ret), with American Legion Post 53. Picnic follows at Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post at 3512 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford. Info: Jennifer 407.688.5120, ext. 5

SUMTER COUNTY

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513. Traditional and touching ceremony, guest speakers, patriotic music prior to and during the ceremony. There will be a rifle salute and a presenting the nation's flag and flags from various military organizations. Organizations with colors are invited to participate in the massing of colors at the beginning of the program and should plan to arrive by 9:30 am. The Avenue of Flags consists of approximately 400 flags. Persons attending need to arrive early and enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly before the ceremony. Seating is limited, arrive early, wear comfortable clothing and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon (and an umbrella). Info: 352-793-7740 or 1074

Questions about the cemetery services: Contact the administration office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. except federal holidays at (352) 793-7740.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Memorial Day Commemoration – 10am at Bill Dreggors Park, 230N. Stone St., DeLand. American Legion Orange Baker Post 187 is hosting the event this year in cooperation with the City of DeLand. Guest speaker Brig.Gen. William C. Feyk, (USA, ret.).Veterans organizations, US Marine Corps League Detachment 1144 rifle salute, presentation on DeLand's US Army tugboat ST479, Free tours of the military collections contained in the DeLand Memorial Hospital & Veterans Museum will be available right after the event. Info: 407-484-9858.

EVERYWHERE

The National Moment of Remembrance – 3pm - is an annual event that asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence for a minute at 3pm on Memorial Day. The 3pm time was chosen, because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. It is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages. The National Moment of Remembrance Act became law in the year 2000.

Taps Across America – An invitation is issued for musicians of all abilities and ages across the country to honor our fallen soldiers by playing Taps during the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 pm local time.

Every effort has been made to include and provide correct information. Sincere apologies for errors or omissions.

There may be some events that I am not aware of. Please check your various resources. But most of all, attend and participate. Include our next generation so that the understanding of the importance of the day is not forgotten.

Freedom is not free.

05/24/2022

FREE TICKETS TO VETERANS...

05/20/2022

FLORIDA MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

Meet the Authors- Monthly VFW Post 10147 Breakfast – Sat. May 21 - Monthly Breakfast from 8am – 10am, 519 S Central Ave, Apopka, 32703. Join Award Winning Authors: Mary Flynn, Stephen Leitschuh (Marine, served in Vietnam), and Fred Gray. They will be happy to answers questions about their books and writing process. They will also answer your questions about your writing. Great learning opportunity and fun discussion. Get your favorite book signed!

Armed Forces Day event – Sat. 21 May – American Legion Post 10 in Kissimmee and with Chapter 10 Riders, hold this recognition with music, food, refreshments. 12 noon – 5pm at 205 Lakeview Dr., Kissimmee, 34741. The Vietnam Traveling Wall and the War on Terrorism Wall will be on display.

Honor Flight – Sat. 21 May – Come to OIA to Welcome Home senior veterans after their day in Washington DC visiting their war memorials. 25 veterans of WW2, Korea, Cold War and Vietnam eras will take that wonderful one day trip. The nation-wide organization has three local hubs that take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. One of the local hubs will be flying out of OIA (Orlando International Airport (MCO) and returning via Baltimore on Southwest Airlines #6579 - BWI to MCO arriving approx. 10:10pm. Central Florida volunteers can welcome these returning veterans in the Terminal A, Airside 2 – in front of Starbucks, the hotel atrium end. Come welcome these veterans home after their wonderful day! Bring your flags and signs!

* Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.

FREE Parking vouchers are available ONLY for non-transponder use at Airport garages – take the PAPER ticket and bring it to the terminal with you. Using your transponder for parking will NOT allow for free parking. Look for ‘Ms. Liberty’ who will direct you to the Airport Landside person with the vouchers for those who take a paper ticket for parking.

FREE parking has also been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax at 7870 N Frontage Rd, Orlando, 32812 – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) Mention ‘veterans’ or ‘Honor Flight’ upon entering the facility so that they park us relatively close together. Tell the van Driver “Southwest Airlines” and he will take you to the Terminal departure area closest to the gathering place. This is a great option for the mobility challenged. Motorcycles of Patriot Guard, etc. get parked together in a secure, monitored area! AND please remember FastPark and Relax for your personal traveling plans as they have been extremely helpful and generous!

Contact Cathy Haynes 407-239-8468 chaynes11629 .com

HONOR FLIGHT NEWS:

• A Villages Honor Flight is scheduled to take 100+ female veterans on an overnight trip. They will

return to SANFORD AIRPORT, chartered Allegiant Airlines at approx. 8:30pm on Wed. June

1. There is at least 1 WW2 vet – a 98 yr old WAC! Come welcome these ladies home!

• Honor Flights will be pausing taking veterans to Washington DC for the summer. It is too hot and

crowded. They will resume missions later. Please help with any fund-raisers to assist in getting

senior or ill veterans on these special trips.

VOLUNTEERS for next event's registration still needed. Contact Cathy ASAP at chaynes11629 .com

Inaugural Our Community Salutes – Mon. 23 May – The only Florida recognition of over 100 high school seniors who plan to enlist into the military following graduation. This inaugural event - Orlando High School Enlistee Recognition Dinner Ceremony is at the House of Blues-Orlando, 1490 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando - Disney Springs. Sponsored by Our Community Salutes which has held numerous events in other states. Info: community. ocsusa. org/orlando/

VBC Orlando Social – Thurs. 26 May - Veterans Beer Club Orlando (VBC Orlando) has a networking social 6pm – 9pm at Hourglass Brewing, 480 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood. If you haven't been to a VBC meet up before, then here are a few notes. First, this isn't about beer drinking. VBC is a regular networking event to bring transitioning military, veterans, military/veteran spouses, and patriots together to learn about business, job opportunities and resources in Central Florida. Info: see the Facebook site.

Heroes Honor Festival – Fri-Sat May 27 & 28 – A large event with notable persons appearing: country legends Toby Keith, Justin Moore, and Craig Morgan alongside special guests including the Patriot Parachute Team and more! Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, 32114. Honoring Vietnam veterans. Veterans and spouses get in free; Food, drinks, good music, military flyovers, special interactive exhibits, family fun zone, and more. Get your tickets online at www. heroeshonorfestival .com

EXTRA

Aspen Dental announced its annual Day of Service event – which provides free care to military veterans across the country – will be held on Sat. June 11. Now in its eighth year, nearly 500 Aspen Dental locations will open their doors on the company’s annual Day of Service to provide much-needed dental care for United States military veterans at no cost to honor their service.

To view the multimedia release go to: https:// www.multivu.com/players/Engli…

CALL NOW!! Time slots fill VERY quickly! Veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a participating Aspen Dental office in their community and schedule an appointment. Advance appointments are required.

Florida Veterans Hall of Fame – Nominations are due by May 31. Living or deceased veterans are recognized and honored through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the State of Florida. In selecting its nominees for submission to the Governor and Cabinet, the Council will give preference to veterans who were either born in Florida or adopted Florida as their home state. The individuals they choose will have made a significant contribution to the state in civic, business, public service, or other pursuits. The selection Process will be conducted, using a uniform Nomination Form (in PDF). The nomination process requires some letters of recommendation – so don’t wait! Info: floridaveteranshalloffame .org

Amazon shopping – Remember – the Mother’s Day and graduations are approaching quickly! If you do your shopping online thru Amazon, why not consider using AmazonSmile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Same products, same prices, same service. Central Florida charities on their list include: Camaraderie Foundation in Orlando, Pawsitive Action Foundation in Saint Cloud, Space Coast Honor Flight, Villages Honor Flight, Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park, and many others! (Search the database with “veterans/military” or similar words; or search using your city name or “Florida”)

UCF RESTORES - Active military, reservists, guardsmen, veterans, and First Responders who are experiencing PTS symptoms can participate in procedures that have proven VERY helpful. An intensive format is available AT NO COST which also provides housing, including out-of-state persons. The treatment of combat-related or trauma-event PTSD situations has been well provided. Call UCF RESTORES: 407-823-3910.

Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know. Su***de is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing thoughts of su***de, know that you are not alone and care should be sought immediately by calling 911. Free, confidential resources are instantly available through the Military Crisis Line to aid you if you are in crisis.

Call 800-273-8255 and press 1,

OR chat online now for 24/7 access to trained counselors who understand what service members and military families are coping with. Website at veteranscrisisline

OR: text 838255 for 24/7 confidential assistance.

They are there because they care….

Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for Post 9/11 veterans/warriors and their families. They also have connections in other areas, other states. It works. It HAS saved lives, saved marriages and saved families. camaraderiefoundation .org Contact 407-841-0071

05/12/2022

Flag at half-staff

By order of President Biden, in memory of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset May 16, 2022. The flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

02/15/2022

The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing changes to the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities specifically pertaining to the respiratory, auditory and mental disorders body systems.

The proposed updates to the rating schedule for these conditions will enable VA to incorporate modern medical data and terminology to provide Veterans with more accurate and consistent decisions.

Veterans who currently receive compensation for a service-connected condition in these body systems will not have their disability rating impacted when the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities is updated. Updating the rating schedule allows Veterans to receive decisions based on the most current medical knowledge relating to their condition.

By incorporating modern medical data in the assessment of disabilities and how they impact earning capacity, Veterans will receive evaluations which more accurately compensate them for their service-connected disabilities. Proposed updates include:


Modernizing the evaluative rating criteria for sleep apnea, using developments in medical knowledge to evaluate it based on its responsiveness to treatment, bringing the rating criteria for sleep apnea more closely in line with the stated purpose of the rating schedule.



Evaluating tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as a symptom of the underlying disease which causes it, rather than as a stand-alone disability.



Evaluating mental health conditions based on a more robust and holistic approach that assesses how impactful the disability is to cognition, interpersonal relationships, task completion, life activities and self-care. Additionally, the proposed evaluation criteria include a 10% minimum evaluation for having one or more service-connected mental health conditions and will no longer require “total occupational and social impairment” to attain a 100% evaluation.


No change to a Veteran’s current rating would occur due to these proposed changes. If the proposed changes are finalized, Veterans who currently receive compensation for a service-connected condition can apply for increased compensation, but no reductions shall be made unless an improvement in the Veteran’s disability is shown to have occurred.

The public has 60 days to provide comments to VA regarding the two proposed updates via the Federal Register notices located here and here.

Thomas J. Murphy
Director, Northeast District
Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary for Benefits

12/30/2021

Filing a VA claim for disability compensation
News Sections: Benefits
Published On: December 20th, 2021|874 words|2.9 min read
April Cunningham is a chief for VBA's Office of Strategic Engagement

VA disability compensation benefits are a monthly, tax-free payment to Veterans who were injured, sustained a long-term illness or experienced a worsening medical condition during their military service.
In addition to compensating Veterans whose disabilities incurred while serving in the military, Veterans may also be granted compensation for specific post-service medical conditions that arose because of their military service. Known as presumptive disabilities, these conditions may not have arisen in service but may be granted as service-connected because its occurrence can been linked directly to military service.
VA recently added new medical conditions to a growing list of presumptive disabilities, which you can view here. These conditions can be presumed to have occurred because of an exposure to Agent Orange, ionizing radiation, and service in the Gulf War.
How to file a claim for disability compensation
The COVID-19 pandemic has not halted the claims process. Veterans can still file claims, and VA is still processing them. VA recommends filing a claim online, but it can still be done in person or through the mail. To get started, visit the VA disability compensation webpage and follow the steps listed below.
Step One: Prepare documents before starting your application
Gather any evidence, documentation and/or required forms that support your claim before beginning your application. This might include:
•
o A completed Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits Form (VA Form 21-526EZ),
o Private medical records related to your condition, and/or
o Military personnel records
You must include both the required and (if necessary) supplementary documents or your application will be voided. In some cases, you may need to turn in one or more forms to support your claim.
Step Two: File your claim
There are three ways to file a claim: online, in person (with a VA representative, or with a Veterans Service Organization) or through the mail. Online applications are simple and easy to complete. You can access the application by visiting the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits webpage, then sign into your VA.gov account (or create a new account at the ID.me website). You can save your progress online for up to one year before the application expires.
If you do not have access to a computer or internet device, VA also accepts printed disability claim applications that can be filed either in person or through the mail. In person applications can be submitted to your local VA regional office. Visit VA.gov/find-locations to find a VA regional office in your state. If you wish to mail your application, please do so by sending it to the following address:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
Step Three: VA will review your claim and notify you of its decision
VA may require a few months to make a decision on claim applications. The time it takes to review your application depends on three factors:
•
o The type of claim filed
o How many injuries or disabilities claimed and how complex they are, and/or
o How long it takes VA to collect additional evidence needed to decide your claim. This evidence may include service treatment records, service personnel records, private and federal treatment records, and compensation and pension exams.
Once your disability claim application has been reviewed and all required documentation has been received, VA will decide on your claim and send you a notification letter of its decision. The notification letter will include specific details regarding the decisions made on your claim. You can expect to receive your notification letter 7 to 10 business days after a decision is made. Please contact a VA call center if it does not arrive within this period.
Step Four: After you receive a decision
You may ask for a second review if you are not satisfied with VA’s decision. Veterans who filed a claim on or after February 19, 2019, may choose from three application review options. The first, a Supplemental Claim, allows you to add new and relevant evidence (that VA doesn’t already have). The second, a Higher-Level Review, asks for a senior reviewer to examine your case. This option does not allow you to edit or add to your current application. And lastly, a Board Appeal requests a Veterans Law Judge with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to review your application.
If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after submitting a request to have your decision reviewed, please visit the VA Decision Reviews and Appeals website.
For more information
Life comes with plenty of challenges, but ensuring the wellbeing of you and your family should not be one of them. Visit VA.gov to learn more about VA benefits and services.
If you wish to learn more about the claims process, visit the VAntage Point blog platform to keep up to date on disability claims and benefit eligibility requirements.
For more general information on the VA disability compensation and the process, click here. For more on eligibility, click here. You can also watch this video series produced by the Office of Information and Technology (OIT).
To request additional help filing a disability claim, learn more about accredited representatives or contact a VA regional office near you to speak with a counselor by calling 800-827-1000.

Find a VA medical center, clinic, hospital, national cemetery, or VA regional office near you. You can search by city, state, postal code, or service. You'll get wait times and directions.