Veterans How Do I Information
Service-connected disability claims
Use VA Form 21-526 to file an initial claim for compensation. Compensation is for injuries or diseases that occurred or were aggravated by military service. Other VA Forms and medical records may be required to support your claim. VA Form 21-5266 is used to request an increase for a service-connected disability.
Non-service connected pension
This is payable when a veteran has war time service, is permanently and totally disabled, and has total family income below that set by the VA. Use VA Forms 21-526 to file an initial claim for pension. Use VA Form 21-527 if you have previously filed a 21-526.
Health Care application
Use VA Form 10-10EZ to apply for health care. Report the previous year total family income and medical expenses. Submit a copy of the DD 214 with the application. When asked to recertify, use 10-10 EZR.
Health Care application – dependents
Veteran must be rated by the VA at 100% Permanent and Total, or receiving Individual Unemployability and rated Permanent and Total. Submit VA Form10-10d, VA Form10-7959c, DD 214, marriage certificate, and VA Rating Decision to VA Health Administration Center, PO Box 469028, Denver, CO 80246-9028.
Death compensation for dependents (DIC)
This is where a service member died on active duty, or when a veteran dies from a service-connected disability, or the veteran had been rated by the VA at 100 percent for ten years or longer. Use VA Form 21-534 and submit a copy of the marriage certificate, the veteran’s death certificate, and the veterans DD 214.
Death pension for dependents
This is payable when the surviving spouse or dependent children of a veteran who served in a period of war has income below the amount set by the VA. Use 21-534 and submit a copy of the marriage certificate, the veteran’s death certificate and the DD 214. Report the dependents income and recurring medical expenses.
Burial benefits
Veteran must have been receiving either compensation or pension from the VA at the time of death. Use VA Form 21-530 and submit a copy of the death certificate, an itemized list of the funeral and plot expenses, and a paid receipt from the funeral home. If the veteran was not receiving compensation or pension and has an honorable discharge, a flag and grave marker may be applied for.
Home loan certificate
Submit VA Form 26-1880 and a copy of the DD 214 to Atlanta Regional Loan Center, Attn: COE (262), P.O. Box 100034, Decatur, GA 30031.
Education
Contact the Veterans Representative at the school that you want to attend. For questions about eligibility and length of training, contact the VA Education Center in Decatur, GA. Ph: 888 442 4551.
Get assistance in completing the forms
If you live in Bay County, FL contact the Bay County Veterans Office for an appointment. Ph: 850-248-8280. If you live in another county, contact that County Veterans Services Officer. For a list of these offices go to www.floridavets.org and click on County Contacts.
VA Forms
For printable forms go to www.va.gov/vaforms
Veterans Events
Annually there is a Memorial Day ceremony at Kent Forrest Cemetery on 23rd St., and a Veterans Day Parade on Harrison Avenue. Look for announcements in the News Herald.