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VA Claims & Benefits
Veterans who served their country may be entitled to compensation based on their injuries or diseases which were caused by their service. When doing a VA Claim, you as a Veteran must be aware that the onus is on you to prove the injury was service connected.
The only exception to this rule occurs during certain windows called "presumptive conditions". The VA maintains a list of presumptive conditions and their eligible time periods, available here: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/
Veterans should contact their Veterans' Services Officer as soon as they can, and ask about completing a "Power of Attorney" and "Intent to file".
- Power of Attorney: authorizes your local VSO and their National Service Officers (NSO) to submit a VA claim on your behalf. The VSO and NSO can also assist with reproducing letters from the VA when working through the claims process. This form is limited to the VA only. Please note: Powers of Attorney are not recognized by the VA when completing this form, or any other forms with the VA.
- Intent to File: allows you to save a spot in line with the VA while you collect evidence (statements, medical records, etc) to complete your claim. You have 365 calendar days from the date the VA processes your intent to file; and you will receive compensation dating back to your intent to file date if you complete the application process within the year.
Veterans should also contact their VSO for assistance with VA benefits including:
- Aid & Attendance (https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/)
- VA Burial Benefits (https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp)
- Non-service connected pensions (https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/)